One Year Old

Today you turn one years old and Momma cannot believe it! Each day that you have been in our lives has been one of the greatest blessings from God. Daddy and Mommy cannot imagine our lives without you and we are thankful for the opportunity to parent you. For your special day we went to Chick-fil-a and celebrated with one of your friends even letting you boys play in the play area after you ate lunch. When Daddy got home from work we ate your favorite dinner spaghetti and green beans and then Mommy made you some bananna pudding for dessert. Our little monkey still loves his banannas! We played outside, took a bath, read some stories, put you to bed and prayed over your little life and the years to come.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:

~you are officially a toddler and no longer a baby

~you have been such a good boy playing by yourself often while Momma has been sick with the new baby:(

~you are learning to listen when we tell you not to climb the stairs

~you love playing with other children and look forward to our playdates

Stats from your doctor's appnt:

Weight- 23 lbs. 9 0z.

Length- 30 1/2 inches

Elijah,

Mommy and Daddy cannot believe their first-born son is one years old today! This past year has been filled with many joys, hard days, laughter, tears, new emotions experienced, and great pride. We are so thankful to Jesus for choosing us to be your parents and we are anxious to see how He will continue to allow us to help shape you into the man God created you to be. We desperately desire for you to believe the Gospel and to allow God's love to transform your heart. We are excited to keep living life with you sweet boy and see all the new things you will learn and accomplish this next year. Thank you for loving us and know our love is forever and we are here for you!

Love,

Mommy

Eleven Months

Elijah one month from today you will no longer be considered a baby but you will officially be a toddler. I am not sure Momma is ready for this transition. You are growing so big and strong and we see your personality coming out more and more each day. Daddy and Mommy love watching you learn new things, try different foods, figure out how to make a mess especially in the kitchen, and become more affectionate in your touches. This month was filled with many more firsts but the biggest news is that you are going to be a big brother!!! Mommy is pregnant and due sometime in the fall. We are so excited to see how you will watch over and love your little brother or sister one day soon.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:

~Daddy had to install cabinet locks in the kitchen and bathroom to keep you safe since you are crawling everywhere

~Second flight to MD to visit Papa, Nana, Aunt Amy, G.G. and some of Mommy's friends you did great!

~1st time crawling up the stairs and so the instruction/ discipline begins:)

~Learning to communicate by pointing your finger

~Tooth #9 broke through and I did not even know because you were so brave

Stats from your doctor's appnt:

No doctor's appointment for you until you turn one!

Elijah,

Mommy and Daddy were so excited when they found out that you were going to be a big brother. We know that you will love your little sibling so well and enjoy playing with him/her in the days to come. You are growing up so fast and we cannot believe that you will be one next month! Watching you explore the world around you brings us much joy and we are anxious to keep teaching you new things. This month really started consistent discipline with teaching you not to climb past the landing. We have already seen your strong-willed personality and determination to do your own thing, but we are confident that God will give us the grace to parent you well and guide you through this life. Each day keeps getting better with you in it and we are thankful for your sweet smiles, tender hugs, and many other ways you communicate love to us.

Love,

Mommy



Ten Months

Elijah you just turned ten months old! This month has been filled with many firsts some of them not as fun as others. You cut teeth #'s 7 and 8 back to back and also had your first ear infection. On Christmas morning we found you sitting up in your crib for the first time and it was just a few days later that you learned to pull up and stand. The only problem is you have not figured out how to sit back down:) Next you took your first crawl at a friend's house and have been mobile ever since! When you look in the mirror you will say hi and wave to yourself it is so cute.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones to remember:
~ you still love fruit but will eat almost anything we put in front of you
~ you enjoy nursing and Momma enjoys rocking and cuddling with you even if it is in the middle of the night
~you were a trooper and traveled to Lynchburg so Momma could finish up a grad class intensive
~ celebrating your first Christmas was priceless and we will remember it always
~hearing you constantly babble and say the word "bob" brings a smile to my face any time of the day

Stats from your doctor's appnt:
No doctor's appointment this month except for when you were sick with your ear infection.

