Elliot's New Chair

Just like they did with Hayden, Shane's parents have bought Elliot his own chair to sit at the table on. We used it tonight when we ate dinner outside as a family. Elliot laughed and giggled the whole time through dinner - it was so funny.

In The Bouncer

Elliot has finally gained enough control of his big ol' noggin that we can finally put him in the bouncer. He is not as thrilled about it as Hayden had been when we put Hayden in it...but, each to his own. Elliot will enjoy being in the bouncer for five to ten minutes at a time; but, that's about it. His favourite position is still laying on his back and chewing on whatever is closest; toys, fingers or toes. He is starting to appreciate the advantage of sitting upright; however, I think his head is still so heavy, he gets tired with that position too! He has started to roll over. He can go from his back to his belly; but, can't go from his belly to his back, which (let's face it) is really the easier direction! He still hates being on his belly...so rolling has turned out to be quite the dilemma for him as he likes the process of rolling over; but, hates the result!

Big Boy Bed!

So, for the past couple of days, Hayden has been hanging his leg over the side of his crib when he wakes up from sleeping. He has made the decision for Shane and I for when to convert his crib into his toddler bed. It was today! Hayden is in love with it...he is quite proud of the fact that he can get in and out by himself. Our little boy is quite grown up!





Addendum - 9/3/10 - Hayden has done so well in his new, improved bed. Shane and I were skeptical as to how well he would stay in bed...we should have known that our little sleepyhead would never leave it! Even when he is awake, he just lays there and waits for us to come and get him. The other night, he was awake for an hour and a half before he finally fell asleep. He just lay there and said his alphabet and counted to 13 over and over. He's so good.

A Day Of Grace

Today I had the day off and Kaila had to look after Gracie for Vanessa who was covering the office at work. Kaila decided to look after Grace at my house so we could all spend the day together. It actually worked out pretty well. I was a little worried about where we were going to put all three kids to sleep...especially if they chose to sleep at the same time!! - But, it all worked out. Hayden seemed to enjoy having two little ones watching, and admiring, his every move...and Elliot just loved having another pair of eyes to stare into.

Elliot and Gracie hanging out in the pack 'n'play. It was funny to watch them as they actually stole toys right out of each other mouths...but, then they made up and held hands!


Grace playing in Elliot's bouncer:


Elliot in his favourite position, watching the world go by:


And this was the highlight of the whole day!! - Elliot kept putting his thumb in Gracie's mouth and she would suck on it. We were all just so amused by this!

Big Achievements

The last few days have surprised Shane and I with many developments from both the boys. Here are a few of them:

Elliot used to get fussy around the time we were going to eat every night...it didn't matter what time we sat down, he would always fuss. I remembered that Hayden used to sit at the table with us when he was Elliot's age, and he has since grown up to sit well at the table during meal times; so, we decided to do the same with Elliot. He loves it! Now he is a part of meal times, rather than sitting on the outside looking in!



Elliot is still waking up several times a night to eat...and he is eating a lot each time he wakes up. Shane and I are both exhausted from this and have decided that something needs to change. So, we are starting solids. Here is Elliot's first attempt at oatmeal cereal...let's just say, it all disappeared down the hatch and he smiled from ear to ear! Not only is he joining us for dinner, he gets his own! How exciting!! We'll let you know if this makes any difference during the night or not!! (And yes, I do know that I am pulling "that face" while feeding Elliot - you try feeding a baby and not make that face!!)


Hayden is in love with letters and numbers. He can identify several letters as well as count (and recognize) from 1 to 10. He loves digital clocks because the numbers are always changing.
Recently, the Betz family (the boys' most wonderful babysitters) have taught Hayden how to hold two fingers up to show how old he is. I am sorry that the video is the wrong way round...I forgot that it doesn't auto correct - I hope your neck will hold out!!


Here is Hayden showing that not only can he count to 10; but, that he can recognize each of the numbers as well. We are so proud!

Sunday Picnic

Shane and I had a day together with the boys today. To mark this rare occasion (!), we all went for a picnic at Hat Creek followed by a leisurely stroll upstream. It is so pretty around here...so many pretty places to go and things to see. We are very lucky.

Strike A Pose

Two years ago, these elephants were used in a photoshoot with Hayden while he was propped over the very same nursing pillow...well, now it's Elliot's turn!

Our boys:

Playing on The Bed

After the elephants had fulfilled their roles with Elliot...Hayden decided to play with them. As you can see, Elliot did not mind - he was busy sucking on his toes!

Elliot's First Trip To The Pool

About 10 days ago, Kaila and I took the boys to the local pool. You may remember that Hayden and I spent most of last summer there...well, we thought it was about time to introduce Elliot to the joys of the pool. Kaila graciously came with me to lend me moral support!
Elliot was impressed with the pool for about 20 minutes...after that he got tired and wanted to go to sleep. In fact, he very nearly fell asleep on my lap in the pool - the poor thing kept getting woken up by the sound of the diving board every few seconds.
We did stay for a couple of hours though - then we all came back to the house for a BBQ hamburger dinner (thanks, Shane!!)

Hayden Jumping Into The Pool

During our afternoon at the pool, Hayden got brave and went into the big pool with Kaila. While there, he wanted to practice jumping in. He'll be swimming before we know it!!

Hey, Good Looking!

Elliot met a very important person a couple of weeks ago...himself! He thought himself cute and personable. A great conversation was had and a lot of giggles shared - and, of course, mumma had to document the whole thing!
Elliot and Hayden with their doppelgangers:
A serious study of himself:
A smile for, and from, mumma: