Formula Bust, Cuties and Fun Stuff...

Dear Elijah,
Hey you! Since you are laying so nicely in your swing listening to classical music, I thought I would take a moment to write to you. Um, lets see, you're still cute! Hahaha... I have not really been sleeping, because you have decided to have a growth spurt and so you want to eat every hour! Sheeeeeeeesh, it's hard to keep up with that. I avoided, and avoided incorporating formula into our lives, but I was becoming an overwhelmed zombie! I was, and am pretty tired, and haven't been getting much sleep. I didn't mind at all feeding you every hour during the day, but it was the nights that were taking their toll on me. So I finally got some formula from the store, and was going to feed you one bottle of formula just at night. I read about it first, before I started deciding on anything, and read that many moms do this. They only use formula at night in order to get some sleep so that they are not worthless during the day. Many mommies seemed to think their was nothing wrong with this, ans said that their babies still breastfed fine during the day. I decided to give it a shot! I got everything ready and had it all set up for that night. But when I heard you fuss for the first time that night to be fed, I couldn't do it yet. I didn't give you the formula that time. I woke myself up and fed you myself. All these thoughts raced through my head like, what if you don't like it, what if it gives you an upset stomach and what if you have some sort of reaction to it. Finally the next round came and I was so tired that I decided to try it. I gave you the bottle, and you made a funny face when you first tasted it, but then went right along drinking it all up! You were fine, but I think I was not. Hahahahaha, something as simple (or so it would seem) as giving you formula made me uptight and weird. I personally didn't feel good about it quite yet, so I haven't done it since. You are back on mommy food, and you and I are good with that for now. You did sleep through the night after the formula though, just to point that out. You slept till 8am, and you usually wake at 5am. So the formula bought us 3 more hours of sleep which mommy really needed. I read that formula takes longer to digest than breast milk does, which is why mommies do that at night. Maybe in a few months I will try again, if you are still eating every one to two hours. We'll see. I've heard from many mommies that you just have to go with your gut, and do what feels right for you. So I will. Who knew incorporating formula would be so emotional? I had no idea.
You and I don't do any mommy and me, or really anything much with other moms in an organized setting. I prefer talking with my friends and family who are mommies. Maybe someday we will, but for now, I'm not very comfortable doing that stuff. You are still so small and very fickle. As most babies are, you change on a weekly basis, and I'm always afraid you are going to have a flip out cry session and I'm going to be in the middle of chaos trying to help. Hahahahaha, I know it's not like that, but in my head I think of the worst case scenario. You are pretty even tempered, and have yet to have a real good cry or fit. You have been more fussy lately, but that is only because you are eating so much. It's so fun to learn you. I know now what makes you fall asleep, when you are fussy tired, or fussy hungry, and how you like to be help and soothed. It's so cool being your mommy and knowing all your secrets ;) Heehee.
We went to Riverside yesterday to see the newlyweds and see pictures and videos of their honeymoon! It was so cool to see all the fun stuff they did together, and how much fun they had! They did so much, and still had time to enjoy the sun, and relax :) We all sat around talking about the wedding and how much fun we had, and hearing funny stories that everyone had of that day. So much fun. Riverside is where your Tia Dolly lives and it's so relaxing to go there and be with everyone. We always lose track of time when we are there ;) Your cousin Gavin who is 8 months old was there and he is sooooooooooooooooooooooo cute and sweet. It was so nice getting to hold him. I love looking around at all the little ones, and how much they are all loved. Uncle Oscar's god-son Andrew was there, and he is three years old. He is so cute and thought you were great! He kept coming over to me and holding your hand saying, "His hands are small, and mine are small too, but big to him," and "he's cute, I like your baby, he's cute." Then he asked me, "Do you have a husband?" yes... "What's his name?" Michael... "How old is the baby?" "almost two months... "what's his name?" Elijah... "His other name?" James... "and his other name?" Holland... "Oh, Elijah James... What's his other name?" Holland... "Oh, Elijah James... what's his other name?" Hahahahahaha, he asked for a while until he could say it all together. Then he asked me... "What did you become pregnant with?" I said, "a boy", and he replied, "My mom became pregnant with me, and when I grow up like you, but a man, I'm going to have a baby too." Heehee, he was so cute and sweet and asked me questions about you for a good 45 minutes and held your hand and rubbed your head and pinched your cheeks all the while. Then he asked to hold you, and I said of course he could if he sat on the couch :) I am always amazed at how gentle these little ones are with you. First your cousin Nicholas, and how sweet and gentle he was with you, and now this little boy. He speaks so well for a three year old, and asks all the right questions so that he can know what you mean when you say something he may not understand. I have a sneaky suspicion it could have to do with him having three very sweet older sisters ;) I also got to talk with my cousin Cathe who is Gavin's mommy and I'm so glad she told me some good mommy stuff. All she did was ask me casually, so has he had any cluster feedings, where it seems like all you are doing is feeding him. I was amazed, because that's exactly what we are going through right now and for the past week. She said hang in there, and her doctor said that this is when most mommies quit breastfeeding because it becomes more difficult, but to push through it, and in time it will even out again. Talk about just what I needed to hear. I could read about it all I want, but when another mom that I know personally confirms it, it makes me feel so much better.
Well, we love you baby boy. Oh and I almost forgot... I thought it was funny. I never push you on anyone, if people want to hold you, they just have to ask, because I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable who doesn't want to hold a baby. I don't want them to feel bad for saying no. Hahaha, some people just don't feel comfortable holding a baby, and I totally get it. So I hold you until someone expresses the want to hold you. :) I always get nervous that someone will feel bad if they are holding you and you start to cry. Hahaha. I always say, "It's not you, he's just hungry." It's true, it has nothing to do with them, you just fuss right now when you need to be changed, are hungry or are tired and trying to fight sleep. But your auntie Erica came and got you, and when you started fussing, she fixed it. Haha, she didn't act nervous or look at me with a look of terror. I still do that!!! Even now when I'm holding someone else's baby and they start to cry, i get a look of terror, and give them back saying, oh my gosh they hate me! Haha... She just stood up and walked with you and talked to you, and calmed you down. I looked at Mike, and said, "Man, Erica's like the baby whisperer." Hahaha, She seems like a natural to me! wink, wink, hint, hint. HAHAHA...
ok, well I'm holding you now, typing with one hand which is hard, so I'm going to end here. love you sweet boy... Oh, you smell so good!

