Weekend update

Hi Elijah....
I am going to start with the bad and we will end happy with the good.  Let's just be blunt.  You are rotten.  Everything is "NO", you throw fits where you hit and bite, you don't listen and you are mean.  A friend of mine told me that it will last until you are 3.5.  Holy schmoly baby, that is a long time.

You started school this week.  You have brought home papers everyday!  You made an apple on a lid for A day and painted a ball for B day.  Unfortunately, you thought that paint was for eating and ate two brush fulls!

We have started training you with your money.  Instead of eating it, I am trying to teach you to put it in your bank.  You will run around the house screaming for money.  You will go up to your daddy (at my prompting) screaming "MoneyMoneyMoney."  You saw Gramma Faiman and she gave you a few dollars.  You came home and were so excited to show me your money.  Maybe we can teach you to be tight with your money  :)

Now, let's recap the good that helps to erase all that bad.  Today, you came upstairs and handed me an empty bottle.  I asked your dad if Joey needed a bottle and he said yes.  I made the bottle and I showed you how I shake, shake, shake.  You took it from me, said "shakeshakeshake" and shook it a bit.  Next thing I hear is your daddy telling me to come look at you.  I was in the middle of something so I couldn't come down but he told me you went on the lovesac and started feeding Joey.  You even had a burp cloth and would stop feeding him to wipe his mouth every once and awhile.  I was so proud of you that I could cry  :)  You are so smart - you watch and mimic everything and sometimes I forget that!  Quite often, you will go up to Joey and kiss him for no reason.  I guess that makes up for your rotten behavior when you are mean to him.

Yesterday, we went to the orchards.  I was so worried about finding an orchard that had lots of kid activities. We ended up deciding to go to Kimmel orchards and just getting some apples whether or not they had stuff for you to do.  We took the hay rack ride out to the orchards.  You didn't really like all those bumps!  But, as soon as we got you down to the ground, you were off to pull all the apples off the tree.  We bought a 5 lb bag to fill because I figured you would pick a couple, I would take some photos and it would be time to go.  You LOVED filling the bag!!  I was so sad we didn't buy the bigger bag.  You were so cute pulling an apple, putting it in your bag and carrying the bag to the next apple.  You did much better on the hayrack ride back.  We can't wait to go again!!

On the way home, Joey was a bit fussy because mom and dad forgot his formula.  You started screaming at him "LOLO, NO".  You were tired of the crying and you call him LoLo because you just can't bring yourself to say JoeJoe.  :)  He listened for a few minutes and I swear you two had a conversation.  You would yell at him, he would stop.  Then he would cry again and you would yell at him.

This morning, we got to work on those apples.  I had you help me unload the dishwasher.  You put all of Joey's bottles and nipples on his rack.  Then, I stood you on the counter and started handing you bowls and plates.  You did such a good job and you really liked the responsibility.  Then, we started washing the apples.  I put you in the big side of the sink and you "helped" me wash.  Mostly, you liked throwing the apples in the water to make a splash.  Finally, you were in charge of putting the apples in the food processor and pushing the button.  You did great!

I don't think we have a ton going on this week.  We did a great job last week of eating at home.  I have also got everything planned out for this week.  Today, we are going to go play with Jake for a bit at Great Gramma's.  Daddy has 2 nights this week where he is going to be gone and I don't think we have any plans for this weekend!

Here are some photos from our weekend ....

You were supposed to be in this photo with me and "LoLo" but you wouldn't pose.  You were just too busy with apples. 

Look how cute you were in your overalls.

You carried the bag up until the point it was about 5 lbs.  Then, the handle ripped and you were done  :)

A couple high apples with daddy just for photos!

At the end, we polished off an apple and all of us shared it.  It was TASTY.

 You really look like you are washing here.  In reality, you like playing with the water  :)

You and your favorite kitchen tool - the food processor.  All the apples were done.

Disney Videos

Well, Lijah, we are not the best videographers but....

Here is you "dancing" when the Handy Manny song was playing.  Video goes to black about 26 seconds in  :)

You playing with Daddy and "dancing" with your arms for the Mickey Mouse funhouse song.  Ignore mommy's voice singing :)

Florida trip

Hi Elijah!
We are wrapping up our week's vacation while Mary was on vacation.  We took a last minute trip down to Florida to see Gramma Debi D, Mickey, Goofy & HANDY MANNY  :)

You did a great job on the plane.  We wish you would have slept longer and wish that landings weren't so traumatizing to you but, overall, you were a good sport.  When we got to Gramma Debi D's, it was all about her puppy Ms. Stevi.  We were pretty tired when we got there but you immediately perked up when you saw the woof-woof.  First thing out of your mouth in the morning was "woof-woof."

