Dear Eli,
You'll have to forgive me. We've all been crazy busy the last few months, but that's no excuse. I should have written you before now... please forgive me...
Ok, moving on. Where to begin? I guess I will remind you that I have gone to back to school for my Specialist's Degree, and this past school year has been tough, but that hasn't changed anything for you and me. Currently, I'm reading a whole slew of articles for a literature review (sounds great, huh?) and you and your daddy have gone off to the trail to take a run. I needed a brain break, and what better thing to do with my time than to write to my favorite boy! So here we are...
Let's start by talking about your birthday. You're ONE! Such a big boy! We had your party on Saturday this year because your actual birthday fell on Easter Sunday. Your Grandma and Grandpa came down from Indiana, of course all of your Georgia family was here, and even a few friends showed up to celebrate. You were so cute! You had on a blue and white plaid shirt and little shorts. You ran around like a crazy man... ok... walked around like a crazy man... and you had so much fun. We had BBQ catered in, mommy made you cupcakes (which were a disaster, and I don't think I'll ever do that again... but hey, they ended up tasting pretty good), and we had an egg hunt. You got lots of great gifts including toys and clothes, and you were such a happy little guy! It was wonderful :)
Towards the end of April, your babysitter up and quit. She got into an argument with your uncle and said some pretty horrible things. She sent me a text message at 8:00 on a Thursday night saying she wouldn't be able to keep you any more, and that was that. She wouldn't return my phone calls or texts and she had her daughter drop your stuff off on the front porch. I think it was probably better that way, though, because she might have been a little crazy. According to your uncle, she said that people used to question her about putting kids in her car and driving them around, but when she just figured that if she got into a wreck, "well... oh well!" Of course that's NOT ok, and after hearing that I was more than willing to find you some place else to go.
I ended up calling a woman that people at my work know, and wouldn't you know it, she had an opening! I took that as a sign from God that you weren't supposed to be with the other lady any more, and you spent the last month with Ms. T. She's awesome! On the last day of school, she sent you and the other kids home with a summertime gift. How cool is that?! And she loves you, which is great :) You're still deciding whether you love her or not, and you usually cry when we drop you off, but Ms. T says you're back to normal in just a minute or two after we leave, so that makes me feel better.
In mid May, you had surgery to have tubes put in your ears. The doctor was pretty impressed that you could walk (yeah! I didn't mention your first steps! Daddy caught them on his camera. I'll post them :) and said he thought you'd be running after the tubes went in. He was right! That morning, I was a nervous wreck. I kept crying because I couldn't stand the thought of anything happening to you. I held you and loved on you, and when it was time, I went back with you as they put you to sleep. It was terrible. Nurses held you down while you looked at me and screamed. They put the mask on you and told me to talk to you to keep you calm. When you were out, I kissed your cheek and left. It was terrible. But the surgery didn't last long at all... I think it was seven minutes from the time I left the OR to the doctor coming out. You came out a few minutes later and I've never been so happy to see my baby boy.
The tubes have been a blessing, that's for sure, but last weekend, when we went to Indiana, one of them got clogged. Of course we didn't know that's what the problem was, we just knew we had a VERY sick baby on our hands. I took your temperature and it was almost 105 degrees. I FLIPPED. We rushed you to the hospital and the doctors told us that you had an inflamed eardrum due to the blockage, and that you would be fine. I've never spend $150 better. Just to know that you were going to be ok was the best news I could have heard.
So now it's summertime! You spend your whole day with us and I'm pretty sure you love it. I have a feeling that when we take you back to Ms. T in August, you might freak out, but you'll get used to it. In the mean time, though, we are having a blast. You talk talk talk talk talk talk talk. Of course, you aren't saying much, but you think you are! Last weekend, you were chattering at your Grandpa, and he asked, "Eli, are you going to be a talker?" and you said "No!" That's your favorite word, by the way. No. Eli, do you want a cracker? No! Eli, do you want a kiss? No! Eli, do you love mommy? No! But you always take the cracker, come running over for a kiss, and snuggle mommy, so I'm pretty sure you don't really know what no means.
Ok, son, I guess I have to go back to work now. We are leaving for vacation soon and I have to get all this work done before we go. I love you to the moon and back!
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Leap Year
Dear Eli,
Today is February 29th, 2012. Leap Day. It only comes once every four years, so I decided this would be the day for you next letter. Honestly, I wanted to write this to you on Valentine's Day, but I knew I would cry, and indeed, I already am. February makes me think about love, and there is no one in the world that I love like I love you. Of course I love your daddy, but that is a different type of love. I love him in a romantic way, like a wife. However, I love you like a mommy, and that, my son, is indescribable.
