houpley

Mama, when I grow up I'm going to be a vampire. Turn into a bat and everything!

Eli was struggling with a little girl at school. She was telling him his choice of books was not appropriate. He had selected an action-packed book that the classmate felt was too gory. Eli explained to me that he liked this booked precisely because it was action packed: Maybe you should tell her not to worry about your business. You don't have to explain yourself to her. Yeah! I don't need to explain my beeswax!

While putting him to bed one night, Eli asked me if I had named him: Yes, I did name you Eli. Why? Because it is a family name. And it was perfect for you. No, you got it wrong. I did? Yes. That's not my name. Then what is your name? Eli Rocket Blaster Cyborg Copley.

One of Eli's favorite things to do is scour his I Spy books. He loves searching for things. One particular Thanksgiving-oriented I Spy book asked him to find a pumpkin. Once he finally located it, he announced: I found you! Ha! Who's the pumpkin now!

Eli had just completed a massive laughing fit: Whew!  Geeze Louise! No, literally mama,  Geeze Louise!

When I yawned, it sounded realistic. - Eli

Mama, I like all colors of jello. But I don't like that purple jello. It really creeps me out.