Rhythm

Well, we had a nice rhythm for the semester, then Elijah's nap schedule changed (but he learned how to kiss!) making for an exhausting week, and now we are enjoying a new rhythm, which will hopefully carry us through the rest of the semester.

He's down to two naps, but is still napping 3-4 hours a day, for which I am grateful as I use that time to teach, lesson plan, and grade.

He has a wonderful set of people to care for him while I teach my college students (daddy, grandpa, lovely friends, and a sweet student); hopefully, though, my spring schedule will be stacked better so I don't have to leave him for an hour four days a week.

He is generally happy to listen to music and play while I clean, jump away in his johnny jump up while I fold laundry, and play on the kitchen floor while I cook.

He loves running errands with me; he always has smiles for our favorite librarian and grocer.

He gets to stay till 9ish most nights, so that he can spend time with his daddy.

We think he's the perfect little baby (but we're a bit partial....)!

School time

Elijah has a good time at school each week. He squirms with delight when he sees his friends, particularly if he has not seen them for a few days. They are quick to find ways to please "Eli-jeeeeee!" and he gladly gives them laughs and smiles in return!

Elijah does a great job during school time. He naps for an hour and a half to two hours of the time (4 1/2 hours total). The rest of the time, he rotates between the highchair, the floor, and my arms, happily hanging out with the big kids.

Puffs and bananas are his food of choice, and mine, too, as they keep him quiet and occupied during read aloud time. (We want to know if we can count puffs as a business expense.)

A couple of weeks ago, as part of a recess game, my students dubbed him "King Elijah," which aptly characterizes his role in the group, as they are quick to respond to his desires.

Zoo

Today, as a belated birthday present, Elijah and I took John to the zoo and Yogurtland, two of John's favorite places.

We had a good time walking around the zoo and looking (briefly) at the animals.

John's more of a spot-the-animal-and-move-on kind of zoo visitor.

We enjoyed taking the little train around the zoo...

...and playing in the enormous eggs...

...and inside the turtle shell.

We finished the afternoon by eating frozen yogurt at the little pond in the shopping center.

Elijah, sadly, did not get to sample any, but had to settle for leaves instead.

Happy birthday, Uncle John!

Rolling a ball

In the last month, Elijah has become much more interactive in his play.

He enjoys rolling a ball back and forth.

Peek-a-boo is a favorite game. He'll bury his head in my chest, and then when asked, "Where's Elijah?" he'll pop his head up and give a great grin.

Visiting Granny

On Saturday, we headed up to Ventura to see my grandmother.
While there, we enjoyed visiting the beach.

The water was a bit cold, so Elijah preferred watching the waves and feeling the sand to actually touching the water.

Afterward Grandma suggested stopping by the Channel Islands Nature Center.

Elijah enjoyed watching the fish.

We came right at feeding time, so the fish were nice and active.

We had a good visit with Granny. Elijah enjoyed sitting in Granny's lap and watching a bit of football on her big t.v. He spent all of dinner twisting and turning to watch all the people going by at the restaurant.

The little sweetheart gave Granny a kiss as we left (and he had one for his Great-Great Aunt Norma, too).

Almost

Elijah wishes he could pull himself up, but isn't quite there yet...

Kisses

In a brilliant diplomatic move (he's given up nap #3), Elijah learned how to give kisses this week. They're super slobbery and super sweet!