Colds, Constipation and Casts

I present my title as explanation for having not posted for a while. Sigh. We've given up sleeping at our house. We just wander around all night since actually laying down in the bed is just an exercise in frustration. I jest, but it definitely has felt that way a couple of nights.

When I took Judah to his four month check-up I pointed out his funny foot thing. The doctor sent us to a pediatric orthopaedist, who suggested we put Judah in a cast. Both of his feet turn to the right, probably because of his size, my size and the way he was balled up in my belly. While we expect his right foot to fix itself, the muscles in his left foot are extremely tight, leading the doctor to believe that time and use will not fix the problem. So,


He doesn't seem to mind the cast too much. The first night was miserable, but I think that was just because we didn't get home until right before bedtime and he didn't have time to get used to it. He can't pull his knees under him, which frustrates him since he sleeps on his belly. We ended up laying in the bed together with me just holding his passy in his mouth so both of us could at least rest, if not sleep. He has, unfortunately, been a bit constipated and now he has a rotten cold. He and Eli have had this barky cough and snotty noses with a low fever. Two nights ago Eli was awake coughing until ten at night and then from two until three-thirty. Fortunately (and I know this is way too much info, so brace yourselves) Judah pooped nicely today and their noses aren't running down their faces anymore. Oh, and Judah is teething. He has his first bottom tooth, but he's still working on the second and drooling like a St. Bernard.

I know this is what I signed up for when I decided to have children. But when I woke up at midnight with an upset stomach I thought, "If I'm getting a stomach bug, I QUIT!" I'm feeling some better this morning and have decided it's probably just from a little bit of stress and tiredness.

My boys are troupers. And this still can't compare to November/December of 2008. Judah, in spite of all his trials, is still smiling. So, I will too.

Just a Little Eli

What a cute kid.

This three year old still needs a nap. Daily. Whether he thinks he does or not.

Judah's First Cereal

What's this?

Here, let me help.
Hmmm...I think I like this.

Yes, I like this very much. Huge fan.

Not a huge fan of the delivery method. Would much prefer if it came in the same continuous manner as my milk.

Judah Four Month Check-Up

Yesterday morning was Judah's four month check-up (and Eli's three year check-up). He is, like his brothers, big. They have all pretty much stayed in the 75th-90th percentile their whole lives.

He was 15 lbs. 15 oz and 26 inches. He had grown over two inches in two months! I checked back at Eli's book, and he was a little lighter and a little longer at four months. Luke was even longer and lighter. Needless to say, carrying the car seat around is pretty much out.

Judah is healthy and strong. He does have a funny thing going on with his foot. It turns in slightly. It has been that way since birth, but we always assumed it was just from being squished into my belly. When I mentioned it, the pediatrician said she wanted me to get it checked at a pediatric orthopedist's office, so that is in the works. Other than that, he is perfect.

He is laughing now, which absolutely delights all of us. Eli has started paying more attention to him and is constantly saying, "He's so cuuuuute!" I need to get it on video one of these days. It's really sweet. Luke makes Judah smile just by getting in his line of vision. He already adores Luke like Eli does. We all look forward to when he wakes up, he is just that sweet of a baby.

My Eli

My sweet Eli,

You absolutely light up my life. You come out of your room in the mornings glowing, full of kisses, hugs, funny jokes and silly dances. When I think of what our lives would be without you, the word "quiet" comes to mind. You can't be awake without adding energy to our household. You add so much fun to us.

Let me tell you some of the things I love about you. I love:

*Your smile
*Your kisses
*Your hugs
*The way you say, "I love you so much, Mama!"
*The way you adore Luke
*How you sweetly pet on Judah and say, "He's so cuuuuute!"
*The fact that you "get" jokes and humor, many times even quicker than Mama and Daddy
*How good you are at entertaining yourself
*How sweetly you share your food with your Mama
*The way you help yourself to my food
*Your charming smile
*The games you play when you know you're being cute

I get glimpses every now and then of what you will be like as a man. I see a man who is passionate. Passionate for those less fortunate. Passionate for his family. Passionate for his bride. Passionate for his chidren. Passionate for the Father. Like David, a man after God's heart. Everywhere you go you will add life. You will be a life giver to everyone you come in contact with. You will never stop dancing and bringing joy to those around you because your passion will be God given and God directed.

I treaure you, Eli. I am remembering every hug, every kiss, every sweet snuggle. Even though you are "in the middle", you are never forgotten. You are appreciated. We need you in our family, and we thank God for giving you to us three years ago. Happy Birthday!

Eli's 3rd Birthday Party

We had Eli's birthday party Sunday. When I asked him what he wanted on his birthday cake he began making a list of various types of food. I believe Cheerios made the list twice. After pressing him further, we decided on dinosaurs. Thankfully, he isn't yet a connoisseur of birthday decorations, so he was impressed with my simple offerings.

He did much better with opening presents than he did at Christmas. At Christmas he opened one and refused to open the rest. Sunday he shredded the paper on every present before even checking any of them out. At least it made the present opening time a little quicker.

Dinosaurs and their "eggs"

Our little ham
He sang "Happy birsday to meeee!"

What a fun night celebrating our sweet Eli!

It Just Makes Us Laugh

Maybe this is only funny to me and Kris, but we can't help but laugh every time Eli puts his undies on by himself.

Chatting with Daddy on the phone

This HAS to be uncomfortable.
He, apparently, doesn't think it's funny. He's started trying to run away when we try to take his picture.