The forgotten months...

When I was first pregnant I didn't do a lot- that included blogging. I hit a phase of absolute exhaustion that I never had with Eli. Looking back there were some important events and cute pictures I never documented.

Most eventful of all was David's graduation from law school. I am so proud of him. Law school was one of the hardest things he's accomplished in his life so far- definitely a trial of endurance, but it was very rewarding and we were both so blessed throughout the process.

David's dad flew all the way from England and my family drove in from Las Vegas and Utah. Mine arrived 20 minutes before the ceremony, because my sister missed her flight in Salt Lake and my dad and brother- who were picking her up in Albuquerque on their way to Tulsa- had to wait for her to get another one. So, after a big drama and driving all night they arrived just in time. I was so happy they could make it. It really made David feel loved to have family sacrifice so much to come to the middle of nowhere Oklahoma.

 

 

I really enjoy seeing my siblings. It always feels like going home when we get together. It's nice to be around people that just "get" you and we laugh a lot and I can tease them to my hearts content. My brother and I are probably the most alike, but my sister, she's the glue in our family. Everyone is drawn to her and you can't help, but like her, even when you're mad at her. (I get so sentimental when I'm pregnant, ha)



 

My dad, on the other hand, didn't only drive halfway across the country to see David graduate, he also towed a trailer with him so we wouldn't have to pay 2,000 dollars for a moving truck. He is seriously a life saver. Some of our greatest blessings and answers to prayers have come directly through him. Every time we talk on the phone or visit he always asks, "Is there anything I can do for you? Is there anything you need?" Maybe it's my practical nature, but nothing says, "I love you" more than that.

 Men loving babies. Ah, it melts my heart.

 

 

One thing we love about New Mexico is green chile. They put it in everything. In August and September they have chile roasting everywhere and it smells divine. David was very excited to buy a giant box of roasted green chile and start what will most definitely become a yearly tradition. He spent hour cutting, bagging and freezing the peppers to last through the winter.

 

Eli is my little reader. He gets so much joy from looking at books. He's outgrown board books and is learning to turn paper pages gently- he's not always successful and some pages are a little worse for wear. His current favorites are Dr. Seuss- especially Fox in Socks and anything with sharks, lions or dinosaurs.

He also loves strollers. Since they don't come in any masculine colors he pushes around his panda in a pink one.

 

Eli wanted so badly to help daddy sand our chairs. He likes to be involved in everything we do. Sometimes he's more trouble than help, but we always try to make him feel included and you can tell he just loves it.

 



My sister visited and Eli just loves her. She's very animated and is constantly smiling and laughing, which he seemed attracted to. I've never seen him be such a little flirt. He followed her everywhere and was constantly seeking her attention. He especially loved to dance with her on our coffee table.

This is where I spent most of my time - the couch. Being on pelvic rest for almost two months was definitely not the highlight of the summer, but a necessary one. Oh, the things parents do for their children. They'll never know until they become parents too.

And lastly, here is our trusty, naked maid-in-training. He comes on duty anytime between 8am and 7pm, daily. I just can't get enough of those chubby little cheek-ies.

 

Eli is developing some potty humor. We've been talking a lot about the toilet trying to get him interested, though we're not going to push potty training until after Baby #2 comes. Now he's obsessed with poo and bottoms. He's always saying, "Mama/dada/panda/shark/Baby #2/lion/etc. pooed." And when he farts he points to his bum and yells, "Poo!" One of the few movies that he'll watch is Mulan. The only time I've ever seen him laugh out loud at the TV is when the match maker's bottom catches on fire. I know I shouldn't reinforce it, but maybe I enjoy potty humor a little too much myself. I'm constantly in stitches from laughing at his poo-antics.