October 21 - October 25

Hi Lijah!
I haven't been neglecting you - just your blog!  We were so busy with our trip to Denver that I didn't have time to keep it up.  However, I did make notes so I wouldn't forget anything!

Thursday - Grampa picked you up from daycare for me and you were outside when we picked you up at 5.  You were in a good mood even though you hadn't slept or ate!  We headed to the airport and had dinner then it was time for our flight.  You did so good on the flight - as soon as the plane turned on, you were OUT!  You slept almost the whole time.  When you did wake up, you spent your time flirting with those around us.  Auntie Val and Brandon picked us up from the airport.  We were up until MIDNIGHT Denver time before you got settled back down to go to sleep.  Auntie Val gave you a book, a singing pirate bear and another stuffed animal for Halloween.  Brandon gave you more Broncos gear - I am sure your daddy will be thrilled  :)  You were quite intrigued with the pirate bear singing "Hot, Hot, Hot."  You slept pretty good but I was shocked when you were up at 7:15.  I thought for sure you would sleep longer!

Friday - We were able to spend a bit more time with Brandon before he went to hang out with his friends.  You were nicer to him than when we saw him in Minneapolis in April :)  Then, Auntie Kim made it in town and you were fully exposed to both Aunties!  They even developed an Auntie Attack where they smooched you from each side.  You thought it was funny.

We spent the day with Candi & Finnegan.  You just crawled all over the house and stopped in to see Finnegan once and awhile.  He is so big and looks so different than the last time we saw him. I was so impressed that you didn't try to eat him!  You did try to head butt him but I think it is your way of showing affection - you weren't acting ornery.

After Candi & Finnegan left, we went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant.  Kiddo - I have never seen you eat so much food.  You had beans, rice, applesauce, puffs, grilled cheese and fried ice cream.  It was like you wouldn't stop eating!  We went to the store afterwards and you thought you were pretty cool in the cart with the car on it.  But, you got bored after awhile and wanted to be at the top of the cart.

When we got home, it was bath time and bed time.  It was weird sleeping in the same room with you and even more weird that your daddy wasn't with us!

Saturday - Auntie Kim gave you your Halloween gifts - A Texas beanie and a Houston Texans shirt.  You actually did help open it.  It was a bag with tissue and you pulled out each piece of tissue with Auntie Kim's help.  Afterwards, we did your Halloween photos out in the yard.

We went to the outlet mall and you were so tired.  I was hoping you would fall asleep in your sling but there was just way too much going on for that!  Of course, you were spoiled rotten at the mall too - more toys and more clothes!  Since you were so tired, you had a complete meltdown when we got home.  You were just fighting sleep.  After a brief nap, you were able to function a bit longer.  We did a video chat with daddy and it scared you.  You talked to him a bit but you had to keep your distance.  Then, you would get close and cry and move away.  I don't think you know what to think of those video chats!  We had an early night and you slept really good!!

You look like you were walking on your knees but it is really your feet - your pants are too long  :)

Big boy Elijah - only likes to stand and walk now!

Sunday - you slept a lot because you were so out of whack.  We did lots of pictures before we caught our flight.

At the airport, we shared some McDonalds and then had to run to the gate to get on the plane.  Again, once the plane was moving, you were OUT.  When we got off the plane, I said "Are you ready to see your Daddy?  Dadada?"  You squealed.  I think he was so excited to see you!

In the car on the way home, you were out of control buddy!  You were talking so much and so loud.  When we pulled up to the house, you were even more excited.  I think you were glad to be back in your familiar surroundings.  You were so excited to be in your walker - I think you had missed it.  I put you in it and went to get some stuff out of the suitcase.  Next thing I know, I see your butt and legs up in the air.  YOU CRAWLED OUT OF YOUR WALKER.  You didn't get hurt because you braced yourself with your hands on the floor but man, that scared me!

Since you had taken a nap on the plane, you were all geared up to party when we got home.  You were so funny playing with us. You were laughing and smiling and being silly.  You even started fake laughing - if mommy & daddy would laugh, you would laugh for real then fake laugh after that!  It was a lot of fun hanging out with you while you were being so silly.

