Waking up on the Brave Side of the Bed...

Michael is a timid-kind-of- guy. He isn't fond of toys that come after him, or that move quickly with unleashed enthusiasm.

One of my brothers, Daniel, has assumed the role of the great uncle who gives really cool gifts that Josh and I probably would not buy. This Christmas Daniel gave Michael a "TMX" Elmo, some people call him "Tickle Me Elmo". He's the Elmo that people lined up for hours to buy during the holidays. Michael was terrified of TMX Elmo on Christmas morning. Daniel threatened to take him back and sell him on ebay -- the doll--of course, not MB.

HOWEVER, Michael has gotten braver and braver by the day...this morning he woke up asking for BOTH of his Elmo dolls. (Daniel also gave him a Chickenish Elmo for Michael's first Christmas...he sings the "Chicken Song".) Because Thursday's are show and tell days, I packed TMX Elmo in the daycare bag. Michael really wanted to bring both of the dolls, but Josh only allowed TMX Elmo to hop in the car. The sitter reported that Michael had a wonderful time with his Elmo doll today, apparently Elmo went everywhere that Michael went. He's become so brave in the past day or so...Michael is no longer afraid to push Elmo's belly to make him laugh. That's a pretty big milestone for him...he's been so reluctant to touch either doll. And today, he's kissing and hugging his new friend, "TMX"!

Elmo joined us at the park today, as well. Michael and I did a quick run at the park and then stopped to swing before going home. Michael refused to swing until Elmo joined us, so we had to walk to the car and pull him out.

I wonder when he'll figure out Uncle Daniel=Cool Gifts....