Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Eli is 1 YEAR OLD! (12 month stats)

Seriously, where did the time go??  This saying is so true, "The days are long, but the years are short."  I look at Eli now and see him turning into a little boy.  Looking back at pictures, I totally miss my little 5lb 14 oz baby.  When he was born, he was literally the size of my forearm and was so tiny. I know I will say this at each birthday (#clichemom), but time flies and you quickly forget how little they were.  This has been one fun year, that is for sure!  We are truly blessed with our little love bug and cannot wait to see him develop into the next stage -- but not too fast :)

1) 18-19 lbs
2) Standing up by himself without holding on to anything.  I imagine walking is around the corner.
3) Loves birds and any animals really
4) Plays catch with himself with any ball.  Learning to pass to others
5) Alien baby talk - you can tell he is having a full on conversation with you by his expressions on his face and tone inflections.  And you better respond, or else he will get on you :)
6) He is my water baby
7) New words: Baby, Cracker
8) If you ask him to give you a kiss on the cheek, he will actually head butt you.  His head butt is his sign of affection and makes me laugh every time.  Still working on a single kiss though
9) Has his first girlfriend at Daycare.  I am told that he will corner other kids some of the other kids and take their toys to give to her. I have no idea where he learned this, or how he learned to take toys away from other kids ... something we will have to work on :)  But on the flip side, at least he is sharing - ha!
10) Starting to expand his pallet into more foods that he can chew
11) Loves Chasing Bubbles!
12) First trip to the beach and loved every bit of it
13) Turns in circles while sitting when he gets excited.
14) Loves to clap and gives High fives
15) Still loves to nurse; however, I have dropped it down to only morning and night, and no more pumping for me - WOOHOO!!!!!
16) His hair has strawberry tint
17) Learning to like arts/crafts/coloring
18) Still my music man and will dance/bounce up and down/clap to any music or song that you sing.


Flashback to 5/30/2014 - Eli Michael born at 8:21am, 5lbs 14oz, 18.5" 
Such a sweet tiny face!


To 12 Month Pictures - My Little Boy!


Look at the comparison, and this was at 3 months old (still probably not quite 10 pounds).
 I call this his Sandlot hat.  You know the one that the main kid wears before he learns how to play baseball??  I dont care, I love it - and its the only hat Eli will keep on his head.  Pretty fitting that it's Hudson's Texas Ranger hand me down :)
 Walking all the time with the musical walker


 Watching Aunt Ali worship online when we were sick.

This is our game that my mom started with Ali's kiddos. You ask, "How big is Eli?" and then he raises his arms and you all say "SOOOO Big"

 Loving Soccer just like his daddy!



 My little Gerber baby! Such a sweet face.



Birthday Coupon Book

The staycation to Lakeway was my birthday gift.  However, my husband knows me too well and knew that I needed at least one gift to open.  I am all about cards or anything creative and I got this coupon book from both Eli and D.  My mom started the tradition of coupon books when we were little, and glad the tradition is passed down to the next generation :) 

 I think my favorite thing about the intro page is the way Derek drew himself and Eli.  Makes me laugh every time!
 Coupon 1: Redeem for (1) Dad and Eli Combo hug.  (This will consist of 2 hugs given at the same time, its fast and easy, and it wont cost a dime).
 Coupon #2: Redeem for (1) Pool Date. (Catching some rays ain't no crime, mommy needs the sun sometimes!)
 Coupon #3: Redeem for (1) Daddy Dinner duty! (Sometimes you hungry and sometimes you tired, but never fear because for dinner dad is hired!)
 Coupon #4: Redeem for (1) DDD - Dirty Diaper Duty.  (Eli Stinky??? yes, it's true...hand him to dad to clean that doodoo!)
** Side note - For anybody that knows me and my sensitive Gag reflex, this coupon stays valid all year round :)
 Coupon #5 - Redeem for (1) Dad Bath Duty. (Smelly Baby? Who needs a scrub?!? Off to the bathroom and into the tub.)
 Coupon #6: Redeem for 1 Day of Daddy Daycare.  (Been workin' hard and need a break? Get outta here and go have a drank!)
 Coupon #7 - Redeem for 1 Walk Around the Block.  (Eli's favorite place to talk is chillin' in the stroller while goin for a walk).
Once again - the way Derek draws himself is AMAZING.  We practically have the same hair :)

Leadership Deveiopment

This post is to brag on my husband.  I am so proud of him for completing Austin Stone's Community Church Leadership Development Program.  This started in September and ended in May.  This year long college level theology course met every week and had several written and oral tests throughout the year.  This class aimed to challenge your faith and discipleship and it was not easy by any means. 

I am so proud and honored that my husband put forth the effort to enhance his and our lives through this class.  I watched him grow throughout the year, and love that he is my leader, my rock, and a stronger father and example to Eli because of this. 

Congratulations Derek - we are so very proud of you!



30th & 31st Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

Last year I spent my 30th birthday in the hospital VERY pregnant making sure Eli was perfect - and he was!  However, this year we needed a Re-Do and officially celebrate for both 30 and 31!!  Derek was so amazing and booked us a weekend Stay-cation at the Lakeway Spa & Resort.  This was our first night away from Eli, thanks to my mom.  Eli and mom joined us the second day at the pool.  I love their pool for the simple fact that they have a swim bar/adult pool, and then a kiddie pool on the other.  Best of both worlds! Thank you family for all that you did for this weekend.  I truly appreciate everything and had the best time!


 3 Words .... SWIM UP BAR!!


 Lake view room.  Eli loved watching all of the boats go by.



 So happy that mom and Eli joined for Day 2
 I thought I was the only that enjoyed a King size bed all to myself.  Looks like Eli thought the same thing ...
 Spending my actual birthday with Mom!!  Love you and thank you for a fabulous weekend.

The best cake ever - The wonderful delicious Whole Foods Berry Chantilly Cake.  There is a reason this should only be had once a year.  Thank you MC group for bringing this to dinner.  It was delicious!

  My team at work is obsessed with "Face in the Hole".  I recieved this as my birthday card, and expected nothing less.  Love them  - they are such a great team to work with!

My First Mother's Day

Well, technically second, but it was fun to celebrate with Eli this year.  I loved spending the day with my little family.  Church, brunch, and hanging out by the pool over the weekend.  Just what this mom wanted - a PERFECT weekend! :)


Where the legacy started with my mom and Granny.  Thank you for being the best mom and grandmother a girl could ask for.  I literally am so blessed and lucky to have such strong role models and the best cheerleaders anybody could ask for. Love you!




My pretty flowers!


I love it when he takes pool naps on me.  The most precious moments ever!
The cutest Duo ever.  Love celebrating Mother's day with these 2.  

Loving my PB&J Mothers Day Card!


P&G Mothers Day Brunch

Poppi and Grammi came over for a little Mother's day brunch.  It was a great afternoon just hanging out, good food, champagne, and bubbles!!


 P&G brought an airplan book for Eli.  Unbeknownst to us the airplane was named "Sally".
 Popping bubbles with P&G are the best!



Nap time for all!