Once Again, I'm a little behind.....

   The kiddos at the Park!

 Riding the Train at the Denver Zoo

Eli watching the fishes!

Eli, Opa and Nonni in GTNP

Mmmmmmm

My new Birthday Chair!

I guess I'll go chronologically backwards here....
The big news .......... WE'RE MOVING TO VERMONT!  The decision was made just last week... we've given notice at the Ranch, and we're heading east!  After mulling it over for a while (do we go now, do we go in the spring, do we go at all?), we decided there's no time like the present, and the timing feels right!  As it stands now, Eli and I will be flying back on Sept. 23, and Kevin will follow with Ruger about 2-3 weeks later.  My dad will be flying out to drive one of the vehicles back too (thanks Dad).

We're waiting to sign the lease on a house in Moretown, off exit 9.  Hopefully we'll both be able to find suitable work in the area without having to commute too far, and we can find a good daycare (or nanny share, etc.) in the area as well for Eli... and of course we'll benefit from some Nonni and Opa care too!

Stay tuned for any additional updates on that as they happen.

A little further back.....

Eli and I just had a great trip to Denver for a visit with Faith, Shane and Scarlet.  We also got to see Chad, Jen Molly and Duane.  Eli, Faith, Scarlet and I spent a day at the Denver Zoo.  The kids had a great time.  Eli seemed particularly interested in the really big animals (elephants and giraffes), and loved the tropical fish tank.  It was a hot day, but we still had a blast, had lunch there, and even went on a train ride!

It was a lot of fun to see Eli and Scarlet together for 4 days... he's never been around other kids for that long.  They got along great (aside from the typical toy hogging at that age).  We can't wait to see them again, and are hoping to still come to Denver whenever we can for a visit.  Hopefully we'll see them in VT frequently as well ;-)

A couple of weeks prior to that, we had a great visit from Nonni and Opa.  They flew out for Eli's first birthday.  It is so hard to believe how fast this year has gone by.

Congrats are in Order!

We've had a busy couple of weekends, and were fortunate enough to celebrate the weddings of two great couples over the past two weekends! Allison and Joe Martinez were married on July 31, at a beautiful ceremony and reception at their home in Victor, Idaho (just over the hill for those who don't know). They did a beautiful job transforming their backyard into a beautiful wedding spot, and had some really great food! Fortunately, the weather held out, as thunderstorms were looming about but managed to just far enough away that the rain didn't come pouring down!

Also, Morgane and Travis Van Voorst were married this past Saturday, August 7, at a friends' farm in Driggs, Idaho (just a little further over the hill). The lovely bride rode her horse into the ceremony, and everyone had a blast... there was even a belly dancing performance! Again, weather looked like it was going to be an issue (it poured on our drive over, and the wind and thunderstorms didn't look like they would let up). Fortunately, the skies parted just before we got there, and the remainder of the day couldn't have been more perfect.

CONGRATS TO ALL OF YOU!

The big news in our family is Eli's first birthday! He will be a year old tomorrow, the 10th. I can't believe how quickly this year has past. It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital, and now, he's much more of a little boy than a baby. I must admit, as much as I enjoy watching him grow up, I still miss my little guy. There is nothing quite like snuggling with a newborn. Eli still seems to be on the big size for his age. He has a Dr.'s appointment on Friday, but at the wedding on Saturday, there were a couple of little ones and he was huge compared to them, and they were all older!

Eli is walking all over the place. His newest favorite activity is emptying any drawer he can get his hands on (primarily his dresser drawer with his PJ's and a couple in the kitchen we've designated as Eli - proof). He was funny to watch with other kids at the wedding. Being home with Mom doesn't allow for much interaction with other kids his age, so he just sort of watches them for a while before interacting.... we'll have to work on that and get him out and about with other kids more often. He is still a great source of entertainment though, and has lots of personality.

We lost track of our sleeping schedule after the last VT trip, but things seem to be getting back on track... one thing is for sure, he needs his own room so we're probably going to have to build one for him pretty soon.... especially if we are here for much longer. Still planning on the move to VT, but it will probably be later rather than sooner.

We have a birthday party planned this Saturday for the Birthday Boy! Nonni and Opa are flying in tomorrow to join in the celebration, and we're planning on some fun Wyoming stuff.... heading to the Rodeo and to see the Bar J Wranglers while they are here... and we're taking them camping for a night or two - a first!

That's it for now! Check back in about a week for birthday photos, but here are some fun wedding shots!
XOXO

Allison and her Dad

The wedding party, Joe's uncle reading

The happy couple!

Morgane on Crazy Horse (with her Mom, Dad and Cousin?)

As Gretchen said "Best Kiss Ever"

Dancin' in their boots!  Yee haw!

Big News!

As usual... I am behind in updating you all. The big news is that Eli is officially a two legged monster! He took his first (solo) steps on July 16, and since then has been all over the place. I don't have much time today to fill you in on everything, so I'll let the pictures do the talking... and the video too!
~Till next time...

