Eli Playing

Dan took some pictures of Eli when they went out to play a few days ago. I thought I'd share some of them. I've been increasingly more thankful lately as Eli's imagination and attention span are developing. It's given me some much-needed breaks during the day to allow me to rest or get some things done before the baby arrives.

Apple Picking

We decided to invite our good friends, Steve and Christie Bowles to go to the apple orchard with us this year. Last Fall, Dan, Eli and I went to Solebury Orchard to go apple picking. We had such a good time, that we've been waiting all year for the right season to go again. It was a beautiful day for it.

Recent Pix

31 Weeks and Back From Vacation

Today was my 31-week doctor's appt and everything looks good. Even after vacation to Ocean City last week, I am still in good shape - meaning I'm healthy and right where I need to be. They are keeping me on bed-rest until the results of my fibronectin test come in which should be within the week. If it comes back negative, all is well and good until I reach 34 wks. That's what we're hoping for.

It was so nice to spend a week at the beach. Although we went over Labor Day weekend, by Tuesday the beaches were much less crowded and quite relaxing. We met some nice Christians with a three-year-old son who live not very far from us. They also are Calvary Chapel goers.

Our apartment was incredibly small for five adults and a toddler. But we managed. The second half of the week went much better after we'd all adjusted to the confined space. We missed the spacious house we would have enjoyed in the Outer Banks had we been able to go, but Dan and I agreed that the boardwalk was nice in the evenings to keep us entertained with a small tyke. We went to the Wonderland Pier where we took Eli on his first-ever amusement park rides. It was good entertainment for us as well as Eli.

Shriver's is a must-go while in Ocean City. Their main attraction is their salt water taffy. But that wasn't the draw for Dan or myself. Their gelato is the best as far as I've tasted. Dan and I indulged our gelato weakness three times. We ought to be ashamed, but we're not. It was well worth it.

Here are some pictures of the week.

My Little Punkin Head

How adorable is that?! Eli finds our shoes and just loves trying to walk around in them. Sometimes, he'll try putting my shoes back on my feet. I remember walking around in my mom's shoes when I was little. To little kids, it's fun to pretend that they're adults. But at the end of the day, they are protected by the shelter of their childlike minds. Oh to be a child again...

This first week on bed rest has had its "up" moments. Thanks to the confinement of my bed and couch, I've been able to rest up since I came down with this nasty cold virus that is infiltrating my chest and head. I read a good book. Watched a few good movies. And I've enjoyed the company of friends and family who have come to help with Elias.

On the less fun end of the stick, Eli has been less disciplined and whiny. The poor kid doesn't know what's going on. Why can't mommy pick him up and hold him? Doesn't she want to? Why can't she get up and play with him or go outside? Why are other people having to feed him and put him to bed? There's no way to explain it to an 18-month old baby. He got a molar this week too which only contributed to his being out of sorts. I think he's getting another one. His gums are really swollen.

I know that Elias will learn to be flexible and that he'll never remember it. And it's a comfort knowing that. But it's still difficult for me to see him unhappy and not be able to do a whole lot about it. It's hard to remain on the couch when you hear him fall or when he wants mommy to put him to bed. It's also hard to enforce rules from the couch. But we have had excellent help and I know we will get through this. It just seems like a long way off.

Here are some pictures of Eli playing with Daddy's same shoes a year ago.

It's Deja Vu All Over Again

Most of you may recall my prior experience with pre-term labor. With Elias, I went into early labor, was in the hospital for a few days, endured bedrest until it was safe to give birth, and then, little bugger didn't come until four days after his due date. But, my, what a beautiful and healthy baby he was!

On Saturday, I went into the hospital with some concerns (which I will refrain from posting on the internet). I was just released today. It turns out that instead of the 32 wks of early dialation that I had with Elias, my body started dialating at 26 wks. So I am confined to bedrest for quite some time now.

It's not easy to be confined to bed no matter how much a mother may wish for it. Especially when you have a toddler with needs. We are so thankful for our family and church community for being so willing and quick to help with Eli, meals, and cleaning. These next few months will be difficult, no doubt. But with the strong support and love from those around us, I know we will be fine and well taken care of.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern.

Anniversary Get-Away

Dan and I have been wanting to get away for a few nights for a while now, but haven't been able to. Next month, August 14th, is our 3 year anniversary and with a toddler and another baby on the way, we plan to enjoy it to the best of our ability. Elias is heading off to Nonie's while Dan and I pack up the car and head northwest. We're going to a friend's cabin in Potter County, PA - out in the middle of nowhere. That's exactly what we want and need: A cheap place to visit where we won't feel the temptation to spend a lot of money and where we can sleep in and go to bed early and read and talk uninterrupted. It just sounds so divine. We can barely wait.

Here are some pictures of the little place:

Daddy and Eli

Weeding the canteloupe plants.

Pookie

Pookie is a "stray" cat that finds her home on the farm. She is the absolute nicest cat ever considering she's a stray. She loves people and kids and will just come and hang out when we're outside on our patio. Of course, she's looking for food, but she's also looking for company. She loves people. We're still working on teaching Eli how to be gentle and calm around her. But most of the time, they just co-exist. She'll rub up against him and he'll continue with whatever he's playing with. In these pictures, Eli's taking a special interest in her.

Eli and Jaron

Eli Eating Spaghetti

Beach Pictures

Big Boy on a Bike

Ali Feeding Her Face

I love this picture.

Eli Feeding Mama

Eli kissing Jaron

Fun Shots

Dan in New Orleans

Every year on July 4th, a local church (with help from various other Christian groups and churches) holds a semi-fair-like event. They give out free hot food and bags of groceries. They have tents and tables up for eating and socializing. They have a prayer tent and hold live Christian music. This has been going on for about 20 years. We were privileged enough to have been there over July 4th, so we were able to help out with setting up, bagging and handing out groceries, praying and sharing the gospel with people.

Here is Dan aiding in the bagging of groceries. We bagged over 5,000 bags in an hour and 18 minutes! We broke the record in the intense heat and humidity of southern Louisiana.
More pictures of Dan hard at work...

Confectioners' Fight

While chilling out at one of New Orleans best, the Cafe Du Monde, Dan and I decided (quite a spur-of-the-moment idea, I assure you) to commemorate our wedding day by blowing powdered sugar all over one another. If you were at our wedding, you might remember the wedding cake incident. I must speak up for myself and say that Dan started it both times. But what was I to do? Just let it go?! I don't think so!!