Baby Steps

You know, I think Chasten must be growing. This kid is sleeping more and nearly eating us out of house and home. That's okay though...I'm glad he's a healthy little booger. I can't get over how much he's growing and learning all of the time. He mimics us constantly now (which definitely makes us think about what we're doing and saying) and it's adorable.

Chasten started walking this past Sunday (10/16/11) at 14 months!! He had been cruising along the furniture for months and had gotten to the point that he wasn't holding on anymore as much as just touching something. We went to Home Craft Days with Josh, Sarah & Ryleigh on Sunday after church and Mike took Chasten to listen to the Old Time/Bluegrass music in the tent. After the rest of us looked at some crafts and made it to the tent, there was my little booger walking around on the dance floor. Mike said they'd been sitting there listening and Chasten wanted to stand and dance (which is the norm), then he decided he wanted this giant pumpkin across the dance floor. When Mike told him they weren't going over there, he let go of Mike's hand and took himself over there. Who would've thought all the motivation he needed was some Old Time music and a giant pumpkin? He hasn't stopped walking since, the little rascal. I will say that his waiting so long makes it easier on my nerves because he isn't wobbly in the least.

Lately he's decided he wants to "share" his snack with us. By "share" I mean, he decides that he would like us to have a bite so he shoves it into our mouths. While I'm glad he's beginning to grasp the "sharing" we've been working on with him, I'd rather he learn to do it less forcefully. Of course, this will come eventually.

My friend Maria and I have been having lots of discussions lately about things we're learning from God. Maria and I are very similar in personality (especially in our extreme independence) and we have been undergoing the same lesson, more or less. Learning that God is our provider and that He places us in situations to allow others to help us. Of course, we've got different situations in our lives, but the principle seems to be the same. I've been really thinking about this this week. Why is it so hard as an adult to ask for help when we need it? Why do we wait until the last possible second to be forced into it? I watch Chasten, even with his walking and if he gets somewhere and he can't figure it out, he immediately looks to one of us and puts those little arms up. He doesn't spend hours (days/weeks/months/years) determined no one else should have to help him. He tries to do it and quickly comes to the realization that he needs help, and that's okay. He doesn't get upset because we're helping him, because even at 14 months he realizes we love him and we will help him out. I could learn a lot from my 1 year old. The second that I get into a tight spot, I should be so willing to immediately throw my hands up to my Heavenly Father and allow Him to help me. It's funny how things happen for us to learn our lessons...but I'm glad He knows what He's doing. :)