you, me, Cathe and Gavin :)

you hanging with the girlies and Nino

your pool hat!

Little Andrew holding you ;)

Speaking of Making Me Cry...

Dear Elijah,
You are so cute it hurts! I mean it! I told your daddy to take you away from me the other day because you were just too cute and I couldn't stand it! I was going to eat your little cheeks and toes, but daddy saved you! You make me smile and laugh every day! You are so much more awake now, and spend your time making sounds, looking around, and waving your hands and feet around super fast.
Well, yesterday evening your daddy and I went to the movies with your god-parents and Megan to see Thor. I was excited to go since I love your Nina, Nino and Megan, and they are always a blast to be with, but on the other hand I was dragging my feet. I was so anxious to leave you. At least at the wedding you were right there in the same building, and I could go kiss you anytime I wanted, but this was different. We were going to a movie! Somewhere we had to drive to that is rather far once you think about it. I almost didn't leave the house, but your daddy said we should just get ready and bring you to grandma and grandpas, and then see how I would be feeling then. So I did. On the car ride there, your daddy was like, "You're anxious aren't you?" Who me, no... Like... It's cool... I'm fine....... Yeah right! I was like, "yes!" We got to your grandma and grandpa Holland's house and I felt peaceful about leaving you with them since of course they would take such good care of you! They are awesome! The whole issue was that I was going to miss you. So your daddy and I left the house, and while driving away, I started to tear up! I was so embarrassed, and didn't want your daddy to see, but it could not be helped. He looked over and I blurted out... "ok, YES I'm crying!!! What are you, made of stone?!!!" Hahahaha... He replied with a sweet smile, and said... "Aww, I love you so much honey, you are so sweet and I just love you so much... "then I exclaimed, "Why? because I'm crying?! where are the napkins, we always have napkins in here, and of course right now we don't..." I then punched him softly in the arm... To make a point... He was like, "Hey! What was that for." I replied, "for making me leave my baby! I blame you!" hahaha... He followed that up with... "I'm just used to having to leave since I go to work everyday, but I hate being away from you guys..." I then said... "Oh yeah, I forgot you go to work every day and have left him before, but I'm new at this! and it's so sad!" Then he gave me a handkerchief... :/ where it came from, I have no idea... So we got there, I sucked it up, and had a great time with Your Nino Cruz, your Nina Meliss and Megan. The movie was very good and I was glad your daddy and I got to do that. But I have to admit, during the movie I was thinking about your sweet cheeks, your sweet smell, the way you stare at me, and your little hands and feet. I was so excited to get to see you after our fun outing. Right when we got home, I scooped you up into my arms and kissed your face all over! Such a sweet baby boy you are :) Your Auntie Tiff and Uncle Jimmy just got back from a nice weekend away. I believe it was their first weekend away since your cousin Gracie was born. I think? So they probably missed their babies too. Just like me, haha... oh, and Your Uncle Oscar and Auntie Erica get back from their honeymoon tomorrow! Hope they had so much fun :)
Oh my Eli, You are eating so much lately. I feed you almost every hour now, unless you sleep for longer. I was wondering if there was a general schedule you and I should try for, but all that I read said to feed your breastfed baby on demand at your age, and that you know when you are hungry and will let me know. I read about lots of babies that are hungry every hour, and it's totally normal.
Well I love you my love.

