Things I love right now.....

Every day there seem to be little moments that make me think "oh I love how Eli does that" or "I love how cute he is when..." so I thought I'd capture a few things that I am loving right now.

1. When Eli wakes up each morning, in the absolute sweetest voice he says "Hi Mommy"
2. He's all about Mommy hugs right now. He will run to me, I scoop him up for a hug and he just falls into me. He tucks his arms under his body and while moving back and forth goes "Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Mmmmm" - yes good hugs!
3. Words, words and more words - Eli narrates our drives anywhere. He points out cars, trees, dogs, people and tells me about them. It's amazing how much of a vocabulary and understanding he has right now.
4. Love of books - Tim + I love to read and Eli loves for us to read him stories and he also likes to spend time "reading" himself. He will tell us all about the pictures. It surprises me how many titles of books he knows. Favorites right now include 'Wild About Books', 'Danny and the Dinosaur' and the ever favorite 'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom'.
5. "Please Bob Bob" - although we try to limit Eli's tv watching, he's so cute. He will ask "Please Bob Bob" and then look for the remote. He loves Bob the Builder - guess it's only appropriate in our house!
6. Pitter Patter of not-so-little feet - Eli runs everywhere he goes right now. To the bathroom to brush teeth, to dinner, to throw away trash, to go outside.....you name it, he's running. It's so sweet to hear his footsteps. 
7. "Blankie" and "Papi" (pacifier) - when it's bed time or nap time at home, Eli goes on a "Blankie" and "Papi" hunt. He knows that they're only allowed when he's on the bed so sometimes he will just sit on the bed with them or occasionally he'll try to escape to another room with blankie in tow. 

I'm sure there are many other things if I thought much harder but these are a few that I enjoy every single day. He is changing and growing so much that there will probably be a new list next week - that's why I wanted to capture these now. 

13 years with Belle

Happy 13 year Anniversary Miss Belle - we've been through a lot together and I love you, my sweet dog!

a very Happy Mommy's Day

The best part of Mother's Day happened just a little bit ago. Eli actually told me "Happy Mommy's Day". That coupled with a hug made me melt and topped off a great day. It still seems strange to me that I'm actually celebrated today where I have always celebrated my wonderful Mom and wonderful Mother-in-law. 

So here's my special day in review. Tim took Eli on a bike ride at Umstead first thing to give me some quiet time. I was able to have a mug of hot chocolate and read the paper, do a few house things and then read some of my book. When they finished their ride, I met them at Bob Evans for a late breakfast. It ended up being lunch by the time we were seated and eating. Eli did so great with the wait and eating. Back home we took naps and then Eli + I went for a walk to meet Carol + Ryan. After some playground time, we walked back to our house and Eli + Ryan played. I managed to get in over 2 miles walking so I was very happy with that. The boys ran around playing for a while and then we let them jump on the trampoline next door. Ryan had to go home for dinner and we had a nice family dinner ourselves. 

Now it's nice and quiet again - Tim is putting Eli down for bed and letting me just chill. I would say that I wish every day were Mother's Day but around here, it kinda is. Tim is so great to me and does a lot to help out. He's so encouraging when I get upset about some little thing (Eli, work, whatever) and he jumps in whenever I need a hand. We said a long time ago that we're the tag team champions of the world - and we really are. I just hope we're ready for tag teaming two boys!!

Mommy loves her sweet little boy

Sharing Mommy's water - he kept saying "cheese" to Tim so he'd take our picture

Haircut, 1st lollipop and airplane treat

This has been a very busy Saturday. Tim took Eli on a bike ride this morning, we went to the grocery store, had lunch and naps and then ventured out to get Eli's hair cut. He did so great this time. No screaming or tears - he got annoyed some but overall did great. His good behavior earned him a lollipop and star sticker from the hair place. We think he grew up several months by just getting his hair cut!! After that, we went to the airport observation park where Eli loved looking for airplanes with Daddy, pretending to be an airplane and watching them take off / land. A little BJ's trip and then we settled in at home for the night. We had originally planned to go camping tonight but with the stormy weather, we decided to wait. Not too much fun for Eli's first camping trip to be stormy and rainy. We'll try another night - or even just set up the tent in the backyard. 

Big boy eating his prize lollipop

Pretending to be an airplane on the runway with Daddy

Looking for airplanes

About to take off

Hi Mommy! We're having fun up here!

Let's Go Canes!!

Last night Tim + I were lucky enough to be given great tickets to Game 4, 2nd round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Hurricanes were playing the Boston Bruins. It was really fun to be part of the excitement and energy of the night. I tried to capture some video on my camera but nothing could do justice to the noise level and energy in the RBC Center. It was insane and there were soooo many people! It was a fun night out - could probably be considered a date night for us, we don't do those often!! 

A big thank you to Carol for letting Eli hang with Ryan so we could go. Having tickets was only part of the equation and Carol made it possible for us to have a fun night. 

A few photos: 

1st period brawl

Evia + Tim - can't believe we took a night out for ourselves!

Final score - Hurricanes 4, Bruins 1 - GO CANES!

Wish I were on Ellen right now

Happen to be working from home right now and Ellen is doing her Mother's Day expectant Mom show. So much cute stuff - wish I were on there, she's giving it all away to the audience!! Gets me very excited for baby again. =)

Pajama Day ....... and a pajama fashion show

Today was pajama day at school. I LOVE pajama day as I absolutely love finding cute pjs for Eli. Here's a picture of him before school as well as other random pj photos.

Let's go, I'm driving! Wearing "Daddy's My Hero"

Monkey Man pjs

Mom's All-Star

Super Hero

"I'm the Boss"