Hell of a day...literally

It is nearly 5pm on Monday, June 7th. And this has been a day from hell. I am hoping that it is nearly over (an early bedtime will fix that!). But, I can say that so far, we are home safe and sound, so know that while you move forward with your reading. Also, I am not saying that all events of the day carry the same emotional weight, but they have seemed to add up.

FYI. Keith left to go out of town yesterday, for Dayton. So, needless to say this was my first time to be home alone with Eli and back to work. It was pretty easy stuff when I was on maternity leave. Therefore, I was running around the house like a mad woman preparing for my work day and appointment.

1st: I go to the car, load it up with my sales stuff, beer samples, and extras things for a few errands. I am running around with my heels and realize it would be easier if I took them off, when I realized the presence of a poor dead lady bug on the bottom of my shoe. I love lady bugs! And I truly believe they bring good luck. So, what does a dead lady bug mean....exactly the opposite. It was about this time that I can't find the key to our truck. I search and search, mean while panicked about my appointment time. Finally, I borrow my moms car.

I text, call, ect...Keith to see where he put the key (he was the last one to drive the truck). After many hours of investigation he realizes it is in his pant pocket....in Dayton, Ohio. Also, this key is a 'proximity key'. One that has to be programmed in order to make a new one. Yes, the vehicle must be at the dealership to do this. No key...no truck for Leigh and Eli this week.

2nd: I arrive at my appointment a few minutes early. Have a few clutsy spills of my work stuff...but recover. Get into my appointment, just to find my buyer thought it was for tomorrow, after he clearly asked to meet me on Monday!

3rd, and the worst: I get home to continue working at my desk. It wasn't too long after I was on my computer when I heard a horrific (still gives me chills) scream from my mom. "I have fallen, Eli has hit is head!". I was panicked. I wanted to race to his rescue and throw up at the same time. Mommy mode had to kick in. I scooped him out of my mom's arms, and into mine. He was crying horribly. I immediately began examining his head to feel for pumps or cuts. Thanks, none to be found! My mom called 911 and started walking them through the situation...which was: My mom got up to take him to the nursery, only to stumble into our big lazy dog Winston. She never thought to find a big dog in her path. She went down while holding Eli. She swore that he hit his head on the tile floor, but we still aren't entirely sure (I pray it was her elbow she heard).

So, about 2 dozen EMT workers arrived at the house (ok, about 5 or 6, but felt like more). One of the nice men took him in his arms, to which Eli got very calm and quite. I really think he enjoyed having them around. He was so calm and collected! He was examined and came back clear. Myself, my mom, and all EMT's agreed he needed to go in for an examination. The question was between an ambulance or our car. PROBLEM! I didn't have the key to my truck with the car seat in it. We have his old car seat in the garage, but didn't want to mess with installing it in my mom's car during that time. So, we opted for the ambulance. They bundled Eli up tight. It was really scary to see at first, but then just looked really cute. He fell asleep on the ride over, with us watching his vitals closely. After our arrival a crowd of people examined him and couldn't find any injury or pumps. At one point I think we may have been making stuff up to be wrong. had a lot of down time, to which he did great! We lounged on the bed together and watched a little 'Hannah Montana'...he LOVES TV, and I gave in. They offered for us to go home or risk radiation exposure for a CT Scan. I hated the idea of the radiation getting to him, but couldn't stomach the idea of going home without knowing. So, they strapped him down on a huge CT Scan table that looked like something out of the movies...or Star Trek. He loved looking around the hospital but eventually a crying fit took over. A little sugar water later, and he was a happy camper! ....... So, everything came back clear! The nurse said that if the status was 'negative' that is a really good thing. Therefore we got discharged with a clean bill of health.

4th: "What?! Leigh, there can not possibly be a 4th horrible thing from your day?" Oh, yes there is...'icing on the cake'! Eli passed out in my moms arms after a bottle in the hospital bed. She had him tight while I went out to install his old car seat in her car for us to go home. She waited in the lobby while I came to pick the two up. As I arrived like the great chauffeur I am, I got out of the running car. I shut the driver door to open the back seat door where his car seat was. When...suddenly I learned that my moms car LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY! Yes, the keys were locked in the running car, with my mom, Eli, and I standing outside!! Thank God Eli was not inside! So, my mom grabbed hospital security who thankfully has a slim Jim set-up there at the hospital (I was dreading calling a lock smith!). So, they got us in the car, my mom drove us home, and here we sit.

Needless to say, this was a really awful day! I am hoping that a glass of wine and early bedtime will help resolve the series of unfortunate events, and tomorrow we can start fresh. Needless to say, I will be watching out for lady bugs.

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!'