Congratulations Grandma!

Congratulations to Grandma! Yesterday Linda completed her last treatment! You've had such amazing strength through all of this and always held a smile on your face! We love you and are SO proud of you! You are a true inspiration!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

On Monday Eli got to visit Santa. He did well sitting on Santa's lap, and wasn't a bit frightened. It's amazing comparing his picture from last year to now. He's grown SO much!

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Last year Eli was too young to get to enjoy the snow, so on Saturday Eli had his first REAL experience playing in it. He had a blast! He loved throwing the snow up in the air and crawling around in it. The cold didn't seem to even bother him, even when his gloves fell off. Brrr! Daddy and Mommy got some good pictures of the fun. Enjoy!

Eli Loves Snow

It was SO cold outside, but Scott was so excited for Eli to experience snow. Scott put some snow in Eli's bucket, and he loved it! He ate it and played with it. Can't wait until it's a little warmer to take him outside so he can really experience it!

Introducing Marcelino Ross Rodriguez

On December 3rd at 4:15 am little baby Marcelino was born to Keli and Pablo. Keli had a fairly easy delivery and is feeling well. Scott and I had the opportunity to go meet the new baby in the hospital last night. It's unbelievable how small they are! It's hard to remember Eli being that small at one time. Marcelino (Marcel) is absolutely beautiful and looks a lot like Diego did. He's eating well and has been sleeping lots. Congratulations to the proud parents and the 3 brothers! We're so happy for you and can't wait to watch Marcel as he grows within your loving family. We love you!

Thanksgiving with Uncle Shawn

Uncle Shawn came from Muncie, IN (Ball State) to spend Thanksgiving with the family. On Thanksgiving day we had a nice lunch at Grandma and Paw Paw's house, then that evening Uncle Shawn and Uncle Casey came over to our house to watch a movie. Uncle Shawn was so surprised about how much Eli had grown and couldn't believe how much he was walking now. Eli gave Uncle Shawn lots of kisses and loved spending time with him. Come visit more often!

A Visit from Aunt Kiki and Nana

Aunt Kiki (Karen) and Nana (Eli's Great Grandma) came all the way from Nashville, Tennessee to visit us this past weekend. This was the first time that Nana got to see Elijah. We had a Thanksgiving dinner at Grandpa and Grandma Joey's house on Sunday. Aunt Keli, Uncle Pablo, and all the cousins were there also. Monday evening we all got together at Aunt Keli's house for pizza. Yum! Aunt Kiki and Nana then stayed the night at our house. We then met Aunt Keli and the boys for breakfast this morning before Aunt Kiki and Nana had to head back to Nashville. We had such a fun time visiting. We love you Aunt Kiki and Nana! Thanks for coming to visit us!

Brown County Weekend

We went to Brown County (Nashville, IN) for the weekend with our friends Nate and Dee. We actually had perfect weather. The trees looked beautiful with all their changing colors. We got to go shopping, had good food, and even snuck the Notre Dame game into our schedule. Eli enjoyed being outdoors and did well with sleeping in a new place. Fun times!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Scott turned 32 on November 4th! Happy Birthday!

Happy Halloween - Woof! Woof!

Halloween was so much fun for Eli this year! He got to dress up as an adorable dalmatian puppy. He actually did really well in the costume and never tried to pull off the hood. We visited Grandpa and Grandma Joey. They gave Eli a cute gift bag with peaches, applesauce, and pudding inside. Yum! We then went to Paw Paw and Grandma's house. Grandma had a gift bag for Eli with crackers and 2 fun books. Eli loves books, so these will be great to read to him at night. Eli had so much fun crawling around in his outfit. He definitely was the cutest little puppy! Woof! Woof! Check out Eli's Babysites Page for even more pictures.

Kid of the Day

Eli is Kid of the Day on American Baby Magazine's and Parent's Magazine's website today! Take a look! You'll need to scroll down the the bottom of the page. If you don't get to see it today, he will be in the archive starting in November. Enjoy!
http://www.americanbaby.com/common/magazine/index.jsp?sssdmh=dm15.92434&esrc=nwaspo&email=775192842&_requestid=109107

Daddy and Eli Time

Eli loves books! Daddy uses this special time before bed each night to read some books with Eli. Isn't this the cutest?

While Daddy is Away, Eli and Mommy will Play!

On Tuesday Scott left for Miami, Florida for his work, so Eli and Mommy got to have some special time together. On Wednesday we went to lunch at Applebee's with Grandpa and Grandma Joey. Eli had fun flirting with the waitress and talking to all the people around us. Can you tell he's a lot like his Daddy? Later that evening we went over to Grandma and Paw Paw's house. Eli loves playing with the little cars they have and putting them into their pull-out couch. It's not going to be an easy job getting those out! On Thursday we went to dinner at Hacienda with Marcia (one of Mommy's teaching partners). Eli loved hearing the waitresses sing and clap "Happy Birthday" to others! He joins right in with the clapping. And, on Friday we went to lunch at Luchessi's with Kate (a friend of Mommy's from her old band). Eli, again, talked to everyone and had each of the waitresses stopping by our table to play with him. We then went shopping together, and Daddy returned home that evening. We had such a fun week visiting with friends and family!

