So Many Changes

Joe has now been gone 3 months. We're half way to the half-way point of the deployment. Half way to the point of being able to see him again. It'll only be for 2 wks, but at least it's something.

Kids go through so many changes in a year and I think going from the age of 1 to 2 is one of the biggest changes they go through. They just learn so much in that 2nd year.

I knew Joe would be missing out on a huge chunk of Lucas' life - growing up and developing; but I didn't realize how much until these first 3 months passed.

It seems like once kids turn a year they have such a huge jump in their development...they just start doing so much more and understanding so much more. It amazes me how much receptive language they understand even if they don't verbalize nearly half that much.

Lucas is changing so much already...almost every other day I find myself telling Joe something new that Lucas is doing or saying or signing.

Since Joe left, Lucas ...
... runs
... is working on getting his 9th tooth in (he only had two 3 months ago)
... follows/understands simple directions such as: throw that away/put it in the trash, go get your diaper/shoes/socks/bus/block/book/cup, give that to mommy/grandma/Kayla, clean up, time to get pjs on, time to brush your teeth, time to eat
... says 'mmmmmm' when eating
... started signing eat, more, banana, all done, shoes, hungry, dog, and occasionally mommy and thank you ... speaks/approximates several words: uh oh, up (the 2 favorites to say), keeee-e (kitty), clean up, march, a'mon, hi, bye, no, all done, get it, did it, this, cheese (if there is a camera around)
... likes to hold a tissue up to his nose and blow
... will stop whatever he's doing (including throwing a fit) if you so much as just sign the word 'shoe' and run to the closet - he loves getting his shoes on to go anywhere. He'll get everyone elses shoes and give them to the right person too.
... is showing a strong preference for being a righty; odd considering the rest of us are leftys!
... points to his nose and ear
... gives high 5s
... actually sits and looks through books now
... has a mean overhand throw (maybe being a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox is in his future!)
... insists on feeding himself and throws a fit if you don't let him have his spoon and bowl (unfortunately he has a bad habit of throwing his food too)
... likes to hold hands and 'pray' with us at dinner (thanks to his sister!)
... like to tap his cup with yours for 'cheers' and attempts to say 'cheers' - also thanks to his sister
... brushes his teeth
... cleans up, he likes to throw his diaper away, put the wipes back up, picks up the toys
... wants a napkin/wipe to go around cleaning everything
... colors (he loves to imitate Kayla)
... waves his arm at you while saying 'mon' telling you to "come on"
... says 'march' and marches to the stairs when it's time to get pjs on
... likes to go around shutting doors if they are open
... likes to put dirty clothes in the basket and 'help' me transfer clothes to the dryer
... insists on having the broom so he can sweep up
... gives kisses

I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting but I can't keep up with this child!

This is probably one of the hardest things about deployments - knowing how much your child is changing while you're gone. I know it does help Joe to stay and feel connected when I tell him all the new things Lucas and Kayla are doing though; I just wish he could see it happen himself.