"Emily" & Eating

This afternoon Benjamin looked over at the end table and said, "Okie." He was pointing to a photo of TJ and Emily. I grabbed the frame, brought it close, and told Benjamin that, yes, that is Uncle TJ. Benjamin responded by pointing to Emily and...wait for it...SAYING "EMILY!" He said her ENTIRE name! All three syllables. I hadn't even spoken about Emily yet. Her name wasn't even fresh in his memory. Needless to say, I was shocked. Emily, on the other hand, was honored to be the first to be properly named by B. B was able to say "TJ" after a bit of practice.

Later this evening B and I were sitting at the kitchen table eating dinner. He was eating beans and rice when I paused to notice what a big boy he has become. He ate with an adult-sized salad fork, and he was very careful to get each bite directly into his mouth, minimizing the mess. He was eating like a little man. I am always stunned to notice how quickly he is growing. It's cliche but such a powerful truth.