Three and a Half.

Eli,

For the past month or so, any time someone asked how old you are, you’d reply “I’m Three and a Half!” with such gusto. And now, you truly are Three and a Half. I cannot believe it.


I really thought that by the time you turned Three and a Half, your baby brother would be here. But he’s turning out to be more like you than I thought. He’s still hanging out in my belly - and you’re beginning to wonder if he’ll ever come out. You asked me one day how he is going to come out of my belly, and I couldn’t think of a way to explain it to you - but before I could open my mouth, you asked, “Will they put a rope down your mouth to pull him out?!” I have no clue where that came from, but I LOVE the way you think, buddy.




This month, we’ve spent a lot of time counting. You count everything, over and over and over again. You love to read numbers off of signs and papers and the tv. You have mastered counting to 100, after just a couple of days of help from Mommy (and even then, only with the tens). I guess I don’t really know what to expect from a Three and a Half year old, but you continue to blow me away with everything you pick up, and how you pick it up so quickly.




You are also still very into spelling words. If we aren’t counting, we’re spelling. You’ve added a lot of words to your list of words you can spell this month, so many that I am not sure I could list them all here. You really test both Mommy and Daddy’s spelling abilities, because you’re constantly asking us how words are spelled...

Last month, we started the potty training process. It wasn’t going well, until all of a sudden! You went potty!! And then, you didn’t. One night, you decided that you wanted to go sit on the potty. So, Daddy took you in there, and I sat outside listening. I thought I heard that tell-tale noise,and then I heard you say, I did it!! We all were so excited, and you earned a prize (Squinkies! yay!). You did it a couple of more times that weekend, and I thought we had turned a corner in the whole process. But, Then, You just decided you weren’t going to do it again. It probably doesn’t help that I’m 9 months pregnant, either, because I can’t sit on the floor with you and wait and I’m just too tired to worry about it now. I am not sure when we’ll finally get it, but it has to be sometime before August, when you start preschool!





We were lucky enough to have visitors this month! Your cousin Gracie had a volleyball tournament here in Indianapolis, so she and Aunt Kelly were able to come and spend a little bit of time with us while they were here. We even headed downtown one morning to watch Gracie play! There is nothing I love more than watching you interact with your family. Those moments are too few and far between. We have to learn to cherish them when they do come...




We took you to your first official Easter Egg Hunt this year. You were so excited to go find your 10 eggs in our neighborhood park. You just couldn't wait to go pick them up and put them in your basket - until it was time to go. When they yelled "Go" you lost it. You just kept repeating, "I don't wanttttt toooooo," until we explained there would be candy involved. Then, you couldn't find your 10 eggs fast enough.

Well, Buster, This is definitely the last letter I will write you before Baby Brother joins us. These last few days are very bittersweet for Daddy and I. We are so excited to meet Baby Brother - and for you to finally meet him. But, I am also kind of sad, because soon our days will change, and it will no longer be the two of us. It will be hard at first, and it worries me how you’ll handle it (although, I am sure you’ll handle it like every other change you’ve encountered - like a champ). I just want you to know how special you are to me (and Daddy, too), and just how much I love you. There are no words to show just how proud I am of you. You will always be my baby, Eli. No matter how old, or how big you get.




I love you forever and ever,
Mommy

3 years 5 months

Eli,

This could be the last letter I write you when it’s just the three of us. The odds of that are slim, but it could just be that I write your 3 and a half year letter while at the hospital with your baby brother. I can’t believe that it’s getting so close, and that our days as family of three are numbered.

This month started out with us introducing the potty to you. We’ve ditched the diapers, but are now stuck on pull-ups. The first week or so, we did great sitting on the potty. You’ve yet to actually GO on the potty. I’ve tried a few different tricks (the biggest being bribery with new Squinkies), but to no avail. I know it will happen when you are ready, but I am ready now. So, yesterday I made a deal with you. When you do go potty like a big boy, we’ll throw a potty party - complete with cupcakes. That seemed to really get you excited. Hopefully now that things will die down again before your brother arrives, we can really focus on getting you to relax and just do it!

(I'll refrain from posting the cutest picture EVER of you sitting on the potty. We'll just keep that to ourselves. Until you meet someone and decide to settle down. Then, I'm busting it out and blowing it up - poster size.)

