11 Months Old

The countdown is on. This is the last "month" to achieve before we celebrate his first birthday. Everyone said the time would fly. I had no idea how right they were. It doesn't seem possible that this time last year we were none the wiser that parenthood was right around the corner. I can still vividly remember frantically packing for Ohio and the nerves I felt before walking into the room where I knew I'd lay eyes on my son. I've kept track of every little accomplishment - rolling over, a tooth, first experiences with food, trips and visits from family and friends. What I know is that what we've experienced over the past 11 months with our son has been beyond what we could have ever imagined.

Pap said it best - Thank God for unanswered prayers. If we would have gotten what we prayed for (to begin with), we wouldn't have Elijah. If we had been chosen the first interview, or things had worked out with the second interview - it wouldn't be HIM. We waited, and waited, FOR HIM because he was who God had planned for us. I'm so thankful for God's perfect plan and His sovereignty in our lives.

In the recent weeks, we've seen this budding personality emerge as he's become more aware of his interactions with us and others. We know how to get him belly laughing; likewise he knows how to make us laugh. He's aware of getting attention - whether that's prompted by his notorious fake cough or physically crawling up to you and laughing in your face. He also knows when he does not have your attention, and most recently, that usually results in him expressing shrieks or squeals (as high-pitched as you can imagine) with the new-found voice he's discovered. He is so proud of himself because as soon as you respond to his noises, he just laughs. It is precious to watch this little life developing into a little person.

Last night I prayed over every inch of him. His mind to be filled with the goodness and knowledge of the Lord. His eyes to look for and see the good in people. His mouth to share the Good News and love of God. His hands to serve and give and reach out to others. His feet to carry the Gospel of Christ - no matter where he goes. His heart to be dedicated to Christ and to love Him with all his might.

So the countdown begins. Yes, there will be a party. There will be cake. There will be presents. Most importantly, there will be a little boy - not so much of a baby anymore - who has blessed our lives more than we could have ever prayed for.

Dancin' Pants

Documenting his 10th Month (I know, I'm ridiculous)

Some Daddy & E time watching Hermie before bedtime.

Two More Teeth

You can't see them in this picture, but he has two more bottom teeth. That makes 8 total - 4 on top and 4 on bottom. His sticker says "When I grow up, I'm going to Liberty."

A Trim Around the Edges

Brody came to play!

Bad boys? Pouting? Maybe now Mommy can finally get some work done!

Elijah's First Haircut...Mommy looks more nervous than E...

Sarah did such a great job working around Elijah's hiccups, bouncing and fidgeting. He actually did really well too!

For those of you thinking, "I can't believe she cut an 8 month old's hair!" ... the bangs were almost in his eyes and he was borderline being confused for a homeless child or girl. We want neither!

7 Months Old!

I am so over these pictures....

Santa...I KNOW HIM!!!

Mall Trip to See Santa for Elijah's First Christmas....

The makeshift candycane backdrop was, in fact, in the middle of the mall...and our family photo shoot is scheduled for this Friday. So stay tuned for pics of the whole family.

Elijah also refused to smile in front of the camera - period. As soon as he was off Santa's lap and not in front of the camera, he was laughing all over the place. Of course.

Years later, we're going to look back at this photo - Baby's First Christmas sweater and all - and think, "How cute..." And then more years later, Elijah's going to pull this photo out and think, "Mom, what were doing to me?!"

But suffice to say it is his first Christmas and his first picture with Santa so yes, it was to be remembered.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

YOUR FIRST SNOW! Saturday, you were napping and I looked outside to see snow flurries. I was so excited! Mommy LOVES the snow!!!

It continued to fall faster and heavier...and before I knew it, the entire yard and back porch were blanketed in white. You slept through the whole thing.

Luckily, it was cold enough the snow stuck around so by the time you woke up, we were able to get a few pictures of you outside 'in' the snow.












You had some quality time with Nana while mommy and daddy headed to Roanoke for some dinner and shopping. What to our wondering eyes would appear, but apparently a photo shoot compliments of Nana while we were gone.










Still curious about the snowmen. They're all over the house.









Like my sweater?













Nana, I think someone's following me.









Are we done yet?

Look what I can do!

I'm a big boy - look what I can do.

I can sit up on my own!













I have the occasional 'spill' but I want nothing to do with being flat.












Look closely and you can see my bottom two teeth!












I have not learned to crawl just yet but I can manage to scoot or roll to wherever I want to be.

(Note from Mom & Dad: Babygates will be installed this weekend and all electric outlets will be covered!)

6 Months Old Today!!!

What a big boy! He loves eating and knows as soon as he goes in his high chair that it's meal time! We're trying all kinds of new foods and we haven't found one he doesn't like - yet!

Baby einstein on Youtube.com!

So close to sitting up by himself.

Your New Trick

You were such a good sleeper...












...and then you decided it would be funny to roll over. You still want to sleep on your stomach...but as soon as we lay you down, you roll over. You laugh at us and smile. You watch your aquarium toys on the side of the crib...









...and then you get frustrated because you can't roll back over to your stomach so you start to cry. For two nights now we've been going back and forth. We put you down, you roll over, we roll you back. And the story continues. 6, 7, 8, 9 times ...














Last night you thought it would be fun to do the same thing at 4 a.m. You stayed awake until 4:45. Little stinker.

You're so proud of yourself for this new accomplishment. Mom and dad...not so much.