On Saturday we went to Mia Morrison's 3rd birthday party. Eli had such a fun time crawling around and getting into everything. He loved exploring and hanging around the other kids....especially Gracie. It's so hard being the youngest because he SO wants to be able to join all the big kids. Soon! We ended up staying at the Morrison's house pretty late to watch the Notre Dame and IU games. Eli was pretty exhausted and didn't get to bed until pretty late. It was well worth it to have such a full day of fun!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Mia! Thanks for inviting us to your party and letting us be part of your special day!

Leo's Birthday Party at Thistleberry Farm

Cousin Leo had his 3rd birthday party at Thistleberry Farm this Saturday. We had many fun adventures at the farm. First, we had Subway sandwiches and snacks to eat. We watched Leo open some of this birthday presents. Next, we did some of the farm activities. We went into the barn and saw roosters, bunnies, horses and chicks. One of the roosters followed people around in the barn, and Eli loved watching him. We then went on the hayride. It took us out into the pumpkin patch, and we picked out a pumpkin that was just Eli's size. We chose not to go through the corn maze. It was just too hot, so we spent more time watching the animals. Everyone gathered back to the birthday area and had some cake. It was funny to watch Cousin Vincent stuff his mouth with cake. He was wearing most of it! Last, Eli took a pony ride. He loved it! He giggled the whole time. We had such a fun time at Leo's party!

Happy Birthday Leo! We love you!

Eli Gets a Haircut

Eli got his first haircut today. Our friend, Carrie Eakins, is a stylist. She cuts Scott's hair every few weeks and was able to fit Eli in, too. Eli's hair was getting really long, and the mullet thing just wasn't working for him. Mommy was trying to hold off as long as she could to keep him looking like a baby (tear). Now he really looks like a little boy! But, I admit, the hair looks much better. So handsome!

Eli's First Steps

Yesterday Eli took his first steps by himself! Normally, we have to hold on to his hands for him to walk. He does always cruise around the room holding onto anything, so we knew it would be soon. He held onto his walker and walked across the floor a few times. Scott was able to video tape it. Click on this link to view. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ZIwcoyHeM Eli was so proud of himself. So cute! Our boy is growing up!

Fun at Lake Wawasee

Last Thursday Eli and I met Grandma Joey, Aunt Keli and Diego, Leo, and Vincent at a park on Lake Wawasee. Grandma Joey packed a yummy picnic for us. We all had lunch in the beautiful weather. The park area was so clean and nice. Eli loved swinging in the toddler swing. There is also a little beach at the park. It was great because since school has started again, not many people were there. The boys played in the sand and swam in the water. Eli loved crawling back and forth on the shore line. He liked to pick up the sand and let it sift through his fingers. After our fun-filled day Grandma Joey took all of us for ice cream. Poor Eli fell asleep, so he missed out. He really needed his zzzzs from all the excitement. He had such a fun day!

Tub Time

Eli has had a difficult week. He came down with a respitory viral infection and has been on antibiotics all week. He just wasn't himself. Mommy had some rough nights, too, since Eli would wake up screaming and would not go back to sleep. I'm pleased now to say he's back to his old self. He's full of energy again and is finally sleeping through the night.

Daddy loves playing with Eli's hair during his baths. What do you think? Should we start styling it this way?

Eli's Rubber Ducky Party

Eli had his 1 year birthday party this weekend. We had a rubber ducky theme, and Grandma Joey even baked a rubber ducky cake. Yum! The kids played in kiddie pools, in the hot tub, on a slip-n-slide, and with bubbles. It turned out to be a nice day. We had such a great time, and Eli loved all the attention.

Thanks to all who were able to join us for the celebration. We really appreciate all the gifts. Eli will have hours of fun playing with his new toys and wearing his new outfits. Thank you!

Eli goes to the Ft. Wayne Zoo

On Eli's birthday Mommy and Daddy took Eli to the Ft. Wayne Zoo. Eli loved looking at all the animals. He loved watching the other parents and kids there, too. It's hard to say what Eli's favorite animal was, but he really enjoyed watching the penguins, horses, and the monkeys.

Eli's Birthday Party

Eli will be celebrating his 1st birthday with a party. The party will be Aug. 18th from 1-4pm at the Coryn's. Hope to see you there.

Parents....we will also be having a bon fire afterwards in the evening if anyone would like to stay and enjoy.

Eli turning 1

On August 15th at 8:05pm Eli will officially be 1 year old. What a exciting year it as been. People always told us that life would change after kids. Boy, were they right. But, I never expected it to be this great. We wouldn't change it for the world. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't mind changing it one more time, if you know what I mean (I'll have to talk to Kara about this one).
Eli,
I know you can't read this yet but just know Mommy and Daddy love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BOY!