32 Weeks

I had the same title on a post just about a year ago. It's been fun to have these two kiddos due dates just a few days (and a year...) apart; it makes it easy to compare the pregnancies. Bigger? I hope not too much. Lower? I think they're about the same. Wigglier? Yes, especially at night!

Blueberries + squash = great finger food

I thought I'd give you some snapshots of Eli's pool time the other night. He loves the water and would stay in for hours if we let him. The weather has been warm this last week so he's been able to get in a practice is floating for several days in a row. It's a great way to wash away the mess after a long hard day of being a little boy. (See previous pictures.)

Summer Pictures

I can't believe it's August! Dave's birthday is just around the corner and soon we'll really be in full swing in preparing for this next little one. The baby's due date is October 26, just two months (and a few days) away. Mama is feeling well, but tired at times. I'll sometimes catch a quick snooze when Eli goes done for one of his naps. Eli is enjoying the summer. He loves the swimming pool. I don't think I have any pictures of the pool here, but I'll post some sometime. He's active, but sleeps very well: through the night and two solid naps a day. The current tooth count is four. No crawling yet; he's very content to let Mom or Dad (or whichever uncle or aunt happens to be close) lug him around. He's happy and healthy for which Dave and I are very grateful. God is good!

Ruff! Eli and I took a trip to Kalamazoo to visit with Maddawg friends. Can you believe it's been over ten years ago that we first met at Taylor? Connie--your son is beautiful! And even though he may be more of a linebacker than a jarhead... this Maddawg thinks that's okay!

Spending quality time with Aunt Bekah:

A day at Huckleberry Railroad:

Eli loved the train. So many fun whistles and other noises! Tristan was a bit more timid. Good thing Adam was there to hold him.

Adam, Erin, and Tristan were in Midland for a good visit. Eli enjoyed hanging out with his cousin at the Hall of Ideas museum, blueberry picking, in (or at least on the edge...) of the pool, and at Grandma's house. We're so glad you were here!

Watching the melodrama on Aunt Erin's lap. Eli was fascinated by the elaborate costume on the first lady.

Old-fashioned fun. Go, Tristan, go!

Adam and Rebekah on stilts.

Even Grandma gave it a try!

Ending the day with one of Eli's favorite activites:

Indiana Family

Here are a couple of pictures from our quick weekend trip to Indiana a week and a half ago. (Thanks, Kathy, for passing these along. My camera's battery ran out of juice!) It was great to see a lot of my cousins and their growing families. There was also reason to celebrate: my grandparents wedding anniversary and my nana's birthday. Both celebrations were early, but a great excuse for the family to gather.

Tooth

For all the doubters out there, here's a clearer picture of our big boy's tooth. The next one will be poking through sometime soon, I'm sure.

Watching "de Tour" with Dad...

and then swinging in the backyard with Momma...

"Ahhhhhhhh"

"Bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb"

"Mmmmmmmmmmmm"

July 4th

Eli's first sparkler

Captivated. "Ohh... I want to hold it!"

Trying to show off his first tooth. You can't see it, but it's there. Really.

A little bit better shot.

Some pool time in the sunshine

Trying watermelon for the first time. Yummy!

Getting ready for a walk at Pine Haven.

Our family.

Trying to stowaway with Uncle Brian on his summer trip to Ireland. Uncle Bri--I like reading your blog. I miss you. Have fun! Love you.

Camping and Cousins

This has been a great week for family. In the past seven days, Eli has had the opportunity to see every one of his aunts and uncles and all of his cousins... and it's not even Christmas! Last week we packed (and packed and packed) and headed to Canada for the weekend. We met the Huismans and Uncles Rob and Brian at the Pinery Provincial Park for a two-night adventure. Grandma Mulder even came up for the day on Saturday.

At the beach...

Reading with one of my favorite cousins. Geneva got to "babysit" while Mom and Dad played some Bocee ball. Notice the intense pitching game in the background.

Cheesy smile for Uncle Rob. I think Eli knows what to do for the camera.

Uncle Brian with his nephews.

On the way home we took a detour to Woodstock and were able to spend some great time with Eli's great-grandmas. We had wonderful visits!

Grandma, Eli, and Dad

Eli with Beppe

Back in Midland on Sunday night we had dinner with two sets of Deals. Adam, Erin, and Tristan were able to visit for a few days after going to a wedding over the weekend. Tristan and Eli had fun checking each other out.

A kiss from Tristan.

Some warm weather (finally) let us get the baby pool out on Monday after unpacking (and unpacking and unpacking) all our camping gear.

I think Eli prefered the real thing with Grandpa.

Watching Tristan go down the HUGE slide at the tridge park. This swing was about Eli's speed.