Not a BABY Anymore...

Well, it's official...our little Mac is a toddler!  He's been teeter-tottering on two legs for a few weeks now, but has recently been making tighter turns and lifting his feet over obstacles.  Some days are more exciting than others and today was just one of those days I couldn't help but just watch him in amazement as he cruised through the kitchen, made a hard left and toddled down the hallway.

He's long figured out that objects have a purpose and watching him make connections is adorable.  He now holds my phone to his ear (maybe sign I talk on it too much?  I try not to...at least not in front of him!), and will pick up a hairbrush and brush his hair (well, sort of--he tries!).

Even Chase is a supporter of these newly discovered skills... Mac's most favorite thing to do in the entire world is feed his buddy Chase!  Whenever he can manage an escape he'll take-off down the hall towards the powder room (which is where we keep Chase's food and water now).  After glancing over his shoulder with a twinkle in his eye that says "Game On, Mom!" he scoots right up to the dog food bin and somehow manages to remove the (not-so childproof) lid.  Reaching in and scooping out handfuls of kibble and dropping them piece by piece into Chase's bowl -- it cracks him up and Chase is a big fan too!  I can't help but smile...watching them "bond!"

I leave you with a few pictures from our trip to San Diego (with Daddy) and LA where we visited our good friends Katheryn and Sophie.

Creepers!

This is the first post from the Birmingham McElraths!  And we are excited to announce Baby John has moved up to the Creepers class at daycare :) I can't believe our little guy is already too old for the Infant class...be still my heart!

Here is a picture of JV with his Infant class teachers: Ms. Linda, Ms. Tara, and Ms. Pam. These three women are amazing with Baby John and love him like their own child - we will certainly miss them!  I even think Ms. Pam teared up that afternoon when we had to say goodbye.

But have no fear - Baby John is near!  The Creepers class is right next door to the Infant class, and in a few weeks our little fella will be able to crawl or "creep" over to see his old friends :)

He really must have had a blast on his last day with the other infants because this is what I saw when we got home...cashed out, but still holding onto Mr. Zebra!

The following Monday morning, this was waiting for us when arrived @ daycare:

Baby John didn't skip a beat!  He sat right down with Ms. Ann and the other kids like he owned the place!

Then he tried to flirt talk with his girlfriend friend:

He was one happy boy!

Thank you McElwain for creating such a wonderful space for Baby John to grow and play...it means everything to this working mother!

One more picture for good measure - we call this one "Bed Head"!

Love and miss everyone,
The Birmingham McElraths



Meet The McHines

Currently the McHine family clan is composed of ten members...the two BEST grandparents, three handsome sons, three fabulous sister in-laws, and the two most wonderful, fantastic, deliciously ADORABLE little boys in the world!!  We're spread across three states and despite our best efforts, we don't see each other as much as we would like.  

Good food and great wine are things that we all enjoy and love to share!  This blog has been set up so that we can share great "wine finds" and yummy recipes...oh, and pictures of the little tikes, of course!  Enjoy!

The McHines & Great-Gram Barbara: Sarah, Ben, Linda, John, John V, Stacey, Brie, Mac, Taylor, Barbara, and Just Ed