Changing by the Day

I tried to get a picture of E with his black eye (on the left) but it really didn't show up

Elijah is at a really fun age/stage right now.  He's learning new things constantly, and surprising us by what he knows and does.  But he still is at that (mostly) innocent age where he doesn't talk back yet, or deliberately disobey (well, not very often at least).

I would probably say that of the 5 kids, he was the least verbal for the longest time.  And no wonder... with 4 other siblings who would probably consider it torture if they had to actually keep theirs mouths closed and silent.... it's hard to get a word in edge-wise around here!  But in the last 2 weeks, Elijah has literally been adding 2 or so new words to his vocabulary a day.  Just out of the blue he'll start using a new word.  About a week ago at dinner I almost fell off my chair when he said, 'pleeeese'!  How did I manage to get a 22 month old with manners, when I can't seem to find a way to keep the older kids remembering them!  Then walking to school a few days ago he pointed out a truck to me.  Up to that point, every vehicle was either a car or a bike.  He had never said 'truck' before.  I said, "A car?" and he replied, "No Mama, TRUCK!".  He's also very specific about things, and clarifies if they are big or little, up or down, hot or cold.  Some of his most used phrases right now are "Mama, look!", or "Watch, Mama," or "My turn!".  I think I hear his little voice saying "look" dozens of times a day!  So it's been fun hearing his vocabulary expand and his sentences grow. 

He is also very busy trying to keep up with the older kids.  Anything they do, or anywhere they go and he feels like he should be able to manange it too!  So this week has been rough for him.  He got his first black eye from tripping and hitting his face against a chair.  Then less than 24 hours later, he got his pinkie finger slammed in the door by his older sister.  Poor guy... I don't think I've ever seen a more smashed finger before.  But aside from a bent nail, small cut and a row of blood blisters, I think he's going to be fine!  But the poor guy has been walking around for a couple days with his black eye and holding his hand up, spread-fingers, trying not to touch anything with his 'owie'.

I know this stage is going to pass far too quickly and then I'll forget what it was like when Elijah was just learning to talk and becoming a 'big boy'.  So I'm trying to treasure these moments now.