The Big 0-4

Eli has been waiting impatiently for his birthday since his dad's a month ago when he had to give presents, cake and sing to somebody else. His wishes were surprisingly simple.  A toy turtle, pancakes, a hard-boiled egg, hot dogs, and a brown cake with green ice cream.  I suppose I should start using the names of flavors, not just the colors.  Last night we took him out for a couple of things he didn't think to ask for. Brazilian food and a dinosaur museum.

"Eli 4" 

Chocolate chips are hard to read. 

This morning he woke up to several of his wildest dreams. Banana-chocolate-chip pancakes, chocolate milk, and a hard boiled egg. Sometimes I wonder if the only way I know how to spoil someone is with food.  Well, Esme was also a fan of his mac-n-cheese with hot dog lunch. 

The climax for him was singing "Happy Birthday" and having his cake, which he wanted ocean-themed with a turtle on top.  He didn't even notice the tortoises we bought don't actually swim in the sea. He's so detail-oriented, I can imagine him being bothered by such a mistake in the future.  

He's been the same since he was a small baby- shy, cautious, clingy, and even obedient, yet goofy and hyper when comfortable at home. Lately he's become quite the story teller.  Tonight's tall tale was his reason for not wanting to go to school.  Apparently there are monsters there.  One followed him home and died outside the window.  If you're lucky enough to be on the other side of one of his phone conversations you will hear a long, colorful story.  Still trying to figure out if he's lying or making up stories. 

It's been so long since he was small, it's hard to believe he was a tiny baby. So here are some pictures from around each birthday up to now. 

I love you, my little man.