closing in on retirement

Each day, Andy and I simply can't get over how much Eli has grown in just three short months. Not only has he grown in size, but he has also developed such a wonderful, easy-going, and happy personality. However, because he continues to grow, some of our favorite "baby things" in our home, like the lounger above, will no doubt soon be retired making way for exersaucers and jumperoos. While we are excited to watch his new found happiness with such entertainers, we are sad to say goodbye to his wonderful baby goodies.

"Even though my legs hang off the end, I am still so happy to play on my lounger"

our beautiful boy

splish'n and splash'n in the tub

We just love bath time in our home! Eli discovers the water more and more each bath time and we just love watching him kick, make accidental splashes, and smile all over himself! We certainly hope his love of baths translates into a love of swimming! While we can't wait to get him into his oh-so-cute swim trunks, for now, we will cherish these fun moments in his little blue tub!

Just like his mama, Eli just loves getting his hair washed! What a happy, happy boy we have!

rock & "roll"

During the past week, Eli and I have stepped up his "tummy time," hoping to improve his head control so that exersaucers can be opened, jumperoos can soon be enjoyed, and rice cereal can be eaten from a high chair at four months. While Eli doesn't care for time on his tummy, he is improving and seems to like it better and better each day. He especially enjoys looking and smiling at himself in the mirror while spending this important time on his belly.

While practicing tummy time on Saturday, Eli, much to my surprise rolled from his belly to his back. Thinking that it was a "fluke," we tried again and again he rolled. Needless to say, we repeated this new trick over and over. By the time I was able to get our video camera, his happiness with tummy time had worn out. We were able to catch a few pictures of him in action and hope to get his new moves on video soon!

...So happy mid-roll...

...tuh-duh...Success...

inevitable

...It was only a matter of time...

thanks, caleb

While our little guy doesn't particularly care for "tummy time", he doesn't seem to mind sitting in the BUMBO seat, a borrowed goodie from his much older friend, Caleb! We even get sweet smiles from Eli as it appears that he's saying, "Look at me! I'm not laying down. I'm sitting by myself"! While head control has not quite been perfected, we are certainly practicing, and thanks to Mr. Caleb and this hand-me-down, Eli has a new perspective on life...upright! Thanks, Mr. Caleb for letting us borrow your seat. We will put it to good use!

too short

We always look forward to visits from our family and Friday was no exception! Traveling from snowy West Virginia, my mother visited us this Valentine's Day weekend and got some much needed cuddle time with Eli. We had such a great time hanging around the house, strolling through the mall, buying oh-so-cute Summer baby clothes, and eating Sake Blue sushi! Nonetheless, while our weekend was great, it was too, too short. While mom was supposed to visit until Tuesday, she traveled back early on Sunday to avoid the snow here in Louisville and the expected West Virginia snow storm. We are so thankful she made it home safely, but wish her visit could have been longer! We just can't wait for warmer weather, snowless weekends, and trips to West Virginia! We love you, Noni and can't wait to see you soon!

happy valentine's day

...We send a little love your way...

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