A Day at Lynd Farm

We spent the first non-raining cool fall day at Lynd Farm picking pumpkins and tasting apples. Eli stayed warm in the sling and slept the whole time!

He's Smiling!

Starting on Sunday, Eli has been smiling at me. Not just little smiles, but big, ear-to-ear grins that just melt your heart. It's so sweet.

GETTING BIG

Eli is getting bigger every day. He now weighs 8 pounds 13 ounces. He's getting that middle-aged man look-- receding hairline and a big belly. He's grown out of his newborn diapers and is now out of his newborn clothes and into his 0-3 month ones. Take a look at his new skills.

Eli has discovered his hands and is learning how to suck on them to comfort himself which is great because he won't take a pacifier.

He enjoys the swing for short periods of time. He's still a little too small for it.

Look at him hold his head up!

I love that perfectly round cheek!

Swimming!

We took Eli swimming at the OSU Rec Center. He enjoyed the hot tub (it wasn't too hot) before he got kicked out for not being 14. Then we took him in the leisure pool, which was warm for a pool but not warm enough for Eli. He made it a few minutes. But, I sure had a good time. I'm going to keep trying though, just because I liked it.

Couch Potato

Hanging Out!


Sleeping beauty.

Where did he get that red hair (or brown hair with red highlights?)

His pants are so big we have to roll them at the waist. He'll be fitting into them soon...

As I was looking at this weeks photos, I realized that they were all of Eli hanging out on the couch. I swear, we do more than sit on the couch. We sit lots of places: in the glider-rocker, in the car seat, on dad's lap, on mom's lap, but the couch really is a favorite place.

Eli is 4 weeks old already. It's hard to believe that we've had him for 4 weeks, but at the same time he's changed our life so much that I could say "We've ONLY had him 4 weeks?". He's so much fun, but he's a lot of work.

I joined a moms' group this week. It's been a lot of fun getting to know other women who stay home with their children. They do lots of fun things: parties, picnics, mom's night out, and playgroups. Of course, they all love Eli.

Buckeyes v. Longhorns

The nation's biggest college football game so far this season was in town on Saturday, and Eli was there to watch. The biggest excitement of the game came before kickoff, when he filled his diaper and had to be changed in the stands. After that, he was undisturbed by the screaming of 105,000 people and slept through most of the game. When he woke up he was discouraged to find out the #2-ranked Texas Longhorns had beaten the #4-ranked OSU Buckeyes in a 4th quarter comeback. It was the biggest disappointment of his young life, but he is coping well.

Mom was more impressed by the OSU Marching Band (aka: "The Best Damn Band in the Land") than the game. This is their signature "Script Ohio" formation.

Lots of Visitors

Friends Andriena and her 5 1/2 week old, Alex, came to visit.

Eli and Alex became fast friends!

Auntie Mia came to spoil Eli!

Michael and Max meeting Eli.

In the Cradleboard

Today we put Eli into his Cradleboard. He fit perfectly, but he didn't much enjoy it. Plus, who knows if mom and dad had him tied in correctly.

A Day of Firsts

Eli had a very very busy Friday.

Eli's first real bath!


Eli's first picnic!

Eli's first trick-- Blowing Bubbles!

Eli's first walk in the woods (to the Indian Mound behind mom)! It was so exciting he slept through it all.

Eli's House

This is outside of Eli's house. He'd love for you to come visit.














A picture with mom.

You Know You're A Sperle When...

Today in church I was sitting up in the nursery next to a couple of little boys. They were very interested in Eli and asked all the appropriate questions: Is it a boy or a girl? What is his name? How old is he? Then, they moved on to the more honest questions/comments that little kids tend to make. Both of them prove that he IS his father's son. The first one was: Why is he so skinny? and the second was: He sure has a big nose. Eli is definitely a Sperle. (I don't think he has a big nose yet.)

More Family Photos

Proud grandma and grandpa... Grandpa loved pushing Eli around in the cart at Sam's Club.The three of us after church on Sunday.


Eli loves his daddy!

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa Z

Eli got to meet his Grandpa and Grandma Z yesterday. He likes them pretty well, and they think he's OK, too.

New adventures for Eli

Eli has been trying out his new equipment. He likes the bouncy, vibrating chair, didn't much enjoy the butterfly play center, loved the "Squishy Turtle" book, and appreciates the modesty of the "Pee-pee Teepees." (Thanks for those Mia!)

Eli's first day out

Eli got in his stroller for the first time today. Apparently he enjoyed it because he fell asleep, and slept until we stopped.

Welcome Eli!
Eli was born Wednesday, August 17 at 6:04 am. He was 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 20 inches. He has a surprising amount of dark hair, long eyelashes and is as beautiful as can be.We can't wait for you to meet him.

Family Photos

The Final Day.
Sharleen woke up about 1:30 on Wednesday morning having contractions. She woke me up at 2:30 when her contractions were already 3 min. apart. Not wanting to be overly excited new parents, we took our time getting to the hospital, including taking some final pictures. When we got there at 4:00 the nurses were shocked to find her over 9 cm dilated (as were we). Two hours later Eli made his appearance.