Mr. Independence

Okay really, when do kids stop growing at such a fast rate?? I can't even believe how much Silas changes DAILY and all the new things he can do and how quickly I can teach him new things. He is like a sponge, soaking up new things all the time. I think I've underestimated his intelligence -- or more likely, I didn't realize how much he knows and understands at such a young age. Silas is developing into quite the little independent boy; he likes to do things on his own, walk without holding a hand, climb new things without anyone's help and he's started to get quite an attitude about things. Lord have mercy, this boy is more like me than I even care to acknowledge!!

I have had to do some serious research (and by research, I mean talking with my Mommy-friends and reading books) and also do some serious praying about how to handle Silas and his new independence/attitude. I do realize that he is only 14 months old and if I think this is bad, I can only imagine what the terrible twos and trying threes will bring....but I also feel that if I nip things in the bud early, maybe we'll have an easier time (ha, yeah right).

Here is a perfect example of a melt down when Mommy said he couldn't go outside. :) Am I mean for taking his picture during the middle of a melt down? Oh well - gotta capture the good, the bad, and the ugly. ;)




He is such a good boy most of the time but there have definitely been a few instances that have left me feeling frustrated, out of patience, and exasperated. He will look me in the eye and do something that I have told him not to or throw a fit when he doesn't get his way. Flat out defiance sends my blood boiling - in all this early discipline, I'm learning things about myself that I do NOT like...such as my quick temper, my lack of patience, etc. So when I say I've done some serious prayer, it's been for Silas, but mostly for myself. :)

Anyway, I have started teaching Silas sign language. He picks up very quickly on new things - I taught him 3 different signs in a matter of about 15 minutes one morning. Awesome!! Before there was a lot of pointing and "uh uh" or throwing fits when I didn't understand what he wanted. Insert sign language here! He knows how to sign for milk, eat, more, please, all done and we're working on thank you. It is so cute to see a little boy sign when he can hardly even speak but a few words. Jake and Silas were in the car last weekend while I ran in to grab some food at the store. Silas start fussing so Jake turned around and asked him what was wrong. Silas signed "eat" so Jake gave him some cheerios. Then Silas signed "more". Jake felt so good about knowing what Silas was fussing about and being able to understand him! The kid is a big milk drinking so he frequently signs "milk". :)

I'll leave with some new fun pictures of Silas. Enjoy!


Silas loves going to the park and looking at the pond.








Mister (one of our few nicknames for Silas) figured out how to climb the back of the couch.