Thanksgiving

This was Eli's first Thanksgiving, though he got his turkey meal after dinner and in liquid form this year. We visited the Jones family in San Clemente for our yummy Thanksgiving dinner. There was a ton of family members to ohhh and ahhh over Eli, and he loved it!

That afternoon, we took Eli outside to enjoy the pretty fall leaves. He kept wanting to eat them!

After dinner, the boys relaxed and bonded over the football game. Hmm, I think a tradition might be forming.

Huntington Library

Well, Brian has told me that our blog cannot turn into just Eli's blog... So here's my attempt at life outside of Eli. :)

This Saturday, we had the opportunity to go to the Huntington Library with some friends. It was a blast! And I had the opportunity to practice my photography. I've been reading and learning some new photography techniques in preparation for getting a new camera. We are going to get a Canon digital SLR, because I really want to get into photography. We'll see... I still need a lot of practice, but Eli's a good subject. :)

Two months old

I can't believe Eli is two months old here. He is growing so fast.

Growing up too fast!

I have decided that Eli is growing way too fast! He is only 2 1/2 months old, but he has decided he wants to be a big boy already. His motor skills seem to be developing at lightning speed - each day he learns something new. Right now he can sit and stand (with just balance support). He even takes a few steps while standing. When lying down he does a mini "sit-up" to try to pull to a sitting position. On his stomach he does a baby "push-up" to hold his head high and look around. This past week, he even rolled from his stomach to his back several times in a row (surprising himself each time)!

Eli has also started to acquire more social skills. He still "copy-cats" with smiles and sticking out his tongue. But he also coos and squeals with delight. This past week, Eli also started to laugh - real big, belly laughs! It is just adorable! I think we'll keep him. :)

Baby Blessing

This Sunday was Elijah's Baby Blessing. It was an incredible blessing. The spirit was so strong during the blessing as well as the testimony meeting afterwards. Brian and I both feel our testimony of the power of the priesthood has grown, and we appreciate the blessings it brings our family. Brian noted in his testimony (and I agree) that it is just starting to dawn on him the awesome responsibility our Father in Heaven has given us to raise this sweet young spirit and help him receive the rich blessings that are in store for him.

We had so many family members come into town for Elijah's blessing. We took some family photos after church:

After church, we had a brunch at my mom's house for family and friends. We were amazed at how many people came to support and congratulate us. There was almost 40 people there! Eli was just soaking up all the attention and love But he fell asleep exhausted by the end - he slept for almost 4 hours when we got home!