Some great Eli smiles from sunny Michigan days:

Having fun in my new airplane swing. Thanks to the boys next door for passing it along.

Aunt Rebekah was in town for the Memorial Day weekend. I love my family!

Spring!

Spring has finally sprung in mid-Michigan. Eli loves being out in the sunshine and inspecting all of the green and growing plants. "Inspecting" involves grabbing a branch, pulling off as many leaves as possible, and then attempting to stuff them into his mouth. It's great fun and you can literally watch him learning. Don't worry... we've steered clear of the rosebush I got for Mother's Day!Sitting up like a bbbbig bbbboy bbbbrother in the high chair from Grandma and Grandpa. Eli has discovered how to purse his lips and make a "b" sound. Dave and I find ourselves often over emphasizing our b's too!

"Helping" mom make the bed. I wish you could hear the squeals of delight.

Yummy avocado. Open wide!

Still a little wobbly, but getting to be such a good sitter.

Baby toes touching the grass for the first time. Is there anything more precious?

Big News!

Nurple A. Buick

Nurple A. Buick, 11, was laid to rest on April 15 at Garber Chevrolet in Midland, Michigan. Not much is known about Nurple's early years, but the prime of his life was spent with the Mulder family at 10 Crescent Court. Perhaps one of his greatest joys in life was bringing little Eli Mulder home from the hospital last October. As his health started to fail--a defunct air-conditioning, windows that wouldn't roll, a bum left blinker, and a fluid leak--Nurple began to realize that perhaps his velvety plum insides weren't made for carseats, hockey gear, drywall, road bikes, and strollers. He rallied as best he could and made it to the spring, but his time had passed. Nurple may, or may not, be missed by the Mulder family and many other friends. Those wishing to express their condolences may contact the Mulder family and congratulate them because they are now a...

minivan-driving clan!

Check out our sweet new ride:

Big brother Eli thinks his new van is SWEET!
Yes, you did read that correctly. The Mulders are looking forward to welcoming #2 in October!!

I know this is really dark and fuzzy, but can anyone really read these ultrasounds anyway?

Dave and I have been so blessed. We feel privileged to have the awesome responsibility to raise up another little one to know and love our awesome God. What an adventure!

Updates

Whew! I know it's been forever since I updated things here. A lot has been going on and we've been keeping very busy. Dave, Christel, and Eli helped Aunt Rebekah start off her spring break from teaching with a bang two weeks ago. Dave had some hockey games down in Indianapolis so we got to spent some time with Rebekah in her new town. While we were there we were able to catch a couple of the NCAA Sweet Sixteen games at the new Lucas Oil Stadium. Totally sweet! After the weekend, Rebekah, Eli, and Christel headed to North Carolina to visit Uncle Adam, Aunt Erin, and Tristan. We were looking forward to some sunshine, but we got mostly rain. It was still great to spend some time with the family and Eli was an AWESOME traveler. While we were in NC, Eli got his first taste of cereal and he loves it! Here are a few picture highlights:

I Miss You!

Dear Grandma and Grandpa Mulder,

I'm glad you were able to get to Florida to enjoy the sunshine for a couple of weeks. I sure do miss you, though. Uncle Rob is going to drop Bailey off at my house tonight. I'm going to take real good care of her and Mommy said we'll be sure to take her for lots of walks. I know I'll see you soon, but here's a couple of pictures just in case you forgot how cute I am!

Love,

Eli

Mom had the front windows open the other day. It was so warm. I smiled when I felt the breeze on my face.

February Snapshots

Hanging out with Mom.
Ride 'em cowboy! I heard that chicks dig a man in a cowboy hat.

New windows! We got a few new windows in the house. The front room and the box bay around the kitchen window have been replaced. The old ones were so drafty that we'd sometimes have to scrap a ice off the inside. These are so nice and insulated and, boy, do they look sharp!

Out skating with my dad.

Aunt Bekah came for a visit the other weekend. I was soooo excited to see her! (I squeal and kick my legs whenever I hear her name.) We went to watch Daddy play hockey on Sunday night. I even saw him score a goal. Go Dad!