Elliot's World

Before I forget.

2011-12-15T16:46:00.001-08:00

Elliot inspires me each day to learn and love more.
Wanted to write about a couple of things before I forget.

About a month ago, we were at the drive through bank line. Elliot kept asking about the "cylinder" and I wasn't really paying too much attention as I was filling things out and sending them through. Then I realize that my child doesn't ask for the "thing that sends," or "thing I put the pen back into," etc... My son asks for the "CYLINDER" that the check and money travel in!
It's so funny that I come across as bragging all the time with what Elliot does, but more so, I am just in awe of children in general (and I am biased as his mom).
Kids grasp EVERYTHING. We need to take a close look at our words and actions to see the message we are sending, as they get it ALL.

We have been loving making up songs about trains. We sing together each night and most days I can walk into a room where Elliot is singing his made up words. My heart swells. He is composing some masterful Brooks House Hits.
---
This Christmas--as we do each year--we went through E's toys and picked out plenty for donation. Elliot attempts to donate EVERYTHING. This year as he tried to get rid of every last toy, I reminded him that he would not get them back--that they would go to other children who had less. He smiled and insisted on donating one of his beloved cars. I told him we needed to keep that one and he told me to "listen" and understand that he REALLY WANTED to donate it to the "poor kids."
So I did. He has not once asked for it back or felt regret. Instead, every so often he mentions donating it. He joyfully explains that now the "poor kids" are happier.
sigh... I am officially a doting mom.
What can I do? I am using this blog as a record of him each year. All moms and dads know what I know. And that is this: Our kids are our lives. Everything our kids do make out hearts--much like the Grinch's--grow 3 times as large.
Merry Christmas!

The Elliot show!

2011-11-29T10:33:00.001-08:00

Catching up on cute (plus Cat Power)

2011-11-29T10:05:00.001-08:00

new construction

2011-10-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

so it's really difficult to see dimension through these pics so you only get half the effect of what it is to hold the creations in your proud parent grubby little hands.

conversations with Elliot

2011-10-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

E making jokes as he spies things in the kitchen:

E: Mom, your a pan head!

E: Mom, you're a pot head!

later that week...

E (running) Look mom, I'm so fast, I've got speed, I'm on speed! I'm on speed! (**he just meant he was full of speed and quick, I promise he doesn't know any more than that!)
----

In the car after school:

E: Mom, can we get some coconut water?

me: Not today honey, you had some yesterday, coconut water is a treat."

E: I don't want it to be a treat, I want it to be regular.

me: It's a treat honey, because it's expensive.

E (exasperated) But mom, ugh, I LIKE EXPENSIVE THINGS!

---

Calling to me after I have put him to bed.

E: Mama, I'll never forget you in the whole wide world!

Tonight calling after bed to me:

E: Thank you!

me: For what?

E: For getting me Horizon milk at Starbucks today.

me: You are SOOOO welcome, honey. I love you.

E: I love you too. You are the best girl and I never want another.

Funny genius

2011-10-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

So we're convinced that Elliot is not only a comedic genius, but a construction genus as well. And yes, all parents are partial to their kids, but by golly, this kid builds 5-10 things a day and they are all out of this world!

James and I have made the mistake of thinking Elliot has been helped or that the other adult built the entire thing, only to find that no, there was no help--just Elliot's little mind and hands at work.
James and I were so blown away by one this week that James designed an entire 3-D model on the computer to duplicate it! My boys are both very smart indeed.

Note that all pics here are of things E did ALONE. Even the train track configuration.

This little soul...

2011-09-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

Today James and I were outside working in the yard and due to a misunderstanding, I removed a plant (that I thought was dead and James wanted me to remove). Long story short, James did not want it removed and was upset that it had been.

There might not be a better time to see what a lovely soul your child is than when he is stepping in and providing insight and understanding when you are lacking that.

This little old soul talked to us about "frustration," "feeling better," and getting "out of your frustration and making things right."

He asked us how we felt and if there was anything we needed to feel better. He was a beacon and a little healer of sorts.

I might not be the best mom on earth, but seeing him step into that role was him speaking to James and I the way that we speak to him when it is his frustration we are dealing with. He turned it all around, took the driver's seat, and lead us to resolution...like a champ.

Yay to our parenting (at least for today).
Yay to our son for being so open, responsive, smart...for being a leader of love.

wordsman

2011-09-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Some words I forgot to mention from the previous post that Elliot uses regularly:

disconnect
electricity
responsible
realize

Just fun to hear his little voice and big words.

So lucky

2011-09-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

The overwhelming feeling these days is that we are so lucky and so blessed to have this amazing kid. I actually can't believe how easy he is--how sweet, charming, connected, and well-adjusted he is in so many (even tough) situations.
I have grown an extra heart inside my chest.

Yesterday as Elliot and I were upstairs, he called down the stairs (which have a turn in them near the bottom to take you downstairs). He called out to daddy to come up and help us bring some things down.
After he called out to daddy, he looked at me and said,
" Your voice lines have to bend to get to the other person's ears."
yowzers if that isn't completely correct!

Once when he was newly 3, he came to me as I was getting ready for the day and told me that I had left (the night before) a chocolate bar out on the end table next to the couch.
He told me, "Mama, you left your chocolate out so I put it on the island, high up where the dogs can't get it."
I told him how happy that made me (literally, it was a whole bar of DARK chocolate) that the dogs wouldn't get sick now from eating.
Then I asked him, "and did you eat any of it?"
To which he said, "no Mama."
I told him how he had done the right thing and I was so proud, then we promptly marched out to the kitchen where I gave him a piece of that chocolate! :)
Thanks to my 3 year old I didn't have a huge vet bill that day!
---
Big words:
Elliot opts for the "big words" and coming from his little mouth with his high-pitched voice, it's awfully cute. Some of them I can recall right now:

-attach
-condensation
-actually
-completely
-definitely
-difficult

There are more, but they have left my brain for the moment. Sometimes James and I refer to him as "Rainman" as he has a child's outlook but a super-smart mind!

Elliot overwhelmed by Emalina's Presence

2011-08-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

There are far too many things in this video that are funny. Rather than me write them all here, just have a look for yourself at sheer, unbridled, excitement...

some videos from the past 3 months

2011-08-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Dentist

2011-06-28T21:02:00.001-07:00

Elliot had his first dentist apt today and really put all of us adults to shame.

This THREE year old did EVERYTHING that the hygienist asked. He did it with a smile, with poise, respect, and joy.

Basically, he SHOCKED the hygienist...

But he didn't shock his Mama ;)

He declared, " we got the goop off of my teeth!"

**note: before I took him today I acted very excited and told him that we were going to the dentist to get sparkles on our teeth.

