Friday night was Melanie and Jack's wedding. Melanie is our Sister-In-Law's niece. Vince grew up around Terry's family, and they have been a big part of our life. It's sometimes weird trying to explain the connection, but we just say we're all family! Anyway, Friday was Melanie's wedding. Vince had to work, so Eli was my handsome date! I wasn't too sure how Eli would do at the wedding. Sitting still for any length of time is pretty unheard of for a 2-year-old, especially at a wedding. BUT, it was a good Baptist wedding - short and sweet and to the point - gotta love those! Eli did really well, and I only had to take him to the foyer once. Our newphew Wesley sat with us, so that definitely helped.
Then it was off to the reception. I didn't know a lot of people that were there (besides the family, but they were all in reserved seating), so we sat at an empty table way to the side and did our thing. As soon as the meal was over, we made our way to the dance floor; well, I should say that ELI made his way to the dance floor! This kid LOVES music and loves dancing around the house.
He was SOOOOOO cute and had a blast out there. He danced with everyone (except me who has no rhythm, and was too pregant to get out there, and much prefered to take the pictures!!) The wedding was beautiful and the music at the reception was GREAT! Jack plays in a band, and the music was swing style-old school great music (and when the live music wasn't playing, they had Michael Buble' playing on CD - can't beat that!).
Here's some pictures from the reception.
COLORING AT THE TABLE
ME AND MY HANDSOME DATE
MELANIE AND JACK
OUR NIECE MICHAELA AND ELI
ELI AND MICHAELA DANCING AWAY
ELI AND HIS AUNT T DANCING
TEARING UP THE DANCE FLOOR!
RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARTY!
DANCING AWAY WITH OUR NEPHEW WESLEY
Monday, November 09, 2009
Celebrate Good Times!
Elijah and the Big Boy Bed
Well, we knew it would happen eventually. We just weren't prepared for it to happen this quickly! We knew the time would come for Eli to transition out of his crib and into the big boy bed. We were hoping we could scrape by for a little while yet, but Eli decided differently!
The other day I was home and was upstairs with Eli. I was doing some things in our bedroom and bathroom (all the rooms are connected upstairs), so Eli was playing in his bedroom. Well, it got quiet (never a good sign) and I noticed that Eli had gotten hold of a packet of "It's A Boy" confetti that we got in one of our cards when he was born. Well, he tore into it and it was everywhere! So, I put him in his crib, popped in a DVD, and went to cleaning up the mess.
As I was vacuuming, I noticed that he was perching himself up on the edge of the crib. I thought to myself, "Oh no - is he really going to climb out?" So, I quickly got him back into the crib. No more than 3 seconds later, he did it again, and he was out! He had climbed out of the crib, and actually made a pretty soft landing (that was impressive!). So, I knew at this point, there was no turning back. That night we would put him in the big boy bed!
The crib we have transitions to a Toddler Bed, but I figured, what's the point? He would have to transition to the toddler bed, and then transition again soon after to his full-size bed after Ethan was born. So, for this case, we just went gung-ho and put him in the full size bed. I repositioned the bed so it was up against the wall on 2 sides, put up the safety gate on the bed, pulled out the Nemo comforter for the bed (still too small for the bed, but it works for now until he gets his REAL big boy bedding at Christmas).
I was on my own for 3 nights to get him used to sleeping in his big boy bed. Vince had to work, and I was off for a 3-day weekend, so I thought, sure, why not! So, we built it up to Eli and really were excited for him (I actually was at the time until I knew what was ahead of me!).
The first night, he was pretty excited, and I think a little too excited! He didn't know what to do with himself or the big boy bed! There was so much room to go from a crib to a full-size bed! But, it only took about an hour, and he was fast asleep! YAY! He slept through the night and didn't get up once during the night. I got up about 4 times and checked on him each time, and he was in a different position every time - it was so cute. I put the gate up between our rooms, but realized he probably didn't need it (for now).