On Sunday, we went to the beach.  The waves coming in and out kind of scared you - especially when the sand shifted under your feet.  But, overall, you enjoyed the beach.  You played in the sand, you collected shells, you let the waves roll over your toes and you were rotten enough to throw sand into your brother's face.  It was a great treat for me to see you at the beach.  I love water and I loved seeing you enjoying the visit.  Afterwards, we went swimming at Gramma's pool and you were braver than I have ever seen you.  It was a great day with our family of 4!

On Monday, we went to Disney.  We had lunch right when we walked in the door.  After that, there was a parade going on.  You were so excited to Mickey and Minnie.  But, as they got closer, you got scared.  It wasn't a good omen for our 2 days of Disney parks.

Your favorite ride of the day was It's a Small World.  You were scared at first then you loved all the dolls.  We also rode Pooh and Buzz Light year.  You liked the serenity of It's a Small World.  Unfortunately, you are your mother's child.  For it being so hot and you not having a nap, you did really well at the park.  After we had dinner, we went to Downtown Disney and you did great even though it was so late in the night.  You got a little spoiled with treats at Downtown by both me and Gramma Debi D!

On Tuesday, we went to Hollywood Studios and you enjoyed that much more.  I don't know if you were more comfortable in the park or it just had more for you to do.  We walked in and saw Handy Manny.  This was the moment I was waiting for.  I had Daddy man the camera and Gramma Debi D man the video camera.  I wanted your excitement all captured.  Well, you were excited when we were far away but you were traumatized up close.  I was kind of surprised because he is your favorite.

We did a character lunch that day with Handy Manny, Oso and 2 Little Einsteins.  You were still scared but you did high 5 one of the Einsteins.  It was fun to be in that diner because there was singing and dancing.  It was fun to watch you watch the activities.  You did jump up and down and sing a bit.

We went to meet the "vroom vrooms", saw the Muppet show and when we were walking out, you wanted to see the "vroom vrooms" again.  After that, we went to meet Pooh and Mickey.  You tore at my heart with Mickey.  You were still scared of him but when we left, you waved bye-bye and you blew him a kiss.  *swoon*

Our final stop for the day was the Disney Jr stage show.  I didn't know quite what to expect but thought you would like it.  You LOVED it.  It was all your favorite people - Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters, Handy Manny, and Jake and the Neverland pirates.  You stood up, sang, danced, clapped and were so excited.  I think this show was the highlight of the trip for me, Daddy & Gramma Debi D.  It was your true moment of Disney Magic.

We wrapped up the day with some shopping.  You got more spoiled.  You would grab things and run out of the shop (little thief).  One memorable moment was when you got out of your stroller, grabbed a ball, put it in the stroller basket and climbed back into your stroller.  It was like, I want this and I am going to take it.  Thankfully, we caught all your thievery so we didn't all get thrown in the can  :)

Yesterday, we went to our first Husker Party of the season at Auntie Becky's.  You had fun watching the fish and entertaining your Blankman family with your antics.  Towards the end of the afternoon, Stephen brought out one of his snakes.  You were really scared at first then you were all excited.  You were petting the albino snake and laughing.  I was petrified because you kept going for his head - talk about heart palpitations.  Later, they brought out another boa constrictor and you pet that one too.  When we were down with outside, Auntie Becky took you downstairs.  I couldn't tell by your noises if you were scared or excited but they told me you were flipping out excited.  They have several snakes down there in glass aquariums.  Because they were locked up, you were finally able to touch their heads through the glass and you were happy  :)  Now, you will want to go to Auntie Becky's for both the fish and the snakes!

I must confess that it this week was a treat and Mary being on vacation forced us to do something we wouldn't have normally done.  I really enjoyed Disney and watching you experience it.  I know that you will never, ever remember it but your daddy and I will.  We can't wait to take you & Joey back there as you are older to see you enjoy it even more.  I fear we are going to end up being one of those annual trip families.

