Happy Birthday Eli (October 19th)

I can't believe it's already been a year!!! You know how they say you forget the pain of child birth as time passes...well, I remember it like it was yesterday, no kidding. I still think I'd opt for an epidural even though the recovery with out one is so much quicker. So, if and when we have another baby, it's not because I don't remember the pain. It's because they're so cute and wonderful and they make me a better person. I truly believe that being a mom allows me the opportunity to develop Christ like attributes.

Our little Eli has been such a wonder boy.... happy, sweet, curious and cuddly. He and Miles are getting to be great buds. Miles is SUCH a great brother to him. The other night Eli woke up around 3:00 am and I moved him into the other room in his port-a-crib so he wouldn't wake Miles up. About 6:45 Miles woke up panicked...."Mom, Mom!" I ran in there, "What Miles, what's the matter?" "Where's Eli?" "He's in the other room sleeping, it's OK." "No it's not, he has to sleep in here, in his crib mom." Also on mornings when I just don't feel like getting out of bed, Miles will play in his room for 15-20 min (until I concede to the morning) and he'll even put toys in Eli's crib so he can play too. It really helps a mother and a brother out:)

Eli had his 1 year check up today and he did great at the Doctors office. He only cried for a minute, maybe less, while they gave him the shots (we have to go do blood work next week, that could be a different story) He weighed 21 lbs 4 oz (15 % I think) and was 30 in (50%). He's starting to walk a little. He took three steps the other day, but still prefers his funny little scoot.

We love you Eli! We're so glad you're a part of our family!
This was his birthday cupcake

Eli's new toy

An evening at the park the night after Eli's birthday (we have so many pics of Miles at the park and realized we hadn't taken any of Eli). Eli loves the swing and he loves to hang on the bars. But mostly he loves to crawl around in the bark and do his own thing.

Popsicles and Play-Doh

We should have invested in a popsicle company before moving to Naples. Eli LOVES to share his popsicles and he's pretty forceful about it. He shoves it right in your face, and if you turn your head because you don't want any he hits you with it until you do. Miles calls popsicles puga-pops, and half the time I give him one just so I can hear him say it.

Also this summer, Miles discovered Play-Doh and is so creative! Below is a picture of a pizza he made.

This is a picture of his wombat. One afternoon we made a wombat, an imu, and her nest complete with eggs. We acted out a scene in one of Miles books about a wombat who is looking for a new home because he's tired of living in his burrow. The wombat found a great big nest and was just making himself at home when angry Mrs. Emu came and said, "Get out of my nest, this is my nest!" And shoos the wombat away. Miles loves that part and we must have repeated that scene a dozen times before moving on to his next Play-Doh creation.

Video of Miles and Eli smacking away on their "puga-pops"

Eli really likes to try and feed himself. Sometimes he will even spit out his food if I'm feeding it to him, at which point I hand him the spoon and let him have at it.

This is miles 24/7! Who knew Mac 'n Cheese was this exciting.

This one's for Gma and Gpa Hurst

I've been thinking about both of you and your garden and how things are going. I was going to send an e-mail, but thought you'd enjoy an update on my blog instead. So, here it is.... hope you enjoy it. And I hope all is well.

Field trip to the fire station. Miles loves fire trucks! We check out a book from the library about fire trucks and fire fighters. We love to put on our fire helmets and our masks (empty play-doh containers) and pretend we're firefighters while reading it. I couldn't get any good pics for two reasons: my camera battery died, and Miles wouldn't hold still for a second. He was really excited and going faster than usual (hard to believe).

Field trip to Cici's Pizza. We got to go to one of our favorite pizza places and learn how to make pizza. It was great fun and the free pizza afterwards was delicious! Yesterday at Miles play group he learned how to make bread dough and was talking about it a lot, so I think tonight for dinner we'll make pizza dough and home made pizza. He really enjoys helping me in the kitchen.

Don't know how to turn this one around (maybe John can help when he gets home). I can't believe Eli will be 1 year old on the 19th! He is just about walking. He took his first step yesterday. Today he ate Fruit loops for the first time. He is finally sleeping through the night, most nights. HE EATS A TON!! He is still as sweet as can be and generally happy. Although he's starting to become a little stinker when he doesn't get what he wants. But the screaming and crying only lasts a couple minutes then he's forgotten it and he's on to the next thing.