One Heck of a Year

December 18, 2009: Jeff and I found out we had a baby on the way.

After seeing two pink lines (for the 4th time that day!).

December 18, 2010: That baby, Eli, turned FOUR months old!!

Our big boy on his 4 month birthday, with his friends Sophie and Charlie.

So much has happened in the past 12 months.  It's been quite a year, with lots of changes and so much joy.  Our best year yet -- hands down!

A Holly Jolly Weekend

This is my favorite time of year, and I've really enjoyed sharing this holiday season with Eli.  We did lots of celebrating last weekend, and he was such a trooper.  He wasn't even scared of Santa! 

Poor guy won't have many presents to open on Christmas morning because we've already given most of them to him -- it's so fun I just can't wait! 

Happy Hanukkah!

Eli goes to a wonderful Jewish daycare in our neighborhood.  Yesterday he brought home a toy dreidel.  Today he came home from school with a Happy Hanukkah card.  Inside the card:

Some much-needed comic relief for a tough week . . .

Back to Work

Jeff dropped Eli off at school this morning (because I knew I couldn't handle it), and, armed with a box of Kleenex, I went back to work. 

I was prepared in the sense that I had all the "things" that could comfort me - skinny vanilla latte in a holiday Starbucks cup, a fresh coat of You Don't Know Jacques on my nails, my favorite boots, several framed photos of Eli for my desk, and the best Christmas playlist on my phone.  But I wasn't prepared for how difficult it would be to leave my baby with strangers who would be responsible for feeding him, waking him up from his naps, and enjoying all his sweet smiles and coos.  I wasn't prepared to go an entire day without seeing his precious face.  I have the greatest job in the world, but that didn't make it any easier.  It was a rough day, and I missed him so much! 

But I think Eli had a pretty good day.  And that's what matters, right? 

Eli's First Day of School



Thankful.

Thanksgiving had a new meaning for us this year.  Jeff and I are thankful for many things, but most of all for our happy, healthy little turkey.  We are so blessed!

We had a wonderful holiday in Round Rock with my family. 

First, while the guys were golfing, we did some Turkey Trotting. 

We ran into the entire Chicoine family.  Look at all these little boys!

Celebrating at the finish line.  He was a great jogging partner!

Gobble, gobble!

Then, off to Grandmother's house for a delicious feast. 

Campaigning to be the cool parent, Jeff snuck Eli his first taste of sweet potatoes.  He loved them!

We took a break for a few hours, then went back for seconds (and thirds).  Eli spoke for all of us: "I'm stuffed!"

E was the center of attention all day, and learned many new tricks from his aunt and uncle.  Know of another 3 month old who has already figured out his golf grip?  And he thinks Aunt Cat's fish face is hilarious! 

We're looking forward to many more Thanksgivings with you, Eli!

Happy Three Month Birthday, Eli!

On his three month birthday, Eli went to the doctor to get some shots.  Poor little guy.  Poor BIG guy, I should say . . . he now weighs 14 pounds 11 ounces and is 26 inches long!  Time to pull out the 3-6 month clothes.

At the doctor's office. 

At three months old, Eli is sleeping 10-11 hours per night.  He goes to bed somewhere between 8 and 10 pm, and usually wakes up on his own around 7:30 am.  He takes a long morning nap every day, and afternoon naps are hit or miss lately.  Sometimes they're 1.5-2 hours, other times they are 30-45 minutes.  We are still swaddling him, but are working on breaking that habit. 

He is talking and smiling all the time these days.  He loves mirrors, lights, reading books, music, trees and being outside.  He doesn't have much control of his hands yet, so he hasn't quite taken to playing with toys.  He can roll over from his stomach to his back, and can scoot around a blanket when he's on his belly.  He has just started splashing around and really enjoying bath time, and his neck is strong enough to sit up for a few minutes, either in his bumbo chair or propped up against something. 

Eli, we love you so much!  You are more fun with each passing day, but please STOP GROWING!

Out With A Bang

Saturday was the final TCU home game of the season, and the last game at Amon Carter stadium as we know it (renovation begins next month).  I'm happy that we were able to take Eli to several games this season.  Although he won't remember, Jeff and I will always have some very special memories.  Next year, Eli will be 1 when the football season begins.  He might or might not be walking, but regardless, he will definitely require more of our attention!   

Last weekend's game was fun for all.  Once again, Eli had an entourage.  Ross and Janelle joined us -- and even wore purple -- to cheer on the Frogs.  E had an outfit change before we even got out of the truck, but he made up for it by sporting some new purple shades (when the sun was up), and his bear suit (when the sun went down and temps dipped into the 50s).  He rode in his big boy stroller, stayed awake much of the time, and received lots of special attention. 

It Never Gets Old!

I could look at this sweet face ALL DAY LONG (and I do!).  I love those chubby cheeks!

Rollin' rollin' rollin'

Eli rolled over (tummy to back) for the first time yesterday.  Of course he was in the middle of a crowd of girls at the time -- already trying to impress the ladies!  He's done it several more times since then.  It is funny to watch his reaction when he realizes what he has done.  He is really proud of himself, but also a little startled.  Or maybe he's just looking at me like I'm crazy for cheering and clapping so much . . .

Here is today's repeat performance.   

Baby's Best Friend

Although we've been struggling a bit lately with dog jealousy issues, it's nice to see that Charlie still likes his baby brother enough to sit next to him!  Over the past few days, Eli has really started to recognize and acknowledge Charlie -- he coos, smiles, and stares at him.  Precious!  They are going to be great friends one day. 



Picture Update

In an attempt to recover from several weekend road trips in a row, we spent a lot of time relaxing at home last week and weekend.  Although we had a wonderful time in The Woodlands and in Fredericksburg, I was exhausted from traveling with a baby, and it seemed like Eli was tired (and fussy) too.  So, not much exciting to report. 

Somehow I neglected to take a single picture on our fun weekend getaway to Fredericksburg.  Such a shame!  But here are some pictures from around the house the past few days.

Lifelong friends!  Meeting sweet Kate Cothran for the first time. 

Kate is such a character and loves "Baby Eli"!

Loving his play mat.

Having a very interesting conversation with his Momma.

Intently watching the Frogs dominate Utah.

Nap time!

Creating a Responsible Citizen

Little E went with me to vote today.  I wanted to make sure he appreciates his right to vote from an early age, even though it will be a few years before he can exercise that right!

Our Little Pumpkin

Eli had his first pumpkin patch photo shoot the other day.  It was interesting!  We had to wake him up from a nap when we got there, so he wasn't the happiest model . . . and he had a diaper blowout in the car, so his clothes were dirty . . . and balancing an infant on top of a pile of pumpkins isn't the easiest task . . . and the sun was high, casting shadows and blinding the baby.  But considering that not much was working in our favor that day, I think we still managed to get a few cute pictures.  Hopefully we'll have better luck next year! 

Whew!  Climbing that big pumpkin was hard work!