Two Adults - One Child

My son never ceases to amaze me. He turns 19 months old this April and I am startled at how different things are from just one year ago today. A year ago he was 6 months old and could barely sit-up on his own without falling over. A year ago he was just beginning to cut his first teeth (which really sucks for both kid and parent). A year ago he had never eaten solid foods. A year ago he loved his dog. A year later he still loves his dog but that's about the only thing that is the same. As most would expect, my son is walking, talking, shouting, laughing, playing, and having a great time being a toddler. What is most amazing and unexpected to me is the emergence of his own distinct and willful personality.

I'm not used to him having an opinion about what is on the television. I'm not used to him not being ready to leave the park after an hour. I'm not used to him being determined to pull on the dog's tail even though I don't want him to do it. I'm not used to him being an individual.

My household is no longer two adults with a baby. We are two adults and one child. Pretty soon this kid is going to have an opinion on where we go out to eat, what movies we watch, what clothes he wears, and more.

If you are a parent reading this - than you are saying "Duuuuuuhhhhhh! Of course!" But, if you don't have children, I tell you right now - this concept takes some getting used to. Perhaps (for me) more so than the sleepless nights, the constant changing of diapers, and all the life-style changes that occur with being a new parent. I was ready for the big changes when he was born. I don't think I've prepared myself for the changes that come with growing up. God help me when he wants to learn how to drive.