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.

Helper

Tonight we are setting up the garage for the yard sale. The kids have promised to help. Want to bet how much help Eli will be. Betting he takes everything back into the house, at least what he can get away with. Little booger. By the way, he is potty training. Loves to sit on the toilet. First time ever for me. I had to practically tie the other two to the toilet, but Eli will get on it anytime I mention it. now if I could just figure out when he really needs it. Wish me luck! We may actually get him potty trained by the time he is two.

Bonk!

Eli was jumping around on his brother's bed, trying to stay away from me so I couldn't dress him when he got a little too excited and smashed into the wall. Many tears and wails later, he was fine and into more mischief! He likes to sit on the cabinets and scrounge for things he shouldn't have. This morning, he emptied the silverware drawer and threw it on the floor devilishly. Little imp!

The Cat Rider

Eli likes to chase Piper and 'Ride' her. Here is an unsuccessful attempt.

Big Boy

Eli is growing up fast! He can drink from a cup now and will soon be tossing his sippy cups out. He also slept in his big bed last night, all night long, by himself! He is picking up words left and right, though he calls the shots on how many times he says them. The only thing he shows no interest in is potty training. Maybe when he is closer to 2. I am kind of sad my baby is growing up, but not sad enough to have another one. We are done!

Cord Man

What's Eli''s favorite thing in the world to play with? Anything that has a cord. He totes my mixer and hairdryer around, plus anything else he can get his hands on with a cord. He removes cords, too, and plugs them in. Yes, we have safety covers, but he knows how to take them out now. The little booger also likes to play with the light switches. See a trend here? Maybe a future electrician?

Climber

Eli is our most active child. He gets into everything possible and climbs everywhere, which is why all small chairs, tables and stools have been put away,. Now he has taken to climbing on the bar stools and up on the island. He also likes to climb up onto the bar-height table and chairs and wreak havoc there. He has fallen a few times, but that doesn't seem to stop him. If he can climb it, he will, especially to flick those "ights ot and on." Yep, words are starting to come. His favorites are "ot" (hot) and "ights." He can say, out, Ollie, hi, bye and some other words, but they aren't as frequent. Still a lot of pointing and grunting fo what he wants. Booger!

Rotten

Eli slept with me last night and was fine most of the night. He got up in a terrible mood, demanding that Huts hold him the entire time. We had to get ready for work, of course, so he got put down several times. He wailed and wailed and wailed about it. Somehow we got through it all and got him into the car. He calmed down and was quiet most of the way. Huts and ,. on the other hand, are frazzled. We are tired from 19 months of no sleep and fed up with our whiny children from this morning. Hopefully, those children have disappeared and happy ones are now in their place.