Saturday, November 28, 2009
A New Direction
At Eli's 12 month well visit, I asked Dr. R when we would be able to switch Eli around in his car seat. She said that he was old enough and weighed enough, so it would be okay to go ahead and switch him around. Once again, I started the switcheroo and about 2 hours later I was finished. (Car seats are a NIGHTMARE to install!) Eli was trying to "help" me again and when he wasn't "helping" he was doing his best to run down the driveway to the street. I did as much as I could on my own and then we went inside until Daddy got home to help with Eli so I could finish. When the car seat was finally installed, Josh took Eli on a ride around the block to see what he thought about the new view. He seemed to really enjoy being able to look and finally see everything, especially the DVD player that was playing Praise Baby. I'm sure he was excited that he didn't have to try to watch it anymore in the mirror's reflection. This is yet another sign that my baby is gone and a fun, active little toddler is replacing him :) Life is getting to be so much fun!
Eli's Cozy Coupe
One of Eli's gifts from his birthday party was a Cozy Coupe car from the Merritt's. The day after he got it, Eli and I woke up early one morning and started the assembly process. WOW! Who knew those cars were so hard to put together? I think I started it around 5:30 one morning and worked on it for an hour before I had to get ready for work. I didn't finish the car until later that night and it probably took me another hour before I got it all put together. Eli was so happy when we were finished. He had been trying to "help" Mommy during the entire process, which is probably why it took so long, truthfully. We wheeled around the house for a little bit and then it was time for him to go to bed.
The next day we took it outside where he got to practice his driving skills. It's a good thing he's not street legal yet! We may have to work on driving etiquette. I don't know who he's been watching, but I'm sure other motorists would not appreciate him leaning through the window to tell them how he feels about their driving :)
Watch it, mister!
Not wanting to go inside at all!
The next day we took it outside where he got to practice his driving skills. It's a good thing he's not street legal yet! We may have to work on driving etiquette. I don't know who he's been watching, but I'm sure other motorists would not appreciate him leaning through the window to tell them how he feels about their driving :)
Watch it, mister!
Not wanting to go inside at all!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Jess's Wedding
Last weekend, our whole family went to see Josh's cousin, Jessie, get married. It was held at The Briar's and it was so beautiful. She and Will had a wonderful ceremony. She looked gorgeous and Will looked very handsome. We were so happy we were able to be there to watch them on this important day. Eli loved being outside the whole day. He spent most of the ceremony walking around the grounds, picking up rocks, and trying his hardest to get up to the front where Jessie and Will were. He didn't make it though, thanks to Mommy, but he did let all the guests know that he wasn't very happy about that. He also objected when the preacher asked that very important question. Luckily, not many people heard. I guess he wanted Jess all to himself! :)
The reception was held at Jess's mom's house and by this time, Eli was very tired, but we were trying our best to stay so we could say goodbye to Jessie and Will before they left. Jess's mom had a huge fountain in the backyard and Eli did everything he could to try to get in the fountain. He also got to try some punch for the first time. He REALLY liked that! We didn't stay very long but we did get to see Jessie and Will before we left. It was a beautiful wedding! I'm so glad we were able to see them on their special day.
(Will is in school to be a pilot.)
YUM! Punch!
The reception was held at Jess's mom's house and by this time, Eli was very tired, but we were trying our best to stay so we could say goodbye to Jessie and Will before they left. Jess's mom had a huge fountain in the backyard and Eli did everything he could to try to get in the fountain. He also got to try some punch for the first time. He REALLY liked that! We didn't stay very long but we did get to see Jessie and Will before we left. It was a beautiful wedding! I'm so glad we were able to see them on their special day.
(Will is in school to be a pilot.)
YUM! Punch!Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Way Back WHENsday
These pictures were taken during Eli's first doctor's visit with Dr. R. Look at how little he was then and how tired Mommy looks after surviving her first week of Mommyhood! He's gotten bigger, but after 12 months, I'm STILL tired! Totally worth it though! :)
Monday, November 16, 2009
12 Month Well Visit
Eli had his 12 month well visit today. It was so great to see Dr. R again. I absolutely love going to see her. I almost wish we had appointments every month because I get so much encouragement from her. I leave thinking that I'm doing okay on this parenting thing :)
Eli did great at the doctor's office. I wish I had pictures, but Josh was very sick (running a fever right now, so we've had to quarantine him in the other room) and I was by myself. It's kind of hard to take pictures of Eli when he's doing all his exploring especially in a waiting room full of other kids and parents. So, no pictures, but if I did have some, I'd show you the one of Eli pointing to all the cherries on the tree in the waiting room. He's pointing so well these days and I love that he's able to show us things that interest him now. I'd also show you the picture of him cheesing at this sweet little girl that was in the waiting room with us. She kept saying, "Him like me, Mama." "I'm gonna go see what him is doing now." Eli loved her and kept reaching out to touch her long, curly blond hair.
