New Year = Toddler Bed?

Hi everyone! We are so over due for an update.  There has been so much going on this month it's been hard to find time to sit and type.  Eli had a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration with his cousins, and got to spend New Year's day at the park enjoying the unusually warm weather.

 Eli also got a visit from his godfather Joshua, who came all the way from North Carolina to spend some time with him.  While Joshua was here we visited the Central Park Zoo for the first time.  We had a really great time in spite of the chilly weather.  Eli also got up close and personal with some animals.

Josh giving Eli a lift to the zoo 

Eli was a little apprehensive about feeding the goat

Finally meeting a cow up close and personal!

The two grumpy pigs

 Eli's favorite part of the exhibit was watching Gus the polar bear.  While at the zoo we learned that Gus' partner had passed during the summer and maybe that's why Gus looked so sad :(

The Central Park Zoo was great and kept Eli's full attention.  We can't wait to visit again.  Josh is back in North Carolina, and has invited us to visit him next month.  Were looking forward to our visit :) 

In other news Eli has learned how to climb out of his crib.  Yesterday I snapped a picture of him attempting to get out.  I thought that he was "trying" and was probably not going to be able to.  Unfortunately I was wrong and today he jumped off his crib and ended up hurting himself.  I am seriously considering changing his crib into a toddler bed but feel that he's too young.  I'm not sure if he's ready to deal with the change, or if he'll even stay in bed during his naps and bed time.  Do any of the mamas out there have any suggestions on how we can keep him from jumping out? I'm extremely worried that he will do this again, and don't want him to get hurt.  He's growing way too fast! 

Eli making an attempt yesterday.... 

Any advice on this matter is greatly appreciated :) 

We hope everyone is having a good year so far.  We look forward to sharing some more.  

Luv 

Eli & Mommy