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

It is December!

Wow, I can't believe how quickly December has come and *almost* gone.  Time flies when you're having fun right?  Something like that.  We are almost all ready for Christmas and Santa, just a few more things on the list.  We've been staying busy with Christmas parties, play dates, sickness, you name it.  And then of course there's the snow, how exciting!  Looking forward to seeing everyone over the holidays, and I can't wait to watch Eli open his presents on Christmas morning.  I wonder what Santa will bring?  ;)


Eli loves laying under the tree and looking up at the lights.

Helping Mommy decorate

Not sure what was going on here, but it must have been surprising!

Getting ready to play in the snow

Having fun!