I love kids

Okay, so years back, before I had a little person of my own, I used to love dogs. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE dogs--all animals in fact. I thought kids were cute.
These days I go out of my way to see puppies and children (all ages really). I will choose to go in the door of the grocery store where I see a toddler is about to exit (just to catch a glimpse or hear what they might have to say).
Children are joyous, curious creatures whom we adults can learn a lot from.
Elliot has been absorbing EVERYTHING we've said, done, and seen in the past 17 months. He is saying new words at an alarming pace and lives to name things, point when asked, and show us how to do certain tasks.
He mimics us even when we think he's not paying attention.
The other day he gently smacked his own cheeks while smiling and saying, "no, no, no..."
He loves when we put things on his head. He parades around showing us proudly--whether it's a headband, hat, or pair of shorts. :)
His affection is to die for. He lays against us to read (many times each day). Right before he gets in his crib he lifts his sleepy head and leans in for a kiss before gently pushing to get into bed with his "Babo, Jeero, and Doggy." Poor Jeero, he's just another Babo to Elliot!
Elliot feels helpful these days. He presses the correct buttons to begin the laundry and dryer. He loves to close the doors to the dishwasher and pantry. He puts most anything "away" in the trash.
I know that he is capable of so much. When I watch him and speak with him I realize he is understanding far more than he is able to say. It' s the same with most people learning a language--they understand more than they can speak.
I continue to show Elliot a few more signs so that he can tell me what he needs. Not only has Sign Language (ASL) helped Elliot to communicate, it has opened pathways in his mind that symbols have meaning.
Currently he likes to show me the signs for water and finished. He has his unique way of showing them and they are very cute.
Elliot knows and points to all body parts. He also knows the names for his clothes. If you ask him where his shirt is, he'll grab it and shake it rapidly, smiling..."this is my shirt!"
There is too much to report, but as I know I won't remember it all when he's older, I try to get some of it down.
I gave him his first hair cut and kept his curls in a little porcelain holder that my Dad got for me in France. It makes me want to cry--and cheer. He is a little boy now. He is strong and smart and growing every second. When I am holding him and we pass a mirror, I am mesmerized. I feel like I'm holding a 5 year old! How fast babyhood fades.
He reminds me everyday to be a better person--to listen, to teach, to love, as fully as I can. I will be 30 in less than a week. I have such a blessed life. I have all that I need.