What's New...

...with Fred - He has been enjoying Children's Ministry a lot.  Recently, he attended a Family Ministry Lab in Texas.  He learned a lot, and he is excited to implement some of these things in his ministry.  In April, he is getting together to discuss ministry with some friends, and he will be attending another conference.  Things with him are busy but good.

Last week, Fred took some time off for a staycation, and it was wonderful.  We did absolutely nothing except hang out all together at home.  It was lovely.

...with Erin - I have been LOVING my time at home with Eliana.  Previously, I said that I would go back to work in April and May as a Title I aide in Mooresville.  Well, I really don't get paid a lot for this job, and some other circumstances have happened.  So, we decided that it is best for me to stay at home for now.  I am really excited about this because I was not looking forward to leaving Eliana.  I do love teaching, but I have a new priority now.  If a job opens up in the fall, I am happy to take it because we could use the extra income, and I love using my talents.  However, it is not looking too promising.  We'll see what happens.

...with Eliana - Eliana has found her voice, and it is loud.  She has started talking very loudly lately, and it is really funny.  We love to listen to her stories.

Fred put together her jumperoo, and she is starting to like it more each day.  She even talks to the rooster on occasion (see the video below).  Her feet do not touch the floor at all, but she still moves around in it pretty good.

One day we caught Eliana rolling over from her stomach to her back.  It was totally an accident, but she's starting to get the hang of it.  We keep practicing.  

She likes to sit up a lot.  When I lay her in the Boppy, she tries to sit up like a big girl.  She's so silly.  

Our first date night since having the baby.  It was so nice!  Grandma Smith was in town to watch Eliana.  Eliana slept the whole time.  

Grandma couldn't resist buying Eliana this swimsuit.  She's definitely ready for the warm weather.

Such a cutie!

This was Eliana's first time sitting up in the stroller like a big girl.  She does not like the sun to be in her eyes.  

It was really sunny and windy, but it was nice to get outside for a few minutes.  This girl definitely gets lots of momma love each day.  I can't help it.  

This momma loves her baby.  

I just bought these cute headbands from a shop called Crochet Cuteness.  I think they're pretty cute if you ask me.  

I love it!

Some daddy love.  :)  Eliana is definitely looking at the television like always.  

 

Always an Adventure

This past weekend has been an adventure with little miss Eliana.  Friday was an extremely off day for her.  She was not eating or sleeping well.  I thought it was related to her gas issues as always, but I thought we had just gotten that figured out with my diet and medicine.  Throughout the day, she just seemed to get worse, and she cried more often.  I finally realized something else was wrong.  In addition to not eating or sleeping well, she has been drooling a lot and munching on her fists like crazy.  At about midnight, I realized it had to be teething.  Then, I sent Fred on a wild excursion looking for something topical to relieve her pain.  It helped a little bit.  The next night I decided that it would be a brilliant idea to transition her to her own room/crib.  I again had an awful night of sleep, and she did as well.  The next day she slept a lot because she was so tired.  I think things are starting to get back to normal, but she woke up a few times last night.  I was getting so used to sleeping through the night.  Life with an infant is always an adventure.  The pharmacist told me it was going to get a lot worse before it will get better.  I disagree.  I know that there will be trials and frustrations as we try to decode what is wrong with Eliana, but it's the best adventure that we've ever been a part of.  We signed up for all of it.  We love our baby girl, and we would do anything for her.  We absolutely love being her mom and dad.

Such a sleepy girl!

This shirt says, "Mommy's little sweetie."  She totally is.  I love her!

Please notice her hair.  I think she is working on getting rid of her hair towards the bottom, but it hasn't gone away yet.  So, it just looks a little strange for now.  Poor girl!  I keep telling her to work on growing her hair out.  

This is her new friend, Eddie Elephant.  I just realized that we should probably call her Ellie Elephant instead.

Rainy Day

Today has been nice and relaxing.  We haven't had any plans, and Fred will be back sometime tonight from his trip.  Eliana hasn't taken great naps this afternoon.  Hopefully, she'll be ready for bed at a decent time tonight.

I caught this cute picture during her short 30 minute nap this afternoon.  

3 months

I know that I always start out with this comment, but I still can't believe how big Eliana is getting.  Fred just commented the other day that this stage of her life is so fun.  I think every stage is going to be really fun in a lot of ways and somewhat frustrating in others.  As I type this, Eliana is napping peacefully in her crib.  In December, I never thought this day would come.  Here is what we're up to lately.

1. Eliana is finding her fists and sucking on them.  I'm sure this will eventually lead to thumb sucking.  She won't take a pacifier, so it's all she has left.  

2. Eliana is enjoying bath time a lot.  After she gets clean, she enjoys kicking her feet in the warm water. She proceeds to scream once I take her out of the water.

3. She is starting to sleep a lot more at night, which I have blogged about before.  However, it's a very exciting thing for me.

4. Overall, she cracks us up with her little noises and talking.  She is getting a lot more verbal, and she gets that honestly.  Plus, I try to talk to her and read to her a lot.  

5. She's starting to get really good at holding her head up.  Tummy time is still not her favorite, but it's getting better.  

We are so in love with our baby girl.  Happy 3 months!

It's Been Awhile

I've been slacking with taking pictures and blogging lately.  We've just been up to the same things, so there haven't been a lot of great photo opportunities.  Plus, I've been busy taking care of Fred and the baby lately.  Fred sprained his ankle the other day, and he came home sick another day this week.  Next week, he's leaving for Texas to attend a family ministry lab.  I will also be helping a friend by tutoring for Sylvan on Tuesday and Thursday.  We're starting to get back to our busy selves.

Eliana has been doing well.  She has been consistently sleeping 6-7 hours at a time during the night.  It has been really nice.  On Wednesday, she slept most of the day away.  I think she must be growing again.  I can tell she's growing because her 3 month clothes are starting to get a little snug.  Thank goodness the weather is about to get nicer because her height is the problem in a lot of outfits.  I'm ready to put her in dresses.

We tried the Bumbo today.  As you can see, she has some work to do.  She has a hard time keeping her head up, but it's good practice for her.  I need to start getting better about helping her strengthen her neck muscles even though she hates tummy time.