"Just some pics...."

This weekend, Elijah Brooks had the privilege of being the "ring bearer" at his very first wedding.  Jay's cousin got married in Charleston, SC and EB was asked to be a part of the ceremony. Ellison and I were not able to travel that far so we did not get to attend - which I was disappointed about.  But, it was too far of a drive for her to make - and with her eating every 2 hours during the day, it would have made the drive even that much longer. And with her being only 5 weeks old, we just didn't think it was a good idea for her to be around that many people in a public place.  With colds, flu, and RSV going around rampant here, we were afraid to get her out traveling.  So......, she and I stayed home while Jay and EB had a "boys weekend" together. I was so sad not to be able to be with them at the wedding as I would have loved to have seen Jay's family and also EB walk down the aisle for the 1st time.  But, I was thankful at the same time to have had some special "one on one" time with Ellison.  I don't feel that she and I have really had any time just the 2 of us to bond and for me to really get to know her. We have just been in survival mode for the past 5 weeks and just beginning to come out of the fog. It's so different having to take care of 2 children now, and I don't really feel that either of them are getting alot of special "mommy time" right now. I am trying hard to make special time for both of them, but it is tough some days.  It seems that on any given day, one of them is needing me more than the other one. So, while it was hard to be away from Jay and EB, I think it was actually really good for all of us. EB was able to have uninterrupted time with Jay and didn't have to share him with anyone - no little sister to have to share him with! And I was able to focus all of my attention on Ellison and begin to really try to get to know her. It was a sweet weekend for everyone, but I sure was glad to have them home tonight!

Below are some pictures from the wedding (and how does my 3 year old look 12 in these pictures)??  Yes, I cry every time I look at them! He's growing up WAY too fast.  There are also some new pictures of our big girl - 5 weeks old this week - and looking older than that to me. She too is already growing way too fast!  Is time a friend or a foe? Most days, I confess I can't wait for bedtime. However, I look at these pictures and realize that my babies are growing up right before my eyes.

I am trying to savor every moment and take it all in as best I can.  "The days are long, but the years are short".

Thank you GOD for my precious children.

Loves sleeping this way

She is wearing one of my dresses when I was a little girl. It swallows her up right now though!

Okay, very rarely do you see this face from Elijah Brooks so I thought I better post it! This was my attempt at some sweet sibling pictures. I am not sure what happened exactly, but before we even began, both kids were crying - you can't see Ellison's face, but she was doing the same thing!  Photo shoot was canned!

I am pretty sure she was not too happy in this picture!

I could eat her up :)

I know, I know. Tummy sleeping is frowned upon these days. Well, my little girl sleeps 1,000 x's better on her tummy so we let her. I didn't have the courage to try it with Elijah Brooks 3 years ago, but I often wonder if EB would have slept better if we had let him.  Both of my kids had/have acid reflux and are in pain and spit up alot.  I am finding the Ellison is so much more comfortable on her tummy than her back.  Okay, enough justifying why I am not heeding my pediatrician's directions about tummy vrs. back sleeping.  The point of this picture was to show that she sleeps just like her momma does - with that right leg pulled up underneath her!  Just thought it was interesting that she sleeps the same way I do.

The "ring bearer" and cousin Parker

They both look so grown up here!

Melt a momma's heart. When I tried the suit on him, I cried (of course). He said, "Mommy why are you crying? I look just like Daddy now". 

"Waiting in the wings"

I cry EVERY.TIME I look at this picture. What a sweet boy, who was 100% cooperative, 100% obedient, 100% sweet, and 100% adorable. I prayed so hard for him to be brave and have courage walking down the aisle. He called me later on the phone and said, "I did it mommy, and I wasn't even nervous"!  LOVE HIM.

Getting comfy on the dance floor - notice the black dress shoes have come off. Poor thing stubbed his toe pretty badly a few days before the wedding and cracked half of his toenail. I was so worried about him having to wear uncomfortable shoes. Guess he did okay, but definitely kicked them off after the wedding.

This is his new "break dance" move.  He spins around in circles over and over and over again.  Jay said he literally spun on the floor for well over 2 hours without stopping. I am not really sure how the pants held up without getting holes in them.

5 weeks old!  She is so strong!

Getting dressed after her bath

Neither of them look especially happy, although they both were at the time of the picture!

Beautiful Ellison, in her gown, ready for bed