Sweet to be 7

On December 20th, Eli turned 7. Yes. You read that correctly. 7. Hard to believe how time has passed so quickly and that he is growing up....right before my very eyes.

As we were taking pictures in the backyard on his big day, I got goosebumps. I felt as if I could look into his eyes and see my teenage son. And then I almost cried. He's getting so big and soooo handsome.

Ok, backing up....on the eve of his birthday, he had his school program in which they were instructed to wear their Sunday best. Eli truly enjoys gussying up, and I helped by making a bow tie to match his suspenders (after searching for something and finding nada....just what mama needed, another project....ugh) He did so well in the performance and was excited to have a couple of his aunts in attendance too.

Eli woke up the next morning to our tradition of a decorated doorway and a breakfast treat...Mommy had already been out for DOUGHNUTS. Yes!

Jude was thrilled to be able to celebrate too. Who doesn't love birthday doughnuts?

He opened one (...maybe 2) gifts before heading to school. His main gift, we gave him early after his bike suffered a flat. We knew we had planned to get him a bigger bike for his birthday, so instead of fixing his little one, we went ahead and let him help pick out a new one.

After school, Eli and I had a fun time taking pictures and playing while the little boys napped. He truly enjoys being silly and is full of life. He barely sits still and is always thinking. He will talk your ear off, and most of the time, I love hearing what he has to say and how his mind works. It is fascinating and amazing all at the same time.

That night, Eli picked Hurricanes for dinner. The boy loves him so wings. Mommy and Daddy do too, so we don't argue. Aunt Susanna, Aunt Z, and Uncle Matt B were all in town and joined us for dinner in addition to Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Kristi, and Uncle Steve.

Eli likes hot wings. I mean, he really likes them hot, so we thought it would be fun to challenge him to a taste of the hottest wing sauce they make. We had been warned, and I tried a drop first (we got it on the side as to not ruin his food....), and it was ridiculous. I kinda started to freak out that this was a bad idea, but Eli was all about it and dove right in.

Needless to say, it was too hot. Too hot to taste good. Just ridiculous. But....he tried a drop. Go Eli!

After dinner, the entire crew headed back to our place for presents and cake. 

Overall, it was a super sweet day, and Eli has been showing many signs that he is truly growing up...in every sense of the word. Though it is bittersweet, I also love it. I love seeing him grow up, and I am anxious to see what this next year has in store for us. For Eli. It is going to be great. I am sure of it.

Though we had decided not to do a big birthday party this year. we still made time to celebrate with a couple of his buddies that weekend. Eli invited a few friends skating, and it was perfect. He is getting better on those skates....but no where near as good as he wants to be yet. Jude had an amazing time putting on a pair this year too. He rocked his training skates and pitched a fit (no! yes.) when it was time to go.

Happy birthday to our first-born, incredibly zany, super crazy, wicked smart, spy-loving, ninja-playing, Star Wars watching, mac-and-cheese munching, karate kid, Eli!

There is never a dull day around here thanks to you. You are amazing. Keep growing and changing and becoming exactly who you are meant to be.

God had big plans for you. And He blessed us more than we ever thought possible. Thank you for making us parents. That was the best day of our lives....

...and they keep getting better. We love you, sweet 7 year old. 

Month 10 in Pictures

I hate to miss a monthly post for sweet, baby Jonah. Goodness. I have to sort through this crazy brain of mine and think back to mid-December and remember what was going on in his little world.

The little man is on the go, go, go these days….when he isn't in my arms. Jonah loves to crawl and play and pull up on anything that will support him.  He is ticklish, loves to clap, signs milk, and will sometimes wave. I adore the way he pulls his legs up to his body during diaper changes. His babbling is picking up, but he is quiet most of the time. I think he is taking it all in and is often overwhelmed watching all that is going on around him.

Jonah is a friendly baby, but when it comes down to it, he is quite shy. He continues to be incredibly clingy and gets super anxious around other adults. He will smile and flirt, but as soon as someone comes near, he clings to me and climbs up me; terrified someone may try to take him from my arms. And heaven forbid I try to put him down to play while I leave the room to go start dinner or brush my hair or fold laundry or go potty or take his picture. Man, his cry is pitiful!

