Eli's own highchair

Eli has been experimenting with some food for the last week or so - primarily apple slices as teethers. I can't believe how interested in food he is. I swear he imitates chewing while he stares, enraptured, at his dining family. But now he's got a legit spot with the family at meal time: a high chair of his own! He's still a little wobbly in it, but he's totally into it!

Amma Gifts - 2012

On account of some gift opening sloppiness, due to sick kids and mom being a sucker, Edie and Eli got to enjoy their gifts from Amma a few days early. Eli got a gorgeous v-neck sweater, so soft and warm. Edie got a beautiful apron, which she is thrilled with, and has told me she will wear "every every every day."

Edie at school

The administrator at Edie's preschool just sent me these wonderful photos of Edie playing and working (the Montessori terminology). She loves her school days so very much. These made me smile, and also wonder where my little mama's girl went?

First tooth!

Eli got his first tooth about a week ago. Edie got her first tooth at the exact same age - near 5.5 months. And by 8 mo, Edie had EIGHT teeth, so we may be in for it because Eli does not enjoy this whole tooth growing business one bit.

Here are several unsuccessful attempts to get photos of his new chomper.

Rolling, rolling, rolling

He's not crawling, but between rolling (& rolling), inch worm-ing, and pulling himself with anything in his reach, Eli is on the move. It seems like over night! I found him all over today, and that's quite a feat considering he's hardly out of my sight line! At 5.5 months old, he is plenty mobile for this mama.

Thanksgiving

We four made the trek up to Columbia City for Thanksgiving this year.  The journey was rough at points, but our stay was well worth it.  Full of food, family, horses, and dogs.  And a barn kitty or two.  Eli met many Grissoms for the first time, too.

Swinging

We enjoyed another gorgeous autumn day here in Nashville. Eli had his first go in a swing at a park in Shelby Bottoms, ministered closely by his big sis who made it clear that she'd be the one pushing him. It amused the both of them for a remarkable spell. They are quite a pair!

Paper towel art

We've passed some time with this project this week, as Eli is finally napping well again but is waking up a lot at night, leaving me remiss to drag him (or me) out of the house more than once a day. It's so simple and has cool results. Draw with washable marker on folded paper towel, then using a sponge, eye dropper, what have you, add a bit of water and watch those colors run!

At the zoo

No complaints about autumn in the South! Almost 70 deg and breezy this fine Sunday. So we headed off to the zoo. Eli's first trip there, though I think he'd have preferred staying home and nap in his bed. But Edie was thrilled to reunite with her goats. She loves to brush them to clean them up. We caught her reaching into the goat-only area, swiping at a fat black goat calling, " wake up, goat! Let me brush you!!"

First book

Eli got his first book in the mail today, through the amazing Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. He already has storytime, though, each day in his sister's bed before naptime.

4 months

Well, 4.5 months now, really. But Eli had his 4 month check up yesterday. He's over 16 lb - so he's doubled his birth weight and then some! He got three shots, which he took lying down, but not lying down, if you get me. Big sis accompanied us and was rewarded with ... a flu shot! But then a pumpkin muffin. And on our way out we walked past a store filled with Christmas chachkis. Edie was hypnotized and Eli was passed out in the baby carrier, so we popped in to recoup and pick out the kids' 2012 ornaments: a snowflake and a sock monkey.

To the polls!

Edie took her first trip to the polls yesterday. Not sure whether dad let her pull the lever... But she got a sticker and was very proud.

Happy Halloween!

Edie trick or treated for the first time this year. We got together with some neighborhood friends and hit one block. Our little bumblebee was pretty impressed by this system!

Happy birthday, Grandma Sally!

The Grissom grandparents came to town on Grandma Sally's birthday. We ate out at the trendy new restaurant in our neighborhood - Lockeland Table - at the untrendy time of 5 pm. The wee ones put up with it pretty well! Thanks for sharing your day with us, Grandma!

Sweater Weather

Mr.Eli looking divine in his new argyle cardigan. It's finally chilly here in Nashville!

Trip to Ann Arbor

All of us trekked up to Michigan to spend some time in Ann Arbor.  My law school five year reunion was held that weekend, so I caught up with some old friends.  We also saw lots of family, including both of my brothers who met Eli for the first time.  It was a hectic weekend, but the kids were incredible troopers and we had a lot of fun - even on the 8 am flight home on Sunday morning.

 It was rainy and cold on Saturday, so we spent a couple hours at the Hands On Museum.  The kids had a great time!

 Reunion with the Krugs! We had the rare treat to catch up with our wonderful west-coast friends.  And Eli got to meet his other half -  sweet little Anne!

Edie and Julian had fun playing and hassling each other.

 

Plane ride home at 8 am after a very early wake up.  Eli slept on my chest.  And Edie was wide away.

Eli and Jen meet! 

More cuddles for Eli from Uncle Jens.

Mmmmm. Breakfast at Northside Grill.  We do love Ann Arbor!