Christmas is coming, no matter what

We think it started around Thanksgiving. Elliot got sick, again. He seemed snotty, but that's pretty normal for him. And then came the coughing, and then the fevers. Elsie was next. Then me, then Michael. Monday was a sad day, as we took turns coughing and taking naps and moaning. Tuesday was much the same. Elliot has watched more TV than any kid his age needs to, and my house looks like it was abandoned a few days ago. I won't mention what Michael and I look like.

However, in the midst of this craziness, we managed to buy and put up a Christmas tree (which might still be crooked, but we don't care), hang up some lights on the windows, put lights on the tree, and even hang ornaments. You see the kids helping here. I put on some Christmas music and we enjoyed it. It's Christmas, and we're thankful. Our sickness will pass (hopefully) and again we'll celebrate. I always love Christmas at Grace and Peace (our church, for those of you not in St. Louis) because of the dual emphasis at Christmas. It was the first place I really learned to anticipate both Christ's first AND second coming every Christmas. So, come, Lord Jesus! Today, if possible. Then we'd DEFINITELY never be sick again...

Just checkin'

So I finally figured out the other day that this word Elliot keeps saying at certain times is "crying". He's telling me that Elsie is crying. It took me awhile, but I put it together. He often goes and checks on her in the mornings when I'm cleaning up the kitchen, gives her a pacifier and flips something on her mobile or turns on her bird to make her happy. He talks to her and generally entertains her, if he can, and she loves it. Sometimes, if she's just looking around and he's tired, he just lays his head down next to her and sucks his thumb. It's pretty sweet.

The zoo...again

So, it was 75 degrees in St. Louis on Monday. Wonderful. We took advantage of it and went to the free zoo to visit the giraffes and elephants, really the only animals Elliot actively looks for. But the giraffes were not in their area - what the heck? Where could they be? We found out that there was work being done in their yard, so they were inside, in their cages for the day. We could actually see them much more closely this way. Elliot just liked being able to run free through the building that housed the giraffes. He took a break from the running and sat on the bench for an entire 8 seconds at one point. Here you also see him staring at the carousel. We watched it for 3 rides. He didn't want to ride it, just watch it.

Happy Fall!

Here's Mr. Elliot enjoying our very full back yard. We don't technically have any trees in our yard, but a couple of the neighbor's hang over. He was hesitant at first, but once Michael showed him what to do, he had a great time. His favorite was throwing them up in the air with me, on top of his head and my head. At the end, he just laid in a big pile of leaves, looked up at the trees still shedding some yellow leaves, and said, while waving, "bye-bye, weaves" over and over.

Better

Just wanted to post a quick update. Elliot is feeling much better. He's now running around as usual, jumping, singing, being Elliot. Just one funny thing, he started asking me for a nap today at about 11:30am. I thought, surely I'm hearing this wrong. But after lunch he persisted, took my hand and his blanket, and led me up the stairs where he peacefully let me take off his shoes and put him in bed, with the truck book, of course. Hm. Every day brings a new suprise...

Sick

For any of you who know Elliot personally, this is not a normal photo. He falls asleep in his bed after complaining about it for awhile, but not just out free on the couch like this. The poor kid prefaced his 2nd bout of vomit last night by saying to Michael, "Uh-oh". Then it all came out. Again. This was around 1am. I'll spare you the details. Suffice it to say, we changed some sheets, some outfits, and scrubbed Curious George. He may get more scrubbing today. He may make his way to the washing machine. He may not be seen again. Who really knows.

What do YOU think?

Doesn't it look like that's what they're asking?

Around here

Just some pictures of what we've been doing around here - dressing Elsie in her cute clothes, and playing with blocks.