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!

First snow!!!

We pseudo-sledded and enjoyed Eli's first snow of his life and of the season today! I am sure he was wondering why it was so cold, but was enthusiastic to venture out in the white stuff for a little while! Thankfully, Alexander spent the day with us, safe and sound!

Cheers!

Montessori...

I told my husband tonight we need to sell our house-- we need to. I am filled with all this knowledge without an outlet to release it. He told me I do, I have Eli. But it is not the same. Never in my life have I been so driven and anxious to share parts of my brain with people than with Maria Montessori's philosophy of education. Never have I been so intrigued and tempted to put something into action... but then watch. I was fortunate enough to see Montessori education in action-- to watch a child find concentration, consequence, content in their work, error, and strive to correct themselves-- on their own. There were many days I stood at Raintree observing, contemplating, noticing the 'ah-ha' moments and, in turn, feeling contentment in myself. Children are amazing-- they are our future and it is our duty to prepare them, properly.
To have Eli everyday is to watch every spontaneous birth of his development-- to see him discover in himself his own possibilities. Never has a greater gift been offered to me than to physically be there, consistently, to see it, allow it. To see each step. Alexander has been handling Eli's new transitions-- no longer does he simply need him to stand up to calm his tears, but now he needs vocal interaction. There are new steps every day and Eli is the best teacher. I do not know everything about him-- we are learning. He exposes himself more every moment, every interaction. Maria Montessori said "you yourselves must be filled with wonder and when you have acquired that, you are prepared". Well, we are filled with wonder-- at every babble, squeal, grab, grasp, roll, giggle, stare down in awe-- we are filled with wonder.
I want to learn more, I want to practice, I want to work. I want to work, not in the traditional sense, rather, in Montessori's way. "The child can develop fully through by means of experience with in his environment. We call such experiences 'work' " Maria Montessori.
I pray our house sells so I may pursue this passion more fully... so my experiences can be put into action, my knowledge can be tested and used, so I may learn more, so I may share with children my wonderment.Cheers!

Nana Reprieve...

Nana came today after almost two weeks without seeing Eli-- I think she was more than ready! He has changed so much in that short time span, and he loves showing it off (and I think Nana just eats it up)! We are so lucky! I don't realize how big he is until I see him in pictures-- he is one big guy!

Cheers!

5 Months...

Our big boy is 5 months old... we rang it in with a photo shoot, a trip to my old job to see some rockin' children, and a stop at Grandma Lynette's. Enjoy the pictures!

The first steps to crawling... knee and arm strength!

That is the smile of a proud grandma!!

Please let me have your glasses?!?!

Shelia, you look soft!

Happy birthday sweet baby boy. We love you tremendously!
Cheers!

Great Wolf Lodge!!

We went to the Great Wolf Lodge today to meet up with some family we missed on Christmas, and it was, as always, awesome! I did not swim this year, rather got some much needed arcade action and some good food. Eli was intrigued by all the flashing lights and wild noises! His time will come!

Here is cousins Maddie and Ethan (Grant and Caitlynn in the background)...

Cassidy and Eli...

Ethan and Eli...

my Aunt Jill, their Nanny, and Eli...

the best smiles from tickles ever...

Caitlynn, Eli, and goofy Ethan...

Maddie and Eli...

the gang...

the whole group, including me in the reflection :)...

we had a wonderful time. Words cannot express my amazement every time I am graced by the presence of these people-- they pooled their tickets, on their own accord, from the arcade so they could each get something bigger and better, they ordered from the menu at lunch with grace and courtesy, they held their own-- they are super (no wonder Aunt Jill can take them by herself!). I am honored they are part of my family and Eli will be surrounded by them!
Cheers!