2 years ago today.....

....I went from looking like this:

To finally experiencing this:

At 8:05am our Eli turned TWO years old! So much has happened in his development from age 1 to age 2 that it is amazing what a little person he is now days. I think I'm going to really like the age of 2 as he is so much fun with his little personality and all! I know each age has their "pros" & "cons" so we'll see what this upcoming year holds for us. As I was looking at Eli tonight while we were using his Tag Junior, I couldn't imagine what our life was like BEFORE him. His handsome brown eyes, heart melting smile, and a laugh that makes everyone say "I love his laugh!" just get to me everyday! I am truly blessed. I thought I would compile a list of his accomplishments, firsts, and even some not so great moments. Enjoy!

This year, Eli experienced his first.....

-dentist appointment (NOT fun)

-royals game

-steps

-time running

-time dancing

-time jumping

-time climbing on & off mommy & daddy's bed

-words

-phrases

-visit to a pumpkin patch

-time sitting at booster seat at table

-haircut

-tantrum

-time sitting on Santa's lap

-poop on the potty

-time visiting the zoo

-time visiting a farmstead

-time visiting a children's education center

-time visiting nature center

-time coloring

-time playing with stickers

-jumping on the couch

-climbing on couch, table, chairs, ANYTHING

-Easter egg hunt

-time on Grandpa's sailboat

-time with Roseola

-swim lessons

-freckles

-time seeing live fireworks display

Eli's other accomplishments...

-improved eating

-up 3 shoe sizes

-got 14 new teeth (up to 20 now!)

-identifies letters, numbers to 10 and some teens, colors, & shapes

-grew taller but only gained about 3-4 lbs.

-knows body parts

-knows name & calls self by name

-enjoys independent play

-can turn toys on & off

-uses utensils to eat more often

-opens and closes doors

-knows how to wash hands

-can pet kitties gentle

-likes to help clean

-can buckle

-knows some opposites: big/tiny, loud/quiet

-mimicks

Eli....

-loves to give kisses, hugs, & high fives

-still sometimes bites, scratches, & pinches

-laughs a lot and has several types of laughs

-is sensitive to other people's emotions, especially sadness

-loves to take walks around neighborhood pushing his stroller

-is an active nursing toddler

-understands naps & night-time

-loves going to parks to swing, slides, and most important, to explore!

-doesn’t like messes or being messy

-likes to throws things (balls, food, anything really!)

-loves to play with all types of balls, soccer being a current favorite!

-goes through phases of "favorites" (books, t.v. shows, toys, etc.)

-acquires many boo-boos

-acts out if you are on phone

-likes "grown up" songs like "Boom Boom Pow"

-favorite show is "Yo Gabba Gabba"

-is our little “I spy” guy everywhere we go!

-loves: sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and playing drums

-needs to be given choices

-wants to please his mommy & daddy

-is proud of his accomplishments

-must be engaged at all times in an activity or becomes bored easily

-needs a variety of activities to keep brain alert

-is very loving

-is very curious & exploratory

-can be emotional

-has a great sense of humor already

-is very social and loves his friends & family

Last year (not walking yet!):

Now a big boy TWO!:

And in closing, a little John Lennon:

Close your eyes,
Have no fear,
The monsters gone,
He's on the run and your (mommy &) daddy's here,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Before you go to sleep,
Say a little prayer,
Every day in every way,
It's getting better and better,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Out on the ocean sailing away,
I can hardly wait,
To see you to come of age,
But I guess we'll both,
Just have to be patient,
Yes it's a long way to go,
But in the meantime,

Before you cross the street,
Take my hand,
Life is just what happens to you,
While your busy making other plans,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,
Darling,
Darling,
Darling Eli.

You are truly my beautiful boy, Eli!