He held a mirror up and watched as he got his teeth cleaned and flossed. Then he pointed out his new sparkles (they were in his eyes too).

* the photo is when E was newly 3. Though you can't see it well here, this is his first scultpure with a distinguishable face. It actually had EYEBROWS!

bedtime

2011-06-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

When I put E down most nights we continue to call to each other even after I have left his room.

We call out, "I love you! sweet dreams! Happy day! You're the best in the whole world!"

And then when I am all out of things to say, Elliot calls to me, "Have a great weekend!" (** it's Monday ;)

Tonight Elliot wanted me to be be one to hide under the blanket while he pretended not to know where I was...as you can imagine, the roles are reversed here as to what normally occurs.

He put the blanket over me and then he put a pretend puzzled look on his face saying, "I don't know where Mommy is, she was just here...I guess I need to go have some coffee."
Then he hopped down from his bed, picked up one of my brown flip flops and pretended to drink from it.
As he got back on bed he said, "Oh there you are! I just had to go have some coffee and now I found you!"

So tonight as I left his room (after making a sandwich because he actually did get ravenously hungry again) he called out:

"Thank you for having us have fun!"

What a joy these little beings are.

"When I'm 4 I'll have a 4 birthday candle and a bigger bed!"

2011-06-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

I'm so far behind in posting. If you ask me, these days nearly everything that comes out of Elliot's mouth is "blog worthy." I will attempt to list a few highlights from memory:

E (to me) : " you are my best wife. When I get married I will have two wives, but you are my best one."
---

Me: "Elliot, you are so handsome."
E: " You are so handsome too, Mommy."
Me: "What does it mean to be handsome?"
E: "It means you love someone."
----

E asks me regularly, "Mommy, how did/does that make you feel?"
---

Me (in my bathroom getting ready for work) "Elliot, come here and keep me company."
E: "I'm in here next to daddy.....................................
thanks, though."
-----

(I ran my fingers over his tummy which made it draw back due to the tickle involved)
E: "Look Mama, my tummy is laughing!"

*Tonight as I am putting him to bed we were singing and acting silly as usual. I tickled him and he tickled me back--it was such a good tickle that I roared with laughter, to which he screamed laughing and said, "I told you I would shake you down!"
-------

E is regularly supportive to James and I in the same way we are to him. He often tells us:

"You can do it!"
"I knew you could do it!"
"I'm proud of you."
"You're doing a good job."
"You look really great."

I love the encouragement because well, heck, we all love encouragement--but mostly because these phrases are sticking. He is saying what he is hearing and that is what I want him to hear all the time...that he is doing the best job of being a beautiful human being, that his parents are proud, and that he can do anything he sets his heart to.

Dear Elliot

2011-05-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

How can I express what I feel about you? You surprise me everyday with your smarts, wit, and ability to adapt to any situation. Your Daddy and I feel so blessed and our hearts can no longer be contained within our chests. They have grown far too large, because of you.

Conversation with E at bedtime:

E: (putting his head on my chest) "Hi Precious."

Me: "Hi, my sweet Love."

E: "I will fill your heart with a million hearts and they will go up, up, up to your head."

Me: "You do that everyday."

**Sorry for the terrible formatting, but when I format it and then publish it, it changes from the original each time.

Pic 1: Elliot playing with neighbors Leah and Myan
pic 2: E lounging
pic 3: E making a tea party for all his bunnies
pic 4: Easter egg hunt with friends at our house
pic 5: Mother's Day at a great Italian place. They brought E pizza dough to play with...it was a hit, needless to say. He tells me just now as I upload the photo, "That's when I was Santa Claus!"

Dating

2011-05-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Elliot LOVES Emalina. They are destined to be married as they have been friends even while they lived in the tummies of myself and my good friend, Hannah.

Each day Elliot reminds me, "my girlfriend is three."

He also tells me about her boo boos, her cat and dog, and her grandparents, "Poppy and Nana."

He really seems to be keeping close tabs.

Here they are relaxing over a "green drink"

Punny

2011-03-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

Between my Dad and I, the bad puns never stop. We make fun of my Dad all the time even though the pun gene passed on to me.
This week I gave E an Altoid (a strong mint) from my purse.

E: "Mom, do you know what kind of mint is in this mint?"

Me: No, Honey, what kind is it?

E: Government.

I had a heart attack. What???!! I mean, I know he doesn't get that at all, and really just knows that the word "mint" sounds like the end of another word he knows (government). But I have to tell you...

I've never been so proud! ;)

Memory

2011-03-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

E has a memory that is better than my own.
It's actually FREAKISH what he remembers. He might have gone somewhere ONCE when he was not even yet two--or just over and then NOW (he just turned 3) we go back and before we walk in, he tells me all about what is inside...and THAT IS WHAT IS INSIDE!!!

We are QUITE sick over here and today on E's 4th doc trip and my 2nd--I opted to take him to my family doc who he has never seen before.

The only time he was at this office was with me about 11-12 months ago.
He looked at the building and yelled, "there are fishies in there! Fishies in a crank!
And yes, there is a large fish "crank" in the middle of the lobby...I nearly fainted--and this time not from sheer sickness.

E later told me the fishies were indeed in a "tank" and then as we left he joyfully called out to the fish, "goodbye fishies, see you later!"

There are so many occasions where I have to stop what I'm doing to ask Elliot, "wait, what did you just say?" because he has recounted something so seemingly unremarkable and from so long ago, that I go into a bit of shock.

Now if only we could remember where his shoes are... ;)

notes

2011-02-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

Some things that E says of note:

-Instead of "yesterday," he says, "last day."

-He told me that when he is eight he is going to grow a beard and the beard will be blue.

-When we can still see the moon in the sky in the morning he calls it, "the wakeup moon."

sharing is caring! ;)

2011-02-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

To watch an almost 3 year old share is a lovely sight.

I have been overwhelmed with Elliot's ability to share things that he truly covets:

*elephant
*half of his favorite chewable vitamin
*his smoothies...

Each day I make E and I a "green drink." It tastes great despite it's color. E asks for it daily.

Recently, I have had to make ours separately as I add a supplement to mine that was prescribed to me by by neurologist (for my migraine/seizure issues).

Anyhow, E wanted to try it and I explained to him that it didn't taste good like his. He tasted it just to me sure, made a face, and then insisted that I drink his instead!

E: "Mommy, you can share with me, mine is better than yours. Your drink is yucky--you should not drink it."

I have to say, it was one of the sweetest gestures I have ever witnessed.

I know that childrens' grasp on empathy generally comes later in development--but if that wasn't empathy, I don't know what is!

Must be Italian

2011-01-23T19:36:00.001-08:00

Love the way a 3 year old's brain makes connections.