We got called to the back and they weighed and measured Eli. He wasn't a fan for several reasons. We went to a different scale and there wasn't a frog above this scale that went "Boing, boing" whenever you touched it. All this scale had was a flourescent light above it and what's interesting about that? Secondly, the lady made him strip down to his birthday suit to get his weight. He wasn't into streaking today. It was cold and he wanted his clothes back on his body! And lastly, the space near the scale was so narrow that his Mama couldn't stand next to him and that bothered him A LOT! Therefore, the nurse lady was not our favorite person today, but we made it through all the measurements and went back to the room to wait for Dr. R.
Here are Eli's 12 months stats:
Weight- 21 lbs. (25th percentile)
Height- 29 1/2 in. (50th-75th percentile)
Head- I forgot to ask what his head circumference was, but she said it was right on target for him
Once again, no pictures, but if I did I'd show you a picture of Eli turning the lights on and off while we waited for Dr. R and how excited he got every time he turned them off. We're still working on the "on" part so Mommy had to help with that.
Dr. R came and checked Eli and said he looked great. He's made the switch to whole milk, but the little stinker still won't drink milk cold. I plan on going cold turkey on him next week during Thanksgiving break. It's going to be rough, but it's what we need to do. I told her that he HATES baby food now and she said not to even try anymore. I've been giving him peas, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, mandarin oranges, bananas, eggs, peaches, and pears and he loves eating them like that. I've got to do better on the meat though so he can get his protein. He loves the Yo-Baby yogurt and eats that every day and is a big fan of all the Gerber snacks. He could live off the Wagon Wheels and Lil' Crunchies, I think!
I wouldn't show you the pictures of him screaming when he got his vaccinations today. That nearly broke my heart, but I know it's good for him in the long run. We won't go back to see Dr. R until his 15 month well visit. I can't wait to see all that he's doing and SAYING (so ready for words to start really coming!) by then!
Likes:
-Mommy and Daddy, of course
-Being outside
-Climb-n-slide toy
-Balloons
-Throwing the ball
-Riding in his Tot Rod
-Eating his Gerber snacks
-Praise Baby
-Playing peek-a-boo
-Computers, remotes, phones
-Riding in his wagon
-Dancing when his Daddy plays the guitar
-Bouncing on your legs
-Being chased
Dislikes:
-diaper changes
-getting clothes on
-getting shoes on
-being told "No" (he gets a really cute pouty face when that happens)
-having to come inside when he wants to stay outside
Accomplishments:
-can say "Da-Da" and has his own words for ball, light, and balloon (says the same sounds every time he sees those objects so I guess those are his "words" for those objects)
-pointing to everything
-cutting his molars (this will make 12 teeth for him once these come in!)
-walking more steadily (thank goodness!)
These past 12 months have been some of the best in my life! I ADORE my little boy and think he is the greatest thing in the entire world. Josh and I feel so blessed to have him in our lives. God has been so good to us and we are so thankful for all our blessings!
Eli did great at the doctor's office. I wish I had pictures, but Josh was very sick (running a fever right now, so we've had to quarantine him in the other room) and I was by myself. It's kind of hard to take pictures of Eli when he's doing all his exploring especially in a waiting room full of other kids and parents. So, no pictures, but if I did have some, I'd show you the one of Eli pointing to all the cherries on the tree in the waiting room. He's pointing so well these days and I love that he's able to show us things that interest him now. I'd also show you the picture of him cheesing at this sweet little girl that was in the waiting room with us. She kept saying, "Him like me, Mama." "I'm gonna go see what him is doing now." Eli loved her and kept reaching out to touch her long, curly blond hair.
We got called to the back and they weighed and measured Eli. He wasn't a fan for several reasons. We went to a different scale and there wasn't a frog above this scale that went "Boing, boing" whenever you touched it. All this scale had was a flourescent light above it and what's interesting about that? Secondly, the lady made him strip down to his birthday suit to get his weight. He wasn't into streaking today. It was cold and he wanted his clothes back on his body! And lastly, the space near the scale was so narrow that his Mama couldn't stand next to him and that bothered him A LOT! Therefore, the nurse lady was not our favorite person today, but we made it through all the measurements and went back to the room to wait for Dr. R.
