Chance is...Walking?!

I realize that I have not written in awhile about Chance and his progress. He is now almost 10 months old. At 7 months he took his first step. That still blows my mind. Charlie took his first step at 7 months as well. I thought Charlie was an exception, that babies are not supposed to start walking that fast. So, I didn't encourage Charlie's development. I didn't hold his hands and lead him around the room. Yet by 10 months he achieved walking completely on his own, and also didn't want to ever hold hands! Since it made no difference last time, I have been helping Chance along, seeing as how these boys will walk when they want to. And also Chance has enough obstacles, mainly Charlie always mowing him over.

So, Chance is up to taking about 15-20 steps before giving up. He just amazes me. He is so cautious. When Charlie was at the stage, I couldn't turn my back on him for a second because he would fall and bruise his head. His head continually had a row of bruises (and people in public probably thought we abused him!). Chance, on the other hand, is not fond of falling. He tests everything before he tries it. He's even learned to fall in such a way that he doesn't get hurt. The funny thing is, he will cry if he falls, just because it scared him. Charlie never cried unless it hurt. It is absolutely amazing how different personalities can come from the same set of parents. Although, really, Charlie favors me more in the being active and having no sense of fear or caution, and Chance is more like Chuck, patient enough to think things through.

Anyhow, it is so much fun to watch Chance grow. He is such a happy and content child, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of his personality as he grows. And it is so neat to see his relationship with his big brother develop. Charlie has had opportunity to truly show his nurturing side. Not that he wants to dress him or change his diaper like girls would, but he always comes running if he thinks Chance needs me, and tries to comfort Chance when he cries. Last week, as we were driving about an hour away from home, Chance began crying and Charlie told him, "(It's) Ok, Baby Brother, (we're) almost home." It was so sweet. And when he hurts Chance (usually not on purpose), he's learned to give him a hug and kiss and tell him he's sorry. It's usually the apology that gets Charlie to tears, not because he's in trouble, but because he's really sorry for hurting his little brother.

So now I'm taking a census from people who have children older than mine: Is it better to stop at 2 kids or have more? While I'm leaning toward being done, I'm trying to be open to whatever God has planned... Please feel free to comment with your opinion. I would greatly appreciate it!