Sigh. Trying to cherish how much he loves me and wants to cuddle me, but a little independence (for me!) would be nice. Haha!

Jonah is growing! Finally!! After 5 months of only gaining one pound, total, he gained a pound last month. Yahoo! I guess the little bit of supplementing with formula and even coconut milk helped. 

That and the fact that the boy loves to eat. Knowing he needed to gain weight, I have been letting Jonah eat until he is stuffed. He is so happy feeding himself. He is almost 100% self-fed with finger foods, but I still do a cereal in the morning. He also loves to suck down the pouches on his own. Though this quinoa was a hit, I think meat may be his favorites with fruit and crackers being close runners-up.

He is still tiny, overall. I find it amusing to see this little baby crawling and cruising around. Despite being 10 months old and acting 10 months old, he looks like a 6 month old. He is up to 18 pounds (on a good day) and is finally saying goodbye to size 2 diapers (as soon as we finish this box) and 3-6 month clothes. He wears 6 month, 9 month, and some 6-12 month clothes. 

This month had him teething, though you would barely know it. He cut his fifth tooth a day or so after the 10 month mark. He also had a little tummy bug…though it may have been adjusting to new food and drink. He handled it like a champ.

During one warm, muggy December afternoon, I found these on the back of his head:

CURLS!!

I didn't think he was going to have them, but this makes me think otherwise….

Jonah, you are such a sweet, sweet boy. My little Doodle Bug. As we close in on your first birthday, I am reminded to cherish the days and moments…the good and the trying. I am trying to make the most of each day and remember the little things; the tiny details that make each day with you such a delight.

Hello 2014: Getting Back in the Game

Photo source: https://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=Industries2014

I gave up blogging last month. December is a busy, fun, yet stressful month for most people, and for me it is no different. Most of you know, that on top of normal Christmas busy-ness, we have Eli and Matt's birthday in the same week as Jesus'.

Overall, this year was a rough one for me, for many reasons. And my Christmas joy was very, VERY hard to find. I wanted to find ways to simplify this season, so the blog was an easy thing to let go. We didn't do nearly as many activities as we have in the past. Eli didn't have a BIG birthday party (just a skating outing with a few buddies). And no blogging. I had to make some cuts to keep my sanity. 

I only feel mildly guilty about cutting them at all, but I'm officially over it and ready to move onto 2014. The year of taking care of ME. That may come across sounding rather selfish, but after years of putting the kids needs and health first, it is time to worry about me. I cannot put it off any longer. I will be making a lot of appointments in the coming weeks….for me.  From haircuts to doctors….maybe even a pedicure or facial. It is time to take care of me. If I don't….things may blow up in my face. Cause we all know…"if Momma ain't happy…."

In the meantime, I will see about getting back in the game with the blog. I will attempt to catch up on the big things (and maybe a few small, random things…) from last month and then move forward from there. And if I don't blog about it all, I am OK with that. I have to keep letting go and not stressing about the small stuff. Life goes on. I just have to keep loving on my kids (…and working on my self-control….any Orange Rhino fans out there??)

Hello 2014. Here's hoping it's great.

Giving Thanks

Wasn't it just Halloween yesterday? Oh my goodness. November really flew by and Thanksgiving snuck up on me. I had to hurry up and feel thankful. I appreciated the gentle nudge….push….ok, SHOVE to think about my many blessings and be thankful. I guess that is what it takes these busy, whirlwind days. 

First up, we were thankful for a beautiful, though cold, day. We Turkey Trotted that morning. It was right around 32 degrees at the start. Brrrr. The boys were smiling at the beginning but not at the end. (Note to self: Don't bring the kids to run if the temperatures are below 40. We had 3 whiny, crying, grumpy boys at the end.) But, we did it!

Thankful for the time with family at the lake. Always wonderful to spend time together with so many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lots and lots of cousins. 

Thankful for my precious family. Matt has been my support and my constant cheerleader. And my sweet boys who delighted in their Thanksgiving fun with the cousins. 

Thank you, God. Thank you for this life you have blessed me with. Sometimes I forget how great it is. God is good.