One afternoon, you watched Star Wars (Episode IV) with Daddy. It wasn’t the first time you’ve seen it, but you really paid attention this time. Since that time, you’ve had many “sword fights” with Darth Vader. It’s hilarious, because you will just start swinging your sword around and stop and let me know that you’re hitting Darth Vader. He seemed to really make an impression on you.




You’ve been REALLY into letters and numbers this month. You’ve started recognizing words, starting with ON and OFF (which you learned on your little computer). You get SO excited when you see a word you know anywhere - even if it’s just part of the word you see. Like OFFice. It makes me laugh every time. We’ve added IN, OUT, BIG, and BOOKS to your list of words you recognize. You also know how to spell your name, and are always curious as to what letter a word starts with. We play that game a lot, and many times I run out of words that start with...




One morning, Daddy had you in front of the fridge with your letter magnets. He helped you spell the word “Books” out. You read it out loud, and then stated “Wait. We need A LOT of books” and you added a couple of extra letters. It was too clever, and incredibly cute. You’re just too smart.




The biggest thing to happen this month is your room transformation. We painted both yours and Baby Brother’s rooms over the past couple of weeks, and we moved you out of the crib and into your big boy bed. Ever since I showed you the picture online of what it looked like, you’ve been SO excited to be able to have it all to yourself. After much work on Daddy’s part, we finally got it up this weekend. You’ve taken to it like a champ! That first climb into bed kinda broke my heart a little bit, because we’ve been putting you in bed every night since you were born. But, you’re a big boy now and you put yourself to bed. You’ve slept great in it; I’m so proud of you.




I love you forever and ever,
Mommy (That starts with "M")

3 Years 4 Months

Eli,

Wow. What a whirlwind of a month!

Daddy and I have decided that it’s time to move you into a big boy bed. We haven’t bought one yet, because we are natural procrastinators. In fact, if it weren’t for your Baby Bro’s impending arrival, we’d probably keep putting it off. Because you like your bed. And because Daddy and I are spoiled by the fact that you’re still contained - and have never once complained or tried to get out.




We’ve had lots of outings this month - mostly geared around you. One of your favorites was going to Monkey Joe’s - a place where there are tons of bounce houses. You could spend all day running back and forth between them all. You had a blast. It’s so nice to know that there are places like this around during the winter, because you definitely need a place to burn off all of the energy you have. We spent all day at the house yesterday, and you spent an hour in the evening literally running around in circles (and that’s after spending over an hour in the basement playing!)




Speaking of the Basement - we’ve been spending lots of time down there this month. Most of the time we’re down there, you’re riding your tricycle. You’ve seriously mastered that thing. You go so fast, it kinda freaks me out. But watching you ride it still makes me smile, and it won’t be long until we’re able to take it outside and ride it to the park (I hope).



Over the past few weeks, Indianapolis has been celebrating all things Super Bowl. This is the first time in my life I’ve ever been This close to something so spectacular. We decided to head downtown to see what all of the hub-bub was about. Of course, we picked the coldest day of the week to take you down, but we were still able to get a photo of our little family in front of the XLVI down on Monument Circle. Maybe Indy will have the opportunity to host another one a few years down the line. I bet you’ll have a blast doing all of the activities then...




You’ve had to accompany me to my past few doctor’s appointments. I think it actually helps you understand that this is real, we’re going to have a baby soon. You’ve done so well while we’re there, you’re growing up so much. You have asked me a few times why your little brother isn’t here yet. I just respond with “he’s still growing in my belly, getting stronger.” That usually works, and you’re off to play again.




Today, I decided that it’s time to start introducing the potty to you. We’re going to take it slow, because I don’t want to rush it too much, but I am ready. So far, we’re just sitting on it. Practicing. Hopefully you’ll take to it soon, and you’ll be more open to trying to go potty. But, for now, sitting on it is a start.

So many changes happening this month, and so far, you are handling them all just fine. I’m so proud of you, little man.

Love you,
Mommy

3 Years 3 Months

Eli,

You’ll learn as you get older that December is a crazy month. Shopping, decorating, baking, visiting, traveling. Busy. Crazy. It’s the most wonderful time of the year...

