NYE

Here is Eli rocking his new outfit from Grandma and Grandpa Rapp. He is beyond cute in it! We told Grandma to send something 12 months size... to make sure there is room to grow-- just barely enough to hopefully live through the season in this one! Thankfully this summer we can wear our skivvies and not worry too much about it! Until then, we are super thankful for darling clothes, and the fact they fit!!

PS... we redid our upstairs loft this NYE-- went to bed somewhat early, definitely before any ball dropped! It was nice and peaceful. And we are in the middle of accomplishment! Hope you all had a nice time too! Here is to next years milestones, accomplishments, and hope for it all to keep getting better!
Cheers!

Sitting up...

Don't you just want to grab him up and kiss his cheeks?!!? We've got the cutest little Eli, ever!!!

Cheers!

Foggy mornings...

Finally caught some eagles on the memory card! Click the photo for a larger view.
Give me time, the photos will get better!

Cheers!

A day in the life...

Yeah... Eli cries sometimes...
and he's still recovering from our skin reaction...

his eyes are bluer than blue...

and he can sit up on his own... for a while. He is still working on the downward plop. He does pull himself up really well.

Cheers!

Christmas Day...

Remember people, we rise somewhere around 5 AM, our day starts early. Since our day starts early, it also ends early, around 7PM for Eli, with us close behind. So, mid-day for us is around 10AM, when I usually have lunch! Christmas day we tried to follow our routine-- tried. Since Eli had not slept as well as we all wish, he napped with Nana in the morning while Alexander and I prepared our things to head home. We made it home with just enough time to unload, start some laundry, spark up the stove, cook a little dinner, call some family, and crash.

We did get to see a large flock of bald eagles near the bridge of Perry Lake on our way home. I did catch a few photos of the more than 10 in the trees, but, because Eli was not very happy to be in the car seat, we had to snap shots as we drive by. I was lucky enough to catch a couple nice shots of the eagles on the water! We are lucky to have the chance to view these majestic creatures daily.. and I hope someday this winter I can get closer to them so I may capture them more clearly. If nothing else, I know they will be here next year.

If you click on the photos, they enlarge for better viewing, FYI.

Cheers!

Christmas Eve...

I hear Santa Clause is coming to town?

Here is my new niece, Elyana. Leesha and her joined us at our mom and Steve's for Christmas Eve. Elyana is so small and perfect-- she is only two weeks old.

Eli wore his Santa suit for about 3 hours Christmas Eve. He got as bit warm after bit and we had a couple other outfits to change in to... we enjoyed it while it lasted! I think he's the perfect little jolly guy!

Here is Steve and Elyana! She fits in his palm!!

My Dad came by on his way to his side of the family's! Totally awesome surprise for me! Genesis could not be more pleased-- they are each other's favorites!

Pretty sure these two are each others favorites, too!!

Eli loves his new exersaucer! He totally digs being able to move himself around! Thanks Nana and Steve!

Eli is really interested in other babies... especially Elyana in this case! At two weeks, Elyana could care less-- in a few months it will be a different story!

Nana can hardly stand it-- two grand-babies on their first Christmas'! Lucky lady!

Daddy and Eli taking in the view of the park...

Steve was really excited with all the picture taking... HA!

One somewhat suitable family picture :).

We love wooden toys!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Cheers!

I think we're ready...

Gifts wrapped and paper ready to put away...

Christmas outfit pressed and antlers ready...

Making it before any bad weather and playing patty-cake...

We've made it... I think we're ready for our first Christmas!
Cheers!

Flare ups and food...

Today Eli's skin flared up a bit-- this is a normal reaction after medications end. As a friend so kindly told me, he's still cute as heck!

We received our highchair today-- can't wait to use it. WAIT! Yes, we can, at least for food. For now it will be another place to explore different 'things'. We LOVE the highchair! Thanks Grandma Lynette, Grandpa Bruce, and Aunt Abby!

Cheers!