When something is fragile, Elliot has termed it:

"Glassable"

Love it.

conversations of love

2011-01-19T20:52:00.000-08:00

** the photo is about 4 months old. Yes, Elliot built that all by himself and continues to wow us with his engineering skills--thanks Daddy and Grandpa for those genes!

Tonight as I came in the door from teaching:

E: "Mama's heeeeeeeere! Mama, you're my number one."

---

This week:

Me: "Elliot, what is love?"

E: "Love is when you hug and when you eat all your dinner and they're so proud of you and you get a treat." It's when you kiss on the cheek."

Me: "That sounds about right ;)"

--

Yesterday as I looked over the deck to see Elliot running in the yard (enjoying the sunshine after many days without it).

Me: Hi Love, what are you doing?

E: Oh, I'm just having a wonderful day.

So much to catch up on

2011-01-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

Just updated our Windows on the computer and FINALLY we have sound with our videos! Sooo...there are so many that I have taken and not seen (since last June, 7 months ago).
Just watching E 7 months prior to now is astounding. He has changed so drastically--especially his speech and understanding.

Some things I want to remember:

Me: "Elliot, will you love me this much when you're older?"

E: "I will love you a little bit. I'll be a grown up."
--

(when looking at a painting at my parents house done by my brother):

E: " That was me when I was a monkey."

**it must be noted that the painting depicts a young boy with his arms flung over his face and head...much like monkeys regularly do.**

There are many things that should have been written here--but alas, they are already gone from memory. Writing things down is such a must. I know there are a few scraps of paper lying around that have quotes on them... I'll post when I find them.

So, here are some videos--much too long unless you are family really. Parents can watch their kids forever ;)

The bath and "pretending" videos are from June or July 2010. The other is from the past few months.

sweet boy

2010-12-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight Elliot put his arms around me and said, "I'm holding you."

Then, the came up next to me, laid down and said, "hello my Darling."

Is he a charmer or what?!

--

Each day we make time for "dance party."

It is as it sounds--about 30mins to an hour of sheer silly dancing and running around. It is a thrill for both of us and it is the BEST way to start the day!

Oh, I must make a note that on Friday, Elliot had his first night with a babysitter! James and I attended the wedding of my dear friend, Erin. Elliot stayed with Amanda (who had come over that week to meet and play).

He had a blast and we couldn't love Amanda more! Yay for Elliot! Yay for mom and dad!

sweet

2010-12-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

Today when E got home from school, he ran to the Christmas tree yelling, "Mom! Mom! Turn on the Christmas tree!!!! The Christmas tree is sad!

I turn it on

E "Yes, thank you. Now we have a happy Christmas tree!"

--

Got home from work tonight. E always make me feel SOO missed and loved. Whenever I return home, he runs over to me yelling ,"Mommy! Mommy! I see you! Mommy's home!

Then he runs all over the house and spreads the good cheer!

---

Tonight as I ate a late dinner (E has been staying up late quite often) he squeezed in beside me on the couch and we shared the food.
He put his arm around my shoulders and whispered, "Hi sweetheart."

Lately

2010-11-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

These pics are of E with his favorite blocks. He has made so many ASTONISHING creations that I am bewildered thinking there is some little block gnome living in the couch cushions coming out and assisting this child!
--
Elliot is asking so many questions. Sometimes the things he says sound like a little adult is speaking to me.

Today he grabbed my arms and hugged them tightly, lowering his head to them and saying,
"I love your arms and I love your hands."

Then he listed other parts of me that he "loved": face, shoulders, legs, etc.

Oh man--my heart is split open.

Before we went to HEB (H Heee Beee) tonight, Elliot was frustrated with something.
He called out, "BOND!"

I asked him, "Like James Bond?"

Elliot, "no, not like James Bond. Bond is what Elliot says when Elliot is angry. You can say bond whenever you feel nervous or angry."

I said that I understood as I held back laughter. What 2 year old says, "nervous"???

I didn't even know he knew the word--especially since he rarely gets nervous about anything!
---
I put up the Christmas tree tonight (just with the lights). Tomorrow E will wake up and see it all lit up and ready for us to decorate! He kept saying how excited he was for "decorating."

Poor James has been at work with a deadline since about 5am. It's 9:43pm and he's still there. We miss him and are so proud. Makes me think of how fortunate we are to be together as so many families aren't during the holidays (and the rest of the year).

God bless us all.

roommates

2010-10-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight E is under the weather. I put his elephant shaped humidifier in his room and introduced E to "him" so that E would feel comfortable with the new occupant in the room.
I explained that Elephant was Mommy's special helper and that both Elephant and Mommy wanted to take extra special care of Elliot and make sure to put some magical mist in the air so that the air was clean and moist to make the "sicky bugs" go away.
E turned to his Elephant as if it were living and breathing,
"Thank you for taking care of me Mr. Elephant. Listen to Mommy sing us a song, this is going to be a really cool song. I love you, Mr. elephant."

yep.

P.S. Photo above is at Elliot's school October Festival (as E calls "Bestival!!!")
He was the ONLY child dancing in front of the band. He kept looking at us with his, "can you believe how great this is?" face.
I have to say, I couldn't be more proud...the dancing gene passed right through. ;)

baby house

2010-10-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight: family time.

I asked Elliot where he lived when he was a baby and before he was born.

E: "I used to live in an itty bitty house in Mommy's belly (he comes over and puts his itty bitty finger on my tummy) and then I popped out!"

I immediately wrote it down. Stuff that good needs to be put in writing.

gushing, remembering.

2010-10-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Just left Elliot's room after a LONG goodnight :). As I stood up to put E down, the rocking chair rocked too far back and hit the wall, making a little bang. Elliot gasped, and in a tiny, high pitched voice (so it's much funnier if you're actually hearing it from him) "What the heck? Mommy, what the heck was that sound?"
I tried my best not to laugh (unsuccessfully).
I guess when they are this age, most everything that comes out of their mouth is cute/funny. Here are some things I want to remember that he said recently:

-when he put on his button down Hawaiian shirt:

"I'm not Elliot, I'm James!"

-Talking about kids at school:

"Jonah wouldn't listen to Paloma and he moved that way (he points). Teachers told us do NOT touch the ants or we will get very itchy!"

-As I am leaving his room at night:

Mama, tomorrow we can put on our jackets and go talk to the birds. We can put our jackets on and walk up and down the hills and talk to the birds.'

-As I bring a balloon home from Central Market (he REMEMBERS that they have only 2 colors there):

"Mommy bought me this balloon from Central Market and it's green, not purple.

-I ask him, "why does Mommy love you so much?"

"because I am savoring my ice cream."'