Elijah,
This month was both so joyous yet so trying at different times. You came down with a bad ear infection one day before we were supposed to leave for Mommy's intensive in Lynchburg. Thankfully Nana was already planning on watching you and she did an amazing job nursing you back to health. Each night we were there was very rough for you and I felt so sorry that you could not get comfortable, sleep well, and wanted to eat constantly because of your antibiotic. I think you also just wanted some extra snuggle time with Momma since it was the first time we were apart all day! I will remember those sleepless nights and the grace of the Lord that brought us through that hard week. HIs strength alone carried both of us and I pray that you will come to know this personally very soon. I will always love you and strive to take care of you the best way I know how, but in the end I will fail often and the Lord's grace will have to cover me.
Love,
Mommy

Nine Months

Elijah you are nine months today! You have been a part of Daddy and Mommy's life for now 18 months (that is longer than just the time it was the two of us) but we would not change a thing:) This month you started table food and let me tell you I don't think there is anything that you have tried that you don't absolutely LOVE! You have been such a good boy while Daddy and Mommy finish out another semester of grad school. We are thankful that this holiday season we are able to slow down a little and enjoy the holidays through your precious eyes.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones to remember:
~ you ate grilled chicken, string cheese, tortellini, applesauce, green beans, yogurt and mandarin oranges all for the 1st time
~celebrated your 1st Thanksgiving with Daddy, Mommy, and Aunt Kristen
~you are not a big fan of your winter coat but with weather in the 20's here in NC you have learned that bundling up is not an option
~started wearing 18 month footed pajamas to bed...Mommy just might have shed a tear that night
~enjoyed playing in your 1st snow
~survived teething pains and you now have 6 teeth

Stats from your doctor's appnt:
Weight- 21 lbs. 4 oz.
Length- 30 inches

Elijah,
Mommy cannot believe that she has a nine-month old son living in her house. That is crazy how fast nine months have flown by with you as our son. This month was especially fun because we were able to see you enjoy table foods like a big boy. Needless to say you have LOVED everything we have given you and are constantly asking for more. You are able to drink out of your sippy cup really well which is great. It has been really cold these past few weeks but you have learned that we must bundle you up if you still want to go for walks and be outside. Last weekend was your first chance to see snow and you tried to eat it of course:) We have really enjoyed watching you change before our eyes as you continue to mature and grow each day. You have had a few rough nights with teeth #'s 5 and 6 breaking through and have wanted to nurse in the middle of the night. Even though Mommy has been more tired she has enjoyed the sweet times with you comforting you and praying over you sweet boy. We continue to pray that God will be your one consuming passion and you will be saved at young age. We are excited to experience your first Christmas and teach you the importance of Jesus birth at Christmas time.

Love,
Mommy

Eight Months

This month you are looking more like a little man than our baby. We are so in love you with Elijah and thankful that we get to be your parents. You have really taken a liking to solid foods and you are continuing to cut some more teeth to prove you are ready for table food.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:
~you are growing so big, you don't fit in 9 month clothes anymore now you are wearing 12 months
~you decided that bottles are for babies and you prefer to nurse or drink from your sippy cup
~learned to give big, open-mouth kisses to Mommy and Daddy
~celebrated Halloween as the cutest dragon ever at a friend's church fall festival and trick or treating
~learned to sit-up and started pulling on the crib so we had to lower your crib to keep you safe
~said "da-da" for the first time

Another month of no doctor's appointments but Mommy can tell you are continuing to put on the pounds as her arm gets tired easier carrying you around:)

Elijah,
Each month as you grow bigger and continue to discover the world around you we are amazed at the gift God gave us. We love being your parents and having the extreme privilege to care for you each day. There is no doubt that you are a talker from the time your eyes open up in the morning you start talking to your animals in the crib and then when you see Daddy or Mommy you squeal in delight. Sometimes we have to remind you to use your indoor voice because you get excited very easily. You loved your dragon costume for Halloween and had a fun time at the church fall festival and trick or treating. This month you have been such a good eater and sleeper and this has made the days so much fun! We love every day that we have with you and are thankful to experience life as a family of three. Mommy cannot believe you are 8 months old and hardly my little baby anymore. But I also love the independence you are gaining and am excited to continue to have the first row seat as you grow into a little boy. I love you son!

Love,
Mommy

Seven Months

Two weeks ago today our baby turned seven months old. Mommy was busy finishing a grad class and then we had family come in town so sorry for the delay in posting. Month seven has been so much fun and Elijah continues to grow daily. I love watching him interact with the world around him in new ways. I believe that Elijah continues to bring more joy into our family on a daily basis.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:
~this was a big month for trying new foods including squash, carrots, sweet potatoes,green beans, pears, apples, bananas, and peaches along with oatmeal in the mornings
~you hate peas just like your Mommy:)
~you learned to self feed yourself peach puffs which you LOVE!
~you showed the begining signs of seperation anxiety at MOPS the 1st time but you did better when we went back this week
~going many places like the pumpkin patch, Cheesecake factory, 1st birthday party for a friend-no matter where you are you LOVE people and will smile at almost anyone
~learned to clap your hands and have started to scoot/crawl backwards

No doctor's appointment this month but I know you continue to grow as you LOVE to eat all kinds of food!