Then came nap time the next day - OY VAY! That was a different story! It took over 2 hours, and many discipline sessions before he finally tired himself out and got about an hour and a half nap. He had been up for so long, and was overtired. I think the combination of that, and the newness of the big boy bed, and seeing that it was still light out (note to self - get new shades and light blocking curtains for his room) made for a tough time.
That night we were out realllllly late at a wedding reception, and I think within 10 minutes he was asleep. That was more like it!
The next day he didn't take a nap since he slept in until 10! That night, it took less than 45 minutes and he was fast asleep.
Nap time yesterday was pretty good - about 45 minutes again, and he slept for about 2 hours. And last night, it took about 45 minutes for him to get to sleep.
Each time he's slept straight through and didn't get up out of bed once. He's a great sleeper once he gets to sleep (10-12 hours through the night, 2-3 hour naps in the afternoon). So, I think once we get through this hurdle, life will be great - just in time to stir it up again once Ethan gets here!
So, we've survived the first 4 nights of the big boy bed! YAY US!! Last night, Eli didn't even want to rock before bed (that made me sad!). He wanted to crawl right up into his big boy bed! I guess there's a time for everything - and Eli growing up to the big boy bed is here!
ONE OF HIS MANY POSITIONS IN THE BIG BOY BED!
More Elijah-Isms
Last night while we were on our way to Meijer to get groceries, we were singing songs with Eli. Well, of course Old MacDonald was on the list. As we were going through whatever animals Eli suggested, he surprised us with the next one: And on his farm he had a: "BABY! EIEIO! With a 'WAH WAH' here and a 'WAH WAH' there (etc etc)." It was SO funny. We were laughing so hard, and then Eli started laughing and said, "I'm Funny!" You better believe it kiddo!
Then we were singing the ABC's. And we got to the part he knows best - L-M-N-O-P. You should hear how fast he sings this - it's so cute!
**********
Last night, Eli was getting High Fives from us. He was so cute when he walked up to Vince and said, "FIVE MAN!" HA! Probably because we kept saying, "Give me 5 Man!"
**********
The other night Eli was playing with all of his play food. He would pull something out of the bag, and ask Vince what it was, and Vince would tell him. Eli would then repeat it, and follow it with a "yeah". So, it went something like this:
ELI - "What's This?"
VINCE - "Broccoli"
ELI - "Broccoli, Yeah"
ELI - "What's This?"
VINCE - "Pizza"
ELI - "Pizza, Yeah"
It went on like this for a while. It was so funny!
**********
Eli has now started to do the "UM'S". When I ask him a question, and he doesn't know the answer right away, he just keeps saying, "UM, UH, UM". So cute!
**********
During our night time routine, I'm the one that puts Eli to bed. We rock for a little bit, say our prayers and sing some songs (although, now that he's in the big boy bed, he prefers not to rock anymore - so sad - anyway, that's for another post!). So, the other night we were praying, and usually I'll say some things and he'll repeat them, but he decided to pray on his own. TWICE he prayed for Jesus to help the baby! It was so sweet and just melted my heart!
**********
While we were driving the other day, just me and Eli, all of a sudden Eli said, "Nanna." Well, that's nothing out of the ordinary since he talks about her a lot, but then he said, "Nanna sit here." I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him what he meant. Then I looked back, and he was pointing to the seat next to him in the car, and said again, "Nanna sits here." Well, that's right buddy! When Nanna comes to visit, she sits in the seat next to you in the car! So smart!
**********
This child definitely keeps us on our toes! Never a dull moment in the Turner household! And of course, I couldn't have a post without a picture of the little man! Enjoy!
COLORING - ONE OF HIS FAVORITE THINGS TO DO! HE'S SO INTENSE!
Your Next Installment of PICTURES OF THE DAY!
I LOVE when Vince sends me pictures of Eli when he's home with him during the day and I'm working! It just makes me smile! These ones were especially great!