We took you to see your first movie in a theater this month. We’ve held off on it, because we just weren’t sure how things would go - but The Muppets came out and I just HAD to see it. It seemed like the perfect first movie for you, so we did it. We went to the first showing of the day. The previews kind of freaked you out, but once they were over and the Toy Story short was on, you were good. You loved snacking on the popcorn and jelly beans. You did a decent job of staying in your seat (for a 3 year old) and you really enjoyed the movie.

We took you to see Santa Claus again this year - and you handled it much better than you did last year, but not much. It took both Daddy and I getting up there on either side of Santa for you to even consider getting close to him. Luckily, we were the only ones there at the time, so we were able to take our time and let you warm up to the idea of sitting on a strange dude’s lap.

I'd say that one of your favorite gifts from Santa this year was your "Little Computer." You've loved having your own little electronic device to play with - one that I don't feel completely guilty about you playing with, either. At least while you're playing, you're learning something... Of course, we definitely limit your time with it, and I don't allow you to just sit around and play it. I am sure it will come in handy when we're in the hospital with the baby, though, because you'd play it all day if we'd let you.

After celebrating our own little family Christmas in our house, we loaded up the van and headed to Kansas City to spend some time with Mommy’s side of the family. We stayed with Aunt Kelly again, which you enjoyed VERY much. You’ve got the biggest crush on your cousin Gracie. It’s a good thing we know she’ll be visiting soon, because you may go through Gracie withdrawals.

After Kansas City, we drove to Abilene to spend time with Daddy’s side of the family. It was the first time you saw your Aunts since August. It definitely took you a few minutes to warm up to them again. You loved having your other cousins around to play with too - especially when Kasey let you watch her play Angry Birds.

The weather was so nice while we were back - a couple of days the temperature reached the 60’s. We took advantage of it and walked to the park a few times. Mommy enjoyed it just as much as you did - because WHOA did I need the exercise after all of the food we ate!

This Christmas we gave you a tricycle - but it wasn’t just ANY tricycle... it was the one that I grew up riding. My parents probably bought it for me in 1984 - the year we moved into the house that I grew up in. It’s been through a lot - including the fire at your Uncle Gary’s house - but it came through and now you’re able to ride it. Watching you ride it around your Mama Jo and Papa Po’s garage for the first time was such an amazing moment for me. It’s a link back to my past. A way for you to forever be connected to those memories of mine riding in my own garage and driveway, with my parents watching on. It connects you to them in a very tangible way. A memory I will forever cherish.

Just a couple of days ago I had you put your hand on my belly while your baby brother was doing lots of moving around. Your hand was right on top of a huge kick, so I asked if you felt it. Your eyes were pretty huge when you replied, “Yes!” When Daddy told you that it was a baby in my belly - your Baby Brother - you started jumping around the room saying, “My Baby Brother?!?!! I Just Can’t Believe It!!” over and over again. It was the first time you really acknowledged the fact that mommy has a baby in her belly. I was so relieved at that reaction - and you had a huge smile on your face when I had you feel him moving around again tonight. You’re going to LOVE being a big brother, Eli. You’re going to rock it.

I love you, little man.
Mommy

3 Years, 2 Months

Eli,

We’ve had lots of major things happen to our little family this month! First, Mommy and Daddy decided it was time to get a Mini-van. It wasn’t a decision that we came to lightly. I have always been very anti-mini-vans. But with adding another little one to the family, it just made sense. So, we did a little research and decided to go ahead and do it. We drove it home for Thanksgiving, and man, was it nice! So much room, we can comfortably carry everyone with us. I can’t believe how much I love this thing!

We were able to spend a whole week back home with family for Thanksgiving. We drove straight to Mama Jo and Papa Po’s house and spent a few days there. You loved everything about being there. You helped Mama Jo make pie. Papa Po tickled you and ate your ears. He even put you to work! You still ask me where Mama Jo and Papa Po's house is... You can't wait to go back for Christmas.

