What... a trip!

Wow, we finally made it back to England. We had such an awesome time at home with our families but there really just isn't anything like coming home to your stuff and sleeping in your own bed. Christmas was such a whirlwind, with Eli waking up with another ear infection and spending most of Christmas Day in the ER. Then we went back to Daniel's parents to do Christmas with them and afterwards on to my family's in the snow. Eli was a little doped up on some Tylenol with codeine so I unwrapped and enjoyed all of his presents for him.

Four days later Eli still wasn't up to par so we went back to the Dr. and got a new antibiotic. New symptoms arose a week later and we got a new Dr., Eli got chest x-rays because of fluid in his chest and we found out he also had an RSV. We are still trying to get over that coughing and wheezing. Not the best stuff for a little man.

Daniel had left the Tuesday after Christmas and it was obvious that the absence of his daddy made Eli even more cranky. He just walked around picking up the phones and "calling Dah." It was funny and sad all at the same time. But Eli did have a great time playing with all of his aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents. They all helped to try and fill the void of his working father.

On New Years Eve Eli got to hang out with 3 of the most beautiful girls in the South and he ate up every bit of the attention they gave him. We were over at their house and at 8 it was obvious bedtime was lurking just around the corner. Mr Stephen didn't want Eli to miss out on the fireworks so he did them a few hours early just for E. Little did we know that they would shake him to his core and scare the bejesus out of him. It really was a great display, wish I had taken pics... of the fireworks and Eli's face. But he did enjoy watching them from a safe distance and without all the popping and booming, inside on the couch.

On the 9th we celebrated Eli's birthday a month early so that family and friends could celebrate with us. Well, good idea... not. Ice storm came through and only a few friends and family got to come, but we still had a great time. GG and Papa just have about 75 hot dogs left in their freezer. But his cake was adorable and everyone loved it. There wasn't much left and what was left was devoured that night by some of Uncle Luke's friends. Who, by the way, got iced in due to the storm. Four teenage boys in a house that was not prepared to have them for the storm = running out of food... fast.

All in all, even with the sickness, ice storm and drama with air lines (that I didn't indulge you all in, but I will say resulted in this momma needing her mouth washed with Ivory soap) we had a really awesome time at home visiting with everyone... And for those we didn't get to visit I plan on visiting first when we come home in April. It's hard traveling 2 hours with a baby who doesn't feel well, or really even with one who does!!! I have realized it's more important to keep a sick baby in than dragging him out for my own selfish reasons!

Oh! And I almost forgot!!! While at GG and Papa's, Eli has started standing on his own AND started taking steps! He won't do it unless it's on his own terms, so it took me a while to finally get a picture. My little, baby boy is just growing up way, way too fast.

Eli enjoying his little cake

The big cake was soo cute. I am still so happy with it!

He had to play cars with Papa every night

Luke, E and GG before church

E and 3 of his Gorgeous aunts

Thoroughly enjoying that pickle!

Please don't judge. He wasn't feeling well so I gave him a sucker.

He did really good with it and didn't get TOO sticky!

Standing on my own!!!

IDK why it is sideways!