2.5 is the best kind of half!

Eli Bear,

So much has happened in the last 5 months. You've grown like a weed, and kept us on our toes. I declare 2 and a half the best age you've been so far. Although you aren't speaking perfectly or in full sentences, you have enough of a vocabulary and comprehend us enough that we can communicate with you problem. You surprise me every day with how well you understand us, and how well we can reason with you. Not sure if the reasoning stage will last, but I am enjoying it for now. You fully understand when you are being naughty, nice, sweet, and funny, and you'll let us know by yelling, "Eli funny!" You've started doing this thing where you will give me the sweetest smile and hug and kiss when you've done something naughty, the manipulation is in full effect and it works every time. You've also got a new mean face where you furrow your eyebrow to let us know you are upset, I am sorry to say it just makes us laugh every time, that one doesn't work for you.

As of last month, you've changed your bed time routine. Mom used to do the whole thing, but lately you want dad. Although it makes me terribly sad to lose that special time with you, it's been nice for you to have some time with dad. Daddy has been telling you stories about Jack and Wolfie. When he was a little boy, grandpa told him stories about Sam and Wolfie. It's been my favorite part of the day to listen to dad tell you stories at night. The first you do in the mornings is tell me about Jack and Wolfie, you try to recount the previous night's story about dinosaurs or choo choo trains and I love it.

Speaking of Dinosaurs, we've taken  you to Dinosaur Park twice this summer and it's hands down your favorite place. You talk about it for a week after and beg to go every day. You did great and were never afraid of any of the dinosaurs or the noises they made. Things you are into these days are dinosaurs, choo choo trains, airplanes, and superheroes. The horse and cowboy stage is ending and I am super sad about it. But, you do make a pretty cute Spiderman.

Last weekend, you finally learned how to ride a real bicycle with training wheels! Abuelito taught you how. We've been working on it for months, and I really thought it would be another year or two before you could it, so I was in complete shock when I went outside and saw you riding like a champ. It immediately made you look like a 5 year. It was one of the proudest mom moments I've ever had. It's been hard keeping up with all the emotions we've had these last few months. You are learning so many things and so quickly. It's hard to process one before you've reached another milestone. This parent thing is such a fun ride, I'd say rollercoaster, but really, there are very few downs. You've been such a joy at 2 years old. There are very few bad days anymore, and we've been having so much fun. I am crossing my fingers we never hit the Terrible Two stage people talk about.

Another thing I want to remember about you at this age is how much you love your duck and blanket. Although lately, it's been more duck than blanket. You carry that thing everywhere, you give it rides on your bike, you kiss it and hug and tell it you love it and you've been talking to it more and more lately. There are so many cute things I want to embed in my mind forever, in a way I write more for me and my selfishness than for you. I want to remember how when we leave the house in the morning, you tell the kitty goodbye every day. You say bye to the house, you say by to the trees, and you say bye to the mail. You ask momma to drive faster and faster in her car. You ask the ducky if he's ready when we are about to go over a bump and to hold on. You hug and kiss us when you accidentally hit us.  We really are so incredibly lucky that you are our son. You fit so perfect into our family and try as might, I cannot remember what life was like before you. For the rest of my life, I will be grateful that the universe chose us to be your parents.

We got another surprise in April, we found out you are going to be a big brother! Even though I am terrified of the thought of caring for two little humans, I CANNOT wait to see you interact with the baby. You have such a sweet personality and I just know you'll be a great big brother. Baby is due one month after your 3rd birthday, so we will have a busy winter.

I love you to infinity and beyond Eli Bear.

XOXO
Momma

Christmas

Eli Bear,

This was the best Christmas EVER! I knew it would be magical having you understand the concept of gifts!  On Christmas Eve we headed to Chuy and Grandma's house for a dinner. You had tamales and loved them. At one point in the night, I had gone to the bathroom and when I came back, you were pulling your pjs out of your diaper bag and wanted to put them on. So, Uncle Eric asked if you could open one of his presents. You did and you were so excited to discover they were Woody pajamas! You immediately started ripping off your clothes. Then Cristy wanted you to open one of her gifts, so we just went ahead and started gifts early. Your aunt and uncle spoiled you with Toy Story presents and so did mom, dad, and grandma. You walked away with a Woody, Buzz Lightyear and a Jessie doll. You lucky little boy. Oh, and Eric got you a matching Woody hat and holster, needless to say, you were the coolest cowboy on the block.

Christmas morning was extra special because we got to spend time with just us 3. You, daddy, and I all took turns opening presents and spoiling each other. Of course you helped us open ours as well. We got you a pair of Doc Marten boots, and when you opened the box and saw they were shoes, you said NO and promptly closed the lid on the box. Dad and I had a good chuckle. Grandma bought you a scooter that you were not interested in, and Nana got you a motorized car wish you are afraid of. We hope that by summer time you will be ready to rock your new toys.

After breakfast, Nana, Papa, Dejia, Grandpa Alan and Grandma showed up for even more gifts and dinner. You were spoiled yet again and had such a blast showing off all your toys and being a ham for everyone. We had a very nice dinner together and put you to bed at 6:45. You were one tired little boy and slept for 13 hours straight.

It's been a few days since Christmas, and you are still peeking under the tree and saying "Presents?" Me too little guy, me too. I wish it was Christmas every day. I am so glad that you are finally at a stage where you are able to understand holidays and we can start all sorts of traditions with you.

I love you so much little guy,

Momma