Pool Time

Last week, I took Elias to Nonnie and Pop Pop's to go swimming. He did surprisingly very well. His cousin, Ali, was there too. They had a blast. I wish I could post the videos we took. He was so cute!

Joe Cool

First Spoon Fed Meal

The excitement of each new milestone in a baby's life is a high that can last for awhile. The first awkward silly smile he offers you can have you laughing for days. (I still laugh at it!) The first time he holds his head up and looks at you, the first time he rolls over or grabs a toy or practices his vowels. The pace in which they learn can make an adult's head spin! When you see a baby eat from a spoon for the first time, any hardships or frustrations of the day soon vanish when you see the mixed emotions on your baby's face when you bring the spoon of rice cereal to his mouth. At first, Eli didn't know what to do. But when he tasted the cereal on his lips and tongue, he realized that it wasn't bad at all! He loved it, and he ate the entire bowl! Of course, much of it ended up on his face, hands and bib. He would take a bite, then put his fingers in his mouth and suck away. When he wanted more, he'd take his fingers out of his mouth and look at me kicking his legs. What a joy. I love motherhood. It is definitely full of excitement that not much else can top.

First bite...

Intermediate finger sucking...

Empty bowl and dirty bib...

Aunt Biff gave Elias a bath after the messy ordeal.

4 Month Well-Visit

Elias had his 4 month well-visit this morning. We were in the same room that we had been in at his 2 month well-visit where he received four shots. It was as if he remembered or perhaps had a vague recollection that he didn't like this room. He kept saying, "Mommy, I want to leave." Well, in Babyspeak, that's what he was saying. I think he screamed louder and definitely longer at the doctor when he put the popscicle stick in his mouth than when the nurse gave him his shots. However, the shots linger. He fell asleep promptly when we got in the car and slept deeply for a little longer once we got home. But when he woke up, he felt the pain and let me know about it. The more it hurts, the more he kicks his legs. The more he kicks his legs, the more it hurts. Poor little guy.

His measurements are as follows:
Weight: 13lbs 9oz (25%)
Height: 25 3/4" (75%)
Head: 16 1/4" (25%)

The doctor said that he'll bulk up once we start giving him cereal. For now, he's fine being so long and light. Breastfeeding is extremely financially wise. It costs nothing to feed him. Once he really starts eating solids, though, we'll have an extra mouth to feed. Not to mention the time that I'll spend trying to get him to eat. It's not too hard to get him to eat now that I'm nursing, although he does get distracted from time to time and he tends to go in waves as to how well he's eating. Sometimes, it's more work than I'd like to put into it. But the benefits of breastmilk far outweigh that of formula. Nonetheless, I'm excited to start him on solids.

Pictures

Playing with his toys.


Eli likes to read the book about "Who Loves Baby?" In this picture, he happens to be on the page spread of Uncle Tim and Aunt Melissa in one and Nonnie and Pop Pop in the other.

My muscleman in his muscle shirt. Muscle shirts on babies are simply so adorable.

Doesn't he look like a cartoon character?

Sisters/Aunties

Mary (left) and our little sister, Tiffany.


Aunt Peg (Ang) holding a very happy Elias.

Aunt Biff (Tiff) is living with us for the summer. It's so much fun. We love it. Eli has already gotten used to her being around and he loves her. Of course, a week is half a lifetime for one so young as four months.

When Angela and Mom and Dad were down here the first weekend of June, Ang got to see Eli for the first time since he was two weeks old. Needless to say, she was quite excited to play with him and spend time getting to know him a little better. We won't go as long this time without seeing each other. She'll be down again this summer. She's actually planning on looking for a job in the area and moving here in August. We're very excited about this prospect too. Four sisters all living in the Philadelphia Greater Area! It'll be so much fun!!

Memorial Day Picnic

OK. So I'm a little behind the eight ball on getting this one out. We just had the absolute best weekend of our lives this past Memorial Day that we want everyone to know about it. And we don't want to forget it.

After the Doylestown parade on Memorial Day, Dan, Eli, and I went to Peace Valley Park with Maremy. We packed a picnic and just hung out on the lake for the rest of the day. We threw the frisbee, grilled up some hamburgers and s'mores, gave some s'mores to the two little kids that were picnicing next to us, waded in the water, and rested on the blanket. The weather was extremely warm and gorgeous. Eli slept and played and cooed, and we all had a marvelous time. Here are some pictures of the day.