The required Santa visit

This is the first year we've taken Eli to see Santa.  Years past they had Santa at daycare, and since he was a baby/toddler and didn't really understand what it was all about it, the daycare Santa was sufficient.  But his new daycare doesn't have Santa come, so we thought it was necessary to take him.  This is the first year that Eli really has his head wrapped around this whole Christmas thing so we were all excited about the trip to the mall, aka Santa's house.

We were impressed when Eli walked right up to him and jumped into his lap, like it was something he did everyday.  They talked and talked, but we're really not sure what about.  All we know is chocolate chip cookies were discussed in great detail.  And he told us he was going to tell Santa he wanted a weed eater and a (leaf) blower, but I'm not sure if he actually did or not.  He says he did though :)

Merry Christmas?

I mean, really?  After 6 months of not updating is that all I have to say?  I guess that's the best I've got.  I'd try the excuse that we've just been so busy I haven't had time to update this blog, but that would be a lie.  We have been SUPER busy.  Busy, busy, busy.  But I have had time to update if I would just make the time and make myself do it.  So, with this post I will also say...Happy New Year.  Because part of my New Year's resolution is to keep my blog updated.  Once a week maybe, maybe every 2 weeks.  But something I can say is "recent".  So now that it's in black & white (or whatever color the text happens to be when you read this) you can hold me to it, mkay? 

OK then.  I'm not going to try to go back and catch you up on the last 6 months.  You'll just have to deal with having beach pics followed by Christmas pics.  One of my very good friends Christina did our family pics this year, and we couldn't be more pleased.  She did an excellent job, as you can see.  But I think the best thing about them is how well she did with Eli.  She's got 2 toddlers of her own, so she knows what makes them tick.  But I won't give away any of her secrets, you can just enjoy the results.

Alrighty then.  You're all caught up now right?  Good.  As you can see, Eli is growing like a weed!  I know it's cliche, but it's true.  I bought him a bunch of clothes in October, and the pants are already 2" too short and the sleeves on his shirts are short too.  And my normally very small, thick footed child is all of a sudden in a more "normal" shoe size for his age.  It doesn't feel right to call him a toddler anymore, we have ourselves a little boy :) 

And we're very excited about Christmas.  I think this will be the first year that Eli really gets it.  He knows who the big man in the red suit is, and we've been using that to our advantage to remind him to be on his best behavior.  It's what every responsible parent does right?  We can't wait for Christmas morning.  He really got into Halloween this year, and even Thanksgiving, so Christmas will be a blast.  We've seen the parade, the lights at Tanglewood, rode a Christmas train, trying to soak up all the season has to offer.  Up next are the family Christmas parties and program at his daycare.  We are very thankful this year that we don't have to do too much traveling, so I am especially looking forward to enjoying spending the holiday at home as a family.

We wish everyone (all 3 of you reading) a very Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.  We are so thankful to have each and every one of you in our lives.

Summer Time!

And we have been SO busy!  Too busy to keep up with ourselves, much less keep others up.  It's just been a whirlwind of activity and I'm not even sure I can remember it all.

We kicked off the summer with a week long trip to the beach.  Atlantic Beach as usual, only this time we decided to stay somewhere different for a change.  It rained most of the week, something Eli and I were not happy about to say the least.  But fortunately we had a couple of beautiful days at the end, and were joined by some friends for extra fun.  We also got a nice surprise visit from Aunt Ashley! 

Michael decided it was time for Eli to go fishing a few weeks ago.  Needless to say it didn't really go well.  2 year olds just don't mix well with poles with strings attached to them, especially when there are things to swing at with the rod.  Who cares about the fish?

And then there was Girl's Weekend.  That's right, girl's weekend.  We went to the cutest little place up in the mountains called Lakeview at Fontana.  It was so unique, and so relaxing.  Yoga, massages, and french press coffee were just a few of the things we enjoyed.  And of course great company!  This will defintely become an annual event.

