Tootsie Roll Pop

Eli had another first today, although not near as "healthy" or "good habit forming" as his trip to the dentist the other day. We were at Office Depot today and Eli was a little antsy waiting for Mommy to finish her business. When we got to the front of the line, the sweet lady behind the counter gave Eli his very first Tootsie Roll Pop. You should have seen the instant change that took place on his face! Despite the fact that he had no idea what a sucker was at that point, he was excited! He got a huge grin on his face and was immediately happy and content just holding his new little treasure. I thought we may leave it at that, but he soon realized that there was some sugary deliciousness beneath that very wrapper. I helped him take it off and on the first lick Eli knew he was onto something good.  He proceeded to suck on the Tootsie Roll Pop for the next 3 or so hours. :) The sucker accompanied us to Target, stayed in his hand all through lunch, went over to the neighbors house to visit, and enjoyed storytime with us before Eli's nap. In order to avoid a sticky sucker stuck in those curly locks, I did a little finessing to pry the little treasure from his possession before his nap.  Here are a few pictures of him showing off his very first lolly pop...although most likely not to be the last!

Eli's First Trip to the Dentist

Eli went to the dentist today for his first "Happy Visit" as they called it.  Overall he did great.  At first he was all excited about sitting in the "big boy chair" for himself, but then when they began digging in his mouth he was a little less than cooperative and began to clamp his jaw shut (big shocker, I know).  I sat in the chair with him and we were able to make it through a cleaning.  He was not thrilled about the whole process, but as soon as they were finished they gave him a green toothbrush which made it all worthwhile. :)  He then kept talking about how they "cleaned Elis teeth" and how Eli's teeth were "all clean."  I am so proud of our little man cruising through his first dentist appointment!  You can see some of our fun pictures of the day below.

Eli's first "Happy Visit" with the Dentist. Some kids would have a sweet blankie as a comfort object...mine has a red guitar. :)

"You're going to do what?"

Reward for doing such a good job at the Dentist! Vanilla Milk from Starbucks (yum!) and maybe a little something for Mommy too.

Slurping down a delicious victory milk with Mr. Lion

"I still can't believe they just expected me to hold my mouth open while they tried to stab me with that silver stick..."

After the big milestone, we went to the park. Today is absolutely beautiful! Eli played on the playground for a while, but it didn't take him long to find the basketball court nearby. This kid is obsessed.

"Oh how I love basketball."

"Nothin but net!"

Getting his knees into it while shooting his (pretend) basketball :)

No ball, no problem. You don't really need one of those to enjoy the game, do you?

Sheer delight!
And look at those beautiful teeth...I'd say the dentist trip paid off (and he doesn't seem too traumatized in the long run). :)

Me and my little man enjoying the day!

March Madness

Caution, this post is not for the faint of heart.  Massive amount of pictures ahead! :)

Here are a bunch of pics of all the fun times me and my little man have been having lately.  What a fun little buddy I get to hang out with all day long!  I am truly blessed and continually thank my Father in Heaven for this precious gift He has given to us as a son.  Eli brings so much joy into our lives and our hearts, we are so grateful for Him!

Fun at the Park

We have had absolutely gorgeous weather this month and Elijah and I have been soaking it up!  Some days it seems that our main goal is to spend as much time outdoors as possible.  On this particular day I went for a jog with Eli in the stoller and then we stopped to explore a new park.  As you can see, he was more than  a little anxious to check it out! :)

While Eli is still a little bit too short for some of the things, that never stops him from trying to do everything.  Especially with Mom spotting him, this kid is fearless and wants to try it all. :) 

Eli discovering that this rolled when you pushed it...

Time for a snack...

...and a little nap

Eli thinks that the park benches are part of the playground.  :)

Elijah playing in the Tent

He often asks for Mommy to come in the tent, even though I am a little big.  Let's just say we get quite cozy in there, especially when Boomerang feels the need to join us. :)

"Peek a Boo!"

Coming through with the yellow balloon.  Thank you, Kroger, for giving out free kids balloons!  We get one everytime we grocery shop and it is amazing the fun this adds to the trip for an almost 2 year old.

Elijah helping Mommy with the Household Chores

Laundry Apprentice

Sous Chef...not the cleanest little helper but what he lacks in tidiness he makes up for in heart. :)

Sidewalk Chalk

Discovering the joys of sidewalk chalk

Not only can he sing his ABCs, he has amzingly good penmanship, or should I say "chalk-manship"

Quick Hugs between rounds of Tennis

Picnic Lunches Outside

Hammering his way through this lunch... :)

"Here Mommy, you hold this spoon..."

"...I've got more work to do."

Random Cuteness

T-Ball!

Singing in the park

Wheels on the Bus, his favorite :)

Mommy's Guitar Hero

Eli jamming on his goo-tar

Really getting into it!  He sings one song that he calls his "Aaah" song, which basically entails yelling "aaah" at the top of his lungs while strumming his goo-tar.  I love it! :)