Many years from today, you will fall in-love. And I'm sure she will be beautiful and smart, and you will think, "This is the first woman to ever love me!"
But you would be wrong.
Remember, Eli, that the first woman that ever loved you was me.
I loved you before I ever met you. I loved you from the moment I knew you would be with us. I loved you while standing there in ratty University of Georgia t-shirt, holding a test with pink lines. I loved you when I first felt you move. I loved you when you were making me throw-up all day, every day. I loved you I first saw your tiny feet on a black and white sonogram picture. I loved you when I heard your first cry, and I cried, too. I loved you when I kissed your tiny face, counted your fingers and toes, and thanked God he brought you to us. I loved you when you woke up every two hours and I thought I'd never sleep again. I loved you when you cut your first teeth and I REALLY thought I'd never sleep again. I loved you when started to crawl and I realized you were growing up. I loved you when you said mama for the first time, and I made you cry on purpose to make you say it again. I loved you when pulled the dogs tail and scared her, causing her to pee all over me. I loved you when I was working on graduate school assignments, and you unplugged the computer. I love you when pulled over the trashcan, spilling its contents in to the kitchen floor. I love when you get a boo boo, my kiss can make it better. I love you when I put toys in your play pen, and you throw them all out... one by one. I love you when you look at those toys, strewn across the floor and say "uh oh!" I love you when I pick you up in the afternoon, and you kick your legs because you're happy to see me. I love that you play with my hair when you’re tired. I love you lay your head on my shoulder and fall asleep at night. I love you when I pray for your life, and ask God to help me make you into a man He can be proud of. I love that you just came down the stairs with your daddy (he was giving you a bath), and when you saw me, you smiled the biggest smile. I love that I just put you down so I could finish your letter, and you’re crying, reaching out for me. And most of all, I love that you need and want me in your life.
And I know there will come a time when you won’t need or want me as much as you do now. And that breaks my heart. But it also makes me happy because I know that will mean that you are growing and maturing in the way a young man should. No matter how old you get, though, I will always see as my little boy, snuggling your momma while wearing your footie pajamas. You are my son, and I love you to moon and back, Eli James.
Love,
Mommy
Today is February 29th, 2012. Leap Day. It only comes once every four years, so I decided this would be the day for you next letter. Honestly, I wanted to write this to you on Valentine's Day, but I knew I would cry, and indeed, I already am. February makes me think about love, and there is no one in the world that I love like I love you. Of course I love your daddy, but that is a different type of love. I love him in a romantic way, like a wife. However, I love you like a mommy, and that, my son, is indescribable.
Many years from today, you will fall in-love. And I'm sure she will be beautiful and smart, and you will think, "This is the first woman to ever love me!"
But you would be wrong.
Remember, Eli, that the first woman that ever loved you was me.
I loved you before I ever met you. I loved you from the moment I knew you would be with us. I loved you while standing there in ratty University of Georgia t-shirt, holding a test with pink lines. I loved you when I first felt you move. I loved you when you were making me throw-up all day, every day. I loved you I first saw your tiny feet on a black and white sonogram picture. I loved you when I heard your first cry, and I cried, too. I loved you when I kissed your tiny face, counted your fingers and toes, and thanked God he brought you to us. I loved you when you woke up every two hours and I thought I'd never sleep again. I loved you when you cut your first teeth and I REALLY thought I'd never sleep again. I loved you when started to crawl and I realized you were growing up. I loved you when you said mama for the first time, and I made you cry on purpose to make you say it again. I loved you when pulled the dogs tail and scared her, causing her to pee all over me. I loved you when I was working on graduate school assignments, and you unplugged the computer. I love you when pulled over the trashcan, spilling its contents in to the kitchen floor. I love when you get a boo boo, my kiss can make it better. I love you when I put toys in your play pen, and you throw them all out... one by one. I love you when you look at those toys, strewn across the floor and say "uh oh!" I love you when I pick you up in the afternoon, and you kick your legs because you're happy to see me. I love that you play with my hair when you’re tired. I love you lay your head on my shoulder and fall asleep at night. I love you when I pray for your life, and ask God to help me make you into a man He can be proud of. I love that you just came down the stairs with your daddy (he was giving you a bath), and when you saw me, you smiled the biggest smile. I love that I just put you down so I could finish your letter, and you’re crying, reaching out for me. And most of all, I love that you need and want me in your life.
