05/18/2007

I wish you could hear Nathan interact with Nick! Our rides in the car sound exactly like a step into the jungle. Nick makes a strange noise (ex. "ca-caw" or "ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh") and Nathan imitates. On and on this goes. If we have the windows down, neighborhood dogs will howl along with the cacophony. I laugh hysterically, unable to breathe, but equally unable to stop the madness. And I wouldn't choose to. This is how kids learn: they imitate.

Today Nathan and I were playing with his Mr. Potato Head. In a moment of brilliance a day or two ago, Nick had placed various Mr. Potato Head appendages in his mouth and then smiled broadly at Nathan in order to show off how Daddy looked with a set of eyeballs in his mouth. So on the floor today I was attempting to convince Nathan that the various pieces were intended to be placed onto the potato, but it was to no avail. Nathan simply assumed that the better or more correct use for the various ears, feet, and lips was in his mouth. I finally gave in and just took to giggling at the way children can be influenced.

Nathan's mannerisms are regularly a carbon copy of what he perceives in us. He has learned to yell at the dogs in the same tone of voice that we use..."Duke!" he says while attempting to furrow his brow. He calls both dogs Duke. He attempts to rock in the La-Z-Boy just like I do. He'll climb up in, sit right in the middle with his legs sticking out (his toes just reaching the edge), and then propel his weight backwards in order to make the chair move. Nathan is just starting to try and dress himself. The other day I had some clean laundry sitting in a basket and turned to find Nathan donning several pairs of Daddy's underwear and one pair of mine. Some of the underwear had made it up a leg, others were hanging off his arms...but he couldn't have been more proud!

Little eyes are watching everything. Nathan works round the clock to be just like his Dad and Mom, so it is crucial that we are working round the clock to be just like our Father. I want Nathan to imitate whatever glimpse of Jesus that he sees in me.

Ephesians 5:1
"Be imitators of Christ, therefore, as dearly loved children..."