Merry Christmas

Well, I'm finally making time to add a post of my own. It's been a busy but wonderful Christmas and we hope all our friends and family had a merry Christmas too:) I think Ryan and I and Eli's grandparents and aunt and uncle had more fun than he did but next year he'll understand a little more. Or at least be able to rip the paper off by himself. I know it's a little extreme but you can't say the picture of him with all his loot on/under the tree isn't adorable! Sometimes I get a little carried away with the camera but what first time mom doesn't?

Here's a family picture we took Christmas Eve. And yes, for those of you who live out of town, I chopped off my hair. It was supposed to be below the chin but you know how that goes sometimes. At least I won't be throwing it up in a pony tail every day anymore...because it won't fit! Anyway, Merry Christmas to you all!

p.s. Can someone tell me how I can change the color of my title???

Elias Christmas pictures

Sharon took about 50 pictures for our Christmas cards. Here are just a few.

Peek a boo

Our music man

Eli has really started to love his changing table. He will often chill on it for as long as you let him coooing and agooooing his little heart out. He has really started enjoying music as well. His favorite is when mom sings to him. Here's a picture of mommy singing to one excited babe.

Halloween!

Since Sharon has been slacking on the updates (it's like she has other stuff to take care or something)...here goes nothing from Dad. Elias had his first trick or treating...well not alot of tricks or treats but he got dressed up anyway. He was a little pirate and had a great time visiting Grandma and Grandpa Ford then surprising Grandma and Grandpa Hitz and family on their doorstep. Who wouldn't love this little guy!

A New Tradition

I know Eli will enjoy this much more as he gets bigger but I really had my heart set on going to a pumpkin patch this year to start a new tradition. We had so much fun!!! The place was huge and had tons of fun stuff that Eli will get to play with next year like a big hay pile that little kids were playing on, a huge inflatable caterpillar to crawl through, a little "pumpkin train" to ride on, and a huge sling shot where you can fling baby pumpkins into a pond aiming for a canoe. Plus they had elephant ears and lemon shake ups, you know why I'm going back next year! Here are some pictures we took. I dressed Eli up in a little outfit with pumpkins on it and made him wear pumpkin socks too, lucky for him the pumpkin hat was to small...

Back to work

Yesterday was my first day back at work. I'm easing my way back into it by working Tues/Thurs this week and Mon/Weds/Fri next week. Then I go to my new part-time schedule of Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri. I'm working 32 hours with every Weds off. It was such a blessing to get that approved so I can have more time at home with little Eli. Strange as it may sound I actually kind of enjoyed being back at work. It was nice to be out of the house and interacting with other adults. Plus, I know it's cheesy, but I enjoy my job. The best part is that Eli gets to spend the day with Grandma Ford while I'm at work (and Grandpa on his days off). It's the most wonderful thing in the world. I can't imagine dropping him off with a stranger at a daycare. I know he'd be fine but this arrangement really gives me peace and allows me not to worry at all while I'm at work, plus it give Eli time with the grandparents. THANKS MOM!!!!

Here are some picutures of Eli making some more cute faces.