Saturday, January 21, 2012

Eli at 6 Months (and lots of pics)!!

It is hard to believe that my sweet little Eli is already a little over 6 months old.  Of course, he was 6 weeks early so in reality he is closer to being almost 5 months.  People often ask us about his leg movement and so I though I'd post a few...a ton of pics of him moving those sweet little legs. Did I mention how much we love this little boy.














This moving thing is really fun!!!






Smiling for his big sis!

Okay, mom I think you got enough!

And of course a pic with my assistant....Eliza was still napping so she missed out on the fun!

At six months Eli weighs 15 lbs 3 oz.  He was 25 1/2 inches long.  He is on the small side for 6 months, but I always remember that they are using a regular growth chart and not a preemie one.  He continues to be a great nurser and is nursing 5 times a day.  I guess we will be beginning some solids soon, but I haven't been in any hurry.  I know he is likely ready and probably will enjoy them but it will add "extra" to our daily schedule and most likely will cause some constipation issues for him (a SB thing that we haven't had to deal with yet).  I am not really looking forward to that.

Eli has been working hard in PT to sit up.  We have worked very hard at home too.  He can tripod sit pretty well but isn't quite there independently.  I am proud of how far he has come and I know we need to meet that milestone so we can begin working on some harder skills.  He will also be beginning some e-stem therapy and getting some new fancy socks that might help those little feet to learn to move.   I love our PT.  She is really into research and willing to try anything that might benefit Eli.  She is motivating and encouraging and I feel that she will continue to push both Eli and myself to work very hard.  I feel so blessed to have her working with our family.

Eli is rolling from belly to back and is so close to rolling from his back to his belly.  I don't think it will be long.  He digs is little face in the floor and tries so hard to get all the way over.  He loves his exersaucer and playing with his toys on his bouncy chair.  He is such a sweet and contented baby.  He loves his sisters and watches them constantly!  They love him like crazy and bother him constantly!!

Thankfully, we have had a good break from the endless appointments that we had in the months past. We currently have PT every other week and E.I. (Early Intervention) once a month.  We will see ortho again in February as well as seeing several doctors at the Spina Bifida Clinic. I am so thankful that Eli has made it to 6 months being shunt free.  We are praying that this will continue! 

Only God knew how much my heart needed another baby BOY!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Goodbye and Hello!

Goodbye 2011....you will forever be etched in my mind as...the year!  When I think back on you there are many moments that still take my breath away...moments that will forever stand out in my memory.  2011 was a challenge and I will gladly bid it farewell.

Hello 2012. I have no clue what you will hold. I anticipate a year of work. Working hard to help a little guy learn to crawl and stand...and praying that little legs will grow strong. You will once again bring potty training and hopefully teaching our big girl to read. You will bring change and growth. Praying that God's will, will be done in our lives and home this year.

Here's a look at our Christmas fun of 2011.

The year of the bikes.


Eli's tree

Seeing the lights and roasting marshmellows

Eliza's tree

Christmas jammies...and 2012 will also mean saying goodbye to Eliza's beloved sassy.

Ella's tree...sheis getting so big!

Our BOY!!!


Apparently no one was into taking pictures except mommy!!