Peek-a-boo!

Eli always loves a game of peek-a-boo. He hides behind the couch, or some other piece of furniture, and then inches forward to peek around the edge - all-the-while giving us a big cheeky smile like he's caught us out (and not the reverse). He then retreats back (out of our view) and begins the game all over again.

Little explorer

Eli took his first unassisted steps just a couple of days before his first birthday. Prior to that he'd been cruising ('walking' whilst leaning against cupboards, chairs, toys and even us) around the place, but now there really is no stopping him. Walking and cruising have further fuelled his desire to be an explorer - here he is, with the customary stick in his hand, on the move in our front yard.

Birthday Boy!

We still can't believe it, but Eli turned one on April 4, 2008 (that year has absolutely flown!). We had all of my side of the family over to help him celebrate and my mum brought a cake (or cakes) for him. I think she was lucky that we gave him a short, angular name!

We all had fun blowing the candle out, although I'm sure that Eli was disappointed that he couldn't use his hands!

And of course there were gifts - some were big, some were small, some were loud and all were colourful. Eli ripped into the wrapping paper with gusto and was pretty happy (albeit a little overwhelmed) with his lot. Of course that didn't stop him from using his new rake as a toothpick...

The highlight was probably the new tricycle, although he was pretty disappointed with the speed (or lack thereof) at which the pit crew put it together. Here he is (patiently) waiting for his grandad and uncle (who both work in the motor industry) to get it up and running.

Bookworm

Christy and I don't feel totally obsolete just yet, but Eli is quite happy reading books on his own these days. He turns pages (not necessarily in the right direction or order), points to characters, and even chats about the storyline (at least that's what I think those noises mean!). He doesn't even need to sit in our laps to do his reading anymore - here he is, in mum's big black chair, helping himself to a yarn about the rainbowfish.