Hooray! Malachi's doing That Annoying Thing That Jaden Does!

One of the best things about being a parent of a special needs child is that you never take a developmental milestone for granted. Other parents have the luxury of being annoyed that their child is now able to snatch things, or crawl anywhere or run away. This is only because they haven't seriously considered the alternative.

For me, on the other hand, the thought that Malachi might one day be able to move fast enough to get into trouble while I've turned my back for a split second fills me with joyful hope and the idea that he might not is a constant nightmare. When people at the store chide me with: "Those two are going to be running all over the place next year," I smile and nod while thinking: "God, I hope so."

So, in contrast to most parents, I don't get upset or trepidatious when Malachi learns a new skill. I revel in the too-loud shouts that mean his diaphragm is strengthening and the small battle I wage every feeding to keep his increasingly dextrous little fingers from grabbing the washcloth under his chin. Indeed, I would go so far as to say I am a saint-like mother who cheers every one of her son's accomplishments no matter how much more work it means for me, because I know that him NOT accomplishing those things is so much more work — not to mention worry and sorrow.

Jaden, on the other hand, is getting fitted for hobbles and handcuffs next week.

This little monkey manages to scatter anything not tied down, rip out my hair faster than I can say "no," and recently figured out how to get out of a supposedly baby-proof Bumbo chair in 30 seconds flat.

When Jaden learned to roll over, we were treated to weeks of The Continuing Adventures of the Boy Who Never Sleeps. Every time I would put him down to nap, Jaden would promptly roll himself over and play with his hands or babble to nobody or kick his feet. I would wait a while and then roll him back, which he thought was a hilarious game. He spent hours over those weeks just lying awake in his crib before he learned how to roll himself back the other way. Malachi, meanwhile, slept on — blissfully unaware that such a thing was possible.

... that is, until today.

Today, I had to roll Malachi back over three times before he gave up and went to sleep. My stern Go the F**k To Sleep act was ruined by my joyful tears and the grins on his face that I couldn't help but return.

So proud.

So, Malachi, feel free to yank on my elbow during diaper changes, snatch objects you're not supposed to have and wander away from wherever I put you on the floor. Such things would make me happier than you can imagine.

But you know, there is at least one Annoying Thing That Jaden Does that you should feel free not to copy him on.

UPDATE: For those who can't see it (like iPhone users), above is a video of Jaden making an obnoxious noise that would be what a duck would sound like if it could screech.