Elijah,
This month we celebrated Daddy's birthday on October 14th and you were so excited to give him your card that you wrote. When Daddy read it he had tears in his eyes of joy over the great blessing you are in his life. I echo the same thought to you sweet boy. Each day is a gift from God and we strive to show you our love in many ways. As you continue to grow older and learn to do more things never forget you will always be our firstborn. This month we have seen your personality really begin to shine when it comes to expresssing yourself and trying to get what you want. You have become very vocal and will wake up chatting and babbling talking to your sock monkeys in the crib. We love peaking in on you at night and especially in the morning and watching you sleep so sweetly. Mommy and Daddy love you son and will continue to ask God to save you at a young age. Thank you for being such a happy baby!

Love,
Mommy

Six Months

On Wednesday our baby turned six months old. I cannot believe that he is half-way to being a toddler and not a baby anymore! Six months ago I was in labor and about to deliver our sweet son not knowing the incredible amount of joy that he would bring into our lives. Well six months later here we are with Elijah Daniel living each day trying to make memories that will last a lifetime. Month six has continued to be one of daily change and constant growth as Elijah interacts with the world around him.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:
~your laugh and smiles alone will brighten even the hardest day
~you love playing with toys that we give you
~your independence brings a smile to my face because you are taking after Mommy in this area:)
~each day you continue to interact with the world around you in a different way than when you were a baby
~you are now wearing size 3 diapers and are beginning to adjust to rice cereal and other baby foods

Stats from your doctor's appnt:
Weight-18 pounds 8 oz.
Length-27 1/2 inches

Elijah,
My sweet baby boy is half a year old and Mommy is so proud of you. Each morning when I go into your room you are dancing in your crib with a big smile on your face begging me to come rescue you! I love reaching down to get you knowing a new day has begun where I am here to take care of you, laugh with you, and get lots of smiles from you. Right now you are taking your afternoon nap and I hope you sleep for awhile because you are not feeling well. Last night was so rough and Mommy felt so sorry that there was not much she could do for you when you kept waking up. Being sick is no fun sweetheart but never forget that Mommy is here and loving you the best way she knows how with the love Jesus has given us. We are so excited to see how you will continue to grow and develop into a great man and one day husband and father to your own children.
Love,
Mommy

Four Months

Month Four was another busy month with a trip to Williamsburg for Matt and Leslie's wedding. Grandpa and Grandma Purdy were able to join us and we enjoyed a great long weekend at their condo. They spoiled you, Mommy, and Daddy rotten when we went outlet shopping and ate at nice restaurants. You went on your first ghost tour in historic Williamsburg- you did pretty good until it was bed time and you were hungry:)

Reasons I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:
~Attended the Homan wedding where daddy was a groomsman
~Nana came to visit for a few days and both Mommy and you got sick:(
~Hard time falling asleep without nursing for a long time each night
~Finally stopped middle of the night feedings and began a dream feed around 10:30pm
~Met Uncle Scott and Poppy for the first time when they visited from Georgia
~Neighborhood cookout and celebration of the 4th of July
~1st roll over to back while laying on the floor in your room
~Stick out your tongue and blow rasberries

Stats from your doctor's appnt:
Weight- 16 lbs. 6 oz.
Length- 26 1/2 inches
Another round of shots was given to you sweet boy but you were a trooper and we made it through!

Elijah,
Even when it took me three hours to finally get you to sleep one night this month Mommy was still in awe of the gift God has given Daddy and me in you our son. We love you and are so proud of the way you continue to grow and change each day. Both sets of grandparents have commented that you are growing like a weed and we can hardly keep clothes on you before you outgrow them. Hence the shopping spree with Grandpa and Grandma in Williamsburg! You have started to adjust well to self soothing yourself if you wake up in the middle of the night. There were a few nights when you were hungry and I obviously fed you sweet boy, but overall you are starting to transition into sleeping 8 hours at a time...yay!!! The first three weekends were busy with the neighborhood cookout, Matt and Leslie's wedding, and Nana coming to visit but your love for people is already evident and we are praying that God continues to mold you into His boy that will care for the needs of other both physically and spiritually. We love you and cannot wait to see what month five brings our way.
Love,
Mommy

Three Months

Month three brought many trips in the car to fun places and your first vacation! First, we traveled to Maryland for you to meet the rest of Mommy's family and attend Charles wedding at the Naval Academy on Memorial Day. Then we drove to Virginia for one of Mommy's dear friends Christine's wedding where you met the Hesch's. Finally you drove all the way to Florida (12 hours in the car and you were a champ!) for us to board our cruise ship. Nana and Papa generously offered to take Daddy, Mommy, and you on your first Disney cruise and a day at SeaWorld Mommy's favorite theme park. We sailed on the Disney Wonder to Nassau Bahamas and Disney's private island Castaway Cay. To say we had a great time and made many wonderful memories is a HUGE understatement. Thanks Nana and Papa for loving our family so well!

