one month...already

It hardly seems possible that Eli has already been the light of our lives for one entire month! My, oh my, how quickly time goes by. While life at the Freeman house is certainly entirely different, Andy and I have embraced those changes with love, laughter (who knew changing diapers could be so funny), and most definitely with pure joy. Our sweet little boy has not only captured our hearts, but also the hearts of those that love us so very much! In just one short month, Andy and I have loved harder than we ever have, worried more, slept less, and delighted in each day that God has blessed us with our healthy baby boy.

Happy Birthday, Eli! We love you to the moon and back!

...growing...growing...growing...
10 pounds, 10 ounces
22 inches long

eli's first christmas

After much thought and careful consideration, Andy and I decided to travel home to our snowy West Virginia for Baby Eli's first Christmas! We are so glad that we did and loved, loved the time that we were able to spend with both of our families! What a wonderful first Christmas that our Eli had, even though many of his Christmas hours were spent sleeping "in heavenly peace". While no visit is ever long enough, Andy and I feel so blessed to have been able to spend time with those that we love this Christmas season and can hardly believe that it is over so quickly. Our holidays sparkled much brighter this year because of our most precious gift! We hope that you and your family had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

...Driving home to snowy West Virginia...

...was a breeze for our snow bear. What a wonderful, wonderful traveler he was!
He slept the entire way...

...Baby Eli received so many wonderful gifts (including his very own doctor scrubs), but was quite content to sleep in his car seat...

...fun with new toys from Santa...

...so many outfit changes to fit in all of Eli's Christmas duds...

...Santa didn't forget our little Carmen...

...while we forgot to install the sun shades, Daddy rigged up the perfect block for our return trip to Louisville...

so alert

What a difference two weeks can make! After each of his meals, Eli has grown increasingly more and more alert. It is so much fun to watch him as he looks around his home, into our eyes, and as he focuses on nearby objects! We could just sit and stare at him all day!

trying something new

Our family was so very blessed to have received such wonderful baby shower gifts from our wonderful family and friends! During the last two days at home, Eli and I have put some of those very gifts to the test! So far, it appears that he truly loves his swing from Ms. LeeAnn, Ms. Jessica, and Ms. Kayla, his vibrating bouncer seat from my great friend, Jamie, and his play mat for those short "awake" times from Ms. Dena! It's so neat and precious to watch him experiment and react to each new thing! We are so in love with our little boy!

a first doctor's visit

On Monday, we took our week old Eli to his first pediatricians visit. After only one week, he regained his weight (minus half an ounce) lost in the hospital and even grew a bit longer! Our sweet boy is already growing, growing, growing! Just in one short week, he has already changed so much. We are so in love with our little baby and can't wait to watch him continue to grow!

Bundled up and ready for the short drive to the pediatricians office. Thanks so much Rochelle for the cute hat!

snuggle time with daddy

Both Eli and Andy love, love their many snuggle moments of each day and I have to say that it simply melts my heart to see my special boys loving their snuggly time together.

a very sweet visit

Following the arrival of our little Eli, Uncle Kent and Auntie Danielle were quickly on their way to Louisville to meet their cute nephew! What a wonderful first few days at home we had with our little boy because of my brother, his wife, and my mother. While Auntie Danielle easily helped to care for Eli, Kent took over the kitchen and helped mom prepare so many delicious meals! They even surprised Andy and I with a very first birthday party for Eli! Many, many thanks to Danielle's mother and father and Baby Alexis for sending such sweet gifts for Eli!
We are so, so very blessed to have Uncle Kent and Auntie Danielle in Eli's life! He is sure to be very spoiled by the both of them and will no doubt enjoy the time he gets to spend with them. While we only wish that we lived closer to see this special twosome each day, we are so very thankful for the cherished time that we do get to spend together. Nonetheless, for the time being, we look forward to lots and lots of skyping!

it's sponge bath time

Andy and I decided to tackle Baby Eli's first sponge bath a few evenings ago. Prepared and ready with every imaginable bath item, Andy and I loved sharing this special time together, while gently cleansing our precious boy! While crying just a bit, Eli seemed to enjoy his first sponge bath for this particular night at least. He especially loved getting his hair washed by the warm water! We can't wait to give him a "real bath" and are hopeful that bath time is a favorite time of the evening schedule!

falling in love again & again...

baby eli

With joy in our hearts, we proudly introduce
Eli Beymer Freeman
November 30, 2009
7 pounds 15 ounces
3:34 am

Andy and I are filled with such happiness, overwhelming emotion, excitement, and love as we share our sweet baby Eli with you! What a wonderful and joyous weekend we had as we welcomed our precious boy into the world. We thank all of our wonderful and loving friends and family who have surrounded us with such love during this very special time in our lives! We are so, so very blessed...