We're back after our month away filled with a 2 week vacation to Italy and Istanbul and Elliot turning 6 months.   I am happy to say that after the 2 weeks away I remain so refreshed and relaxed. 







 

Here's a snap shot of one of the many highlights from Italy - enjoying gellato!  

Has it really been half a year since Elliot was born? I don't believe it.  We're having more and more fun learning his personality which seems to be fairly laid back.  He and Henry have a great time playing together!  Henry likes playing peek-a-boo with him, pointing out things to look at during our morning walks, giving him hugs and kisses, and coming up with new games.  Just the other morning, Henry came up with a game to play to their strengths: Henry would build a tower and then get Elliot to charge over and knock it down.  There were times when Elliot got distracted but for the most part they were entertained for awhile.  I just can't believe he's already getting around on his own.  Another aspect of fun that comes with Elliot getting older is his increasing interest to eat.  Right before we left for Italy we fed him his first bowl of cereal.  Henry jumped (quite literally) at the chance to participate in feeding Elliot.  We quickly learned that Elliot is avid eater!  He demands that you keep up the pace of providing bites.  Unlike Henry who enjoyed cereal and purees for a bit, Elliot is ready for the real stuff and within his first week of eating he has already had cheerios, pieces of chicken, a sprig of broccoli and cauliflower, and so much more.  Check out this series below taken during Elliot's first feeding session:
All pretty and ready to go

 

 

Oh no, Henry walked away and I had to fumble to get the spoon and bowl ready for the next bite...HURRY UP...

 Ah, phew, I got another bite in him.

On the topic of eating, Henry is starting to love vegetables, finally.  The other day when I asked him what he wanted for his school snack he yelled out "cauliflower!" and ran to the refrigerator to grab the cauliflower head for me.
 I leave you with Henry preparing for rain...