Without Warning

And suddenly Eli is a toddler. He is running around asking to go outside, getting ridiculously excited about eating bananas, throwing balls and sitting in my lap for a good read. He repeats everything you say, like a tiny parrot. At 25 pounds and with a mouth full of giant molars, he is officially a toddler. He is an excellent mimic. He almost immediately recreates any sound he hears, including the yodeling ring tone my dad plays for him. His tiny "hee-hoo" at the end of the yodel is heart-breakingly precious.
From cartwheels to head stands to big jumps, he tries to repeat everything Jackson does. He loves any musical note that floats by and when you hand him his lovey he squeals with joy while giving it a good squeeze.
He is getting good at drinking from a cup. He loves to color. He tries so very hard to put on his shirts and like his big brother, he is incredibly ticklish. He finds joy in everything. In fact, tonight when I put a dab of salad dressing next to his peas he nearly squealed himself into a tizzy. I just wanted to scoop him up.
His happiness makes him all the more delicious.