Makes me Cry...

Dear Elijah,
My goodness, did I ever thing a smile would bring me to tears... Well that's what you do Elijah. When you smile, or make a sound you've never made before, you make me cry. It's so funny. It's like I don't know how to express my delight in you, so I tear up and laugh. You are the sweetest boy, and I'm always telling you so. You are just a pleasure to live with and I hate being a part from you. I was wondering what mommy and daddy's first night out will be like the first time we leave you to go on a date. I think I would give myself heart burn by eating so fast all the while asking your daddy if he thinks you are doing alright. Hahaha... We already had to leave you for the wedding, but were able to go up and check on you whenever we wanted. Plus, mommy was distracted by all the festivities getting to be a part of the wedding party. So we will see how your daddy and I do when we actually decide to go somewhere without you. Yeeeeeeeeeps! My stomach just dropped when I said it. Hahaha. We go out to dinner, coffee, ice cream, and do all the fun stuff we did before you were born. We just have a little bundle of joy with us now. You are so good when we go out. You just sit there sleeping, or talking to yourself. It's so cute! We have never had to leave a place with a screaming baby yet.
Oh my goodness Elijah, having you has changed me in so many ways. For one, I am way more protective then I ever was or claimed I would be. Haha. But seriously, I have always, all my life been pretty tender hearted towards children and babies. I would always get emotional if I would see parents being mean to their kids or just people treating little one's wrongly in general. Now, since you have come, I have been 100x more emotional, and effected by outside situations. The other day, your daddy, you and I were eating at Coco's and a family sat next to us. They were so loud and fighting the whole time. Actually the parents were yelling at each other as if they were at home in their own place. There was a little boy with them who was about 2 years old just sitting quietly in the booth looking so deflated and sad. He was not making a peep or even moving around like 2 year old's do. He just sat there zoned out and looked so unhappy. I almost cried, and I wanted to walk over, pick him up, hug him and sign some adoption papers. I was ready to ask them if they even wanted their little blessing who they were making miserable. They were saying awful things to each other. Your daddy and I finally had to leave, and inside, I felt like I was abandoning that poor baby sitting with these two parents who only cared about themselves at that moment. I just think about you being in a situation like that and it tears my heart out! I'm so happy you have people around you who love you, and a daddy and mommy who love each other.
Let me tell you, watching Dr. Phil is a whole new ballgame for mommy! Hahaha. Forgive me if you end up having 12 brothers and sisters who look nothing like you. ;) I'm just saying....
I love you very much pumpkin. I love to love you.
Oh, last night I was so tired and you started fussing because you were hungry. Your daddy and I discussed how we would approach last night. I would feed you, and he would change you. Usually we just do whatever, like sometimes he will just pick you up and walk the floor with you, or I will just get up to change you and feed you, and then he will walk around with you to put you to sleep. But last night we decided that he would do the changing and I would do the feeding. Hahaha. Well, I sure did feed you, and when I asked your daddy to change you, he fell back asleep and could not wake up! So I got up and changed you, then walked around with you, and put you back to bed. I was talking baby talk to you and enjoying your company, but then realized that I should be mad at your daddy! Hahaha, so I crawled back into bed all loud... Like, I really needed to make noises and climb around the bed like I did. I was being a stinker and trying to wake up your dad. He woke up, realized what had happened and felt so bad. As I was purposely laying facing away from him, he put him hand me and I shrugged it off. I felt bad for doing it right away! Haha, but I stood my ground and still didn't acknowledge his apology. That didn't last long. I thought about how bad he must have felt, how hard he works, and what a great dad he always is, and turned over and said, "It's ok babe, I understand." Then we got to snuggle. I would have missed out on good snuggling with your daddy if I would have kept that going. You and him are more important to me then making a point that he already got! Hahahaha. In conclusion, you have made mommy less selfish. Marrying your daddy helped make me less selfish, and now you are helping me be less selfish! God is good and has been using the two loves of my life to teach me His message and values. I am so blessed to learn from you guys, and so blessed that God has helped me, and touched my heart so much during these times. Love you!