We spent Thanksgiving Day with Aunt Kelly, and we ate a lot of food. After fully stuffing ourselves, we took you to see the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. It’s a Kansas City Tradition that I absolutely love, and I was just certain that you’d love it too. Boy, was I wrong. The whole evening turned out to be a disaster. You had fallen asleep on the car ride down there, and you woke up grumpy. We learned quickly that grumpy Eli does not care too much for crowds or loud noises. Daddy ended up taking you off to the side, out of the crowd to try to calm you down, while I stayed with Aunt Kelly (that’s a whole other story). We eventually all met up again after the lights came on, the fireworks ended, and the crowds thinned out. You were pretty happy at that point, so we walked around for a few minutes to take in the sights. Next time? We’ll stand on a side street. Away from the noise.

   

We celebrated Mommy’s birthday in style this year - by heading downtown to the Children’s Museum. We finally got you to go on the carousel this time, and you LOVED it! I was so proud watching you ride around and around for the first time, and I was so excited when you said you wanted to ride it again. It brought tears to my eyes, seeing how happy you were.

Since it’s so close to Christmas, they’ve got a Winter Wonderland to play in and a Yule Slide to ride down. Mommy stood in line and rode down with you - it was a blast! I wasn’t sure how you’d handle it, because it was HUGE. But, you laughed the whole time and asked if Daddy would take you down again! We definitely have to go back before the holidays are over...

The biggest news this month is that we found out that you’re going to have a little brother! We haven’t really told you yet, because I am afraid to... I know you’ll be so excited that I’ll never hear the end of it. Although, maybe that wouldn’t be a bad thing - perhaps it would distract you from your constant chorus of “Mommy, I’s HUNGRY.” Hrmmm.

You’re going to love being a big brother. Your little brother already loves you SO much, I just know it.

Love, 

Mommy

3 Years, 1 Month

Eli,

What a busy month we’ve had! It all started with a bang, celebrating your birthday with family and friends, and it’s been non-stop ever since.

One of the biggest things that has happened this month is that you dropped your nap. Completely. I have to admit, it was something that I was not looking forward to... losing my “Mommy” time. We’ve been completely napless for a few weeks now, and it is still a struggle. I am still trying to find a way to get us both some quiet time during the afternoons, without always plugging in a movie. It will take time, I guess - and with holiday travel coming up, I am sure it would all get messed up anyway. We’ll get there... I hope.




Most of the activities this month were gearing up for Halloween - which I am pretty sure is your favorite holiday right now (Just wait, I am sure that will change come late December). Early on in the month, you and I were shopping at Target, and we ventured on back to the Halloween costumes and decorations. You knew right away what you wanted to be - an airplane.

We took you to a pumpkin carving party and you loved watching everyone carve awesome stuff in their pumpkins - we have some pretty talented friends. Mommy and Daddy decided to carve your pumpkin like an Angry Bird. It was pretty cool... it’s a shame we never got to get it lit up with a candle inside, though. We left it out in a long soaking rain, and it got pretty gross, pretty fast. We’ll know better next year.




Mommy was seriously craving cookies on Halloween, so that afternoon we baked up a batch of oatmeal craisin cookies. You had SO much fun helping out and watching them all come together. With all of the fun and excitement surrounding the cookies, I was just sure that I’d get you to eat one (Yes, you are the only kid I know that takes 1 bite of a cookie and is done). I was wrong. You had no interest in eating them after they cooled down. But you still talk about the afternoon that We Made Cookies!




Halloween night, I got you dressed in your Airplane and we all headed out for some trick-or-treating. Everyone we came across absolutely LOVED your costume - and you seemed to really like it, too. I was kind of worried how you’d approach the houses, because even with people you know, you are slow to warm up. But, you were so awesome - you did great saying “Trick-or-Treat” and “Thank you.” I was so proud of you!

A few days ago, we got your hair cut. Now, I know you're a boy and all, but I love your long hair - it's so shaggy and cute and just YOU. We went in, and I told the stylist that we just wanted it trimmed and out of your eyes - but still shaggy. She must have blocked that last part out, because WHOA is your hair short now. I walked out of the salon with tears in my eyes. I know it's just hair, and it will be back to your surfer do in no time. Of course, it doesn't seem to bother you at all. And you do look pretty cute.

I love you, no matter how short, long, tangled, or messy your hair is. 