I am not sure how the mood changed so quickly but after you went to sleep for an hour, you woke up screaming.  You screamed for 45 minutes - non stop.  Nothing helped - bottle, pacifier, orajel, holding you, rocking you, Tylenol.  Your dad and I were pretty stressed as you have never done anything like that.  There were no tears and it was almost like you were sleeping and screaming.  Then, you passed out.  We hope not to repeat that!

Monday - Mary said you were really good today but you were tired.  We were worried that the screaming would continue but it looks to be pretty isolated!  When you got home, you continued being silly with your fake laugh.  All 3 of us hung out together playing for awhile then I left for book club.  Apparently, it was a big night and I missed it all!  You were crawling around on the floor and Daddy looked up to see you standing up.  You pulled yourself up!  Then, he set you in your crib so he could do something really quick.  He turned right around and you were standing up again.  My goodness - overnight, you turned into a BIG BOY!  Finally, you started playing with your toy that you have hated.  It is a ball toy where you put the ball in the top then press the lever to watch it light up & come down.  Daddy said he looked up and you were playing with it.  It is amazing for 2 reasons - 1) You have always been scared of it  2) You knew to put the ball in and then press the lever.  That seems pretty darn smart to me  :)

Whew - that was a lot to tell you little guy.  I need a nappy just because I am worn out from typing!  I really enjoyed our solo trip together & spending so much time with you, buddy.  You have been so darn fun lately that I can only imagine what you are going to be like when you are even more active and develop even more of your silly personality!

October 17 - October 20

Hi Lijah!
I don't have a ton to tell you because I am in a sleep deprived fog so I can't remember anything.  You have decided that, on most nights, you want to wake up at 12 or 4 and stay up for a bit.  Daddy & I are tired  :)  You seem to be fine when we put some orajel on your gums so it still points to teething.

Mary says you are a tyrant bully.  She said you throw a fit when you don't get your way (I have witnessed this myself.)  She said you are head butting all the kiddos.  She said you are crabby.  Finally, she said that you are throwing your body backwards and slamming your head hard into her chest & it hurts.  I have no idea where you are picking this up so I told her to back hand you to put a stop to it.  haha.  Normally, your dad & I laugh at you when you act up.  Personally, I think your head butts are your way of showing affection to the kids but you don't know how to lean your forehead gently.

You are still a clapping fool - you just think that you are a genius when you clap.  You have been giving me a lot more hugs - where you lay your head down on me.

We have switched your food to find more fruits and veggies that you can pick up yourself.  You are too much of a big boy to let me feed you anymore.  The soy formula seems to be helping your congestion & allergies - no runny noses, no coughing, etc.

Well buddy, that is about it.  Tomorrow, we head to Denver to see your Aunties, Candi and Finn!

Elijah & the garage sale cow!

October 13 - October 16

Hi Lijah!

Another few days have passed since I wrote you and it seems like I have a lot to tell you!  These past few days have been so fun - you have learned how to clap and you think you are pretty cool.  You clap and I say "YAY" and you laugh.  You are also making new faces with your tongue.  It is so cute - it is like you have rediscovered that it is there again.  Too fun!!

Wednesday was pretty normal - home from Mary's, nap, eat, bath, play and ready for bed.  Unfortunately, you did wake up at 4:00 am and wouldn't go back to sleep.  You had a bottle then you were all squirmy, wormy in our bed.

Thursday - I was so annoyed with you baby but I had to laugh too.  We went out to dinner because your daddy was craving Rojas.  You sat with me and did so good eating beans and rice.  Then, you started getting fussy & I figured you were full.  Nope, you were not full - you just didn't want me to feed you anymore.  You sat with your daddy & dug into the food on his plate - corns, beans and cheese.  You are such a big boy that you need to do everything on your own.  I think it is great you are so independent but it is much cleaner if you would let me do it  :)

Friday - you went over Great Gramma's but I stayed over there with you & through off your routine.  I did a call downstairs and as soon as I came up, you were fussy pants.  We played for a bit and talked to Gramma then came home a took a nappy.  We had a party with Daddy's side of the family and there was a little girl there that was about 3 weeks older than you.  You were SO FUNNY.  She crawled over to see you and you just screamed at her - in a happy way.  You kept doing it over and over.  You reached for her face and she reached for your face.  You didn't even try to eat her - just smiled and screamed at her.