My little snuggle bug

These are the Times...

Dear Elijah,
It's times like this that make me realize how important family and friends are. We have had the best month ever with you being in our lives! We seriously could not ask for anything more, but the blessing just keep rolling in. You are so fun to watch. You grow more every day, you gain more personality every day, and we are just trying to keep up with your changes. For instance, we all very much enjoy bath time with you now. Before you used to not like it so much, and now you find it soothing, and love being in the water :) You used to only cry when you were hungry or needed to be changed. Now you cry for our attention, and to be held! It's so funny! For example, this morning you were fussing in your bed, and I knew you just ate, and had just been changed... I picked you up to check your diaper, and you instantly fell asleep. INSTANTLY! I hadn't even brought you completely into my chest yet. Once you felt my hands grab you, you knocked out and are still sleeping by the way. That was so funny to me! Your daddy sometimes will just lay his big hand on your chest when you are fussy, and you stop fussing and fall asleep. We find these little habits of your super cute! We try to let you entertain yourself for as long as you can, and you are pretty good at being on your own for bits of time. But when you want to be held, you let us know! Haha... Oh oh oh!!! You made your first sound last week! Your daddy and I were in bed, and you were right there in your sleeper on the side of our bed, and we both heard you start talking to yourself! You made the cutest sound, one that we had never heard before! We both opened our eyes and said... "Did you hear that?"!!! We smiled super big and were talking back to you hoping for another sweet sound from you. Now you are making all kinds of noises, and it's adorable! i love watching your daddy talk baby talk to you. It's so sweet!
This last weekend was your Uncle Oscar and now Auntie Erica's wedding at the Mission Inn in Riverside. It was beautiful. The breath taking scenery around that place was awesome, and the ceremony was so sweet and beautiful. It was so neat to be so close and get to witness another amazing couple saying their vows to each other. Mommy cried... You were there, but didn't come to the ceremony. You did make it to the reception for about 20 minutes though ;) You stayed in one of the rooms there with your grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa Holland got to watch you for the afternoon and evening while mommy and daddy were at the wedding. Mommy was in the wedding, so I couldn't run up to check on you as often as daddy could. Tia Dolly kept teasing me saying, "I gotta go check on the baby, see if he grew an eye lash." Hahaha. Ok, ok, so I am quite attached, and by quite attached I mean, stuck to you like glue! Hahahaha. It was hard being away from you for long periods of time, but this was definitely something mommy wanted to be a part of, and felt honored to be a part of. Plus, you had the best baby sitters. They took such great care of you ;) Wedding are always fun, and nice to watch, but it's different when it's someone you grew up with and are related to. Oscar is like a brother, and we both grew up as the youngests. I knew I would be emotional watching him get married, but had no idea about all the things that would race through my mind! I kept seeing him as a little boy. I was having memories of his smile, his laugh, his funny dancing, and all the fun we used to have as kids. He was always so sweet, and still is. So congratulation' to both of them, and I'm so glad you got pictures with them on their special day so that I can show you someday. You won;t remember a thing about it, but you were there :) You were in the room while your nina did your Tia Dolly's makeup, you were there when mommy got her makeup done, and you were at the reception saying hello to family and friends for a little while. What a special day, and what a great way to remind all of us just how blessed we are to be in each others lives. I love our family and friends Elijah, and am seriously so happy for the new joys that will now take place in Oscar and Erica's lives. I can only hope for more babies now! Hahahahahahahaha.
As I was sitting at the reception listening to the speeches, and just taking it all in, I was thinking about your uncle Michael. He is your Nino and Oscar's brother who is no longer physically with us. I think about him often and wish you could have met him and experienced his beaming smiles, big bear hugs, and warm presents. He has always been a light in my life, and I was so proud of him. We all missed him at his brothers wedding but did not forget his love, and kindness, and the fact that he always stood by his brothers and was very proud of the success in their lives. He was very much a part of this wedding, and was remembered through it all. You're a blessed little guy to have such a loving family ;) I pray that you will grow and experience the love of God and the family that he has giving you. Your mommy and daddy love you more than anything, and so do your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. :)
Well Elijah, I can't wait to see how you change this week! You are so fun, and such a joy. Love you!

