Changes

My son is changing. And not just in the 'getting bigger every day' way, although God knows he is doing that, too, whether I am prepared for it or not. (Now where did I put those bigger diapers...?)

No, he is changing in other, more profoundly entertaining ways.

He has decided to like spicy food. He will eat a tamale, salsa on his mooshed baby beef, and even taste curry. Bland food can suck it! Bring on the heat!!

He has figured out how to manipulate me. And boy, oh boy, is he good at it. He has figured out how to lean his head and wrinkle his face just so, and hold his chubby little arms up, wait for 3...2...1...and Mommy will stop what she's doing and pick him up.

He has discovered his hands. He will look at them, front and back, chew on them, squeeze his face/ears/tummy rolls with them. He knows that they will pick things up and put them in his mouth, they will swipe things onto the floor with a satisfying racket, and they will make a delightful smacking sound when they are slapped on Mommy's chest.

He has developed very distinct likes and dislikes. Likes include snuggling, cold yogurt, and bath time. Dislikes include loud noises, peas at any temperature, and taking his medicine when he has a fever. And having a fever. He has also learned how to express his likes and dislikes. He smiles and coos when he is liking something, and he frowns and screeches when he doesn't. This in an of itself isn't so new, but the way he seems to be aware of what those reactions mean has become more intense.

He has become stubborn. He will struggle mightily to avoid a diaper change, and he won't give up even when distracted momentarily by a shiny object. He won't stop trying to stand up and walk no matter how many thousands of time he falls down. He will keep reaching for the thing that Mommy has in her hand that she doesn't want him to have even when Mommy gets up and walks away.

He is doing all of these little personality things, and impressing me to no end. Watching him become a little person is so much fun! What's going to happen next...?