E loves to sing. He likes all kinds of songs--from simple Baa Baa Blacksheep, to Sweet Baby James (he calls this the "horse song"--if you know the lyrics, it mentions horse and cattle.
He knows EVERY word and because the words are more mature, they are so funny when he sings them.

And...for about three days E was asking me to sing the , "sculpture song." Took me a bit to realize that this is Your Song by Elton John...

the words E was referring to:

"If I were a sculptor, but then again, no--or a man, who makes potions in a traveling show--
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do...my gift is my song and--this one's for you.
And you can tell everybody, this is your song.
It may be quite simple but, now that it's done-
I hope you don't mind,
I hope you don't mind,
that I put down in the words--
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS, WHILE YOU'RE IN THE WORLD.

Elliot, I sing this to you because the world is actually the most wonderful it could ever be because you are a part of it. I love you endlessly. I get a frog in my throat thinking of you growing up.
You are simply angelic.

Just keeping sweet records

2010-09-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Elliot has said lately:

"mama, you are my favorite girl."

"Daddy loves Mommy and Daddy and Mommy say I love you."

"Daddy is Mommy's boy."

"Mama, Nana is kind of like a bunny and Grandpa is kind of like a fishy."

"Someone's having a birthday tonight and it's Uncle Chris" (who, by the way is in Dallas and who's b-day isn't until March :)

instead of, I am two YEARS old:

"I am two AND old."

when Linus, our crazy dog was wining incessantly:

"I think he needs some space."

when he begins a story:

"Once upon a day..."

as he was humming in the car:

"Mama, I'm a humming bird"

"Mama, I'm so impressed with you."

These are here so I remember them, I have already forgotten so many things he has said and they happened this month!

stories

2010-09-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

E has been telling stories that start with, "then..."

"Then the baby went inside the rasberry. He was teeny tiny."

"Then the piggie was on my foot."

"Then the doggie was dirty and made footprints."

They are endless. They are usually off the cuff, and always a joy to me.

IMAGINATION.

observe and sing

2010-08-29T19:01:00.001-07:00

For the last week Elliot has been such an angel, such a charmer, I nearly forget he has
the ability to access the "terrible twos."
Now that I've said that I'll probably become acquainted with them really soon!

E is so observant, much like my mom has described me as being. Mom always remarks at how I always comment on things that other people might not notice--knick-knacks in a room, a unique ceiling, etc.
There are too many things to list. But one that occurred today for E was that he looked to a very high arch in our ceiling and said.
"I can't reach it."
I said, "what can't you reach?"
He said, "the pink dot."

I thought I was the only one! That "pink dot" is actually a tack left over from when I hung baby shower decor for my best friend's shin-dig here. I could barely push it in with the tip of my finger and now, even on a ladder, I am too short to take it out!

That tack has been bothering me for months and I keep forgetting to ask my hubby to get it.

Thank goodness for E's skills of observation or it might be there until he graduates high school! :)

Tonight as we were rocking, E was singing another of his made up songs. These lyrics are not copy written yet, so please don't steal:

And then
and then
and thennnnnnnnn
and then theyyyyy...
ate.

P.S. the pic is of E engulfed in the parachute ball that his Great Aunt Patty brought to the family reunion this past Aug. E, no fear, continuously ran--time after time careening into the ball and falling to his tummy in sheer giant ball bliss. He is made of Rubber and Boy.

Favorite question

2010-08-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Imagine going about your day with a tiny voice asking repeatedly,

"How can that be?"

;)

These days

2010-08-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

E talks our ears off
He asks LOTS of questions
He wears underwear except for at night
He is still the love of our lives.

A few nights ago:

I am singing as we are rocking before bed, his head on my chest.

I stop singing and just rock.

E waits about a minute, lifts his head and says:

"TALK."

he looks at me for another few seconds

"PLEASE."

I laughed so much! He said it the way you would ask someone to have a seat if they were visiting your home, "Sit; Please."

Anyhow, he is much more interested in my singing and dancing these days. He makes up his own songs and goes all out especially when he thinks no one is listening/watching.

He loves to dance in my arms and though my back doesn't dig it, my heart sure does.

One thing said a few weeks ago that, at the time was his longest run-on sentence:

"Mama, I don't have my swim shoes that Daddy got at Target and cut the tag off."

:)

back seat driving

2010-08-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

I am driving E home from school...

E: Go faster!

Me: What honey?

E: Go faster, Mama!

Because I was only going about 25 mph at the time, I had to speed up as we got away from school, so yes, naturally I began to drive faster.

E: There you go Mama. Thanks.

I'm partial to this kid

2010-07-29T18:53:00.001-07:00

As Elliot slides across the kitchen floor on his tummy tonight, he tells me, "I'm pretending!"
Imagination has really taken a huge leap into his life and he "pretends" all the time now.

One morning he rattled off a list of what he was:

Mama! I'm a fish! I'm a bird, I'm a zebra, I'm a deer, I'm a froggie, I'm a doggie, I'm a bear, I'm a GIANT turtle! The list goes on and on and is quite extensive.

Then, as he winds down, he pauses, looks at me and says,
Mama, I'm a man.
I'm a person.

I laughed so hard and told him he could be anything he ever wanted!

He is amazing me with how much love, affection, coordination, smarts, and MEMORY that he shows. Today he walked over to me and leaned down to kiss my big toe! He kisses my eyes, ears, cheeks, and now my head too. He has a whole sequence of kissing. What a sweetheart.

Today we were on the way to the pediatrician and E looked out the window and saw Best Buy.
He exclaimed,
Robin Hood's House!

About 2 months ago, James took him here and purchased the cartoon Robin Hood DVD. The kid's mind is a steel trap!

talk

2010-07-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

So because this blog is primarily so that I can remember all the little things E did a a child when he's 20+, and also so he can share in the love, the funny, the pride I've had for him since day one...some people who read it might not care about all the things I am posting that E is saying.

So much is lost in writing. His pronunciation, inflection, and the fact that it's all said in a tiny two year old voice, makes it such a tremendous hoot!

When E is finished with something, or doesn't want anymore:

"No thank you, Mama. I'm good."

Tonight he asked,

"What's your name, Mama?"

I laughed, and before I responded, he so aptly told me it was,

"Mama Books"

He said that he also knew, "Daddy Books" and Doggie Books" and that he was of course,

"Eyut Books."

We're still working on "L" ;)

I think it's right on the money that my new name would have "books" in it. E loves to read.

Then

young love

2010-07-17T22:46:00.001-07:00

Elliot and his love, Emalina.
February babies.
February wedding?

cute and fuuny phrases from E

2010-07-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

E tells all of us these things regularly:

"Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, Linus" (the dog)
"Nice to meet you Daddy and Mommy"

(I believe we've met :)

"That's okay, Mommy"
"That's okay, Doggies"

(this is always said very reassuringly :) think he picked it up from me when he has some sort of accident.)

