Happy 1st Birthday Eli!

My baby boy turned 1 year old today! It was a great day of celebration and rejoicing in this little man that God blessed us with just 1 year ago. We were joined by 18 family and friends. Eli casually bit into his cupcake as if he'd been doing it since he was born. I remember on Selah's first birthday she was shocked and quite excited that I would place such a delicious delicacy in front of her. Not Eli, he took it like a baby man. Then became upset when I took half of it away. Sorry buddy, I didn't want to shock your system.

So what is up with Eli these days? As you may have read from a previous post Eli has been walking since he was 10 months old, and now he's an old pro at it. He confidently strolls around the house, wandering where he pleases, and attempts to climb anything that looks worthy of the feat. He loves to dance! Especially when sister is watching The Wiggles. Woo-wee that gets Eli doing his little booty bounce. Super cute! He loves balls, being outside, bath time, cuddling with mama, adores his sister (lovingly calls her SeSe), playing guitar with dada, going in Molly's house, and unrolling the toilet paper and then ripping it into little shreds so mommy cannot salvage it.

My sweet son,

You have an infectious smile and laughter that bring us so much joy. Your easy going nature is a breath of fresh air. I adore you. You my son, are a beautiful gift from God. I love you!

Love,

mommy

Pumpkin Patch

Okay...Haha! I can't not laugh when I see this picture. No, Selah did not pants him. The kid has the littlest buns and so pants do not stay on him very well.

He is beginning to point at things.

I would like to introduce you to Elly. Just as Selah has Yellow Bear. Eli has taken a liking to Elly the Elephant. You will probably see the lovey in dozens of pictures to come. I'm not sure which is better, a small bear that fits in my pocket easily, but also gets lost easily? Or a large elephant that will not fit in my pocket, but can be found easier?

Selah looking at the baby tiger.

You've heard of sand boxes or maybe ones filled with rice, but this box was filled with corn kernels.

He was quite comfortable in the ball pit.

I look over and see her hauling this big pumpkin over. If they are determined nothing will stop them.

It's been a while since I posted something. There have been many blogworthy moments as of late, but I can't remember them now...Haha! However, we did go to the pumpkin patch this last Saturday. The rain held out just enough for our family outing. We went to Hoffman's Dairy Farm in Canby. Both kids had a great time playing in the ball pit, gathering their best pumpkins, petting the animals, and sliding down the giant slide. They actually had a baby tiger, adult tiger, adult lion, and camel to see there as well. It was pretty wild!

There is no great segue, but Selah is so clever. She says the funniest and most imaginative things. Dan said I need to start writing these things down. Therefore, I will dub them Selah-isms! Latest Selah-ism was mentioned during the downpour we had the other night. Have you ever wondered where the spiders go during the rainy season? Well, according to Selah the rain tickled the spider webs and the spiders went on vacation. Sounds good to me, now if only the house spiders would just stay on a permanent vacation. I'm okay with the fatty spiders, who stay outside and eat other insects. Except the one that was trying to enter uninvited last night. Let's just say she will no longer be on guard duty.

In Eli news, my boy is turning 1 year old in a week and a half. I'm beginning to feel a little sad, which is usual for me so close to a birthday, because they are growing so fast. I pulled out Selah's first year scrapbook the other day and got a little teary eyed at how much time has passed, but I remember the day she was born so clearly. Anyways, enough mushy stuff...Eli is very animated with his facial expressions. Must get that from his daddy and Uncle Nick. I wish that I had a properly working video camera to capture all of this cuteness. Eli walks everywhere he goes, and will climb if given the opportunity. I had the fridge open the other day and turn around to see him climbing the shelves to reach his cup on the top shelf.

Well, that is all for now. You can expect a birthday post for our big boy!

My little explorer

Look at those cheeks! I probably give them close to a million kisses a day.

He has some pretty wild hair most of the time.

Buddies!

I took him out to the garden with me one day, and he decided to pick a tomato off of the vine and start eating it. He's a good eater (praise God!!!).

Eli is about 10 1/2 months old now, and two weeks ago he began taking his first steps. It's very exciting to witness when a baby does this for the first time, and to also see the proud look on their face as well. When Eli realized what he had just done he began clapping, which knocked him on his bum. Although, I am very excited for this milestone I also know that Eli is going to be an active boy. Actually, he already is. He fools you with his constant smiles and giggles. "I can't possibly get in trouble as long as I flash these baby blues and charming smile at mommy." As mentioned in the title of this post, I call him my little explorer. Eli is very curious about everything. If he's not clinging to my legs, which he often does, I will find him rummaging through the toy box inspecting each toy that passes his gaze. Very focused, very intent and determined with whatever the task at hand is. His favorite room in the house is the bathroom. I have learned to put the toilet paper up, because if I don't it will be unrolled and shredded. Eli loves, loves, LOVES his bath time. He squeals with delight as I sit him in the tub. My sweet boy is very good at entertaining himself for quite some time, more so than his sister. The second born just adapts to not having constant one on one time. The firstborn must adapt to the same after having experienced constant attention, though. It is interesting how the dynamics evolve as more family members are added.

