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February 27, 2008
Eli is Two!
Dearest Eli,
Today, two years ago, you came into our lives, at first hesitant to enter the world, but eventually bursting into the scene at breakneck speed. It was such a strange day, as I had worked so hard to keep you in and safe while on bedrest, and ultimately we had to coax you out.
The funny thing is, that slow/fast nature still describes you perfectly.
You have many moments of deep contemplation and obvious seriousness. You can sit down and build cars and towers for long stretches of time, as well as watch a movie (you got that from your father). But. You can turn on a dime, going from independent "I don't care about anything but this tower" boy to instant clingy, crying, tantrum boy. I say this with love, obviously, but wow. When you want something from us, you want it yesterday. One second is not fast enough to respond to your requests.
You are talking up a storm, throwing sentences around with cuteness and ease. You can say things like, "Go away, Mama!"
"Gus hit me!"
"Papa is cooking pancakes."
"Help me, Mama!"
Along with all the words, you've counted to three, you're signing a lot (more, open, apple, flower, WAIT, shoes, cake, bear...to name a few), and you're so polite, even in the midst of a tantrum, always thanking us for what we do to help you out.
When you can't describe what you want verbally, you basically have me pick you up and you lean in the direction you want me to go in (like I'm a Segway for you to drive). And wow, you always know what you want. Immediately. We are way too slow for your liking.
And with Gus... wow, you two are pals. It's amazing to watch, and so sweet, to see how kind and thoughtful you are with each other. Don't get me wrong, you both have your moments with each other, and there have been many a wrestling move, but by and large you are having a blast together. I know know that whatever I buy, I need to buy two of.
Eli, you're tall, too...but you wouldn't know it since Gus is growing even faster and is now in 5T pants and you have inherited some of his 3T pants.
We had a small and intimate birthday party for you on Sunday. I had the idea to have you open presents before we had cupcakes, so that you and our friends would have some fun things to play with. I then had the brilliant idea of singing happy birthday to you before you opened gifts. I had no idea that that singular act would disrupt the universal understanding of birthdays so much. After we sang to you, we encouraged you to open gifts. You did so with much hesitation, continuing to look around and signing 'cake'. You know, already at your sweet young age, that "Happy Birthday" is always followed with a candle and blowing and yummy cake-eating, and I had thrown a confusing wrench in the situation. We obviously cut to the chase and got right to the cake.
Eli, we love you so much and are so thankful for your spirit, your obvious compassion, your sense of humor (you already tell your own kind of jokes) and your snuggles. Here's to a new year that is sure to be full of many exciting things.
Happy Birthday to us!
Posted by janna at February 27, 2008 12:50 AM
Comments
Happy, Happy Birthday, Eli! We thought about you all weekend long and talked about how important you are to your family. We were looking at pictures of you and your family and we were amazed at how you have changed. I personally still think you are a clone of your Grandpa Bruce(and your mama), but your Uncle Ken says he sees your daddy in your face sometimes. We both see some of Gus in there as well. We hope you had a wonderful weekend and a very happy birthday. We love you all tons!
Posted by: Aunt Deb at February 27, 2008 09:58 AM