"See you later, okay?"

"Handsome boy."

"I like mangoes, Linus."

(he tells the dog, just in case he wasn't sure) This is something learned from Grandpa--minus telling it to the dog.

Tonight he said something that I think was really smart and sweet:

"The sun is tired and it's getting darker and darker."

xoxo E, I love your voice and mind.

More sweets

2010-07-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

E called me into his room because he was thirsty.

He asked for a "drink please"

He drank half the cup and told me, "all done, thank you."

I kissed him and told him good night and sweet dreams.

As I left he said,

"Sweet dreams, mom. Have a good day, okay?"

It's 11pm--he just made my whole day :).

what a lover!

2010-07-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

I always check on E before I go to bed. It's more for me than him...I love to watch his sweet little sleeping face and body.
Last night I went in and was too loud--accidentally waking him up...barely.
E rustled around and re-situated. Then, in a teeny-tiny voice he said what I thought was
"giz wibs"
-what honey?
"gis wips"
-what sweetheart?
He lifts his little body onto his forearms and his tired head bobbles, unstable as he locks eyes with me and says,
"kiss lips, Mama. Kiss lips."

I am a pile of mush.
You bet I gave that angel a big smooch-er-00.

Is there a sweeter being on earth who when awakened in the middle of slumber has one request and that is to kiss lips?

He is such a lover. I am beside myself once again.

sentences

2010-06-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have yet to mention in blog form that Elliot has been speaking sentences for quite some time. I noticed in my last blog that it appeared as if he was only saying the one word--not the case.
E has said the most adorable sentences and I have to begin to write them immediately down so as not to forget.
BUT, just for the sake of looking back at milestones, E talks a blue streak and it is evolving each day.
Things that are funny and I need to recall when I am old:
Elliot told the doggies to go to "time out."
He also recently held me close, kissing my eyes (his favorite thing to do with many people he loves),
"Kiss Mommy's eyes." "Elliot kiss mommy's eyes five times." (he counts to ten now on his own).
I told him I loved him and he laid his head on my chest.
Then I asked, "Who's my favorite boy?"
He waited a moment, and then looked up at me and responded,
"Jonah."
Yes, Jonah, Elliot's best friend at school...who I have met once.
I laughed until I cried.
Elliot laughed so hard as if he knew all along that was the joke...

E knows all colors, shapes, numbers almost to 20, and most of the alphabet. I'm not saying he's a genius or anything--but I am telling you that he LOVES to learn and he's sharp as a tack. I am, of course, his mother--so he's amazing in all the ways all children should be in the eyes of their loved ones.

For those of you reading my blog, please know that my intention is not to compare E to anyone, but to write when and how he is doing new things so that he has that record when he is older. I am not keeping a record anywhere else--so thank goodness that once you publish something on the internet, it's not going anywhere! ;)

There are so many things to write even on an hourly basis.

One last thing-

James painted the front room today while I was at an all day yoga workshop. Earlier in the day, James had lovingly referred to E as his, "buddy."

After James was looking at the end result of his hard work, James' mom said that James did a good job. Elliot turned to James and said, "good job, buddy."

We're really watching our mouths these days as E repeats EVERYTHING as all two year olds do. It really put s a mirror to you in a whole new way. What a great opportunity for us to speak and act more positively.

Making mental notes

2010-05-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

I seem to have amnesia. I need to just write down all of the cute things E says so that I can write them here when I have time to sit down to the blog.
I did want to mention that Elliot is observant to an unbelievable degree. I can't get ANYTHING past him. There's no slight of hand for this little fellow--no way.
Today I took one of his MANY stuffed animals out of his bed before he went in for a nap. I took it out because it is a bear that has a hood that can be taken on and off. E will lay in bed requesting for me to take bear's hat on and then off over and over. He only does this every so often and he hadn't asked in a while so I figured he was over it.
Today when I put E in to bed, he laid down and then abruptly shot up saying, "bear?" SOOooooo, I went to the closet and in to bed bear went. Hat on, and then hat off...

When Elliot is inside he tells me all the time what he is hearing and paying attention to, outside. He always gets the sound correct.
For instance, he will tell me:

"truck"
"car"
"airplane"
"rain"
"thunder"
"man"
"kids"
"doggy"

It's not so much that he is naming them, but more so that no matter how engaged he is in activity inside--the softest of sounds outside gets his attention. He is so aware.

After his naps (which we often work VERY hard for) E has been hugging close to me for a lengthy time before he is ready to play again. I really enjoy this time--his head on my chest. Today he came and said, "Mommy, Elliot, snuggle-hug."
Did you hear that? That was the sound of my heart melting! Then he hugged me tight around the neck and said, "squeeze" and I have to tell you--he hugged me so hard and long that it rivaled the strength of most adult hugs!
I know one day on his way out the door for a date, E will rush out the door and maybe just yell, "bye mom!" over his shoulder...
How do I suspend time ? :)

So much--such a long time since last post

2010-05-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have not posted for some time--n0t because Elliot isn't doing anything blog-worthy, but because we are having video/computer issues that are preventing uploading the videos or pics we take.
I hope James can get it figured out soon. I thought though, that because I know I can't remember it all (even in the past couple of months) that I will write some funny, poignant things down about our beloved Mr. E.
Elliot talks our ears off. Most of the time I can figure out what he's saying. Sometimes I just have to nod and say, "Yes, Ohhh, Uh huh, very cool!" He seems satisfied with this for now :).
He is saying 3 words at a time--occasionally more. Some words that I find totally wonderful that come out of his mouth are:

gorgeous
organized
awesome
pentagon (and yes, he says it when actually referring to a PENTAGON!)
important

He is sharp as a tack and knows almost all colors, shapes, and numbers 1-10. He is recognizing letters as well. He shows me his name written on things. "Eyut Brook" he states proudly.

School remains a great place for him. He adores it. I have started jogging him to school in the stroller and walking the empty stroller home. It totals about 2 miles. I enjoy being with him early in the morning and taking that time before school begins (4 hours, 3 days a week).

He says "Weeeeeee" as we run and he says, "wind, wind!"

Funny things:

Elliot looked at my ear lobes without earrings in--he noted the holes of the piercings. He told me, "Mommy boo boo ear. Mommy ear splinters" and "mommy ears, tiny holes." This kid is SOOO observant.

