Going Solo

Elliott got to swing by himself for the first time today. He was thrilled. He also enjoyed watching the bigger kids at the park performing acrobatics that I hope to never see him doing (backflips off the swing, stuntman-style leaps off the merry-go-round, etc.). 

Now that you're smiling at his cute pictures, I must crush your happiness a bit: He has another ear infection. Two of them, to be more precise. He's handling it with his usual aplomb by day, but nights are a different story. But hey, who needs to get any rest on their vacation anyway? Not me. --Marilyn

Sand Mountain Celebration

We had Christmas this weekend with Marilyn's family. Elliott adored this car, but too bad it was someone else's Christmas gift. 

Elliott's new best friend: Santa

In spite of Elliott's rude indifference to Santa Claus, the man in red was good to him. He especially loved the tasty paper and bows!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Elliott started the day strong

Lots of energy for playing

But after a day with this crew

He was worn out

Good thing he got his second wind

Who is this stooge?

Elliott wasn't too excited about visiting with the big guy. Wouldn't even crack a smile!

Y'all are ruining my Christmas.

Elliott would be so happy if we let him tackle the Christmas tree.

Big-game Saturday

After a long, hard-fought game, Elliott couldn't keep his eyes open. But we couldn't break his grip on his favorite elephant toy. (Elliott and Nanny dressed just alike on Saturday: crimson tee with a white undershirt and gray sweatpants. Should have been a lucky charm.)

Mmmm, gator meat

Roll TideNow that Alabama has taken care of the regular season foes, it's time to eat some gator meat! Elliott started eating his gator today.

UPDATE
What a great 3 quarters of football! Too bad the game lasts for 4 quarters. Oh, well, there's always next year. GO BAMA!

Man on the Move

Sorry the video is so dark. He was enjoying the lights on his Christmas tree.

Auburn Stinks!

It's my first Iron Bowl and something smells funny...

It must be these guys...

Roll Tide!

Things to be thankful for...

A beautiful and happy boy,

awesome family and friends,

and a turkey to remember! :)

P.S. We're also thankful for a great pediatrician! She saw Elliott an hour after our call on Wednesday. Although both ears are infected this time (boo), he is on the mend and as cheerful as ever--I'm thankful for that most of all.

Friday feast

Elliott's class had Thanksgiving lunch on Friday. He was having way too much fun with Mom and Dad to care about the food.

Let me out! I'm innocent! Just look at this face!

I'm still not sure why the Chick-fil-a cow showed up...Elliott was not thankful that he came.

What an exciting book!

The Pull Up!

Another new trick Elliott added recently is the pull up.

The Clapper!

Mr. Elliott has learned a new trick. The clap.

No more ear infection!

Elliott went to see Dr. Habeeb yesterday and she said his ear infection is all gone. But now he has a cold and that could lead to another ear infection. So be sure to keep your fingers crossed!

I'm Elliott and I approve this message.

It's only 17 years and 4 months until I can cast my first ballot. So until then it's up to you. Go Vote!

Elliott's first Bama game

Heading across campus

I like Farrah.

What? You don't take naps when surrounded by 92,000 screaming people? I got bored...what with all the scoring and winning and such.

Monkey Business on Halloween

Elliott loves his monkey suit.

Leading the Parade!

One of Elliott's favorite teachers is Ms. Robyn.

My friends Bam Bam and Jack-o-lantern (and their moms).

Monkey Crawling!

Boo-boo

Today was a historic day at school for Elliott. He returned home with not one but TWO incident reports. First he lost his balance and fell on his face while pulling up on the toy shelf. A few hours later he lost his balance and fell on his face while pulling up on a high chair. He now has a matching set of lumps on his forehead. I guess we're not raising a quitter...he won't let a little thing like blunt head trauma stop him.

My Cherokee name is...

Chief Crazy Hair. Elliott often wakes up with a horrible case of bedhead. So don't judge if you see him looking a little nutty...that mop is hard to tame.

Pattern of behavior

It's like Groundhog Day. Today was the 3rd Monday in a row when Elliott has been sick. I'm beginning to think he just hates Monday as much as the rest of us!

Today we found out that the ear infection that was causing him no trouble last week and was predicted to go away on its own has become much worse instead. So he's on his first-ever round of antibiotics. He just went to bed...check with me tomorrow to see if he actually sleeps any tonight. If I'm coherent, it means he slept. If I babble something insane, you'll know we all spent another sleepless night. It's like a psych experiment. --Marilyn

Finally fall

BOO!

Hibernation mode.

The botanical garden rocks!