Here are Eli's 12 months stats:
Weight- 21 lbs. (25th percentile)
Height- 29 1/2 in. (50th-75th percentile)
Head- I forgot to ask what his head circumference was, but she said it was right on target for him
Once again, no pictures, but if I did I'd show you a picture of Eli turning the lights on and off while we waited for Dr. R and how excited he got every time he turned them off. We're still working on the "on" part so Mommy had to help with that.
Dr. R came and checked Eli and said he looked great. He's made the switch to whole milk, but the little stinker still won't drink milk cold. I plan on going cold turkey on him next week during Thanksgiving break. It's going to be rough, but it's what we need to do. I told her that he HATES baby food now and she said not to even try anymore. I've been giving him peas, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, mandarin oranges, bananas, eggs, peaches, and pears and he loves eating them like that. I've got to do better on the meat though so he can get his protein. He loves the Yo-Baby yogurt and eats that every day and is a big fan of all the Gerber snacks. He could live off the Wagon Wheels and Lil' Crunchies, I think!
I wouldn't show you the pictures of him screaming when he got his vaccinations today. That nearly broke my heart, but I know it's good for him in the long run. We won't go back to see Dr. R until his 15 month well visit. I can't wait to see all that he's doing and SAYING (so ready for words to start really coming!) by then!
Likes:
-Mommy and Daddy, of course
-Being outside
-Climb-n-slide toy
-Balloons
-Throwing the ball
-Riding in his Tot Rod
-Eating his Gerber snacks
-Praise Baby
-Playing peek-a-boo
-Computers, remotes, phones
-Riding in his wagon
-Dancing when his Daddy plays the guitar
-Bouncing on your legs
-Being chased
Dislikes:
-diaper changes
-getting clothes on
-getting shoes on
-being told "No" (he gets a really cute pouty face when that happens)
-having to come inside when he wants to stay outside
Accomplishments:
-can say "Da-Da" and has his own words for ball, light, and balloon (says the same sounds every time he sees those objects so I guess those are his "words" for those objects)
-pointing to everything
-cutting his molars (this will make 12 teeth for him once these come in!)
-walking more steadily (thank goodness!)
These past 12 months have been some of the best in my life! I ADORE my little boy and think he is the greatest thing in the entire world. Josh and I feel so blessed to have him in our lives. God has been so good to us and we are so thankful for all our blessings!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Way Back WHENsday
These were taken during this same week last year. Josh and I were both getting some good lovin' from our little man :) This is the only time he ever let us snuggle with him. Once he learned how to twist and move, snuggling was all over :)
Eli's Birthday Invitation
I just realized that I never posted Eli's invitation to his party. I ordered them off Etsy and then printed them using iPhoto. The photos start of him "Just Born" and go through 11 months. I thought they turned out SO CUTE!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Eli's Birthday Celebration: Part 2
All week long I had been praying that the weather would cooperate for Eli's party Saturday morning and my prayers were answered! Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. It wasn't hot, but it wasn't cold; it was PERFECT! Mom and I had stayed up till 1:30 that morning working on Eli's cake, so I didn't have too much to do the morning of the party. Josh set up the tables and chairs outside, Mom and I decorated, and Dad was in charge of Eli.
I wanted Eli to take a nap before the party, but that backfired on me. He ended up only getting about 30 minutes of sleep, but there wasn't anything we could do because he woke up and wouldn't go back to sleep. Rather than fight it, we just rolled with it and prayed that he'd be fine at the party. Lucky for us, Eli LOVES being outside and can go, go, go when he's outside. He got a little sleepy and rubbed his eyes some, but he was such a trooper. He was WONDERFUL!
The party couldn't have gone any better. We invited mostly family and some close friends that have really helped us with Eli this past year. It was just great to celebrate Eli's first year with such wonderful people. Towards the end of the party, I got a little teary eyed when I stood to thank everyone for coming and for everything they had given Eli. I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that my baby boy was ONE! I feel like time has slipped through my hands, but there is so much promise in the future! I can't wait to see how much Eli is going to grow, change, and learn in the years to come. It was a PERFECT day; a day I was reminded over and over again of God's goodness and love. He has blessed our lives in so many ways! I am so very thankful!
