The Hat

Grammy was down visiting last weekend and we had a grand time. She brought Eli a hat. I just loves his face in these pictures.

"Now Grammy, if you'll just push the button on top you can take the picture!"

"Do you think you can handle it by yourself?"

The expert crawler

Eli loves crawling and the camera. Here he is crawling to the camera!

Expert

Busy Day

Eli had a very busy day today. After a good night's rest, he started the day at 6 am by cleaning the kitchen floor.

OK, not really, he was playing around with a green bandana and somehow it got tied on his head like this. I'm not sure if Jason is posing or falling asleep, but aren't my boys cute!

Continuous cuteness throughout the day...

Phone book destruction is one way to recycle.

He is becoming such a big boy and loves to show me just how big he is!

He used to play in the Einstein, now he plays in his new "clubhouse".

Row Row Row Your Boat

Eli wore a very snazzy and stylish wetsuit out on the boat this past weekend. It was a little big, but he was guaranteed to float like a bobber if he fell in. Which he didn't. His first trip out on the boat was one of discovery and contemplation. His second trip out on the boat (photos) was one of enjoyment, hilarity, and adventure.

Normally, he likes to eat his sunglasses, but with the wind whipping in his face he bagan to see their practicality.

He threw his hands up in the air when Granddad went fast, just like you might do on a roller coaster ride.

Backyard Oasis

We decided to build a deck in our backyard. I'm glad we did (or that Jason did) because we had an ugly backyard. Little by little it is becoming pretty.

A palm tree so we can sit by it and pretend we are on a tropical vacation. Of course it only comes up to my waist.

While we were at the Home Improvement store checking out with our goodies, the cashier looked at Eli and said,
"Awwww, your first?"
"Yes."
"You should make another one."

Eli's many faces

Beautiful

Curious

Mischievous

Silly

Happy

Tired

One Step Closer

The Eli Evolves

Watch as Eli struggles to get all four limbs coordinated into one efficient motion.

Dance Craze 2007

The Eli

This is how we move at our house (click the picture). If only I knew how to add music to it....humm along if you'd like.....

Bed head

Only remedied by a little spit in the palm and flatten action.

Trouble

Eli has started moving on his own now. I wouldn't exactly call it crawling, more like trying to swim using only your arms. Yes, that's what he looks like, and he is usually smiling, grunting, or saying "dadadadadadadada" whie he does it. He moves with purpose, an objective, and he gets there...such as to the laundry basket to find the one blue sock that would make the perfect toy.

He is also very good at tipping things over to get what he wants. He routinely tips his basket of toys over and crawls inside to get the right toy.

We have also learned that cooked macaroni makes a formidable finger food opponent. He gets it pinched between his two fingers but somehow it ends up flying in a big arc onto the floor, to the pleasure of Tank and Trolley. It is hard to hold those slippery things in your hands and even more frustrating when they get stuck between your belly and highchair tray, where not only can you not get them, but you can still see them. When snack time is over, I always find over half the snack hidden in his lap.

Fun in the sun

The lake is finally full of water again! It was a perfect blend of sun and breeze while we were there. Eli decided that hammocks are pretty cool and that lounging was a good way to pass the time.



And all I did was turn around and my baby is turning into a little boy...

Hats and Highchairs

A Thomas the Tank Engine hat!


A plastic red bowl hat!

Cutie pie with his toast and shoes on!

Snow Day!

We are visiting in Pennsylvania and we got a snow day! Here's Eli peeking over my shoulder as we walk out to investigate the snow-covered tree limbs and one of him tasting the snow off my fingers.

He tried to warm his nose up on my shoulder once we came inside!

Pennsylvania

A whole new sound...

Eli has discovered his upper register...

Squealing

Silly

We have discovered new toys for Eli in the most unusual places. Here he is in his hamper. It's the perfect height for him to stand in and hold on. In my professional opinion it is improving his balance and the strength in his arms. In my mommy opinion, it makes him happy and I like that!



Here he is with his daddy. He has just now started moving his legs around when he sits, and I am hoping that once he moves his left leg like his right, we might get some hands and knees action!



The other day he was fussy and I knew he was needing a nap. If I can get him to take a pacifier, he usually goes right to sleep. It's harder than you think. He keeps turning his head away and arching his back so I can't get it in his mouth. I wonder how he accomplishes this because when he wants to suck on my chin he can grab my face and pull it towards him and I am helpless to turn my head. Either he is that much stronger than me or he has no concern for the fact that he is holding on by my hair and hurting me. It's hard to tell which becaues he doesn't really have a concept of "Eli No!" but he can also pick up a full 2 liter bottle and throw it.

A mess

Eli and I had fun at dinner tonight creating just the right mashed potato/carrot combination. Jason refers to it as Eli's Indian war paint.

The Matthews boys were having fun playing with Tanky's ball. They took a break just long enough for me to snap a picture.

Eli's newest thing is squirming around until he is upside down on your lap. You can hold him in your arms, he'll go still like a log, and throw his head back to look at the dogs upside down. He thinks it is hilarious! It's hard to get a picture of that!

On the mend

Besides an unattractive nose, Eli seems to be on the mend. Last night was a normal night of sleep! He seems to have come through this happier than ever, which is making his mommy and daddy happier than ever!