Saturday - we were all in sad shape buddy!  We had a party to go to but we had to cancel. Your dad hurt his arm - he can barely move it.  I felt like I had the flu - all of my muscles were just so fatigued.  You were OK all day but at 11:00 pm, you woke up and would not go back to sleep.  We gave you some Tylenol and Orajel and you felt better - until 3:00.  At 3, another dose & still no sleep.  I brought you downstairs to rock you - still no sleep.  I gave you a bottle and put Sponge Bob on TV - still no sleep.  I had you on the Love Sac while I was laying on the couch and I could hear you clapping.  It was so cute!!  Finally, you slept from 5-7:15.  Man, buddy, I was EXHAUSTED.  Daddy came down at 7:15 and I gave custody of you to him and I slept for 5 HOURS   :)  When I woke up, I couldn't believe that you didn't take a morning nap.  You were up from 7:15 to 11!  Right now, you are still taking a nap and I hope that we can get those darn teeth to come through.  I hate it when you are miserable.

We have a big week this week buddy!  We need to take your Halloween photos and then we are off to DENVER!  It is our first trip by ourselves.  We are going to see Auntie Kim and Auntie Val.  Well, like I joked with Great Gramma - I am just Elijah's designated chaperone  :)  If you could fly on your own, I don't think I would be a required visitor !  haha.

October 8 - October 12

Hi Elijah!
Did you think I forgot about you?  I have been kind of tired lately and not on the computer as much as normal.  I have been playing with you and reading a lot.  We have had some fun days that I need to share with you!

First off, I have to tell you that I am probably done telling you about every time you go potty in the chair.  On average, you are going 2-3 times a day.  We put you in there after your nap, after your dinner and then sometimes when you give "the look."  So, no need to tell you every day what a rock star you are.  Plus, how many times do you really want to read about your poo?  I may post occasionally that you are still doing well and maybe updates when you are starting to get the hang of it on your own.  I will tell you that the chair has been a lifesaver when your tummy has been hurting.  It has been a lot easier to deal with that then the diapers.

On Friday, you went to Great Gramma's and we went to our first hockey game.  I think you have now been exposed to most of the major sports - football, baseball, soccer, hockey!  We were going to meet your cousin Brandi but she was sick so we hung out with Jeff and Jeremy.  There was a railing in the suite that I let you stand against and you thought you were the coolest dude on the block!  You entertained Jeff by touching his shirt.  I moved you to stand against his leg and he just rubbed your back while he watching the game.  You know, his turnaround with babies is quite remarkable.  He would barely hold you & Jake in the hospital and now he is first in line to hold you & buy you cool shirts!  It probably helps that you and Jake are pretty cool babies.  If you were monsters, it might be a different story  :)

I think you enjoyed the game and all the people but you were definitely scared when they scored.  The loud horns and cheers took you off guard.  Unfortunately for you, it was 5-0 when we left!

After the game, we had a rough night.  You woke up at midnight and I grabbed you.  I came back to bed and laid you on my chest.  Next thing I know, I feel something warm all over me.  You had gotten sick.  Now, I know that this is gross and you don't care to read about it.  However, it is very critical that I tell you about this because it is the one area I told your dad that I couldn't deal with.  I said I could do diapers, food messes, baths, and everything else but that I have an intolerance for puke.  So far, I have been pretty lucky and the one truly bad night, you were laying on him.  Well, I guess it was my turn and I have to say, I am pretty impressed with myself.  I very calmly cleaned us both off.  I didn't get sick myself.  And, I said a quick prayer of thanks that my nose was so plugged I couldn't breathe.  :)  Afterwards, you ended up sleeping in bed with us and, buddy, you are such a bed hog, I can barely stand it.  I can't say that I loved getting kicked in the head all of the time!

On Saturday, you were able to go hang out with Great Gramma Dorothy, Auntie Betty, Auntie Becky and Auntie Sue.  They spoiled you rotten while we went to lunch and Target.  We were so excited to buy you a new toy but when we came to pick you up, you were perfectly content playing with tupperware and a foil pie pan.  So much for spending $15 on an Elmo cell phone!  You were really good for them and they enjoyed hanging out with you.  Other than that, we just hung out at home Saturday night.

