Playroom Dilema

For Eli's first birthday (which is exactly ONE month from now..eek!) we are going to do a playroom for him.  Which means that we have got to get moving! I don't have a theme, or paint colors, or anything except I know what items are going in. Ikea has a ton of good and reasonably priced items (kitchen, tool bench, table & chairs, etc.) so we are going to get those items for the room.

If I knew we were having another boy I would do more of a boy themed room...but I will not know until the end of August/early September.  I'd really like to have it all complete by his birthday, but I guess waiting a few extra weeks so we can appropriately decorate is the smart thing to do.

I have been stalking pinterest and if we have another boy.. I love this "city" theme! But... if we have a girl.. I am not sure what we'll do!

Poor Fella :(

Yesterday Eli was very fussy.  For a non-fussy baby I feel like he was on the edge of a breakdown.  I texted the picture to David to show him, because it is very rare that Eli cries. 

He wasn't running a fever, and had gotten more than enough sleep the night before (even slept in an extra hour  & half!) ..was it tooth #9?  Nope... Welcome stomach bug #1 into the house. Yuck!!  This is actually the first time Eli has been sick- with exception of an ear infection at 5 months - but a "bug" sickness first.  I'm not worried about catching it because I never have.   David should run for the hills and leave us to defend ourselves here, but they've always passed over me. Poor guy took an unheard of 4 hour nap yesterday, and is currently on hour 3 of a nap today. 

We have spent yesterday and today doing a lot of this:

His sweet little head resting on my shoulder.  I am soaking up the extra cuddles, but I do wish it were under better circumstances.  And I wish we could have taken him out to enjoy some 4th of July festivities.  There's always next year!

Activities with family { iPhone

My brother & his family came in town a little before everyone else did and we packed that time with a trip to the zoo, park & set up the baby pool as it has been SO hot here recently!

I love our zoo- we have season passes and have been a few times- you can feed giraffes, farm animals, camels, and birds. Some parts are shaded so even when it's hot it isn't unbearable. Eli likes the giraffes and birds the most. Last time we were there we got him a stuffed giraffe named "draffe" that we take along when we go.

Group picture.. right before my nephew decided to see how grass tasted..then proceeded to puke in the pool.... party over! 

At the park, we put Eli on this tractor and he held on to the bars and was going "mm mm mm" and each time he did he'd throw himself forward and rock it. So funny- we've never taught him that! 

My niece & I! I think she could be mine :)

Family Visit

Last Wednesday Eli and I were at the grocery store preparing to feed 16 people for a few days. I was nervous about taking him and making him sit in the cart for a while as I usually wait till David is home to run long errands and we all go together or he stays with Eli. I really had nothing to worry about- Eli did great.

He was all smiles even after sitting in the cart for an hour & half!

10 weeks & 10 months

I am officially 10 weeks pregnant and I have a 10 month old. Sounds exhausting ;)

I am constantly looking back at life thinking.. "how did I get here?" I have always wanted a husband and to be a mom.. and I have two amazing boys in my life.  

Eli loves to walk with his walker and will stand for a few (very few!) seconds by himself, so I am sure he will be learning to walk soon!  He sleeps from 8:30-8:00, to which I am very thankful!  He eats everything we put in front of him, and keeps me on my toes as far as cleaning goes because if there is a little something on the floor, he will eat that too.  This month he became really good at playing with himself for a little bit.  He will take a baby wipe and "clean"- and he likes to drag items around with him when he crawls, and the plastic rings are his favorite.  Diaper changes have become incredibly difficult as he just loves to go go go!  We got a puppy this month, Emma, and Eli LOVES her! 

Sweet Baby Eli,

I know you're almost a toddler but you will always be my baby.  You are so happy, I never realized how happy babies could be.  I honestly assumed they spent a lot of time fussing- you hardly ever fuss!  I treasure our days together.  You are very observant and I know that will come in handy as you grow up.  You speak with such determination, I cannot wait to understand all of the things you say!  I am sure you have a vivid imagination.  Run with that sweet boy.  I pray for you every day, for your safety, heath, and dedication to the Lord.  I pray your Father & I will lead you the right way and that you will love Jesus.  You are my pride and joy.  I couldn't love you any more! 

xoxo,

Mommy.

Emma's debut

As if one dog, a baby, and a pregnancy isn't enough... 

SAY HELLO TO OUR NEWEST ADDITION, EMMA...

How cute is she?!?  She is a catahoula and is so sweet. She had 8 other brothers & sisters and her Father's owners was a bride/groom of mine last year... He was at the wedding and was the most behaved dog I've ever met!  From what we have read on them, they are protective and assertive, but super sweet and amazing with families and children.  Currently we are being super cautious of her around Eli but the interaction they have had has gone on with no issues.  I think she will be  a great fit to our family!  

Zoo Day!

Oh how I LOVE the zoo!  The Metro Richmond Zoo is really great -- The animals are close and it's never too crowded to do the things you want to do.  My favorite part is feeding the giraffes, and Eli loves that AND going with David into the bird section -- I am not such a fan of the birds (okay, I'm scared of them, so what!)  but Eli & David hop right in -- I love that Eli has no fear - He's very curious in nature and his sensory exploration meter is always on.  Most of the time things end up in the mouth, but what better way to get a good feel for it?!