Gino

We aren't completely sure why, but Eli is OBSESSED with our neighbor, Gino.

He used to wake up and ask for Mama or Daddy (whoever was not in his room at the moment). He now looks at you and says, "Gino."

When we leave the house to get in the car, he points at Gino's house and says , "Gino."

When we pull in the driveway, he points at Gino's house and says, "Gino."

We had to close the blinds in the dining room that look over Gino's house because Gino was outside grilling one night and Eli kept yelling, "GINO!" while trying to climb out of his high chair (and you've seen pictures of Eli - my kid doesn't let anything distract him from food...except Gino). It is important to note that closing the blinds did not affect the number of times he asks for Gino, simply the intensity of the request.

When he leaves in the morning, I pass him to Daddy and ask for a kiss. He literally pushed me out of the way today, while saying Gino's name and looking out the door. I don't even get a wave anymore!

He asks for Gino more than Jacob!

I think the obsession started when Gino, who is a landscaper, was doing some yard work with a bobcat. Eli heard it and kept saying truck (ok - he was saying "duck" but he meant truck), so I brought him out to see it. I had no reason to believe (based on photographic evidence) that Eli was in anyway smitten with Gino.

Aforementioned photographic evidence:



At this point, we only have a few ideas as to why Eli wants Gino, a man he hardly ever sees, more than Mommy and Daddy (well, more than Daddy).

1. Gino somehow gets into the house at night and sneaks Eli blueberries and sings "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" over and over again.

2. Gino is just a really fun, easy name for toddlers to say. (This is really something we just tell ourselves to make us feel better.)

3. Gino owes Eli money.

4. Eli finds Gino irresistably attractive. (Hey, I love and support my son no matter what!) Maybe he does take after me - I, too, like older men!

5. Eli has some serious dirt on Gino and does not want Gino to forget it.

6. Gino makes amazing Italian sausages from scratch and, although we have not had them in about a year (ahem!), Eli remembers the taste and is feening for more.

7. Eli is desperate to connect with his Italian heritage.

If you have any other ideas, please let me know!