Bath time!

Hanging out before Oscar and Erica's wedding!

At the reception :)

You and me this morning.

Fun Little Details

Oh Elijah!
We have officially entered the "fussy baby" stage! I knew you were just waiting to ease us into it. Heehee... Tonight you started to fuss, and you were not hungry, didn't need to be changed, and had just taken a nap. Those are usually the reasons you would fuss before. Easy to fix! But now, who knows! You could have gas, you could be tired, but can't get to sleep on your own, and you may need to be soothed now. So as the expert mom that I am, I googled it! Hahahaha... How to help a fussy baby! It worked like a charm. They gave me 23 ideas on how to sooth a fussy baby when they are not hungry or not needing to be changed. I would like to take this moment to say that "Rachel" on the T.V. show FRIENDS was actually doing a real technique. The one where you hold your baby tight and close to your body and rapidly move back and forth with your hips. It actually worked for you. You liked it, and stopped fussing right away. Then they said to swaddle your baby with the hands across their chest. So I did that, and you seemed to enjoy being wrapped all tight like that. I am liking this game of seeing what works for us, and what you like and don't like. As of right now, you are sleeping peacefully in your little sleeper :) Oh and we also tried all the relieving gas techniques which at least for tonight was not the problem. You usually release your gas just fine. Haha, like father like son! HAHAHAHA Don't tell your daddy I wrote that. Ok, I just thought I would write really quick to record your first night being a little fussy and mommy and daddy figured it out! We are getting pretty good at this parenting thing. Also, I LOVE google... Love you! What a funny end to my first Mother's Day!

Mother's Day!!!

Dear Elijah,
Today was our first mother's day together! It was so fun actually being a mommy on mother's day! I was so happy to get to celebrate motherhood and our relationship as mother and son :) I've celebrated many mother's days, and totally love showing all the mothers and grandmothers in my life lots of love, but today was so extra special because I got to join in on the flip side of that. You and your daddy treated me well today (Like every day really) but I felt super special ;) You guys gave me a sweet card and a super sweet little gift your daddy thought I would love. You gave it to me, daddy placed it on you when I came out into the living room today so it looked like you were giving it to me! Hahaha It was a GUESS gift card so that mommy can get some cute new clothes! Woohoo! Then you guys took me to the Pacific Diner for breakfast where I got my favorite avocado omelet with hot chocolate! Yummmmmmo! Then we went to church, where we introduced you to another sweet baby, Lydia :) It was her mommies first mothers day too! So exciting. Then we had your grandma Darcie, Grandpa Dean, Uncle Jake, and Nina Meliss over for some lunch, dessert and a chick flick! :) I got my first mothers day card hand delivered early this morning from your grandpa Cruz, Patty and the boys. We heard a knock at the door pretty much right when we woke up. That was nice :)
Now you, your daddy and I are relaxing, about to watch a movie and have some good snuggle time! Oh that sounds just like heaven!!! You make my life so sweet Elijah. I love you so much that when I write it I start to tear up! Geeze! You have filled our lives with so much more joy and we love and appreciate you at every moment. Yes, even at 3 o'clock in the morning which is when you woke up last night to wish me a happy mother's day and eat of course. Hahaha. Thank you for the best first mother's day Elijah.