Monday, November 02, 2009
Trick or Treat 2009
Trick or Treating this year was SO much fun! I think Eli was starting to figure out what was going on, and that's what made it so fun. We prepped him at home and told him that he has to say, "Trick or Treat" each time he went to someone for candy, and then he had to say "Thank You." We wouldn't leave until he said thank you (which is more to say for most of the kids out there - anyway, I digress). He did so well saying it and everyone thought he was just the cutest little lion out there (of course I had to agree)! We were out for about an hour and a half, and then could tell that Eli was getting sluggish (he walked the whole time) and it was getting pretty dark out, so we headed home (with Eli on Daddy's shoulders of course). What a fun time, and Eli made out great with all the candy!!
DADDY AND THE LION
MOMMY AND THE LION
THEY HAD TO GO THROUGH A HAUNTED HOUSE TO GET THEIR CANDY
ELI DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE!
ON THE WAY HOME
OUR FAMILY OF 3 (SOON TO BE 4!)
ELI ENJOYING SOME CHOCOLATE (HIS FAVORITE - HE WAKES UP ASKING FOR CHOCHOLATE!)
THE STASH!
HE GOT ANIMAL CRACKERS TOO - LET'S SEE HOW MANY WE CAN SHOVE IN OUR FACE AT ONCE!!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Hallzooween 2009
We decided to go to Hallzooween this past Saturday at the Cincinnati Zoo. We have a membership, so it was a free time for us! It was PACKED, despite it being so cold. Eli got all dressed up in his Lion costume for the festivities and had a blast. We enjoyed trick-or-treating at the different treat stations, and seeing all his favorite animals. Our nephew Wesley came around, so Eli had even more of a blast having him around!
At one of the Treat Stations
He was ROARING like a lion!
Checking out the Lions - they were SO close!
Enjoying some chocolate!
The Monkeys were checking Eli out!
Mama and Baby Monkey
Me and my Man!
Family Shot
Eli enjoying his candy watch
You can see ALL the pictures HERE.
Last Day of Tumbling
Well, Eli's last day of tumbling class at the YMCA was last Thursday. This was his 4th session. He has had a blast, and it will be sad for him to get out of this routine and have fun with the other kids. But, as my pregnancy progresses, I'm having a much harder time keeping up with him and chasing after him and getting up and down off the floor! So, for the winter months and after the baby is born, we're going to take a break. Maybe we'll pick it back up after Ethan is here, but for now, it's a much needed break!
I only got a few pictures of his last day.
With his favorite instructor, Brad
With Evie, one of his little girlfriends. We exchanged numbers with Evie's family, so hopefully we can get together for some play dates!
Trip To New Hampshire
Eli and I went to New Hampshire for a quick weekend trip a little over a week ago. Vince had to work that weekend and teach at church, so I planned a little getaway for me and Eli. Figured I better get it in before I'm not "allowed" to fly! Eli did great on the flight to Boston from Cincinnati. He played with his games, colored, and had snacks. We even got compliments on how well he did and complimenting me for keeping him occupied! That felt good! Then we had to take a bus from Boston to Concord, NH. I was worried we wouldn't catch the early bus since my luggage was taking forever to come. We made it to the bus stop with 2 minutes to spare!! Thank you Lord! Eli did great on the bus ride too, but towards the end, was so ready to be done travelling, and spending time with Nanna! Here's some pictures from our first leg of the trip:
Playing with his iPhone on the plane.
Checking all the safety precautions.
On the bus to Nanna's - his iPhone was a life saver!
When we got to my mom's house, Eli was so happy to see his Nanna! We had a long day, and Eli only got about a 30 minute nap the whole day. He did so well! I bought him some Toy Story pajamas for the trip and didn't show them to him until we got to Nanna's house. He was so excited to wear them! Apparently, he was so excited to be at Nanna's house - he woke up at 6:30 - wide awake! He went back down for a little bit, but was ready to go at 7:30. So much for sleeping in!
Eli in his new Toy Story PJ's showing Nanna his iPhone games.
