Dear Mommy

I received this via email yesterday! :-) Enjoy!

Mrs. Janet gave me a an apple this morning in my mesh feeder. Mom, I just gotta tell you, I LOVE THAT THING!

Not only does it foster my need for independence, but I am really loving the flavor. I can bite on it, suck out the juice; you’ve opened up a whole new world of culinary delights for me and I just want to say, thanks.

I hope you’re having a great day at school.

Love,
Elijah

p.s. Don’t ask Mrs. Janet how I reacted when she took my mesh feeder away to refill it. It wasn’t pretty. I wish I could say I smiled and behaved patiently, but I didn’t. But don’t worry, she still loves me. (A little too much if you ask me…Does she always have to keep hugging and kissing on me?...You may want to talk to her about that)

Happy 8 Months, Elijah!

I can't believe the changes in our lives and in our little boy in just 8 months time. I was looking at pictures last night from the night Elijah was born and when he first came home. What an absolutely amazing thing! He was so tiny, so precious, so perfect! He's still precious and perfect but just not so tiny anymore!

Elijah has developed quite the little personality. He has a new funny little face and laugh when he is being silly. He can show lots of frustration when things don't go his way. For example, mom takes something from him that he really wants...like her phone or the remote. Another example would be when mom or Miss Janet leave the room...he will let you know that he is not happy about that at all!

EJ is definitely mobile. He's not yet crawling on his hands and knees but army crawls. Last night he pulled up from his tummy to his knees on the coffee table in the living room. I was amazed. What an accomplishment it was for him. He had to use all of his strength but he got there. I think his motivation was a cup with a straw in it. Of course I had to let him play with it as his reward!

We are so thankful for all of the blessings in our lives!

Oh what a happy day, Elijah! The day you were born...8 months ago!

The First of Many...

Elijah has officially become a college football fan!

He attended the first of his daddy's games yesterday as the Bishops were hosted by Hampden Sydney (Farmville, VA).

One game down and ???? to go. How many football games do you think this little boy will attend in his lifetime?

Good luck, daddy! Call your very best plays! I wore my touchdown PJ's just for you!EJ and mommy cheering on the Bishops!

Olivia joined us. It was a great trip. Beautiful weather. Beautiful drive.

Welcome to college football in the south! I just couldn't get over this! Hampden Sydney is an all boy private school with tons of fraternities. Seriously...khakis, collared shirts, ties, and coats...at a football game? Oh and let's not forget all of the girls in their cute little sundresses! Not really sure where they all came from!

Really, the entire Hampden Sydney fan base was dressed this way!

Elijah was an absolute gem! We spread out a blanket in the shade and he played and played!

He did decide that he would take a halftime nap. Unfortunately the game wasn't too exciting...

I love you daddy! Great job today!

A new addition to our post game pictures. Emily, Matt, and ELIJAH! What a great addition, huh? He definitely belongs right in his daddy's arms!

Unfortunately, the Bishops did not have their best game ever. It was a rough one... BUT the 2nd half was better and there were some bright spots! It's early and I'm sure things will only improve! I have a feeling that we will be seeing the O coordinator even less this week as we have a tough one next Saturday...

Here are some shots of Elijah from the past 2-3 weeks.

I'm quite certain he started ON the blanket! I think he was after Belle...

I love the mornings with daddy and Belle!

Check out my cool Adidas basketball outfit -- thanks Melinda and Jim!

Not only am a rolling and army crawling (a little), I scoot on my bottom. I marked about where he started!

I love little boys in PJs! Again, Belle was my motiviation for moving!

A happy, happy little boy!

A New Hat?

Wow!

You should see my little boy...he's exploring the world more and more every day!

ROLLING all over the place,

scooting on his bottom!,

getting on his knees and forearms,

lunging forward until he can stretch to get the remote...

it is amazing! I love it! I love him!

IT won't be long!

I really need to get a video camera!

Elijah LOVES going next door!

We are so lucky to have Miss Janet and her family taking care of Elijah! He is sooo happy each afternoon that I pick him up! I love to see her name pop up in my email because it is often followed by entertainment! Recently the entertainment has been funny pictures of EJ...enjoy!

"One Elijah + One Exersaucer + One jar of vegetables = One big need for a baby wipe"

"UH, Miss Janet, the next time you ask Holly to play with me, could you remind her that I am NOT a doll!."

We are giving extra hugs, kisses, and love this week. We are counting our blessings. We are thankful for every moment that we have together. Please take a minute to do the same!

Back to School

I've really missed being a stay-at-home mom this week. I do enjoy my job but I really enjoyed being a full time mom this summer.

My time with Elijah seems so little compared to the week before. The mornings (6:30-7:30) are rushed...get up, get ready, eat, go next door. The afternoons and evenings (4:00-7:00) go by so fast...walk home, read and nap, eat, play a little, bath, bedtime routine, asleep. POOF another day is gone.

I don't mean to sound negative because I know I am blessed in so many ways. Elijah is growing and happy and safe. When I'm at work he is getting wonderful care, attention, and love from our awesome neighbors. I really am lucky because a lot of working moms work more hours and don't have their summers off so I know I shouldn't whine. Matt and I both have jobs (which many do not) and those jobs allow us to live a comfortable life. We really are very blessed.

Elijah is adjusting just fine to a new routine and new environment. It does make me happy to walk into the Nelm's house each afternoon and find my little boy with a smile!

It has been a busy week and the camera hasn't been out at all but I do have a few pictures from about a week and a half ago of Elijah and a playdate he had with his buddies...aren't they cute?

Hunter is a newborn -- maybe 5 weeks in this picture, Elijah is almost 7 months in this picture, Blaine is 3 days younger than Elijah (and is already crawling, pulling up, and nearly walking!), and Noah is 15 months. The mom's ate lunch and chatted while the kiddos played (actually we chased around and tended to the kiddos most of the time but we did get a little eating and chatting in).

See why I'd rather be home all day!Chillin'

I'm thankful for this weekend and have already enjoyed the morning with Elijah. He's down for his first nap so I think I might shut my eyes for a little extra rest this morning as well.