"The Blanket"

Our dear little church has taken such good care of us since our arrival 1 1/2 years ago.  They have truly been the hands and feet of Christ to us and have loved us so well. They continue to surprise us with the tangible and intangible ways that they love us.  A few days ago there was a knock on my door.  I opened the door and 3 ladies from my church showed up with a rather large gift for Elijah Brooks.  Turns out, these ladies meet every Tuesday evening for a "knitting social".  Their latest project has been to knit a blanket for each Covenant child born into Bethel over the past year. They are currently working on 5 blankets right now for the babies.  Each lady knits a portion of the blanket.  I opened the gift and found the most beautiful blanket for my sweet baby. It is so colorful and he loves it!  It has become his favorite blanket for "tummy time" because he likes to look at the bright colors.  I am so humbled by the way that these ladies expressed love to our son.  We thank the Lord for these ladies...., Mrs. Jenny, Mrs. Kay, and Shirley...., for they have given their valuable time to make a gift of love for our baby. 

"Happy Birthday...., Then and Now".

My birthday last year. I was pregnant and didn't know it yet!! 

My birthday this year!!  Notice the same sweater. I didn't do that on purpose either...., okay so I am lying!  That's just how nerdy I am!  So embarrassing :) 

I turned 31 years old this week...., yikes!  Never thought I would see this number...., not that I am sick or anything, but as a kid, you never think that you are going to get out of middle school...., much less high school, college, marry, and have kids.  But alas, it happened and I turned 31.  I had a wonderful day.  Many phone calls and cards from sweet friends and family, and many smiles from Elijah Brooks.  It was an ordinary day, but I am learning that some of the most extraordinary moments of life are found in the ordinary.  My entire perspective on life has changed since Elijah Brooks came into my life.  I didn't need presents, or a cake, or even phone calls and cards.  Just knowing that he is healthy and happy makes for the perfect day...., and I really mean that!!  I worked at home on my birthday and then Jay took me out for a nice dinner downtown.  We made a deal not to talk about the baby on our "first date" since he was born.  We actually stayed true to our promise!  We had wonderful conversations about each other's lives that we haven't been able to talk about since the baby has been with us.  It was a wonderful night to "check back in" with each other.  It was a low-key day, but a wonderful day of celebrating my life, health, and the new life God has given us...., both in Him, and in our son's new life!   The pictures that I am posting are of my birthday last year and this year...., with one new addition!  

"My Sweet Valentines"

Just hanging out on Valentine's Day with my sweet son. 

Jay was preaching the sermon at church and Elijah Brooks and I walked in the sanctuary right when he was saying, "Amen"!  Oh well, at least we tried. 

Valentine's weekend was very relaxing for us.  This was the first time that I have not wanted to go out.  Honestly, spending a quiet evening at home with my husband and son was the best Valentines present I could have ever received.  

"Milestones"

                   

   

  

Just in the past week, Elijah Brooks has done several new and exciting things!  He has rolled over to his side (and I finally had a charged camera and could take a picture).  He can also finally grab hold of his toys instead of just grasping for them, and he can hold his head much steadier than even last week.  He doesn't seem to mind "tummy time" as much anymore seeing that he can lift his head better.  It's still not his favorite activity, but he can hang with it alittle longer now. Also, he has really shown a keen interest in music since the womb...., go figure!  I decided to put in a Baby Einstein video this week just to see what he would do. I figured because he is only 3 months old, his attention span would not last more than a few minutes...., if that.  Well, much to my surprise, he sat still and focused for the ENTIRE video!  He listened very intently and his little eyes move back and forth a hundred times trying to take it all in.  When a new color or image would appear on the screen, he would squeal in delight! It was amazing to sit there and watch him focusing for that long.  

He is such a happy child...., although, you couldn't tell from the pictures!  He smiles all the time, just not when he is getting his picture taken. He is focusing too much on the actual object to smile.  He seems to be a cautious and serious baby, while at the same time being so funny!  That is the perfect combination of his parents!!  He is cautious until he gains your trust, and once he does, the piercing squeals of delight begin!  I love watching the world through his little eyes.  Motherhood is so joyous! 

"We Made It"!

Elijah Brooks and I finally made it to church!  As I have already written in previous posts, it has been so difficult for us to get to church since it has been FREEZING and EB's unpredictable nap/feeding schedules. Well today, it is about 65 degrees and gorgeous outside. He took a good nap this morning and ate around 10:30..., which meant we might actually be able to make it to church at 11:00.  Since it was so beautiful outside and we live on the church property in one of the mission houses, I thought it would be nice to take the jogging stroller down the field to church.  How cool is it that we can walk to church?? Everything worked out beautifully!  We even arrived on time!  Elijah Brooks did great for about 25 minutes.  Jay was preaching the children's sermon about 11:30, so I was really hoping that he would make it until then.  Jay called all of the children up to the front of the church and of course, Elijah Brooks went too! As I walked with him down the aisle, I could hear whispers coming from all directions saying, "she's taking that baby up there"..., "look at her taking that baby".  Now, I don't know if those were good whispers or whispers of displeasure from some of the elderly.  I choose to believe the former! 

Obviously, he didn't understand anything, but I am a believer that children should be active participants in worship.  Jay and I want to teach our children that they too have an important role in worship..., just like the adults do.  Elijah Brooks did great listening!  He was so attentive and really focused on Jay and the other children.  Oh, and the best part...., while Jay was teaching, Elijah Brooks filled up his diaper...., LOUDLY!   I even started coughing on purpose just to try to mask the sound!!  It didn't work because several of the children turned around and started giggling!   But hey, we made it to church!  

Happy 3 Months Elijah Brooks!

Elijah Brooks turned 3 months old today!  Honestly, the first month was a  blur, but I can vividly remember the last two.  He is changing so quickly and I am trying so hard to capture every change and etch it into my mind and my heart.  Here are some new and fun things that he is beginning to do now: 

1. Only wakes up once in the middle of the night to eat!  Goes right back down like a champ! 

2. Squeals with delight at pretty much everything now. 

3. Tries to grasp at toys.  He can't quite hold onto them, but he is definitely grasping. 

4. Turns his head every direction to see his new world. 

5. Smiles every time we walk in the room now.  I LOVE THIS! 

6. Kicks his little legs ALL the time!  I can already tell he is going to be very active. He never stops!  His favorite place to kick is his changing table.  I fear he is going to kick himself right off pretty soon. 

7. He rolled over onto his side just this morning all by himself.  I reached for my camera and the battery was dead.  Oh well, next time :) 

8. Holds his head steady now. 

9. Laughs out loud! 

10. Is communicating with us. We have little "conversations" now. 

11. Doesn't scream anymore in pain from reflux!!!  He has become a "happy spitter".  I usually get doused at least 10 times a day, but at least he is laughing about it now! 

12. Weighs a whopping 15 lbs. 

13. Loves going for walks now and looking at the sky and the trees.  He used to sleep on his walks. 

14. Loves his bath! 

15. Hates getting out of his bath! 

16. Loves to suck on his fists. 

17. Loves, loves, loves music!  Especially his "Seagulls" CD (that's for you Mom and Elliot)! 

18. Is starting to focus more on books when we read to him. 

19. Loves to see his Bebe, E-daddy, and Aunt Elliot over SKYPE!  He smiles at them through the computer. 

20. Loves his Mommy and his Daddy very much. 

"Too Cute for Words"