Mr. Helper

Christian is lousy at cleaning. Tori, too. Eli, on the other hand, rowdy Eli is a picker upper. When we got tot he sitter's on Friday, he was intent on picking up the last block and putting it away. He did it, much to my surprise. Then over the weekend, I started paying more attention to his doings,. He picked up his toys several times and he even helped me pick up Tori's room--she did not help until the threat of punishment. He likes to throw things into the trash, vacuum, dust, whatever he thinks he is big enough to help with! Awww, my youngest is not as rowdy after all.

Bus, Bus, Bus!

This is the game Eli plays in the morning on his way to Sharon's. He points them all out, along with cars. When he sees more than one bus, he gets really excited and often claps his hands. He is tossing words out left and right now. you have to listen carefully to understand what he is attempting to say. It's a bit frustrating. but better than his grunt-and-point schtick.

Transition

Eli is making his own transition to one of the only kids at the sitter's. Some days he will be the only one at the sitter's. He talked all the way to the sitter's even though I couldn't understand most of it. Played with his Kleenex and his drink keeping and eye out for buses. Every time he'd see one, he yell "BUS, BUS, BUS". That was one of Christian and Tori's first word's as well. Keeps them occupied during the school year drive to the sitter's.

So far he hasn't cried when I've dropped him off. Yesterday he had Maya to play with and today, he was the first one there, but showed no sign of fear or crying about being there by himself. He walked from the car to the door, knocked on the door and we went in. He was ready to go and wasn't concerned that I was leaving him. I guess he's getting bigger and used to being with the sitter more. This will definitely make him a bit more of an independent person since he'll have to do more on his own. He won't be too lonely though and will have a lot of his own stories to tell us now.

All Alone

Eli was not happy to see his brother and sister go this morning. I should have taken him inside with me, which I will do this afternoon if we have time. I wonder how today will go--I guess it all depends on whether Jayden is there or not. Eli is not real keen on being by himself, but I guess he will learn. Sharon will probably take him places more now.

Not A Happy Camper

Eli was not happy at all to see his uncle yesterday and ended up going with us to kindergarten. He whined and cried much of the night until his sister started playing with him. Then he was all smiles. He stayed in his bed all night long and seemed a little bit better this morning. Boy, is he gonna miss the kids next week when they start school.

All Is Well

Eli had his two-year-old checkup and all is well. He still has some eczema and a ton of bruises, but other than that, he is fine. He is a very active, who catches on quick. He can go up and down the stairs like nothing and unlock the slider and let the cats and himself in and out! So far, that has not been an issue, but I keep waiting for him to sneak out on his own. He ran after his dad on Monday but I caught him before he tried to run across the street. Keeping my fingers crossed he doesn't take to sneaking out.

On a different note, Eli is becoming more verbal, with "ori" one of his latest new words. The T in his sister's name eludes him, so for now, Tori is Ori. He appears to eb ableto say Mya too, a little girl at the babysitter's. Ollie just came naturally to him. Go figure. He loves his big brother. Tori, on the other hand, well that's a tossup. She can make him laugh and she can make him squeal, When he has had enough of her antics, he tends to give her a big slap on the head or the arm--most often in the car. We can't wait until we get a larger car and can separate the two!

Birthday Boy

Eli turns two on Saturday. We are going to be out of town, so he got his presents yesterday. Huts had already bought him a Wonder Pets car thing. He picked out a new Mickey Mouse firetruck rider, a cup, a squishy ball and a Tickle Me Elmo, which his sister promptly clothed once we got home! We are taking him to a water park in Cape this weekend and having a little party for him with cake. He is all set to have a blast, and is already showing signs of his terrible twos.

The latest is fits. "No!" he screams as he stamps his feet. He's gotten a few swats for that one. He also like to hit and pull hair. Yes. he's a handful, but our world would not be the same without him.

Growing

Unlike the other 2 Eli hasn't had his yearly physical yet. His is next month after his birthday, but you can tell he is definitely growing. Not only physically, but he is growing mentally too. He's starting to talk more and combine words to make small sentences like "thank you" and his favorite "ice cream". He also has the basic "No" and yes down, except his yes is "uh-huh". We are trying to teach him the names of foods and drinks that he wants so we have an easier time of determining what he wants instead of guessing at his grunts. In no time, like his brother, he'll be telling us how wrong we are about everything.