On Sunday, we hung out and watched the Chiefs lose.  You had your jersey on but not your Chiefs diaper so I am sure that is why they lost.  Afterwards, you went to your first poker party at Sherry Shark's house.  We saw lots of our family and friends.  As I expected, you crawled around, you ate the poker chips and you snacked on food.  You did really good and daddy got 2nd place so he won his money back.

On Monday, Gramma Debbie came over to play with you for a bit then it was just a normal night - dinner, play, sleep.

On Tuesday, you hung out with Grampa Keith & Heather then we went out to dinner.  You came home and zonked out.

Developmentally, you are starting to say "mamama" more often but never, ever when I ask you to.  You are scooting really well but no crawling action.  You will go from a sitting position to all 4s then drop to your belly to scoot.  You still walk in your walker and bounce in your chair but not as much as you used to.  Mostly, you like crawling around the floor and finding every piece of dust that you can.  Then, you get tired, scream at me and want to be held.  Daddy still calls you a Mama's boy and I think it is true.  You get fussy when I leave the room or whine when you see me.  You can be perfectly content with your dad and I will come downstairs.  Then, you will whine like you have been abused for the last hour so I pick you up and give you smooches.  You love patty cake and you love being hung upside down.  We got you a new walker toy and you pushed it across the room but that was pretty strenuous for you.  You were whining and acting like a wussy the whole time  :)  Even though that was hard on you, you really enjoy walking when people are holding your hands.

Well buddy, that is about it.  No big plans for Wednesday or Thursday. Friday, we have a birthday party with Daddy's side of the family, Saturday a Husker party and I think we are home on Sunday.

October 7

Hi baby!
We are in trouble at Mary's, son. Apparently, the whole daycare is sick and it has been narrowed down to you as being the cause. When I picked you up, the place was empty because all the kids were home sick and Mary said you were the only common denominator. We were not thrown out and I still maintain there is no solid proof against you. But, I think she is right considering all 3 of us were sick.

After Mary's, you hung out with Gramma Debbie while I finished work and came home with a big loot of toys. We had another exciting night - 3 times on the potty! We didn't have one dirty diaper all night because you went on the potty each time. I can't remember why I put you on it before your nap but you went. Then, I didn't think you would go again after your nap but was trying to be consistent with you - you went again! Then, daddy put you on during half time and you went again. Wow! I think we are getting extremely lucky that you are going each time - especially considering that we only sit you there for 5 minutes. I was out last night but, when I got home, daddy told me other exciting news. Instead of sitting in your chair and walking around, you walked BEHIND the chair pushing it. Daddy said you made it about 3/4 of a lap. Looks like we need to see if your friend Levi has any discarded walking toys :). Daddy also told me that you said "mamama" while I was gone. Man, you were a big boy tonight - potty chair 3 times, walking, and saying mama.

I am writing this in the morning and you just left for Mary's. When you woke up, daddy put you on your chair and you went potty again. I can only cross my fingers that some tiny part of your brain is associating the chair with potty but even if every single time has been luck, that is still a lot less diapers to clean up!!

October 6

Hi little man!
I was miserable sick today so I didn't see you this morning. Then, I asked Grampa to pick you up at Mary's. I went until 6:00 pm to see you and you know what? It was kind of worth it. You saw me and got all excited. You tugged at my heart! When I pick you up at Mary's, you smile at me but you are so happy there, you don't need me. But, today, you smiled, giggled and just plain got excited. Thank you for making my week!

We had another exciting night - after your nap, I put you on the potty chair and we had success! 3 for 3 big boy. We are so proud of you. I think you like sitting on your throne having your subjects sitting on the floor with you acting silly! I clap, I sing that you went potty, we high 5. Yes, kid, your parents are dorks but it was one less messy diaper we had to clean up! I think your dad is pretty impressed with you going potty on the chair - I think he uses the word genius. But, he knows that it is just kind of an accident and the heavy lifting won't come for another year!

Well, that is about it dude. I really hope I feel back to normal soon so we can hang out and play more. I even missed your bath tonight.

Alert!! Alert!!

