Christmas in Indiana

Santa came early to Indiana, since he knew we were visiting Nonna and Papa just for this week. I got all kinds of great gifts from everyone, to include my favorite toy, the dancing dog. Every time Mommy and Daddy press his feet, the doggie sings and dances! I also got several books about Christmas and what it really means! We had such a great day and enjoyed unwrapping gifts and wearing the bows.

Opening my first gift with Nonna

Practicing to walk with Papa

That evening, I got to meet my Uncle Kim and Aunt Sherry for the first time. Kim is my Papa's little brother, who lives about 45 minutes north of Nonna and Papa. 

Uncle Kim, Me and Papa

Indiana Fun

While in Indiana, we spent a lot of time with the family and Uncle Justin even made a surprise visit!

On our third day in Indiana, we ventured out to one of the most exciting places around...The Indianapolis Children's Museum! We spent the whole afternoon there and I stayed awake the whole time! Mom, Papa and I rode the carousel and we watched Daddy and Papa play in the water exhibit! Papa drove a bulldozer and Daddy and I drove a race car! What a day!

 

Papa working the bulldozer

Our carousel ride!

Taking off in the Indy 500 car

Underneath the blown glass artwork the runs the entire center of the museum

TRAINS!!!!! Papa was so excited for me to see this exhibit!

Nonna and I taking a break from the trains

Papa and Mommy driving the locomotive together

Flying to Indiana

Today we made the long trip to Indiana to visit my parents and family. We were able to fly out of Lawton at 7:00 a.m., which made it so much more enjoyable. The only downside was the 2 hour layover in Dallas. Oh well. Elijah did great and even met a friend in Dallas, a 5 month old girl that was screaming back at him from across the seating area.

Paying close attention to all the noises in the prop plane from Lawton 

Hanging out with Daddy in Dallas

Once we arrived to Indianapolis, we decided to make an unplanned visit to see Great Aunt Cindy and her new apartment! She just moved back to Indiana from Boston this past month.

Meeting Great Aunt Cindy for the first time!

After all the traveling and visiting, we called it a day and went home to relax for the evening.

Chunky Thighs

Elijah is getting so big and in the 18lb range these days. He has an extraordinarily long torso and somewhat shorter legs, which adds to their chunky appearance. It's amazing to see him growing so much and getting so big and strong.

Tuckered Out

I just had to add a quick post with this adorable picture of Elijah passed out while running errands. He was so sleepy and we're still having a bit of difficulty getting him to take consistent naps, but he couldn't fight the sleep monster in his comfy seat while in the car. Love it!

I MET SANTA!

Today, the whole family drove to the Georgetown town square for a Christmas celebration and lighting of the square. There were lots of people and kids everywhere, as well as a singing group leading the crowd and children in Christmas carols. Mommy and Grandma were singing along and dancing for me! I thought it was funny! Daddy was even being a little silly too! After we sang, everyone counted down and all of a sudden, the square was completely illuminated with Christmas lights!!!! There were Christmas trees and lights EVERYWHERE around us! AND THEN....the carolers announced a very special guest. SANTA CLAUSE!!! He had flown in just minutes before the lighting of the square and he wanted all the girls and boys to come sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. I had to see him!!!!!

When we rounded the corner, the line was at least 100 children deep, so we waited awhile and walked into the toy stores on the square to pass the time. We also took pictures in front of the big Christmas tree in front of the courthouse. It was beautiful. I'm so lucky to have such a great family!

When it was finally my turn to meet Santa, I froze up a bit and couldn't get out the words to ask what I wanted, so instead, I blew bubbles:) Mommy and Daddy sat on the big guys lap too, just so I wouldn't be too nervous. Santa seemed like he understood me, even though I told him in bubbles. I guess we'll just have to see come Christmas!

Grandma, Mommy and me in front of the courthouse 

My Grandma and Grandpa

Attacking Mommy's shoulder before our picture

My Mommy and Daddy, and Mommy's wet shoulder:)

Grandpa showing me my ornament. It's a snowman that has water and
sparkles inside that change color, and my name it on it!!!

Uncle Mike and Aunt Pam (on right) bought me this awesome name block
with a choo-choo train on the top for my room! Thank you!

Santa Clause!!! He even put on a cowboy hat, since he was in Texas after all.

Thanksgiving in Texas

For Thanksgiving this year, we decided to escape the clutches of Lawton and go down to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Georgetown, Texas. It's so wonderful having them so close (only 5 1/2 hours drive) that we can just pick up and shoot on down there for a weekend, or week in this case. Uncle Andy was there also, so Elijah really had tons of attention and played constantly!

While we were there, minus the regular Thanksgiving activities, Elijah had the pleasure of finally taking a ride in Grandpa's golf cart! Per Matt and Grandpa, he loved it! Elijah also had the displeasure of trying acorn squash. Despite his initial excitement with the rice cereal, Elijah seems to be rejecting all foods other than the breast now. Hmm. 

