a favorite time

One of my most favorite times of each day is at approximately 6 am when Eli wakes from the night. He is simply so happy and cozy in his crib when you first go into his nursery. He has progressively been sleeping longer and longer each night and we couldn't be more thrilled. While it is quite wonderful for Andy and I to feel rested, I am even more thankful when Eli wakes up fresh and revived. It's during these special morning wake-up sessions, when our little guy sees us for the first time after a night's rest, that we are gifted pretty big smiles. We simply just can't get enough of these most precious morning moments!

naps...take it how you can get it

One aspect of "life with baby" that is a day-to-day puzzle to me is the ever important nap. The Babywise idea of "eat, wake, sleep" comes very easy to Mr. Eli; however, waking early from a nap is a very common happening. Something that works one week will simply not jive the next. So for now, the vibrating bouncer seat on the kitchen island, sent lovingly from my great friend Jamie, is a common place for Eli to take some of his naps. Hey, we will take them how we can get them!

2 months already

Wow! Time certainly has flown by since November! I can hardly believe that February has arrived and our little Eli is already two months old! He is the light of our lives and we just can't seem to get enough of our little boy! Eli continues to grow by leaps and bounds! While at the pediatrician for his 2 month check-up, he weighed 12 pounds and 11 ounces (a bit less than what we and my biceps were predicting). The doctor remarked what a very easy-going baby he appeared to be and we simply have to agree. We are certainly blessed with our little guy and have loved each and every day that God has blessed us with him. We love you, Eli!

Two things about Eli at two months old:

1 - Eli is very alert and loves to look around at his surroundings. He will let you know if he is in a position where he cannot see and is quite happy to be re-situated where he can smile and coo at things around him.

2 - Eli loves lights and fans! He smiles continuously at them no matter the room that we are in! We love, love his precious smile and even more so when those smiles are for Andy and I!

auntie and uncle visit

We always love when Kent and Danielle visit and this past weekend was no exception! What fun it was for all of us to spend time with these special newlyweds! Eli especially loved all of his time with his auntie and uncle. With a trip to Bass Pro Shop for Kent and Andy and a very successful mall trip for Danielle, Eli, and I, our weekend was topped off with a most delicious dinner at Sake Blue and take-home dessert from the Pie Kitchen! Perhaps next visit, Eli can venture to Bass Pro with the boys, for each time Kent said the words "Bass Pro Shop" to our little guy, his face lit up in smiles. Kent is now convinced, rather enthusiastically, that our little Eli will also be a fisherman! Like always, we wish that we lived closer to all of our family and certainly look forward to the many upcoming visits that Spring will hold! We love you guys!

Baby Eli and Auntie Danielle always
enjoy their photo shoots

tummy time

dear morgan...

Dear Morgan,
Roses are red, Violets are blue
Thank you for my striped outfit...
it was so sweet of YOU!

Thank you so very much for my sweet striped outfit! I can't even see myself in my own room because I blend in and match my nursery walls perfectly! You are very sweet to have thought of me when you saw this soft, soft outfit! Auntie Danielle is so lucky to have so many wonderful friends at Mylan. My mama and I hope to get to meet you and so many others soon!

With Love,
Eli

sharing smiles.

praise, Him.

Each and every Sunday, Andy and I try with every inch of our being to time things perfectly in order to attend church service. As Eli begins to sleep better and longer, this is becoming a bit easier with each week! Eli loves looking at the ceiling lights when awake, and listening to the praise music that easily aides in putting him back to sleep. This morning, we enjoyed a wonderful service as a family, praising Him, who has so greatly blessed our family in so many ways.

...dressed and ready for church...

hola, el toro!

Oh, how Andy and I have both missed and craved our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Toro! Since Eli's arrival, we have yet to actually go to a restaurant, but have ordered in when we were hungry for something other than what we could prepare in our own kitchen. Yesterday proved to be the day of bravery! Stacking the cards in Eli's favor, we put him in his car seat after his feeding and excitedly drove towards the smell of chips and salsa! Yum! What a taste of "normal" El Toro was! We loved visiting our favorite Mexican restaurant with our little hombre and can't wait until he can have his very own bowl of salsa! It is sure to be one of his favorites too!

...hanging out on the table, while mama and daddy enjoyed each and every bite...

eli's big step

For the last three weeks, Eli has been taking most of his naps in his crib and sleeping quite well for the most part. Because of this, Andy and I decided that it was time for Eli to make the BIG MOVE to his crib at night. While he knew no different, I continued to click, click, click our video monitor on over and over to take sneak peeks at him sleeping peacefully. I kept reminding myself that while his bassinet was two steps from our bed, his crib was only six. We hope that his move to his crib leads to wonderful and sleep-filled nights for us all!