An Eliana first: She asked how to spell a word.

Ethan knows enough words now that when he creates a book, only occasionally does he needs to ask how to spell a word. It’s still often enough that Eliana has picked up on the question. She can write a T and O – mostly by accident – but that’s about all. Yet her inexperience didn’t stop her cute, little voice from asking, “How spell Mommy?”

She didn’t develop her book to the point where I could determine its theme, the protagonist and antagonist, or the characters’ deepest inner conflicts. But I did get to help her form the letter M.

An Eliana first: She went down the sled hill by herself.

She was boldly cautious, in typical Eliana fashion. Since limited early-season snow meant a small hill, she naturally took it head first.

Another Ethan first: He had way too much fun putting his toys away.

An Eliana first: She made orange juice appear like magic.

Eliana’s interests often follow Ethan’s, which currently center on magic. It’s fun for a father, since I get to play amateur magician and see if I can improve my slight of hand more quickly than the kids can hone their skills of observation.

I emphasize that the most important trait of a magician is the diligence to practice, practice, practice. Eliana is off to an early start. Watch carefully… Where did that orange juice come from?

An Eliana first: She batted a ball.

An Eliana first: She hung up a broom.

It turns out that a violin hanger works for broom, too, if you line up the eyehole just right.

An Eliana first: She straddled a comfy chair.