Anyhow, it was a wonderful visit with the immediate family and Elijah even met Uncle Mike and Aunt Pam from Buffalo, NY, crazy Uncle Tom and Aunt Joan from Lake Austin and second cousins Brad and Lindsey from Fort Worth, TX. And, to top it off, Elijah even got to touch and talk to his future cousin, Austin, who enjoyed Thanksgiving from mommy Lisa's belly! 

Thank God this Thanksgiving for family. A great, BIG family!

Enjoying weather in the 70's on Thanksgiving.

A long walk on the golf course with Abby dog and the family

Our 'Little Gobbler' trying acorn squash

Golf cart ride on the course with Daddy and Grandpa!

Peas Please?

Being that Elijah will be 6 months old at the end of the month, we decided to go ahead with implementing new foods. Per the doctors recommendation of starting with greens, then oranges and last fruit, we decided to go with peas! Hey, they're kind of sweet, tasty little green things, right?

Elijah, unsuspectingly opens his mouth for the bite 

WHAT WAS THAT?!

I'm pretty sure this is his "EWWW" face

I think he got most of it out

Grandma and Grandpa's Visit

Grandma and Grandpa Bowerman came to visit yesterday for Daddy's award ceremony, but we know they really came to visit me! We had so much fun playing on the floor, doing sit-ups, walking on Grandpa and just laying around together. They can't believe how big I'm getting, weighing in at over 18 lbs and 26 inches! I'm already wearing 6-12 month clothes, even though I'm only 5 1/2 months. Yeah, I work out.

Checking out Grandpa's haircut....looks like mine! 

Practicing my walking skills

Trying to crush Grandpa by sitting on him!

Me and my Grandpa

Me and my Grandma

Go Army, Beat Rutgers!

Today, we had Jay and Chelsea over to watch the Army vs Rutgers game. Elijah was sporting an Army Knights tee, as was Daddy! He really enjoyed holding the football with Daddy and studying new faces. He actually stared at Jay for a large percentage of the game. Elijah also enjoyed a fun game of peek-a-boo and showed off his sitting up skills.

Daddy and Elijah showing off their matching Army Black Knights t-shirts 

Elijah and Jay having a staring contest

Helping Mommy cook and bake

In the sit-up ready position

Who looks cool?!

Elijah is dressing for our outing to OKC today. It is starting to resemble fall more here, with weather in the 50s. We're going to go walking around Bricktown and to visit our friends, The Jacksons. Maybe Owen, their newborn, will be awake to snap a picture with his best bud! More to come!

Kisses

Elijah has started giving kisses!!! It's pretty consistent where he grabs my face, pulls it in and kisses my lips. He can't quite figure out how to do it with his mouth closed, so they're pretty spitty, but mommy's don't care.

Closet Fun

Last night, we were trying to keep Elijah entertained as we're adjusting to the time change and I was throwing dinner together. As I darted into the pantry to grab an ingredient, Elijah started cracking up. As we do, I ran back in and out to see if it produced the same result. It did and Matt caught it as usual!!!

Mommy's Drill Weekend

Mommy had her first weekend of Army Reserve Drill at Fort Sill, so it was just Elijah and Daddy. We had such a fun time together, watching sports, playing with the kitty and sending Mommy pictures so she didn't get too sad missing us.

Daddy and I sporting our OU gear! 

Hanging out, watching football with Daddy and Dugal

We really missed Mommy a lot and loved when she came home for lunch and at the end of the day! Daddy did such a great job though and we even got some work done, checking our e-trade stocks and eating rice cereal!

Checking out our stocks on the iPad 

Success with an entire bowl of rice cereal!

Daddy and Me

Baby Eye Appointment

Elijah had his first eye appointment today up in Norman, OK. When Elijah was 2 months old, I noticed a difference in his pupils and immediately began researching this condition, called Anisocoria. In infants, it often disappears by 4 months of age, when the brain and eyes are more developed. When this didn't resolve in Elijah, I requested a referral, as it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. We made our appointment and Dr. Scott evaluated Elijah. I never imagined how one would examine the eyes of an infant, so thankfully, Matt documented the process.

Elijah being examined after having his eyes dilated:(

Thankfully, the doctor found his abnormality to be his norm and not a symptom of any other condition. Elijah is a very special 20% of the population with different pupil sizes:) We always knew he was special!

Highchair time

We decided it was time to break out the highchair for mealtime! Elijah is really enjoying eating his rice cereal and being a part of mealtime at the table. He's able to see so much more in the highchair and with the reclining back, he's able to just kick back and relax in it as well. We're going to stick with just rice cereal for a few more weeks, but then I'll start making his baby foods (whenever possible) and we're really looking forward to this exciting time!

Elijah telling us he's ready for the next bite!