happy birthday, eli!

eli is 2.

he loves oreo's...just like uncle bubby!

proud hitter!

eli is ringing in a new year in style! let me explain...

there really isn't much to it. he's into e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

it's a good thing i'm currently reading a book that is encouraging me to hunt for things i love (and see them as God's gifts), 1,000 things to be exact (i'm keeping a journal). so instead of telling you that my boy is driving me crazy by making my life twice as hard (having to clean up after him), i'll share the joy...

just in the last two days...

1. i put the toilet paper holder in the sink while i mopped the kitchen floor. eli used it as an opportunity to do an experiment. what happens when toilet paper gets wet? i love that eli is using his mind to test and learn about the world around him.

2. eli got on the very tip of his tip toes to reach my zipped knitting bag. he unravelled hours of work. i love that my boy is healthy and growing strong and tall.

3. eli took handfuls of rocks from the fireplace and spread them around the freshly vacuumed living room. i love that his five fingers work in sync.

4. last night eli kept roofus company while roofus ate dinner. afterward, eli's arms were wet up to his elbows (when i found him). this morning eli put his beloved "ba-boo" into roofus's nasty water bowl. eli "shares" his meals with roofus too. i love that eli cares about and shares in the happiness of others, even the dog.

5. when eli comes up to me and says "tank you" while tapping me with a book, i know it's one of two books. interestingly, they were ava's favorites too. this means i've read them A LOT. i love that eli loves to read (and snuggle with me).

not every moment is a trial (oops, i mean "a gift"!)

putting eli to bed/nap is precious....and not just because i'm about to have a break :)

i love our duets.

eli, you are a joy. even (and especially) when you are getting into mischief, you are so smily and happy-go-lucky. my heart swells with love for you!! happy birthday!!