Developmentally, you are talking a lot more.  It seems like every day, you are saying words I haven't heard before.  You have 3-4 new teeth coming in so you won't have any gaps any more.  You don't seem to be screaming during the night anymore.  We shared a bed at Gramma Debi D's (me, you and daddy) and you are a complete bed hog.  You are so smart that it kills me - we saw Donald and Daisy at Hollywood Studios.  You said "Quack Quack."  Later in the day, we passed that same spot a few times. Each time, you would say "Quack Quack" even though they weren't there anymore.  I couldn't believe with all the walking we did that you remembered where they were.

Tuesday is a big day for you.  You start preschool at daycare!  You got your own backpack (which you picked out) and you will start your school work.  I can't wait to get your papers - which, for now, will just be scribbles.  I can't believe that you are even remotely old enough to start preschool - just yesterday you were being born  :)

We have some good family photos coming on our disk from Disney but I will leave you with some from my camera.

You on the plane with "your" (aka my) ipad.

Sandy hands and face on the beach

Playing with the beach toys gramma bought you

Showing Gramma how to work the ipad with Ms. Stevi

Trying on hats at the hat store

You picked the ugliest hat in the whole store.  I tried to distract you with lots of others and you kept going back to this ugly thing - which Gramma took pity on you & bought it.

The Dumbo ride was closed but we got to sit in a seat and take a photo together

Shock and awe in the "It's a Small World Ride" - look how sweaty and hot we were!  When we came out, it was raining so we cooled off.

Splash park at Downtown Disney

Plastic Poohs are OK - real Pooh did not lend itself to this smile!

Disney Jr. Show

Handy & the Tools during the Disney Jr. Show

Jake and the Neverland Pirates during the Jr. show - to which you started going "Yo ho" just like the show.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - you started clapping but they did not sing the "Hot Dog" song.

Screaming at Handy.

Round 2 with Handy - must have caught a quick breath between screams.

Characters in the center of Hollywood Studios.  You really enjoyed them - can't you tell?  :)

End of the day sucker treat

Lunch with Handy - we tricked you.  I saw him coming and told your daddy to stand you up and distract you.  Then, when he got behind you, I snapped the photo before you saw him & started screaming.

Gramma showing you how much she loves Oso and you could hug him too  :)

You watching the show - not a good photo but it just reminds me of how excited you were clapping, dancing and singing.

Being cheesy with your mama - or "daddy" like you call me.

Vroom Vroom tattoo - it is just now starting to come off.  Lasted almost a week.

Silly hat

Really silly hat that ended up coming home with us.  You loved it like a dork  :)

You & Gramma Debi D before she left

This is a silly photo but it is endearing to me.  You gathered up all your treats from shopping - your vroom vroom light toy, your bead hat, your mickey & minnie key chains and your mickey bracelet.  You laid on the bed and started playing with them.  It just made me think that you were laying there reliving the trip with your toys.

You & Stephen with the albino boa.

The other boa.

A full shot of the albino.

Old Market

Hey Elijah!
We had a great time down in the Old Market this Saturday.  We walked around the Farmers Market and then went to the slide.  You did great on the slide but you thought the pebble sand was more fun to throw around.

After nap, we went to Great Gramma Dorothy's to see her and Auntie Becky.  You just plain terrorize them  :)  They have to chase you all over and keep you out of trouble.  I think they sleep well after your visits!

You got in big trouble today at daycare.  You bit a little boy and broke skin.  There was no reason for you to bite him.  I am hoping you outgrow the biting and hitting soon!!

Other than that, nothing big these past few days.  We hung out, we giggled, we fought, we talked, we ate and we just enjoyed each other.

Here is a photo of you from the park!

Disrespectful...

Well Elijah, you have done it now.  I really think you called me Stacy yesterday.  You think it is so funny to call me Daddy and I have humored you.  But, Stacy is crossing a line.  It was so clear that your dad whipped his head around and said "What did you say?"  But, when you are really upset, I will hear "Mama".  I think you enjoy torturing me!

You are kind of rotten lately.  Your favorite word "No" has returned and it is "No" for everything.  You aren't listening and you are throwing tantrums.  I think that part of it is you adjusting to Joey and part of it is  your age.  You are trying to establish your boundaries and limits to see what you can and cannot get away with.  As rotten as you are, you are still loving with lots of kisses and hugs.  You do try to help - you will bring me Joey's bottle, you will give him his pacifier, and you also help in the bathtub.

