4 months old and already a bday party?

Ok, so the birthday party wasn't Eli's, but someone that looks like him. Ok, I am not making any since, sorry!

Eli turned '4 months' old yesterday....or more like 16 weeks. I know, I know...still confusing. Well, welcome to the world of baby ages. Eli's bday is February 12th. So, does that mean he is 4 months old on June 12th, or do you count by weeks? Because, they don't match up. Therefore, regardless of your 'terms', Eli is certainly 16 weeks old, so you can interpret that as you wish.

Now, for the birthday party? That is Eli's new friend Aidan, who he met today. See, I have made a new friend who started as a 'friend of a friend'. One day my friend showed up at our house with bags full of little boys clothes! Total stranger bestowed her REALLY cute hand me downs to us...is that sweet or what? (So, that is what I meant about a baby that 'looks like Eli'...because they wear the same clothes, literally). So, through some contact she has become a new and great friend. She has also continued her generosity with giving Eli more clothes and toys...so awesome! So, I offered to do her son's first birthday cake. At first she wouldn't let me, so I insisted. I attached a picture.

As for the party? It was totally awesome. She rented a 'party place' that was outside and had a

water slide, zip line, barn, fire truck, ect... Only thing it didn't have was A/C. Argh! Oh, yeah...and it was 103 degrees outside today (according my car temp. reading). So, Eli was all dressed cute and hanging out...doing just fine. When the heat and his need for sleep took over (enter nightmare). Keith and I were holding him in front of huge oscillating fans, bouncing him, ect. Finally, our efforts were all for none, and he lost it. We took him to the truck, stripped him down, and tried to get him cool and put him to sleep. After a lot of effort on our part, it worked. Unfortunately, we departed early to get our naked sleeping baby home. But, it was still a good day over all. Shame, though, because the place had some really great photo opportunities.

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.

2 Months Old

As they say, "time flies"...and boy does it ever. I can't believe Eli is 2 months old! Well, actually he is 2 months and 1 week old, if you want to get technical. That means that I am heading back to work in just 2 and a half short weeks. :( Can you tell just how unexcited I am about that thought? Thankfully my job allows me to work from home a day or two out of the week, which will be wonderful. However, I am really not looking forward to handing my baby over to childcare. I would totally love to spend every minute of his day around him. However, work is just a part of life, and hopefully with me going back, it will just put us in a better position in the future for me to stay home with Eli and baby #2.

So, How is Eli doing? Great! Well, great, now....recovering from his first round of vaccinations yesterday. Our 2 month appointment actually fell a week late, due to scheduling. So, Eli got 4 vaccinations yesterday...poor little guy! Two of them in his left leg, one in his right, and one was done orally. However, I have to take Keith's word for it, as I left the room. I just couldn't stand the thought of watching. I didn't supect that I would cry, but I just had to get out of there. Mr. Man was in such a good mood and interacting with the doctor and nurse, and I couldn't stand the idea of his world crashing down on him. I walked out of the room before they were

administered and stood outside the door. However, I continued to inch further and further down the hall to avoid the horrifying cry that I knew was coming. Suddenly I found myself around the corner trying to distract myself with my phone...all they while, really listening for that first burst of tears. There they were! Yikes, I don't know if leaving the room helped the blow at all. I quickly made a dash back towards the door, in time for the nurse to come out and Keith to put him in my arms. While I wasn't as brave as he was, it still felt great to get to be the hero!

He held up like a champ, and quickly calmed down after the shots were given. I was really surprised at how well he did. He fell asleep in the car and slept all the way through a grocery trip, and then was wide awake back at the house. I was starting to think that Eli came through the experience without a dent, but I was wrong. I suppose it was around 8 or so, that the crying began. But, he could not be consoled....and we tried everything. Poor little guy was not happy. We suspect it was his little legs that were sore from the shots, but we don't

know for sure. The rest of the night continued in this fashion. We gave him baby tyelnol and a lot of love. In fact, he was in mine or Keith's arms from 8 last night until 8 this morning. The slightest little move from one of us would evoke squeky cries or full out balling. However, I can say that lil' man is a champ this morning, and seems to have put the past behind him. I am not crazy about the experience or the 'up all night' crying. However, I will be sure to schedule his next vaccinations on a Friday, just to be prepared for what we might face.