He constantly refers to family members and friends he has met. Sometimes he just tells me that "Grandpa, Nana are coming. Grandpa, Nana sleeping. Grandpa, Nana home."
Then he repeats these things for his "PK" (his grandmother--James' mom), His Aunt Courtney and Uncle Chris. And my best friend, Tori.
Tori recently had a baby (Nimue). Elliot has met the baby one time but yesterday was whispering, "baby Nimue." in his car seat. His pronunciation is getting so much better.
He understands so many concepts that I thought would take longer:
up
down
heavy
on top
under
behind
two
over
after
fix

Anyhow, there is so much more, but my time is limited for writing for now.
We are having such fun and know there is more in store in that department.

Water bug

2010-04-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Grandpa's magic trick!

2010-04-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more amusing than a champagne cork and a table with the right size hole in it? Add Grandpa to most anything and you get great results!

Some videos that are old and new with (silent films)

2010-03-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

Can't get the sound to work on these! They are sweet nonetheless. Just wish you could hear his laughter and all of his words! UPDATE--WORDS!

Words From the Wise

2010-03-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today Elliot let loose on so many words I cannot list them.
He is using many 2 word sentences too.
The highlights:
"Please"
"thank you"
"Elliot Brooks"
"night-night Mama"

Again, there are so many words. He pretty much says everything he wants to. He counts to 3 and he names shapes. WOW, what a big boy!

Accessorizing

2010-03-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

winnie the...

2010-02-23T19:36:00.000-08:00

pooh. Yes, pooh, but today--the other pooh...POO. In the potty!
Some people don't write about this on a blog. Those people are not me.
This is big news in our home. Elliot has taken potty training to a whole new level! Yay, Little One! Yay.

two

2010-02-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today, my dear Elliot, you are two whole years full of life. There is nothing that I would change about you. You are a boy who feels, and loves, and knows things in your little head that are at times beyond what I, as an adult can grasp.
You are the earth to me, the heavens, you are my heart grown.
I have love for you in every cell of my body, every wrinkle on my face--especially the lines of my smile.
I will tell God each day the joy he has brought. The world is yours. I am yours. Daddy is yours. We have more than the word love for you. You are better than we could ever imagine.
Our son.
Happy Birthday.

Yay for MEEEEE!!!

2010-02-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to mention that as of a week home from Louisiana, Elliot is back (and pretty committed) to doing all his pee-pee on the potty!!!! We are so proud of him!

Almost 2!

2010-01-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

My little baby is now a toddler. We've got the most loving, affectionate little man I could ever imagine. We also have a tough cookie who like a true toddler is testing his limits. Each day is joy and struggle, joy and struggle. Joy for all the running, laughing, playing, joking, kissing, hugging, and my favorite--the resting on Mama.
Lately he's been hugging Mama and Dada's Legs. Just randomly he'll walk over and give a big hug to one of our legs. It is absolutely wonderful. It takes me back to when I hugged my mom and dad on the legs. My dad used to let us stand and sit on his feet and we'd ride as he walked.
That won't be far off for Elliot.
The limit testing takes the shape of crying, screaming, hitting, and demanding. We have a lot of ways to deal with these things, but have yet to find a way to avoid them completely! :) James and I find ourselves much more exhausted these days due to the conflict resolution.
On a bright note, Elliot recently went with us to visit his PK in Baton Rouge. For the most part, he did great on the plane rides. We had such a good time and Elliot proved once again that he can go with the flow and adapt when he needs to. He is my little trooper.
We went to the zoo, the mall playground, the carousel, and to play with two amazing kiddos, William and Suzanne. Needless to say, Elliot had a fantastic time and we have to thank Pam and David for such lovely hospitality. We really enjoyed ourselves.
I must write about what happened at the zoo:
Elliot had already seen all types of birds, giraffes, goats, zebras...you name it. He was a bit tired so he wasn't as enthusiastic as we have seen before--UNTIL...
the OTTERS!
That's right, we were nearly done with the zoo experience when we went into a small room in which one wall is all glass--making up part of the otter's outdoor pond. There was about 2 feet of glass where the visitors could see the otters swimming under water.
The minute the otters dove in to catch their lunch (fish) Elliot began exclaiming, "Ma-moes! Ma-moes!" He was literally running back and forth following the "Ma-moes" and yelling with unadulterated joy. "Maaaa--Mooooeeessss!"'
Everyone in the room had a good laugh.
Later that night at dinner, I looked at Elliot and said, "Did you have fun seeing the otters today?"
Elliot looked me dead in the eyes and actually seemed to CORRECT me by saying,
"Maaa-moes!"
We laughed so hard!
I told Pam that I figured he had seen something that reminded him of otters and that it must have a name similar to "ma-moe."
**sorry, the rest of the post is in a weird font that the blog won't let me change!**
A few days after we got home it was time for Elliot to get sleepy for his nap so I turned on a movie.
Elliot immediately yelled out, "MAAAAA-MOOOOEEEEEE!"
The movie: Finding NEMO.
So apparently "Nemo" is fondly referred to as "Mamoe" by Elliot. I think when he saw the big underwater world and the animals swimming in it, there was only one thing to draw from. Where else has he seen the underwater world from the side, rather than from above? Finding Nemo.
The funny thing is that he knows what a fish is, and knows it's different than an otter (Mamoe). He doesn't call fish, Mamoes--he calls them something I can't pronounce that sounds faintly like "fish."
I've never seen all of Finding Nemo, but maybe there's a cameo of an otter--in the completely wrong waters :) Ha! Or maybe in my child's mind, there is a Mamoe, that looks like an otter, and is unmistakeably, obviously a MAMOE, and we adults are just clueless.

Down Dog!

2010-01-14T19:54:00.001-08:00

Elliot yells, "down dog" and takes position. It's enough to melt his yoga mama's heart.

P.S. notice what's on TV--yikes!

finally getting videos up

2010-01-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

So much holiday cheer!

2009-12-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

I really couldn't be happier this Christmas time. I feel unbelievably thankful for jobs, love, humor, family, friends, and most of all--children. Christmas has never felt so blessed as it does when shared with Elliot. He is still a bit indifferent to the Christmas tree--but at least he's not trying to knock it over or eat it! The light coming from it is really beautiful and when I come downstairs in the middle of the night, to say--put the barking dogs out--the glow is really peaceful.
Here are some recent photos. We went to the Trail of Lights tonight. It was a lot of fun. Elliot was bundled up and I could hardly handle myself from squeezing him too hard because he was a bundle of CUTE!
We are so lucky. We are so blessed. We are so thankful.

