Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, from Superman!

Superman all ready for a fun day at school!

And here are some fun pictures of Eli, ahem, I mean Superman... at school today!

Superman and  all his buddies!

Superman and Superwoman!

I no-wanna go home!

Yesterday was a bit difficult leaving school... Had to work my "Mama Magic!"

"No, Mama! I no-wanna go home! I wanna stay at Big Boy School!"

"Mama...."

"Ok, Mama! You are pretty fun... let's go home!"

Best Buds!

Last night after learning Eli has an ear infection and sinus infection; the three of us were laying together in Nick and my bed. Nick was telling Eli that Eli is his best buddy when he asked Eli who his best buddy is? Eli replied, "Mama." Melted my heart. Some days it is Mama, some days it is Daddy.

Take Your Kid to Work Day

Every day when I go off to work, Eli tells me he wants to go to "Wicko-Wab" (a.k.a. Ecolab), too.Well, last Friday was Take your Child to Work Day at Ecolab... so I decided to take Eli in.

A morning snuggle with Daddy before his big day at work!

He got right in there and got right to work!

"Please hold."

My boss was out, so Eli decided to work on his behalf...

He doesn't have alot of experience, but he has a strong work ethic...

Mama, I am very busy.

Do we have the August Sales reports ready?

Working away at his first PowerPoint for his first meeting...

Eli's first meeting with my co-worker, Nitesh's son, Arjun.

"I really think we should have cupcakes served at our monthly meetings."

5-Months Old

Eli meets grass!

Yes! Eli is sitting on is own!!!

Playin' with his bucket... by far his favorite toy!

So busy!

Our boy is 5-Months!

Where do I begin with this guy....? Well, he is just amazing! Being a mom is the greatest joy I could have ever imagined. I am certain that Nick would say the same about being Eli's Father.

Of course, being his parents, we think he is perfection. The guy has more personality that most adults I know... he has a smile that melts my heart every. single. time.

At the age of 5-Months he can hold a conversation (seriously!). He loves to play with his silly little bucket and all the shapes that go in it. He loves to read, talk on the phone, drool, go for walks, Web-Cam, sing, etc., etc., etc.

I could stare at him for hours. I find myself amazed and simply blown away at such a gift. It is hard not to have faith in something greater than us... when you are witness to such a miracle.

5-Month Milestones:

• Distinguishes between bold colors - CHECK! Eli LOVES Red!
• Plays with his hands and feet - CHECK! Eli is enamored with his own feet!

• Recognizes own name...we THINK so...
• Turns toward new sounds - CHECK!
• Rolls over in both directions...he did... and now he is over it. Not interested!

• Sits momentarily without support - CHECK! Eli sits with zero support!
• Mouths objects - CHECK! Eli mouths EVERYTHING!
• Separation anxiety may begin - Hmmm... not so much anxiety, but when he will stare me or Nick down until we take him from whoever is holding him.

4-Months Old!

(Holy cow he looks like my dad!)

Eli had his 4-Month check up today. He is 16 pounds and 24 inches long. He is ranking among 50-75% for all of his measurements.

We have been blessed with a healthy little guy!

16-Weeks Old

Our little guy is now 16-Weeks old! He is doing so great after surviving a bit of a cold/cough and his first month of daycare. He loves going to daycare and LOVES Megan who takes care of him during the day. We have been so blessed with Megan taking care of Eli. He adores her and her son, Jack, who also takes great care of Eli. Being back at work has been great! I am enjoying my new position and new team that I am working with. The days go by so fast and before I know it I am back at home with the guys! However, those evenings go by just as fast if not more fast!

When Eli and I get home, we usually have about an hour 2 hours before Nick gets home. This is where I cram in tummy time, toy time, and just leisurely play time together. When Nick gets home we will read a pile of Eli's books, tubby time, snuggle time with Daddy and then before we know it....Eli is sound asleep.

Whew!

An Afternoon Walk

Cheap Entertainment

Eli likes to ride around the house in his diaper box. We tied a belt of Nick's at the end and pull him around the house... he couldn't be more thrilled. We threw his shades on as the sun would get in his on in some of the rooms... and he just looks so cute in them!

Eli 3 Months

Our little pride and joy hit the 3 month mark this weekend.

Happy Valentines Day!

Love,
Eli

He will be a joy and delight to you... Luke 1:14

Surrounded by our family and friends, Eli received the Sacrament of Baptism yesterday.

Eli with his Godmother (Auntie Megan), Godfather (Uncle Jeff), Father Fitz, Mom & Dad

Eli & his proud Godparents

Eli with Grandpa Mike & Grandma Lynn

Eli with Grandma Karen & Grandpa Tim

Silly guy with Mom!

Great-Grandpa & Great-Grandma Mac with the three 2008 babies and Miss Hailey

Me, Mom & Meggie

Whew!

Only 2 weeks to go before I have to go back to work. I say "have to" because right now it is really hard for me to imagine not spending my days with Eli. I am partially excited to go back to work and I do think it will be great for Eli to be around other little ones.

In the last 2 weeks, Eli has emerged from the "newborn haze." I feel like we are getting to know each other better and we are not just in survival mode, but rather playing and having alot of fun together. He talks like crazy and flashes his gorgeous grin all day long... melts my heart every time!

You may have a hard time getting a hold of me in the next 2 weeks; I will be busy savoring my last days at home with my little guy.... Onto the next phase of my life... being a working mother!

Tubby Time!

8-Weeks/2-Months Old

Time sure flies! Eli is now 2-Months old! Like all parents, Nick and I think our child is genius! He loves to read, do itsy-bitsy Yoga, thinks he can stand on his own and tries to sit up as well. He plays on his tummy every day and has rolled himself over a couple of times (from tummy to back). Yes, our child is genius!

6 Weeks Old - First road trip to Willmar!

We took Eli on his first road trip to Willmar! He was absolutely wonderful in the car!

On Saturday, my mom had a "Sip n' See" for Willmar friends and neighbors to meet Eli. Sunday, we had my Grandma & Grandpa McLaughlin and my Grandpa Donnie over for brunch. Grandpa Donnie got to meet Eli in the hospital, but Grandma & Grandpa Mac had not met him yet (Eli is their third Great Grandchild born this year).

Eli also turned 6 Weeks this weekend. We had him weighed at the clinic on Friday and he weighed in at 11.5 pounds! I can't believe how big he is getting! He is changing everyday and is so much fun!

Smiley Baby!

Taking a break from all the excitement!

Meeting Great Grandpa Mac for the first time!

Snuggling with Great Grandpa Donnie

New Faces... Great Grandpa & Grandma Mac

Today, Eli is recovering from all the excitement!

He had a great time on his first trip to Willmar!