A Two Year Old

I am Mama to a 2 year old. I've loved all of Eli's stages (and each one has been my favorite!), but this is...you guessed it...my favorite!!! Seriously, I was made to parent this age because I Love To Play! He and I have such a relationship now. He interacts so well. His level of understanding made a big leap once he turned the big TWO. He says everything, but still calls his milk "bodee," even though he can finally say milk. Still has his pacifier (a.k.a "pappy"). He's not a picky eater he just doesn't eat much these days. He's obsessed with tractors and will tell strangers at the grocery store that "the backhoes broken" (it really is) and that "Papa fix it" (which may or may not happen. My Dad has a backhoe and Eli misses the days when it worked and he could ride along. Eli loves Elmo and Thomas the Train and getting read to (yay for his book loving Mama!). We go to parks often as well as schedule play dates. Rob and I are trying to be super intentional about his childhood. We like to give him adventure and new experiences. It's sometimes more fun for us! Big sis, Emily, started highschool and she's loving it. Everytime we drive past her school Eli shouts, "there Ebbie school!" Eli has taken a special liking to Em's friend Reagan, its so cute to watch him when she's around. He shows off, acts silly, and always brings her toys and books to play and read with him. He has spent the night multiple times at both Grandparents and once at Uncle Nate's and Auntie Monica's. Rob and I even went out of town in August to Lake of the Ozarks for the weekend and left Eli for the first time! This is such a fun age. Sometimes he hits or throws a fit, but I know that is normal at this age...overall he continues to be a sweet and social boy who can share and has good manners (please, thank you and even bless you when you sneeze!). I'm thankful to be able to spend so much time with him. My intention is to be present and enjoy each day for the gift that it is. I'm imperfect, but I give him my best and I won't have any regrets when I'm sitting in that rocking chair as an old woman (the Lord willing) looking backwards upon my life at my most important role...Mama.

The Words You Speak

The first word you comprehended was hot. You could say it and understand what it meant. Grandma and Grandpa J taught you hot to keep you away from their wood burning stove. Somehow from that you knew the dryer was hot. When you see the steam from our steamer you call that hot, too! The smoke from our outdoor wood boiler also causes you to yell, hot! Its impressive to watch you discover all on your own. You can say this and that...and as of this week Bobbie and Robbie! :) I taught you baby from one of your picture books and everytime you see a baby picture of yourself around the house you proclaim with certainty..."baby!" You're finally calling me Mama which of course is my favorite word that you say! But, even better...you started saying my Mama. Love that! You chatter all day in your own language, you definitely know what you mean and all of us that spend time with you talk back to you as if we know what you're saying. Though your vocabulary is small, you do know what most things are. You know which dog is Molly and which is Roxy. You know all your farm animals and can bring them to me when I ask for each by name. You know what a book is and when I ask you to put it back on the bookshelf you easily comply. You like to take my car keys and pretend to put them in the ignition of your 4wheeler! You know truck, tractor, wagon. You know sled and outside. When we say outside you go to the closet and pull out your coat and boots. You help Mama feed the dogs each morning. You are responsible for putting their food in the bowls. I give the dogs their bowls because for some reason you get really angry during this part. You just want to walk around with the dishes, not actually feeding the dogs! I'm working on this. You get in trouble daily for standing on chairs. You're a very careful boy...even in your recklessness. Your motor skills have been outstanding for so long. You have incredible balance. I foresee stunts in your future and I'm sure I'll be freaked out! My favorite thing to do with you is play barn farm. I made that up. I think I always wanted that red barn when I was a child...definitely making up for lost time! Daddy's favorite is taking you on outside adventures and playing with your mega blocks. You are comic relief, you are sunshine no matter the weather outside. We are blessed to get to be with you each day. We love you, son.

Snow Baby

Snow Baby
The cool winter air could easily keep me inside. One look at my baby and I'm called to give him an adventure. He gets one childhood ... and we're in it. I desire to give him moments. My heart says these moments are for Mama-too. I bundle us up in our winter gear. He stands at the door with a full smile. I said the word sled...he knows this word. Out we go. He sits patiently as I strap him in. He's only patient when he likes what's coming next. I pull him through the snow. We zip all around the yard. I'm surprised at how much effort this takes! It would have been easy to stay inside and skip this cold and strenuous activity. One look at my happy and seemingly warm baby makes my heart flutter. He will always be more important than my comfort. I want to remember this time...I want to remember to continue to choose him. I'm so grateful for the perspective this child brings.