Speaking of adding more family members, the latest question asked of me lately is whether we are going to have more children. After conversing with Dan on this subject I realize I have a hard road to walk now. You see I have always wanted a somewhat big family. Maybe 4 kids. Dan, on the other hand, does not want anymore...ever. Now don't get me wrong, I completely adore and affectionately love my children. They bring so much light and joy into my life, and I am so incredibly grateful God has allowed me to be their mommy. So what do I do with this dream or desire of mine? If I have this desire for more children (in the future) is it from God or my own selfishness? All I know is that I must pray, not for Dan to change his mind, but for God to change my heart so that I will be full and satisfied with what He has given me.

Selah's new bed

Selah now has an official big girl bed. She was in a toddler bed, and now she is in a custom made princess twin bed. Super adorable! She has already requested to have sleepovers with her best friend, Samantha.

She gets to use the quilt that her great-grandma made for her.

Wait for it...

...Crash! Tackle Selah!

Look at that red hair!

Trip to Grandpa's down in Florence

"Grandpa's Lake" a.k.a. Woahink Lake

Men at work! Where are the women?...

Oh yeah, lounging on the dock!

I did go for a swim, but those pictures won't be shared.

Molly looks pretty comfy. Her and Maya (mom and dad's enormous dog) had a great time together.

Sun-bathing cutie!

My grandpa

Selah and Daddy in the kayak.

Cousins down at grandpa's house in Florence a couple of weeks ago.

First beach trip

Yesterday morning Dan surprised us with a spontaneous trip to the beach. We had talked about going, but decided it would be best to wait until summer program was finished. But I love surprises and my loving husband knew this would be good for our family. Preceeding this lovely surprise Eli had slept all the way through the night. That in and of itself was a glorious thing, because that is the first full night of sleep I've gotten in 9 months. Probably more since I remember having trouble sleeping while I was pregnant with him too. *sigh* I felt so rested!

So, we made the trek to Cannon Beach. It was a beautiful day with warm sunshine, blue sky and surprisingly warm ocean water. Both kids had a great time. Selah loved rolling down the sand dune, and Eli was showing off his ability to stand up without holding onto anything. Molly even joined us for our adventure and had a blast. She even made a little friend there who was a little too affectionate. We returned home exhausted, but with sun-kissed skin and full hearts from the memories we made.

Selah's 3rd Birthday!

That is an intense face! The flame actually came back after she blew out the candles. Uncle Nick had bought them, so we thought he bought trick candles.

Cake made by mommy, and decorated by Grandma Patty and Auntie Sonie.

Doctor kit and Bitty Baby from us.

Tennis racket and balls from Uncle Nick.

Uniqua pillow and Backyardigans blanket from Grandma and Grandpa Marion.

Selah was so tired she almost didn't finish opening her presents.

Daddy and Selah playing with dollies.

Last Saturday we had a Backyardigans themed birthday party for our girl, who turned 3!!! It was a wonderful day filled with much love and laughter from friends and family. Selah was given some great gifts that she is enjoying very much. It was extra special, because my dad and grandma were there. My dad and I recently reunited after 7 years of not speaking. God is good!

A couple of days later we went to the zoo, as it seems to be an annual tradition to go around her birthday. It was also $4 Tuesday! Selah said her favorite animals were the hippos.

So, what is Selah up to these days? Selah loves books! She could probably look at books all day long. After receiving even more for her birthday I've decided we need to get her a bookcase all her own. My goodness, the girl completed the Summer reading program for the library in a few days. Selah has a great imagination, and is always making up adventures for us to go on. She is very intelligent and speaks well for her age (I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom either). Selah is so funny! She has great comedic timing! Selah is musical, and can take a tune to a song she already knows and make up new lyrics. Lately she has started earning money (just coins, no dollars) for various things, such as putting away her toys, throwing her garbage away or putting dishes in the sink, and putting her shoes in the closet. She is loving this new found sense of responsibility. She is very kind and loving to her baby brother. Every night she gives him a hug and kiss and says, "I love you stinker!" That is just a little bit about my big 3 year old girl!

My precious daughter,

What a joyous year it has been watching you grow and learn. I am amazed by you! You are beautiful, so funny (hilarious, actually), and very smart. You have a very caring nature about you, and I am thankful for that quality in you. You are a great big sister and bring so many smiles to your brother, as well as to daddy and I. You are a beautiful child of God and a great blessing in our lives. We love you!

Oowees and Kissies,

Mommy