Mom Needs To Keep a Close Eye....

On Saturday, I left Eli in his room on the rug while I ran to the bathroom. When I finished, Eli was NOT in the same place that I left him. He managed to scoot off the rug, slide across the tile floor and get stuck under the changing table. Of course he didn't make any fuss, that would be too un-Sperle. Instead he just laid his head down and waited patiently. He smiled widely when I discovered him. He even waited so I could take a picture.


In his room.


Mr. Fancy Pants showing off his new diapers. Yes, they're Dr. Seuss' One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.

Eli's New Moves

Eli has been quickly advancing in his movements. He moves anyway he can and can now manage to get across the living room floor one way or another even if it takes all afternoon. He's a very determined little guy.


Flying or swimming-- his new favorite move.


Getting ready to crawl-- on all fours.


Getting strong enough to do push-ups.


His way of rolling from his tummy to his back-- Standing on his toes.


Rolling from back to tummy-- getting that arm out is tricky.

5 Months Old!!!

Eli has discovered his toes. Don't you wish you could do this?

In Pittsburgh

We spent last weekend with our friends, Robert, Michelle and Gabriella, in Pittsburgh. We spent a lot time in the swimming pool and also went to the Science and Nature Museum. We also spent an evening with Dennis' cousins, The Matta's. We had a wonderful time getting to know them and they treated us like royalty. And they really think that Eli is adorable. Pittsburgh is a fun city and we hope we can get back there again soon.

Eli is so in love with Gabriella. And who wouldn't be? She's so darn cute. Plus, she shared all of her things with Eli.


Eli was really into touching everything at the Science and Nature Museum.


Eli eating the reindeer antlers.


Eli really enjoyed swimming!

Such a Big Boy

Eli playing in his step and play piano play-center. He LOVES the microphone.


Eli's gorilla sit. He's so proud of himself.

The Dancing King

Sorry there aren't any pictures to mark this big event, but while at the OSU hockey game on Tuesday night, Eli made the big screen dancing to YMCA. We're so proud. He loves the hockey games (we've gone to a couple as the stadium is a couple blocks away) . Lots of lights and lots of white and lots of white noise, he was in baby heaven.

My Little Boy is Growing Up

Eli tried rice cereal for the first time last week. He didn't enjoy it too much and still hasn't really caught on to the whole eating thing. He usually puts everything in his mouth, but doesn't even open it for the spoon. When I do get the cereal in his mouth, he just lets it sit on his tongue and looks disgusted. I sort of get a kick out of it. On the other hand, he LOVES his sippy cup.

For all of you who think all Eli does is smile

Life is pretty tough for Eli right now. He's having a hard time adjusting after all of his travels and not sleeping too well. He's just getting over diarrhea. Now, he's got a cold, stuffy nose and an eye infection. Plus, we think he's teething. To top it all off, he had to get his 4 month shots today. Needless to say, Eli is not a happy camper. Hopefully, all will be better soon for all of our well-beings. (Also, it would probably help if I was comforting him instead of taking pictures.)

Having Fun In North Dakota

Taking a bath in grandma's sink


Our little Mozart


Sledding with Mom

(A belated) Merry Christmas and (a just on time) Happy New Year

With Mr. and Mrs. Claus


Trying on one of many of Aunt Paula's hats


Opening a Christmas present


His favorite gift: puff daddy!


Who would give a Buckeye a Michigan hat? Crazy Uncle Greg, he'll get us killed.

A couple more cousins...

Eli and Erin



















Eli and Hailey

Eli and his cousins

We have made it back from our trip to ND. We had a great time. You'll see more pics of our trip over the next few days. He saw lots of important people including his cousins.


Ashley, Megan, Eli and Emily

Rya and Eli

Eli and Bryck

Eli and Adrienne


Gabe, Elizabeth, Eli, Maddy, Grace and the Grinch

Heading to ND

Eli and I are heading to ND on Saturday. Dennis will follow after finals. We're going to be around Fargo/Napoleon until Dec. 28. We are so excited to see you. Give us a call if you're in the area.


Eli out and about.


OK. He's really not that good at holding his bottle. He can hold it for about 15 seconds.


Alex, Eli's friend, and Eli all decked out for the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

Already 3 months old...

Eli's first snow.


Sucking his thumb.


Modeling his new clothes.


Eli turned 3 months on the 17th. He celebrated by rolling over (although Dennis says there is a difference between falling over and rolling over, but whatever). We got his 3 month pictures taken at Sears. He's also growing lots as he's moved out of his 0-3 monthers and into his 3-6 monthers. I've had fun putting him into some of his new clothes that many of you sent him. Here's a few.

Starting To Chew

Notice how nice he's holding his teething bee/butterfly. He loves to chew on it, but is not always so good at holding on to it.
MMMM. Eli loves to chew on other peoples fingers. He's also started to suck his thumb. I sure hope he doesn't suck his thumb until he's four like I did. But, if he does, we can always get him to stop by bribing him with getting his ears pierced. (Hey, it worked for me.)

Couldn't resist...

Posting these cute pictures of Eli.

For Godmother, Pat

Pat,
Since you were here last we've been practicing the skills you recommended. He's getting pretty good.