As I typed your last note, you were taking a nappy.  When you woke up, I knew it was time to change your diaper but I thought I would try throwing you on the potty chair.  Don't think it is a bad habit to try to start - nappy, potty chair.  Guess what?  You went potty again on the chair!  I called your daddy upstairs so he could witness the occasion!  We cheered and clapped and made general fools of ourselves (Ok, I did more than he did) and told you what a big boy you are to go potty on the chair!!

We are not silly enough to think that this is actually any sort of training but we are just so excited that you aren't too scared to try it and it saves us cleaning up a messy diaper  :)

October 2 - October 5

Hi cranky pants  :)
Actually, I am being mean to you.  You aren't cranky.  You just plain aren't feeling well.  Your allergies are still bothering you & the medicine for your ear is giving you a bit of trouble.  So, I can pick on you but it really isn't your fault.

One thing that I can honestly pick on you about is that you are out of control on your changing table.  You won't lay still any more.  You fuss, your swing your body every which way and you are rotten.  Even our tried and true "Elijah tamers" are no longer working!  Let's just say your mom is learning really quickly how to dress you while you are on your tummy!

A new developmental thing that you are doing is that you know where your room is in the house, what your bed means and what your changing table is.  The fussy Lijah pops out as soon as we cross the threshold into your room.

We have been laughing a lot lately.  I noticed you kind of stopped laughing for a bit and just started snorting.  But, this week, I have been able to get you to giggle again.  It is all over silly things - taking your pacifier from you and when you take it back, I say "HEY".  You laugh.  Letting you stand up then when you sit down, I say "BOOM."  You laugh.  In the car, I swing my head to look at you.  You laugh.  It is so heartwarming to hear you giggle.

Let's see, what have we been up to?  We did a family photo shoot on Saturday with the Mickelsons & Uncle Zachary.  We went to Grampa's Pig Roast on Saturday while daddy went to football.  You went to Grampa's today while I finished work.  Not a ton going on because you have been sick, daddy has been sick and I have been sick!  We are just a sick bunch!!

Sherry Shark sent me some photos from Labor day.  Look what a ham you are!  I love, love, love that face you silly duck.

You got your first taste of Great Gramma's Jello Cake on Labor Day.

You likey...

We did our Brigham Photo shoot at Heartland Park.

Then, there is this nice photo.  At the bar, you were fondling a poster.  You even started kissing the poster or sucking on it - I don't know which.  You are officially grounded from Sundowner.

Scrapbook page with photos from the Nighthawks game.

September 27 - October 1

Hi babycakes!
I didn't have much to share with you this week.  You had two visits with Grampa while I worked.  You visited Great Gramma while I worked.  We went out to dinner twice and you were a good baby both times.  You have two new tricks - you are clicking your mouth and you are smacking your lips.  I asked Mary if she is teaching you.  She didn't admit it but she had a proud little smile on your face.  I think her and the kiddos are teaching you a lot of tricks!  You have been a bit fussy this week.  We don't know if it is allergies, food allergies, your shots, teething or what.

On Wednesday, it was your 9 month dr. appt.  You checked out for everything developmentally.  You are about 30" long & you were 20 lbs, 9.5 oz.  She said you can stop eating baby food if you want - you can go to mushed up table food.  You had a bit of an ear infection so you are on more antibiotics.  Man, I sure wish we could get you off all the drugs.  Our assignment after the visit is to get you using the sippy cup more.  Unfortunately, right now, you think sippy cups are only used to dump water on people's heads.

Today was super big news!  After your Great Gramma visit, I brought you home and as I was feeding you, you gave me the face said that you were going to poo soon.  I swept you up, stripped you and put you on the potty chair.  We talked to each other and as we were talking, YOU WENT POTTY.  You went #1 and you went #2.  I made a big deal about it and told we cheered and whooped and hollered!  I know that it is a fluke because we aren't actually training you.  But, at least we know that you are able to sit on your chair, you are comfortable and it didn't scare you to go potty while you were sitting up & not in a diaper.  I am so proud of you big boy!  I texted your daddy & he didn't believe me but we know it is true.

I leave you with 2 scrapbook pages.  This first one is a secret within our family.  Don't tell anyone or we could have CPS called on us!

I love these two photos of us together!  I also love these song lyrics.