Where to begin? It’s difficult to capture the essence of our kids at any particular age, but it’s fun to at least jot down a few things about their personalities so we can look back and reminisce. At this age, a year makes a big difference in development and personality. Our Mimi has changed so much over the past year, and is now talking like crazy and really coming out of his shell. Here are a few fun facts about our boy:
*He loves telling us: “That makes me really really happy” or “That makes me really sad.” The way he says either one makes you want to cry.
*He checks in a lot. “You okay, Mommy?” “What’s the matter, Laina?”
*He still loves to play with his train set. It’s usually the way he starts his day. On any given day, he may build a track 2 or 3 times…sometimes with help, and other times just to have some chill time. We love hearing him play…he comes up with all kinds of scenarios.
*At this point, his fave foods are Trader Joes yogurt (which essentially tastes like custard!), hummus, pizza, gnocchi,
*He really likes when people find him funny. Just the other day, we ran into one of his friends from class at the ice cream shop. He put on quite the show for her which made her (and her sister and mom) laugh a lot. He told us afterwards that he really likes it when people think he’s funny.
*Speaking of ice cream, this boy loves his chocolate ice cream. Any ice cream will do, but that is his top pick.
*He loves to dance. I love this, because 6 months ago, he wasn’t really that interested in dancing…he just liked to watch Laina do it. Now, he requests dance parties and shows off all of his moves and asks for the music to be LOUDER!
*He definitely has a big time mischievous side! Many times when we need to track him down for something (wipe his mouth/hands, get him to brush his teeth, etc), he takes off running around the house. The chase sometimes lasts a while because he has a strategy now.
*He no longer needs much supervision at the playground. He holds his own with all of the Elementary school kids, and has made friends with many of them. Loves spending time with Laina and all of the big kids when we pick L up from school.
*He now joins Laina is climbing the family tree out front. He watched for so long, and now he can get right up there with her! He loves to swing from the branches and land in the bean bag.
*He is really starting to act like the big brother these days. He likes to feed Austin, bring him milk in the mornings, help tuck him in at night, bring him toys to play with, give him kisses unprompted. They certainly have their moments and fight like brothers, too…they both put up a good fight.
*He really likes to help us cook! He grabs his stool many evenings and either watches or helps with dinner.
*He loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Curious George.
*Going on a Bear Hunt, Goodnight Ocean, and his Shark and Whale books are his favorites.
*He has lots of “friends” to sleep with at night. His puppy dog and Hello Kitty that Laina gave him are his faves. Don’t even think about calling them stuffed animals or creatures or anything else…he’ll just correct you and tell you they are his friends!
*He looks forward to “Neighborhood Night” on Thursdays. When loves playing with all of the neighborhood kids (especially Jacob, Cole, and Ellie!)
*He’s overall much more expressive than this time last year. He’s reached a new comfort level with not only communicating with us, but with his friends, teachers, etc!
He is as cute and sweet and ornery as they come, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! ♥
Love you, Elijah. Or, as he would say ” I really really love lou.”
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