Taken on 7.20.2010

Taken on 7.31.2010

Sorry it's been a while.  We've had a busy couple of months.  We enjoyed a visit from Kevin's Dad in June (aka Grandpa).  A good time was had by all.  Erika and Eli just returned from VT again.  This time not for pleasure.  Eli's great grandmother (Erika's "Grammie") passed away on the 4th of July.  She was 94.  It was a short trip spend with family.  I've posted a few photos below and will write more to catch up soon.  I anticipate the next posting will be news of Eli walking all over the place... he's on the verge of taking off!  Till next time......

Ten Months Old!

Hi Everyone! Eli was 10 months on the 10th. I can't believe how fast time has flown by! According to the home scale, he was over 25 lbs as of the 12th, and is continuing to get into everything. In addition to crawling, he has started creeping along furniture. He has a little push cart that he uses too and can walk behind that - no problem. I think the only thing holding him back from walking at this point is his lack of balance. Once we have that down, he'll be off!

We seem to be starting to have some nice weather. Eli seems to enjoy being out in the sun (poor kid- he's been deprived of it for so long). Needless to say I am exhausted with the lousy weather we've been having. I miss spring in VT! Lilac bushes here in WY are just now in bloom.

We also seem to have finally tackled any remaining sleep issues (knock on wood!). Eli has had several successful nights without being picked up or rocked back to sleep. He seems to have figured out (finally) that being in the crib means it's time for sleep, so he snuggles in and goes to sleep with out much fuss now. Here's hoping we keep it up and are able to continue sleeping through the night.

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Kevin's Dad, Ron to arrive tomorrow. Kevin hasn't seen much of him over the years, and he has two grandsons here in Jackson that he hasn't met, so it should be a fun week.

I've been having trouble uploading videos to the blog lately, but will at least post some new pictures soon!
XOXO

Spring Trip to Vermont

Well, Eli is officially EVERYWHERE! He has learned to crawl (April 17) and to pull himself up (April 24) and is now a pro at getting into precisely what he should be staying away from. Oh well, boys will be boys! He has a new activity table, which plays lots of music. He stands up and dances along. He has started bopping his head back and forth which is adorable. It sounds like "Dada" is on the verge of his tongue. No "Mama" yet, but I'm sure before too long he'll be saying it all day long so that's fine!

Mom and Eli have been taking long walks when the weather permits. There's a nice horse up the road who has taken an interest in Eli, so we bring her carrots when we go. Eli has no fear of animals. He's been around lots of different dogs and been licked from head to toe so he's quite comfortable... although he got pretty mad at Chester (Uncle Mike's Lab) for stealing Cheerios right out of his hand! Ruger has been an absolute perfect dog when it comes to Eli (knock on wood). Since Eli's been crawling, he literally climbs all over Ruger, front to back, back to front, over his head, etc. and Ruger could care less most of the time. When he get's annoyed, he simply gets up and moves.

After returning from Moab, Auntie Lizzy came to visit for a few days. We laid low, but ad a fun time visiting. We did go out to dinner the night before she left for my birthday. Eli had a blast with his favorite Auntie ;-)

Eli and I also just returned from another trip to Vermont. As usual...too short to see everyone! We were able to get out and enjoy Cinco de Mayo at the Cactus Cafe in Stowe. We got to see lots of old friends, and Eli went home early with Nonni and Opa who joined us for dinner (as well as Mike, Kate and my friend Elisabeth). It was fun to be out with Eli, and I think he enjoyed being around so many new faces.

We spent a day with Grammy Handy, and saw both Uncle Stuart and Uncle Jay on the LaClair side, and had a great time visiting. Eli was on his best behavior for Grammy.

I got one other night out on the town with the girls, and then went to Mike's graduation ceremony for Champlain College. He earned is Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice. Go Mike!

Otherwise time was spent visiting with family. Daddy was very happy to see us when we returned, and we were happy to see him. On the way home, I upgraded Eli and I to a first class seat (it was cheap) from Denver to Jackson, knowing it was the last leg of a long day and Eli gets pretty squirmy on my lap, so I was thankful for the extra room. To our surprise, the seat next to us was empty to so Eli has officially flown first class, and not just on mom's lap!

That's about it for us. Kevin is busy doing spring cleaning at the "ranch," and I will be filling in for my old boss (the lawyer) a few mornings a week while his current assistant is taking a month long class. It will be a good test to see how things would be if I went to work part time somewhere (which is what I hope to do soon). Till the next time.... Ciao!

Some recent pics are below.

Eli Updates

Where to begin? Eli was 8 months old on the 10th. Just in the past 3 or 4 weeks he has really changed a lot. About 3 weeks ago he figured out how to sit up on his own. He goes from his belly, scrunches his knees up underneath and pushes himself up from there. He did it first in his crib, then a few days later on the floor, and now he does it all the time. He is also thisclose to crawling. Right now he does a backwards scoot/crawl motion, but he hasn't quite figured out how to go forward, which frustrates him to no end, and he eventually gets himself stuck somewhere which ultimately ends in Mom or Dad coming to the rescue. His latest move is getting on all fours, and by all fours I mean 2 hands and 2 feet. He gets into a funny arch position (which we find ironic since this developed while we were in Moab, visiting "Arches" National Park...he he he). He only stays there for a second or two before toppling to one side or another. We think he'll be pulling himself up soon too.

