Birthday Pictures

I am finally posting some pics from Eli's birthday. I feel a bit bad because we didn't have a big party for his 2nd, but I figure he probably wouldn't remember much of it anyway so we kept it small. Next year I will do better (I probably won't be so tired as this year with a new baby and all - ok, I am still trying to make myself feel better for not throwing a big bash). Brandon's parents came to help us celebrate the occasion. We had a lot of fun together. Eli LOVES it when his grandparents come to visit.

When Eli took his nap, Brandon's mom and I blew up two bags of balloons. I took a bunch in his room so he would see all the balloons when he first woke up. We weren't disappointed. Over the baby monitor, we heard some quiet waking noises and then a suprised and delighted "bangoos?" He came downstairs only to find a whole bunch more "bangoos" and he had a blast running around and playing with them.

Brandon's mom made an absolutely adorable cake for our little man. She is an amazing cake decorator. In honor of our munchkin who loves dirt and diggers, he had a cake with "dirt" frosting and diggers, complete with candy rocks. It was perfect.

This is Eli waking up from under his "umgenbrella" (umbrella) to find all the balloons on his floor. He loves to have blankets over the top of his bed when he sleeps.

Isn't that one of the cutest cakes you've ever seen?

Isn't that the cutest kid with the cutest cake you've ever seen?

Eli got a fun bubble maker from Grandma & Grandpa. Bubbles are second only to "bangoos" in the Book of Eli.

Holding and kissing Xander.

Another awesome present from Grandma and Grandpa was a double stroller! I never thought I would be so excited to get a double stroller. In fact, a few years ago I would have been appalled at my level of excitement over such a thing. If anyone is in the market for a double stroller, give me a call! I figured out what features are a must in one of these things. We found out the hard way - two strollers later and one finally on order from the internet (which I am anxiously awaiting to be delivered to my doorstep!) Thanks again, Grandma & Grandpa!!

Stopping to smell the roses as we tried out the first of the double strollers.

Now that Eli is 2, I can definitely say that he has entered the phase commonly known as "the terrible two's." His temper tantrums seem to have escalated exponentially in frequency and ferocity. It is quite impressive, actually. He has done better the last couple of days, but he has had a nasty cold that may have mellowed him slightly. I am hoping that he got the worst of his tantrums out already and that it will be smooth sailing from here on out. To hopeful? We shall see as time progresses.

In any case, he is one awesome kid and I feel so lucky to be his mommy! I love to hear him talk and to hear the things he comes up with in that oversized noggin of his. He is starting to do better with Xander, too (most of the time). He likes to hold him and give him wet, slobbery kisses. I think these two are going to have a blast together! Xander already seems anxious to hurry and grow up a bit so he can play with his big brother.