Future Farmer?

Eli enjoyed checking out Ian's brand new sprayer from work. He stopped by to surprise us on his way from picking it up before he went back to work. Since it hasn't been used yet, it was still chemical-free, so Eli was able to check it out himself.

Eli's Babbles

Last night, Eli started to truly babble (versus the normal noises like his squeals of delight and of course the whine). I have been waiting for this since around the 6-month mark when my What to Expect the First Year book mentioned that babies may "possibly be able to" combine vowel and consonant sounds like ma-ma and da-da. I know there is still no meaning attached to the sounds yet, but it is exciting to hear him experiment with different sounds that will one day blend together to form words! I have also noticed he has been much more attentive to watching my mouth when I talk, just like the book said they would do.

I had previously been checking for teeth on a daily basis, figuring it has to be any day now one will be popping through. Sure enough, this morning I felt the tiniest top of a tooth just starting to make its entrance.

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A Visit to the Park

Today was probably the warmest day of the year so far, and we took advantage by going to the park within walking distance from our house. Now that the park in town is back open for the spring, we have been taking daily walks there. Eli really enjoys swinging, and he LOVES to be outside. I foresee many hours spent outside this summer with him. (P.S. Jamie: Maybe the chalk sticks will be adding a shade of color...lol.)



Ever since Eli was born, he has enjoyed the outdoors. During his first few months, I remember stepping outside with him just for a minute when he was the slightest bit fussy, and he would calm down right away. Maybe it is because he is a summer baby.

Today, our walk must have really worn him out as he was zonked out before we arrived back home.

Eight Months

Eli's eighth month has begun with some exciting news but more on that later. He started eating solids 3 times a day now for breakfast, lunch, and supper. He has moved on from the single fruits and vegetables to the mixed fruits and vegetables and pureed meals. Prune juice has also been added occasionally to help with his little digestive system issues lately. While he is a very noisy eater, he has become much less messy. He has even tried tiny little bits of table food, all of which he really enjoyed. He has tried bits of crackers, string cheese, small bites of potato, green beans, and even a few sweets including strawberry cheesecake and Grandma Mary's yummy bread! Along with the solids, he takes a total of 26 ounces of formula each day. Eli has yet to develop the pincer grasp before more finger food is a regular part of his diet. We have tried the sippy cup again, this time with formula in it instead of water, and I think it still might be a while before he is really able to use it effectively.

Elijah's sleeping pattern is the same yet with a 7:00 bedtime, and then he is up for the day at 7:00 in the morning. He has actually started to take a longer morning nap instead of his usual hour. Now, he will almost always sleep from 10:00 to noon, while he is ready for his afternoon nap at 2:00 and will sleep 1 to 2 hours.

Along with his mom, Eli enjoys getting out of the house every once in a while:) This usually amounts to grocery shopping, going out to eat on the weekends, and going to church. Since we have had such a mild winter, we have been able to go for walks quite a bit, especially lately. He loves riding in his stroller! He is still fascinated by books, and especially loves the touch and feel books.

This past month, Eli has been rolling over more and more, especially to try to get something he wants that is out of reach. I have started finding him rolled over onto his stomach during his naps and at night now when he sleeps. He sometimes wakes up in the morning in some interesting positions! He has scooted backwards a few times while he was on his stomach. His arms are becoming much stronger as he has been able to lift his chest up off the floor. Another new trick is his ability to put his pacifier in his mouth by himself. He can even twist it around if it is upside down since it fits in one way, but he has yet to learn to hold his bottle by himself, which to me seems like that would be an easier task.

(Looks like he was experiencing a bit of a bad hair day...)

Ever since Eli was born, people including relatives and strangers alike have always said how much he looked like Ian. This past weekend a lady at church commented he looked like Larry the Cable Guy!

Hmm....really? I'm not so sure...

As for the exciting news, after 2 long months of waiting for the final paperwork to be completed, we were finally able to close on our new house! I really learned a lot about the home mortgage process throughout this time, especially since this was my first time going through it as Ian had already bought the house we live in now before I had even met him. Hopefully we will be ready to move in within the next few months to Ian's grandma's house once the updates are done.

I think I will really miss the small town of Lost Nation. I really enjoyed living here the past 3 years and getting to know the people in town. From the postmaster who very soon knew me on a first name basis to the people at church and the patrons at the local bar and restaurant that we have met and gotten to know over the past few years, everyone has been so welcoming and friendly.
On the other hand, it will be much more convenient living in Maquoketa when it comes to running errands, and the best part will be Ian's parents being right next door!

Now if we could only find a buyer for our house...

Eli's First Crush

As part of our Saturday morning routine, we turn to CMT on TV for the weekly countdown of songs. While Eli is busy playing with his toys while I am reading the paper or doing laundry, the one song that will make him stop what he is doing and tune in is Taylor Swift's "Ours." We have concluded he has a crush on her.

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Happy Valentine's Day...

...from our little heartbreaker:)

The funniest thing about this sweet looking little monkey is if you squeeze his hand he plays Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" while dancing.

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Seamus Turns 4!

On Saturday, we celebrated with Shea as he turned 4 years old! Handy Manny was the theme this year as Seamus is really into playing with his tool sets, and he can even name all the tools from the show.

There was lots of activity, good food with tasty cupcakes for dessert, and lots of tool decor to fit the theme of the party. Of course, Eli seemed to enjoy reaching for the caution tape hanging from the lights the most.


Eli even had a new little friend to play with at the party. Shea's cousin Grady was born just 1 month before him.

Grady, Layla, Liam, Seamus, & Elijah

Before we left, Eli received a Tool Kit book, and we were given tool-shaped cookies as a treat. It was a fun party, and it is hard to believe Seamus is 4 years old already!

"Handy Shea" hard at work:)