That's MY Eli!

The big kids fell in love with Eli the moment we told them he was going to be born. It was like he was always a part of our family, always meant to be. And now that he's here - we're complete. He fits right in, and we all still love every moment!

Even as they run by in play, the kids stop to say "Hi, Eli!!" almost every "run-by." ; )
Owen debated changing a diaper ... opted for evoking smiles instead!
Our silly man, Owen dressed E in his Seahawks hat last Sunday, the opening day of Seahawks Football 2010!

Kate has come to think of E has "My Eli," and she'll debate back and forth with Owen until he caves. Kate: He's MY Eli. Owen: No, he's OUR Eli. Kate: No, he's MY Eli. Owen: No, Kate, he's OUR FAMILY'S Eli. (and on and on until Owen says:) Ok, Kate. He's Eli.

Gotta love OUR four kids!

8 Weeks Old

Eli loves to smile when he first wakes from a nap, when he's on his changing table, when he sees his siblings! He loves silly faces and being sung to. He loves to snuggle. He prefers to sleep on his stomach, and, despite my best efforts, I think he's destined to find his thumb and be a thumb-sucker. He smells delicious and like rain and honey and fresh cut grass and all good smells that bring beautiful memories. He melts my heart.

Eli's Seven Weeks Old Today!

Good Morning, Little Man! At seven weeks old, E is alert and starting to smile!

Eli Goes Skinny dipping in Indian Cove

Eli took his first trip to the San Juan Islands Wednesday (12 days old). We had fantastic weather, and he woke from his nap sweaty (and poopy). He needed to be cooled off, and I thought the salt water might work wonders on his red diaper bum. ; ) So, Eli went skinny dipping in Indian Cove!! He protested slightly during the event (the water was cold, afterall!) but then was SO happy and much cooled down! Good times!

*This reminds me of a time when I dipped Collin! Collin was three years old, and we were camping in Chelan. He's started skipping naps by then, so I had let him skip his nap one afternoon. At about 4:00, he had one of his famous meltdowns (Collin could tantrum for an hour straight without loosing focus! None of my other kids to date can beat that perseverance!). Anyway, he melted, and I was trying a time-out in the HOT tent and, after at least a half hour, I was losing patience. So, I decided to emerge from the tent and dunk him in the kiddie pool to cool him off. Mind you, I debated the appropriateness of this for a good ten minutes. Was I a mean mom for wanting to cool off my child in 4-inch deep water?! At the time, I thought I was nuts - but running out of options. (Now I think I was onto something and should have went straight to the cold shower. I digress.) I took Collin to the pool, praying that he'd calm before we reached it so I wouldn't have to shock him with the cold water. Except I plopped him down and he barely paused! The pool water had been sitting in the sun all afternoon and was roasty-toasty! It certainly did NOT have the shocking effect I'd been seeking! At that point I remember laughing and throwing my hands in the air. I don't recall if I took him down to the lake to chill out or not, but I do know that, of course, the tantrum eventually ended and that afterwards we enjoyed a fabulous afternoon. I celebrated with a glass of mimosa; the kids enjoyed Popsicles. Much better!

Just Can't Get Enough Eli

Exquisite

Eli - Week One

Eli's First Bath

Step One - Undress Cute Baby

Step Two - Introduce Baby to the Warm Water

Peaceful Baby

Step Three - Watch Baby Create a Natural Fountain (He's peeing!)

Unhappy Baby

Step Four - Wash & Rinse Baby

Step Five - Dry Baby

Clean Baby

Snuggly Baby

Neighborhood (Impromptu) Birth Party

We ventured out in the neighborhood Tuesday night and found many neighbors gathered and enjoying the mid-summer night! Rebecca - ever the baker - whipped up brownie birthday cake, and the night turned into quite a celebration!

Chris H, Kevin, Nick G, and Steve R