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