Christmas gifts

Elliot's Aunt Ginger and Cousin Dana sent a bundle of goodies for him. He enjoyed helping George open them. Each toy makes a noise that makes Elliot bop his head. We made a mistake by not spending out the toys. He suffered from new toy overload! Thanks, Ginger and Dana! If I am able to successfully load it, you should be able to see a clip.

Elliot and I toured Bright Horizons Learning Center today. It is for children ages two to five. As we went from room to room, I would put Elliot down, and he would join the class as though he belonged. He was a bit upset each time I picked him up for the move to the next classroom, but by the end he had figured out the next room wasn't far. He had a blast, and the teachers and students loved him!

Spaghetti Night at the Hamptons

If you're going to have bath night, you may as well serve spaghetti for dinner to make it worth it! Elliot loves his food, but he is especially fond of pasta...and sauce!

Spaghetti Night at the Hamptons

Elliot vs. Allergist

Because Elliot has had a reaction to eggs, our pediatrician would not give him immunizations for chicken pox, measles/mumps/rubella, and the flu. It turns out all have an egg derivative that could be bad for Elliot, so he referred us to an allergist. The appointment was today and went really well. After sharing our medical history, Dr. Greiner explained that the test they would be using wwouldn't even use a needle. It doesn't actually pierce the skin. It is like the end of a pen being pressed against the skin. We stripped Elliot's shirt, and they used four panels with eight "pricks" each. Elliot didn't seem to care as much about the pricks on his back as he did about my restraining him for a moment. Next, we waited to see which of the 32 dots seemed to react. Within minutes, five pricks looked more like mosquito bites than a dot. Elliot was irritated that he couldn't reach his back to scratch (and they wouldn't let me).

When the timer went off, the doc returned to tell us the five culprits: eggs, milk, peanuts, dogs, and cats. I consider all this good news. We knew about the eggs and milk problem and have easily worked with these. He hasn't had reactions to cheese and baked goods containing eggs. Even better, he could outgrow these problems. As far as I'm concerned, the peanuts are no big deal. The trend for the human race is to be allergic to peanuts, and hence, they are being slowly eliminated from schools and public places. Soon, we will have to explain "PB and J" to our children! As a responsible parent, I will be forced to consume all Reese's peanut butter cups that cross the path of my child or find their way into his Halloween bag! I was most disheartened by the dogs and cats determination. The good news here is that he has been around both and has not had severe reactions. The doc suggested that we not own a pet (we don't right now anyway), but he said this is a fairly easy one to deal with. In the end, peanuts are the only biggie right now in the top 32 most common allergy-inducing substances!

The even better news is he is not allergic to dust mites (i.e. I don't need to worry about dusting!!) He also showed no reaction to shrimp, which means he will be able to split my fav coconut shrimp appetizer with me someday! Finally, no reactions to wheat, soy, grass, pollen, and trees, so that is also good news. I can say, "Go outside and play...and take a glass of soy milk with you!!"

Pre-celebration of Elliot's Birth

It just so happens that our friends here in San Diego, Joe and Kimberlee, have a daughter Emmy who will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday with Elliot. She will be five, and she was gracious enough to share her birthday festivities yesterday afternoon with Elliot! Elliot had the pleasure of having about fifteen little girls wearing "Hello Kitty" ears sing "Happy birthday" to him at the top of their lungs. Kimberlee had even bought a "baby" cake for Elliot to squash with his little hands.

After Emmy helped him to blow out his "1" candle, Elliot plunged his hand into the cake out of curiousity to quickly discover he didn't like the feel on his fingers (a similar thing happened when his Aunt Booie made a cake for him last month to celebrate early). He made a snarl of disgust, so George tried to give him a lick off his finger for a taste of the sweet sugar I have deprived him of for a year. He still wasn't interested. It turns out I have a sugar-free baby!

To wrap up a super afternoon, we cruised along the coastline and breathed in the ocean air.

