It's Daddy's birthday, let's take a walk!

Alexander's birthday happens to fall on Valentine's Day. Therefore, I do not get to celebrate the traditional V-day you all know and love. I am fine with that. Some how, I did not get pictures, but I made Alexander a heart shaped pizza, adorned with artichoke hearts, sausage, green peppers, and onions, and a heart shaped cake. Alexander brought home chocolate covered strawberries! YUM! Good eating, we did, good eating (I made my own cheese pizza).

While we were waiting for Alexander to arrive home, Eli and I went out into the defrosting world. He stayed awake for the entire ride (and I'd like to think I firmed my butt just a tad!)!

OOPS! Just like every year, winter comes too quickly and I "forget" to do something with the pumpkins. It's okay. I don't mind. They are a nice orange when all we've been seeing is brown and white... and yellow snow... ;)

These are my favorite lilies-- they fill my home with scents unmatched by any candle or spray (which I do not use, really, anyway). I love this second shot, three stages of life. Beautiful!

Cheers!

I'm gonna be just like you, Dad...

Alexander got the itch to try a bandanna on Eli today. Pretty darn cute, if you ask me.

I love catching these moments!
Cheers!

So begins the thaw...

Yes, it was about 50 degrees outside today. Yes, we enjoyed it!

Can't wait for spring! I love spring. Everything about it... well, except for the snakes coming out. I can get past that. I can. I do every year. My main focus now? Jogs. Hour long jogs. Not sure if Eli will sleep through them or take in the sights. He loves to be outside, but this fall he always passed out on walks. I am looking forward to finding out, and firming my butt.
Cheers!

The Greats...

Well, we finally found a time where we could all get together for the February birthdays-- me (the 1st), Abby (the 2nd), and Alexander (the 14th). Even the great-grandparents joined! Eli was a bit fussy because it was his normal bedtime, but after a little milk and brief rest, he was back to his normal self. We were pleased Grandpa and Grandma were able to get a dose of the cute, fun, happy Eli we all know and love!

It may look like Eli is smiling in the four generation picture, but he is really screaming at the top of his lungs. Poor guy-- sleepiness can do that to a person! Glad we got the photo, though! Then, we called it a "night".

Cheers!

Eli is 6 months old!

In honor of Eli's six month marker, and his girlfriend AnnaLynne's 5 month marker, the two families met up at Papa Keno's in Lawrence. We were going to go for Aimee's, but the game was going to be on, so, Keno's won.

These two love-birds spent the afternoon watching their parents eat pizza and opening presents-- from Christmas! We hadn't seen one another in a month! TOO LONG! Eli and AnnaLynne had a great time working as a team to open their gifts!

Eli even sealed it with a kiss!
~This was all his doing, by the way... he's a lover~

AnnaLynne is so beautiful-- she is like a doll, literally!
We love you, AnnaLynne!

Happy birthday to the sweethearts!
Cheers!

The expressions of Eli...

Couldn't resist.
Cheers!

Grandpa Stan!

Grandpa Stan and Brenda came today to celebrate my and Alexander's birthdays. Eli did a good show for them. He loves his grandpa Stan so much. So do I. I made a yummy lunch (at least I thought so) and Brenda made a AWESOME cheesecake! We finished it in two days. Wow-- it was delicious!!

Finished the night with our routine bath. It is about time to move onto the big ol' tub and toys! Eli loves the water! So do his parents... funny how things get passed down!
Cheers!

Biiiiiiiiig yawn...

oh yeah!
Cheers!

Too cute not to share!

We had a happy day!!
Cheers!

"Dad thinks I'm RAD!"

'I think this is for you, mama...' No, I didn't do laundry today, I don't think. We did, however, prepare our environment for a mobile baby... namely Eli. He pulled up on the rails of his crib today, and with much pride, squealed in joy. One of the greatest things to watch is Eli's excitement in what he accomplishes. Eli really shows his reactions to what he can and cannot do. Lately, he is showing much frustration because he cannot crawl-- and he so wants to. He will push up on his arms, then face plant. Next, he will get on his knees, but not use his arms. In his sleep, however, we see him making all the motions work together. It is that pasting of consciousness that is difficult-- I think we all have this issue sometimes! Either way, we love this guy and are filled with pride for his appetite for continuance forward. He aspires-- he aspires... and that is the most amazing scene to witness. I'd like to think Alexander and I have something to do with his eager nature, but when it boils down it-- it is all him. We are the luckiest. And, yes, his dad thinks he is rad. We both do.

Cheers!

Second snow!!

The dogs, well, Bingo, played in the snow we had today-- totaled 10 inches here by the time it was done (and my nails were chewed off because Alexander had to drive home in the worst of it). I have found we always get a bit more than Lawrence... something about being 25 miles north, I suppose!

I love snuggling with this kid on days like this, although, I look forward to rainy days more... probably because it is so wintery here. I tend to favor spring and fall-- they are the best. Well, the best time is truly wherever Eli and Alexander are... I'm just saying...

What a beautiful boy. Have I mentioned I am the luckiest? I am.
Cheers!