Sunflower festival

I have always loved sunflowers.  I remember as a kid, we had a bunch that would sprout in the late summers that my mom had planted.  They were so big and beautiful.  Here in Okinawa, we instead get sunflowers in February, thanks to the climate change.  And just as back in Connecticut, these sunflowers are equally beautiful.
I thought that last year would be my final year at the sunflower festival.  But of course, we are still here in Okinawa.  I am thankful for this time in some aspects, and this is a great example of that. 
Our new neighbors, Sean and Whitney joined us to see the sunflowers.  Sunflowers just happened to be what they had in their wedding, so they were very excited to see them. 
As always, they looked amazing.  What really bummed me out though is that they didn't sell any sunflowers!  There were no sunflower seeds, no sunflower butter, nothing associated to the flowers.  Instead they sold cabbage, celery, and a few other veggies.  I still haven't figured this out.  But in any case, we enjoyed the day there. 

Random happenings around the house

I realize I've been really slacking in my postings lately.  That is because I truly have been very busy. I cannot believe how busy these two boys keep me.  Zach has been really helping us around the house lately, he just loves being a big boy.  He's constantly wanting to help me "coke" (cook) in the kitchen.  I love having him help me, because it's really teaching him a lot already.  He's been really interested in the foods I prepare, and in counting while I put things together.  He's really observant, and is always begging to stir or pour things into bowls.  I love my little helper!  

He's also been keeping busy playing outside.  We try to get out of the house as much as possible, which proves difficult due to Eli.  We got outside a few times to color with chalk and ride on his tricycle.  He was sporting a famous "somebody loves me from..." shirt today and boy did he look adorable.  It helps that Mommy and Daddy came from that little town.

We also threw our annual super bowl breakfast party.  Thanks to the time change, our super bowl is on a Monday morning.  This has been our 4th super bowl morning in Okinawa, and I like the tradition so much that I will continue to keep it going even if we move someday.  

What was really special about this year though was that for the first time in YEARS Mommy's team was playing!  Yes, the 49ers are my favorite team.  Always have been, always will be.  So we set up a waffle bar and a yogurt bar with all the fixings.  Who doesn't love breakfast?  I know it's my favorite meal of the day (and the most important!) so having our waffle/yogurt bars made it special to me.  

Unfortunately, on very short notice, Dima was sent to Korea for work.  We didn't get to celebrate the super bowl together.  This happened last year too.  But in any case, we still had fun.  And even though the niners lost, I am proud to say that they at least made it to the superbowl after all these years.  

Yes, those are niners flags on the waffles!

Some of the fixings- dark chocolate, raisins, peanut butter chips, chocolate, vanilla granola, fruit granola, berries, strawberries, and bananas!  Yum!

It's truly been a crazy few weeks here, but we're having so much fun! 

Elijah 365- part 20

Another week of Eli's first year has passed.  And boy do these days go fast!  Eli is growing like crazy, as we learned at his 4 month checkup this week.  

Eli is bigger then his brother was, but still a bit smaller then I'd like.  He is in the 48% for weight and the 38% for height.  The doctor is not too concerned, as he's very proportional, and seeing as how small Mommy is, she was not too surprised.  I am continuing to nurse him (big props from the doctor on that one) and will not be introducing solid foods to him until he is at least 6 months old.  Eli got a perfect bill of health, and the doctor even mentioned that he's crossing milestones rather quickly for his age.  He is already rolling over both ways, and can even hold toys in his hands now.  She was very impressed with his upper body strength, and mentioned that hey may be sitting up earlier the normal.  Looking at his chubby frame, I'm confused on that one!  He got shots at this appointment, and of course cried afterwards.  He was great after Mommy held him though.  And I was happy to see that he didn't develop any fever or any other symptoms associated with them.  

We've kept busy around the house, and continue to get out for walks to the park as much as possible.  Eli loves observing his surroundings and of course his big brother, Zach.  When we're on walks, he's constantly looking around at his surroundings outside of the stroller.  At home, Zach is keeping him busy by giving lots of kisses!  I hope these kisses continue as time goes on!

Day 142- Jan 28.  15 pounds, 9 oz at his 4 month checkup!

Day 143- Jan 29.  He's "Wild About Mommy"

Day 144- Jan 30.  Getting hugs from his big brother.  I didn't even ask him to do this.  Zach just walked up and kissed him and gave this hug to him. 

Day 145- Jan 31.  Ready for a walk to the park!

Day 146- Feb 1.  Getting kisses from big brother in the morning!

Day 147- Feb 2.  Playing with his keys!

Day 148- Feb 3. Tubby Time with Mommy!