Meeeee!

Lately Jacob's most frequently used phrase is "Meeeee!". It is usually accompanied by a hand, or two in the air, and is often repeated more than once. Let me translate for you. It can mean a handful of things, including, "What about me?" or "I want it too" or "I have no clue what you are talking about, but count me in". If he was in the habit of reading this blog, I just know I would get a couple of "Meeee!"'s out of him. Therefore, this post will be completely devoted to Jacob.

Even as Jacob has entered the famed "two year old stage" (and wow are we in the midst of it!), he is always super loving and ready to cuddle. So often all he wants is to just sit in mommy's lap, suck his thumb and play with his hair. Oh, this usually also includes his blanket and some sort of animal. If he can't sit in my lap, then the next best thing is to hold my hand and go wherever I go. As soon as I am sitting on the floor, often while changing Emma's diaper, he says 'lap'.

Jacob is our 'animal lover'. Wow, I had no clue a kid could have such an attachment to animals. He likes little and big animal figurines, stuffed animals, little people animals, lego animals, you name it. He can almost always be found either with an animal or two or with ones that he has placed somewhere to go 'night night'. This liking has not quite transferred over to real animals. He has a fear of any dog, bird, whatever, that gets too near. Oh except Crush, our friends' pet turtle. Jacob absolutely loves that thing and talks about it almost daily.

Jacob is definitely a little brother and big brother at the same time. He runs around copying whatever Josiah is doing, which often involves doing something crazy. At the same time he is bringing Emma toys and cleaning up her slobber. He has a tough role to play. He often is the main recipient of Josiah's need to socialize, meaning if Jacob is around, Josiah is ready to talk and play WITH him. He also has a little sister who loves to destroy his lego creations and attack and pull his hair.

Jacob is definitely learning to stand up for himself and his personality is becoming more and more apparent daily. He can spent long periods of time on the couch with a pile of books and just sit and 'read' by himself. You better not come and grab one of those books! He is determined to do many things on his own, yet also really wants to have mommy there to help, when asked. Whenever asked what song he wants to sing he always says "God", which can mean a huge variety of songs. Then he will watch you intently as you sing and do any hand motions along with you.

Finally, I have to also include one of the most challenging parts of Jacob's personality, his will. This kid has a will like I had no clue a two year old could have, literally. We see this the most when it comes to eating. The next picture is a good example of what is faced daily (oh, every meal and snack time) at our house. (A friend took it one day just before leaving our house, to remember us by. It seems way to typical :() Jacob seems to like any kind of food, but doesn't like to eat and not much encourages him in this area. Therefore, he spends much of his day working on it. It has been a challenge for him, and for us, as we learn to work through it.

I am so thankful for our little guy, strong will and all :). He blesses every one of us with his daily kisses, super cute smile, and silliness. It is fun to see the way his hair gets curly when he is sweaty, and how it is often messed up on top where he has been playing with it, how careful he is when putting his animals to go 'night night', and how excited he gets to see daddy. What a blessing God gave me in a son who challenges me to stop what I am doing and give a hug or cuddle, and who also reminds me of my need to submit to God as I am teaching him to do the same. Oh, how I love that guy!!