Blankie Love

Someone is in love with his blankie...


For some reason more so lately than ever. We usually make sure it is left in the crib, but sometimes we ...or more likely I...


...cave.

Dear Eli...2 Months Old

(Someday I know you will like the Bear Chair!)

Dear Eli,

You are two months old! You have spent most of your life so far snuggled in our arms inside our little house. It has been a very harsh winter so we have stayed home where it is safe and warm. You have had such a hard time with gas pains and fussiness these past two months so we have held you close.

After your two month check up yesterday we found out:
- you weigh 14 lbs and are 24 in. long!
- you are growing as healthy as can be!
- you may do better with a different formula...

So we are in the midst of trying some things to help you feel better. So far it seems to be making a difference so we will continue to hope and pray for the best!

My favorite time with you is in the afternoon while Gage is taking his nap and you and I take one together on the couch. I love snuggling you close and kissing the top of your head. We both rest so much better together than apart.

It is a mystery to us, but something about the floor lamp in the living room really makes you smile! Usually, while I am burping you after a feeding, you look at the lamp, whether the light is on or not, and start smiling and cooing at it. It had the same effect on your big brother too. I wish you could tell us about it.


You are such a beautiful boy! I love gazing at you while you sleep. I also love smiling at you when you are awake, and you are starting to smile back at me! I even heard a little laugh this morning. It brings such joy to my heart to know that you are happy. I can't wait until you feel so much better too!

Our prayer for you , sweet Eli, is that you would grow healthy and strong, and soon grow out of your tummy troubles. We pray that you will enjoy your big brother someday and your differences will make you the best of friends. You are such a good addition to our family, we are so thankful you are here.

I will always be loving you with all my heart,
Mommy

Our Valentines

Okay female readers, don't get too jealous when you read this... My husband had to have topped most husbands out there this Valentine's! And not with expensive flowers, chocolates or jewelry...

First, let me just say, this was my valentine to Craig:

Nothing sappy or sentimental, but humorous, the way he likes it...(and pretty sad compared to what he did for me!)

The boys really didn't know the difference this year and so why do more than you have to, right? (actually that's terrible and I'm feeling guilty that I didn't do something cute for them, but next year I'll make up for it!) Gage got to enjoy an almost heart-shaped pancake and some time with a really big heart balloon at the mall!


And finally, I think the sweetest thing Craig has ever done for me...


He made valentines that I found in various places throughout the day. On the back of each he had written "a love story" from each of the boys to me. They made me cry. Yes, my husband really gets me.

One Day at a Time

We have definitely been earning our "rights" as parents these past few months as we have spent hours and hours holding, comforting and soothing our little Eli. Some days I feel sorry for my fussy little punkin, and some days I feel sorry for me. Yesterday was a feel-sorry-for-myself kind of day, and although Eli received my attention, he didn't receive my sympathy. I spent some time last night crying a little and feeling guilty that I was preferring Gage over Eli right then. "When is Eli going to be as lovable as Gage?" I thought. I hate to even admit that because Moms aren't supposed to think like that!

Later, after Gage was in bed, I put Eli to sleep in my arms. When Craig asked me if I was going to put him down I realized I didn't want to. Even after holding him all day, I didn't want to put him down. Finally I did and as I laid him in his bed I prayed over him. Instead of praying that he would be a happy baby and more content, and I would have patience, etc. etc., I prayed that God would give Eli rest and peace this night, and that I would take things as they come one day at a time.

God must have heard me last night, and after many nights of praying similarly, he decided to answer this prayer. Eli slept long stretches in between feedings and he awoke the happiest baby in the world. What a treat! I know that there will be more fussiness and more sleepless nights to come, but my focus now is just to take it one day at a time.

the view from Here

Enjoying the view...


...from here.

A Gage Update

Look who's walking...And talking... He says: "hi", "wow", "whoa" and "go, go, go"... as well as "mama" and "dada" of course.
He is actually listening and obeying more often when we tell him "no".
He is mimicking so much of what we do, whether it's blowing kisses, making towers with his blocks, or making funny faces.
He loves to "help" Mommy in the kitchen already...or at least check out what she is doing up there!


And he loves loves loves his little brother!

Hallelujah!

Although he likes to fool us sometimes, we can prove that...

Eli

can

sleep

on his own...

Hallelujah!

Gage and ISU Basketball then and now...

Then



Now (1 year later)


Looks like I was wearing the same sweatshirt too! I think it's time I update my ISU wardrobe...

Eli was cheering from a friend's house. He'll get to go next year.