When do I start raising a man?

My son is just over 4 months old and already I'm spending a lot of time thinking about the man that Jetty and I will raise him to be. It seems strange to think about raising a man as opposed to a boy, but I can't help but look at it this way. I'm not sure if other mothers would agree, but for me I just feel strongly that raising a good and Christian man starts now. It doesn't start after I have raised a 'good little boy' it starts from the day he comes into this world.

I do not plan to raise a child to become a man. I plan to raise a man who will be a child for a time.

This doesn't mean I will treat him as an adult from now on, it just means that in all things I teach, rules I enforce and battles I choose to face with Elias I want to be able to say 'yes' to the question, "Will my teaching, rules and stance on this issue help direct Elias into becoming a strong, loving and faith-filled man?"

Of course this is a plan, and one I'm sure I will fall short on many a time, but I hope that my family and friends around me will help steer me back when I do.

Off to cuddle with my little man right now while he's still just a little one. ;)