Puzzle Play

Getting all the pieces out is easy and fun and fun to eat. We'll work on putting them back in the puzzle when he's older. Our job right now is to make sure we don't lose all the pieces. There's only 6 parts and we haven't lost any yet...but I did find one in Elijah's closet and one in the master bedroom.

Baby Teeth

Elijah is always climbing up to our couch. I've even caught him standing without support briefly at the couch after he's up. The best part of this picture? Those two bottom teeth!

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." ~Matthew 5:38 & 39

Kitchen Drawer

We set up a special safe drawer in the kitchen for Elijah. It's full of safe things for him to play with (mainly bibs). All the items are easy for me to clean up his mess. Good deal for all of us! We really should put safety latches on the drawers/cabinets we don't want him getting into.

Memorial Day

My parents put up a slide in their backyard. Elijah wasn't sure what to think about sliding...he likes to ponder things for a while before deciding if he likes it or not. Grandma and Grandpa helped him down the first few times. I'm guessing he'll like it more when he's a little older.

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..." ~Philippians 1:27a

In Mommy's Belly

One year ago I was about 6 months pregnant with Elijah. We're showing him a picture of him in my belly. He doesn't understand, but he loved hitting my keyboard. I think he managed to flip through four pictures before I was able to move his hand. Yes, baby, you were in my belly. Can't wait to answer all your questions about babies being in bellies! 

1st Swim

We put a kiddie pool in the backyard and took Elijah out for his first swim. He was unsure at first but began to crawl around and splash after a little while. Then he was most interested in the grass outside the pool. We had a good time with our pool toys, cold hose water, and monkey swimwear (thanks to my mom).

Who's That Baby?

Elijah is concentrating deeply on his toy...well...not really. He's looking at himself in the mirror. Yes, little one, you have blue eyes and they look at you when you look at them. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the cutest of them all?

Three Times

What could be better than a changing pad? Our tri-fold foam changing pad is the new favorite toy of the living room. It stands. It folds. It falls. It hides. It triangles. It cushions. It's amazing!

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," ~Matthew 28:19

Feed Me

The camera is too distracting for the dinner table. His meal? Organic mixed vegetables with whole grain noodles and mommy milk. My meal? Tacos and chocolate 2% cow's milk.

Hidden Grin

You can't see his mouth, but his eyes are smiling. 

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." ~Luke 6:27 & 28

Innocent

Caught my baby climbing up the couch. He's not strong enough to pull himself all the way up for a seat. He holds on with just one arm a lot more now. Almost standing on his own...growing up too fast. Baseball!

Family Dedication Day

We're on stage at church for our family dedication. Family Pastor Todd is on the left of this picture and Pastor Bob is reading Elijah's life verse. Elijah did so well up there - a few smiles, not too wiggly, no cries.

Elijah's Life Verse:

"For You are great, and do wondrous things;

You alone are God.

Teach me Your way, O LORD;

I will walk in Your truth;

Unite my heart to fear Your name." 

~Psalm 86:10-11

Friendly Visit

We went over to see baby Karlie today! She's just a little older than Elijah. You can hear Erik and Shane talking about trains and Kassidi and me talking to the kids.

Rocking Chair

What a big boy! Elijah's sitting up in his rocking chair...and rocking it...and making Mommy worry about him flying out of it. Wee!!

Silly Tongue

New favorite trick? Sticking out his tongue! He also likes to grab it. What was really funny? Elijah laughing at me when I stuck my tongue out at him. That's my little copy cat.

"And you parents, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." ~Ephesians 6:4

Seizure Monkey

I can't believe Elijah hasn't had a seizure while playing with this toy. The monkey's nose flashes bright red very quickly while it plays Beethoven's Fur Elise. Who wouldn't love 15 seconds of the same classical song over and over? No harm....yet. 

9 Months Old

Elijah is 9 months old today! This is how he chases me (and my camera) down the hallway. The doctor said his weight and height are coasting on the 10th percentile curve. Doctor said Elijah just decided to be a smaller baby (just like his cousin Peyton).

Applause Please

He can clap! I've never seen him clap his hands before today. No clapping sound, but his hands were open and he was putting them together all by himself. He even did it a few more times and let me get a picture. How kind :)

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. ~ Psalm 98:4

1st Mother's Day

My baby got me a hanging plant and made me a necklace holder for our 1st Mother's Day together. The plant is a Wandering Jew and is very easy to take care of...water daily and bring it inside for the winter months. Good choice Elijah! The necklace holder is just what I need to keep my hanging jewelry out of baby's reach. Plus, the handprints and footprints look great. Thank you!

With You

Up on Daddy's shoulders is very fun. Elijah likes to bounce and grab hair up there. 

He crawls to me too. He wants me to pick him up, but then he turns around. Cute baby smile!

Crab Splash

This boy enjoys bath time with his sea creature water squirt toys. The dolphin and shark are his favorite. He's holding the crab in this picture. Let me say - these toys squirt hard! Watch out for splashing too...we tend to get anything within 3 feet of the tub soaked.

Mirror Elijah

Mirror time is always happy time. He loves looking at mirror Elijah and mirror Mommy. I don't think he understands reflections yet...

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ~James 1:23 & 24

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Elijah's bedroom and sleeping baby. I really hope he sleeps better tonight. Last night was full of tears/screams from midnight to 3:30 am. I have to wake up at 4:30 am for work. Early bedtime for me tonight.

Round Rollers!

These sensory balls are awesome. Two of them twist. All of them roll. They make fun noises. The colors are bright. Elijah loves to crawl around chasing them. He also likes to hold them and see what's inside.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ~ Genesis 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ~ John 1:1

Hungry Hungry Hippo

He's finally able to play with his hippo that we got him for Christmas!

And here's the bottom 2 teeth!

Step Up

This lil' guy loves walking now (while holding someone's hands). He can even step up onto a higher surface and back down. We're working on balance.

Eating Bananas

Self feeding can be messy. Yummy bananas!

It's Fun Getting into Trouble

He's on the move now. Looking in his toy basket is really fun. He can even take toys out (and hopefully learn how to put them back). He fits under the side table...ut oh!...too many cords back there. We can't leave this curious baby alone now.

Drool

As my baby gets new teeth, his chin gets more drool.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in the house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." ~Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Staring

"Mommy, I crawled over here and stood up for you. Now let's play some...wait...is that your camera? I think I'll look at that for a while and show you my baby blues."

Side note: Take more pictures outside. Natural lighting will look better.

Blanket Parachute

Best day in gym class?? Parachute day!!

Best day in the living room?? Parachute day!!