My little Mr. BIG

Judah has made it a habit recently of blowing past my expectations and saying in myriad ways, "Mom, you underestimate me!" I still want to treat him like a baby. He is my baby, being the youngest; but I too often treat him like a baby-baby. He's showing me that he understands just about every word that comes out of my mouth. So what if he can't speak? He knows. He's attempting things physically that I didn't think he could. He's imitating his siblings and trying new things all the time. He's way smarter than he gets credit for...and sadly, I'm to blame for much of that. I get stuck in a certain mindset and I miss things. I'm embarrassed to admit that in just the last few weeks I've started talking to him like he's a regular 2 1/2 yr. old kid, assuming that he absolutely can understand everything I say; and I have not been disappointed by his responses and attempts to communicate in creative ways. He's a rock star.

All that to say, we decided it was time to give Judah a BIG boy bed! Jared built him one to match Ezra's, but Judah's sits on the floor. Eventually, when he's able to get in and out, we'll mount his to the wall, too; but for now this is perfect. He's spent 2 nights and 2 nap times in his new bed, and it's the cutest thing I've ever seen! He's so tiny in there! He stays put and snuggles in to go to sleep. And he grins from ear to ear every time we make a big deal about his new big boy bed. I love that he's in a big bed, because now Jared and I can lie down with him like we do with our other kids sometimes. I just can't believe how quickly he's suddenly growing up!

His recovery is going really well. Every day there's less bruising, and the swelling is gone! He's looking more and more like his new self. I was looking at some pictures from last summer, and there is such a stark contrast between then and now. He looks older, more alert and aware, more like his peers, awake (no more comments about my wide awake boy looking like he's so tired or needs a nap or just woke up - ugh)! All of a sudden he has these big, beautiful eyes! And he makes this face. He makes a little "o" with his mouth and says, "Ooooo". With his sparkling, round eyes he looks like the cutest little hoot owl. We see the specialist today, and I expect nothing but good things. We also get to go down to just 5 times a day for 2 days with the ointment. Then 4 times, then 3...we're almost there! Judah is doing really well with that now, too. He's resigned himself to the fact that it has to happen.

While I'm thinking about it, I should list some of his new accomplishments:

- He signs "Daddy", "Play", and "Shoe"
- He says "All Done!"
- He's putting puzzle pieces together
- He squats on his feet for a couple seconds at a time, trying to stand
- He climbs stairs
- He loves cleaning his tray with a wash cloth
- He is on his feet all the time! *However, his ankles are buckling again. He's being fitted for new braces    
  this week.
- He loves his new OT, is getting used to the rest of his new team, and has made the transition to a new
  team really well! (Better than his Mama...naturally.)