Happy 2nd Birthday Eli!

A couple weeks ago, Eli turned two. It was the day after we returned from Kenya and we didn't have the strength or resources to celebrate it. Fortunately, he had lots of goodies from Grandma so he wasn't deprived at all. This last Saturday, we had a little party to officially celebrate it. It was very small and low key, but fun. A friend of ours made a great cake for him.



So, she was there along with our Swiss neighbors (including Eli's best little friend, Flynn), a friend's two kids and our good friend Charles. We just had snacks (chapati, lentils and fruit) followed by the cake. Eli was so excited to blow out the candle.



He doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, so he only had a couple bites of the cake. Which meant more for me!



We had a nice time hanging out with some of our favorite people. A few others couldn't make it so we saved them some cake.

At two, Eli is more fun than ever. His speech is improving rapidly. I am so impressed how he remembers words and phrases after hearing them only once. A couple days ago, he was bugging Nala and I told him to be kind to Nala because she keeps us safe. Yesterday, another dog came in the yard which Nala chased away. Later, Eli was scared to play out in the yard so I told him, "don't worry, Nala is there with you and I am right here (on the porch) watching." The he said "yes, Nala keeps us safe." I loved how he remembered what I said and used it in the right context!

One thing he recently started was answering with "yes." He used to nod, say yeah, or do something else less formal. Now, it's "yes." He sounds so proper! His cousin, Adi, in Kenya says "yes" just like it so I think he learned it from her.

Eli loves singing and does it all the time. One song he is learning is the Barney song. "I love you... you love me..." He hasn't got it quite right yet. All he sings is "I love me... I love me..." It cracks me up every time.

I think I am going to start doing a little homeschooling. He soaks things up so quickly that I think he will respond well to a little learning each day. Nothing major. I will start with letters, numbers, colors and things like that for just a few minutes each day and see where it gets us.

Lately, Eli loves playing outside. He can stay out there for hours with just a spoon and some old bowls. He pretends he is cooking and brings me all kinds of "food." It's fun to see him grow a little more independent.

I am trying to prepare him for the arrival of the baby. So far it has been received positively. We have prayed (with him) for a baby for a while now during our evening prayers so the concept isn't new to him. He seems to be excited and says the baby can sleep with him. We'll soon see how much he really understands! Of course I am happy about the baby, but part of me is sad to not have just Eli anymore. I don't want to have to share my attention, but I must. I have treasured these last two years with him, hard times and all. He is just the best.

Happy Birthday Eli!