Showing posts with label birthdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthdays. Show all posts

Monday, October 5, 2009

Eli - not so terrible two?


A blog post from Boyd:

It has been fun watching our little Eli achieve his two year birthday. He has come along way! He still doesn't talk much, but I suspect he knows more than he lets on. He and Gavin probably have intellectual conversations after we turn out the lights at bedtime. When he grins, Eli has that little mischievous twinkle in his eye that says he has just hatched his next scheme. Even though he doesn't speak much, he has his phrases: "Me too" or "I do" or "I want this" whenever Gavin has something he wants. But mostly it's just a pointing finger, a jumbled indiscernible phrase, and a definitive "yes" with a nod of his head after we've recited the correct interpretation of his request.

He loves food. He has a healthy appetite and will usually eat a second full dinner when Daddy comes home from work. Mommy swears that she fed him, but you wouldn't know it the way he plops himself down in daddy's lap to divert bites on their way to daddy's mouth. He can eat fruit - apples, berries and watermelon - nonstop. He can fish a snack out of nowhere and will make you sorry if you refuse to open the packaging for him.

He is physically gifted. Since he could walk, he was the fastest and most fearless roadrunner in central park. Keep an eye out because without warning he will take off running through the trees. He may hold the record for laps around the apartment in a single day. He already rides Gavin's scooter very well and is no longer content to sit in a stroller or carrier out on the town.

For much of his life he has seldom reciprocated our affection. Not that he didn't care or love - he just was too interested in making his way around the next bend. Sure, he gives precious kisses all around as part of the bedtime routine (and will almost plow you over with a hug when you walk through the front door). But spontaneous, self initiated gestures of affection? Don't hold your breath.

But Eli aged two seems to have paused to notice the rest of us. In recent weeks Emily has receive several unexpected, heart-melting hugs. This morning, first thing after climbing out of his crib (another new trick), Eli crawled into bed to give daddy a tight embrace, tenderly resting his head on daddy's chest. 20 minutes later he returned to give dad a bowl and fork to use for breakfast (hint hint). He seems concerned that we all have what we need when we need it, whether a shoe, a cup, a grape or a hug.

Now if we can just lose the pacifier.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Happy 2nd Birthday Eli!



We had a couple of celebrations for Eli. On Monday we turned a Labor Day picnic with friends into a birthday celebration. It was a beautiful day and the rocket balloons were the hit of the party!

Then today we kept things simple and had a playdate with a few friends and then tonight we had a little family "party." He loved his presents and his cake!


Happy Birthday Monkey!We love you, Eli!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Gavin at Four



Thoughtful: Eli broke a necklace I had purchased for Gina's wedding that I had searched high and low for and spent more than I normally would for an accessory. I was furious and Gavin new that I had been. A few weeks after the incident, Gavin made a necklace at Preschool. When I picked him up at that day, I picked up his stuff and put in his backpack. We were walking home he kept asking me where necklace was. I finally pulled it out and he said, "This necklace is for you because Eli broke your special necklace." He was so proud. I couldn't take it off that whole day because it really touched me. He has become aware of other's feelings. He held my hand the other day when I was laying on the bed because I wasn't' feeling well. (Eli took the other hand following his brother's lead)
Example: Eli follows Gavin's every move. Everything Gavin does Eli wants to do it to. If Gavin is playing with something or eating something, Eli wants it. It drives Gavin crazy, but I also think he kind of likes it. He is excited to teach Eli to do something. He was able to get Eli to finally lay down in the bath tub by showing him how to do it.
adventurous: While he has never been a big daredevil and he is quite cautious, he is becoming a bit more adventurous. He is climbing on everything. He is a pro at his scooter. He loves to swim.
sensitive: Gavin is having a hard time controlling his emotions right now. He is easily riled up. He is easy to upset and offend. He gets hurt quite easily. (physically and emotionally.) But, that makes him sensitive to other's feelings as well, so I think it is a good thing in the long run! :)
Imagination: He is into Disney's CARS right now and it is fun to hear him play with his toys and create new worlds. He still loves trains. He is also enjoying cooking. He wants to help me with dinner almost every night. HE always makes breakfast with his Daddy.
He is a daddy's boy right. Who can blame the boy when he has such a fun dad. Here is a Tie he made for his dad for Father's Day. He was so excited to have him wear it. Boyd got some great compliments on it!