Don't Need No Hateration, Holleratin'

A few weeks ago at church, Jude tried to stop a fight between two older boys. It was pretty funny to watch because the two boys were bigger than him and paid no attention as he tried to get in between to break them up. What is difficult to watch is when someone is unnecessarily rough with Jude. The only time I think it is okay for Jude to push anyone is if he's pushing Eli on, say, a stuffed duck.

Jude plays well alone and with other kids. He knows not to take things from other children even though he may want them, so I think that makes it difficult for him to understand why someone would take something he's happily playing with. Some may think I'm cruel for watching rather than intervening right away, but part of me doesn't want to shelter him. I'm thankful to be able to see him interact with all types of kids. I don't know what the best way to handle an altercation is, really. I'm actually softer than Kwang in this matter and don't know if I can subscribe to all of his thoughts but I trust he has more insight when it comes to boys since I was raised in a home of three girls. I think, in general, Jude has a kind heart for a two year old. I absolutely love that about him and find it hard not to adore a soul like his. At the same time, I wonder if his heart may be too tender for his own good. That would mean he takes after me, because Kwang bullies me all the time. Kidding. But if that's the case, I hope we will have the wisdom to raise him to be a kind yet confident individual. Otherwise, we may have to enlist Eli to sit on anyone who messes with our Jude.

If you look closely, you will see bits of Jude's meal on Eli's face. That's when he's happiest-- when he's near food, anyone's food.

If you can't already tell by this post, I think I will always feel like a rookie mom. The cluelessness is palpable. The other day, Jude showed us he could spell his name... and we had no idea!