Ode to Eli on his birthday!

DISCLAIMER: This email is cheesy and sentimental…if you’re not in to that, just skip it and read this one! It’s a little more useful! I read it back and I know it sounds cheesy, but this is my online web log and I want to remember this day in my life and all the happiness that I feel. So…if you’re not interested in that…enjoy the lighter note at the Welcome Matt.


Today is my sweet little baby boy’s first birthday. I can’t believe how fast this year has flown by. It was an incredible year and the joy and excitement Elijah has brought to our lives has far exceeded my greatest hopes. He is incredible! He has such a sweet and curious spirit about him. Matt and I have been so blessed to be his parents. As I was rushed into the operating room at 6:37 am, one year ago, scared, tired, and very high on all the drugs they were pumping into me –I had no idea how amazing the journey we were beginning was going to be! I had no idea how much love would grow in my heart and in our home. I had no idea how many sleepless nights Matt and I would endure in those first few months. I had no idea how difficult and amazing it would be to learn the art of breastfeeding. I had no idea how many diapers a little 7 lb baby could go through. : ) I had no idea how exciting it would be to see a little baby mimic you sticking out your tongue or clapping your hands. I never thought it would hurt so much to hear a sick baby cry, or feel so good to hear them laugh or say “mama”. I never thought I would be a mom that cried over everything –and let me tell you, I’ve turned into a crier! God has just softened my spirit and allowed me to love and celebrate in a new way –to enjoy every minute!

My best girlfriend always used to tell me how special being a parent was and how you get so overwhelmed with the love for your children. I thought that was sweet, but didn’t really understand it…now I understand and have felt so many of the things she used to tell me about. The love placed in you and your spouse for the sweet little babe is overwhelming. I love being a mama and feel so honored to be Elijah’s mommy! Every day I’m learning more and I’m just trying my hardest to enjoy every second and cherish every moment so that I can remember them all. So I can remember every stage, every giggle, every slobbery baby kiss, every milestone! It’s just amazing! Don’t get me wrong –it’s not like every second has been this glamorous fairy-tale baby story. There are definitely trying times which come with raising any child, I’m sure. Plus going from a couple to a family has been an adjustment. However, we have learned so much about joy and serving one another through it all. That’s why now I feel like I have a more clear understanding of joy. The happiness and contentment I feel surpasses the current circumstance –even though the majority of our realities are absolutely fantastic! They’re hard not to be with a big one year old with us!

So in honor of Elijah’s first birthday, I want to write some of my favorite things about him, to him! I need to write them in his baby book and scrapbook, but for now this blog will suffice.

To Elijah:
• I love that you are so fascinated by lights. You’re not prejudice either–you enjoy lights of all shapes and sizes. The minute you walk (or are carried) into a room, you locate all lights and light switches and point to them until Dad or I get up and amuse you with a light show.
• I love that you give me big open-mouthed kisses.
• I love how cute you look when you clap your hands –one on top of the other instead of both palms together.
• I love how intrigued and entertained you are by books. I can hardly believe that you can look at them for so long by yourself. It’s amazing to me! I bet you will be a lover of reading and a great writer, just like your daddy! Reading to you is one of my favorite things in life.
• I love that you do everything at your own pace and don’t allow us or anybody to rush you!
• I love that you still let Daddy and I cuddle with you early every morning.
• I love that your smile lights up your whole face!
• I love that you sleep through the night now! : )
• I love that you love your Daddy so much.
• I love the curious face that you have. I can tell that you are learning so much all the time!
• I love your little scoot that you do in circles. It’s adorable!
• I love that you are mellow and laid back and just go with the flow!
• I love your passion and excitement for the small pleasures in life –like carrots and sippy cups, bath-time, checking the mail every day, opening the curtains in the morning, turning the tv on and off, and shaking the vitamin bottle. You get so excited that your whole body shakes and my heart fills with smiles.
• I love that you are a people person. You naturally are comfortable and intrigued by other people.
• I love that you smile so much!
• I love you! You are our first child and we will treasure every second that we have with you.

I better stop there. I could go on forever!

It was a fun day today. Elijah’s party is not until Saturday, but we had fun celebrating today too. We gave Elijah his present early this morning –a copy of Goodnight Moon. Matt went to work and Eli and I went shopping for some things for his birthday party and then the two of us had a picnic in the park. It was beautiful weather and Eli was in a great mood all day! When Matt got off of work, we went swimming with our friends and out to dinner. We came home in time to let Elijah partake in his first non-fruit dessert ever. I made him a little Jello cake of his own and topped it with whip cream. He dug right in and made a huge mess –it was great! He’ll have a great time with his real cake on Saturday! Another highlight of Elijah's day was getting to face forward in his car seat. The day ended with a quick bath and the regular bedtime routine, but tonight it included singing him Happy Birthday for about the tenth time today. He had a great day!