My Son

Jonathan and I had the weekend all to ourselves. Daddy and Lauren made a last-minute trip up to Roseville to see Grandma and Grandpa Weyel, but Jon and I stayed home with our colds. (It's okay, I'm pretty sure Lauren had a blast having Grandma all to herself!) Other than being up at night because of our stuffy noses, we did pretty well together. I was actually thankful to have some time with just Jonathan. I feel like I know "just Lauren" well, and I know "Lauren and Jonathan" well, but I don't know "just Jon" as well as I'd like. I never really thought about that before having baby #2, but there just isn't the individual bonding time that you get with your first child. It will be interesting having Lauren at school 5 days a week in the fall--Jonathan and I will have a lot more together time.
Anyway, here's a few things I learned (or was reminded of) about my little boy this weekend:

*He is definitely a home-body (just like Mom and Dad, so it's not a big surprise!). I tried taking him shopping, which hasn't gone well in the past, but I thought it may be different since I could focus on just him. Nope. He started whining almost the minute we walked in the door, and was soon in a full cry, pointing toward the exit. Oh well, at least one child enjoys shopping with me! I also tried the park, thinking that would be something more up his alley. No crying, but he just kind of wandered about, wanting to hold my hand or be held. Perhaps his cold was bothering him, but I do know he was much happier being in his own house and yard.

*He is much quieter than Lauren ever was! I was constantly thinking, "Wow, it's so quiet around here!" He does the occasional babbling, whining, or (rarely) an actual word. But there isn't the constant narration that Lauren provides. I guess we know for sure who the noisy ones are. :)

*He is in constant motion. Seriously, the boy doesn't stop. It's not necessarily fast or frantic motion, he's just always on the go. I tried taking some pictures of him this morning, and about 90% of them were blurry because he wouldn't stop. I guess that's what it means to have a boy.

*He is very curious, still at that stage of wanting to get into every drawer, touch every item, and empty every cabinet. He is also very observant, and will just stand and watch any activity he finds interesting or new.

*When Lauren is here, Jon usually wants to play with whatever she's doing. But when left on his own, he almost always goes for one of three things: books, balls, or cars. The definite favorites.

*He certainly has a temper, and will not hesitate to throw a tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants. But I've also noticed that he has learned from past experiences. For a while, we had issues with him grabbing at electrical outlets. This morning, I saw him start to reach for one and then stop all his own, and walk away. Hooray, that's one for mommy!

*He still won't say many words, but he certainly communicates through pointing, grunting, whining (my favorite!), and signs. I will try to make him say the few words he knows before doing what he wants: things like "up," "open," "apple," "help," and "off" (which, coincidentally, all sound very similar). He will also say "ah duh" (all done) or "moh" (more) at mealtimes. He has asked for "Dada" and "Sis" a few times this weekend, too, wondering where they are (I assume). However, he almost never calls me "Mama," preferring to cry for my attention instead. Great.

*He loves to hold my hand as we're walking, give me baby kisses and big hugs, and sit on my lap (for at least a few seconds). He can be cuddly and sweet, and thoroughly enjoys one-on-one time with people. He is just a few weeks shy of 18 months, and I am so excited to see him turn from a baby into my sweet little boy.

Most of all, I was reminded of just how much I love this boy. You know it's a good sign when you spend an entire weekend with your son and you end it wanting more. Thanks for having fun with me, Jon Henry!