We went and I got my haircut from the lady that used to cut my hair when I was growing up. I always try to get in with her when I get home - just to get a really good hair cut! She also touched up Eli's hair from his not-so-great haircut he got the week before. Thanks Peggy!
Then it was off to lunch with my grandmother at Johnson's Dairy Bar. Yummy seafood - a must when you're up in New England :-) Then we stopped to visit my Aunt Bev and Uncle Jim and cousin Tori (missed you Vanessa!) Eli had a blast with Uncle Jim exploring the big yard! They sat on the tractor and explored the shed, and then walked around in the woods in the yard. Eli was in his glory (and I think Jim was too!)
Guess he took it to heart when we said to clean his plate!
Exploring with Uncle Jim
Trying on Tori's boots!
So cute!
This is the life!
Then on Sunday we went to Trinity where I grew up and saw a bunch of old friends. It was like Old Home Days! Eli did great in the nursery, like I had any doubts he would! After church, it was home for naps, and then we went and saw 4 of my dad's 5 sisters. It was a great time getting together. Eli hadn't met any of his great-aunts yet, so that was fun! We had great food and fun and spent time at my Aunt Christine's camp. It started to snow as we left - crazy!
Fast asleep with Doggy Turner.
Playing with Aunt Christine - she had the goods! Play-Doh, Coloring Books, Books!
Me and Eli with my 4 Aunts and cousing Ashley (Left to Right: Aunt Linda, Aunt Christine, Aunt Vickie, Aunt Sally, Ashley).
My Mom and the Sisters!
The only picture we got with me and my mom and Eli!
The next day, we laid low. Mom had to work in the morning, so Eli and I had a lazy morning. When mom got home, we went to the 99 Restaurant for lunch, where Eli finally ate something of substance during our trip! He's still on the "eat hardly anything for days/weeks, and then finally have a few good days" diet. Oh well - eventually he'll come around, and I won't be able to keep enough food in the house! We went and spent some time with my grandmother afterwards, and Eli had a blast playing her organ - always a treat for him!
Such a music virtuoso!
Great Grammy, Eli and Me
Then it was home to RELAX until the next day, when we had to fly out back to Cincinnati. We ate more chop suey (my mom's FAMOUS chop suey that we usually have her make when we visit) and m&m cookies from Shaws (my favorite!). Eli and Nanna hung out and then it was early bed times. Although, Eli woke up at 5:30 - almost an hour before I was going to wake him up! Oh well!
Laying in bed with Nanna drinking his yogurt.
Then, it was off to the bus station to catch our bus back to the airport in Boston. Both Eli and I were crying, upset to be leaving Nanna. We had a great trip visiting, so it's always so hard to say goodby. The ride was pretty good and Eli slept about 10-15 minutes on the ride.
Eli showing Doggy Turner Boston out of the bus window.
We got to the airport and got checked in pretty quickly once we got to ticketing. In the security line, I was starting to feel woozy, I mean WOOZY. I was feeling myself getting ready to pass out, so I stepped out of line, and pulled Eli to the side with me, and I sat down on the floor, attempting to put my head near my knees (kind of hard when you're 6 months pregnant)! I had many people rush to my aid, and soon Airport Personnel were there making sure I was ok. Of course, by that time, I was crying, and feeling really cruddy. Poor Eli - didn't know what was going on - he just kept telling me to hold his hand - what a sweetie! A nice older lady stayed with me the whole time, and helped me and Eli through security (with the help of Airport Personnel as well), and made sure that I got to the elevator all right and we were on our way. I think a combination of lack of sleep, lack of food/drink, and just trying to get everything in order put me in that predicament. Thankfully, God protected us and we were on our way back home to Cincinnati. The flight went pretty well - definitely not as good as the flight to Boston, but we survived, and we were SO glad to see Vince when we got off the elevator at the airport. I immediately started sobbing and clinging to him! There's just no place like home!
We had a great trip, and I can't wait to get back to see my family, hopefully the next time will be after Ethan is born! We miss everyone already, but like I said, there's just no place like home!
You can see ALL the pictures from our trip HERE.
