For a blog that is supposed to, at least in part, be about a cute baby being cute, there has been an unfortunate lack of cuteness on this site in recent weeks. That is something I will remedy right now.




In the last couple of weeks Elliott has pretty much ensured that any future children Shelbi and I may have don't stand a chance. We'll be saying "Why can't you be more like your big brother?" from the minute he or she is out of the womb. Elliott now recognizes our voices, makes eye contact and, nearly 100% of the time, smiles when one of us enters the room after any prolonged absence.

He is also establishing himself as quite the baby optimist. Above, you witnessed his post-bath celebration ritual. "That was incredible! And I get a clean diaper and a fresh onesie out of it?! Are you kidding me? Next you'll tell me that I get to be swaddled and can stare at various shapes and colors projects on the ceiling before falling asleep!"

He does the same routine first thing in the morning after Shelbi and I are both ready to get up. "No... freaking... way. Another day? And you guys are still here!? This is too much. Can I lay on my back and bat at my toy bird again? I am so excited I am LITERALLY going to puke!" He's pretty much the 3-month old version of Ed Grimley at this point.