Many Faces of Elliot

Many Faces of Elliot

I am not sure why, but I tend to get a lot of face photos of Elliot. The last one he requested a photo from between his legs.

Father's Day

I thought the highlight of the day was going to be those fabulous necktie shirts that I got from Etsy (awesome, aren't they?). But in actuality, it was getting to spend time with Janet and Ariela up at Rocks State Park at the King and Queen Seat. Gorgeous day with an as-always gorgeous view.

Elliot being Elliot.

Aren't they cute?

Ariela kept holding Elliot's hand. So sweet.

I wish this weren't so blurry.

Janet gingerly trying to navigate the terrain.

My men.

The kids. I love Ian's pose.

The family.

The view for those who have never seen it.

Yes, it looks like we were right on the edge of the cliff. But we were only near it.

Daddy and Ian checking out a hollow tree.

Us.

Isn't That the Sweetest Thing?

On our Father's Day hike, Elliot wanted to give Daddy big hugs to make him feel all better.

Makes My Heart Swell

Every morning when I drop Elliot off, I have to pick him up to give him a hug. He does a full body hug with his legs and arm wrapped tightly around my waist and neck. He then gives me kisses and says "I want you" over and over again with his check pressed against mine. This continues until I can pass him off to one of his teachers. And then he is fine and only occasionally ever looks back.

Ian and the Hopper

Tonight was the first night of gymnastics and the boys LOVED it. Especially Elliot. I can't tell you how often he looked up at me and said, "This is so much fun!" Mind you, his "gymnastics" was basically an obstacle course of balance beams and things to jump and roll around on. This kid loves to hop and jump and would probably wear out a trampoline. It is also really cute watching him do the stretches before hand. He listens very closely to the teacher and does them all almost perfectly.

Ian told me several times before tonight that Isabella is taking gymnastics this summer as well. Mind you, there are probably a several dozen being offered in the area. Through this program alone, there are several days and times to choose from. Well guess who showed up and is in his class. ISABELLA. I'm telling you fate is bringing those two together.

Can I Have Some Orange with that Banana Soup?

Re: http://doublebuttons.blogspot.com/2009/05/banana-soup.html

The Ducks and The Police

He's Getting There

It was very disappointing to learn that Elliot is very anti-potty at school when he is progressing so nicely at home. He also wants NOTHING to do with pull-ups. But since having a talk with his teachers somehow they got him to sit on the potty at school. And he peed! Twice today. So he is on his way!

Elliot's Way of Talking

One day he will no longer talk like this and we will miss it.

School's Out for the Summer a.k.a The Gang's Back Together

Ian, a fireman, Vernon, Isabella and Jordan going for a (fake) ride at Ian's 4th birthday party at Kingsville Vol. Fire Department.


Today was the first day of summer camp. It was a little bit of a rough start for Ian since he gets a little bit overwhelmed when he enters a room full of loud chaos (albeit organized chaos). So when I left him this morning he had crawled under a table and was crying. This wasn't the first time I had left him crying, though it may have been the first time he was crying under a table when I left. But as most mothers who leave their kids at school/daycare/summer camp know, they will be fine and will usually calm down shortly after you leave. And no, I didn't leave him by himself. His teacher was there trying to coax him out as I was walking out the door.

Because of this, I had thought of him periodically throughout the day, hoping that all was well. So I went to get him first at the end of the day. I was greeted with, "oohhhh, I don't want to leave." See, he was fine.

I forgot to mention that Vernon (his buddy from last year) was back for summer camp as well. Ian was very excited to see him this morning before his little meltdown. I think part of what started the meltdown is when Ian realized he wasn't in Vernon's group. Well, Ian has a way with Ms. Betty and some of the other teachers. I am told regularly how much they love him. And evidently, a bit of a pout, some leaning against a fence, and probably some batting of those big blue eyes and he was moved up into Vernon's (and Isabella and Jordan's) group. All before 9:30am, I might add. The boy works fast.

And even though we have been seeing Isabella at after-care and more recently her birthday party, it seems them being back together in the same group in summer camp has brought them even closer together. Ian made a mobile today for an art project and on one side it said, "I 'heart' U" with a drawing of Ian and Isabella. On the other, it was a drawing of the two of them with their children. I believe it is three of them. Oh, and he also told me she kissed him today. On the chin.

Could It Be?

Elliot has been showing us signs that he may be ready to stop using the potty. There have been several times he asked ask to sit on the potty, including a couple of times as he is getting out of the bath. And some of those times, he has actually peed.

On our way home last night we had to stop and change Elliot's diaper. Shortly thereafter, he told us he had to go to the bathroom. Well, we were still 20 minutes from the house. And since the diaper we just changed was very full, we didn't think much of it. But he kept reminding us the whole way home. So when we got home, we told him to run upstairs and go potty.

And he did. And he PEED! So not only did he tell us he had to go, he waited a whole 20 minutes and kept his diaper dry while he waited. YAHOO! He definitely lots of hi-fives, hugs and kisses, but today he will get a prize.

Pre-K Graduation Deja Vu

Since we came back to White Marsh Child Care there was another graduation that Ian was to attend. It was actually a complete duplication of last year's luau-themed celebration. At least this year, he got a different outfit. Last year we asked to participate since we thought it was a fitting end since all his other friends were heading off and he was switching centers. This time though was for real because he is indeed going off to kindergarten in the fall.




And of course, no festivity is complete without the chocolate fountain. Ian has met a food he hasn't wanted to dunk. I can say for a fact it was the highlight of the morning. You can see it in the background.

My Other Child

I think it's a girl since she is so pretty. Alas, I still haven't named her. But these are the front yard gardens.

Funny Saturday Morning

A Great-Looking TBall Player

Too bad I can't say his actually TBall skills are as good, but he does try. But come on, we all know it's more important to look the part! He is definitely the best dressed kid on the team.







Check out his skills. He did run all the bases this time. All the kids do during the third inning.

It Still Fits

This is Elliot in 2009.

This was the first Halloween costume we bought for Ian. He wore it when he was 13 months old. Then Elliot wore it when he was nearly 3 years old. Lonnie and I both agree that this costume is definitely more suited for Elliot.

This was Ian in 2004.

This was Elliot in 2007.

E and Eot

What Amelia calls the boys.
Ian: E
Elliot: E-ot.