19 Months

Eli is 19 months and such a hoot. He is talking so much. I tried to come up with a list, but there are so many words that I lost track. He is starting to combine words like: "Mama sit" and "see doggie." He has also just learned the word "mine" which I am sure we'll hear a lot more of soon! He says mostly English words, but also knows a few Kiswahili words: Dada and Kaka (this means sister and brother. It's what you call someone whose name you don't know. When you need something at a restaurant, you call out "Kaka", if it's a guy, and he'll come to help.), wewe (it means "you"), hopa ("here"), paka (cat), babu (grandpa) and a few more.

The big thing this month is the implementation of "time outs." He has been very independent and a little naughty lately so we needed to do something to help him make better decisions and think about not doing something naughty before doing it. It has been wonderful. He doesn't need it often, but it has really helped. There have been very few tantrums and some of his naughty behavior (dumping out water, pulling Nala's ears etc) has decreased. He handles them pretty well. We tell him to go to time out and he goes and sits against the wall. After a few minutes, we tell him he can get up and say sorry. Then he comes and gives us a hug. Am I a mean mom for taking photos of time out? Maybe. Here are a couple photos...



("Eli... are you supposed to pull Nala's ear?" "Nooooooooo.")

Eli has started showing interest in using the toilet. George's sister gave us her daughter's old potty so we have it out to get him used to it. Throughout the day, we give him opportunities to use it. He has used it a few times and it has been so exciting. We do a big cheer and dance. One time, Eli got so excited by the cheering, he promptly picked up the potty and flung it across the room, with the contents flying out!



(Eli is a multi-tasker. He practices his drum while on the potty!)



(The potty also serves as a good table for the drum!)

I know I always say, each month is the best. But it's true. Each month gets better and better. Eli does so many funny things. Tonight, after I put him to bed, we heard him yelling "George..... George..... George. Papa..... George." It lasted a couple minutes. We were cracking up. He never calls out after we leave the room and he has only said "George" a couple times.

Here are some photos from the past month:



(Who needs a spoon?)



(He loves wearing our shoes.)



(He has learned to interact with toys better. Previously, their only purpose was to be dumped out everywhere and thrown.)



(Eli loves reading. He often brings books with him when we go out.)



(He is very aware of music and loves dancing.)

Good times!