Poop, Blood, family

Poop
Sam is working so hard to be potty trained. He even tells us when he needs to use the restroom. We've really done no potty training what's so ever.
Today he told Joe to take him to the bathroom. Being the supportive father, Joe agrees and helps Sam sit on the toilet. But unsuspecting daddy was in for a treat from Sam the man. Joe removed his diaper, put Sam on the toilet and then all I heard was "Bethany, Bethany, help I need help!"
I dashed to the bathroom to help resuscitate our child... At least that's what I thought had to be the issues because of the passion in Joes cry for help.
I open the door and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a massive log of poop resting on Joes black converse sneaker. Joe looks up at me with big puffy eyes, " help" all he says. Mean while Samuel is sitting on the toilet pointing at the poop and shouting "ewe...ewe".
I couldn't help, I was mortified. I was laughing so hard that I had to leave the room and it's several hours later, I'm still laughing. Way to take one for the team Dad. I'm so glad you picked the black shoes this morning(; still wish you would have taken a picture.

Blood
We took a quick trip to the store this evening. Sam loves to help shop. He pushes the cart, bags groceries, he even pays and holds the receipt. On the way out Samuel was running to the car, down a slight hill. He was going fast and picking up speed with each step, laughing as he moved. Then he fell. Went head first into the pavement. Now he can add a full blown bloody nose to his resume. He is all boy. He cried just long enough to get a cookie, now he is running again.

Family
Sam loves all his uncles and aunties. We are so blessed to attend the same church as Jennifer and Brett. They are going to be wonderful full time parents, though they already have plenty of surrogate children. I can't wait to meet my new niece and our kids cousin.

20 months

Sam is 20 months old... He and we have survived each others ups, downs and changes for a year and eight months. I'm enormously proud of him. He is vibrant and humorous. If Samuel is smiling, you will be too. As he grows I am amazed at his inborn desire to learn. He studies and manipulates everything. From toys to kitchenware to electronics, he doesn't stop till he knows how it works. I love this about him. It makes him a deeply passionate person. Even though this passion causes great challenges for us parents, I know he will do great things someday.

He has shocked us with his desire to use the toilet. Since basically every other transition has been a struggle we we expecting an exceptionally hard fight with potty training. I didn't even want to try till he was closer to 2 or 3. In the last couple of weeks Samuel has asked to use the potty. Whenever he has to go he brings us to the bathroom. We aren't pushing it, we are just going at his pace. I'm excited for him, but it's the last little it of baby he has left. Bitter sweet to see it go.

He still loves people. He try's so hard to speak to them. He uses the same sentences to describe and ask for things. We just don't know exactly what he is saying yet. He loves to play jokes. His favorite thing is to sneak up and surprise. He loves to see the shock on people's faces.

He still adores daddy. Sam studies Joe much like he does his electronics. If daddy takes a bite, Sam takes a bite, it daddy smiles Sam smiles. I love that he has such a wonderful roll model. What a great burden we have to be godly examples to our children! Sam reminds me daily of my own flaws, and struggles. Because he acts them out. He also reminds me of my great need for God to lead me. Being a parent is not a road to tread lightly, nor is it one to travel on your own strength.

Thank you for the most adventurous 28 months of my life. From conception till now you have blessed me with wonderful challenges. I you love my sweet boy.