And I know there will come a time when you won’t need or want me as much as you do now. And that breaks my heart. But it also makes me happy because I know that will mean that you are growing and maturing in the way a young man should. No matter how old you get, though, I will always see as my little boy, snuggling your momma while wearing your footie pajamas. You are my son, and I love you to moon and back, Eli James.
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Christmas and New Years
Dear Eli,
So we've made it to the end of 2011, and what a year it's been! I mean, when your daddy and I started this year, you weren't with us, but now... well... you consume almost all of our time! And we love it :) In fact, as I write this letter, your daddy is sitting in the floor, trying to get you to eat. What's for dinner, you ask? Peas and Carrots. Your favorite! You've got food all over your face, and your dad is chasing you around saying, "You want a bite-bite?" So cute!
So let's talk about Christmas...
As soon as school was out, we left for Indiana. We got up at 4:00 a.m., and we were on the road by 5:00. We wanted you to sleep most of the way, which you did. Kinda. I ended up sitting in the back seat with you for the majority of the trip so you wouldn't cry. Because, let's face it, dealing with a crying baby for six plus hours isn't ANYONE'S idea of fun.
Once we got there, though, you were happy until it came time for bed. Your Grandma and Grandpa were kind enough to give us their room, but that didn't seem to matter to you. You didn't know where you were, you were starting to get sick, and you screamed. Every. Night.
Even though you were kind of a butt, that didn't stop your daddy's family from showering you with gifts. You got a walker from your Grandma and Grandpa, a puzzle and a puppy that teaches you the ABCs and what not from your Uncle Bob and Aunt Tina, and a Notre Dame jersey from your Aunt Kate. I have to admit, that jersey IS pretty cute. Even if it's not Georgia.
We had originally planned to stay from Saturday to Tuesday, but it was just too much, and we ended up coming home early. I think your Grandma and Grandpa were sad, but they understood. You needed to be in your own bed.
The week went by pretty quickly, even though you were super fussy and getting sick. That didn't stop the days from passing, though, soon it was time for your very first REAL Christmas!
This year, Christmas was on a Sunday, and while you got us up around 4:00 a.m. hacking coughing and crying, you ended up falling back asleep and we didn't get out of bed until 7:00 or so... and then it was time to see what SANTA BROUGHT!
Ok, so I have pictures, but they take forever to put on here, and I don't feel well, so tomorrow, I'll put them up. I promise.
What did Santa bring you, you ask? Ohhhhh, LOTS of things :)
For Christmas, you got...
A ball
(Another) Walker-I guess he didn't consult your Grandparents?!
Some Veggie Tales DVDs
An Activity Table
A Pop-Up Toy
Some Baby Tylenol (Santa knew you were sick!)
A Sippy Cup (You don't like it)
Some Night-Nights
Bath Toys (One of which lights up and squirts water. You don't like that, either. Bad Santa! Scaring the baby!)
And a bunch of other things I can't think of right now.
After we opened presents, we ate some cinnamon rolls, then it was time for church. Normally, we have a slew of old ladies that want to keep you in the nursery, but I guess because it was Christmas, no one volunteered. Well. You talked, squealed, gabbed, and spit your way through the first half of the sermon, and then your Grandmommy took you downstairs. Thank goodness, because you obviously needed to express yourself!
After church, we headed home. We wouldn't have dinner with my side of the family until Monday, so we got to come back, rest, and let you play with your toys. (By the way, we ended up eating at Hardee's for lunch because it was the only place open. If they still have Hardee's when your older, go get a Thickburger. You won't be disappointed!)
Your Grandmommy and Poppa came over later that night to see you (again) and see what Santa brought you. We ate dinner, hung out, and when they left, we went to bed!
The next day, we went over to their house. We ate filet mignons and baked potatoes and it was DELICIOUS! You were pretty crabby, though, because you were full-on sick at that point. We didn't know it yet, but you had an ear infection. Ouch!
You managed to stay pleasant through the presents, though, and you were loaded up again! You got a toy guitar from your Grandmommy and Poppa. He said he's bound to have a guitar player in the bunch! You love it, by the way. It makes all sorts of noise and you go crazy! (By the way, you are currently playing with the removable part of the walker your Grandma and Grandpa got you... and you love that, too! Anything that makes noise and lights up, right?!) You also got a wiener dog toy from your Uncle Andy and Aunt Jessica, a walker from your Uncle Cameron and Aunt Kelly, and some more bath toys and some money for your college savings account from your Grandmommy and Poppa.
