Well, it is time for Josiah’s three month update, which means that in another three months he’ll be FOUR! As a result of his growing confidence, this time period has been full of so many new firsts and he has learned so much. Josiah’s adventuresome spirit is thriving and he is becoming more and more interested in knowing about everything.
In general, this year Josiah has just blossomed and this last three month span has probably been the most impressive. He has really taken to participating in things (parks, parties, and anywhere that he might be noticed) rather than sitting back and observing. I think all that observation made him smart, but I’m happy to see him having fun, too. In particular, he has started to really look forward to Sunday School. He really loves his teachers and now he tells us what he learned rather than saying “I don’t know” when asked. He is proud of the crafts he makes there and is anxious to re-read his lessons. Jacob and I have delighted in this change.
One surprising thing that Josiah likes to do is chores and he frequently asks to do them. Unfortunately, his Mommy and Daddy aren’t as good about it. We find ourselves in such a rush that we usually do them for him while he’s doing something else like finishing a meal or sitting on the potty. We need to slow down and take the time to let him learn the responsibility he seems to be longing for. One new “chore” or supposedly fun activity that he now loves to do is to feed the cats. He must be supervised for this, and thankfully, he asks before doing it because he has a tendency to want to feed them frequently and Lilah’s body condition is on the verge of FAT. When supervised, he does it so dutifully and just right. It has been a good chance for him to build a relationship with Eeyore who runs and hides at the site of all the males in this house.
Josiah’s relationship with his brother is pretty stereotypical. Sometimes they love one another, sometimes there is definite dislike and he’ll even tell you so! Of course, this is usually over toys (maybe I should just trash them all?) and the fact that Elijah has a pretty strong personality that is willing to pursue what he wants. The love, however, is always evident outside our home (they certainly have their loving times at home, too) as Josiah diligently protects Elijah from any perceived danger. Josiah’s list of dangers is much broader than Elijah’s, so he is often rescuing him. Recently Jacob took both boys to the hunting camp (a nail biter for me) and Josiah told me several times that he’d protect Elijah. The funny thing is that I knew I really could count on him to have his eyes on him if Jacob was distracted with other duties, not that he is not a fabulous daddy.
Ooops! Ha ha! That’s better.
Josiah and Daddy (Elijah too!) are constantly tickling and wrestling. Daddy waits for Josiah at the bottom of the slide where Josiah propels himself off to attack Daddy in the grass.
Potty training, including nights, has been pretty much complete during these past 3 months. For a long time he has taken it upon himself to relieve his bladder responsibly and, except with his rare GI flare ups, the other end of training is also complete. About a month or so ago we started managing his GI problems with another method and just in time for Jacob and I to be commenting on how well he was doing, he had a big set back, which we are dealing with now.
Josiah has been flourishing in so many ways and he matures in new ways daily, but honestly I considered skipping this update because it has been a trying time. Usually when he has gone through obstinate stages, they last a matter of days to weeks, but this willfulness has had an extended life here lately. Thankfully, as I write this, he has been such a pleasure for the last several days. Not surprisingly, I can see my and Jacob’s attitudes reflected. Did we cause his bad attitude or did he cause ours? It’s hard to say, but I’m sure it goes both ways. The catch is that we are the parents and should be in control of ours. I find myself continually telling myself how to do better. Keep a good attitude. Be consistent and firm, not afraid to punish, but always respect and treat him well or beware of it being reflected back! It is so easy to blame them as they go through stages, but why wouldn’t he act the way he has observed? And since, by definition of a preschooler (not his specific personality), he is dramatic and not in control of his emotions, then our bad habits/attitudes will only be magnified. Yikes! Lesson learned…yet again…and I vow to be better.
So, our little boy is approaching four. We’ve been blessed. He really is a wonderful little guy. I love his new stage of wanting to hug and kiss me all the time. I love him telling me I’m soft and warm :) I love seeing him playing with friends and caring for Elijah. I love his newfound interest in learning and the bravery that allows him to try new things. I’m really excited to see who he grows to be with time. There are just so many wonderful characteristics to build on!
1 comment:
Way to go with keeping up with the consistent updates! What a big boy. Love the pic of him running, and on the swing. Henry likes to "help" feed my parents dog- he dumps food all over the floor around the bowl, then goes to wherever she is lounging and points to the food to try to get her to eat. I bet Josiah does a better job!
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