Dear Eli...Spring is Here!

Dear Eli, 
Love You Forever My Boy...

It's crazy how time flies by and before you know it weeks have passed.  It seems like since you were born time has accelerated!  I try to savor every day as much as I can because it's hard to imagine that one day you will be reading this letter as a grown man.  Yet no matter how big or how old you are, you will always be my baby :)  I am reminded of the story that my mom used to read to Uncle Tyler called Love You Forever.  In the story the mom rocks her baby and sings, " I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."  

You crack me up and make me laugh every single day.  You are your father's child and are so routine when it comes to your schedule. You are like clockwork and our morning reminds me of Groundhog's day over and over, ha!  When you wake up there is no cuddling, but you immediately come into my room and announce you are ready for "milky" and Curious George.  After going to Disney last month, I think you got your Mickey fix so now you're in a Curious George phase.  Sadly you know how to operate the tv and netflix so away you go and you push the buttons to find your show.  You sit in the same spot on the same couch EVERY morning and you immediately switch into trance mode, which I call a milk/tv coma!  Sometimes you are sweet to me and you say "mommy, I can watch Curious George on the Kindle so you can watch your news."  I actually rarely ever watch the news now since you have taken top priority but when I do I sure do appreciate it :)  

Spring is finally here, according to the calender, and praying that the weather got the memo as well.  We had a huge snowstorm last week on March 18th, and even as I type this right now I'm looking at 4 feet of snow in our cul-de-sac.  However, the temperature is starting to reach 50 this week so I'm sure soon enough it will melt and it will really feel like spring is in the air.  I love waking up to hearing the birds chirping outside...there is such a fresh excitement in the air!  

Auntie Caleigh came over on her spring break last week and she brought an egg coloring kit.  You guys colored eggs together and you loved it!  We have them sitting out on display and you like to go over and just look at them.  You made a cross out of a palm branch at children's church this passed Sunday and we have that displayed with your Easter eggs.  We have been reading about the death and resurrection of Jesus the last couple weeks and when we ask you what Easter is truly about you say "Jesus died on the cross for us so that we can live here forever."  It is sweet to watch your little mind and spirit taking it all in.  You wanted to know why there were 3 men on crosses and why people were being mean to Jesus.  You challenge me with the questions you ask, especially trying to answer you in a way that you'll somewhat understand.    But no matter what, I can tell that you are absorbing it all and it's a blessing to have been chosen to help teach you!

Back at Christmas we took a quiz that told us our "Elf" name.  Your last name was monkey buns and ever since then you introduce yourself as "Eli Monkey Buns" to complete strangers, haha!  The funny part is that you are as serious as can be.  We always joke, since your name is monkey buns that your monkey butt needs a bath.   Now even before we tell you it's bath time you tell us "my monkey butt stinks...I need a bath,"  hahaha!  You love your bath time and since you were a baby it's rare that we miss a day.  I think having it as part of your routine in the evening always made it more of an easier transition for bed.    As of this past month, your diaper is dry every morning.  I am so proud of you.  This was the final straw where you no longer have any connection to your baby days:(  Once we get a waterproof mattress pad (for back up), those diapers are gone.   Makes me sad but thankful to be past the potty training stage!

This past week was my birthday and you lovingly made me a card with daddy.  Daddy asked you what you wanted to say to me and inside he wrote it word for word, "Mommy, Love you so much Chicken Butt....Love, Eli Monkey Buns."  I'm not sure where you came from, but you crack yourself up and you think you are so funny :)   Uncle Tyler taught you the word "chicken butt" and now you like to use it now and again cause you think it's hilarious!  I will keep that card forever in my stash of memories so one day when you are old and you are reading this letter, I can pull it out and show you.  There is never a dull moment when you are around!  Mimi and Buppa had a family birthday party at their house for me and Grampy and Grammy and Great Grandma came to celebrate with us as well.  You were my little helper in blowing out the candle and opening up all the gifts.  You love birthdays, no matter who's it is, because you love to just help out.  You asked me if you could have your birthday again with me.  

The chalkboard sign you and daddy wrote on for my birthday morning.

The beautiful table setting that Mimi put together...

 The yummy cupcakes Auntie Caleigh made, mmm....

Recently when I suggest something to you or ask you if you want to do something, you respond with "yea, that sounds like a really good idea."  You also have mastered putting your two fingers up when we ask you how old you are.  Before you had to use your other hand to push the remaining three fingers down.  I love watching you put your two fat fingers together.  I think you are pumped and proud of yourself because you love to show me all the time.  