So now, here it is, New Year's Eve. In the past, your daddy and I have gone out and partied it up. Not so much since we got married, because we're old and like being a home, but when were younger... you couldn't hold us back!
However, I have to say that watching you play with a pair of socks is MUCH more fulfilling than anything else I've ever done.
You wanna know what the best part of 2011 was, Eli? Every moment since 5:30 p.m. on April 8th. Because that's when you arrived. You've changed me in ways I didn't know were possible, and you've discovered parts of my heart that I never knew existed. I love you to the moon and back, Eli James. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my sweet baby boy!
Love,
Mommy
So we've made it to the end of 2011, and what a year it's been! I mean, when your daddy and I started this year, you weren't with us, but now... well... you consume almost all of our time! And we love it :) In fact, as I write this letter, your daddy is sitting in the floor, trying to get you to eat. What's for dinner, you ask? Peas and Carrots. Your favorite! You've got food all over your face, and your dad is chasing you around saying, "You want a bite-bite?" So cute!
So let's talk about Christmas...
As soon as school was out, we left for Indiana. We got up at 4:00 a.m., and we were on the road by 5:00. We wanted you to sleep most of the way, which you did. Kinda. I ended up sitting in the back seat with you for the majority of the trip so you wouldn't cry. Because, let's face it, dealing with a crying baby for six plus hours isn't ANYONE'S idea of fun.
Once we got there, though, you were happy until it came time for bed. Your Grandma and Grandpa were kind enough to give us their room, but that didn't seem to matter to you. You didn't know where you were, you were starting to get sick, and you screamed. Every. Night.
Even though you were kind of a butt, that didn't stop your daddy's family from showering you with gifts. You got a walker from your Grandma and Grandpa, a puzzle and a puppy that teaches you the ABCs and what not from your Uncle Bob and Aunt Tina, and a Notre Dame jersey from your Aunt Kate. I have to admit, that jersey IS pretty cute. Even if it's not Georgia.
We had originally planned to stay from Saturday to Tuesday, but it was just too much, and we ended up coming home early. I think your Grandma and Grandpa were sad, but they understood. You needed to be in your own bed.
The week went by pretty quickly, even though you were super fussy and getting sick. That didn't stop the days from passing, though, soon it was time for your very first REAL Christmas!
This year, Christmas was on a Sunday, and while you got us up around 4:00 a.m. hacking coughing and crying, you ended up falling back asleep and we didn't get out of bed until 7:00 or so... and then it was time to see what SANTA BROUGHT!
Ok, so I have pictures, but they take forever to put on here, and I don't feel well, so tomorrow, I'll put them up. I promise.
What did Santa bring you, you ask? Ohhhhh, LOTS of things :)
For Christmas, you got...
A ball
(Another) Walker-I guess he didn't consult your Grandparents?!
Some Veggie Tales DVDs
An Activity Table
A Pop-Up Toy
Some Baby Tylenol (Santa knew you were sick!)
A Sippy Cup (You don't like it)
Some Night-Nights
Bath Toys (One of which lights up and squirts water. You don't like that, either. Bad Santa! Scaring the baby!)
And a bunch of other things I can't think of right now.
After we opened presents, we ate some cinnamon rolls, then it was time for church. Normally, we have a slew of old ladies that want to keep you in the nursery, but I guess because it was Christmas, no one volunteered. Well. You talked, squealed, gabbed, and spit your way through the first half of the sermon, and then your Grandmommy took you downstairs. Thank goodness, because you obviously needed to express yourself!
After church, we headed home. We wouldn't have dinner with my side of the family until Monday, so we got to come back, rest, and let you play with your toys. (By the way, we ended up eating at Hardee's for lunch because it was the only place open. If they still have Hardee's when your older, go get a Thickburger. You won't be disappointed!)
Your Grandmommy and Poppa came over later that night to see you (again) and see what Santa brought you. We ate dinner, hung out, and when they left, we went to bed!
The next day, we went over to their house. We ate filet mignons and baked potatoes and it was DELICIOUS! You were pretty crabby, though, because you were full-on sick at that point. We didn't know it yet, but you had an ear infection. Ouch!
You managed to stay pleasant through the presents, though, and you were loaded up again! You got a toy guitar from your Grandmommy and Poppa. He said he's bound to have a guitar player in the bunch! You love it, by the way. It makes all sorts of noise and you go crazy! (By the way, you are currently playing with the removable part of the walker your Grandma and Grandpa got you... and you love that, too! Anything that makes noise and lights up, right?!) You also got a wiener dog toy from your Uncle Andy and Aunt Jessica, a walker from your Uncle Cameron and Aunt Kelly, and some more bath toys and some money for your college savings account from your Grandmommy and Poppa.
