Christmas, well, Christmas Part One

Merry Christmas everybody! I don't have much time to blog lately, but I figure I should probably mention the awesomeness that was Christmas this year. Having a 3-year-old has it's many challenges, but the night before Christmas trumps any other day. Connor was ridiculously excited. For those that know Connor very well, he is pretty cool, calm and collected. He is neither super excited, nor grumpy. He is always just content. So, when you see his eyebrows go up into his hairline, hear a squeaky voice, and don't get a word in edgewise, you know you are dealing with a very, very excited little boy. That's what happened Christmas Eve.

Now, we always try to not turn Christmas into a Santa-only thing. He knows it's "Mimi's birthday, Jesus's birthday, Papa's birthday," etc. BUT, geez! How can a 3-year-old NOT get excited about Santa? Honestly, it could have gone either way with Connor (scared or excited) and we were so happy with the emotion that took control.

As soon as we got home from my parents' house, he went straight to pick out a dish for cookies, carrots, and milk. He was running around like a lunatic. Connor decided to put the snacks right by the window near the tree since we don't have a fireplace. Then, it was right up to bed, after a few photos by the tree with Ellie.

 

Now, I have to tell you, Connor's bedtime ritual, well, it takes time...lots of time. Even after we brush teeth, read books, say prayers, and give kisses, Connor is usually (ok always) up for another 15-30 minutes reading books in bed before falling asleep (I know, cute right?). Well, let me just tell you, when Tom put him to bed Christmas Eve, Connor couldn't contain his excitement. He said to Tom, "Daddy, I'm going right to sleep, and if I hear Santa, I'll just close my eyes, and you can go see what's the matter" (like in "T'was the Night Before Christmas"). "Oh, and Daddy, make sure to put the Christmas pillow out on the couch in case Santa needs a nap...AND THE SNOWMAN BLANKET!" (as Tom exits the room) And what do you know? He didn't read one word of a book that night. His reading light was turned off and he was fast asleep. So funny...

After the kids were asleep, Tom and I did what we always do on Christmas Eve: drink champagne and set up the gifts!

Contemplation...

Many Faces of Elliebug...

She may only be 3-months-old, but Ellie is by far our chattiest of the two kids. She talks and smiles to anyone she sees. Ellie is very nosy about the world around her. Her expressions are also priceless. Connor had, and still has, many expressions too, but Ellie is already a ham, unlike her calm and obedient big brother. We are in trouble, I think...

At 3-months old, Eliana weighs 13 lbs. She has been sick this past week, so sleep has been pretty non existant. Feeding has also been tough. Hopefully, she's on the mend and will be back to normal soon! She's still happy though!

What?!? Time flies!

Really, Mom?

Now, that was funny!

Almost there!

Ellie is only 3-months old and trying so hard to sit up already. 

Any time she is sitting on any sort of incline, she uses those abs of steel to pull herself up. 

 Then...plop! Down she goes. 

I think she's getting anxious to sit up so she can play with her brother. I would also imagine she is getting bored of her playmat. I mean, there are only so many times a blinking sun and jingling red bird can amuse a person...

Man of the House

When Tom is away, Connor takes care of me. He doesn't even know it...

Mickey and Minnie

Happy Fall Y'all!

 Connor decided he wanted to be Mickey Mouse for Halloween this year, so that he was! And, what would Mickey be without Minnie by his side?

Connor also named our ever so creative Jack-o-lantern, Ralph. He needed to go say hi to Ralph everyday before we left for school. 

 Ellie's first Halloween: 

She sure gives the real Minnie a run for her money!

Friendship...

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” 
― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

I spend a lot of time blogging about our kids because, well, they are pretty much the only people I hang out with these days! But, there are a few other people I would like to talk about: my Carolina friends. 

You know you have really great people around you when, at the end of the day, you look at yourself in the mirror and think, "You are doing ok. You are turning into a less cynical human being. You are more compassionate, a better listener, and a friend to turn to in hard times." 

As a child and teen, I grew up with lots of confidence, ability, drive, and heart, but somewhere along the way, I lost some of that. In it's place came cynicism, questions, and loneliness. A lot of this was due to moving away, trying for years for babies, and losing some friends along the way. I am lucky enough to have a husband to stand by me and lift me up, but sometimes you need strong friends too. I have found it down here. God and family in the heavens have been watching over me. They have led me down a path where I ran into many people who have changed me and my life forever. 

So, Boston friends, I hope that you can get down here to visit sometime so you can be graced by the presence of some pretty awesome, supportive, and uplifting people; people I call friends. 

XOXO to all who have made me stronger, happier, and overall pretty cool again...;)

P.S. I also would like to give a shout out to my true friends up North. You know who you are. You are just as important to me, and want you to know I am being taken care of down here too. 

Emotions

So, Tom and I have both agreed that we are happy with two children and that Eliana has made our family complete. However, I can't stop feeling so sad about it. I look into Connor's eyes, and at his growing face, and am just in awe of him. I want to freeze time so badly now. There is going to be a time very soon when he wants me to drop him off a block away, give him a kiss before getting in the car to leave, or when he'll just whiz past me with a smile just for his friends (that happens a lot already!).

