Eli Update

It's so hard to believe that Eli is nearly 21 months old!

He hasn't grown very much - still in the 20 pound range where he's been hanging out at since about 12 mo. He is getting longer, so he's able to wear 18 mo clothes, but we still have to roll pants over on the top so they don't slide down over his little itty bitty bootie!!

He's a man of few words, though it's obvious he knows exactly what we are saying. We have a feeling he'll have plenty to say fairly soon. The words we do hear now and then are: 'Eye' (Hi) Mama, Dada, 'Own' (Owen) , 'Dah' (dog), 'tee, tee' (kitty), 'pwe' (please), uh oh, (the cutest one to hear, though sometimes I wonder if he makes a mess on purpose just so he can say it!) 'Choo, Choo' (when talking about a train) 'My' (mine) 'Buh bye' (what he's been saying the most lately while leaving a room and closing a door) and 'dee, dee' (the name he's given to his beloved blankie).

Possibly part of the reason he hasn't branched out in his speech is his somewhat stubborn nature. He's had his first few time-outs due to tantrums for not getting his way. But, for the most part he's a very agreeable toddler - a great shopper and decent traveler.

He's quite friendly with other children and adults alike. He has always been very flexible and adaptable with us leaving him in the care of others, be it the church nursery, his mothers day out programs, or baby sitter.

Over the last few months he's developed a love of books just like Owen did. He'll sit and look at books with us for long periods of time. He enjoys turning the pages and will point to certain pictures with either an enthusiastic squeal or 'oooohhhh!!' or a questioning 'hhhmm???' when wanting to know what something is.

As far as playtime, he is a HUGE fan of trucks. Overall, he would rather be playing or exploring outdoors than anything else. Eli loves to join in and play with most anything that Owen is into; be it coloring, play doh, or just wrestling with daddy.

In the last few weeks he's grown interested in watching a few children's programs. Currently what holds his interest the longest is ELMO. I'll ask him if he wants to watch Elmo and he'll get all excited and run over to climb up on the couch and just wait for it to start. He's pretty interactive with what he's watching as well.

Owen & Eli watching Elmo

He's sleeping soooo much better compared to how horrible he used to be. I dare say he's even a better sleeper than Owen was at this age in particular over-night. He'll go to sleep between 7:30 and 7:45 at night and usually sleep until about 7:15 or 7:30 in the morning (with one mid-day nap that varies in length). Owen used to always wake up before 7:00 as a little guy, so this is a nice perk with Eli. ;) He goes down to sleep like a dream, wide awake, but quite content to lie down and watch us leave after our traditional stories and lullabies.

We get comments all the time from admiring strangers who think he's 'so cute' and of course, we can't help but agree. What's not to adore with those precious brown eyes and blond hair?

His hair is often unruly and sticks up quite easily, but it goes well with his mischievous grin!!

You've come a long way from your screaming colicky, non-sleeping ways, Eli. We love you so much and enjoy you more and more each day!