Do you feel caught up yet?  Probably not.  Throw in a few birthday parties and a baby shower or two, and you're getting there.  And of course Mother's Day and Father's Day, both of which were very nice, yet uneventful days.  In between all that we try to visit family and friends the best we can, which pretty much means a weekend at home is a rare thing for us.  But we wouldn't have it any other way! 

And then there was Easter

Easter was fairly uneventful this year. One of Michael's friends/coworkers got married on Good Friday in Charlotte. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding on Lake Norman. Congratulations Andy & Lauren!

Saturday we spent the day at Tanglewood Park to support Lillie's Friends. It's a wonderful organization to support families dealing with pediatric neuroblastoma, and they had a fundraiser/5K that day. We were in good company with Jennifer & Andrew, Jessica, Jonathan & Coen. It was packed, and the boys had a blast! Definitely something we will try to do every year from now on. Other than that, just a basket full of goodies on Sunday morning!

What Blog?

Did you think I forgot about you? Oh no, I haven't forgotten at all. As a matter of fact, 'update blog' has been on my list of things to do for over a month now. So here I am, with 2 months worth of stuff to tell you!

First of all, Michael has had both his shoulder surgeries, and both went well. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers during that time. He had his first one done March 17th, and the other one done April 28th. Assuming all goes well, he plans on going back to work June 1st. So far so good, he's right where he should be with recovery. It's just sad because he can't pick Eli up right now, and the poor little guy just doesn't quite understand. It won't be long though.

We found out last month that Eli is no longer allergic to soy, yay! Honestly, it wasn't the worst food allergy to deal with. But it was still something, and we're so excited to not have to worry about it anymore, and also one less doctor to see. :)

About a month ago we went to the Transportation Museum in Spencer with some friends. Eli LOVES trains and had a blast. It's a really neat place, and it's free! So if you live close by and haven't been you must check it out. Here are a few pics from that day:

Language Explosion

So, I've always heard about the infamous language explosions kids have, but I never really understood it until now. Eli has always been pretty advanced with his speech, so we're used to hearing people say how well he speaks for his age, and have never had any concerns in that dept. Therefore, I'm seldom surprised to hear anything new come out of his mouth. But in the past couple of weeks it has just gotten crazy! I guess it has alot to do with his move up to the 2 year class at daycare. Everyday he amazes me with his words and songs. He's speaking in complete sentences now, and has a nice collection of little songs he can sing. I have tried to get some of them on video, but apparently my son is vain and is more interested in watching himself on film rather than taking it. I did manage to get a decent video of him singing his ABC's to share. I apologize for the lighting and you may have to turn it up.

Early Bird

Is it Karma that my child likes to get up with the sun?  Or before the sun?  I don't know what is going on, but Eli has not slept past 6:30 in weeks, some days getting up as early as 5 or 5:30.  It has completely ruined my previous morning routine, that has worked so well for so long.  I could get myself completely ready to go, breakfast eaten, dogs fed, and coffee brewing before Eli got up.  Now, he's the one getting me up. 

So I guess it's time to learn to work with it.  He's really good, he doesn't get out of bed when he wakes.  He sits there and not-so-patiently yells for me to come get him.  "Mommy!  Mommy!  MOMMY!"  This morning when I heard his beautiful song at 5:30, I decided to wait and see if he would lay back down.  He did not.  He got more and more persistant, and eventually got down in the floor and sat there calling me.  "Mommy, come get me!"  "Mommy, get up!  Walk!"  It was actually quite humorous, and I couldn't help but smile as I went up to get him.  So then starts the new morning routine of me getting ready WITH toddler in tow.  Not so bad really.  The hardest part is keeping him and the dogs separated, because he wants to be able to go back and forth between rooms.  And I was nervous about my shower, because I haven't showered with Eli up and about by myself in a long, long time.  And we have a standup shower, so really nothing keeping him from coming in with me.  But he did good, and just kept *checking* on me. :)

All in all, we survived.  We got out the door about our normal time (about 10 mins late).  Both properly dressed, with lunch and coffee.  So I guess I should relish the extra hour or two I'll be getting with my little guy in the morning right?  We'll see.  But an earlier bedtime is definitely on the menu for me and Daddy now.

