I didn't feel comfortable posting this on my regular blog since it isn't private. The other week I managed during the week, so I was able to be online during the day and spent some time watching the boys on the webcam. I ended up taking some pictures of the boys at daycare. Head here see the pictures. Don't have access? Just email or comment me and I'll add you.

Colin

Elias

Elias:

Happy quarter of a year, my love. How can it be that you've been here with us for 3 months. On one hand, it feels like it was just yesterday that I was enormously pregnant; feeling you move and groove, kick and jab in my stomach. But on the other hand being pregnant felt like a lifetime ago and it's hard to remember life without you in it. Hard to remember being a family of 3 when being a family of 4 feels so right.

I started working this month. To say I was dreading going back to work would be a vast understatement. I'm surprised how much easier it was on my heart to go back. What surprised me more was how hard it was on my heart to bring you to daycare. I don't think I even had put my shoes back on before I felt a tear rolling down my cheek. I quickly brushed it away so none of your teachers saw me crying, put on my brave face as I talked to Ms. Katelyn and Ms. Amanda at the director's desk and lost it again as I walked out the front doors. Elias, as hard as that first day was, each day has been a million times better. It helps when there aren't like 10 screaming crying babies :) You seem to like it there as much as I can determine from a 2 month old. You could take better naps but I feel that way at home lately too. But each day you come home the same happy, smiley, lovable little boy, so I take that as a sign you are thriving there. You do art projects, work on baby signs as well as both fine and gross motor skills. I know you are learning more than what I'd be teaching you. I try to focus on that instead of the fact that you aren't receiving 1 on 1 (or I guess 1 on 2) attention. It's all about trying to focus on the positives.

{Elias before school}

The hardest part of working is I feel I never see you. You get up between 8 and 8:30am most mornings. I get myself ready while you play on your mat and Colin watches TV, and then rush to get both of you dressed, bags packed and head out the door. I get out of work at 7pm and hurry home, read your AppleGrams, ask Colin how his day was while giving you a few cuddles, and we all head upstairs to change into jammies. When we come back downstairs, Colin finds his 3 books he wants to read which we read while I feed you your night time bottle. You usually fall asleep while eating and are in bed between 8 and 8:30pm which only leaves me like 30 minutes of quality time with you the entire day :( Continuing with focusing on the positive, you are sleeping through the night more often than not. We typically will get up once or twice and put your pipey back in your mouth around 5am but more often than not, you happily go right back to sleep. While I miss the quiet dark cuddle time, I do really enjoy the sleep :)

{Elias sleeping while Apple Picking}

You love being around people and hate to be alone. My social little boy. Mr. I-Want-To-Be-Included. When I need to get something done, I put you on your playmat or in your swing (which you don't love anymore but will tolerate) and Colin knows he needs to play or sit by you or you will fuss. The second you see someone, you smile and charm. Your entire face lights up when you see someone, especially your brother. I can tell you already look up to him. You follow his movement. You look around the room when you hear his {loud} voice. You smile and laugh when he makes funny noises. I love how much you love each other.

Baby Elias, it has been fun watching your personality continue to develop this month. You continue to be my joyful little boy. Your smile is infectious. Your laughter is contagious. You are the perfect amount of chubbiness and a fantastic snuggling partner. For 9 months, I wondered and pondered about you; who you'd be and what you'd like. My sweet baby, you have far surpassed any idea I could have had for you. I thank God everyday for you and for allowing me to be your Mommy.

Love Always,

Mommy

Colin whispers as if he is telling a secret: I said poopy today

holding back a smile

Mommy: What was that?

still quietly

Colin: I said poopy today.

watching Colin's "light" click that he is tattling on himself because we don't say poopy

Colin: I didn't say it here {he points on the floor} I said it at school. I didn't say it here Mommy. I said it to Bennett.

I.LOVE.THIS!

I can't believe I haven't wrote about this yet but Mike and I became the proud owners of a mini-van a few weeks ago. I truly thought I was going to be an SUV driver for the rest of my life but the mini had me at the automatic sliding doors.