Zoo

2009-11-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to the zoo. Elliot loved it--as did Mama and Dada. What an amazing thing it is to connect with animals.
It's hard to believe Elliot will be 2 in February. Also, in some ways it's easy to believe--seems I can barely remember life without him in it.
Today I said to James, "it makes me sad that one day there won't be a tiny person running in the house."
A tiny person has a way of running, with urgency and joy and a bobbing up and down.
Elliot has been saying many new words. I will list a few of them so that when I'm older I'll have them here as I know I'll forget.
-Ribbit
-stinky
-sticker
-arm
-"Snook" (a sloth from a tv show)
-down
-up (with the "p"sound)

there are more--but these are the most recent. Hearing his little voice form these words is adorable. It really melts my heart.
I suspect this Christmas will be the last one that Elliot doesn't have an understanding of. He hasyet to covet gifts as he will as he gets older. For now, gift wrap and bows are still going to go a long way. He is still the best gift I have ever gotten. James and I gave thanks this Thanksgiving, for the most beautiful boy we could ever have imagined.

Halloween

2009-10-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks once again to Elliot's PK for making a PHENOMENAL costume. If it were up to me, Elliot would go dressed in his PJ's as,"a kid who takes great naps." It would be quite a stretch from reality! :)
Elliot should sleep like a rock tonight as he felt very proud of his costume and ran all around showing everyone.

Daddy and son ...and their shared love of cereal and each other

2009-10-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

A boy and his dog

2009-10-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

It's just lovely how affectionate little E is. He LOVES his dogs and he and Linus have a bond that words can't quite describe. Just watch. I ruin it in the end by getting Linus' attention. Poor Elliot looks at me like, "where did my pillow go?"

Where's Elliot?

2009-10-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

Elliot's favorite game. How funny are the feet sticking out of the cabinet?

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-18T20:13:00.001-07:00

Tonight at our Chinese dinner James and I opened fortune cookies that were fortune-less. We agreed that it was a good thing and that we could decide out fate! Pam (James' mom read the remaining fortune and it said, others enjoy your company. We all decided that the most deserved person for that fortune was, who else--Elliot.
We had the most gorgeous day to take E to the pumpkin patch. The best part was the shady maze made from bales of hay. He ran all around and loved watching the older kids playing chase. He went up and over, up and over. As you can see in one photo, Elliot was so happy to make friends with a little boy about 8 months older. Look at the smile Elliot puts on! He is actually unbelievably captivated by children and VERY eager to make friends...even if they aren't. He's a special person.
I painted a little Elmo pumpkin which Elliot ran to and hugged saying, "Elmo!" Oh--and at the pumpkin patch he was so confused when all the orange balls were so heavy and didn't move! That's just confusing! We do so much tossing and kicking of balls at home that he must have thought these were broken.
On the way home from dinner he attempted to say as many words as possible. Reminds me of someone...
My mom did have to buy me the children's book Little Miss Chatter Box when I was quite young. Wonder if they have a Little Mister Blabber Box? I have to tell you, sometimes he is the best conversationalist.

Water!

2009-10-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Cinderella

2009-10-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Play time with Moonie

2009-09-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Naked Time!

2009-09-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

If you are squeamish about cute little baby tooshie, than do not watch this video. Also, if you aren't used to little baby boys and their fascination with ALL parts of their bodies, than prepare to see what I mean.

in love.

2009-08-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

I can barely contain my love for this little person. I have my lips pressed to his face all day long.

30

2009-08-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

On August 14th, I turned 30. It was really amazing. I feel truly loved by family and friends. I have all that I could hope for. Elliot's gifts to me were sloppy kisses and the word, "shoe."
James and I had WAY too much fun with a night filled with sushi and Karaoke!
I think it's obvious in the photo that I'm pretty happy. It's hard not to laugh that hard when you're doing a duet with your husband to Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart. Now I can check that off the list of things to do before I'm 31!

Almost 18 months!

2009-08-12T09:59:00.001-07:00

I love kids

2009-08-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Movie time

2009-08-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Swimming

2009-08-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is Elliot letting me know that he is done with swimming for the day.

Bathing Beauty

2009-08-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

Here's the little water bug in only a swim diaper, aqua socks, and shades. Too funny. He so loves the water.

Sleepy time Elliot

2009-07-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

I love that when little e gets tired he finds a cushion/blanket/carpet and lays down. Each day when I see he's getting too overwhelmed, I can lay him down and he has a 30 minute rest with a sippy and a movie. I now realize that a children's movie allows Elliot to "zone out" and relax enough to get energized for the rest of the day. Without it he is too overstimulated.
We do this because for Elliot, this equals his "second nap." He has only taken one nap since he was about 9 months. It's adroable really. I prop him up with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and one of his favorite drinks and he just AGREES to it! He loves his down time...must be my kid! I'll getg video of this soon. FOr now, here he is telling Mama very clearly, he needs a rest!

dance!

2009-07-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks PK!

2009-07-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Elliot's got some new digs! He's the best dressed kid around thanks to his PK (James' Mom). THANK YOU SO MUCH for making the adorable outfits. More pictures to come...

Swimming--my favorite boys

2009-06-17T20:04:00.001-07:00

What can I say? My heart...

BALL!

2009-06-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

Sweet Pea

2009-06-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

BOY!

2009-05-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

We've had so much fun lately! I always think I'll have time to write and then I don't and I have sooo much I want to report. I mostly like writing down what Elliot is up to because I know time will melt together and I won't remember everything--especially a correct time line of Elliot's life and certain milestones.
Elliot remains the family comedian. He is a ham. He's funny too.
Some ways Elliot makes us laugh:
-putting things his head
-putting fingers in his mouth and pulling them out to make a POP!
-rolling on the floor
-pretending the spoon is feeding cheeks instead of mouth
-saying, "ohhhh" like Mama
-pretending to laugh
-clicking tongue like a clucking chicken
-PRETENDING to be shy!

Things that are soooo sweet:
-Giving hugs by placing his head on your shoulder for a LONG time. He will also give a hug if you ask.
-Kisses if asked or not. Sloppy at times :)
-Hugging his stuffed animals
-hanging on to "Babo" and "Jeero" long after waking from a nap
-Playing/singing/talking alone in crib for up to an HOUR with his animals
-Playing chase
-laying on the floor to "read" his book alone
-carrying books to you, saying "Book????"
-sitting in your lap to read countless books or drink and entire sippy

Words:
Besides the normal Mama, Dada...etc.
-book
-bubble
-cheese
-thunder
-dog
-drink (dink)
-snack
-bye bye

there are more but I can't think of them. He will sometimes mimic a word right after you say it and you are astonished. Then you work for 10 minutes to try to get him to repeat it, but it's gone...only to reappear at a later date.

We are so excited about his signing also. Sometimes he gets frustrated and I tell him that I need him to use his words or signs so that I can help him find what he needs. Most of the time he will say or sign what he's looking for. It's really wonderful when he starts to grunt and yell and James says, "tell me what you need" and Elliot puts his fingers together and places them on his lips. SNACK DADDY!