The gift table
My ONE YEAR OLD!!
The cake was a labor of love, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. It's not perfect by any means, but I had so much fun baking it and decorating it. Mom and Dad helped me and we made some wonderful memories. I've got to start thinking about ideas for next year's cake now!
Our little family
Mammy and Sarah taught Eli a new trick. They ask him, "What does Zue-Zue do?" and he clasps his hands to his chest. It's so funny, especially since she does this any time she is surprised. How funny!
My brother, Joshua, and his fiance, Andrea
My brother, Caleb, and Andrea
Jess and Jordan
Kally and Hayden
Zue-Zue and Sarah
Mammy, Aunt Debra, and Zue-Zue
Mr. Roy and Mrs. Gwen
Photo frame I had everyone sign
Happy Birthday, Eli!
Pop did a great job documenting the entire event for us!
The end result...not too bad!
Present time!
My grandmother in North Carolina has made almost all the grandchild a Raggedy Andy or Raggedy Ann. I still have the one she made me! She made Eli one to match his nursery. As soon as he saw it, he gave it a big hug and kiss. It was PRECIOUS!
Clayton and Eli playing in Eli's "Climb n' Slide Castle" Grammy and Pop gave him.
It was a BIG hit!
Two proud parents!
He was out in just minutes after taking his bottle.
He had a LONG, but WONDERFUL birthday!
It looks like Christmas!
On a sidenote: We've decided to start the toy rotation with Eli. He got to keep 3 toys out, but the rest of them went to the top shelf of his closet. We'll get those out over the next several months. We want him to learn to enjoy and play with all his toys. Hopefully, this will help!
Woo Hoo! I LOVE my slide!
The birthday boy with his birthday balloons
I wanted Eli to take a nap before the party, but that backfired on me. He ended up only getting about 30 minutes of sleep, but there wasn't anything we could do because he woke up and wouldn't go back to sleep. Rather than fight it, we just rolled with it and prayed that he'd be fine at the party. Lucky for us, Eli LOVES being outside and can go, go, go when he's outside. He got a little sleepy and rubbed his eyes some, but he was such a trooper. He was WONDERFUL!
The party couldn't have gone any better. We invited mostly family and some close friends that have really helped us with Eli this past year. It was just great to celebrate Eli's first year with such wonderful people. Towards the end of the party, I got a little teary eyed when I stood to thank everyone for coming and for everything they had given Eli. I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that my baby boy was ONE! I feel like time has slipped through my hands, but there is so much promise in the future! I can't wait to see how much Eli is going to grow, change, and learn in the years to come. It was a PERFECT day; a day I was reminded over and over again of God's goodness and love. He has blessed our lives in so many ways! I am so very thankful!
The gift table
My ONE YEAR OLD!!
The cake was a labor of love, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. It's not perfect by any means, but I had so much fun baking it and decorating it. Mom and Dad helped me and we made some wonderful memories. I've got to start thinking about ideas for next year's cake now!
Our little family
Mammy and Sarah taught Eli a new trick. They ask him, "What does Zue-Zue do?" and he clasps his hands to his chest. It's so funny, especially since she does this any time she is surprised. How funny!
My brother, Joshua, and his fiance, Andrea
My brother, Caleb, and Andrea
Jess and Jordan
Kally and Hayden
Zue-Zue and Sarah
Mammy, Aunt Debra, and Zue-Zue
Mr. Roy and Mrs. Gwen
Photo frame I had everyone sign
Happy Birthday, Eli!
Pop did a great job documenting the entire event for us!
The end result...not too bad!
Present time!
My grandmother in North Carolina has made almost all the grandchild a Raggedy Andy or Raggedy Ann. I still have the one she made me! She made Eli one to match his nursery. As soon as he saw it, he gave it a big hug and kiss. It was PRECIOUS!
Clayton and Eli playing in Eli's "Climb n' Slide Castle" Grammy and Pop gave him.It was a BIG hit!
Two proud parents!
He was out in just minutes after taking his bottle.He had a LONG, but WONDERFUL birthday!
It looks like Christmas!On a sidenote: We've decided to start the toy rotation with Eli. He got to keep 3 toys out, but the rest of them went to the top shelf of his closet. We'll get those out over the next several months. We want him to learn to enjoy and play with all his toys. Hopefully, this will help!
Woo Hoo! I LOVE my slide!
The birthday boy with his birthday balloons