Lots of stuff...

So I am 11 months old now, well, almost 11 1/2 months (Mommy has just been slow updating this for me) and I have been busy this past month. So far I don't have any new words, despite Mommy's efforts to get a "ma-ma" out of me. I am still stuck on "da-da". And I am not quite walking yet but I have made great progress in the mobility department. I am now walking with my push toy! As soon as I figured out what is was for and that I could walk holding on to it, I took off and haven't stopped since. I have even figured out how to turn the toy when I hit a wall or get stuck somewhere (after getting frustrated and crying at times). It is so much fun! I did take two small steps from the coffee table to the couch where Mommy was, but so far that is it. My preferred method of getting around is still the tried and true crawl. I get where I want to go and fast, so why change that right? The only sad part about me getting older is the fact that I have less time left with Mommy during the day as soon she will have to go back to work. But I will be taken care of a great lady named Julie in her home with some other children close to my age so I am excited about that.

So this month I was baptized along with my cousin Jordan who is 2 months younger then me. It took place in a school in Harvest Hills as the new church is still under construction. It was an extra special day because my Grandma and Grandpa Kirby along with my Great-Grandpa Wood came down from Regina and I haven't seen them in such a long time. I think they were surprised by how big I have gotten!

Grandma & Grandpa Kirby and I


Jordan, Grandpa Wood and I


My Grandma and Grandpa Jarina also came up from Sparwood and Jordan's grandparents came all the way from Australia! I did pretty well at the baptism, despite the fact it was my naptime. After I was baptized, Aunty Jenny took me out of the room to play with some toys as I was getting grumpy. My Auntie Lynn, Uncle Rick and Auntie Nancy were also there along with my Auntie Jennifer, Uncle Peter and cousin Ashley. After the service we all went back to Auntie Jennifer and Uncle Peter's house for some food and drinks. It was a good day!

While Grandma and Grandpa Jarina were up visiting, I got to go to the zoo with them. I had been to the zoo before when I was much younger but I slept through the whole thing so I don't remember much about it. On this day I was wide awake and liked looking at all the animals. My favourite was the gorillas. They were fun to watch.

Silly gorilla


Although I liked watching the animals, my absolute favourite part of the day was the awesome playland they have at the zoo for all of the kids. They had a long tunnel there and once Mommy put me in one end, I crawled through it and didn't want to come out! I wish I had a tunnel like that at my house! The zoo was so much fun.

Grandma, Mommy and I


I have discovered one of my favourite things to eat is pasta. Mommy made me some ravioli for lunch one day and I just couldn't get enough of it. I think the pictures explain it all!








With the warm weather we have had these past few days Mommy took me to the waterpark where we met up with my friends Norah and Ashlyn. It was a hot day and there were lots of kids there. I loved the water and didn't mind that it was a bit cold. We stayed there for a while and ate some snacks and played. It was a fun day.


Chillin'


Checking out the waterfall


Playing with the big red wheel


Today Mommy and Daddy took me to get my haircut. Mommy thought it was time to get a trim as my hair was getting quite long. As the appointment got closer though she was unsure if she really wanted to cut it as she really loves my hair. I did end up getting it cut though and Daddy thinks it looks really cute! I just got a trim so my hair is no longer in my eyes. The hairdresser also trimmed up around my ears and the back of my hair. I didn't seem to mind at first but every once in a while I would turn around to get a look at who was "playing" with my hair. I got to sit in a jeep, not just your regular chair. There was also a movie on the television that I could watch.

The day Mommy decided to cut my hair. I woke up one morning and looked like this!

Lotsa hair


Signs of a mullet


Mommy had one last moment with my hair (either that or she wishes I were a girl!)


Checkin' out the cool car


Sitting like a big boy


Hey, whatcha doing to my hair?


Okay, not liking this anymore


But I survived. Here is the new me!


My big boy haircut


Thanks for looking : )

Love Eli

Goodbye Riley

This weekend Mommy, Auntie Jenny and I went to Sparwood to visit Grandma and Grandpa and to say goodbye to Riley, the family dog. Riley was 13 years old and lived a long and happy life. I only had the pleasure of knowing him for the last 11 months but in that short time, I grew to love him very much.

Riley was only a tiny furball, the runt of the litter, when Mommy, Grandma and Auntie Jenny went and picked him out 13 years ago. Grandpa had no idea what they were up to. He was so small and cute. How could they resist! Grandpa came home that day to find a tiny ball curled up on the living room floor, his new pet. Grandpa loves dogs and has always had dogs, so he was happy that day.

In his younger years, Riley loved to play ball, go for walks and do tricks. But one of his favourite pastimes was fishing. He loved going to the river with Grandpa and was a great fishing buddy. He also loved to go for rides in the car or truck. As he got older, he didn't go on as many walks, so he would spend his time out in the front yard rolling in the grass and watching the vehicles go by. He lived for his treats and would often go up to the treat cupboard and bark. It was hard to say no to him. He would just look at you with those big brown eyes. He also loved to eat whatever anyone else was eating at the time. He especially loved buttered popcorn and cheese.

Riley went to doggie heaven today and now he is a fur angel watching over all of us. We love you Riley and will never ever forget you. You have made the last 13 years the happiest years of our lives.

A Dog's Prayer

When I am gone, release me, let me go-
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have each shown.
But now it is time I traveled alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust,
It is only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart,
I will not be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can not see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home".