Life These Days

I'm sitting here at the table trying to imagine what it's going to be like in a few short months. Not only will we have Eli, who is currently barking at our poor dog hiding out on the couch, but we will also have a newborn to keep us busy. Oh, but I'm so excited for the madness to begin!

Riley is safe on the back of the couch

Eli has been so good (this far), I can only hope Baby #2 takes after him. Eli is pretty independent when it comes to playing and keeping himself occupied, which makes me think it won't be such a hard transition for us when a new baby enters the picture. Hopefully Eli won't get too jealous, and I hope even more that we can make enough "just Eli time" so he won't feel neglected at all. It's the only thing really worrying me. How will Eli handle this change?

You can't see it, but he loved sledding!

Today's church sermon was on the sins of anxiety, fear and worry. Boy, was that just what I needed. I was reminded how important it is to place all my trust in God, weather it be for my family, health, finances, jobs, relationships, or raising my children. Lately, I've read a lot of blogs from parents who have tragically lost young children to various illnesses and diseases. It absolutely breaks my heart. I cannot imagine losing someone so close to me, let alone my child. I have been worrying constantly, thinking what would I do if that was me? Am I strong enough to handle something like that? Am I doing everything right? Am I doing everything in my power to make sure my family is safe? It's then that I know I desperately need to turn to God.

The truth is, it's not up to me. It's all about God and trusting Him in every situation, trusting that His Will be done. He loves us and cares for us more than we could ever understand, providing for us in every situation. All we have to do is trust Him and His plan for our lives and accept His grace. I've found a great sense of calm and peace through prayer and knowing no matter what happens, when everything seems to be out of my control, God is in control. Oh, the freeing feeling of peace from prayer.

Speaking of peace... and quiet. Well, there hasn't been much of it around here as Eli thinks it's his job to fill every bit of silence with his babbling and ranting. But I LOVE it! It's so cute. He's also started "cheesing out" with a big grin, wrinkled nose, and squinty eyes when he gets excited, which is a lot. I love that he's such a happy kid, it makes my heart happy. I think he takes after his daddy.

Adam has been great with Eli. He's been teaching Eli all about play, and since Adam has mastered that skill, he's just the guy for it. Adam pretty much gave up video games when we had Eli. Actually, I've never known him to play all that many video games since we've been together... but I've heard stories that Adam was addicted to them in college. I'm thankful he's turned that addiction to other things, much more meaningful, positive things. We have decided Eli's video gaming will be heavily limited. I can't wait to teach Eli how to play basketball (Adam says that one's up to me ;) and ride 4-wheelers, and Adam is excited for baseball, snowboarding, golf, wakeboarding, football, hockey, volleyball, softball, pool, darts, ping pong, tennis, and so on. I have a feeling my competitive edge could be a problem... but luckily Adam and I balance each other out quite well. Oh, I can't wait! On a side note, if our children want only to (...gulp...) be cheerleaders, play chess, and compete in spelling bees, that's okay, too. As long as they're happy :)

Adam "horsing around" with Eva and Avery

Play. That's a BIG reason I'm so thankful another boy is on the way. That and the fact that they will only be 16 months apart. Some of my best high school memories involve my sister and I playing on the same basketball, volleyball, softball, and track teams. It was a blast! I hope Eli and Baby #2 will be best friends. I know they will fight at times, but I want it to be a "throw a punch, hug it out, and get over it" kind of thing. I get so excited thinking about it, I can't wait to see the interactions between them (and their daddy!). 

Well, Eli just brought me his book and his blanket, so that means it's snuggle and story time. Did I mention how much I love this kid? He's the best!

love him!

Eli update

Well, it's been a long time since I've blogged, so I thought I better post an Eli update!

I have a ONE year old! It's crazy how fast this past year has gone. I can't believe how much our lives have changed, and I sure wouldn't trade it for anything! I love waking up to Eli's babbling every morning and rocking with him before bed. He makes us SO happy, and we laugh a lot because of him. He is learning so quickly, new words, new skills, and new ways of letting us know what he wants. He amazes us every day, and we love him so much!

we celebrated Eli's First Birthday with our families - it was so much fun!

 Some of Eli's favorites include...

favorite food - green beans, peas, carrots, yogurt, peaches, bananas, apricots, corn puffs, noodles, pancakes, fruit granola bars, chicken, ham, and anything we are eating (he's not picky)

favorite "toys" - remote controls, phones (yes, he knows how to turn them on), the dog dishes, magnets on the dish washer, my purse, books, tractors, his mini basketball and hoop, diapers, the toilet paper roll, hangers, shoes

favorite words - mom, dad, bye-bye, ni-night, bottle, puppy, bath, tractor, diaper, woof, duck, dunk, ball

favorite things to do - take a bath, snuggle with his blankets (he can't go anywhere without them), eat, watch Riley and try to catch her, pound on the windows, read books, watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (he loves the opening song and the hot dog song at the end), play with/pester his cousins, watch the dryer, unroll the toilet paper, play in Riley's water dish, go for walks

our favorite things about Eli - his smile (he is ALWAYS smiling), his giggles, the way he lays down anywhere to snuggle with his blankets, how he loves to cuddle, how he repeats us, how he plays independently and reads books to himself, how content he is, how we can go shopping without any trouble, his love for food, how he sleeps through the night and takes two good naps most days, his love for the outdoors, his love for water, his chubby cheeks, the way he gets shy, how he loves to play and giggle and smile with us, we love everything about him!

growth - still in size 5 diapers and size 18 and 24 month clothes, and he currently has 8 teeth

Eli is growing up so fast, and it's bittersweet. I love watching him grow and learn new things, but it makes me sad to see it happening so fast. Pretty soon he will be a big brother, but I'm okay with Eli staying my little baby forever :)