Tooth correction

I previously wrote that Eli was getting his incisors - well, I was wrong. It's actually his four canines coming through (he has all his incisors). Two on the right side have broken the gum and the other two are very close. Hopefully we're almost out of the fussy woods with them. Once these come in, he'll have 16 teeth!!!

Marley and Me

Today Tim & I snuck away to watch 'Marley and Me' while Eli was at school. About half-way through the movie, I asked Tim if he felt like we were watching our life on the big screen. The movie was really good and, I must admit, made me cry. I got misty for Jennifer Aniston's character when she talked about how hard it is being a Mom and that yes, people do tell you how hard it is but you just don't believe them. I now believe them but I also believe that it's an amazing responsibility and honor - the sweet snuggles, smiles and kisses make the rough times melt from your memory. I also cried for Marley - mainly because I know it won't be too terribly long before we have to say goodbye to Belle. I was a dog-mom before I was Eli's mom and even though Belle's role in our lives has changed, it will be very sad when we have to say goodbye. If you're a dog lover at all, you have to go see this movie. It was such a treat for us to sneak in a mini-date today!

Hiking on two feet

Today we went out to Umstead for a hike and let Eli do the first section on his own two feet before putting him in the backpack hiker. He loved exploring, touching the trees and picking up rocks and sticks.

2008 Christmas in Review

This was such a fun Christmas for us. Eli was a whirlwind and just had a blast with new toys and mostly with lots of attention! While there was definitely some gift exchanging, the best part was watching Eli and spending quality time together. So, here's our Christmas holiday in review:

Tuesday afternoon, Grandma & Grandpa N came up from the beach to stay with us. Wednesday, Tim had to work half a day so Eli & I enjoyed hanging out with them. Wednesday night we had a great meal of fresh shrimp and baked potatoes....yum - don't get them very often. After bath, it was time for bed and the wait for Santa began. Tim and his Dad put together a 16-in-1 game table for the neighbor's kids - some good father/son time and practice for when Eli and his sibling ask for things that have to be put together!

Eli climbed up the ladder on his swingset by himself on Wednesday

Swinging with Grandpa

Christmas morning we woke up and Santa had definitely been here - between Santa and Grandma / Grandpa, Eli had tons of stuff. When he came downstairs, the first thing he saw was a John Deere ride on tractor from the Grandparents. He climbed right on it. He just didn't know what to play with and was all over the place. One time he started running into the kitchen and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw a basketball goal on the other side of the tree. That was hilarious. He knew exactly what to do with it and tried to put the ball into the hoop. We hope he will throw balls into the hoop instead of all over the house. After breakfast, we opened more presents and Eli got to play with Round 2 of new stuff. He also had fun being the center of attention basking in Grandma & Grandpa's love. One thing that has happened lately is that he has become quite Grandpa's boy. He loves Grandpa C when we we're at the farm and asks for him and he did the same thing this week with Grandpa N - he had to keep track of his every move.

Love the tractor!

Going for two points

Finally noticed the tricycle from Santa - he can climb on it, knows what to do but just can't quite touch the pedals

Hello?

Our little stunt boy - he has taken to climbing on everything

Round 2 - a cool playhut from the cousins

Eli had so much fun in just one section of it

After a full morning, it was time for nap and some quiet time. Eli actually took two naps yesterday because the day was so full. The second nap was nice; it allowed me to do some cooking for our friends and family dinner last night. I cooked my first turkey ever and, if I say so myself, it was yummy. I also did dressing, ham, mac-n-cheese, oreo ice cream pies and punch to drink. The punch was the hit of the meal. Our friends brought over all the veggies and other sides. It was a feast! Everyone was so stuffed that they weren't interested in dessert. We were lucky to spend Christmas dinner with the Grandparents, our friends Mike & Mary, Mike's parents and Mary's brother and nephew. It was a full house and I loved all the activity and togetherness.

Mommy & Eli

Friends & Family - for which we are very thankful

Hanging out with full bellys

Santasauras Rex with his 'My First Craftsman' tape measurer

With yesterday being such a full day, Eli actually let us sleep in this morning until 7am - woo hoo! But then, of course, it was full on playing once his feet his the floor! Tim's parents left about mid morning and then Eli went down for a nap. Mommy also used the time to sneak in a nap - it was great! We spent the afternoon hanging out and playing with Eli.

This was such a wonderful (and tiring) Christmas. We were so lucky to spend it at home with family and friends. Next year will be even crazier with two kids in the house but oh how much fun!!

Reading the morning paper with Daddy

Fun time with Play Doh

Grandma & Grandpa N (and blankie!)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you have a day blessed with family, friends and lasting memories.

All I want for Christmas...

is a good night's sleep.....no wait, that's not how it goes....
my two front teeth.....in this case it's the front incisors. Eli hasn't had the best nights lately. Between trying to fight off a runny nose and cutting new teeth, his nights have not been that great. We're hoping for a nice gift from Eli tonight - a full night of sleep.

Christmas Eve

Hanging out Christmas Eve with family, Eli running all over the place, waiting for Santa. If you're curious where he is, check out Norad's Santa tracking. Looks like right now he's in Porto Amboim, Angola. We're looking forward to his visit tonight!

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas.