Reading Runes

This week I started my summer program based around the theme of explorers, beginning with Leif Eriksson and the Vikings. One activity was to write and decode messages in runes. Elijah was included in the activity.

He rolled!

On Wednesday, Elijah was hanging out on the floor watching friends play with trains and then he calmly rolled over (front to back).

Priorities

One sweet student wrote me a thank-you note for the year. Line one was "thank you for letting me play with Elijah." Line two thanked me for my teaching.

This is the same sweet student who likes to sit next to Elijah's bouncer so she can bounce him and otherwise attend to his desires.

Our favorite baby

Assessment Criteria

We finished our study of ancient history with the fall of Rome. One child's assessment: "Rome is in-between [good and bad]. I like the clothes the girls wear, but I don't like that the Romans liked bloodshed."

Elijah's Tummy Time Tips

First, fuss in hopes that someone will pick the cute baby up.

If that fails, comfort yourself with your thumb...

...and go to sleep.

In related news, Elijah got upset enough during tummy time yesterday that he turned a full circle on his mat.

3 Months

Elijah is now three months old!

Elijah at three months

Bright-eyed and looking at everything

Elijah at 5 days old
Elijah has always been a very alert baby

At one day--so little!

At thirteen weeks--so big!

At one week--a sweet sleeper

At three months--still a sweet sleeper

Just born--so skinny!

Three months--so chubby!

Yummy toys

Elijah is improving in his ability to grab toys and put them in his mouth.

Action shot

"Mommy, I thought I was supposed to play quietly so you could lesson plan, not take pictures."

Babies

We babysat Teddy last weekend, so of course the camera came out!

Johnny Jump Up

He doesn't jump yet, but it's a fun spot from which to watch mommy.

Bathtime!

Question of the Day

While working on his math sheet, one of my students asked me, "Should I just guess or do you want me to think about it?"

Road Trip #2

Last weekend, we headed back up to Fresno to celebrate Jason's graduation and Mother's Day.

The Graduate
Congratulations, Uncle Jason!

How Elijah spent the first half of the graduation ceremony
I don't particularly recommend holding graduation ceremonies outdoors in the middle of the afternoon in Fresno.

Actually making eye contact with Grandma
Elijah decided over the weekend to avoid people's eyes. He didn't mind hanging out with people and being passed around during Jason's graduation party. He just wouldn't look at anyone.

Cuddling with Grandpa

Elijah loved listening to Jason play the piano

Cousins!

They spent the weekend enjoying each other's toys.

Grandma's Birthday!

Last week, my family came over to celebrate my mom's birthday and Mother's Day.

The guest of honor

Aunt Margie

Uncle John

He Laughs!

Elijah's newest trick is an ability to laugh!



This has resulted in many pokes and tickles for him as we attempt to elicit more of them.

'Cause he's cute

Conversation Partner

Chatting with his fan

Friends

Elijah is blessed to have sweet friends who are quick to look out for him.

Last week one of my boys asked me, "Why does Elijah cry when the boys put their fingers into his mouth, but not when the girls do?" I replied, "Did you stick your finger in a little bit or a lot?" "A lot."

They're waving their hands to entertain Elijah; he wasn't as thrilled about the big box as my students were

Helping Elijah with his pacifier

My Sleeper

2 1/2 Months!

At ten weeks, Elijah is 14 lbs. 6 oz (clothed and wearing a cloth diaper) and 23 3/4 inches long.

He thinks his play mat and his bouncer are great places to play, and he loves our newly-installed ceiling fan. He likes to talk to it and smile at it.

He is verbalizing more, occasionally throwing in some consonants amongst the vowels. Based on her regular inspections, one of my students has declared that his left arm is stronger than his right.

The thumb!

This week's new discovery was finding the thumb. He thinks it is pretty tasty.

He is still a bit confused about what to do when the pacifier is already in his mouth. Most of the time he settles for sticking his thumb inside his pacifier.

The fist, while not as enjoyable as the thumb, is easier to find.