Eli- Eli- Eli-O
Oh my sweet Mr. Eli Jones. He is at the best stage yet. Everytime I think being his mom simply couldn't possibly get any better- it changes and gets better. I love being his momma. He is such a blessing and gift. As I peaked in on him last night before I went to bed and saw him peacefully catching his zzz's, I felt my heart simply feel like it was about to burst because of all the love I felt inside for him. I whispered a quick prayer of thanks to God for entrusting me with such a precious treasure- His precious treasure- Eli.
Ok, so let's cut right to the chase- literally- the CHASE...
Eli is walking!!!
Yes... that is what I said- Eli Jones Buffington is officially walking!!!
On thanksgiving, while 20 family members and Eli and I were all fellowshiping at my aunts house waiting to dig into our feast, Eli simply let go of my hand and took off across the room then turned around and came back again- probably taking over 20 steps. Ever since then he has been walking confidently and steadily. He has even been trying to run.
I called Dr. Kojic's office, who is Eli's neurologist, this afternoon to share the big news. Everyone was so excited for us. We talked a bit about how huge of a miracle this is. This was one of the major milestones they feared Eli would never reach and here he is reaching it right on time. I praise God for the miracle He has done in Eli and is continuing to do.
Eli's personality is blossoming in full force these days. He is talking up a storm as well and imitating everything we say- which makes me really think before I speak! He is in a faze of babbling a lot. He uses so much expression and influctuation as he talks. I can tell that he is really trying to communicate and is excited about whatever it is he is trying to say, only I have no idea what it is he is saying. Boy, I wish I did though because it is sure amusing to Eli and I am sure it would be amusing to me as well.
Eli is really into dogs. Every time he sees one- real or a picture- he says daauoowwwgah. It is so cute- he tries so hard to get all the syllables in the word that he adds a few extra. Now when Morgan, our Golden Retriever, comes up to him, Eli pants just like the dog is panting and then grins and giggles.
Eli is quite fascinated with the sshshsshh sound. Everytime I do it to him it makes him laugh. He can make the sound now too so today as we were in the store he looked up at me and shshshsh'ed and then belly laughed and then proceeded to laugh even harder when I returned the shshshshshhh. Oh he is such a joy and delight.
Eli is growing more affectionate. He has always excelled in the art of snuggling and prefers a lap to sit on and a shoulder for his head. But lately he has begun to blow kisses. He slaps his hand onto his lips and blows hard then moves his hand and smiles- I am not sure a better kiss exists than that. He also puckers now when he gives real kisses and has begun initiating that sweet form of saying 'I love you.'
Another amazing thing Eli has been doing lately is that he has been becoming really interested in looking at pictures, but not just any pictures- pictures of his daddy. We keep an album out on the coffee table of pictures of AJ. It has been there for nearly a year, but just over the past month Eli has gotten really interested in it. He walks up to it and does the sign for more, indicating his desire to look at the pictures. I always point to the faces and say dada, momma etc. Here is the amazing part... now when we are looking at the book, Eli will point to a picture of AJ and say 'dada'- I find this even more amazing because he doesn't point at anyone else and say their names i.e. momma.
I can see a love and interest in Eli for his daddy. He seems comforted by being able to see his face in the pictures. There is no other book he is as compelled to look at as this book. I find it no coincidence that his favorite book has pictures of his father on every page. I am so thankful Eli is interested in this. I do not ever want to hide Eli's story from him. I am glad he will grow up with it all around him so he can know the incredible legacy and heritage God has blessed him with through his wonderful father.
Eli will also be able to leave an amazing legacy and heritage because of how God is continually carrying him so close to his heart. He knows God as his comforter and as his joy giver and giver of life. I am so grateful for Eli and for the fact that he is literally a 'walking miracle.'
posted by Kellie # 11:14 PM
