Untitled from Kristi M on Vimeo.

We've had many people ask about our name selection.

Elias was just a name we liked. It means "God is Lord" and also has the ability to have a nickname (Eli).

Graham was a name I really liked but neither Mike nor I liked enough for a first name (hmmm deja vu with Isaac? :)). Bonus was that it incorporated my Grandma (whom I called affectionately called Gram) who passed away before Elias was born.

We still never decided on a girl's name. I think because my gut always thought it was a boy that is why no girl name felt "right". We were deciding between Audrey Caroline or Caroline something (either Audrey, Jane or Olivia).

Bunch of randoms:

• Amazing how much a little itty baby (who really isn't all that itty bitty! Elias is topping the scales at 9lbs 10oz! already) makes all the other kids in my life seem so incredibly old.
• I'm back down to my pre-pregnancy weight! Nothing is where is should be and my pre-maternity pants don't fit yet but I'm happy to have shed the weight.
• Colin is doing well adjusting to a "new" life. He seems to really like Elias and especially loves kissing him.
• Colin continues to amaze me by how smart he is. He loves "spelling" words with his magentic or foam letters. Typically he just puts up random letters and thinks they are words. The other day he wants to spell "Alphie" and he starts sounding it out. The end product: ELFE.
• I haven't been able to wear my ring for over a month now. Mike took it to get cleaned and re-dipped yesterday and surprised me with it this morning. What a great surprise! It's so nice to not only be able to wear it again but also to have it back all shiny and new looking!

Well I hear Elias stirring so I should wrap this up...

It's about 2 1/2 hours past the time I wanted to go to bed. It's been a long day and an even longer night but finally both kids are quiet in their beds. As I finally lie my head down on what feels like the softest bed and comfiest pillow only to hear a little squawk.

"you've gotta be kidding"

Mike, half sleeping already, mumbles that maybe he won't start crying and to just give it some time. Knowing he is wrong, I give into his words anyway. I lay my head back down giving in to the sleepiness. And he starts crying just as I knew he would.

I roll out of bed and walk to his crib, gently scooping him up in my arms. I pray a little bottom patting and bouncing will soothe him back to sleep so I can quickly crawl back into bed. Sensing it not working and fearing I'll wake the other boys, Elias and I move to the chair.

And that is when it happens.

I notice the moonlight shining across his chubby cheeks through the cracks in the blinds. I smell his milk breath through his quieting cries. And as he cuddles tighter into the crook of my arm, I realize there is no other place I rather be than right here.