Hopefully soon we'll get some photos of swim lessons. James takes him every Friday. Elliot loves the water and when we take him to the pool tries to put his head under to let us know he's ready. He goes under now and we push him back and forth. He's a fish. Also, he looks so cute in his gear and aqua socks, the pics must be taken!

Nana, Grandpa and Froggie

2009-05-27T20:28:00.001-07:00

HAT!

2009-05-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Watermelon in May

2009-05-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well, Texas is as hot as ever and we are loving the evenings as the sun goes down. Grandpa bought Elliot a watermelon. He ate 4 slices!

Relaxin'

2009-05-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

Mr. Social

2009-05-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Is this funny or what? Elliot likes to touch people's faces. Some people are happier than others about this fascination. One time I got a baby finger shoved right up my nose. E continues to LOVE music class. There are some other cameos by some sweet babies. Sufyan is my dear friend Ravyn's little boy. Notice the adorable smile he gives to the beloved camera.

Mommy's Day!

2009-05-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers everywhere! It's wonderful to have a day to celebrate moms who work and love so hard. My heart is always more full these days than before we had Elliot in our lives. I feel so much more purpose and an overwhelming capacity to love.
We are officially weaned. It was tough for both Elliot and I--though I think I will miss that bond more than I ever thought I would when I began nursing. It is just so easy to be able to offer exactly what he needs and you know that it will do the trick! I will miss looking down at him like that--and him looking up. He is a toddling boy. We are off to adventures that this new phase will bring. And we are RUNNING to greet them... :)
**Above Elliot is just minutes old. His little foot is covered in ink ready to put his stamp on life.

precious moments

2009-04-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

After music class and a snack, Elliot was "in the zone" as we call it. He usually dazes out and goes into a bit of a post class lull. He uses so much energy during class that he needs to re-boot. I was videoing this lull period and it turned into something else altogether. :)

books, GLORIOUS books!

2009-04-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

Elliot LOVES to read! We spend so much time with books. I especially loves when he brings a books to me, crawls in my lap and lays against me while I read. I remember loving when mom and dad read to me as a kid. There's just something about books...

walking

2009-04-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

Elliot has been walking for a while now. He is getting quite good--changing directions, turning around, etc. Here he is before our bath--still a bit wobbly from sleep.

little boy

2009-04-16T16:01:00.003-07:00

safety first!

2009-03-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

I taught Elliot to get off of furniture safely. It's a great skill to have especially when you like to climb as much as he does. PK asked us to video it because she was so proud of his abilities :).

Music Class

2009-03-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you what a joyous day I had today. I just can't put it into words. Here is a small snippet of Elliot at music class. He is dance. He is music. He is LOVE. A huge thanks to Ravyn (Sufyan's Mama--you'll see them in the video) for telling us about this great program!

P.S. Check out the kid that pushes Elliot on the back and then lifts his shirt to show his belly. For those of you who are in my age group, you will recognize this as, "O'doyle RULZ!"

Lunch fun

2009-03-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Elliot is making the sign for "more" in this video. The funny thing is that he signs it when I say "more," not when he wants more of something. He knows it matches the word, but has not grasped the concept of more.
He also makes us laugh with his fake chewing or "gobbling."
Sometimes our meals seem to take hours. We use this time for lots of play, learning, talking, and
oh

yes, some eating too.

this picture made me laugh so hard my sides hurt

2009-03-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

His other tooth finally broke through (in the corner) today after months!

kisses

2009-03-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

This video doesn't show it too well but Elliot is kissing EVERYTHING. It's the best.

Mirror, Mirror...

2009-03-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

This video is from about a month ago (right before Elliot's 1st birthday). He gets a kick out of mirrors, as I'm sure most babies his age do.

Almost 13 months!

2009-03-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

We are having a ball! There is so much to write! Elliot is a one year old with places to go and people to see. He is so social and just loves to stare and smile at strangers. Today we went to the park and rode the train. It was great to have the wind in our hair. Elliot loves to study the pebbles and attempts to taste test them quite frequently. I am told he will grow out of this...I can't wait.
He is really doing a lot of mimicking and definitely has words for things. After saying "dog" correctly twice, he has decided on either, "daaaaaahhh" or "god." That makes me laugh. I was trying to get him to say the g and now he says it at the beginning instead of the end!
He gives kisses, which MELTS MY HEART. You ask for a kiss and if you're lucky you get one--sometimes a wet one.
I find he is much more accepting of things dealing with sleep. We have more routine--though that's not to be confused with a schedule. We do things routinely, but not at the same time. I wish we could have more of this "schedule" but for now we play things by ear. Planning ahead of time is unheard of.
Yesterday James and I were impersonating Ed McMahon (had to look up the spelling) by saying, "Hay, Ohhh!" And Elliot says "aaaaa ooooo!" It was awesome!
I know I won't remember everything he does so I must go into a bit of list mode in order to get it down.

He CLIMBS! The fireplace is no longer safe. He was playing quietly with toys (standing at the fireplace) and I look away for one second and he is almost IN the fireplace. Yep, better come up with something here to "baby proof" for a true adventurer.
At least he knows, "feet first." My friend told me this phrase and after about and hour of working with Elliot, he now turns himself around on his belly and puts his feet to the floor when getting off of things. It's brilliant! He can now go up and down stairs quite well--not that we'd leave him alone to take that adventure.
He carries around my small lotion jars and fills them with whatever will fit. Today he stuffed one with toilet paper and handed it to me. I swear, it was like he sculpted a work of art, I was so proud.
He loves people. He knows when the attention is on him and he basks in it.
He loves to feed his finger foods to other people--and dogs (which we put a stop to when we realized Linus was getting fed about half of Elliot's meal on the sly). Those two are still best friends. I think Linus would save Elliot from a burning building, Lassie style. They are truly a sight.
Elliot loves to talk to himself and when he gets in his crib at night, talks for about 10-15 minutes. It's as if he's telling a story or holding a conference with his stuffed animals.
Babo and Jeero are his two favorite little stuffed monsters. Elliot loves to kiss them and to hold them to your face to kiss too. He is holding them, one in each hand EVERY time I go in to get him. He plays with them, making them bounce and dance.
Something miraculous is that now Elliot gently pushes out of my arms after we've cuddled so he can GET INTO HIS CRIB!!!! What?! This is fantastic!
He is so independent too, wanting to get down and explore everything.
Water remains a favorite. He loves the tub and shower. I know this summer will be so much fun.
I look back at this time last year. Elliot was about 3 weeks old. His eyes were always blue, his hair had yet to curl. He was aware, but helpless. We were both adjusting to our new world. I feel so comfortable now. It's like I've known him all my life.

What a ham!

2009-03-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

2009-03-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

Elliot, Liz, Ravyn, Sufyan

2009-03-06T20:08:00.000-08:00