Love, 

Mommy

3 Years.

Eli,

Oh, how our lives changed Three Years Ago Today. I knew I loved you in those first moments that I saw you, but I never EVER knew that I could love you This Much, Eli. You bring so much joy to our lives. You have carried Mommy through many ups and downs, and I will forever be grateful for your little smile, and your giggles that melt my heart. Because. You? You are why Daddy and I are here.



For the past month, you’ve been so excited for your birthday to come. Aunt Stacia thought it would be fun for you countdown to your birthday by taking blocks off of your bookcase each night. We started at 21 days before, and each night before bedtime we took another block down. I can only imagine how excited you’ll be come Christmas...



We read lots of books, particularly before bedtime. Most nights you take on the role of negotiator. We start reading a few books, then we’ll change into our jammies and brush your teeth. Then, we usually tell you we can read One More Book. Most nights, you say, “Two more. Two more books.” Some nights, you say, “Three more. Ten more.” If it were up to you, we’d read every book in the house before bedtime. We’d definitely have to start your bedtime routine much earlier.

A couple of days ago, you told me that you were going to go upstairs and sit in your chair. I said, ok, let me come with you. You said that I had to stay downstairs, so I sat at the bottom of the stairs and listened. You picked up The Very Hungry Catepillar and started to read it to yourself... you read the entire book - and while you mixed up a few of the days, I sat downstairs completely stunned. When you were done, you came back downstairs and that was it. You’ve memorized many books and love to read them to us - but it never fails to amaze me.

This month, Mommy and Daddy celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary by taking you to see Yo Gabba Gabba, Live! We went last year for your birthday, and Daddy and I were so excited to get you there again this year. You were much more reserved this year. There were many moments where I thought I saw panic in your face - particularly after the opening number where they shot off the confetti cannons. You eventually warmed up and really enjoyed yourself. You still talk about the time we saw DJ Lance Rock and all of his friends.



Each Saturday, we get up and take Mommy’s picture, documenting how her belly grows. The past few weeks, as soon as I raise my shirt up, you run in and stand next to me and raise yours up as well - I LOVE it. Sadly, mine is the only one that’s getting bigger...



You’ve really enjoyed taking pictures yourself this month. We let you play with our little point and shoot camera, and the results are awesome. I love seeing the world through your eyes. Your toys, Mommy, Daddy, everything you love. I’ve flipped through the pictures several times, and they make me smile every time.



We took you bowling for the first time. We met with a bunch of our friends and just bowled for a couple of hours. It was so fun to watch you take the ball down to the lane and push it with all of your might towards the pins. You were so proud of yourself whenever you knocked down a pin (or more). We’ll definitely have to do it again soon.



Aunt Stacia came to visit you for your birthday this week. You’ve absolutely LOVED having her around. We took her to the park and the museum to see Big Bumblebee. You’re going to be broken hearted when she leaves on Monday - but thankfully Christmas is coming up soon. You’ll be so glad to see everyone then!



I cried last night, while putting you to bed. It seems that the change from being Two to being Three is a pretty big one. I can’t believe that when people ask me how old you are, I have to say Three. It’s so bittersweet, watching you grow up. I want you to stay my baby forever, but I know that isn’t possible. So, I guess I better just enjoy it while I can...



I love you, My Three Year Old Little Man.

Love,
Mommy

2 Years, 11 Months

Eli,

Whoa. Wait. Not possible. How is it that you’ll be THREE next month?? THREE.

We hit the State Fair early this month. You were So excited to see the animals. We fed a few of them - a couple of goats and a pig. While we were there, a storm rolled through and when it was all over and we were walking to the car to leave, we saw a rainbow. It was the highlight of your day! You still talk about the rainbow that went across the sky.



A few days later, we hopped on a plane and flew down to Texas for a little family time with Daddy’s side of the family. We spent time with your cousins Sean and Kasey, your Aunt Andra, Aunt Stacia, Uncle Tyler, and your Mama Jo and Papa Po. There is something so amazing about seeing you interact with your family. You’re old enough now that you know who they are, and you understand that there is a special connection there. I absolutely loved watching you with them all, and I cannot wait until we see them all again. It makes me wish that we were just a little closer to everyone.



