Eli the Tipsy Toddler

Eli is going through a bumps and bruises stage - he toddles around everywhere, but still biffs it about one in five times. It makes for an interesting day - I watch him walk around and usually hold my breath, hoping he's not going to fall on a sharp corner or step on a block in his way. On Sunday he had a huge bump on his eyebrow from falling and hitting the side of the tub (not while taking a bath, but being in there while I was brushing my teeth). Today his teeth somehow cut his lip when he fell down at some point. I would like to get his 1-year picture taken soon, but he keeps banging up his face, so I wait another day.

Here he is early this morning, carrying the balloon around from his birthday that is still floating more than a week later:

And speaking of his birthday, here is a picture from last week when we had lunch at Walker Brother's Pancake House - pecan wafles and crispy hashbrowns are my favorite - yum yum yum! Eli loves his snack catcher as shown below - it makes him such an independent snacker, which I love.

Behind us are these old ladies who were very sweet to Eli while we were there - he was feeling social that day and walked over to say hi to them.

Study on baby products

I'm not sure what to think of this, but I just read an article published today stating 80 percent of babies tested in a study were exposed to chemicals (phthalates) that may be harmful to their development and could lead to male reproductive problems. Babies are being exposed to these chemicals from common baby lotions, shampoos, and powders that are housed in plastic with these harmful chemicals.

Check out the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database in the baby products category to see if your products tested high for these chemicals... mine did, unfortunately! (we've been using Mustela-brand shampoo/soap and lotion)

I find it interesting that phthalates are banned for use in personal products in Europe - why on earth are they allowed here??