Trip to Edmonton

We just got back from a fun, yet exhausting, trip to Edmonton where Elijah attended his first wedding. He was amazing on the flights - sleeping through most of it. (Perhaps 6:30 a.m. flights are the way to do it even if it leaves the parents completely tired from waking up so early.) It was a wonderful time with friends.

We took the obvious trip to IKEA and purchased his first potty. (For the record, we didn't buy it because we're potty training him, it's because it was cheap.) We put him on it at the hotel and he started waving his hand around like he was taking the seat for a ride.

Second pool experience still not too great. I think it's the water temperature. (Yes, I do realize that he's smiling in this picture, making it seem like he enjoyed it. I'm choosing not to show you the crying pictures.)

At the wedding

Elijah "chatting" with the guys while wearing his really impractical, but totally cute, white pants.

On the plane ride home.

One way to get rid of your dandilions

...have your child eat them.

All sorts of pictures

My first Mother's Day and Elijah's child dedication at church.

Trevor has been working on an area to put up the play structure that we're getting from our neighbours. Elijah LOVES playing with the gravel. He is absolutely fascinated by it. The joy that he gets from it makes up for the gravel that he brought into the house in the rolls of his pants. (Took me a few seconds to figure out how he got gravel into his crib.)

How do you entertain a child when you're trying to get ready in the bathroom and you don't really want them to rummage through the garbage? Put up a mirror.

Elijah really does enjoy the bike carrier. Apparently it's good for napping too.

Grateful

It's not easy to raise a child. I don't know how people do it alone. I am so grateful for the support of so many people.

For his grandparents who love him like crazy and will be all the good things that grandparents should be to him. Who pray for him and cuddle him. Who regularly say "what time should I be there?" when his parents need a break.

For his extended family - from his aunts and uncle to his cousin to his great aunts and great uncles and second cousins once removed... what a treasure chest of people to learn from.

For his parents friends, who regularly provide those listening ears and pieces of advise about what they did when their child hit that stage. Who love him because he's our son.

For his "friends" that he has inherited through his parents, who will be the first to show him what friendship is all about. Who pray for him at night. Who share their toys with him.

For his church family, who provide a children's ministry that will help him to understand the God that loves him so much.

For neighbours who give us their play structure because their kids are no longer using it.

For strangers, who stop you in Walmart and give you coupons for Pampers. Who stop to smile at him.

For all the people who have written countless books on parenting, who help us walk this completely new road. (Book plug: Dr. Dan Allender "How Children Raise Parents")

For his daddy, who makes him laugh like no one else. Who loves his mommy. Who also loves him.

What a blessing.

Hands and feet

Why are baby hands and feet so incredibly cute? Is it just me? I think I've become a little bit obsessed with taking pictures of them.

Muffin recipes

Thanks to all who passed on some wonderful recipes. I have enjoyed making and eating them. My mom was kind enough to share a recipe with me that I think has to be THE healthiest muffin I have ever encountered. It contains all the food groups. What more could you want? I feel it is my responsibility to the universe to continue to pass it on. I hope you make them and enjoy them as much as we have.

1 cup flour
1 cup natural bran
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 tsp soda
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp sunflower seeds
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
3/4 cup shredded carrots
grated rind of 1 orange
1 cup sour milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 1/2 cups chopped apple
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract

Combine all dry ingredients. Beat milk, egg and oil together. Add to dry mixture and stir to moisten. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Fun in the bath

There's a hole at the bottom of this cup that Elijah loves to drink from when he's in the bath. I figured you might enjoy this tasteful bathtub shot.