While we were in Texas, we did a lot of fun stuff. The first day we were there, we went to the aquarium, where you saw Monkeys and Birds and Fish, Oh, My! I think you really enjoyed your time there. We also went to the Science and Nature Museum. There was a lot of hands on stuff for you there - I absolutely love watching to explore and learn from the world around you.



You’ve been really into helping Daddy with projects he’s had around the house. Any time you see Daddy working on something, you grab your tools and you’re right there to lend a hand. I think it’s the cutest thing ever, although I am not sure you’re really helping much. But, soon enough, you will be. You and Daddy, my handy men.



The biggest thing to happen to you this month is that we found out that you’re going to be a big brother. We’ve kept it a secret for almost 4 weeks, but have decided it’s time to share. We couldn’t be more excited - and though we haven’t really explained it to you, we know you’re going to make the best big brother ever. You’re going to be so happy - and the timing couldn’t be better. This little one is scheduled to arrive in the first half of April - which coincides with your 3 and a half year birthday. Pretty perfect, if you ask me.



You really are awesome, Eli.

Love you,
Mommy

2 Years, 10 Months

Eli,

Just one word can sum up this month: HOT. Whoa, buddy, has it been hot. So hot, that any time spent outside had to be spent at the pool, other wise you turned into one nasty, sweaty, beet-red boy. So, you and I have spent almost every morning for the last month swimming. Our morning routine is definitely going to suffer come Labor day, when the pool closes. I don’t know what we’ll do!



The other day, we were taking advantage of a cooler morning by spending some time out in the driveway. You had the sidewalk chalk out, drawing faces. You came over to where I was sitting and started drawing - at first you said you were going to draw a "C." I watched you as you stepped back and looked at it. You said, "And now, I make it a G!!" And you did. Not too shabby for someone just over 2 months away from turning 3! I guess we should really start working on the rest of our letters... so far you've got C, G, N and O down - that I know of.



The most exciting part of this month was the week your Mama Jo was here. She flew in on a Tuesday, so you and I got in the car and headed to the airport to pick her up. As we waited in the parking lot for her, we watched the skies for planes. They just didn’t take off frequently enough for you. We saw a couple take off, which just wasn’t enough. Soon, though, we’ll be on one of those planes. Hopefully that WILL be enough for you!



The week she was here was a very busy week. We did lots of running around, and TONS of eating.(You’ll learn throughout your life just how intertwined Food and Family are.) We hit up quite a few restaurants around Indy. I am very proud of the way you behave while we are out and about. You usually stay in your seat and are fairly quiet while we’re there. But, with so many outings, we had to really bribe you to stay still while we were still eating our food... Needless to say, you played A LOT of angry birds on mommy’s iPod.



One of my favorite activities while Mama Jo was here was the Children’s Museum. We got around early one morning and headed downtown. You had a blast! There was so much for you to run around and climb on. You even tried on an IndyCar for size! It was just a little big for you, but who knows?? Maybe someday you’ll be zooming around IMS! You did look pretty slick behind the wheel.



Eli, you are definitely your father’s son. I try to limit your daily TV time. Usually, if it is on, you’re watching Yo Gabba Gabba, or Cars. One day, we were having a picnic lunch in the family room while watching Lightning. Now, sure, we’ve watched it a few times. But that afternoon, you were saying lines along with the movie. It was hilarious, and a little disconcerting. I guess I’ll have to live the rest of my life hearing movie quotes from both you and your father. (There are worse things, I guess.)

You’ve become really attached to your giraffe blanket - a blanket you’ve had since you were just a couple of months old. It is definitely your magical security blanket. You would take it everywhere if I let you - and mostly I do. You have to have it when you sleep. You love to snuggle with it on the couch. When you get hurt, if Mommy’s kisses just don’t cut it, you cry out for your blanket - just a little rub on your boo-boo and you’re good to go.

Out of all of the fun things you’ve done this month, my favorite is the fact that you are no longer stingy with your “I wuv you’s.” There is nothing sweeter than you coming up to us, giving us a huge hug and saying, “I wuv you soo much, Mommy and Daddy.”



Oh, buddy, I hope you know just how much we love you, too.

Love,
Mommy