Tell Me it's a Tooth!

About a week or so ago Elliott and I were strolling along outside. He opened his mouth and just like a scene from a movie, a ray of light beamed into his mouth revealing a little knob emerging from his gum. The moment passed so quickly that I questioned what it was that I saw. Was it really a tooth? Finally after 8 months of waiting and wondering, was Elliott finally getting his first chomper?
Now, the thing with my baby is he is not the most cooperative little fellow. I tried and tried again to view this small section of his mouth to no avail. I pressured family and friends to "get in there" so they could verify what I suspected to be lurking on his gum line. It took a lot of effort, but eventually we were able to determine that without a doubt, our Elliott was getting his first tooth. It couldn't come at a better time too. I am telling you, Elliott wants to eat real food. Don't get me wrong, it's not like he's unhappy with the purees he's getting. It's just that every time we eat, he eyes our food like a lion about to pounce on his prey. It's frightening really!

Speaking of food - we've had a great weekend, filled with lots of eating! On Saturday we went to Aunt Michele and Uncle Jerry's for brunch and a much anticipated playdate for Avery and Truman. It is so cute to see those two playing and how much Oliver wants to be in the mix. Michele made an amazing spread with the most delicious bacon I have ever had. Sunday, we had the Carter clan over for brunch, where I had to make that great maple bacon we had at Michele's the previous day! Avery was so excited for this get together; when he woke up this morning the first thing he said was "Riley?" Of course, in typical fashion, Avery was completely shy when everyone showed up...but he soon warmed up and had fun playing with the boys. We are so sad to say goodbye to Granny KK and Poppy Ray who fly back to South Carolina tomorrow. We hope they have a great flight!



Avery has become quite the photographer lately. I have been so impressed. He saw our small Canon Sureshot (which we no longer use) and asked to play with it. Within about five minutes, he had that thing mastered. I am not joking; he knew how to turn it on/off, change the mode from taking pictures to viewing them and how to zoom. I know some adults who can't even do that! I am actually going to have a couple of pics blown up and framed. The only problem is he now has his eyes set on our Rebel. We will have to make sure we always store it out of arms reach as there is no way we are letting him touch that!



Now that the Santa Claus parade has come and gone, the Christmas season is in full effect. I've already started training Avery, who watched The Grinch about ten times last week. Now all we need is some snow to solidify the feeling. What the hell am I saying?! I will be regretting that comment in about a month... but until then? Bring it on.

Happy Hallowe'en!

I know, I know. I haven't posted in the longest time. I am sincerely sorry - we've just been incredibly busy. So much has been happening - most recently with Halloween.
This year was the first that Avery really understood what it was all about (thanks to dear old mom). I've been pumping Halloween for the last month! I just love it.
We had a ton of fun for the last couple of weeks making Halloween crafts, eating chocolates and carving pumpkins.
Avery thoroughly enjoyed trick or treating last night, hitting up about 5 houses. After which I carried him around the block to see the other houses and kids. I am sure everyone was happy that the weather seemed to have warmed up a little from the freezing temperatures of the afternoon. It was so cold that we had our first snowfall (if only for a few minutes) around noon.



Thanksgiving was a special treat for us this year. All of the Carter clan came to Waterloo to spend the holiday together. Aunt B, Uncle Jim, Cousin Rob, Granny KK, Poppy Ray, Leighlo and Luke traveled great lengths to join us at Uncle John's for a fabulous food-filled weekend. It was just amazing being all together and hopefully it is something we can do again in the future. Thanks again for everything guys! Thankfully, we don't have to wait too long to see Granny KK and Poppy Ray again. They are coming back up to Canada in about a week. We are getting so spoiled this year with visits from them. And KK, you'll be happy to know that Swiss Chalet's festive special just started!

The weekend after, it was time for the Braun-Topolski annual Thanksgiving dinner. I must admit that the day was quite a blur for me. The kids had been waking up extremely early all week, so I was quite sleep deprived. Somehow Michele managed to create a delicious meal for all of us on her own (normally we tag-team the duties). Next year, I promise I will be more help.

So many things can change a month! Since my last post Elliott has started sitting on his own. It was amazing - one day he wasn't able to, the next he was a pro! It's made my life a bit easier. I'm finally able to sit him on a mat to play by himself so I can tidy up a bit.



He's also had his taste of pretty much all the food he's able to eat at this age. And, believe me, he enjoys his food. Every time my sister sees him eating she is amazed with his gusto. Unfortunately, he still enjoys spitting up. I guess my good clothes will have to stay in the closet for a little longer.

Anyway, that's it for now. And, since Halloween is over, I'll be kicking off the holiday season right away. In fact, I feel Home Alone calling my name!