You recently learned your birth date and you know the street that is connected to ours.  When we ask you your birthday you say "Nobember fif (5)" and every time we pull into our neighborhood you say "we are on Willowdale and then we are going down Wintergreen Drive." It's amazing how aware you are of your surroundings and you know which direction we are going depending on the roads we take.  

Today we were finally able to enjoy some play time outdoors without having to be all bundled up in snow pants.  I'm so glad to finally have some more mild weather ahead of us.  You had your dump truck and shovel outside trying to make roads and "snow" castles.  You found some sticks and you said you were planting carrots.  You asked if you could use the hose to water them, ha! You have such an imagination :)  I love it!

We have hit a new stage with you where you are VERY BOSSY!  I know I was similiar from what mimi tells me and of what I've seen on home videos.  It has been a challenging last few weeks with you.  You like to be in control (which I'm sure a lot of 2 year olds do) and so when things don't go your way, you have a fit.  You also don't know your own strength and in playing you will be more aggressive than I'd like, which could be a strength in sports someday but gets you into trouble sometimes. You're learning that you have to be aware of those around you and that you can hurt people if you are not cautious.   I have really had to stick to my guns and be consistent with discipline.  I hate doing it sometimes, but I can see that you do understand and are learning through this challenging time for both of us :)  

You are the light of my life and the first smile on my face every morning.  I don't know what I would do without you even when you test me to the limit!!;)  

Love you so much,

Mommy

Dear Eli...It's Florida Time!

Dear Eli,

I have dropped the ball on blogging the last couple weeks since we have been super busy between Auntie Su-su visiting us for a week and then our first "official" family trip to Florida.  We have just returned from a fun filled week in your favorite place "Mickey Territory."  You were anticipating this trip for weeks because Mickey Mouse and all his friends are your hero's right now.  They are your favorite and you like to watch them every morning when you wake as part of your morning routine.  Your day is not complete until Mickey is part of it.   You sing to the songs and you interact when they ask questions.  We couldn't wait to see your face light up when you would actually meet your special pal in person.

On Friday, February 22nd, we boarded your first plane ride! You went through security like a pro but were stopped so they could check your bag.  Your "milky" unfortunately had to be thrown out.  Sorry buddy... I didn't even consider that your sippy cup could be considered "dangerous.":) You amazed me on the flight!  Not once did you ask to get up out of your seat!  We had a layover in between flights and you made friends at a nearby "Disney" play area by our gate...whoever came up with that is genius!!

When we arrived in sunny Florida, it was really late, but you never complained!  We made our way to our hotel and you immediately climbed under the covers between daddy and I and passed out from the long adventurous day!  You are a great traveler...already can't wait for our next trip :)  Unfortunately you came down with a virus the day after we arrived and were sick on and off for several days.  This made our trip  quite challenging in the sense you wanted to lay low, nap a lot and ate pretty much nothing.  Milk was our only saving grace because you never turn that away!  Every morning when you would wake up you would run to the balcony and feed the ducks (a clan of baby ducklings) and turtles.  They got to know you because before you would even make an appearance they would be waiting there for you each morning :)

You are such a trooper.  Even in the midst of not feeling well, you pushed through and tried to have fun.  The morning we were scheduled to do "Magic Kingdom" at Disney, you woke up acting normal.  You ate some breakfast and you were excited about seeing Mickey.  When we arrived at the park, you started telling me "I don't feel better."  I could see it in your eyes.  It seemed to come in waves.  We were going to go home but you pushed through and by the afternoon you were starting to act more yourself.  You were in heaven when you met Mickey.  You ran right over to him with your autograph book and held onto his nose and said "love you so much."  It was priceless!  This moment was worth the whole trip to see the joy and magical sparkle in your eyes :)  You loved the parades and the firework show that night.  You were in awe at the fireworks and    Tinker Bell flying through the sky.  Your favorite ride that day was the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger.  You ride in these cars while spinning them around shooting at targets in outer space.  You loved it so much that we had to ride it 3 times!

 When you weren't feeling well you would point your chubby finger at us and say "DON'T TAKE A PICTURE OF ME"

 First roller coaster ride :)

Unfortunately, we only had one day that was pool weather, but we enjoyed it even when it wasn't sunny.  Anything beat all the snow that we were getting back home.   We watched a movie out by the pool on a big screen one night.  You fell asleep as soon as the movie started.  It felt amazing to be out at 9:00 at night with just a sweatshirt on!   You road on Great Grandma's walker everywhere we went.  You loved being chauffeured. You will notice that "Tiger Blanket" was your little side kick in many of these pictures.  You are attached to your friend and so glad you had him while you didn't feel well.  He was such a comfort to you! We had fun at Downtown Disney and though you were not completely yourself, you made the best of it!