So now, here it is, New Year's Eve. In the past, your daddy and I have gone out and partied it up. Not so much since we got married, because we're old and like being a home, but when were younger... you couldn't hold us back!
However, I have to say that watching you play with a pair of socks is MUCH more fulfilling than anything else I've ever done.
You wanna know what the best part of 2011 was, Eli? Every moment since 5:30 p.m. on April 8th. Because that's when you arrived. You've changed me in ways I didn't know were possible, and you've discovered parts of my heart that I never knew existed. I love you to the moon and back, Eli James. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my sweet baby boy!
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
OH MY GOODNESS!!!
Dear Eli,
This letter will be super short, so I'm just going to call it a note... but I wanted to write you and tell you what you did last night! So your daddy had given you a bath, and I could hear you upstairs laughing and giggling with him. When I went up, you guys were playing basketball with your tiny goal, and you were having the BEST time. When you daddy is able, he'll send me the video and I'll post it for you. Anyway, you're playing playing playing, and you would consistently hold the ball with one hand, and hold onto the goal with the other.
THEN.
All of the sudden, you let go with your other hand, and you just stood there. By yourself. And balanced.
You stood unassisted for probably five or six seconds, chewing on that little basketball, not realizing what you were doing. Of course we did, and your daddy had been videoing you, but he wasn't at that exact moment.
We were so proud of you! We started clapping, but you didn't know why, and I'm pretty sure you didn't care.We tried to get you to stand again, but you weren't interested. You looked at me like, "I'm not a monkey, mommy. I don't perform on command!"
You're growing up too fast. Last night was the first time I looked at you and realized you won't be a baby much long. It made my heart both achingly sad and wonderfully happy all at the same time. To know that you are growing and developing--how wonderful! To know that you are becoming more independent and don't need your mommy as much--how sad--yet wonderful! I know... I'm a mixed bag of emotions right now. It's hard to explain. You won't understand until you become a parent... which won't be until you're at least 30 because you can't date until you're 25. Ok. 24.
Ok, I have to go give a mid-term now, but just know that I love you to the moon and back, Eli James :)
Love,
Mommy
This letter will be super short, so I'm just going to call it a note... but I wanted to write you and tell you what you did last night! So your daddy had given you a bath, and I could hear you upstairs laughing and giggling with him. When I went up, you guys were playing basketball with your tiny goal, and you were having the BEST time. When you daddy is able, he'll send me the video and I'll post it for you. Anyway, you're playing playing playing, and you would consistently hold the ball with one hand, and hold onto the goal with the other.
THEN.
All of the sudden, you let go with your other hand, and you just stood there. By yourself. And balanced.
You stood unassisted for probably five or six seconds, chewing on that little basketball, not realizing what you were doing. Of course we did, and your daddy had been videoing you, but he wasn't at that exact moment.
We were so proud of you! We started clapping, but you didn't know why, and I'm pretty sure you didn't care.We tried to get you to stand again, but you weren't interested. You looked at me like, "I'm not a monkey, mommy. I don't perform on command!"
You're growing up too fast. Last night was the first time I looked at you and realized you won't be a baby much long. It made my heart both achingly sad and wonderfully happy all at the same time. To know that you are growing and developing--how wonderful! To know that you are becoming more independent and don't need your mommy as much--how sad--yet wonderful! I know... I'm a mixed bag of emotions right now. It's hard to explain. You won't understand until you become a parent... which won't be until you're at least 30 because you can't date until you're 25. Ok. 24.
Ok, I have to go give a mid-term now, but just know that I love you to the moon and back, Eli James :)
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Your First Thanksgiving and Some Other Stuff
Dear Eli,
Tomorrow you will be 8 months old. Can you believe it? I know I can't. Your daddy and I were talking about that on the way to work this morning. About how, when you were born, we thought you'd be little forever, and how by Christmas, you'd be crawling and getting into everything... but that would be 8 long months from your birthday! Well... those months actually weren't too long, and here we are. And yes, you are crawling everywhere, and yes, you are into everything.
So let's talk about Thanksgiving, shall we? This year, we went to your Grandmommy and Poppa's house. They just finished the addition onto the back, so there was lots of room. You were very excited to eat! You had a bib on that said "Baby's First Thanksgiving," and you were SO cute. However...
