The power of a tooth

It's amazing how a tiny white nub can change our world. Ellis's first tooth broke through on Sunday. While this is very exciting and bittersweet (he's growing up too fast already!), it also creates a whole new dimension of drool, chewing, fussing, gurgling, not to mention fussiness and a new wake up hour of 5 a.m. This morning has been especially trying and Ellis finally surrendered to exhaustion and fell asleep at 11 a.m. On the flip side, when he's awake, he's generally chipper as can be, taking a newfound, giddy interest in Flannery. I wouldn't be surprised if "meow" is his first word. Do you think babies and pets can communicate on a higher level? Hmm...

In other baby news (really, IS there any other kind of news in my life these days?), Ellis also had his first taste of cereal yesterday. He devoured each morsel, whining every second the spoon was out of his mouth. The fact that he gnawed on everything from apple slices to pizza crust was a pretty good indicator that he was ready for table food. It's another big move that makes me sad to see him growing so quickly, but excited for all of the new changes too. Thank goodness we'll be getting another baby around here right about the time that Ellis becomes a toddler!

This weekend, Charis and I head to Minneapolis to whisk mom away on a belated birthday night out. Dinner at Pad Thai restaurant (best spring rolls ever!)and "Hamlet" at the Guthrie Theatre are on the itinerary for Saturday night, followed by a gathering to watch the Oscars on Sunday at mom's. It's been so good to be here at the farm for a full week. Good to be home. Good to get some projects done. And always good to connect at the dinner table with C&J.

I've posted a few more photos - dominated, as usual, by the one-tooth wonder, with an appearance by our napping mother and Flannery - enjoy!
B