Progress

A new kind of baby boy lives at our house.
He is new and improving.
He has realized he has fingers and they can grab stuff. He leans and reaches and grips his mom's hair, dad's coffee, the camera that's in his face on a daily basis. His developing coordination is very exciting to this dad who, for the first five months, observed his former fetus and son to be very un-athletic. This was unacceptable.
No tricks? No maneuvering? No balance? This is not okay buddy.

But Eli is exhibiting new-found athleticism. He, who some identified as an embryo just one year ago, can turn the pages in his books. He can lean back on his great-grandpa's rocker. He can stand up straight on dad's palm. He can grab the leaves mom raked in the front yard. He can handle summersaults. He laughs as he is chucked up in the air again and again. He can't say how deeply he enjoys family bike rides. And last week he found that his toes can reach his gummy mouth. Speaking of toes-- we recently discovered toe jam between his little piggies! It was so good to see and smell our little boy's toe-jammy and stinky feet. He is an active 24-week old drooler.
And he can yell! He incorporated his fine motor skills and his vocal chords both in the past 14 days.
Elliot is evolving from an ex-embryo to an el nino expert.

No crawling yet. No teeth or words either. Not a problem buddy. God is equipping you quickly enough for these blessed parents.

I just wish you could understand why I wave goodbye to you and mom every morning. Miss you dude.