Momma"s Little Scholar

Our new favorite thing to do is to read out loud! It was not even a month ago that I couldn't get him to sit still long enough to finish a book, and now he's reading to himself all the time! (And yes, I know he is not actually reading, even though he is brilliant). He still doesn't sit for very long, but it is definitely entertaining!

The Little Gym!

Eli is almost finished with his second semester at The Little Gym. His classes work on improving his flexibility, strength, balance, problem solving skills, social skills, and musicality. We both love these classes! Here are some of Eli's favorite things:

Eli loves rolling the hotdog around! We also use these to work on skills such as forward rolls and backhand springs!

There are tons of soft mats and wedges for Eli to climb on.

We start each class with the bells and singing! Eli always breaks the ice with his facial expressions and constant movement!

Eli on the crawling course.

The balls are Eli's favorite part! All the kids love them and it is one BIG cry-fest when it's time to put them away! Thankfully this part is always followed by bubbles which are also a big hit!

Playing on the Air Mat! Eli loves to jump and bounce around!

Eli tried a new skill at this class: the BALANCE BEAM!! I was actually pretty impressed!

Of course, Eli is not always so graceful! Check out our dismount at the end of this video!

Mommy's Birthday Morning!

Here's a video of Eli on my Birthday being just silly! I LOVE it when he is like this, and he was such a good boy for my special day. Eli's new favorite toy is a box we used to keep the dogs' toys in. Of course the dogs' toys are spread throughout the house now, just like Eli's toys! Enjoy!

Mothers Day Blessings!

5 Things I LOVE about being a mom:

1. Unconditional love - except when changing a diaper! Are all little boys so squirmy?
2. Laughter - I think Eli's laughter can brighten even the rainiest and most dreary day!
3. Constant companion - Even though this is sometimes overwhelming, I love having my little man with me everywhere I go! I can even go out to eat with my little man in tow and get no strange looks because I'm eating by myself!
4. Pride - I am SO proud to be Eli's mommy! I know that pride is a sin, but there is nothing sinful about the joy of seeing my little man giving hugs and smiles or learn something new!
5. Peace - This Sunday we read about Hannah and her desire for a child. It was very personal to me because of our own struggle to conceive. I have such peace in knowing that God has blessed Jay and I with our perfect miracle! God' timing is always best and only He knows what awesome plans he has for us. Jeremiah 29:11

Rainy Day Disaster?

Rain, rain go away....
But as long as you're here...

What a RAINY, dreary weekend in East Tennessee! I thought we (meaning Jay, Eli, and I) were not going to survive this weekend cooped up in the house! Finally on Sunday, there was a temporary break in the clouds and Eli was able to spend some time on the backporch. I think he gets cabin fever as bad as anyone I know! Eli got some new rain boots from Ella Minnow Pea so we had to try them out. The rain did manage to fill his baby pool and all our bubbles stuck to the deck since it was wet!

Eli and his new buddy Bruce!

This past weekend was the annual St. Jude Golf Tournament in Rockwood. Unfortunately it RAINED all weekend long! The golfing was postponed to next weekend, but some of the festivities could not be rescheduled. Sooooooooo, guess who Eli got to meet this weekend.... his new buddy Bruce Pearl!

It's Great to be a Tennessee Vol!

This weekend, Jay and Kellye decided to take the boys to the UT Orange and White game. The weather was perfect... it was warm, but not too hot! So Eli had his first trip to Neyland Stadium in all the orange glory! He did end up in "backup pants" before they even got to the game and he fell asleep during the second quarter, but overall a successful trip. There were over 50,000 people show up to scout out the team (and Kiffin). Isn't all that orange beautiful?!

Eli and Jay

Cole and Eli at the tailgate party! I was told that Eli flirted with the prettiest girl there, but I think his buddy Thomas was giving him a little direction!
They were able to meet up with Kellye's sis-in-law and her family. Thank goodness for extra hands!

Eli was tuckered out from all the flirting and excitement!

And Cole was not too far behind him! Isn't he getting so BIG!