We ate kind of late this year. Maybe 5:00 or so? By that time, you were tired, so you ended up sleeping through most of dinner. I held you and you slept on my chest while I ate. It was actually pretty great :) By the end of the meal, you had woken up, and you managed to eat quite a bit of sweet potato souflee (I don't know how to put the fancy accent mark in there, so you'll just have to imagine it) and dressing. Oh, and ham. You LOVE ham.
So we ate, we hung out, you played with your cousins, it was a good time! Eventually, though, you got tired and cranky, and it was time to leave.
It was good. A wonderful Thanksgiving with lots to be thankful for.
Let me tell you this, though-- because your daddy and I had all week off, you did NOT want us to go back to work. That next Monday when I dropped you off, you clung to my sweatshirt and cried. You had never done that before, and my heart broke into a million peices.
You've gotten back into the routine, though, so that's good. However, it's going to get jacked up again after Christmas break. That's ok with me, though, because that means that I get to spend two weeks with you at home! I can't wait :)
Random switching of gears... We took you to your first basketball game last Friday! You had a great time. You crawled all over the floor (not the court, mind you), you watched the game, and you played. It was so cute! Here are a few pictures:
How cute are you?! We went out to eat before the game, and boy was it a mess. You woke up crying in the diner, clonked your head on the table, screamed some more, and stuck your hand in my plate of pancakes before I could get the bottle in your mouth. Awesome. I ended up having to change your clothes... which you did NOT like. It all worked out for the best, though, because you were clean by the time we left, and everyone wanted to hold you.
Ok, I have to go teach a class now, but I wanted to write to you while I had a minute. I love you to the moon and back, Eli James!
Love,
Mommy
Tomorrow you will be 8 months old. Can you believe it? I know I can't. Your daddy and I were talking about that on the way to work this morning. About how, when you were born, we thought you'd be little forever, and how by Christmas, you'd be crawling and getting into everything... but that would be 8 long months from your birthday! Well... those months actually weren't too long, and here we are. And yes, you are crawling everywhere, and yes, you are into everything.
So let's talk about Thanksgiving, shall we? This year, we went to your Grandmommy and Poppa's house. They just finished the addition onto the back, so there was lots of room. You were very excited to eat! You had a bib on that said "Baby's First Thanksgiving," and you were SO cute. However...
We ate kind of late this year. Maybe 5:00 or so? By that time, you were tired, so you ended up sleeping through most of dinner. I held you and you slept on my chest while I ate. It was actually pretty great :) By the end of the meal, you had woken up, and you managed to eat quite a bit of sweet potato souflee (I don't know how to put the fancy accent mark in there, so you'll just have to imagine it) and dressing. Oh, and ham. You LOVE ham.
So we ate, we hung out, you played with your cousins, it was a good time! Eventually, though, you got tired and cranky, and it was time to leave.
It was good. A wonderful Thanksgiving with lots to be thankful for.
Let me tell you this, though-- because your daddy and I had all week off, you did NOT want us to go back to work. That next Monday when I dropped you off, you clung to my sweatshirt and cried. You had never done that before, and my heart broke into a million peices.
You've gotten back into the routine, though, so that's good. However, it's going to get jacked up again after Christmas break. That's ok with me, though, because that means that I get to spend two weeks with you at home! I can't wait :)
Random switching of gears... We took you to your first basketball game last Friday! You had a great time. You crawled all over the floor (not the court, mind you), you watched the game, and you played. It was so cute! Here are a few pictures:
Ok, I have to go teach a class now, but I wanted to write to you while I had a minute. I love you to the moon and back, Eli James!
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Likes and Dislikes
Dear Eli,
Yeah, I just wrote you a letter, but I saw this on another mommy's blog, so I'm stealing it! I think I'll start doing a likes and dislikes list every couple of months... don't you think it would be fun to look back on later? Yeah, me too. Let's get started!
As of November 6, 2011 you LIKE...
Love,
Mommy
Yeah, I just wrote you a letter, but I saw this on another mommy's blog, so I'm stealing it! I think I'll start doing a likes and dislikes list every couple of months... don't you think it would be fun to look back on later? Yeah, me too. Let's get started!
As of November 6, 2011 you LIKE...
- Getting kisses from mommy and daddy
- Giving kisses to mommy and daddy
- Anything off of our dinner plates
- Apple Sauce
- Walking in your walker
- Crawling EVERYWHERE
- Going outside
- Veggie Tales!
