First words!

Eli has been playing around with some words for awhile; mama (sobbed exclusively), dihdih, and dada. But today, he very clearly looked at will, slapped the table with glee and shouted "DADA!" It was amazing! I think Edie babbled more at this point, but I can't recall such a clear first communication for her. This was really special.

Here is Eli in his new Easter baseball cap and one from yesterday, paling around with dad (DADA!) at an indoor playground.

Backyard bliss

Tennessee weather gets pretty balmy pretty early in the season. But right now we are enjoying mild temps and - for the moment - no bugs!! Hanging out in our backyard is heaven. Eli isn't quite big enough to romp around independently, but he did get to in the sandbox for the first time. And do a little dandelion hunting as well.

Trip to the zoo

We have a semi-regular tradition of going to the Nashville Zoo on Sunday mornings.  Edie's favorite spots these days are the meerkats, goats, tarantulas, and the play structure.

We are ready for spring!

We are all ready for spring.  I take the kids outside most everyday, but some warm weather would be really nice so we don't have to bundle up quite so much.  Edie is eager to reclaim the backyard, especially.  She may have jumped the gun ...

Dinner buddy

Eli sits next to me at each meal, and he is an enthusiastic diner.  It is a little tricky to eat my own food with his insistence on pulling me in for a sloppy kiss with his sticky hands.  But what's a little extra laundry for getting close to this face?

Eli round up

Here are a few pictures of our dear little boy over the past few weeks.  He is a happy, vocal, loving little guy.  He gives big open mouthed kisses, just learned how to wave "hi," squeals with delight when his dad comes home, and when he needs a rest, the only person he'll lean his head on with his thumb in his mouth is mama.

Eli has managed to pull himself up to standing once or twice.  I think we'll have a cruiser soon!

I have resigned myself to letting him sleep in a pack n play instead of the crib because he insists on sleeping burrowed against the end of wherever he sleeps.  At least the pack n play prevents him from knocking his poor little head on the wood head board!

Eli's favorite game is making noise.  Shaking rattles and maracas, smacking his hands on the tables, or makeshift drums are all favorites. 

He already loves the playground! And has moved beyond the swing as well.

Eli's Front Teeth!

Little boy has got some chompers.  During his eighth month, Eli's front teeth popped out. I think I see a few more on their way shortly, too.  Front teeth change the way baby's look more than any others.  He's wearing them well!