Growing Like a Weed!!

Oh my goodness... Eli is now 7 and a half weeks old!! The time is flying and he is growing like a weed! This past week he went through a growth spurt. He was eating every 2 hours when his typical daytime schedule is every 3. He also slept a lot. Rather than being alert and ready to play after his feedings, he was ready to go right back to sleep. He still isn't back on his typical routine, but we are getting there. I can already see that his legs are more filled out and he's getting heavier in my arms. It's bittersweet :(

We've done some new things this week. Eli and I went for our first walk in the park with our Jeep stroller. We have friends close by, Kelly (our amazing photographer) and Javier (her adorable 6 month old), who joined us. This was my first time getting out and exercising and it felt amazing. The cool fall air, the sunshine, the feeling of muscles burning, Eli sleeping away in the stroller and a good friend to exchange all kinds of new mommy wisdom. Kelly and I plan to meet up regularly to walk the boys around the park. I am so happy to have a walking buddy. Maybe some other new moms can join us down the line... Rhonda and Alicia!! ;)

Saturday morning, Shawn watched Eli and I got a much needed mommy's morning out. Thank you, sweetie!! It was splendid. Starbucks, shopping and a mani/pedi. I learned that it is just as easy to get carried away shopping for little boy clothes as it is for little girls. I'll have to have a fashion show with Eli and post all of the pictures. He is going to be very fashionable this holiday season!

This week is going to be lots of fun! Today we are meeting my family for an early Thanksgiving meal. We are making it easy on ourselves and going out to eat :) This will be Eli's first time in a restaurant - wish us luck! On Wednesday, we are going back to Kentucky to have Thanksgiving with Shawn's family. Eli will be meeting his Aunt Jourdan for the first time, YAY!!

So many "firsts" and I know they will keep coming. What a journey it has been so far and it is only beginning. We are so blessed.

Here's an updated video with more pics added! I love making these videos and hope to have a little collection to give Eli when he's older. http://animoto.com/play/wW11id8a9I1cLailSA5Cgw

Eli: The First 6 Weeks

Where do I even begin?! It's been a while since my last post but I believe you all understand why ;) Having Eli home has been the most amazing time in our lives, but it has left us with little time (or energy!) for anything else. These days we are finding our groove and getting into a routine.

Sleep. The big question we keep getting is how much sleep we are getting. The longest Eli has slept at night is 5 hours; that has happened twice. Most nights we get two 4 hours stretches of sleep. Fortunately for us, Eli is great about going to sleep at night. He wakes, feeds and goes back to sleep without a fuss. Our struggle comes more with putting him down for daytime naps. He does not like sleeping during the day and usually cries himself to sleep. Although he has been getting better, at least during the last week.

Eating. I am breastfeeding which has been very rewarding and challenging. I love our feeding sessions, even the middle of the night ones because its our little bonding time. We introduced Eli to the bottle (expressed breast milk) at 4 weeks. He doesn't love the bottle but he is doing well drinking milk from it. I haven't been away from Eli for more than an hour and a half yet, but that's bound to change soon and we want him to be ready.

Playing. My favorite time of the day is Eli's playtime. Right now, we are alternating between 3 activities: his owl mobile, his floormat w/ tummy time and his rocker. From last week to this week, playtime has transformed. He is smiling in response to things, kicking his legs and reaching out at objects. Each day, brings something new that he is doing.  I just can't wait to see what he does next :)

Here's a little video with highlights from Eli's first 6 weeks. It's amazing how in such a short time it feels like he is the puzzle piece that was always missing... Love him to pieces!!