BOY!

We've had so much fun lately! I always think I'll have time to write and then I don't and I have sooo much I want to report. I mostly like writing down what Elliot is up to because I know time will melt together and I won't remember everything--especially a correct time line of Elliot's life and certain milestones.
Elliot remains the family comedian. He is a ham. He's funny too.
Some ways Elliot makes us laugh:
-putting things his head
-putting fingers in his mouth and pulling them out to make a POP!
-rolling on the floor
-pretending the spoon is feeding cheeks instead of mouth
-saying, "ohhhh" like Mama
-pretending to laugh
-clicking tongue like a clucking chicken
-PRETENDING to be shy!

Things that are soooo sweet:
-Giving hugs by placing his head on your shoulder for a LONG time. He will also give a hug if you ask.
-Kisses if asked or not. Sloppy at times :)
-Hugging his stuffed animals
-hanging on to "Babo" and "Jeero" long after waking from a nap
-Playing/singing/talking alone in crib for up to an HOUR with his animals
-Playing chase
-laying on the floor to "read" his book alone
-carrying books to you, saying "Book????"
-sitting in your lap to read countless books or drink and entire sippy

Words:
Besides the normal Mama, Dada...etc.
-book
-bubble
-cheese
-thunder
-dog
-drink (dink)
-snack
-bye bye

there are more but I can't think of them. He will sometimes mimic a word right after you say it and you are astonished. Then you work for 10 minutes to try to get him to repeat it, but it's gone...only to reappear at a later date.

We are so excited about his signing also. Sometimes he gets frustrated and I tell him that I need him to use his words or signs so that I can help him find what he needs. Most of the time he will say or sign what he's looking for. It's really wonderful when he starts to grunt and yell and James says, "tell me what you need" and Elliot puts his fingers together and places them on his lips. SNACK DADDY!

Hopefully soon we'll get some photos of swim lessons. James takes him every Friday. Elliot loves the water and when we take him to the pool tries to put his head under to let us know he's ready. He goes under now and we push him back and forth. He's a fish. Also, he looks so cute in his gear and aqua socks, the pics must be taken!

Nana, Grandpa and Froggie

HAT!

Watermelon in May

Well, Texas is as hot as ever and we are loving the evenings as the sun goes down. Grandpa bought Elliot a watermelon. He ate 4 slices!

Relaxin'

Mr. Social

Is this funny or what? Elliot likes to touch people's faces. Some people are happier than others about this fascination. One time I got a baby finger shoved right up my nose. E continues to LOVE music class. There are some other cameos by some sweet babies. Sufyan is my dear friend Ravyn's little boy. Notice the adorable smile he gives to the beloved camera.

Mommy's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers everywhere! It's wonderful to have a day to celebrate moms who work and love so hard. My heart is always more full these days than before we had Elliot in our lives. I feel so much more purpose and an overwhelming capacity to love.
We are officially weaned. It was tough for both Elliot and I--though I think I will miss that bond more than I ever thought I would when I began nursing. It is just so easy to be able to offer exactly what he needs and you know that it will do the trick! I will miss looking down at him like that--and him looking up. He is a toddling boy. We are off to adventures that this new phase will bring. And we are RUNNING to greet them... :)
**Above Elliot is just minutes old. His little foot is covered in ink ready to put his stamp on life.