Eli is quite the 'big boy' now. Not only did he do great in his appointment, but I have noticed SO MANY changes in him, in just the last week. Sources say that 'week 8' is a big one for babies development change, and it is so true. I am not joking when I say that he turned a corner a day or two within him being 2 months old. He smiles at us all the time, and is quite the 'chatty kathy'. He does his baby coos in a conversational manner, and is sure to speak his mind. Additionally, he has learned different ways to communicate, rather than the automatic cry. Sure, it may turn into a cry, but that is only after he gave us some other sounds or faces first. It is so fun to interact with him and notice the small changes he has for us everyday.

I am sure you noticed the pictures scattered around this post. These are actually Eli's '2 month photos'. Keith was the photographer on this one. After watching the professional in action at his newborn/1 month shots, Keith and I replicated her set-up and did some 'professional' shots of our own. He has an amazing camera, so we will be taking all of his milestones shots from now on.

So...what is up with this carseat drama? If you are my friend on facebook.....or have ever riden in the car with Eli, you will know the lil' guy hates his car seat. I am not joking! This is not a mild discomfort or ocassionaly cry. This is about a 80%-90% chance of a full, all out hysterical fit! It was a Peg Perego infant car seat, and it induced hysteria. Eli would kick, scream, claw at himself, streams tears down his face, and sweat. You would have thought that someone was physically hurting him during the ride. And, there was nothing we could do to get him calmed down. Trust me I tried it all: pacifier, swaddling, radio, lullabys, wave noises, toys, a mirror, comfy headrest, riding in the backseat....nearly everything. Finally, after exhausting several options, I decided this was a battle we wouldn't win, and we needed a change. So, after some research, I decided a step up to the convertable seat might be the best option. I was planning to borrow some friends seats to see if he had a preference. However, thought we would try the convertable first, considering we would have to buy him one eventually, anyway.

So, Keith and I headed to the store on Saturday and got him a Britix Advocate.....and? So far, so good! We haven't seen a hysterical outbreak from him yet. Granted, he has had a few fussy crying spells, but nothing that I couldn't get him calmed down from. Now, I have yet to make a voyage without Keith. So, no telling what will happen when I take the wheel, and lil' man is left to calm himself. Wish us luck! Convertable seats don't have quite the convenience that an infant seat do. However, with Eli's extreme dislike for his infant carrier, we were never afforded those luxuries in the first place. So, every stop we make then and now, lil' Eli gets taken out and put back in (vs. staying in the car seat and that coming with me).

Well, that is about it for 2 months. Oh...the stats!

Height: 23 3/4 inches --> 75%

Weight: 11lb 2oz --> 50%

Head: 15 3/4 inches --> 50%

So, things are looking good! Also, verdict is still out on the whole 'silent reflux' things. So, we are going to try going without the medicine for a little bit to see if we notice a change in him. If no change...then we will stop the medicine and rule out that 'silent reflux' was ever an option. However, if we do notice a change...then God help us all, and 'sorry Eli for taking you of medicine that you needed!'

The Great Road Trip

So, as many of you know, Eli and mommy made their first road trip last week. Where was the great destination? San Antonio! I know, odd 'first trip' spot. However, it was an effort we made to spend more time with 'daddy', because he has been traveling SO MUCH! Seriously, he will have been out of town for 6 of my 12 weeks of maternity leave. Just recently, he is traveling for 4 out 5 weeks...frustrating! So, Eli and I decided to head down to San An where he was working.

The Trip Down:

Eli and I left the house around 11am, although that was later than I intended. The real finish line for us was not San Antonio, but Austin. No, we weren't staying in Austin. But, anyone that has ever traveled through Austin at, or around rush hour knows that you might as well spend the night. So, I was trying to get through Austin by 4, so I could make it into San An.

