Eli,
I don't know how these months fly by as fast as they do. This was yet another whirlwind month. It all began quiet enough; just a couple of laid back weeks, spending time at home. Every few days I had to clean the house frantically for a showing, but most days were just spent playing with you.
This month, you have started to talk a little. "Ball" and "Dog" are your most used words. "Moh" (more) has come into play, too, when you aren't done eating. You also say "Dah" when you are done eating. I can't quite figure out if it's "Done," or "Down." But it works, either way.
You've also used "Mama" to get my attention, which made me so happy. I'd placed you in your crib after changing your diaper (so that I could dispose of the evidence, so to speak) and as I walked around the corner I heard you yell "Mama, Mama, Mama!" I peeked my head out to see a great big smile on your face. It was darn near the sweetest thing I've ever seen you do...
You've started to really notice when the camera is on you. This morning, I grabbed my phone to take a picture. When the flash lit up, so did you. It was hilarious, the way you straightened up and smiled. You are my little ham. I guess that's only natural when you've grown up with the camera in your face. We even managed to get one decent picture while you sat on Santa's lap!
I've noticed you doing a trick that I did when I was younger. After a long day, you like to clean out the stuff between your toes. If you ask anyone who knew me as a child, you'd know that I was notorious for cleaning out the "fuzzies." The first time I saw you do that, I almost died. Now, anytime your toes are free, you're picking at them. I am so proud of you, Eli.
You passed another major milestone this month - your first plane ride. I remember flying before having you, being annoyed by all of the screaming kids on the plane. I was terrified that I would be that parent on board, doing my best to entertain you while you annoyed all of the other passengers around us. I had geared myself up for the worst. I was ready to take that walk of shame as we deboarded, all of the sneers and eyes rolling at us. During that hour and a half flight, you amazed me. You sat in our laps fairly quietly. Never cried, only grunted when you were ready to move onto something new. You grabbed your ears a few times, but they never really seemed to bother you. The return flight was just about as easy, though you were pretty tired, towards the end, so you got a little fussy. Still, I was so proud of my little man.
While we were back in KC, you had a lot of fun seeing your family. It was a much different experience than this time last year. You warmed up to your Grandma Baker pretty quickly, which made her very happy. I think you recognized her apartment, which made the transition a little easier.
We spent Christmas eve and Christmas morning with the Wright side of the family. It was great to see everyone again, since we spent Thanksgiving with them. We even went to visit the McBrides - who you saw in July. You entertained them while you played with their Lincoln Logs, taking them out of the canister, and placing them back - over and over and over again.
Christmas afternoon, we braved the roads (there was a blizzard the evening before!) and headed to Abilene, where you got to see daddy's side of the family. You had a lot of fun playing with your cousins Kasey and Sean, and joking around with your Papa Po. You even tried some of Mama Jo's pumpkin pie. I was very skeptical when Daddy raised the fork to your mouth. you LOVED it, and wouldn't let Daddy eat any more of his pie - you wanted it all to yourself!
While our time in Kansas was short, and you seemed to really enjoy being around everyone, I think you were glad to be home. You received so many nice gifts, Daddy and I decided that it's probably a good thing we live so far away. Otherwise you'd be incredibly spoiled. I can't wait until we get into the new house, where you'll have plenty of room to play with them all.
A couple of days after arriving back in Indiana, we celebrated New Years Eve by staying at home and having our own little family Christmas. By the time we gave you your gifts from us, you'd mastered tearing into them. You received your first set of Duplo Legos, which I think Daddy was most excited about. Just a couple more years and you'll be able to play with the big boy Legos; Daddy can't wait!
Before I know it, I'll be writing next month's letter. I wish time would slow down a little, but I know it will only fly by faster and faster with each day. So, I guess I'll just sit back and enjoy watching you grow.
Love,
Mommy
