Episode Two: The Prince Turns One

Sweet Boy is One!

Elijah Barton turned ONE last week!!!! Holy moly! (and what a week it was!...as you already know).
Kirsten was here for his actual day and we had a blast. First, family pics downtown (which if you haven't seen them, you are MISSING OUT...check FB or maybe I'll post them here one day. Props to Kim DeLoach Photography), then lunch at Wild Wings, then fun times at Sky Top Apple Orchard, then fun birthday dinner at home, then cake and presents!!! What a happy day.

Catchin some Zs on my busy birthday

First time Kirsten is feeding me, so I think I'll pull a fast one and bite the spoon (and not let go)

Eli's first ever Apple Cider Doughnut. Good stuff.

My very first birthday cake! Props to Kirsten for decorating it for me (mommy only helped a teeny bit)

Success!! He likes it!

Thanks for the GRAFFF Aunt Libbie!!

Also, I must make mention of the fact that a few days before Eli's birthday, my parents made a special stop on their way home from my sister's in TN to have lunch with him for his birthday. We are VERY appreciative of their visit!! Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Can you put it in the bus? (had to be there)

As far as one-year stats and facts about Eli...

• Still not walking, but cruising well, and probably could walk if he wanted to. I'm not concerned the least bit since Charley didn't walk until 17 months!
• He is 31.75 inches and 23lbs 6 oz. He has slowed down SIGNIFICANTLY on his weight, considering he hasn't even gained a pound since June!!! Now he is average and not a behemoth! :)
• Ummm...his little personality is starting to show more and more. He's a flirt will flash his smile at anybody, mainly the ladies, and especially Charley and Kirsten. Kirsten gave him a picture frame designed just for him...it sits on his dresser and while we wait for a picture of the two of them, it has a pic of just her...and Eli absolutely BEAMS every time he sees it. It is the cutest thing ever in the world!!!
• He's starting to talk more. Says "all done" in a cute little sing-songy way. This morning he said, "mamama" but I'm not quite sure it was on purpose. :)
• While Kirsten was here, he started both clapping and waving!!!! It seemed a little late to be doing those things, but we are convinced he was just waiting on Kirsten. It made me soooo happy that she was here to witness those things!

Happy Birthday, Eli!!! We love you!

Part One of "The Amazing Week" Trilogy

So I guess I don't have to tell you that Kirsten came to visit considering you probably figured out the Reese's countdown was more than likely over by now. On September 12, Charley and Eli got to meet their older sister for the very first time, and let me tell you, it was ammmmazing!! It all started at the airport where we anxiously awaited her arrival. Charley saw her come down the escalator, stared at her for a few seconds like, "I think I know you..." and then ran over and gave her a big hug cheering, "KIRSTEN!!!!" along the way. So cute. I didn't get pics or video of this because quite honestly I didn't want to be behind a camera and miss witnessing this history in the making!!! But we made up for it the rest of the week by taking LOTS of great pics.

Welcome to Greenville KIRSTEN!!!!!!!

Kirsten came down the escalator in the background. Exciting stuff!!!

One of the very first sister shots!! Many more to come in the future!!

We spent the few days Kirsten was here showing her around Greenville, enjoying lots of family time, beautiful weather, and just taking in as much of her as we could. It was definitely one of those weeks we NEVER wanted to end. We love Kirsten so unbelievably much that it's hard to put in words -- Our family is definitely incomplete without her!! Enjoy the pics and stay tuned for Part Two of the Amazing Week Trilogy.

Downtown at Falls Park. Aren't D and Kirsten the cutest ever?!
(and the two little ones too of course) :)

Eli went crazy over this dog! So funny!

Sisters (I wish you could see their matching Chucks)

Fun times at Mellow Mushroom. Charley LOVES her some Kirsten
(the smile gives it away, doesn't it? this pic makes me happy!)

We just HAD to have a fire with S'mores...it was a beautiful night!

Too cute not to post.

Looking at the animooses at the zoo.

He is ALWAYS gonna adore her.

At Sky Top. I love this one. Eli is a little maniac. A cute maniac.

The crazy five!!

Kirsten - I'm pretty sure Greenville is missing you...come back soon!! We love you! :)

Fountain Fun

We went with some friends to the fountains downtown the other day, which shamefully was our first time down there this summer. At first Charley and Eli were like, "Umm, No thank you," but both warmed up to it eventually...

Wait. So you want me to do what now? Get wet? Umm...

Well, I guess I could stick my hands in it.

Yeah, I'm happy staying dry too. Water is for the birds, or, umm, the fish.

Okay...so maybe this IS fun!! (and I found a duck!)

Thinking about it....

Still thinking...

Heading home! One in dry clothes and a wet diaper and one in a dry diaper with wet clothes. Perfect!

He Eats Real Food!

Just wanted to let the world know that Eli is doing really well with eating solids (aka table food)! Yay! We haven't had any gagging in the last few days, which totally makes me happy (for him of course, and let's admit it, for me too). The doctor said it may take him to 18 months to get it down, so we are doing good! AND he has made the smoothest transition ever from the bottle to sippy cups! I was SO dreading the switch, because with Charley I had to do a 10-day sippy cup boot camp, which was absolutely no fun. But, little man started with the take-n-toss variety and hasn't looked back. As a matter of fact, I put all the bottles away already. Good riddance! And we are doing the half milk, half formula thing right now, using our last can of formula (oh darn), and hopefully being 100% milk by the end of the week (or sooner). So far so good with his belly.

So, we are thankful for no more bottles and no more baby food! It looks like he'll be eating CAKE on his first birthday after all!

I am SUCH a big boy. I mean, seriously.

Umm, silly faces are IN.

Beans and rice?...No problem, Mom. I got this.

This Many Days!!

How many are there?

Not very many!

The jar is not full. And that makes us HAPPY.

I like counting them. And eating one everrrry day until she gets here!!