Eli is 18 months...

i continue to be amazed by this little angel in our lives. eli is a mostly laid-back guy who just does his thing and loves life. he is extremely busy. he watches faithfully to see if his bunny friend is in the yard. he confuses squirrels and cats (it could happen to anyone) and we know he's spotted a squirrel in the yard when he starts "mew-ing". eli is a climber and has no fear. it's not unusual to find him in the dining room chairs (sometimes he even gets up on to the table) or up on one of the beds. the falls don't phase him much. after some comforting, he jumps right back in. he's started to "give loves" and he lays his head on something (his stuffed puppy, daddy, the floor, whatever he feels like loving) and says "awwww". he's really brave and tries so hard to say new words. his vocabulary expands daily. his most-often said word is "please" and when you look at his sweet face and big blue eyes, it's really hard to tell him that he can't have what he wants. his next most-often used word is "look" - he is all about discovering what is around him and wants to share it with us. eli still likes to be held, especially if he is tired or has an "ouch". he's also scared of the vacuum, so i have to hold him while i vacuum. eli is not shy about getting our attention if he wants us. in fact, as i write this post he has already been over a couple times and turned the computer chair around to climb up in my lap. eli tries so hard to do what his big brothers are doing. ben and sam have to be reminded sometimes that they need to be good role models for eli. audrey is one of eli's favorite people. he asks for her constantly. eli loves to play outside. he loves to kick balls - he totally has a wind-up and kicks only with his left foot. he loves to watch movies with ben and sam and daddy. he snuggles right up and munches on popcorn, just like the other boys. eli has a sweet sunny personality and he brings such joy to our lives. God has truly blessed us through this little child.