Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Shout out


Congratulations to Carrie, Matt and big sisters Anna and Katie on the birth of their little boy, Michael Matthew. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 10 oz. Elias can't wait for another new buddy!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Grandparents

So now that we're approaching that milestone of one year it's given me time to reflect. Upon reflecting I realized I also have to give a big huge thanks to Elias' grandparents. Not only did my mom, dad and brad's mom take turns watching him when I went back to work, they also eased my apprehension, stress and worry. Thankfully we are one of the lucky few that gets to keep Elias out of daycare and the transition back to work wasn't as bad knowing he was in the hands his grandparents.

My dad, Bill, took the first shift and he fell back into changing diapers like a champ. He played Elias country music and they played lots of games. My dad also drives to see Elias once a month. Elias loves hanging out with Grandpa Bill. They dance, play and have lots of fun. I know my dad will keep him thoroughly entertained as he grows up.

Bette, my mother has been like having a built in nanny. She also jumped back into baby rearing like an old pro. Mom comes to stay with us for a week or so and gives this mother some much needed relaxation. The woman actually offers to change diapers, now you can't beat that with a stick. Mom has also let Brad and I have a couple of dates. She feeds, bathes and puts Elias to bed. Secretly I think he loves it because it's extra snuggle time with Gramma.

Finally, we have to thank Brad's mom Sonny the most. Sonny takes care of Elias two days a week when Brad works days. Elias loves Gramma Sonny and Grandpa Jim's house. Sonny has it set up like a grand daycare. He has great toys, wonderful food, and the loving care of Gramma. Sonny's taking care of Elias has allowed us to keep him out of daycare, let Brad and I see each other more than half the week, and to aid in raising Elias in a loving, caring environment. She also babysits on a whim! How much better can it get.

One last time, thanks! Brad and I truly, truly mean it. All the grandparents have been an invaluable part of Elias' first year of life. He has shared a bond with them that will never be broken. We love you all!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Another year

I can't believe Elias is going to be one year in 10 days. Wow, 10 days. The time has flown by.

Kids are amazing. I'll have to say Brad and I always talk about how our life has changed for the better and you never knew you could love something so much. We've adapted to parenthood quite well, I believe. I have to give my husband major props for being an all around wonderful dad. He watches Elias 3 days a week and I usually get a call around lunch time about all the fun things they've done that day. He puts him down for two naps, dresses, feeds him lunch and gives Elias plenty of Dad time. As a family we couldn't ask for anything more.

I of course love getting home at a reasonable time. Usually I get to be with Elias when he wakes up from his nap and we play, grocery shop, he helps me cook dinner and take his bath. Today he got a hold of the toilet paper while I was showering and wrapped himself up. He looked like a baby mummy.

Recently Elias has been waking (just the last couple of days) at 9:30 p.m. crying. I feel so bad for him because I don't know what he wants. Usually he comes into bed with us, falls asleep and then goes back into his crib. It's got me worried and frustrated so I had to rely on my infant rearing skills again on how to combat this issue. I told myself today, we've gone through this before just a LONG time ago (like 7 months but feels like ages). Tonight if it happens I won't take him into bed but rock him in his room, put him down and if he cries NOT take him into bed. See these skills are always needed ;)

Anyway, this is just a post on my reflecting. We're going to have a small party for Elias on the Sat. after his birthday. Nothing fancy, cake, food and great friends and family. E and I are also heading to Green Bay this weekend to visit some relatives who haven't seen Little Man in a while. I'm sure they'll be shocked to see he's not so Little anymore...

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

As promised...
















New Year's Eve

Oh and if you want to see a video of me and my buddy Liza at our family New Year's head over to Liza's blog. Mom and I went out for dinner with Liza, her parents Gus and Michelle and some other friends. It was totally cool because they did a count down at 5:30 p.m. instead of midnight so us kids could have some fun too. I think we may do it again next year. Peace out...Elias

I promise...

I promise to post more pictures once I get my lazy butt upstairs to upload them from my camera. Hopefully it will be tonight (wink wink).