Reasons I adore my son and milestones to remember:
~Attended 2 more weddings since you entered the world
~First vacation on the Disney Cruise and day at SeaWorld
~1st roll over from back to front while playing on your playmat
~Helped Daddy and Mommy celebrate two wonderful years of marriage while being babysat by Anthony and Stephanie
~Grandpa and Grandma came to visit to watch you while Daddy and Mommy packed for our first big road trip since you came along:)
~Had several playdates with neighbors and friends from church

Stats from your doctor's appnt:
We actually skip a month and don't go to the doctor until you are 4 months, but Mommy's guess is that you are 14-15 pounds!

Elijah,
Mommy is so in love with you! Each day you keep getting cuter and your smiles are adorable. You really are a happy boy unless you are hungry or sleepy. This month has brought many wonderful memories we will treasure for a lifetime. I affectionately call you my chunky monkey because of your love for eating and Mommy's good milk that is putting the pounds on you. Your beautiful blue eyes and blonde baby peach fuzz melts my heart every time I lay my eyes on you. Each day you continue to grow and change and become more active. This month was a big month for developing your interaction skills. Daddy and Mommy love the way that you smile each day and laugh with us often. You bring great joy to our hearts.
Love,
Mommy

Two Months

Month Two was a busy month for you Elijah. You took your first road trip, more relatives came to visit and meet you for the first time, and Daddy watched you all by himself so Mommy could attend her Seminary wives class.


Here are a few reasons why I love you and milestones I want to remember:
~You eat every 3 hours and sometimes will go 5-6 hours in between feedings at night which is great!
~First small group outing at 4 weeks old and met more of Daddy and Mommy's friends
~First smile at 5 weeks old and 1st laugh at 11 weeks and yes they melted Momma's heart
~Slept 6 hours at 6 weeks old in between night feedings
~Walk at the park with your friend Canon and you loved it!
~Road trip to MD to see Nana and Papa- great traveler already
~First wedding of Mommy's old college friend Amanda
~1st boo-boo when Mommy and Nana were cutting your sweet fingernails


Stats from your doctor's appnt:
Weight- 13 pounds and 3 oz.
Length- 24 inches
Shots were also given to you sweet boy but you handled them well and Mommy cried more than you I believe

Elijah,
Month two just keeps getting better. You are becoming a professional eater and since your growth spurts occur every week Mommy feels like we have continued on with spending many hours a day b-feeding! But I am so thankful you are a healthy baby boy and continuing to grow strong. We love you so much and thank God all the time for the love He has given us for you. When you got your first shots Mommy cried and Daddy had to help both you and me keep it together. Knowing that this will only be the first time pain is experienced in your life reminds me to cling to Jesus and ask Him to make you a courageous man ready to fight the battle. My prayer for you this month is that you would understand that the love Mommy and Daddy have for you pales in comparison to the great love Jesus has you precious boy.
Love,
Mommy

One Month

I know this post is well almost five months late but my new blogging goal is to create each of his month milestone posts before he turns six months in one week. We will have to see if this really happens.


Here are a few reasons why I love you and milestones to remember:
~Many people came to visit you at the hospital and when we arrived home you are already a very loved little boy!
~ Night 2 was spent in your crib and you did pretty well
~Gained back your birth weight and some by your 4 day old appnt...you love to eat:)
~Adjusted to b-feeding from the begining but Mommy enjoyed it starting at week 2 after her milk regulated
~1st bottle at 3 weeks old given by G.G. (Great Grandma) when she came to meet you and help Mommy
~1st babysitters (Nana and Grandma) when Mommy and Daddy went on a date at 3 weeks old
~Celebrated Easter Sunday and Christ's Resurrection at the Summit Church with both sides of the family

Stats from your doctor's appnt:
Weight- 11 lbs. and 12 oz.
Length- 22 and 3/4 inches

Elijah,
Mommy and Daddy love you so much and cannot believe the joy you have brought into our lives. This first month of life has been a time of adjustment but we would not trade it for anything. You really are a great baby! From the moment you were born your favorite past time has been eating. And although at times all I feel I do is feed you I love b-feeding and am thankful that it has worked so well for us! We began praying for you sweet boy since the moment we found out I was pregnant and now that you are here we will continue to pray that God will show you His love at a young age. You are a precious gift from the Lord and a blessing we do not deserve. Mommy and Daddy hope to teach you about Jesus and model the Gospel for you each day as you grow older. We love you our first born and look forward to many more months together!
Love,
Mommy