What a Difference a Year Makes

Derek and I were just reminiscing that this exact time last year we found out that Eli was on his way. So crazy to think of what all has happened in the past year.  Without sounding too cliche, we are so blessed and cannot imagine our lives any different.  I love my boys, and I love our family of three.  I am so thankful for our family and friends that have helped and supported us along the way.  There is never a dull moment in the Davis household as we learn something new everyday as parents!

 Dropping Derek off at the bike race the morning I found out.  I will always remember how it felt like DAYS as I sat by myself at home waiting for him to finish so I could tell him the news.

 our little peanut.

It was fun to be able to tell my family in person.  I remember taking this gift to Ali to open for Ryder, but she didn't open the gift until the next day .... SERIOUSLY??!?!? I finally had to tell mom to open it for Alison so I could release the secret.  Such a fun memory!  On a side note - look at tiny Ryder She is around 4 months here ...so sweet.

You Tell Me....

Derek's mom recently sent me some of his baby pictures.  It is so great to finally see these to compare.  Everybody has said that Eli looks exactly like Derek from day one; however, after seeing these, I am not so sure.  Of course there are similarities, but I am starting to see a little bit of both of us ... or maybe that is just my wishful thinking because I have heard from everybody that he was 100% Derek - HA, oh well.  (I am still holding out for some blonde hair :)

After seeing these, my best friends said that they think Eli and I look alike as a baby, but he looks like Derek now as an adult -- very interesting and I totally agree.  Regardless, so much fun to compare!

 My baby picture (I think my first birthday), compared to Eli's 4 month picture

Derek's baby pictures - not sure of the age.  I think the older picture below shows some Eli :)

 

 

Daddy Day Care

Eli got the tail end of a stomach bug from daycare.  We just thought he had acid reflux and randomly started spitting up all the time; how was I supposed to know he was throwing up?!?  For the most part he is still a pretty happy baby so it was hard to really tell.  However, we are keeping him home for a few days just to be sure since this is contagious, and I want him to be completely healthy before going back.  I guess it's true - we are boosting his immune system at a young age...

With that being said, I had to go into the office for a meeting, so Derek worked from home and took care of Eli the entire day -- Daddy Day Care at it's finest!!  This was Derek's first full day all to himself with bottles and all.  He did AMAZING!!  They had such a fun day that Eli was so exhausted and went down an hour earlier than normal.  I am bummed that I missed out on all of the fun.

 Books on the porch

Conversations with Dad

 Working on Eli's core strength

 Out for a jog around the block

Wiped out!

Keep Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

It's official - We have a roller!!  He first rolled over about a month ago, and then only a few sporadic times since then.  However, yesterday he made it official.  Every time we put him on tummy time he rolls right on over.  Now we just have to work on back to tummy.  He is almost there, with his back bend and side to side moves, and he loves to scoot around on his back.  I think its only a matter of
time that we will have a mobile baby!

Poppi & Grammi

My Dad and Sal live about an hour away, so when they are not out flying and going on their adventures they try to stop by to see Eli.  At the last visit Dad made it known that he was not feeling the blog love, so I purposely took every picture I could, and now they have their own blog entry :)  But seriously, thanks for coming by.  Its always fun to have visitors!

Lunch at the food trucks

 Thank you Sally for helping with the laundry

 Recently my moms friend, Jill, gave us a book about reading out loud to your children starting when they are newborns.  I am obsessed!  The facts and study is amazing, so we love to read every chance we get.  I found this book, "Away in My Airplane" at Half price book store and thought it was perfect for Poppi to read.  I originally got this for Hudson, so thank you for sharing Hud -- we will get you a new copy, I promise :)

 An exhausting and fun day for all parties.

 

Seriously, this boy was out!!  He fell asleep across my lap and did not move ... I was trapped!

4 Months

I feel like this month Eli has really made some great strides in his development.  He is very interactive and social, loves reading books, grabs and plays with toys, and still loves his cuddle and rock time with mom and dad.

4 Month Stats:
1) 10.6 lbs - almost doubled in weight
2) 23" long
3) 41,5 cm head circumference
4) Wearing 3 month clothes and moved into Size 1 diapers.  We officially packed away all newborn clothes.
5) Has started sucking his thumb and/or his fist.  We only really use the pacifier to calm him down during "witching hour before he goes to bed
6) Started sleeping through the night consistently.  We have dropped the midnight feeding, and he goes down at 8pm.  Typically he will wake up for his first feeding around 4:30-5, and then go back to sleep until we wake him up to get the day ready and on to daycare
7) Rolled over twice from tummy to back, and rolls side to side on his back
8) Is grabbing everything from toys, blankets, hair, you name it
9) Still holds his arms and hands very close to his chest "boxer style".
10) He is starting to play coy and/or flirts with other people.  He will smile really big and then bury his head in your chest, and then peek out with one eye
11) Officially has the George Constanza hair.  He still has darker full hair on the back of his head, but his new hair growing on top is very light...  Good we have a blonde boy on our hands?!?!
12) Strong head raises, and is starting to hold his head up on his own

 4 months old already!

 He looks so peaceful sucking his thumb.

 One tired pup after his second round of vaccines.  Poor sweet baby boy :(

 Starting using his bumbo chair to help his neck/back/head get stronger.

 Reading time!

 Loves grabbing his elephant on the play gym.

  

His boxer stance, or we call it his Tigger stance - "put 'em up, put 'em up"

Happy Birthday PA!

It is always a treat to be in town for Birthdays.  Even though we celebrated a day early, it was still fun to have everybody together.  Wine, music, and concert tickets -- what more could one ask for?!?!  Happy Birthday PA - We love you!!!

Pumpkin Patch

I have never been in town to experience the pumpkin patch across from my family's church.  As soon as it opened, we were there.  I wasn't going to miss it this year with Eli.  In fact we used the great scenery and props for his 4 month picture.  This needs to be an annual event for us now, and we need to find one in Austin.

 Cousins!

 Aslynn and Eli.

 The staging process - it takes a village :)

Jessica's Baby Shower

You all have probably heard be talk about Jill and the Windle's.  Jill and my mom are best friends from high school, and she is always a fabulous hostess for my wedding and baby showers with DeDe. The three of them are inseparable.  Well now Jill's daughter, Jessica, is having a baby boy and it is time to celebrate Baby Hunter. So exciting that Eli will have another little friend to play with!!

Mom and I drove down to Houston for the weekend.  Carol (DeDe's daughter) and Andy were so nice to let Eli and me stay at their new home - BEAUTIFUL!. Eli definitely had fun meeting and playing with his new bff Barrett. And then Jill and Dan hosted a fabulous dinner at their house on Saturday night. It was so much fun hanging out and seeing everybody.  Wish we could do this more often!!

Jessica's Fun Shower!!  Looking forward to meeting Baby Hunter!

Loot for Baby Hunter

 Jessica and Nathan - already naturals!  They will be AMAZING parents.

 I am bummed that this is the only picture I have with just Carol.  AND, we didn't get a picture of just the 3 daughters.  Oh well, I guess we will just have to wait until next time :)

Moms & Daugthers. So fun that we are all starting the next generation with all boys!

 Barrett and Eli.  I have a feeling these two are going to be Colorado besties chasing around ground squirrels

 Andy did great watching 2 boys.  What great practice :)

 Sweet Barrett with his "Jefe".   Yes, Wayne's friend is known as 'the boss" to his grandkids, so naturally Wayne chose "Jefe" (boss in Spanish). You can never get enough of Wayne-o!

Hanging out in Jill's beautiful back yard, enjoying the porch swings and vino.