the boys won't call him "girly" anymore

Eliot has decided that pink is no longer his favorite color. He says it's a girl color (hmmm. wonder where he heard that? Most likely one of the 13 boys in his class at school.) So now his new favorite color is..... BLACK! WHAT? So we're just going to jump straight from pink to black, just like that? With no pit stop at red or blue or some other regular color? I wonder if this is a sign of things to come. Not in a "what does this color represent" kind of way, but in a "the kid is always off the beaten track a little" kind of way. I have to admit, I'll miss pink a little. I had gotten used to it. And when the ladies at work said to me, in a condescening tone, "well, pink is a little unusal for a boy," I had gotten very used to saying, "yes. it is. I admire his resolve and individuality." I suppose I can say that about black, too. Still, I have some great pictures to remind me of the pink days.

company in the night

Three nights ago, when Brian and I went upstairs for the night, I happened to see Monkey was left in our bed. Odd, I thought, but no big deal. Eliot must've forgotten him when he was going to sleep that night. I was too lazy, or maybe too tired, to take him into Eliot's room, so I just snuggled with him for the night.
Two nights ago, Brian and I went to bed, and who should be there? Piggy. Again, I thought it was odd, but Eliot has so many animals that he's bound to forget one or two. Piggy and I snuggled through the night, but I pretty much forgot it by morning.
Last night? Blue-Footed Booby was there, just lazing about on my pillow. So this morning I asked Eliot, "hey, do you know who slept with me last night?" He giggled uncontrollably, almost maniacally. I said, "Blue-Footed Booby. And before that? Piggy. And before that it was Monkey. Do you have any idea what's going on here?"
Unable to hold his secret any longer he burst out, "I KNOW! I'm the one that put them there!!!" His eyes were the size of saucers and he was hyperventilating a little. He was sooo proud of himself! Not only for pulling one over on me, but also for keeping his secret to himself for three whole days. He giggled as he told me all about how he had snuck out of bed after goodnights, and put a different animal in my bed each night. After his confession, I feel certain that there will be an animal in my bed from now on.