You giving me my gift??? haha

My sweet mother's day gift :)

Us at the Pacific Diner!

Getting some grandma time :)

Me, you, Carolin and Lydia :)

Happy first Mother's Day!

Getting some Nina time :)

Oh! and you got to meet the Johnson's last night! They are our long time friends who live in Washington :)
 

To Work or Not To Work! :)

Dear Elijah,
Ok, so I've decided... You are seriously to darn cute! Can you tone it down a little? Mommy can't focus on anything else because I just want to hold you and look at you all day! Your daddy asked me today if I missed working, and if I wanted to go back to work, would I let him know? He doesn't want me to feel like I have to stay home and would be super supportive if I wanted to go back. All I could say was... "Um, I'm not there yet..." I can't imagine leaving you for that long! I know some women have to do it, and I totally respect that, but since you have a hard working daddy, he has made it so that we will be alright if I want to stay with you and take care of you myself. I know we are blessed with awesome family who would take you in a heart beat, but I'm not ready to part with you yet. Maybe later... Maybe... But they don't know what your cries mean, or your favorite way to be held, or your favorite songs mommy sings to you, or how to relax you, or how to put your diaper on so that it's not to tight but tight enough for it to not leak, ok so it's not rocket science, but I enjoy it to much right now.  Hahahahaha. I know they can learn all that stuff, but it's ok, I got it. Heehee.
Oh, last night your daddy came home and was acting funny. He walked backwards into the bedroom... It's because he was hiding something behind his back. He came out to the living room where you and I were, and sat next to me and handed me a pretty box!!!!!!! Back story... On your due date when your daddy took me to look for my "Elijah ring" we were in a jewelry store looking around, and I spotted a beautiful necklace that I told your daddy reminded me of our honeymoon. It really did, because it kind of looks Hawaiian to me, and it reminded me of the great time we had in Maui :) So I opened the box and there it was! So pretty and I totally love it! He is so sweet ;) I'm glad your daddy is my man, he can be super thoughtful.
We want to bring you to Maui someday, to show you where mommy and daddy spent our first week of being married! Oh hey, mothers day is coming soon! I'm so excited! It's my first mothers day actually being a mommy! Yay! I can;t wait to spend the day with my sweet family; my son and my husband :)
Oh and by the way, you are eating so much more now, and it seems to me like you grow more every day! Well, because you are. haha. You have chubbier fingers and toes, and are easier to hold. Heehee. It's crazy! My newborn baby boy might be shedding some of his tiny newborness! I love you Eli.

Sweetness

Dear Elijah,
Well this morning you decided you did not want to let mommy sleep. I can usually feed you and get a couple hours more of sleep in the mornings, but you were up and wanting my attention! Haha.You are laying right beside me right now as I rub your tiny foot. As long as I'm touching you, you are happy. You had an exciting day today! You got to meet Tia Dolly!!! You liked her because you gave her plenty of cute little smiles. It was nice to sit and visit with her for a while today and talk mommy talk amongst other things ;) Your Tia Dolly had 3 Precious baby boys, one of whom is your Nino Cruz!
Now I'm typing on handed because you are all curled up in my arms. Such a sweet boy! You smell so good. I love just holding you and smelling you. Well you survived the SUPER hot day yesterday. I just had you in a diaper because you were so hot. Thankfully the breeze has been so nice today. Oh and you know how I've mentioned our loud neighbors... Well, they are still loud and talk about not so good things, but the other day I finally got to talk with them for a little bit and they were really sweet to me. Also, they thought you were the cutest baby :) This morning as your daddy was walking out to take the trash cans out to the curb, our neighbor was rolling it out along with theirs! That was very nice, so your daddy thanked her. It's easier to put up with their loudness now just knowing that they have nice sides. Weird, but true ;) We have prayed about it, and for them, and I think it was God's awesomeness that allowed your daddy and I to see another side to them we didn't know :)

there you are surviving a hot day :)

Saying hello to Tia Dolly!

