Eli is Six!

I didn't forget Eli's birthday, and it was much celebrated.  We've just been busy.  I catch up with all the details eventually, but I wanted to celebrate my sweet six year old and give him his moment in the spotlight.

(Eli showing off the Lego set he put together, purchased with his birthday money from Grandmama and Grandaddy)

I haven't figured out lots of things about my boys yet, but one thing I know for certain is that Eli's love language is physical touch.  Eli loves to have his back scratched, his belly rubbed, his face caressed, his feet massaged, his hiney patted...he loves to be touched.  And he will audibly sigh when you snuggle on the couch or bed with him and you wrap your bodies around each other.  There's not a day that goes by that he doesn't say, "Mama, come snuggle me!"  My love language is probably as far from physical touch as it can get, but I can't resist his soft skin, sweet smile and desire just to be affectionate with his Mama.  And it doesn't have to be Mama.  Yesterday, he and Judah rolled around on the floor for hours throughout the rainy afternoon.  Judah just wanted to be rough, and Eli just enjoyed the physical contact.

Eli knows how to entertain himself.  He can be found playing in his room, pulling out all the toys to play with them one by one or to build with Legos or Trios.  He doesn't need a playmate, even though he is totally a people lover and prefers a friend.  He is happiest when there are friends over to run around with or to come up with fun ideas of things to do.  He loves to be outside, but he's not a fan of going outside by himself.  That feels like punishment (and if I'm being completely honest, with three boys, it often is).

Eli still doesn't love school, even though he excels in every subject and gets along well with all his classmates.  His teacher feels like he is a gift to her classroom with his cooperative nature and desire to work hard and do well.  I think he just is a little (a lot!) like his Daddy and prefers home and family.  Okay, so he's a lot like his Mama that way too.

My Eli, you delight my heart.  Just thinking about all the ways I love you brings happy tears to my eyes.  You light up my every day with your sunny disposition and laid back personality.  Know that you are exactly who your daddy and I love for you to be.  Don't ever be afraid to try something new or challenging because just watching you step out and be brave pleases us so much, no matter if you do it perfectly the first time or not.  Thank you for telling me jokes, wrestling with your brothers, loving our home and for being my sweet snuggle buddy.  I love you!