Among Eli's other great feats.... he is starting to learn to wave. He doesn't do it all the time, but we're working on it. He has bee clapping his hands now for some time. He also has learned "arms up" when we're undressing him. We've started to teach him some sign language. We're working on "milk," "more," "all done," and "eat." So far he hasn't made any signs, but I think they are starting to sink in.

Eli was a trooper on our trip to Moab. We are constantly amazed by how easy going he is in new environments. He didn't sleep all that well in his pack n' play (a first attempt), but there were enough beds so he slept with Mom most nights and did just fine. He wakes up a bit more at night when we are away from home, but I don't think that's too unusual. He really seemed to enjoy hiking in his pack. He fell asleep on most hikes with no complaints, but when he was awake he really seem absorbed in his surroundings. The weather was a bit cool the first few days we were there but warmed up to 75 and sunny for the remainder of our trip. Ruger was also with us, but spend most of the time in an air conditioned hotel room (he's 14... he's earned it).

Eli's eating has expanded quite a bit too. He's still being spoon fed most of his solid food, but now finger feeds himself Cheerios, cheese, pasta, fruit and vegetable bits. He hasn't mastered the "pincer" grasp totally, so he sometimes gets frustrated with the slippery stuff... usually about half of the food winds up in the seat of the high chair, which Ruger is all too happy to clean up for him! Now that Eli is eating "real food", Ruger seems to want to be around him all the time! Pretty much what we expected. I'm still nursing him several times a day, but my milk supply has diminished quite a bit, and we supplement with about 16-20 oz of formula per day as well. He has gotten much better about putting himself to sleep. Not 100% of the time, but I think eventually he'll get there. He still likes to wake up to nurse usually 2 times a night.

Eli and I are looking forward to another visit to Vermont the first week in May. Uncle Mike is graduating from Champlain, so I'll be going to his ceremony (that leaves me as the last Kamerling kid needing to earn a degree...yikes). I am hoping to check out some real estate while I'm there just to get a feel for things. We're hoping to be back in VT by about this time next year, but if all goes well, maybe sooner. We miss having family and friends around... now that Eli is here, it has hit us just how much.

Some recent photos are below.... and stay tuned, I have some video to download as well so I'll try to get that up soon.

Love to you all!


Funny Face

"Peas Please"


Sleepy Time

More funny faces! Silly Boy!

Heading to points South (but maybe not South enough....)

So, we've decided to "wing it" and take a trip to Utah.... heading to Moab on Saturday for 5 or 6 days. We've rented a cabin, and are looking forward to sunshine and doing some hiking! Eli seems to love his pack! Just hoping it's warm enough!

Also looking forward to Auntie Liz coming for a visit (maybe?) in the middle of the month! Then it's off to Vermont again for Erika and Eli on the 30th! Very excited!

We'll post pictures upon our return!

XOXO

One more....

More Video

Its the little things!

Just some pics...

Hope everyone is well!

Video Clips

Check out the musical genius of Eli LaClair...




Laughing Happy boy!

Waiting for Winter to End!!!

Hi all. Not too much to report. Eli cut his first two teeth earlier this month. At his 6 month check up (Feb. 12) he was 19 lbs. 5 oz. and 28 inches. Still a big boy. He seems to be enjoying eating solid foods... particularly anything orange. We slip some of his not so favorite veggies into him by mixing them with a little yogurt. I made chicken for him the other day (yes, that was fun.... never knew you could blend chicken), and he seems to like it. I try to make whatever I can at home, but am still buying a few things already prepared. I think it saves a fair amount of money!

It's pretty fascinating watching Eli grow and develop each day. The other morning, he rolled himself clear across the living room floor. I think he's getting ready to crawl soon too. He lunges for his toys and has just started to pause on his hands and knees.... it doesn't last long before he belly-flops though. We've successfully made the transition into the crib from the swing. He's been sleeping there for about 3 weeks now, without too much of a fuss. We've started sleep training too, which basically means letting him cry for a while so he learns to put himself to sleep. I think it's harder on us than him. He's never really been much of a crier. Most nights are successful, but we're still up 2-3 times a night, usually 1-2 of those are to breastfeed.

We're waiting for Snowmobile season to end. Yellowstone closes in 2 weeks, so once that happens Kevin will be home a lot more. My position at the inn has officially been "eliminated", so at the moment I am officially unemployed. Still a "government artist," as Kevin calls those of us who "draw" unemployment. Hoping there will be an extension on that through the summer.

Not much else to report! Hope everyone is well!

XOXO

Just a few recent pictures! Enjoy!