Life is hectic lately, yet I am trying very hard to live in the moment; Connor's moment. Yes, I love Ellie. Yes, I drink her in too, but there is just something about my baby boy, my little man. Looking in his eyes, I can see his light; I can feel it. Lil C's face is changing. He no longer has "baby fat." He is maturing, as only a 3-year-old can. The words he speaks are funny, kind, compassionate, and simple. Hmm...reminds me of someone else I love very much. His room in my heart grows bigger and bigger everyday.

On the days Connor is not at school, I try my hardest to really make his days all about him, and Ellie is just our little tagalong. His big blue eyes capture me into moments that count, like doing a puzzle together, talking about our day at lunchtime, or just playing cars and dinosaurs. His hugs are strong, his kisses are sweet, and his words are meaningful ("I love you, Mommy." "I like when Ellie talks to me." "Good job, Ellie bug!" and "I like when Ellie laughs."). 

The firstborn always has a special place in your heart. I've heard it from people before...now, I know. 

I love you bud! You are smart. You are kind. You are important.  

Ellie turns 2 Months!

Ellie's 2 month stats:
Weight: 12 lbs. 5 oz.
Height: 23 inches

Our little girl is not so little anymore! She is very aware of her surroundings, stays awake for longer periods of time, and love to hold her head up and even try to sit up already!

Her face lights up when she sees her Daddy. It's really kinda special. The second he starts talking to her, Ellie starts cooing and smiling. Much like this:

and this:

Her sleeping is going well. She takes two longer naps a day with a little catnap in the early evening. She then usually gets up once a night to eat. We were very, very spoiled with Connor who started sleeping 7-6am at 8 weeks, so we are just waiting for her to catch up! 

Life is a bit more challenging lately, but Eliana lights up our world. Love you pretty girl!

The Epitome of Love...

... Sibling Love, that is.

With all it's laughter and giggles and torment and torture, sibling love sure is immediate and unique.

Father Daughter

Someday, Tom will be walking Ellie down the aisle. But, for now, Tommy and Ellie are enjoying their good night bottles, talks, and songs. Eliana likes when Tom walks her around the house, showing her all there is to see.

Most nights (ok, every single night), it takes Ellie FOREVER to fall asleep! I don't have the patience, but Tom? Oh my. She's got him wrapped around her finger for sure. He has the patience of a saint with this little girl. But, Tommy, when 2 am rolls around, just remember: It won't be like this for long.

5 Weeks. 5 Days.

Ellie has been in our family for only 5 weeks and 5 days, and it feels like an eternity. It's as though she was always meant to be here. Sure, Tom and I are absolutely exhausted. And, frankly, I wasn't so sure I was going to get through the first five weeks, but things are looking up. At 5 weeks and 5 days, Ellie is starting to smile at us, coo, and become more aware of her surroundings. She is also showing off her strength by lifting her head off my shoulders and off the floor too!

Now, if only we can get this sleep thing down...

Ellie turns One Month!

Eliana is a month old today! We had her well check-up today and she is gaining weight as she should. At 10lbs. 4oz., she is just 2 oz. over what I weighed at birth! Her length is 22 inches now. She'll be doing lay-ups any day now ;)...

Overall, things are going well. Nursing is a bit time consuming, but Connor handles it great, and I am doing the best I can. Connor was a formula fed baby, so this is all new to me. I want to get to the 

6-week mark and see how we are feeling about it all. 

Ellie is sleeping as well as a newborn should, with some minor trouble along the way, but she's learning (as we all are). I don't know what I was thinking, but I didn't realize having two kids would be so exhausting. As I write this, Ellie and Connor are in bed. I should really be going to bed when she does, but this is my only opportunity to enjoy "my" time. So, although I am exhausted, I need this. I will be kicking myself tomorrow when I'm so tired and knowing I should have went to bed, but whatever...

So, all is well here in the Carolinas. Connor randomly has been going over to Ellie and saying, "I love you, Baby." Tom is enjoying her first smiles. And, I am truckin' along trying not let the days get away from me (and letting the dishes and laundry be).

It's you and me against the boys, kiddo. I love you...

Our Newest Addition

Tom, Connor, and I are excited to announce the arrival of our daughter, Eliana Marie. She was born August 27 at 6:25pm. She weighed in at 9 lbs. 4 oz. at delivery, which I will take full credit for. But, for some reason, they take the weight from the nursery, in which she was 9 lbs. 2 oz. 

Homecoming Day:

Connor has been the best big brother. Ellie is the first person he asks for in the morning. He doesn't even give us our good morning kiss anymore! He is always showing her her toys and interacting with her the best he knows how. Both of our children are such a blessing, but we feel really fortunate to have such a caring son who is now taking on the role of big brother with such ease. He seems to know that I need to spend a lot of time with Eliana, and when feeding her or trying to lull her to sleep, Connor plays with his toys or just quietly sits by and "helps." 

Ellie, Connor, and I were sitting on the porch the other day singing songs, and he said, "We are family." It was really sweet. 

The newborn stage has been rough. Lack of sleep and being the sole provider of food for Lil' E has been quite tiresome. We do not want to wish this time away, but we do know that once Ellie can interact with Tom and Connor more, life will be even better. For now, we are trying to enjoy the little moments (which are often covered in spit up) and count each day as a blessing.

Because of Eliana, our family is now complete. What a happy feeling that is...

Rock Star

Connor loves rocking out with his guitar. He even plays the air guitar when he hears music...too funny...

Playtime

Man, I love watching this little guy play. He brightens my day...