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.

This morning our friend Addie came over for a little bit while her mom was at the dentist. She's four months old and absolutely adorable. At first Eli was very concerned that she was going to take his spoon (with which he was eating yogurt) or his string cheese or . . . But then he couldn't get enough of her. Although, he did think they should have equal turns in the Bumbo seat - it's a seat that helps really little ones sit up before they are able to on their own. What you see in this picture is how they spent about twenty minutes - Eli was talking to her and singing to her. It was quite fun to see how he interacted with a little one.

Jeff also built Eli his first snow slide of the year today. We got just a few inches of snow this morning so it took almost all of the snow from the back yard. Jeff wasn't sure he's ever shoveled a yard before, but the slide is great. We're making plans for a snow slide party (much) later in the winter with some friends of Eli's. There's plans already in progress to build a huge slide for it off the back of the deck.

Tomorrow marks 32 weeks for Baby Pete. At my appointment last week, I continued to measure about a week and a half ahead of schedule. They're keeping an eye on that just to see where things go, but their not concerned about it. My back pain has significantly diminished and I'm sleeping much better than I was for a few weeks. That makes the outlook for the next two months much more appealing.

30 Weeks and Counting

I'm getting uncomfortable! Two more months.

"Train Conductor Man"

Sometimes I can't even believe how cute this kid is! He had so much fun yesterday helping in the yard. He helped me take out this years garden and helped Papa rake leaves after his nap. Then, he was so excited about his costume for Halloween. The coal smudges were Jeff's idea. We practiced Trick-or-Treating at home first and then walked around the block. He got the "Trick-or-Treat" line down, but then after people gave him candy, I'd ask him, "now what do you say?" He'd hold his bag out again and say, "Trick-or-Treat!". Sneaky kid.

Baby Brother

So, we've known for about a month now that the baby I'm carrying is a boy . . . somehow we managed not to get the word out in that time. We're settling back in this week after two weeks of vacation and I realized I haven't sent out e-mails or posted this news on the blog. Sorry, to all of you who look here every once in a while to see what's happening with us. (Even if it's just my aunt, Wendy.)

So, big news - it's a boy! Everything looks good and Eli's excited to have a baby brother.