Starbucks says congrats! They are glad you were born too! :)

Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese and a Side of Pre-natal Vitamins

Dear Elijah,

Do you want to see the most unattractive picture of mommy? Well, sure you can, because you are super cute in it.  Daddy took it this morning while he was getting ready for work, and you and mommy were sleeping away in bed. 

Today I had to suction your little nose because when you spit up, it came out your nose a little bit. So sad! You HATE when I have to do that, and I HATE doing it because it makes you cry and make the saddest face with your little lip puckered out and all! But in the end, I know it makes you feel better.  When you were first born, they gave us the little suction thingy for your mouth and throat since you had a lot of drool and needed help getting it out. I couldn’t do it! Your daddy had to do it the whole time in the hospital. Now I can do it, but the first time was so uncomfortable. I was wondering if I was doing it right, and it felt so weird. Just like when the rest of your belly button cord came off, we were so scared to clean it the first time. Hahaha… We have learned so much all together, and it’s been pretty cool!

I am still taking pre-natal vitamins. It’s so hard to remember, and I don’t enjoy swallowing pills. I have always struggled with that. I’ve gotten so much better with it though, so thanks for that Elijah. It’s because of you that I have learned to swallow pills a little better!

Today you and mommy are taking it easy at home. We didn’t take your daddy to work, visit anyone, or run any errands. I wanted to have a down day with my lovely baby boy. It’s been so nice. Today I found out that you love the song “The Farmer in The Dell” Although I don’t know all the words, I made them up, and you loved it! You would cry every time I stopped. Needless to say, mommy sang for a very long time until you drifted off into a nice little nap.

Your daddy's anniversary gift came today, and he loved it :) He had been holding onto a little present for me that he came across the other day and gave it to me today since his present came today! So not only did I get to give your daddy a gift, but I got one of my favorite cartoon movies! I'm not going to say what it is though, because you and others might judge me. Hahaha...Oh, and yesterday you got a sweet surprise in the mail from my aunt Cindy! Your great aunt ;) It was so nice. You are loved little one. I love you baby boy.

From aunt Cindy!

The Dilly to My Dally

Dear Elijah,

This being your mommy thing is pretty awesome. You get cuter every day, and change so much on a day to day basis. I never thought I would get so excited to see a person lift up there head, or make a sound. I also never thought I would jump with joy at the sight of you actually focusing on mommy's face and looking right at me! You are 2 weeks and 3 days old, and every single day has been a blessing. Your daddy and I fight over who gets to hold you, feed you, or push the stroller! Um, I don't put up a huge fight for who gets to change your diaper though. Hahaha, although, oddly enough, I don't mind it :) I think you are cute when you get changed because the faces you make are so funny. Like, "what on earth are you doing to me?" You hardly cry, but when you do it's the cutest thing EVER! You scream at us more than you cry. If you are hungry or just want to be held, you let out a huge scream... Then wait a couple seconds to see if you got our attention, and then do it again. Once you get what you need, you are our little angel. You are a pretty quiet baby. We are just waiting for that to change. Hahaha. I mean, we can't have it this easy for too long Elijah, you are going to spoil mommy and daddy. We took you for a walk by the ocean yesterday, and it was so nice and refreshing for all of us. We went about 2 miles, and then called it quits since you needed to be changed and fed. Your cousin Nicholas and Uncle C.J. came over last night and hung out for a while. We watched the Happiest Millionaire, which is the most awesome movie ever. Oh, and you went to your first wedding this last Saturday. We went to our church to see Destinee Davis get married. It was super beautiful, personal, and sweet :) It reminded your daddy and I of our wedding, and brought back some awesome memories of that day. Oh weddings! They are so fun, especially when you can see that God is at the center of the whole thing. Well, I better get going. I want to hold you, although you are sleeping... I may wait till you wake up. We'll see ;) Love you Elijah. You are the Dilly to my Dally. That is what your daddy used to tell me all the time. It was pretty much the most romantic thing ever! Hahahaha. I had never been told that before. And although your daddy is the Dilly to my Dally, you are too! Now you both are :)

This was just this morning!

My sweet boy

Getting so big!

Tired little guy in daddy's arms :)