- Your bottle
- Napping in someone's arms
- Playing in the bath
- Playing at all
- Snuggling in mommy and daddy's bed
- Playing on the computer
- Watching TV... yeah yeah yeah, I'm a bad mom
- Taking a walk in your stroller
- Playing with Roxie
- Potatoes, lemons, pineapple... not necessarily together, of course
- Power cords. You LOVE them, actually.
- Reading books
- Playing in the dishwasher
- Trying to pull over the trashcan
- Running in your walker at ramming speed
- And a thousand more things I can't think of right now, but when I do, I'll add them, I promise!
- Getting your hair washed
- Having your diaper changed
- Changing clothes
- Getting in your carseat when you don't want to go for a ride
- Being told "No!"
- Sitting still
- Having your face wiped... or hands for that matter
- Not getting your way
- Being put down when you want snuggles
- Waking up in your bed in the middle of the night
- And a couple other things I can't think of right now, but when I do, I'll add them!
Love,
Mommy
So Many Updates!
Dear Eli,
Oh my goodness... so much to tell you! Let's start at the beginning, shall we?
On Oct. 17th, we finally realized why you have been keeping us up all night long, and what all the tears were about. You finally cut your first tooth! Not two days later, the other one started coming through, too, and there you are, the two toothed wonder. With the advent of your teeth, you now think that baby food isn't good enough, and you want whatever is on my plate. Or your daddy's plate. Or your babysitter's plate. Or Grandmommy's plate. Or Poppa's plate. You get the idea.
Moving on, a few days after you cut your teeth, you miraculously started crawling! It was funny and we got some videos, but your daddy has them on his phone, and he's sick in the bed, so those will have to wait. But back to that day...
You had been trying to crawl for some time. You'd rock back and forth on your hand and knees, and then you'd lunge forward and face-plant into the floor. We thought it was hysterical. You... not so much. But we were up in your room, and you finally figured it out. I mean, don't get me wrong, it took you 10 minutes to go 5 feet, but things have changed since then. Now you're a mover and a shaker, and you crawl EVERYWHERE. I put you down in one place, turn my head, and you're gone. (By the way, you're currently cruising around the room in your walker. I looked up from the monitor and you caught my eye and gave me the BIGGEST smile. I LOVE YOU!)
Take, for instance, yesterday. I put you in your crib so you could play while I got a shower. When I got out, I heard you crying, so I went in there, and low and behold, you are STANDING in your crib. I thank God that we lowered your mattress two days before that. If we hadn't, you could have tumbled out. Anyway, I went and got you, and put you in the floor of the bathroom so I could finish getting ready. I've NEVER taken that long to dry my hair. Let's just say that every 30 seconds, I had to stop, grab you, and take something out of your hand to keep you from eating it.
So you're a crawler, which is awesome, and you can stand, which is just plain advanced, and you are cute, which is obvious, so your daddy and I scheduled a photo shoot to take some family pictures. We haven't gotten them back yet, but we took you to Piedmont Park in Atlanta last Sunday. It was absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to see how the pictures turned out. At first, you weren't too interested. We tried to get you to smile, but you weren't having it. We took a picture kissing your cheeks... and you are screaming. Awesome! I put you into the stroller, though, and propped the bottle up where you could eat (you refuse to hold it yourself, you lazy baby), and your daddy and I took some pictures, just the two of us. After you had eaten, you were in a much better mood, and you were just adorable. At one point, we were down on a dock, looking at some ducks on a pond. And of all places that you could have done this, you did it right there. You kicked your BRAND NEW SHOE off into the water. It was the first time you had ever worn then. And we all watched as it floated off into the water. I even think the photographer got a picture of it. But as your daddy pointed it, that won't be the last thing we buy for you that only gets used once before it's lost or destroyed.
This takes us up to Halloween. These are some of the pictures taken from the weekend leading up to the holiday:
We went to a Halloween party, and that's where you wore the skunk costume you borrowed from your cousin Jack. The jammies are also from him. Thanks, Jack, Uncle Andy, and Aunt Jessica!
Then... there was Halloween. Your father swears you'll hate me for your costume, and you'll be embarrassed when you're older. Well son... let's just say I can't wait for you to bring your first girlfriend home, because THIS is what I'll show her:
That's right, Bubba... we dressed you up like a redneck! You had a mullet wig, a sweet flannel shirt with the sleeves cut off, a pair of blue jeans, and a buck-teeth pacifier... that you refused to keep in. Notice that I'm holding it in your mouth in the picture that includes that piece of the costume. Your Grandmommy thought it was funny. She laughed, and laughed, and laughed! Your Poppa, though... I'm not so sure about him. He hates that we call you Bubba in the first place, but that didn't stop him from going trick-or-treating with us, and he carried you up to more than one front door in that AWESOME costume.