Oh, and I should give proper credit to a few of the things that helped get me through this morning, and I'm sure will be a staple for every morning from now on.  Lord help us if the cable goes out.

And he must have this to play along with his favorite songs

Fun at Grammy's

Eli spent the weekend at Grammy's for Valentine's Day so we could enjoy a weekend doing adult things.  Friday we had a nice quiet dinner out, and Saturday we went to see our friend's band play.  It was a relaxing, much needed, child-free weekend.  Eli has been full of himself the last few weeks, and I was at my wit's end.  It must be his 2 year molars.  The constant whining is enough to make me want to jump off a bridge, and the constant neediness exhausts me.  Hopefully this ends sooner rather than later.  But it was all worth it on Sunday when I got an unsolicited "I missed you Mommy" when he came home!  Now that's my sweet boy. 

Here are some pics from his time at Grammy's

Say Super Cheers!

Finally I have some pics downloaded from Eli's birthday party a few weeks ago.  Hopefully I'll get some more once I get pics that others have on their cameras.  The weather really tried to stop this party from happening, but we stood our ground and had it anyway.  Unfortunately there were some that couldn't make it, understandably.  But we still had a good turnout of family and friends and Eli had a great time!  We *almost* didn't have any food either, but got that all worked out in the nick of time.  Overall everything went really well, and Eli is enjoying his presents.  Thanks to everyone who braved the roads and came out to celebrate Eli's birthday!


Of course we had a Mickey Mouse theme

Birthday cake that I made!

Better shot of the cake

Eli loves Chuck the Talking Dump Truck!

More trucks

Playing the piano with his friends:  Coen, Andrew and Carleigh

Andrew had a good time!

Coen helping Eli open presents

2 year stats

Eli had his 2 year checkup yesterday.  All is well!  He's right on track in all departments.  Eating good, sleeping good, talking VERY well, and right where he should be with physical development.  He's still a string bean though!  He hates going to the doctor, especially when we have to take off his clothes to be weighed and measured.  So I'm never 100% sure the measurements are precise, since he's fighting us tooth and nail.  But his doctor said he did really good for a 2 year old. 

And he has officially lost both his ear tubes.  We lost the first one some time over the summer, and lost the second one in just the past few weeks.  So let's hope he doesn't ever need them replaced.  So far no ear infections since he got the tubes last January.  Otherwise an unremarkable appointment, which for us is awesome!

Here are his current stats:

Height = 35.5 inches (81%)
Weight = 27 lb (38%)
Head = 19 1/8 inches (25-50%)

So he is filling out *some*.  He used to be in the 90% for height and 25% for weight.  It's still really hard to find clothes that fit him properly and don't look like high waters, but once he's in shorts again that gets much easier. :)

Happy Birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet boy!  I can not believe you are 2 years old already.  Mommy sure did have a hard time leaving you at daycare this morning.  But we will have fun tonight and this weekend!  Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Saturday is Eli's best friend Coen's birthday party.  He turns 2 on the 24th.  They are so cute together and love each other so much.  I'm so glad we have become friends with Coen and his family. 

Eli's birthday party is next Sunday.  He is having a Mickey Mouse party.  And I am going to make my first attempt at his birthday cake!  That should be interesting.  But it will be fun with friends and family.  I didn't get a chance to take a picture of him this morning, so for now I'll share pics from his birthday last year :)

Christmas 2009

Finally, I know!  Sorry it's taken so long to get these up, but I figured I might want to do it before I have birthday pics to share!  I can not believe Eli is going to be 2 in just days!  And we have definitely hit the terrible twos.  Hopefully this will pass soon.  Christmas was great this year.  Busy, but great.  We were able to spend some time with all of our family, although not as much as we'd like.  But I guess that's how it goes when you have so many to see.  Eli was a trooper with all the traveling. 


Here is what Santa brought, before it got torn into

Eli was a happy boy :)

Checking out all the bells & whistles

Washing dishes

Mickey was a big hit!

Some tools to help Daddy in the garage

Taking a nap with cousin Myles and Uncle Josh