The Ginger Haired Man

Lately we’ve been singing “run, run, as fast as you can.  You can’t catch me I’m the ginger haired man!” and that is exactly how we feel about Elijah’s rapid growth and development.  He is now 21 months going on 21 years!  This little guy is the funniest, loving-est, opinionated crazy toddler around and his vocabulary and physical skills are multiplying daily.

This big boy is a master at climbing the ladder to the slide to slide down on his own and this mommy holds her breath while watching!

He’s just beginning to ride the famous swing at Gram and Deda’s, too!  It’s great fun (and moderately dangerous!)

Elijah has so much to say all the time.  We have noticed that if we really pay attention to his babbles that he really says so much more than we otherwise notice.  The other day I even had a real, complete conversation with him.  Our favorite things to hear him say right now (other than Mama or Daddy, of course) are “I try” because it is always after we show Josiah something and he wants to be big too, “tractor” because is just sounds so darn cute, and “some, some, some” because he says it repetitively when he wants something and it reminds us of the sea gulls on “Finding Nemo”.  He also likes to sing his favorite song, “Ho Ho Ho Hosanna!…”  It is the first song he has “sung”.  Very cute.

This face may betray it, but Elijah loves walking through the tree branches and feeling them on his head.  It makes him laugh and makes me cringe as I worry about his face and eyes!

His “cheese” face!

So, so handsome!

Speaking of wanting to try things after we show Josiah how, Elijah loves to mimic Josiah.  If Josiah does something to gain even a small amount of attention, or even if he just likes what he sees, Elijah will try it, and often master it right away.  So far it hasn’t annoyed Josiah, unless it it involves sharing the same toy, but I’m sure that day is not far off.  I love watching them when Josiah really gets into it and starts engaging Elijah showing him and teaching him things.  Elijah soaks it up.  It is so crazy to see our little man sitting patiently on Josiah’s bike just waiting to grow into it.

I was out walking around our property with the boys and sat down to take a break while they played around.  My sweet Elijah came and positioned himself right next to me like a friendly companion.

Elijah also loves to “help”.  Again, this is something he has picked up from Josiah.  He’s excellent at throwing things away and picking up when he wants to, but his favorite, by far, is pulling up a chair to help in the kitchen.  Lucky me.  He’s actually pretty good about not touching things too much, but I have to say my sugar bowl has not survived this new passion.  He’s also decided it is his personal job to carry their lunchboxes to and from his sitter’s house.  He calls out, “bag, bag” until I give them to him.  It’s not too big of a deal in the evenings when they are light and empty and his toy is in the diaper bag, but in the mornings when they are heavy and he insists on carrying his toy too, then it is pretty funny to watch his struggle.  I feel bad not helping, but to help is to cause a tantrum!

Playing in the cabinets and loving on Lilah have remained two of his favorites.

Though it was not on my radar yet, Elijah has begun the potty training process.   I haven’t taken it past his natural interest, but he’s peeing in the potty every night before bath time and pretty much any other time we put him on it.  Maybe after Christmas and New Year’s we’ll do some real training, though I’m not sure I’m ready yet!

Sleeping pictures are too sweet to pass up!

Little stinker!  I made a huge batch of Chex Mix for Christmas that covered all my countertops to cool.  This little man helped himself.  Baking day was a good day for him!

I’m not sure if it is natural or if he learned it from Josiah, but he has a big love for anything with wheels!

Peek-a-boo!

Elijah is a very loving little guy that gives hugs spontaneously and frequently.  His hugs are tight, exuberant, and often repetitive.  He’s so darn cute and sweet!  Elijah has always had a definite love for his daddy, but here lately Jacob has hung the moon in his world.  He is always so sad to see Jacob go and clings to him when he’s around.  Jacob is smitten, too.

What can I say?  He loves his belly button.

Our sweet little baby is growing into a sweet little boy and I can’t believe that his second birthday is just around the corner.  His smile just melts our hearts and brightens our days.  He keeps us laughing even while keeping us scratching our heads to try to figure out how to guide his strong personality.  We are delighted he is in our lives everyday and we look forward to seeing what his future holds.

Love him!