You have spent time with your cousins and you love seeing them.  You love them so much that you even say "Andy".  (I think that any word that has Andy in it is easy for you - Handy, Candy, Andy)  I also learned that your cousins taught you the belly bump you love so much.  You will lift up my shirt, lift up your shirt then bump our bellies.  I didn't know where that was coming from until I saw your cousin Tyler do it to your Uncle Mark  :)

Well buddy, not a ton else to tell you.  Big plans and big news for next week but we have been boring the last week or so!

Silly photo of you from this week.  You were playing with your brother before daycare.  It was the first time in a long time that you wanted to hold him.  Your face isn't completely healed up yet - still a bump under your nose.

Tough Transition

Hey baby!
You had a rough day yesterday.  When we were getting ready, I asked you if Joey could go to Mary's with you.  You said "NO!"  Daddy said you wouldn't even wave goodbye to him.  When I picked you up, you had a meltdown.  Mary told me that you were kind of fussy all day.  I think that Mary's was your last sacred place where you ruled the roost.  You didn't make the connection that Joey would someday invade that world too.  You woke up crying really early and I just couldn't help but let you sleep with us.  I thought you needed a little extra comfort after your rough day.

Today, you were better.  You were happier.  You cracked us up tonight.  We went for Mexican.  As soon as the waitress put down the chips, you grabbed one and covered it in salsa.  A few minutes later, you had to shake some salt on the chips.  You ended up eating the salsa straight out of the bowl and cooling yourself off with the lime from my margarita.  You wanted the margarita really bad but we are better parents than that  :)  Just another reminder how much you watch us and mimic us.


One more thing before I head to bed.  You made us laugh by telling us you had to go potty.  Of course, you couldn't say "Potty" like a normal boy.  You told us by singing the "Hot Dog" song.  Every time you go on the potty, we sing the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hot Dog song.  We sing "Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog.  Elijah went potty on the potty chair."  So, when you had to go potty this morning, you said "Hot doggety."  :)  We hope everyone will know that "Hot doggety" means that you have to go potty!

Catch up

Hi Elijah!
It has been nearly 3 weeks since I talked to you here and I feel guilty!  We are busy living our lives and it doesn't leave much time to write every detail down.  We have had a ton going on lately and you are changing every day!

In the past few weeks, you have...
*Learned how to cuss and mommy takes the blame
*Learned how to spit and daddy takes the blame
*Started singing to your brother when he cries
*Remembered how to say the word NO and use it over and over
*Developed a love for Handy Manny cartoons.
*Started calling Andrew by his name - "Andy"
*Had your last soccer tots class & received a little certificate
*Learned to climb out of your crib and are forced to wear a sleep sack now
*Went swimming at funplex and accosted a little 4 month old girl because you couldn't give her enough kisses and love!
*Went potty lots of times on the big potty chair
*Spent lots of time with your various families (being babysat, baptism festivities, road trips)
*Played a lot with Jake (who now says "Eli")
*Went to Joey's baptism
*Had the biggest face plant ever on the concrete
*Went to the dr for a check up on your cooties (27+ lbs now)
*Went to Missouri to see the Brigham family & spend time with your Mickelson cousins.
*Accosted another little girl at the Brigham birthday party.  This time, I could barely get you away from her.
*Did a great job in the car during our road trip.

You change so much each day.  You say new words and I don't know where they come from (Well, except the cuss word - I know where that one comes from).  Your smiles still make my heart swell.  When you ham it up and flirt with everyone, I have to laugh - I love watching you in action.

During our road trip, I slept with you twice and and dad slept with you once.  All 3 nights, you basically kicked us out of the bed so you could sleep horizontally.  We joked that it was easier sleeping with Joey & waking for feedings that sleeping with you as such a bed hog.

You like to be a big helper.  You love helping burp Joey.  You like helping daddy with laundry.  You loved helping mommy make pickles in the food processor.  You unpacked your toys immediately at the hotel and lined them up so you could see all that you had available to you.

Other than that buddy, not a whole lot going on.  Today, you went to daycare for the first time with Joey and I can't wait to hear how it went.  When I asked you if Joey could go to Mary's with you, you said "No."  I hope the day got better!!

You are such a dork with your glasses!

Your last day of soccer tots.

You & your buddy Morgan at Funplex.

Again with the glasses...

Your injury... It got even worse with time.