We have decided to make it a tradition to celebrate special Hampton events at the beach...with an ice cream cone! Although Elliot won't be eating ice cream with George and me tomorrow, we will make sure he has a handful of his favorite food, cheesy Goldfish crackers. Wow, a year has gone by fast!

Elliot's Birds

Elliot and I played at Mission Bay today. We found a nice spot of green grass to claim for ourselves just along Ski Beach. I popped a squat while Elliot patiently followed the birds, all which gathered a safe distance from me as I held Elliot's cheesy Goldfish crackers in the palm of my hand. It was fun to observe because Elliot didn't "chase" them as a toddler a bit older than he would. He moved at the steady pace he now confidently uses to get everywhere. He smiled as he toddled towards one bird, and the bird would slowly walk away until Elliot turned his attention to the next closest foul.

If he had the words, he would have asked for a jet ski today. His eyes were glued to each one that passed.

In our apartment complex, we use an elevator to get down to the parking garage. As we approach the elevator, he now reaches to press the button and then pounds on the double doors as he waits for them to open and carry him up/down. Within the elevator, he repeats this drill. The problem is he is capable of reaching only one button, the emergency bell. For this reason, I'm sure there are a few tenants not thrilled to hear a periodic ring when Elliot rides the elevator.

Rocky en Espanol

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that here in San Diego (just north of the border), we have several television stations in Spanish. I am writing to tell you that you have not seen Rocky Balboa in his full glory until you have seen the Spanish-speaking Rocky plead with Adrienne in an emotionally-stirring scene.

I have noticed that on any given day at the playground you may hear five different languages over the course of an hour. Yesterday in Pilates I met a women from Yugoslavia, Canada, and Japan. At the grocery store, the friendly cashier was from Russia until a few years ago. A woman posting a sign on the bulletin board this morning was from England initially, but she now calls this home after 16 years. Even the aisles of the grocery store seem to more ethnic than other places I have lived, and I am so excited to benefit from such exposure to the world around me...all in San Diego.

Apple is my favorite fruit

Elliot and I made our way to the mall today to pick up our new computer, a MAC made by Apple. We love being connected again, even when George (and his computer) aren't around! Once I figure out the new photoshop and video scene, a lot of pics will be headed your way!

California Dreamin'

We have been enjoying sunny California for a week now and continue to pinch ourselves that the "vacation" doesn't have to end! Elliot, George, and I have strolled neighborhoods in Del Mar, La Jolla, Coronado, and University Towne Centre. If only we could take up residence in the Hotel del Coronado, life would be too perfect! We are scouting out our next place to live for when we leave corporate housing. Our home in Tennessee has not sold yet, so we are in no hurry.

Elliot is not too fond of the sand between his toes...something to which he will have to become accustomed if he is to ever be a true surfer! I'm hoping to join a "Surfer Moms" group after taking a couple lessons. They meet on the beach once a week to surf together.

Elliot stayed in the church nursery for the first time last Sunday and loved it (In Tennessee children had to be a year old before the nursery was an option). I couldn't decide if I was grateful or hurt that he suffers from no separation anxiety. I decided to go with grateful! When I picked him up, there was a sticker on his back declaring, "I have been changed!" Wouldn't it be great if everyone left church wearing this proclamation...particularly if it didn't refer to diaper status?

Our first visitors from the Far East will arrive next month...Mimi and Shannon are coming this way for a week of play with Maddy in tow. We are looking forward to it. Who will be next??

Love, joy and peace to all,
Dani

The Anniversary of Elliot's Arrival Approaches

As Elliot's first birthday approaches, I thought it would be fun to share a glimpse of his first moments at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, TN (don't worry...totally non-graphic). A special thanks to our videographer, Jen Broad.

The Hamptons Go West

On Sunday, September 16, 2007, the Hampton family will claim the west coast! Elliot has decided to pursue a career as a professional surfer, so we thought we should seek out some waves. On our final week in Nashville, Elliot has savored his time with friend Joseph Broad. The attached clip shares a glimpse of their time together.

Love, joy and peace to all!