Gettin' jiggy - from Elliot

I had a really big weekend. Not only did we drive all the way to Baton Rouge, but I took my first steps and said my first word!!! The first step was for Nana; she's very proud of that :o). I think my parents might have doubted it (they were away attending a wedding), but I am more than happy to oblige anyone who asks now: walking (stepping, really) is hilarious fun. All you have to do is reach your hands toward me and say "come on" with a big smile. I almost fall down laughing, but then I usually take one tiny step and then collapse, giggling into the waiting arms.

Now on to the other big news: my first word. Oh yeah! I said Mama!!! Mom & dad have both been working on me consistently, but I think mom was more insistent since Gavin said Dada first. I'm going to be her favorite! Haha!

I was introduced to Nana & Poppa's dog Bjorn this weekend. I crawled right up to him with only a hint of hesitation when he moved to meet me. He was a gentleman (he didn't knock me down) and I love big hairy things!! We had fun rooting around in the grass and I was really gentle petting him.

We stayed with our friends Greg & Miranda who are so much fun. They also have super cool stairs that are very fun to climb...funny this will probably be the only time that I can go up stairs, but I can't walk across the floor.

I'm going to let Gavin tell you about the rest of our trip, but we had a really good time seeing everyone.

In just general Elliot news, I now have a half a mouthful of teeth. The bottom four are in a nice neat row, but the top is--well, to put it kindly I have a bit of a pirate grin. One of the top middle teeth has yet to break the skin (it's soooo close), and I've got another gap on one side. Goes sort of like this tooth - gap - two teeth - gap - tooth. Aye matey, I'm a handsome feller!

Mike and Gust

Can't remember if I told you, but I got two fish a few weeks ago. I finally named them...well it was a team effort with mom. She thought we could name them Mike and Gus sort of in honor of the two storms (Ike and Gustav) that have recently effected our lives. So mom mentioned the names to me and I said "YEAH! Let's call 'em Mike and GusT." No matter how many times I try to say Gus it comes out Gust; so Gust it is.

Footnote: Hurricane Ike actually saved Mike and Gust's lives b/c we were having some issues balancing the chemistry of their tank and somehow with 16 days of no interference from us they got it all figured out, so thanks hurricane Ike for saving my fish!