Memorial Day and Milestones

Today was Eli's 'First Memorial Day'....and mommy and daddy's first three day weekend, woo hoo! We decided that today would be the mark the our first 'official' day to get in the pool, as well.

We actually made the most of the weekend, over all. Keith and I went on our first 'day date' on Saturday. My mom came over and watched Eli from 9am until 1pm while Keith and I ran to the lake. It was a pretty quick trip over all. But, it was just enough of a dose of 'lake' that you would want for Memorial Day weekend. We each took a few rounds at wake boarding, and then stopped. Partly due to our bodies needing a little bit more rest than usual, and of course the typical 'annoying rowdy' lake rats that make their appearance on the holidays. A lot of people that are not considerate of wake boarders,

basically. We, also, managed to get in one last round of ice cream - Cold Stone's Oreo Filling.. (diet start tomorrow, June 1st....ugh!). We will eventually go on our first 'date date', but that just hasn't managed to happen, yet.

The rest of the weekend was filled hanging out with various friends and family, which made for a very enjoyable and relaxing way to spend the three days.

Now, what you are waiting for....the verdict on the pool? I think it was a hit! After a late start this morning and a trip to the store, we were finally on our way to Nanny's house. Of course, this is after we picked up Eli's 'partner in crime', Gavin (oh, and his parents, too). The weather couldn't have been better, and the pool was a perfect temperature. Not to mention, Eli ate and managed to squeeze in a two hour nap before the inauguration of the pool. With his swim outfit on (way too big for him), we got into the pool. (The funniest part about on introductory dip. In a salute to the troops the radio station we were listening to, happened to be playing a patriotic song. So, literally, as Eli and I are slowly taking

our steps into the water, you can hear Ray Charles singing 'America ....Ahhh, Amer-i-ca...God shed his grace on thee....'. It was just a funny moment). Also, Eli's proud papa had the camera ready and was clicking away, pictures attached. Overall, it went great. He swam with me, Keith, and even sat in his little pool toy. I suppose we were in the pool for a good 30 minutes (maybe even 45), when he decided he had enough. After a quick wardrobe change and about 15 minutes of a good cry session, he finally got over the drama of the event. Keith and I are looking forward to many more pool play dates over the summer, and expect that Eli will continue to look forward to them, too.

I must also add in a 'snap' to Eli for his first rolling over experience. A little over a week ago Eli

rolled himself over from tummy to back. He had come close in the past, but this was his first solo flight. This past week he has even come close to rolling from back to tummy, but has since been satisfied with his accomplishments and stopped trying. Eli is also a big fan of 'standing' with assistance, and is in LOVE with the 'magic box'. Keith and I have taken a stance of 'no TV'

for him. However, there have been a few 5 or 10 minutes spells when we need the distraction. I am pretty sure he is now living for these

moments.

Life in the 'G' house is going good. Eli is growing just as fast as my mom friends said he would. He is a joy to be around, and keeps us on our toes. We will check back with you later.

'The Best Friend'

So, I had originally told you several posts ago that Eli's best friend was 'Mr. Shower Curtain'. Well, he has officially been replaced by Mr. Quackers. Mr. Quackers was a ducky that Eli received for Easter. It was decoration in his room for a little while. Then, one day I brought Mr. Quackers out and about for Eli to touch as he layed on his playmat. Well, somehow Mr. Quackers got moved to his changing area. (Side note: Yes, we still have a pack n' play in our living area. Eli has taken to this changing table like he has his swing. Literally, this has become a place of solitude, serenity, peace, and play. There are times that he will be fussy and only the changing pad will calm him down. Is it an eye soar for company? Yes! Are we going to keep it in here for the sake of Eli? Yes!') So, Mr. Quackers soon became company for Eli during his changings. Slowly Mr. Quackers has taken on best friend status. Our nanny started 'Ducky Time'...which soon evolved into 'Quack Attack'. Now, he provides Eli constant company. Eli will lay in the changing area and just stare and stare at Mr. Quackers. Mr. Quakers will talk to Eli, and Eli will talk back. Eli will even show off for Mr. Quackers by kicking and doing all sorts of things. It is so cute to watch, so just had to snap some pictures. Here are the two bff's.

