Trains for Eli!

I realize that most of you who read this are way more excited about the progress of our sons than my crafting, but I'm really excited about this one. I decided a while back to aim to make Eli a quilt with trains on it for when he moves into a twin bed. So, I searched for patterns and the one I found that I liked best was for a wall hanging. Rather than try and adjust measurements, I discovered that, if I made four of them and pieced them together, they would make a twin sized quilt. So that's what I did. All four panels are pieced together except for some finishing applique I need to do on some of large wheels and the smoke stacks on the engines. Then it's sewing the panels together and time for quilting. The backing will be a fun squiggly lines fabric - all bright colors - I think it will be a nice contrast to the more subdued front. And, for once I've started a crafty project that I may actually finish!

Thanksgiving pictures

Here's a few extra pictures from Thanksgiving weekend. The first one gives you a good look at Eli's "hair bow" mentioned in the previous post. And thanks to Cory for such a great family photo of the Traxler clan.

First Barber Shop Experience.

Eli's hair has been out of control for quite some time. But it was kinda cute and we kept putting off cutting it. Finally, this week, he started really complaining about it and, at one point, asked for his hair bow from Grandma and Grandpa's house. My sister had gotten fed up with his hair hanging in his face and pulled it back in a little "Pebbles" ponytail on top of his head with one of her daughter's hair ties. That pushed me over the edge.

So, we visited Jim, the barber right up on Fulton street. It was an adventure and a little sad. Jim's been there for 44 years and it's clear that his business is not what it used to be. We were glad to have brought Eli there - but maybe next time we'll go somewhere with steadier hands and more recent experience with such a young one's hair.

The day before, Eli had a really kickin' bubble bath - I'm including a picture from then so that you can see the big difference in his hair. Plus one of Eli and I with bubble beards just for the fun of it.


Eli wasn't too sure about the whole deal at first, but Barber Jim had lots of singing things to keep him occupied - like a Frog that stuck it's tongue out and some golf clubs and some shoes that danced and sang.

He even sat still for Jim to trim up around his ears and on his neck with an electric razor. He was very brave.
Things turned out pretty well - we did a little adjusting and trimming before bed. You can see his eyes now and he isn't constantly brushing his hair out of his face anymore. He even got a certificate for being so brave for his first hair cut.