Zeke's Baby Book Update

 Each day so many cute moments go by without me recording them. Zeke is so talkative these days...giving a running commentary on all the happenings. Tazara is following close behind and will soon have a vocabulary all her own. Here are a few of Zeke's rantings that I want to remember when he's grown and left baby talk behind.

When home with Maryland family last year I heard Kendra speak of grace to Randy so I decided to introduce the concept to Zeke. Now he readily pleas for "grace!" every time he gets close to the edge of being in trouble. Tazara is crying and I come to see what has happened. Zeke looks up with earnest eyes "Give me grace Mama. Give me grace! God gives grace to you, you give grace to me and I give grace to Tazara!" How can I resist?! "Okay Zeke I'll give you grace." I don't think he's quite got his head around how to dish it out himself but he's getting there.

Some months ago I pulled Zeke out of his crib, he was excited about his new discovery after some weeks of absence:  "Mama I found my belly button. It was hiding under my pants."

On a rainy day walking home from church the rain was bombarding us. From Zeke's mouth:  "I get my gun and shoot the rain."

Was telling Andrew about the bully at the play ground who pulled his hair and hurt Tazara. Waving an authoritative finger Zeke chimes in "I tell him 'No! Don't hurt my sister!”

We all got blood tested for celiac disease a while ago. Zeke was very upset about them putting a "hole in my arm."  The "hole" in his arm troubled him far more than the pain. Tears would come to his eyes as he explained the horror for days after of someone making a hole in his precious arm. When the plaster came off and he found that God had healed his arm there was much relief and jubilation for the little fellow.

I can see some positives for our kids growing up with two parents interested in and practicing counseling. I hear Andrew explain conflict and resolution to Zeke as the little guy sits there wide eyed and soaking it all in. I overhear Zeke talking to Tazara in her crib "Are you happy Zar?" Frequently Zeke tells me he's angry. I silently rejoice that he's learned to name and understand that emotion since its not one Andrew or I learnt to experience much. (I must admit I won't mind Zeke's angry episodes occurring a little less frequently.)
Zeke's recently made the switch from cot to bed. He was having a hard time with it. Andrew spent a long while talking it over with him, explaining the pains and necessity of change in our lives. When someone asked Zeke if he likes his new bed he thoughtfully replied "sometimes I do and sometimes I don't." Andrew and I rejoice at Zeke and Tazara's learning to express themselves and interact with their world. We seek to listen to them and validate their emotions and feelings even if it doesn't seem rational or in proportion to us. We try and help them to see their own hearts rather than blaming others and circumstances on their emotional responses and behavior. On the flip side, I often find it a real challenge to be consistent and not let their feelings and emotions hold too much sway over how the home is run. 

It's fun to see the differences between Zeke and Tazara. Tazara's become quite taken and opinionated about clothes. She brings me her favorites throughout the day and at times has refused to take off her favorite purple jacket even when it's hot outside. She tugs on the pink clothes from my closet and wants me to wear the colorful girly ones. She's started traipsing around in my shoes too. Hats hold an endless fascination for her. As a result of being Zeke's little sister she's been indoctrinated with many manly stories of guns and animals, tractors and trucks, but Tazara is still seeming to find her way as a little lady.