While I ended up decorating a little at a time throughout the month, Eli and Daddy got right to work setting up the Christmas tree on December 1st. That was also the day Eli got his first black eye. It really wasn't that bad and pretty much faded within a day, but still the pictures are pretty cute. Unfortunately it's been so long (and there have been plenty more bumps and bruises with this active kid) that I don't remember what happened. I do remember, however, that he was so good about it. I don't think he even cried.
The first weekend Mike and I went to his work Christmas party. It was at his boss' house, which is HUGE, and was a lot of fun. Mike made his famous sweet potatoes which everyone gobbled up. I think he was a little sad that we didn't have much to bring home. Eli got to play with Clair and Hailee (AKA be babysat by Mel and David) while we were gone. We rarely leave him anywhere, and only with Mel and David. Yes, we know we are paranoid parents, and we don't care. I was a bit worried about him, and Mel and David's sanity, becuase Eli was just starting to get into his "I only want Mommy and no one else" phase but thankfully he was really good for them. At least, that is what they are claiming. He must have been okay, though, becuase Mel has offered to watch him again sometime. That weekend was also Claire's baby blessing. This means we got to see lots of family--my parents and Carol and all of Mike's family except Keith and Leon. It's always fun to get together and see everyone. I especially like it now that Eli is more interactive and learning to play with his cousins. He also learned to climb the stairs in about two seconds flat!
Later in the month I took Eli to meet Santa. We went to our Ward's Christmas breakfast one morning and to our neighborhood's party at the park one afternoon. Both times he was less than impressed with the man in the giant red suit.
The weekend of the 19th was Julie's wedding up in Las Vegas. We did a quick trip again--up Friday and back Sunday, but it was WELL worth it! For the first time in ages all of my side of the family was together--nieces and nephews and everything. Julie was a beautiful bride and the wedding was just wonderful, although I still can't quite grasp the idea that my baby sister is married! Eli also got to meet some more cousins from my side that he hadn't met yet. Who knows when we'll all get together again like that?
When we got back that week we had the Westlakes over for dinner. It was also the night of the BYU bowl game so there may have been some football watching as well. Eli had a lot of fun playing with Karsten. He hadn't been around kids much before this and, though not gentle, was discovering what it's ;ike to play with them.
This week is also when Eli really mastered walking. He was no longer taking just a step here or there but was venturing across the room. It was so cute to watch him learn to navigate the change from carpet to tile. It took him once or twice to figure it out, mostly becuase he was so curious about the difference there. Within a week or so he was not only walking but practically running around the house. Now it seems I can't keep track of him the boy is so fast and so curious. I have to admit a bit of motherly pride when we were at church or other places and people were baffled that he was only 10 months old and moving around so well. Our boy is a genius!
The big event this month is Christmas, but I will continue that in the next post. This one is getting kind of long. :)
