SNOW!!!!!

Although we have really enjoyed our 60 and 70 degree winter days, last night we finally got SNOW!!! I would say somewhere between 1-2 inches:) I was super happy and Elijah had his first snow day! Daddy made a snow man and Elijah got bundled up (as much as we could considering we never invested in snow gear living in Oklahoma where it stays so warm). Elijah seemed to enjoy our brief outing, as did Mommy and Daddy.

Busy Week!

This past week definitely kept us moving at a fast pace! Coming off a drill weekend, we swung into full gear getting ready for Nonna and Papa to visit. There was a lot to complete, but we still made time to read together.

Reading "On the Night You Were Born"

We made several trips to pick up the necessities, like salmon, coffee and other staple items. Elijah was a trooper and really enjoyed riding in the carts like a big boy!

And finally, Nonna and Papa arrived!!! We picked them up at Lawton airport in the early afternoon and brought them home with us!

Unfortunately, we didn't take very many pictures:( But we really enjoyed our time and look forward to the next visit!

Drill & Church

Mommy had drill this past weekend, so Daddy and I were left to our own devices:) Thankfully, Mommy was able to come home from drill early to go to church with us! As always, all the ladies gushed over me and said how big and cute I am. Of course, I already know this because Mommy and Daddy tell me every day. Our favorite elderly ladies were there today too! Nettie and Sally love talking to me and loving on me. I love our church family!

Fun with our food

Elijah is making progress with finger foods. Initially, when he was given finger foods, he would get them to his mouth, but then gag once they were in there. It was kind of funny...parents are mean. Anyhow, in the past week or two, Elijah is not only getting them in his mouth, but he's chewing! What a big (and I mean big at 24.2 lbs) boy!

Apple cinnamon rice puffs! Yum yum!

Mum mum snack....stuck to my lips :)

Super Squishy

Apparently Elijah teething again, as he seems to be putting EVERYTHING in his mouth and, well, leaving it there. And if that isn't enough, there's a small faucet that seems to be leaking from his mouth. A continuous stream of drool is running out of it at all times, making bibs and burp rags a necessary tool to keep handy.

In my jumper...is there something in my teeth?

No Mommy, I don't know where Sophie went?!

SUPER SQUISHY!!!!!

Ugh, I found this in my toys and it got stuck on my two teeth!

He is such a big boy and really is beginning to develop a big personality. At 8 months of age, Elijah is playing independently for longer periods of time, sitting up on his own and is able to pull himself to a standing position with minimal assistance. Where does the time go?! And although he has yet to crawl, Elijah is utilizing the "roll" for transportation. Matt and I are just so amazed with each passing day. 

New Bath Toys

This weekend when we were up in OKC, Baylee and I made a run to Babies R Us. I was on a mission to find Elijah bath toys that did something...anything. Living in Lawton, we have been limited to toys from Walmart and needless to say, they're no good. Most of them either sink to the bottom, turn upside down (despite it being a boat and lighthouse toy) and otherwise just stink. But lucky us, we were able to find some GREAT toys! Baylee bought Elijah a swimming Nemo and Squirt the turtle toy and I found a squirting squid toy! Elijah LOVES them! He had so much fun, we had to capture it on video in yet another bath time fun adventure!

The Jackson Family

This weekend, we spent time with our friends, The Jacksons. Bryan and Baylee, Elijah's Godparents, invited us to OKC for a swap date night. On Friday, Matt and I had a wonderful date to our favorite restaurant, Nonna's, in historic Bricktown. Then, Saturday night, Bryan and Baylee were able to go out for their date. It worked out so well that we're going to make it a monthly (or so) thing! It's so nice being able to get out together and not worry about the babysitting cost or Elijah. Thank you Jackson family!

Although we forgot to take pictures most of the time, we did manage to capture the boys playing in Owen's crib. Elijah is approx 5 months older than Owen, but it seemed like they enjoyed smiling at one another and touching hands. I can't wait until they can actually play games with one another, like Cowboys and Indians!!!

So cool!

Elijah is getting bigger by the day and that means, new clothes and accessories! WOO HOO. I just had to share these photos with the family and friends. Matt and I are just so in love with our little boy!

Elijah's Date Night

Last night, we had a wonderful time on a multi-date with Brandi and Shane Dearmon and their two girls, Bella (4 years) and Maci (10 months). Elijah and Maci interact so well and have a lot of fun grabbing each others faces, hair (well, Maci has hair) and playing with one another's toys. Bella is a big helper too as she watches the kids and keeps them pretty content while the adults are visiting, eating, etc.

Elijah's casual face after the massive blowout 

Notice blowout material up to his ear!

