Yummm...

Happy 4 Months Old Elias! We celebrated one day early and gave you some yummy people food. You gobbled it down like a champ and even helped with the spoon. We think you are gonna be an eater like your Daddy...here's a little video of this momentous occasion:

And that's what I think of that!

From Elias:

As a 4-month-old infant born with severe hemophilia, this is what I have to say to those in Congress who oppose a public health insurance option...

Growing, walking, and some new beginnings...

Wow! What a week we have had here in the barrel! Elias had his 4 month check up at the Brilliant Pediatrician. Here's his new stats:

Weight: 15 lbs and 8 ozs (75th percentile)
Height: 25 1/4 inches long (75th percentile)
Head circumference: 90th percentile---that's from all his smarts!

We were once again successful and managed to make it through a round of booster shots with only sore thighs to show for it. No bleeds! He cried much longer this time (30 minutes which is long for him) and did not like the feeling of the cold ice on his thighs. On his 4 month birthday we were given the green light to begin textures and introduce cereal....yum! Not until he is 6 months old do we venture into the land of fruits and veggies. Only then will Mama's blender get a work out.

This past weekend we participated in the Hemophilia Walk. Team Flora was successful in raising a grand total of $675! This was well over our team goal of $500. We were the 15th top fundraising team and Mama was the 13th top raising person. The money goes toward finding better treatments and cures for bleeding and clotting disorders and preventing the complications of these disorders through education, advocacy and research. Thanks to everyone who gave and walked with us. We really had a great time!

Team Flora even made it 2.5 miles on such a beautiful Fall day!

Also last week, Mama worked her last day at her first job out of school. She was very sad to leave, but working closer to home is going to be more ideal. Today she will begin a position back at Wishard on the burn unit working as the outpatient physical therapist. She is very excited to be back at the burn until after being away for 4 years.

Good times had by all...

We enjoyed our visit from Opa here in the barrel. It was nice to visit all week long.

Elias went to his first parade by chance. This weekend we honored all those fallen 8 years ago from the 9/11 attacks. The local firefighters had a good sized parade along Mass Ave with firetrucks dating back to the early 1900's. Elias was not too impressed by the loud sirens. Maybe in a couple of years. But he got a fire chief hat to celebrate.

Family Fun

Labor Day Weekend brought many new adventures including getting to meet Opa, Great Aunt K and second cousins. Here's a couple of pictures from all the excitement.

Elias and Opa taking a nap together...

Hanging out with Gramps

Elias and Grammy

Four generations of Flora men

Cousin fun

Ain't nothing but a g-thang

Elias is 3 months old now. Daddy and Elias celebrated the birthday with a little man time while Mommy was out having a girl's night for Auntie Schmare's Bachlorette party.

Three months brings on many new things including growing out of his small sized cloth diaper covers. Mommy got a great deal on these g-diapers covers which she pairs with the BGs doublers or his newborn prefolds. We haven't tried the flushable inserts yet. He also is continuing to hit those developmental milestones early. The fine motor skills are not at advanced as the gross...but that's okay. Elias' favorite past time is playing "baby in the mirror,"an activity in which we just place him in front of a mirror and he laughs, and listening to Bob Marley. Elias LOVES his thumb. Like his Mama, we think he will be a thumb sucker. The best news is that he is starting to sleep more often through the night! He is also sleeping in his cradle (in the Snuggle nest) so that Mama and Daddy have their bed back. A queen sized bed never felt so big!!!

This weekend Opa comes in town and we have tons of family events for the holiday. Many fun pictures to come!