time flies

how did EP go from about 90 minutes old to 9 months old in the blink of an eye?? As I sit at the computer this morning thinking about the Market post I need to finish so that I can put together the Taormina post, I am constantly distracted by the screeching coming from behind me to my right. EP's there, chowing down on a pizza crust that he swiped right out of my hand and laughing hysterically every time I whip my head around and acknowledge the noise that he's making. It sounds something like this: "aahhhheeeeeeeeeeeebababa(deep breath) SCREECHgigglescreech mmmmmmdududu(deep breath)AAHAaaaAAA sssssgigglesputterSCREEEEEEECH bubblesputtermamama CLAPCLAPCLAP!!!!!!!!" and echoes in a way you wouldn't believe in a house with cement walls and tile flooring. This week we've taken a developmental leap off the deep end of infancy into babyhood; EP stands on his own for about two seconds at a time, lets go of my hands to pivot and look in the other direction or reach for something else to support him(while standing), pinches cheerios like a champ, plays games with anyone who will participate (I've got to get a video of him and his dad playing the cup game), sings along in church, and can go all day without crying once.
He's an absolute joy to be around--most of the time--and has very definite ideas about what he wants (everything) and when he wants it (now). He's solidly in 18 month pants and 12 month shirts, and is starting to "help" me get his clothes off and on. Last night he took a bath in the tub for the first time since he was quite small, and LOVED smashing the bubbles onto his face and eating the poof and twirling the knobs of his brand "new" tub seat and attempting to catch the rubber duckie. I tell ya, this mom thing is the most fulfilling job I've ever had. I cannot wait to tell him Bible stories and listen in the first time he talks to God out loud and watch his reaction the first time we go to play in the creek...you guys better start praying now for our trip this May so you can see firsthand what I'm talking about, and remember what it's like to be a little one in God's kingdom.

"People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Luke 18:15-17, the Message