The trip was supposed to take 5 and half hours total. However, you have to add on all of the pit stops to feed the little man. So, lets just say 7 hours to be on the safe side. Well, go ahead and try 8 hours! Yes, a 5 and half hour trip

turned to 8...argh! We actually made it through Austin before traffic - Hallelujah!. However, it was an unexpected traffic jam in San Antonio and poor hotel layout that added on the extra hour. Seriously, I drove by the hotel two times before

every making it inside! One can imagine how annoying that might be with a screaming baby in the back and 8 hour trip on the road.

Overall, it was a good learning experience. I learned how much to appreciate silence! Where as most people would get frustrated with silence on a road trip, I welcomed it. I spent many hours of the trip listening quietly to road noise or the sounds of waves from my 'white noise' iphone ap. Also, I learned with a baby you spend as much time looking in the rear view mirror as you do the road. Crying or not, I would stare at him in my rear view mirror/baby mirror. Although, I admit that 'check in glances' doubled when he was sleeping. Every little bump we hit or outside sound turned into a grimace and glance to make sure he didn't wake up. There were times that I even avoided turning on my windshield wipers just to avoid a 'situation'.

Needless to say, we made it! Me and my little man are regular road warriors.

First lunch outing:

Believe it or not, Eli and I had never been out to a lunch 'outing'. With his short temper and my avoidance public breastfeeding, I had managed to avoid it. However, I made plans to meet up with a co-worker for lunch, so it was 'sink or swim time' for us.

Eli actually managed to throw a major fit in the Babies R' Us we had to run into, and cried up until our arrival at the restaurant. We arrived 30mins early where I fed him and popped him in the carrier. I also, spent the last 15mins before the lunch meeting walking him around the complex to see if he would fall asleep, which he did.

I had us seated by the door just in case of fussy spell, I could make a quick evacuation. He woke up at one point and began to cry, but a small amount of milk from a bottle seemed to satisfy him just enough. I never got to eat my actual lunch, because I spent it bouncing him in my carrier/lap. So, I got everything wrapped up to go and ate it in the parking lot after he proceeded to fall asleep in his car seat (miracle!).

The vacation part of the vacation and first public breastfeeding:

So, after a few days of hanging around San Antonio, we decided to head to the Riverwalk. We loaded Mr. Man up

into his carrier (picture above) and walked up and down the river. He got a lot of attention from all of the tourists who thought he was a cutie. Also, Keith and I finally decided on a restaurant among the 230 Mexican eateries down there.

We ordered some amazing margaritas, guacamole, and dinner. It felt like a real life date! Little man stayed passed out for quite awhile, when he decided to start fussing as our meals arrived. This is where the 'public breastfeeding' was about to come into play. I managed to get him positioned in his carrier and get my 'hooter hider' situated so we were 'in position'. Things were going well, and I was feel very confident.

I guess we exuded confidence because the mariachi band appeared and offered to serenade us. They saw little Eli and thought he was sleeping, so made a comment about 'not waking the sleeping baby'....then proceeded to walk 5 feet to our right and BLAST La-Bamba to the table next to us. Thank God for that 5 feet, because there was no way Eli heard any of it (extreme sarcasm). Ha ha...but, at least I can remember my first public breast feeding experience with the sweet music of the marichi band. Keith and I joked, that is going to be like 'Pavlov's Dogs'. As Eli grows up, every time he hears marichi music he will ask himself, 'why do I suddenly feel hungry?".

All and all, it was a good trip. Also, I'll have you know that

Eli and I made it back to Dallas in just 6 hours and 15 minutes! Woo hoo! We cut off nearly two hours from our trip because he did much better in the car. Oh, I included a picture from our trip home. I actually swaddled him in his car seat (not recommended), but that is what it took. But, after our two hour stretch I check in the back seat to discover that he has popped his little hand free from the confines of the swaddle blanket and car seat restraints. ha ha!

Overall, it was a great trip, one that we would even take again. In fact, maybe sooner than later. Keith is scheduled to go back down to San Antonio/Austin next week. So, me and Mr. Man may just tag along for another get-away. Of course, we will be sure to share all of our fantastic stories.