New Safety Measures Implanted

Eli still fits in his infant seat for ten more pounds, but we thought it was time for him to sit up and see the world. We figured since we were buying a seat that would take him through toddler hood why not opt for the best safety wise. So we got Eli a Britax Roundabout in the cowmooflauge pattern. Adorable. It goes up to 40 lbs (in Eli weight he'll probably be 5) and will be front facing when he's ready. He looks kind of anguished but it's actually very cushy.
We finally got a gate that keeps him out of the kitchen! Yea! The doorway is very wide and for awhile we were using a big green Tupperware tote and a kitchen chair. He's push the tote out of the way or crawl under the chair. Very frustrating for mommy. So we bought and installed this great one hand open gate that swings on a hinge. We love it. Eli's not so crazy about it, but hey safety first!
Note his Mr. Mischief shirt it's our latest fabulous find from Target. It suits him to a T.

He Just Keeps Getting Cuter

The little man in my life is just over a week away from the big 1. A whole year down. For me it's very bittersweet, I know that he's just going to keep getting bigger, that he will never again be my tiny baby. On the other hand we're so close to talking and running and all that good stuff, I know he has a lot to say and I can't wait to hear it.
Lately his moods have been fairly mercurial, screeching like an angry bird one minute and cuddling up to me all smiles the next, here are some of his good smiley faces. I'll leave the tantrum pics for another blog.
On the ottoman which he loves to climb on. It's a pretty baby safe solution to the coffee table conundrum.
Playing on the floor, cheesing it up when the flash starts going off.
He so often looks drunk in pictures, but I swear to you no alcohol was served in the taking of this picture.
Sweet giggly guy. And his ears are just as big as the day he came out. We probably have awhile before he grows into those.
Happy Happy Birthday Eli!

Retail Therapy

-I can honestly say that tax return time is just about my favorite time of year. Especially with the addition of Eli, one more reason to worship the boy. We got our W2's today and I went right to H & R Block on my lunch break, forgetting to grab Eli's social security card, so I couldn't finish. I can say that they're estimating my return at 3x what I got back last year. My house will soon be full of furniture, for that let us give thanks!
-This news probably should have come first but I'm a greedy bitch so it's item #2: Eli started walking! Yesterday he took 10 steps by himself! He giggles the entire time he's doing it and looks like he's drunk. Cutest. Thing. Ever.
-I tried on wedding dresses for the first time Tuesday. Alfred Angelo had the exact dress I'd been ogling online in the store in my size. It weighed ten-fifteen pounds. I had to dive into it. I looked fab. I also got to wear a tiara. Awesome.
- Tuesday was my big retail therapy day, I took half a day from work and went shopping. I advise everyone reading this to follow suite, it was refreshing. Best finds of the day were super discounted Banana Republic jeans and an amazing winter coat at Target which I snapped up for only fifteen dollars! Shopping makes me high.
Almost standing up by himself.
Yea! Look Ma no hands!

I love when he looks like he's up to no good
Playing tug of war with Truman, I love when they wear each other out.
Dr. Truman knows how to play to the camera.
He climbed in there all by himself. And I'd have been an idiot not to get it on camera.
We need to buy Adelaide a dog bed, luckily she's resourceful.

He's a Cardiologist

Last night after work Suz and I went to Butler and picked up the pup. He's sweet and adorable and smells like puppy and likes to nuzzle. Now if we can get him housebroken he'll be perfect.

Dr. Truman Rabinowitz-Klein M.D. 4 months old and he's already a mender of hearts. You can just call him Truman.
Jason's already pretty crazy about the little guy too. Last night he took him downstairs so they could snuggle and play Playstation.

I can't help it...

I love taking care of things. Which is why we're getting a puppy. Tomorrow. No disapproval please, I got Jason's permission and that's what counts. The newest member of our rapidly growing Dukes/Witcher clan is a 4 month old dachshund boy. I have yet to see him, but I'm sure it'll be love. My fondest hopes are that he will potty train easy and become best friends with the Lady Adelaide. Pictures to be posted soon of course.
-Eli's first Christmas was awesome, he got a million and one very fun and cute toys. I made a big dinner and didn't screw up anything (yay me!), nor did I ruin the lasagna when my dad came to dinner New Year's Eve. So I'm two for two people.
-Speaking of New Year's Eve I was asleep by a quarter after eleven. I know, I know I suck. I was just so very very tired. Jason woke me up at midnight to kiss me and let me know it was 2008. I celebrated that for 23 seconds and then went right back to sleep. Which was probably for the best since Eli got up bright and early as per usual.
-I had 12 blissful days off work, and my house was a lot more organized at the end of it, though I still have a laundry issue. I hate putting it away. Must work on it.
-No actual resolutions were made this year. I am however going to start trying to eat healthier. The "plan" is to make a healthy dinner that Eli and I can share every night. The leftovers will be put away for my lunch at work the next day and for Jason's lunch at home. This will be healthier and save money! Two birds--One stone.
-The weather here is in the low seventies!!! It's kind of a day only thing and we're going to the park. Adelaide's last walk as the only dog.

Eli ripping into his little piano Christmas morning, he did a pretty good job of getting the wrapping paper off. He's wearing his sock monkey pjs from Aunt Suz in which he looked dashing.
Very mad that we put him in his outfit from Aunt Adrienne. Still pretty darn cute.
Happy boy! I love pictures where he's crawling at the camera smiling, looking like he's up to something. He usually is up to something, the boy is quite the handful.
Walking behind the push toy Grandma got him. He loves that thing, he learned how to turn it and he just walks around and around the living room grinning and determined. Anything in his path gets run right over.
Oh, Jason proposed Christmas Eve! That's right we're making it legal. The plans are for a March '09 wedding. I'm already online planning.