Bridges in Austin: 7 months!

As each month passes, I can't believe that our little blonde-headed boy is getting older and older. He's watching and learning from Payton and me, and starting to copy things that we do. When we talk to each other, you see Eli watching our mouths, trying to figure out how we do it. I was laying in bed with him the other morning and started shaking my head and saying "no", and he watched me intently for a few seconds, giggled, then started shaking his head back and forth. Little milestones like that are so much fun!

At 7 months old, Eli is a true joy! He is such a trooper, and will find fun wherever he is, whatever he is doing. We can drag him to the grocery store and he'll flirt with the women and pull things off of the shelves if he gets close enough (so far, nothing breakable). He sits with me while I open the mail and chews on the paper.

This past Sunday, after Payton and Pawpaw finished our new fence, we set up a blanket in the backyard and planted watermelon and sunflower seeds in little pots. Once they start to bloom, we'll plant them in the backyard and hopefully have some watermelons this summer. Eli sat on the blanket and watched so intently at every move I made.

He's eating like such a big boy now, 2 solid meals a day and 3 bottles a day (lunch, afternoon, bedtime). He's mastered the sippy cup, He's eating puffs and picking them up all by himself.

His 4th tooth has finally broken through, and this one was a doozy! This 2nd top one has been the roughest on him - and us. He's had a runny nose and has been fussy for the past week or so. We were so glad to see it finally break through yesterday, so hopefully no more pain.

His size has stabilized, meaning he's been in 18 - 24 month clothing for over a month now. His little socks are so tight around his ankles and calves. I have to pull them all the way up to his knees because they're way too tight if I fold them over.

He's right on the edge of thinking about crawling. Lately when we put him on his stomach, he pushes himself up so high. Then he'll lay down flat and pull his knees up underneath him. Now if he could just do both at the same time...

He Loves...

Bathtime. He sits in the corner of the tub and pulls out ALL of his toys. He bangs his cups on the side of the tub or together, and he chews on the foam letters (sometimes he'll do both at the same time). He loves trying to catch the water as it comes out of the faucet and watching Maddie try to eat the water when he splashes.
Taking walks and eating snacks off of his tray.
Eating, unless it's time for a nap. He's up to 2 solid meals and 3 bottles a day.
His sippy cup! He tilts his head all the way back - I'm pretty sure this is the only time that we see under his neck all day. He doesn't breath while he's drinking, so when he can't hold his breath anymore, he whips the cup out, slams it on his highchair tray (or drops it off the side), and lets out a huge sigh, like "Whew, that was some good water", as a good portion of it dribbles out of his mouth.
His puffs. If he is whining or crying, just throw a few puffs in front of him and he'll be entertained as he focuses on picking them up and getting them in his mouth.
Watching Payton and I talk to each other.
Any toy that makes noise.
Any toy (or anyTHING for that matter) that he can put in his mouth.
Petting on Cooper and Maddie and watching how they react.
Sitting up.
Swinging in his new swing.
Watching me sing and dance and make a fool out of myself (Payton enjoys this too).
And he especially loves his grandparents. There is something about those silly grandparents that will distract him from teething, being ready for a nap or a meal, and just about anything else. He loves the silly faces Nonna makes, and listening to Papa D talk on the computer when we Skype. He loves listening to Meme talk and laugh, and to Pawpaw as he tickles all over him.

He Hates...

When I try to clean the boogies out of his nose. I hate it too, but it's got to be done. I refuse to have my child be labeled the "snot nose kid". We all remember that kid growing up, and Eli will NOT be that kid!
Having Orajel put on his gums. He clamps his mouth shut, it's pitiful, but it helps so much when I finally get my finger in there.
Laying down in the tub to have his hair rinsed off. He makes it look so akward, I swear, if he would just relax, he would really enjoy it. He does this painful looking crunch thing like he's trying to sit up, both those abs have got nothing on that 24 lb frame of his. He's recently started rolling over, which is entertaining, especially when he realizes he's rolling over into water.
Getting strapped into his carseat. But as soon as I point out his reflection in the mirror, he smiles that toothy smile and giggles at himself. I'll never forget that his first "social" smile was at his reflection in the mirror.

Payton and I love this little boy to death and look forward to the next few milestones, more solid foods, crawling, and lots more!