Animal Kingdom was another Disney park that we visited.  You were completely yourself on this day and we had a blast.  We woke up early to be there when the gates opened.  You loved the African Safari ride.  It felt like we were really in Africa.  You were so excited to see all the animals.  You were able to finally see your "gator" that you had been asking about all week.  You kept asking us if you could go catch one, ha :)  Since we couldn't get close to the real thing, we bought you a small one at a flea market and let you go catch it in the bath tub in our room!  You loved the dinosaur ride and "It's tough to be a Bug" 3-D show in the BIG Tree of Life in the Center of the park.  The highlight of this day was visiting Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy at Donald's Safari Lunch.  The characters came up and spent time with you at our table.  The look on your face was awesome.  You blushed when Daisy came up to you:)  You were confused and couldn't figure out where to kiss her because her beak was so big, ha!  It was the cutest! You were incredible at this park.  I couldn't believe how well you did considering it was such a long day and a very busy week at that!

 Asked to sit in the stroller and went to sleep on your own because you were so tired!

 Donald's Safari Breakfast at Animal Kingdom!

You started "roaring" like a tiger a lot this week.  Now you randomly walk around the house roaring...it's hilarious!  You have started saying the funniest phrases lately.  You ask what everything is and how everything works. You talk NON-STOP and you keep me laughing all the time with the words that come out of your mouth.  Your new thing is saying "sure" when we ask you a question.  I asked you to do something yesterday and you said "sure I can mommy."  You tell me everyday, "my belly doesn't feel better...maybe I need to poop.  That might help."  This might be too much information, but at this age, these are the things that make it so joyously real in living life.  As I've stated before, there is never a dull moment here.  We were shopping at Trader Joe's this week and you told Daddy while searching in the spice section, "It's ok daddy, go ahead and get it", haha...like you are the parent:)  Tonight you were playing the fish game with Daddy and you had your rod pushing down on the game.  Daddy asked you what you were doing and you said "I'm just a really nervous boy."  I think you were anxious to catch a fish while they were spinning around so you associated this feeling with being nervous.  I thought that was so funny and pretty amazing to make that connection!   You and Daddy were drawing yesterday and he drew a caterpillar for you.  You said to him, "that's not a caterpillar, that is a centipede"...You cease to amaze me! I have no idea where you learn some of these things!   I just realized this month that you have stopped calling yourself "Li Li."  You are growing up before my eyes and though I am happy to welcome the new milestones, it also makes me very sad because I know I will never get these moments back.  We still call you  Li Li even if you don't.  I think this nickname has stuck, thanks to you little man :)

Daddy and I are so proud of you.  We have our moments and power struggles often since you are such an independent spirit, yet we would not trade it for anything.  You tell us where to go, how to do it and how to get there.  You are quite bossy (wonder who you get that from;) but at the same time you have such a sensitive spirit.  If you think someone is upset, you get concerned and go over to the person and hold on saying "I'm sorry." I wish I could get inside your little head and see life from your perspective.  You live life to the fullest and you exude so much joy that it's contagious!  I love your giggle and you can make anyone's face light up.  You are full of Jesus and it shows :)  I will be back with another letter sooner than later this time.

Love you so much,

Mommy

Dear Eli...Nemo Came to Visit Us This Week!

Dear Eli,

What a fun filled week we had!  Blizzard "Nemo came through and stayed for 2 days.  I didn't mind though because daddy was home and we were able to spend some quality time together as a family.  We finished your "Big Boy" room with your help of course and you are enjoying it very much!  You ask to go play in there and you actually look forward to going to bed in your new bunk beds.  I think it feels so cozy and fort like under there that its fun and exciting now :)

 

We went and played out in the snow during the storm and you loved it!  There was about 2 1/2 feet of snow fall and with snow drifts it was way over 3 feet.  The piles of snow out front of the house are at least 5 feet and even higher out in the middle of the cul-de-sac.  You had fun climbing the hills and digging in the snow.  Some of the older boys in the neighborhood made a fort with a tunnel and you thought it was "so cool"  in your own words:)   Your friends Quaid and Aubrie came out to play with us (something you requested that morning).  The snow was whipping and blowing and was so very cold, but you loved it nonetheless.  You are an outdoorsy boy and I hope it stays that way!

Lately I have noticed you mimic a lot of what I say in your daily conversation...some of which I didn't realize I even say!  You often say "what the heck is that doing there" or "why the heck can't I figure that out."  You have come up with your own word instead of saying "bummer" or "oh shoot", you say "Oh bammers," ahaha! You tell me everyday, "I don't feel better...I really need some vitamins."  We buy the gummy ones from Trader Joe's and you love them.  I think you think they taste like candy:)  You keep me laughing and I never know what is going to come out of that little mouth of yours.

