First week of work (& other fun adventures)

The first week of work went amazingly well. I never worked more than 7 hours, but Eli did very well for his first time being without me for that long. I was also very relaxed, knowing he was in good hands (thanks Grandmas!!). As I said Monday, Eli continued to drink breastmilk several times throughout the day, eat lunch for them, and even napped twice for Grandma Clarkson. He is yet to nap for Grandma Bidney, but he will. He was in good spirits and just played and played while I was away. In fact, one day I came home and he was bouncing on his zebra and all he did was turn to look at me and then turned around and continued bouncing!! Little stinker! Anyway, he is doing really well and if he can master napping while I am gone and not have to wait for me to get home, it will be great! I say this because most days last week he waited for me to come home to nap and took a late nap, resulting in a late bedtime. So, as expected, the transition is messing with his sleeping a little.

Because I was gone most of each day, I didn't get as many pictures/videos as I usually do, but I got some. Eli continues to crawl, cruise on the couch, and pull up. He also likes to walk with help but hasn't attempted it by himself yet. He continues to be so funny and do this crazy laugh, slap his mouth while saying "ahhhh", clap his hands, and now this:

Eli continues to talk in his own language and say "mama" & "dada" appropriately. I haven't really deciphered any other words yet, but he did sign for milk this week. I try to remember to sign the important words, but sometimes I forget. Therefore I have posted the flash cards around the house to help remind me :)

He also discovers something during his adventures of crawling almost daily. He likes to crawl into the kitchen and pull a chair back and forth on the floor (maybe he likes the noise??), crawl to the bannister off the stairs and pull himself up (although I keep a close eye as he could get caught in it if he slipped!), empty trash cans, pull on shower curtains, explore the fireplace (coffee table is back in front of it now), pull on cords, open cabinets, and pull up vents! Oh, and screw drivers (daddy gave it to him....the head is safely put away :)

Eli continues to eat better and better every day! He loves to feed himself, but still doesn't have it mastered. He also eats when fed and today he decided it would be fun to feed mommy! He really has liked everything I have given him: carrots, green beans, pears, apples, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, banana, avocado, whole wheat bagels, rice cakes, Cheerios, & puffs. So, I guess waiting until HE was ready has made all the difference as he really is catching on quick and enjoying variety! Here is video of Eli showing off his eating skills:

Daddy feeding Eli his snack

Eli loves his playtime throughout the day. His favorite toys right now are the house (thanks, Beth....he loves it!!), Bouncing Zebra, and his Intellitable. Pretty much the toys that he can pull up on and do activities that are interactive and make noise :)

Oh, and any and all balls are also something he loves:

Eli telling mommy what books he wants to hear before bedtime :)

Bath time=SPLASH time!!

We will soon be lowering the crib mattress :)

Daddy likes to put his hats on his head and this is his usual response

Followed by this :)

OMG.....our little boy will be turning ONE a week from tomorrow. How can this be!! I have been so lucky to spend his entire first year at home with him and to see him grow and change and turn into the big boy he is now. We look forward to celebrating his day with family and friends on Saturday. I'll be sure to post pictures from the fun day. Oh, and he has his 1 year pictures taken tomorrow. I will also post a link to the proofs when they are up. Have a great week everyone!