Innocent

I know that 'innocent' isn't a word that I'll use for very much longer when it comes to Elliott. But, for now at least, he is just that. I'm often reminded just how innocent he is during the times when he is nursing. He usually keeps his hands pretty busy while he eats. He likes to pull on my shirt, scratch the pillow that sticks out from behind my back... but the other day he did something new. He stuck his thumb up my nose. It really is just the perfect size to slide right in there, and for a few minutes he took turns poking it up the left side of my nose, then the right side, then the left side... you get the idea. I had to keep myself from laughing really hard at him (I didn't want him to stop eating) because he had the straightest face while putting his thumb up my nose! He doesn't know that it is bad manners to poke around in someone else's nose. He doesn't realize how silly it is for a baby to have his thumb up his mommy's nose. Innocent.

Two more things he doesn't find funny right now are burps and farts. I know one day that I'll probably be so angry at myself, but I can't help but laugh when Elliott burps or farts really loud. I just clap and cheer him on. But the little look on his face---he doesn't even know the loud sound has just escaped from his body! Sometimes he even looks around like "Who is that? Is someone else here?!" Innocent.

One day I'm sure Elliott will giggle about boogers and burps and I'm sure we have several "you can't pick your nose in public" conversations in our future. But for now, I'm happy that he is just my innocent little baby boy.

tooth #3

It has arrived! After a month of swollen gums and a week of the tooth staring at me from under his gums, Elliott cut his third tooth today! It is his top left tooth and the top right tooth doesn't look to be far behind. I haven't noticed Elliott being fussier than usual, so I'm hoping that cutting teeth at 7 months goes smoother than the ones he cut at 4 months did. 

With his first two teeth, he stuck his tongue out and did weird 'dance' type moves with it. I haven't seen him doing that too much lately, but he is doing this weird 'lips pinched sucking my gums' thing. Again, the gums sort of move in a dancing motion. What a strange little boy!! haha

Starting Solids

Elliott had rice cereal for the first time on June 19th, then on June 25 tried avocado for the first time. He really likes to eat!

The avocado video was shot with my phone, so it's poor quality and there is no sound. Sorry!

Benjamin & Emily's wedding

Yesterday was Benjamin and Emily's wedding! It was such a beautiful day!

The wedding was supposed to be outside on the beach at Hilton Head Island, but because of rain (and lightening) storms, the ceremony had to be moved inside. The reception was still outdoors, though, and everyone enjoyed the great food! Did we mention that we danced the night away? I know I had to sweat at least a pound off out on the dance floor!

Elliott says "ma ma ma ma ma"

Here's a short video of Elliott in the car saying "ma ma" over and over. He doesn't know yet that I am Mama, but I still love hearing him say it :)

6 month appointment

Weight: 18lbs 8.5oz
Height: 28in
Head Circumference: 44.5cm

From June 2010

I love Elliott's doctor! She is just great. I can't really even put my finger on why I like her so much, but each time I leave I really feel confident that she wants the best for Elliott.

We have been weaning him from his reflux meds and decided to take him completely off of them. So far he is doing well but she said it might take up to two weeks (if the reflux is going to return) to get bad again.

We talked about starting him on cereal then solids after our trip to Orlando (June 13-19) so I'm really excited about that!! And, so is Elliott! haha He is SO ready for food and watches every single bite we take and sips of drinks. I'm also planning on making his food, and I am really looking forward to it!

Elliott really wants to walk all the time, so the doctor checked his legs and said they are super strong and that we can let him stand on them as much as he wants. 

Baby Dedication

At our church, North Wake Church, the public dedication of children serves three main purposes:
1) Parents commit publicly to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4)
2) To present the children to the Lord. (1 Samuel 6:27-28)
3) To seek God's blessing. (Mark 10:13-16)

We were asked three questions:
-Will you commit to train them, first and foremost, by your example as you follow Christ wholeheartedly?
-Will you commit to train them by your teaching, actively communicating the truth of the word of God to your children?
-Will you pray for them regularly and raise them in the fellowship of a church that worships God and teaches his Word?