3 Month pictures

Ok, I didn't have these pictures uploaded when I did the last post. So, I felt the need to post up these pictures. We did a mini-photoshoot again for Eli's 3 months pictures. Yes, he is wearing clothes in this one...ha ha. My mom kindly pointed out that he didn't need to be naked for all of his pictures (post first photo shoot). Also, we didn't really get a lot of body shots. So, the goal for month 4 is to have him sitting up and so on...with a few div-o outfit changes. These were kind of done on the fly. I also threw one in at the end from a recent walk we took. These overcast skies have been making his eys so beautiful (and his hair looks fire engine red...though, not the case).

3 months old and back in the grind

I know...I know. I am way behind! Although, that has become my new motto in everything I do. Now that I am back at work, sigh....I feel like I don't have time to do anything. But, I did take a few minutes to change the blog's background...you like? Well, I have officially been back at work now, for one week. Really? Is that it? Feels like an eternity. It is a weird dynamic to say the least. Keith and I selected an AWESOME nanny named Lindsey. She comes to the house Tues-Thurs. every week to watch over Eli. On the one hand, I am thrilled that he is getting the personal care, attention, and affection. However, it hurts me to know that I am not the one that is giving it to him. I would be lying if I didn't say that I was jealous of Lindsey in every way. I sit in my office and enviously listen on from a distance at all of their activities and play time. But, Lindsey is great with him. She reads to him, sings him songs, dances with him, and takes care of all of his needs. I have to admit, though...that maternity leave feels like this far distant land that seemed to exist in another dimension. It is bizarre how quickly you find yourself back in the 'groove/grind' of work.

Eli officially turned 3 months old last week! Crazy, huh? It is

weird how old he feels. I think a great deal of that is on account of all of the recent babies that have been born. I have two friends that each have had a little girl within the last 2 weeks. So, these little sweeties have made Eli seem like an adult. ha ha! Seriously, he is so big and so 'with it'. He holds up his head, watches people walk around the room, hits toys, smiles all the time, and 'talks' with a ton of different sounds and noises. As far as laughing? He and I both know he is laughing, but it is not exactly in the form of a 'chuckle'. Mostly, shrieks of air. :) He is, also, officially on a 'schedule' now, which he seems to be enjoying. He has a bedtime of 8:30-9:30...although, he has been known to push it to 10. Nights are still going well for him. Me? Not so much. I have been more tired in the last week than all of maternity leave. It is hard to be up in the night checking on him, and expected to work a full day right after.

Since my last update, we have also had mother's days...or 'mommy-Eli day', as I like to call it. My 1st official mother's day. It was a neat day for me, because I realized it is not about 'me'...as much as it is about Eli. It was the joy of knowing that I am his mom. It was more of a celebration of him, and knowing that he is in my life. Growing up, you always assume that it is all about spoiling and treating your mom (which, it is that too....I Love you Mom!). But, now I know, it is being a mom, that is the actual gift. What did we do? Well, Eli was so perceptive to me having a hard time readjusting to work, so, he had an unbelievable bouquet of flowers sent to the house. Then, on Sunday Keith got me a bouquet of flowers, as well. :) Very special and sweet. On top of that, we went to eat at Del Friscos with my mom. This was our first official 'nice meal out' with Eli...and it went great! He didn't go to sleep (like I had been hoping), but he looked around and was just interested in the people and things. FYI, our lunch was fantastic! Also, my mom got me a gift, which I thought was sweet. I got a cupcake charm for my Pandora bracelet. She also got Eli and I a 'Sunday School Songs' cd, because I made a comment on how few songs I knew compared to her.

Well, that is about it for right now. Eli's next appointment is in June. Also, I am now doing what I can to help take off some of this baby weight. :( It seemed to melt away initially, however, I don't think my new habit of 'dessert after every meal' has helped my situation. So, I have, in fact, gained weight back that I lost after delivery...bummer! Therefore, Keith and I are looking into an elliptical investment. I just have to make sure I set aside the time to actually use it. I am amazed at how few hours we have in the day now....with work...and the new bedtime.

The pictures? Top left, is Eli's first bubble bath (yes, wearing the waterproof diapers!) Although, we can go diaper less now, with no accidents! Right picture: Eli flashing those pretty blues at me in his car seat. Middle left: my beautiful bouquet for Mother's day. Bottom right: Eli taking a nap like a 'man', with his hand above his head.