Las Vegas

We're home! We got home late on Tuesday night, and I'm happy to report that the traveling was so easy, both ways. The boys were so good. I couldn't believe it. When everyone stood up at the end of our first flight, a woman two rows in front of me looked back and said she hadn't even realized there were any babies behind her. I was so pleased. On the way home, Clayton had two very short outbursts, one when he couldn't watch the DVD player on take off, and the second when he couldn't watch the DVD player on landing. That said, the DVD player was our best friend on the plane.

We were so busy in Las Vegas. We arrived at Ryan's parents' house Thursday evening and had a big family dinner that night. On Friday morning, my good friend Laura, her baby Keaton, and her mother Ellie came over for a visit. These are two of the most laid back infants ever. They both slept, ate, and slept some more.

Ellie, Laura, Keaton, Wendy, Eli, Ginny (Ryan's Mom), and Clayton

On Friday evening Kristin, Ryan's sister, put together a big surprise party for Ryan's 30th birthday. Several of our high school friends and their families were there, along with a few Air Force friends that now live in that area. There were also some of Ryan's old family friends that he hadn't seen in many years. Thank you to Kristin for putting it all together and being the "hostess with the mostess" for the weekend.

Careful Kristin! That's a lot of candles!

The birthday boy... 30 years old!

On Saturday Kristin was at it again, as she, Ginny, and I put together a baby shower for my sister-in-law, Jayann. Her first baby, our niece, is due in early April. We had a really nice turn out, and Jayann got so many beautiful gifts. Jayann had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, and from what I heard, we may not have to wait until April. We're so excited for her and Matt.

While all the women were at the baby shower, Ryan, his dad Jim, and our friend Dave took Clayton down to the Bellagio to see the spring garden display. It was three men and a toddler, so I'm sure it was a sight to see.

On Sunday we were able to have a "whole big family" picture made. We also had a little family picture and a picture of the boys made. I'll have to scan those in later.

On Monday we were able to visit Ginny's school. I wish I had my camera with me. We walked into the lunch room and the kids completely swamped Clayton. He was handing out high-fives left and right and was completely loving all the attention. After visiting the school, we headed down to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. The cousins had a good time seeing all the ocean life. It's pretty well done for a casino in Las Vegas. That night we were invited to Austin and Harmony's house for dinner. We had a really great time catching up with them and hanging out with their little Josiah.

On Tuesday Ryan went golfing with his dad and brother while Kristin, Ginny, and I took the kids to a playground. Then we had a little lunch, packed up, said our goodbyes, and headed off to the airport.

It felt like there wasn't a moment to spare in the whole trip, but that's the way it has to be when we go to Las Vegas. There's always so much to do and so many people to see in so little time.

Three Months Old

Eli will be three months tomorrow, well, actually today. It's really late now. Ryan and I are up packing for our trip tomorrow. We're flying home to Las Vegas in the morning (you always have to throw in that "home" or people have the wrong impression). Wish us luck. We only have 45 minutes in Phoenix. Yikes!

Back to Eli, he's really doing great. He's up to 12 pounds now, and it won't be long before he's out of all these 0-3 month clothes. I've already put him in a few 3-6 month things. Eli caught his first cold last week. I don't think there was anyway to avoid it, as the rest of us had already had it. He's done really well with it, and it's almost gone now, which will hopefully make flying a little more pleasant for him. It's so unusual to just watch a cold. Usually I'm so worried about oxygen saturations and skin coloring. I'm pleased to report that Eli has been pink and warm throughout his illness, and I never once considered taking him to the ER.

Clayton is great too these days. He's excited about flying on the airplane tomorrow. I don't think he quite understands what we're going to do, but everytime we talk about it, he signs to me that the airplane will fly in the sky. Yes, son, we will fly in the sky.

This morning as we were getting a few things organized around here, the boys were hanging out together in Clayton's room (under close supervision, of course), and I was able to catch a few sweet moments.



In the first picture, Clayton had pulled his chair up to the edge of the bed and was really keeping an eye on Eli. It was so sweet to see him babysitting his brother. He later climbed in bed with Eli and proceeded to give lots of his special "tough love" to his brother. Oh how I love these boys.

We'll let you know how all the travels go. Say a little prayer for us in the morning!

Baby Sling

My sister's sister-in-law, Lana, made this beautiful sling for me before Eli was born. We used it a lot when he first came home from the hospital, but then Eli decided he needed a little more space, and it hasn't gotten a lot of use since. Well, over the weekend, Eli really felt the need to be held, and I really felt the need to do other things. He hasn't been too fond of the Snugli carrier, so I pulled out the sling again, and voila! Perfect! I had to take a picture in the mirror because Ryan wasn't home, so you'll have to excuse the unquality, but here he is, snug as a bug, happy as can be. Thank you Lana!

Down for the Night

There have been a lot of sleeping changes in our house over the last few days. First, Eli is sleeping in his own room now. He had been sleeping in the bassinet in our room, but he's a big boy now, and he's sleeping in his crib. Tonight makes the fourth night. He's done well so far. Last night he went down at 9pm, got up to eat at 11pm, then slept till 7:45am. Yeah! I'm expecting to feed him anytime now, and then hopefully we'll get a repeat of last night. Here he is, just moments ago.


Secondly, Clayton is making the transition into the toddler bed tonight. Yes, he was still in a crib until today. He just loved being in there, so we left him in it, but it's definitely time now. He was absolutely giddy as I took off the front of his crib today. He spent all evening crawling in and out of his new bed. Tonight he really wanted to crawl out when I put him in, but he stayed put. I think he was too scared in the dark. This is him, also just moments ago. Oh, and yes, he still sleeps with the Fisher-Price aquarium, which, judging from the terrible squeaking sound it now makes, may be on its last leg. There is also a nightly selection of stuffed animals that must accompany him to bed.

All is peaceful in our house... for the moment... until Eli realizes it's 11pm.

Mr. Smiley!

Mess of the Day

Today was Clayton's first time playing with shaving cream. I've wanted to do this for a while but have had a hard time stomaching the inevitable mess. Clayton had a fun time, for a while, but he really preferred to pretend to shave, rather than get his hands messy. Yes, I plastic wrapped my chair and the edge of the table where Clayton sat. I wasn't willing to risk shaving cream on my nice table. Later I realized I could have just draped towels over the table and chair. Yes, that would have been easier and more environmentally friendly. Oh well. Next time. Clean up was actually quite easy, so I think there may be a next time.

I'm shaving like Daddy.

Later Chunky Monkey "supervised" Clayton's bath.

The Boys

A couple of couch potatoes