1) It is true--everything really is bigger in Texas.

Cinnamon rolls:

burritos:

jelly beans:


and even condiments!



2) Life is more fun when Aunt Nyn is around.




3) Don't mess with Texans. Those guys are profound. I was particularly struck with the thought-provoking wisdom of this little jewel:


Enough said.

Ever since Elliott was a baby, he has loved one thing: wheels. Anything with wheels. His favorite song? The Wheels on the Bus. The only show he would watch? Baby Einstein--Things That Go. His favorite toy? Any form of automobile. His parents' favorite bribe? "Elliott, do you want to go for a ride in the stroller"?

But more recently Elliott has refined his interest and narrowed it down to one specific thing with wheels: trains. He loves them. One of his first words (okay, it's more of a sound than a word--but we call it a word!) was "choo choo." We're not exactly sure how it started. It could have been these awesome pajamas from his grandparents:



or, it could have been his first train ride on his trip to Texas:


or, it could have been the new nursery:


(kind of hard to see, but it's a train-themed crib)

But whatever the reason, you should have felt the excitement in the answer when Bridget told us that there is a whole theme park based on trains! Of course we just had to visit before the baby came. Elliott was so captivated, he couldn't even look at the camera long enough for a picture:


Needless to say, he was enthralled by the whole experience. He especially loved the train ride with "real live" cowboys and Indians.


Oh yeah--and the Elliott-size train wasn't too bad, either!


I'm guessing that we might find our way back to this park another time . . .

We spent a lot of time and effort getting ready for this baby. As you can tell, we bought a new car seat,


pulled out the high chair,


caught up on some extra sleep,


and decorated the baby's room with a train theme (complete with a Thomas bed).


Notice anything about these pictures? Yes, that's right. Elliott has decided that he wants to be the baby. I knew he was going to struggle with the new addition to our family, but it is so interesting to watch. And kind of sad. I can't really imagine what it's like to have two people's undivided attention for two years only to have it taken away in an instant. We tried to tell Elliott what was happening, but we knew he didn't really get it. So here we are, trying to protect Elijah from being permanently disfigured while trying to encourage Elliott to be a good brother. Meanwhile, Elliott is trying anything and everything to get our attention--even if it means sitting in an uncomfortable car seat that's way too small for him.

So, for all of you who are younger siblings, feel free to take a moment and thank your older sibling(s). I think it must have been pretty hard at times. And, for our older siblings who are reading this, thanks for putting up with us!

We love Elliott. A lot. But we did not love the two-week stay in the hospital when he was born. So for this time around, we were really hoping (and praying) for a smoother ride.



And we got it. Bridget went in around 6:00 am to be induced on September 27th. Although it took a while to get things moving, by that evening she was starting to dilate quickly. When the nurse checked her around 11:00 pm, she was surprised at how far Bridget had come. By the time the doctor arrived, Bridget only had to give one big push and out came our beautiful little boy, Elijah Cole. He was born at 12:39 am on September 28th, weighing 9 lbs 1 oz and measuring 22 inches long. Everything went well, and Bridget and Elijah were able to go home the next day.

We are so grateful to have Elijah join our family. We think he is adorable, and he already has some hilarious quirks. Exhibit A: any time he has his hands free, he insists on having one finger in his mouth. He also makes some classic expressions (what some might call Tourette's of the face), but we can't figure out who gave him that.


Anyway, welcome to Elijah. Thanks to everyone for taking such good care of us, and thanks especially to Paige for taking care of Elliott and our house while we were a little occupied. We will try to be more diligent in posting pictures!

What does this look like to you? It looks like one lucky two-year-old's birthday! Elliott was definitely spoiled by all of the presents from his extended family. He says [a belated] thank you!

Elliott is into a lot of things these days. He loves having dance parties when dad gets home from work. He loves watching Signing Time (over and over and over and over). He loves anything with wheels. And, oh yes, this boy loves sweets. Almost as much as his parents. Two of his favorite things are waffles (with syrup, of course) and cookies. Hence, for his birthday:



I think this look on his face sums it all up.

Elliott: "Have you ever seen anything so glorious?"


Elliott: "Dad, seriously, you've GOT to try this!"


Happy Birthday, Elliott!