Eli Talk

Eli is currently going through his sassy toddler stage (which is usually less sass and more goofiness considering it's Eli).  In recent months, we have been or are currently in the throws of these dreaded toddler phrases:
"No way!"
"Why?" and
"Mine!"

Changing diapers on Oliver (and other beloved stuffed animals).

One of his favorite words above is "Why."  He likes that word so much that he has several versions of it.  If you're around him enough, you'll be able to decode them based on intonation or situation.  One is confused, meaning he is completely in the dark and, "please explain."  One is said with interest, meaning he is really curious as to why we said something, and he wants to know more.  One doesn't like the outcome of a command we gave, and he is trying to get around something he doesn't want to do.  Another (my favorite) is said in an abrupt and slightly nervous tone; it's an "Uh-oh, I'm in trouble!" or "Uh-oh, I'm going to get hurt!" version of why.  This usually happens when we tell him to get away from the oven or when he gets in trouble for hitting his brother.

Since Christmas, he's been talking a lot more, but there are many times we don't understand what Eli says. I'm starting to realize that there is a good reason for this.  You see, Eli cares more about how his words sound rather than being understood.  Eli has been known to add "y" or "y-eo" to the ending of any word.  The word "whoa"?  Why not call it "whoa-y" if you're Eli!  The word "why"?  Why not call it "why-y" if you're Eli!  Or for extra kicks, Eli will turn the word "mom" into "mommy-o-eo-eo."  Really any cool ending is acceptable in Eli's world.

Eli loves to make big, loud announcements.  One of our recent favorites was "I stick!" when he thought he should get a sticker for a behavior chart.  Another is "All done!!!" over and over at meal time.

Helping mom lick envelopes.

Here are some cute Eli words:

"goggie"  = doggy
"Bobble" = Bob the Builder
"Yo!" = hello
"choo choo" = train