Some of your favorite things right now include:

• Building with your legos.  You use a hammer to pound every block together like you are really building with wood. 
• Using your hockey stick and hitting the puck or ball around the house.
• Playing with play-doh from Great Grampy and Grammy.  This activity keeps you busy for a while.  You love creating and making food for all of us to eat, but you get mad if we pretend to eat it and it goes missing.  You holler at us and say "noooo....you can't eat that.  It's not real, it's plastic."
• Painting or coloring.  We do this at least once a day!
• Cooking in the kitchen with mommy.  You are my little shadow and are right there to pitch in ALL the time. We make smoothies every morning.  They are your favorite and you look forward to being able to push the button when we blend everything together:)
• Playing games on the Kindle or watching Dora on there.  You know how to work it and find all the Apps.   From the beginning I said that you couldn't use it, however, I find that it keeps you focused for a period of time so when I need to get something done and I need you out from under my feet, the Kindle is our go to buddy!
• Anything tool related.  You bring your tools everywhere and try to fix everything :)
• Playing with your trains, trucks and cars.  You have quite the imagination now and it's so fun to watch you playing with them.

You love to sing and I catch you singing throughout the day.  If we catch eye contact however, you get this shy look and fall over on the floor with a big smile on your face.  Mommy loves to sing so it's not a surprise cause we sing together all the time.  When the little Eli comes to visit during the week we always do sing song time and you love doing all the motions to the songs.  It's so fun and you boys love dancing around the house to the music.

You are our little narrator.  No matter where we go in the car, you talk the whole way and you tell us everything you see.  You tell us when there is a red light and we need to stop or if its green and we need to go or if it's yellow and we need to slow down, ha!  You are very observant and you see the littlest details that I sometimes don't even see.  You also are an amazing GPS.  You have a keen sense of your surroundings and  often times know what direction we are going in and what turns to take.  Mimi says I used to tell her where to go when I was your age so I guess it runs in the genes :)

I love your giggle and sometimes I catch you laughing at something on tv or while playing in your playroom by yourself and it's the BEST sound in the world.  I want to bottle it up and hold it with me forever.  It is so genuine and pure.  It's contagious and once you get going sometimes there is no stopping!  You laugh at things that you probably shouldn't, like when mommy falls or trips or I drop something on the floor.  That brings out a gut giggle in you and I can totally relate.  It must be a nervous thing in us because if someone were to fall down the stairs my immediate reaction would be to laugh as terrible as that is.  I know you have a heart of compassion though so I don't take offense to your laughing at me, haha!  If we pretend to cry or be upset you get such a concerned look on your face and you come over and hold right on.  You say to whomever it is, "love you so much...its ok...I sorry."  I think you are catching on to our faking it thought because recently you have said "stop pretending...your ok."  You are so with it and nothing gets by you!

We are going to Florida next week and we made the mistake of telling you that we are going on a plane and going to see Mickey (Your favorite!)  Now that's all you talk about every day and have no concept of time frame.   You and I made a calendar this week so that we could count down the days to when we leave.  We cross out the day and count how many days we have left.  You put Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stickers on the week we are gone.  You are so excited and you said you can't wait to hug him!  I can't wait to see your face when you meet him in person...it's going to be priceless!

We have been working on saying "May I" when you ask a question.  You are getting really good at it and you have been asking me before you go get things out or try to do certain things now.  I like that you ask because it keeps me from getting frustrated and you understand more if you can't have it because I have a chance to talk to you first.  I can tell it makes you feel proud!  I forget that you are only 2 a lot because of your level of understanding and comprehension.  I can tell you to do something and you actually know what to do and can complete it semi-well.  Even though you are only 2, you actually get excited about helping out and I think it's a good thing to start a foundation of understanding responsibility and being a good steward of your things.

Last night before bed you were laying there looking through books and you said to me "mommy, Jesus is sitting right here next to me under the blanket, but I can't see him. There is nothing to be afraid of though because He is here with me."   And then this morning when I put my robe on before coming downstairs, you said, "you look just like Jesus.  He wears a robe you know." ahahaha....that gave me a good laugh! Whether you have seen it in a book or you truly have seen Him, I am amazed at your level of understanding.  You love Jesus and it fills my heart to the fullest!

You are the essence of joy and so full of life!  You bless me more than you will ever know and I thank God for the gift that you are every single day.  You are so special to me!

Love you so much!
Mommy