And I Just Want to Thank You

As I was talking to God last night, thanking Him for everything He has blessed us with, I started to tell Him about Jake. Now, obviously I know He knows ALL about Jake. But as I was going through everything, I just had to write it down. Before I write down my thoughts that I shared with God, I just want to explain something. I don't think I've ever really said a rigid prayer, other than the Lord's Prayer. I remember in Sunday school when I was younger we talked about prayer. I can't remember who was my teacher then, but some of us were asking "How do you pray? Is there a way to pray?" Part of the response was to in fact look back on the Lord's Prayer as an example. But then I remember the teacher telling us to just talk to Him like He's a friend, sitting right in front of us. He doesn't care how you pray, He just wants to hear from you. As often as possible. In the past year or two, I feel I've come closer to knowing God. And I'm not as uncomfortable saying it. Yes, I'll admit, though I'm a Christian, the act of talking about Him publicly made me want to change the subject. Psh...that was something done in church, right? I do still refrain at times, however, just because in certain situations I know there could be a debate. And it's not so much that I don't want to speak for Him and the Word, it's more that I know that I'm not educated enough on the subject to give a valid argument. But on here I can talk about Him all I want!
So back to the prayer. As I said, I don't go about it in a set "prayer." I kind of more, well, ramble...and let the thoughts of blessings and needs come. As I was thinking on how Jake was so sweet and cuddly yesterday, I began thanking the Lord for sending him to us and went on to thank Him for allowing me to have the privilege of watching him grow and develop. It really amazes me sometimes just watching him move about and learn. It seems every day he catches a new bunch of words out of no where and I think back and try to figure out where he'd heard them. You know the theory that if the children are quiet they're up to no good? Well, yes, a lot of times that is true here. But other times I realize he's quiet and I go and check on him, only to find him playing, usually talking to himself. I remember we used to hand him his phone and tell him "It's for you," and he might look at it then put it down. Then he began adding "hello" and "buh-bye!" to the conversation. Now he has whole conversations with "Papaw" when he's supposed to be cleaning up his toys! And speaking of, well, speaking...he's getting so articulate now and ALMOST has full sentences. He asks, "What's dat?" and if we don't know what he's talking about, he'll point to "dat" and say, "What's dat right dare?" to be more specific.
My little boy is growing up, and it's a bittersweet feeling. I don't like it, because he's becoming less and less a little boy I can cuddle and will fall asleep on my chest. Yet at the same time it is so astounding watching his mind work when he hears a noise and wants to know what it is or when he looks toys over to see how they work. It almost hurts to think about someone not getting the chance to experience all of this, and it's even worse when I hear of people who don't WANT to experience this. It is one of the greatest blessings God has given me...has given the both of us in this life and one that has forever made me grateful for each and every day.