My Guy Eli

I know what you are thinking... this poor 2nd child... you would hardly know he exists.  3 weeks late on the first birthday blog??  SBR never received such treatment!  And to talk to SBR, you would think that poor boy never gets any attention! 

So my baby turned one.  
SBR's first year sky-rocketed passed me.  He moved so fast, he talked too soon, he got teeth too soon, walked 3 weeks before his first birthday.  He became a little boy way too soon.  I am so sincerely blessed my little ET has been the opposite.  Cutting his first tooth just weeks ago, he took his first steps 3 weeks after his first birthday (a couple days ago, in fact) and has yet to utter any words other than Momma and Dada.  
I think the major difference between raising my two boys is that with SBR I was constantly looking for what he was going to be doing next, What to Expect.  I constantly read books to know what to look for.  And I regret I missed out on some of his now.  I didn't truly understand that it is just a very short time they are actual babies. 
I learned from that. 
With ET, I just eat him up.  I don't even know what babes his age should know or should be doing.  He doesn't exhibit any alarming delays, so who cares?  
What a true blessing and joy to be able to relish in this all-too-short time of a child's life for as long as possible.   Thank you my precious squishy baby. 

a year of firsts... in photo review... watch him grow...

 so tiny

First time his big brother held him!

that face... gaaah!

I know he looks frightened, but it was fine... really... 

This was one of the first times they 'played' together

ET is a paci baby.  It appears to be his 'security item.'  I can't handle that because someday (very soon) I will need to take that paci away.  SBR attached early (see the trend) to a very expensive, incredibly soft blankie he calls Leece.  In hopes ET will share the same affections we decided to gift him his very own blankie.  (Name TBD)  

To keep you warm, make you feel safe when we aren't there, catch your tears and always smell like what comforts you most.

brother peeking.. waiting for the first sign of assistance needed. 

got get it started... 

atta boy!

Happy Birthday to the sweetest baby I have ever met!  He's friendly to all, and loyal to those closest to him.  I have a feeling he's going to be my dare-devil.  Do now, think later.  Uninhibited curiosity, life is to be explored, lived and loved.  I only hope his relaxed, chill demeanor and vigor for life follows him throughout his life (with careful, cautious brother by his side to keep him in check.)  
I still just cannot believe he's mine!

My precious little Eli Tom-Tom, I love you more than you will ever know!