Luke is smiling

Lately we've been able to get a lot of pictures of Luke smiling!

Why is he so happy? Is it because of all his toys?

Maybe. Could it be he finally smiles for the camera?

Nope, he still is as likely to look away as he is to smile. Could it be he thinks he is funny with his hat and sunglasses?

Probably. But we like to think it is because we told him he is going to be a big brother!


Yep, Luke is going to be a big brother! We found out in mid-March that we are expecting Baby Elliott #2, due date is November 2nd. Mommy is finally starting to feel better, this baby has brought with it a whole lot more "morning sickness" that has lasted all day than Luke ever did. And, we have learned that this baby does NOT like Mexican food! We are so excited!!

Comfy

Luke was happy to receive a new pillow and blanket with Clifford on them made for him by his Grammy!

Backyard fun

In early March, it was trying to warm up here in Atlanta. It was nice enough one afternoon to play outside and Luke's friend Alec had just gotten a new swing set and slide and he invited Luke over to play. Luke had a great time roaming around in the huge backyard! I wish we had any backyard for Luke to play in (we will in June when we move!). He had a great time with the toy lawn mower and going down the slide. Luke has never really been a big fan of swings so he stayed clear of them. Here are a few pictures and a video from the fun afternoon outside!

Circus!

February 21st our family joined the Stephenson's (Geoff, Kristi, & Alec) to go see the circus! Alec is Luke's best buddy that he met at his preschool. Ringling Brother's was in town and we were hoping Luke would enjoy it (and not be scared as is his usual M.O. around large real or pretend animals).
We made the outing even more fun for the boys by riding MARTA down to the arena.

Clowns sure have become less scary as I have gotten older, and not because of age, because they no longer wear ridiculously oversized clothes and shoes or shoot water out of a flower at unsuspecting children. Just look at this friendly clown with Kristi and Alec. Ok so Alec looks a little frightened and Luke wouldn't get close enough for a picture, but I thought the clown was nice, especially when he later fixed Kristi's hair when Alec was on her shoulders :)

Luke on my shoulders

Pictures of Luke and Alec enjoying the show, sharing popcorn, clapping, and dancing!



Some of what we saw (most of my pictures were blurry)
Elephants!




The high wire act

Cannons, which really did shoot out two women

Tigers!

This act was our favorite, these guys spun around on these circles as the whole thing moved around and around. They jumped up and down it as well.

By the end of the show the boys had climbed on Geoff and Kristi's laps

The grand finale!

Thanks Stephenson's! We had a great time.

February pictures of Luke

No surprise, I am again far behind in blogging! Here are some pictures of Luke from February to hold you over until I find time to post about our next adventure, the trip to the circus, which was in mid-February!







Hmm, we might need to do something about that pacifier.

And, here is the best thing we bought this month!

It is so much better at getting Noah's hair than our Roomba. We haven't used the Roomba since.

I also tried this:

It was ok, but I prefer the current version of Pepsi.

Coke Museum

In January, Uncle Neil and Ansev visited us and we all went to visit the Coke Museum. Luke had a good time watching the machinery move all the Coke bottles around and he did really well sitting through the movies they have you watch. He tried his very first taste of Coke (as well as a couple other international flavors which were...interesting). I'm glad to report he thought Coke was gross. So now when he wants a sip of my drink, I tell him its Coke and he squishes up his nose and says "Ew, gross!" Wouldn't it be wonderful if he always thinks it is gross :) The other thing Luke did NOT like at all was the large alive Polar bear that you could take pictures with. I really wanted us all to get a picture with the bear who was really funny, but Luke wouldn't get near it. Surprise suprise, right? Josh held him off to the side while Neil, Ansev, and me got our picture taken with the bear.
After the museum, we had lunch at the Varsity. Thanks for visiting us Uncle Neil and Ansev!

Remembering my Mummu

Today the Lord called my Mummu home to be with Him. Mummu (Finnish for Grandma) is my Mom's mom. I am thankful that she is at peace and restored in Heaven. A few of my fondest memories of my Mummu are her sense of humor and her laugh, our shared love of green jello and cottage cheese, and how she used to play with my hair when I was a little girl. I love you Mummu and await the day I'll see you again!

Mummu pictured here with Luke and my Dad in August 2008.