First Sled Ride

We finally have enough snow to use Elliott's new sleds.  We took a family walk down to the mailbox this morning to test it out.

Getting all bundled up.  His snow suit from Coco is a bit big but hopefully it will work for all of this winter.  He's growing quickly so too big is better than too small!

Ready to go catch snow flakes!

On the go and doing quite well

Elliott really enjoyed licking his snowsuit.  He's been doing this with all clothes with zippers.

Returning back home

How did you like your first sled ride, Elliott?

I loved it!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all!  We are so happy to have our first Christmas as a family and in our new home.  We stayed home this year and celebrated with my family.  We had Christmas Eve dinner at our house, Christmas morning at Ned's house, and will be heading to Coco and Poppy's house for Christmas dinner in a few hours.

We were visited by at least 14 deer on Christmas Eve (and a light dusting of snow).

Elliott has really taken an interest in toys over the past couple of weeks.  He fell asleep snuggling with this giraffe yesterday.

Early Christmas morning at home.  Elliott got a sled from Santa.

Exhausted from Round 1 of gift opening and sleeping with a new giraffe.  He snuggled with this one in his car seat until Round 2 of gift opening at Holly and Mike's house.

Ned got a tricycle from Santa.

Ned saying, "Thank you, Santa" to the fireplace.

Elliott and Dad

Ned excited with his new ukalele from his grandparents (Mike's parents).

Elliott has found his feet!  He plays with them a lot these days.  We think it looks like baby yoga.

Chatty Boy

Elliott has started making lots of "talking" noises.  We woke up this morning to him chatting away in his bassinet.  I caught some of the talking in this video.  You can also see how much he likes his hands!

Wake-up Stretches

We really enjoy watching Elliott stretch after he wakes up in the morning or from a nap.  We finally took a video of his cuteness to share with all of you. 

Smiley boy

I took these cute pictures of Elliott earlier this week.  Our internet is out at home so I couldn't post them.  It's amazing how out of touch I feel without internet (even though I have a blackberry and Jesse has an iPhone).

Why is Elliott so smiley?  Because he has a new friend!  Our friends Rachel and Diego welcomed a beautiful baby girl Elisa on Wednesday night.  Poppy and Coco watched Elliott on Thursday so we could go see them in the hospital.  It's amazing how small she is compared to 3-month-old Elliott.  We have a big boy, weighing in a 15 lbs 2 oz this week! 

Colorado - Part 2

On Sunday, we had the Pickrel side of the family over to meet Elliott.  Aunt Jacki and Uncle Craig were out of town and kindly let us take over their house for our week in Colorado.  So, we had a party while they were away!  Lots of family came over to see us (and the Broncos).

Elliott and his Great Grandfather Don (Brad's dad) watching the beginning of the Broncos game

Elliott taking a brief nap on Jesse

Elliott (slightly unhappy) and his second cousin Haley

Elliott and his Great Grandmother Dorothy (Sue's mom)

Jesse, Elliott, Sue, and Dorothy

Getting kisses from Grandma Dot

Elliott and Aunt Katie

Elliott and Great Grandmother Willa (Brad's mom)

Elliott and Great Grandfather Don (Brad's dad)

A rare shot of Elliott and me!  Thanks Kendra!

Elliott and Grandpa Brad

Elliott and Aunt Kendra

Elliott and Uncle Cale

Maybe my new favorite picture of the boy.  He looks even chubbier than he actually is here!

Elliott and his cousin Hayden.  He has two first cousins and both have red hair!

Elliott and his second cousin Sage

Elliott with Uncle Garrett and Hayden

Elliott and his Great Aunt Dona

Sealed with a kiss from Great Aunt Dona!

Happy sitting with Cale on our last day there

Getting kisses from Grandma before leaving

Thanks to everyone for making it such a great trip!!

Colorado - Part 1

We returned yesterday from a wonderful week visiting family and friends in Colorado.  All of Jesse's family is in Colorado and only his mother had previously met Elliott (she was here when he was born and helped us get precious sleep those first few days).  We spent seven full days showing off our little boy.  He received so much love from everyone.  Elliott did great on our flights out and back.  I didn't do a good job of taking pictures except for the two big family gatherings.  I'm breaking this into two post since there are lots of pictures.

These pictures are from Saturday with the Jesse's dad's side of the family.

Jesse, Elliott, and Grandpa Nick

Grandpa Nick getting smiles out of happy Elliott

Elliott meeting his Great Aunt Debbie (champion of blog reading and commenting!)

Elliott and his Great grandmother Shirley

Elliott meeting his Uncle Clint who came down from CSU to see us

Elliott was very happy with Uncle Clint

Four generations of Dorens