Two Days!!!!

I know I'm 29 years old. I know I shouldn't care about the release of a children's book. I know as an English teacher I should be dutifully studying my classics in preparation for the upcoming school year. But, every time I think about the feeling that will wash over me when I open the book to page one of the last Harry Potter book ever, I get a little shuddery. If anyone in the blogosphere even attempts to spoil this moment for me, so help me God....I can't foresee the wrath that will be unleashed. Anyway, Gryffindors rule and Slytherins drool. -C.L.

Thoughts on a New Brother

This is the first picture of Ethan holding Elliot. This is soon after coming home from the hospital. They both look a little unsure. Now he holds him confidently, talks to him, smooches him and is a protective, loyal and loving older brother. I couldn't be prouder of him.

Today Ethan gave Elliot his morning hug and said to me, "Mama......I'm happy we got this baby. If we get another one, can it be a girl?" Yesterday he told me, "Mama, I wished for a long time for this baby. He took a while." It's a wonderful thing to watch him be so nurturing. -RL

Cartoon Elliot

Ethan didn't think that Elliot should be left out of the Simpson's fun, so here he is.

In all his bald, pale glory.

D'oh!

Ethan

Emma

Rikki

Chris

I completely copied Chris' cousin Rick and made Simpson's characters of my family-sans Elliot because the bodies don't come that small. I feel like I'm looking in the mirror when I see mine. I actually have that same t-shirt. Except it's a different color.....and it doesn't say anything on it. And it's a sweatshirt. A hooded sweatshirt. -RL

Tubby Time

This is our little Elliot Stellan-- Chris has nicknamed him "Ell Stell". He just goes with the flow. He does not cry in the tub, he sleeps for hours at a time, and he loves to be snuggled. He looks identical to Ethan, but acts completely opposite. I hope they are best friends.

Grandmas and Boppas

Grandma Bobbie with Elliot right after he was born.

Boppa Dennis with Elliot. Ethan has always called his Grandpas "Boppa" and "Boppa Dale." Elliot will do the same I'm sure.

Grammy and Boppa Dale with Elliot in Brainerd.

Aunts and Uncles

Uncle Derek with Elliot. Unfortunately, Elliot did not get to meet his Aunt Melissa or cousin Julia yet, but he's looking forward to spitting up on all of them.

Ethan and Elliot with Uncle Brian and Aunt Kendra. Ethan stopped wrestling Brian for 20 seconds to take this picture. He's planning his next attack--you can see it in his eyes.

Auntie Sara came home to see her new nephew, as well as the old nephew and niece. It's hard to tell by the surly look, but Ethan was very happy to be with Sara. Emma and Sara look a lot alike and many of Sara's wonderful qualities have shown up in Emma's personality too.