And now, here we are, and you're almost 7 months old. I can't believe how fast the time is passing. You're growing up so fast, and I can't stand the thought of you not needing me any more. Right now, you are mommy's baby. You love love love your momma! And I'm eating it up :) In fact, I had to stop mid paragraph here because you had toddled over in your walker, and you were wimpering, holding your arms up for me to get you. So of course I did! Just know, baby boy, that you are the greatest single thing I have ever done with my life, and while it hurts me to watch your move out of the infant stage, I can't wait to see what you become. I love you to the moon and back, Eli James.
Love,
Mommy
Oh my goodness... so much to tell you! Let's start at the beginning, shall we?
On Oct. 17th, we finally realized why you have been keeping us up all night long, and what all the tears were about. You finally cut your first tooth! Not two days later, the other one started coming through, too, and there you are, the two toothed wonder. With the advent of your teeth, you now think that baby food isn't good enough, and you want whatever is on my plate. Or your daddy's plate. Or your babysitter's plate. Or Grandmommy's plate. Or Poppa's plate. You get the idea.
Moving on, a few days after you cut your teeth, you miraculously started crawling! It was funny and we got some videos, but your daddy has them on his phone, and he's sick in the bed, so those will have to wait. But back to that day...
You had been trying to crawl for some time. You'd rock back and forth on your hand and knees, and then you'd lunge forward and face-plant into the floor. We thought it was hysterical. You... not so much. But we were up in your room, and you finally figured it out. I mean, don't get me wrong, it took you 10 minutes to go 5 feet, but things have changed since then. Now you're a mover and a shaker, and you crawl EVERYWHERE. I put you down in one place, turn my head, and you're gone. (By the way, you're currently cruising around the room in your walker. I looked up from the monitor and you caught my eye and gave me the BIGGEST smile. I LOVE YOU!)
Take, for instance, yesterday. I put you in your crib so you could play while I got a shower. When I got out, I heard you crying, so I went in there, and low and behold, you are STANDING in your crib. I thank God that we lowered your mattress two days before that. If we hadn't, you could have tumbled out. Anyway, I went and got you, and put you in the floor of the bathroom so I could finish getting ready. I've NEVER taken that long to dry my hair. Let's just say that every 30 seconds, I had to stop, grab you, and take something out of your hand to keep you from eating it.
So you're a crawler, which is awesome, and you can stand, which is just plain advanced, and you are cute, which is obvious, so your daddy and I scheduled a photo shoot to take some family pictures. We haven't gotten them back yet, but we took you to Piedmont Park in Atlanta last Sunday. It was absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to see how the pictures turned out. At first, you weren't too interested. We tried to get you to smile, but you weren't having it. We took a picture kissing your cheeks... and you are screaming. Awesome! I put you into the stroller, though, and propped the bottle up where you could eat (you refuse to hold it yourself, you lazy baby), and your daddy and I took some pictures, just the two of us. After you had eaten, you were in a much better mood, and you were just adorable. At one point, we were down on a dock, looking at some ducks on a pond. And of all places that you could have done this, you did it right there. You kicked your BRAND NEW SHOE off into the water. It was the first time you had ever worn then. And we all watched as it floated off into the water. I even think the photographer got a picture of it. But as your daddy pointed it, that won't be the last thing we buy for you that only gets used once before it's lost or destroyed.
This takes us up to Halloween. These are some of the pictures taken from the weekend leading up to the holiday:
Do you see your teeth? So stinkin' cute!
We went to a Halloween party, and that's where you wore the skunk costume you borrowed from your cousin Jack. The jammies are also from him. Thanks, Jack, Uncle Andy, and Aunt Jessica!
Then... there was Halloween. Your father swears you'll hate me for your costume, and you'll be embarrassed when you're older. Well son... let's just say I can't wait for you to bring your first girlfriend home, because THIS is what I'll show her:
And now, here we are, and you're almost 7 months old. I can't believe how fast the time is passing. You're growing up so fast, and I can't stand the thought of you not needing me any more. Right now, you are mommy's baby. You love love love your momma! And I'm eating it up :) In fact, I had to stop mid paragraph here because you had toddled over in your walker, and you were wimpering, holding your arms up for me to get you. So of course I did! Just know, baby boy, that you are the greatest single thing I have ever done with my life, and while it hurts me to watch your move out of the infant stage, I can't wait to see what you become. I love you to the moon and back, Eli James.
Love,
Mommy
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