Elmer was 2 years old yesterday. He's not a baby anymore, he's my little boy. I love all the new things he can do as he gets older, but part of me can't quite believe how much time has passed. I can't believe he's been here for two whole years.

Two year old Elmer is a mix of strong emotions and thoughts, all bursting to get out of a boy who can't quite express what he wants in words yet. Numerous times per day Elmer will point at something, or pull me by the hand and say "Deh! deh! deh! deh!" (his word for Yes), answering some question he has in his head that he wants me to ask him. Most of the time I have no idea what he wants. Food? Drink? Play outside? Fish car from underneath sofa?

Elmer is sensitive and thoughtful. If something falls over (or is hurled out of his hands), he says, "Poor Car!" or "Poor Apple!" or "Poor Truck!" with real empathy for the item in question. He will spend long periods of time carefully arranging cars in a neat row, or putting his toy cars in and out of his car transporter.

He is shy with people at first, but once he gets to know them Elmer will bring friends little presents, blow them kisses, give out coy little smiles. He has a fabulous sense of humour and finds the most random things hilarious. His laugh is a deep chuckle that is completely contagious, and his huge smile is toothy and beautiful.

Elmer loves wheels, fast cars, tractors, motorbikes, trains. He loves animals, and in particular cats (I'm not a cat person at all so no idea where that comes from), plants and trees, being outside, cuddles, dancing (the heavier the beat the better), being hurled onto the sofa repeatedly, staring into space and dreaming. He is fascinated by almost everything ("Oh, WOW") and I am completely in love with him.

Happy Birthday Elmer.

Elmer the Two Year Old from Sinead Jenkins on Vimeo.

Ps - Thanks to Liana for some photographs here!