The last time we had a date night together, hosted at our house, Maci had a blowout requiring an impromptu bath. In an effort to even up the score, Elijah had a MASSIVE blowout at the Dearmon's home, requiring a bath WITH pre-rinse. YIKES! It was definitely the worst I've seen as of late, which was probably a result of the apples with prunes lunch.

We're so thankful for great friends that are understanding, helpful and going through the same thing around the same time as us:)

Mr. Two Teeth!

As some of you may know, we've been having trouble getting and keeping Elijah asleep at night. Furthermore, he was fighting a cold over New Years, which subsequently was intensified by the eruption of not one, but two teeth (within a two day timeframe). After trying no less than 10 times to get a glimpse of these little chompers, Matt was able to steal a picture while brushing his two teeth the other night. Hello Mr. Two Teeth (formerly, The Toothless Wonder).

Cute Boy

Our little man is getting so big and looking so handsome. The other day, we dressed him in some new clothes and just had to take a picture! UGH what a little heart breaker!

Our Wild Man

Elijah is finally tall/long enough to touch the ground while playing in his jumper. Matt was able to capture our little wild man going bonkers. He gets especially excited while the music is playing. And, apparently, Elijah thinks that jumping is what you do when on your feet, so even when he's out of the jumper, he's trying to jump.

Cooking with Mommy

Elijah was helping me out this morning as my first assist while cooking. He is at a point now where he's interested in anything and everything, especially if it's not meant for him. In the mornings, sometimes we'll set him in his bumbo seat and let him play with kitchen tools. At 7 months old, he's just so interactive, involved and inquisitive. It's really becoming more and more fun with each passing month.

Elijah's First Word!

Elijah finally said his first word! He began saying "Dada" yesterday! Apparently, "Dada" is easier to say than "Mama", which makes sense and makes it less heartbreaking for the Mamas:) In all seriousness, we're just so thrilled that Elijah is saying Dada and beginning to communicate beyond crying.

On another note, Elijah has also found an acceptable means on transportation. It's called, the roll! If he's on the floor, he will roll over and over until he reaches his desired destination. We just can't get over how big he's getting and how quickly he's growing up into a little man.

Professional Shoot #2

Mid-December, Elijah celebrated his 6th month of life. We decided to do a little 6 month, family and Christmas photo session with our amazing photographer, Tera Brockway! We had so much fun and we were once again able to do the session at our home, which makes things so much easier for this momma.

Tera did such a great job of capturing Elijah's many expressions, despite it being close to his afternoon nap. A great big thanks to Tera!!!

Our handsome blue eyes

Excited about Christmas in the tie and suspenders shirt Mommy made for me

Our absolute favorite!!!

Texas Christmas

Over New Years weekend, we traveled down south to Georgetown, TX to Grandma and Grandma Bowermans. Santa found us there and delivered a few more gifts for Elijah and us to enjoy. We even got to spend time with Uncle Andy!

Uncle Andy encouraging Elijah to TEAR IT OPEN!

Goofy Uncle Andy

One of the awesome new pullovers Elijah got from G-ma and G-pa

 The weather was so wonderful while we were in Georgetown, we couldn't resist one of our 5+ mile walks through the neighborhood. I was even able to run a bit with our new (replacement) jogging stroller. It's even better than the first one that was totaled by the airlines.

 On New Years Eve, Matt and I were able to leave Elijah with G-ma and G-pa for the evening and enjoy a wonderful dining experience at Wild Fire. We enjoyed bacon wrapped scallops, jumbo shrimp, sea bass and more! Yum yum.

Happy New Years Eve!

 Unfortunately, with Elijah fighting off a horrible upper respiratory cold, teething and then some, I had to cut my night short to sooth the little guy. After three hours of crying, G-pa suggested taking a car ride and thankfully at 1130pm, it did the trick. Elijah passed out and we headed back to the house. Upon arriving, Matt came out to get Elijah out of the car and as I was trying to quietly shut the car door and head in, I accidentally slammed the door on my thumb. What's worse is that I completely shut the door. Latched and sealed right on my thumb. No pictures necessary on the blog. It was as bad as it sounds. What a New Year!

Thankfully, the next morning, after Ibuprofen 800mg and a bit of rest, we started a new day off to a much better start. Grandma even made a gigantic batch of her AMAZING chocolate chip cookies, which almost didn't make the trip home;) Elijah even helped out with the measuring cups.

Baking with Grandma and Abby

Gnawing on the measuring cup with our newly emerged tooth!!!

What a Christmas/New Year adventure. After a short visit, we made it back to lovely Lawton and have been recuperating since. Elijah still has a nasty cold, but hopefully is on the tail-end of it. Matt and I are also sick, but not too bad. My thumb is still attached and I'm no longer wishing it was just amputated! Ah what a way to bring in the new year with a bang!!! OUCH!