We are also beginning potty training for Eli. He likes to get on the potty, but hardly ever goes. He tries and sometimes we get lucky and catch him at the right time, but for the most part its a game for him. Which will be an improvement over his brother. We are trying to get him out of a diaper as soon as we can. Like his sister, Eli likes to go places with his Daddy, but sometimes he'll be too busy with toys and just tell me bye-bye without crying about it. I have a feeling he'll won't be like his siblings who are on the extreme ends of staying home (Christian) and always going (Tori). He's definitely his own person.

Eli has also gotten into a nightly routine as well. He gets his pants changed, his medicine for his excema and he goes to sleep with Daddy in his own bed. Most nights he sleeps all night(finally), but on occasion he gets up and comes and sleeps with us. He's also in the middle of the road with his siblings about getting up. Some days he's chipper and ready to go, other days he's tired and crabby. He plays with both of them well when they let him and he seems to like them both. I'm sure that will change once he reaches his teen years.

Candy Picker

This was the first year Eli had been to a parade. We weren't sure how well he would like it, but he was a real trooper. The parade started with fire engine and police car sirens, which Eli was not thrilled with, but after that, the bands, horses, etc. came, along with a ton of candy. Eli caught on to that real fast, grabbing it off the street and shoving it into the plastic bag. He also got suckers and Popsicles to eat, plus flags and balloons. it was hot, but the little red-faced boy soldiered on and tuckered out in the car. He had a great parade!

Finally Asleep

Eli slept in his bed, all night long! We're hoping this is the beginning of the pattern that got interrupted when we went on vacation. He has also been potty a couple of times, but the connection is not there. Getting there. This weekend, he is staying with Uncle Dale for a couple of hours while we take the kids to the movies. He usually freaks out when Dale comes over because he knows what that means. We're hoping to sneak out during his nap.

Out of Routine

Just as we suspected, Eli no longer sleeps through the night. He has woken up twice now, and the pattern will no doubt continue. We are working on potty training, but no luck yet. He gets on with no problems but has yet to do his business. Maybe soon. Still can't get him to eat a lot either. He goes through these phases of eating and not eating. That and all of his running around keep him slim and trim!

Update: Tonight he went to sleep at 7:30, lets hope its another 12 hour marathon like he had after going swimming on vacation. We aren't looking forward to getting up at 3 am for the day.

Little Crab

Eli wanted very little to do with anyone he saw this weekend. Kisses and hugs were not given too freely until the end when he relaxed a little. He got through it, but came home with lots of scrapes and bruises and in a foul mood. He was a super mess at lunch on the way home and a booger at home this weekend. Nothing suited him, and he let us know it with yips and screams at the top of his lungs. Bedtime was welcomed by all!

On The Move!

Wait until you all see me. I am almost two and there is nothing I won't try to do. Want proof? Take a look at my skinned up, bruised and battered legs and arms. I'm a runner, I'm a climber, and I don't take no for an answer. Get ready, everyone, I'm coming to wreak havoc on your homes!

Mr. Crabs

Eli is getting in his last two teeth, and boy, is he crabby. He chews on his fingers and yelps about everything until the medicine kicks in, which seems to take forever. In addition, he has taken to getting into everything he shouldn't and does not like the word NO! We're also having issues with food. He is a waster like most little kids and can't make up his mind what he wants I suppose the terrible twos have already started. Hopefully, they won't stick around long.

Advancement

Eli has always wanted to keep up with is older siblings, so when we went to McDonalds playland for Christian's 7th birthday dinner, he didn't want to play in the little kids play area, he wanted to play with the big kids! His brother and sister were nice about it and helped him get over the obstacles he couldn't. He tried climbing up the slide, but kept slipping back down the slide. He even tried to play the basketball game with his sister, but he only got as far as holding the ball above his head, he didn't have enough strength to throw it up and over the glass to even attempt a shot.

Like his siblings he ended up tired and ready to go. He ate most of his Happy Meal, but like his siblings didn't eat much of his fries, they aren't big into McDonalds fries. He also had a nice cold Strawberry shake like his siblings from Hardees after their adventure at McDonald's. He took a couple sips and was done with it, just like his siblings. He is growing up in their footsteps.