Eli's First Smile

Eli gave us his first smile a few days ago. Actually, he smiled at Matt but I was able to see it. I love how I do 98% of all the "baby care" for these little tykes, and it's Daddy that gets most of the perks: first smiles, first word...hm. But, I guess in truth, even thought they're aimed at Daddy, they're perks for me too. Maybe more so because they're aimed at him. I'm so thankful everyday that my kids have the dad they do.

Avoid Contact With Eyes

Last Saturday we had a little adventure. The infamous tale begins with Matt laying on the couch after he had just changed Keith's diaper. (note: it was a poopy one - this is an important fact in support of my case:)I came downstairs with some stuff including our huge bottle of Germ-x (knowing he wouldn't want to get up to wash his hands). I came up behind him and said "here". He held up his hand and I squirted it. Now, normally, it just gently oozes out, but I think that with the combined factors of the weight of the bottle and me doing it with one hand it ended up shooting out with rocket-like speed. Matt didn't even have a chance to partially close his eye. It got the full blast. He even reacted like he got shot, the way his head flew back and he rolled to the ground. I was stunned and just stood there, the kids and I watching him writhe. Bless him though, he wasn't even grumpy with me at all. He later said it was because he was in so much pain he couldn't even talk. Poor guy. We flushed his eye and it was huge, red and swollen. Later he called a nurse and she said he should have gone into the ER, but, to stand in the shower and just let the water run right into the eye, and go into the ER if it didn't feel better. A few hours later his eye, eyelids and cheek were still swollen, so he went to the ER.

(The above picture was taken the next day - the swelling was down quite a bit, but he was still puffy. Poor guy)
Turns out it burned his cornea plus the outer protective layer of his eye, his eyelids and the alcohol even seeped into his skin a quarter of an inch down his cheek. :( I felt so horrible!!! They gave him some antibiotic drops to clear up the infection he already got in his eye (that protective layer, I guess, is pretty important :) and other drops that help it heal If he didn't have this, after a day or so, every time he blinked he would feel a wrinkling of the trying-to-heal layer. Ew...creepy. Luckily, though, the eye heals fast and he hasn't been mad at me at all. In fact, once he could see again, he thought the whole thing pretty funny. Lesson learned...when they say avoid the eyes on product labels, they mean, AVOID THE EYES! :) I'm also assuming the rest of the cautions are just as plausible. We will therefore NOT be planning on ingesting or inhaling Germ-X anytime soon. :)

One Month Old

Last week, Eli turned one month old! I'm amazed at how fast the time is going by. He's becoming quite the little chunk, with lots of rolls (my favorite is at the nape of his neck) and he's already grown out of some of his outfits. :( He's the sweetest little guy....hardly cries, but makes this weird grunting/chipmunk noise whenever he needs to be changed, poops, or needs to be burped. The grunting is EXTREMELY loud a night and speaking of burping, the little gentleman doesn't burp, he actually BELCHES. Every time. It cracks me up. He's very mild-mannered and cuddly. I love this age!!!

Sometimes I forget....

So, Matt decided to bring home a surprise for the kids last week...a huge blow up punch toy with Spider-man on it. I gave him a look that said "just what they need...more STUFF". He just smiled back and blew up the aforementioned toy. For the next day I grumpily put up with the constant punching and flapping of the toy, thinking of ways to get back at Matt for purchasing the thing. Well, as I was cleaning up the front room during the kids' nap time, I walked past the punch toy and gave it a good, grumpy whack. I found myself pausing, and giving it another good whack. What followed was a good two minutes of me letting loose on Spiderman with a stupid grin on my face. Maddi walked in to see what was going on...I, a little breathlessly, laughed and after tucking her back into bed, put away the punch toy, no longer on my DI list. It was a good reminder that sometimes I forget what it was like as a kid and that I need to stay in touch with that. Thanks, Spidey.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was GREAT! We surprised the kids with some little treats and a yummy breakfast. As a surprise for Matt, I organized a lunch date with just him and me. My mom came over and watched the kids (baby too!) while Matt and I went ALONE to lunch. It was lots of fun and just what we needed. He surprised me with roses and a card that I LOVED! (I love you Matt!) Papa Joe and Grandma came over and brought the kids Valentine's (the cutest shirts!) and Papa Joe even bought me a cookie rose. My friend Hilari (one of the Laurels I taught in Young Women) came by with some cookies and chocolate covered strawberries (my favorite!!!) that were DELICIOUS! Thanks Hilari!

Maddi's Birthday

Maddi, too, recently celebrated a birthday! She is now 4 and loves Scooby-Doo, so that was her theme. She's such a sweetheart....she is very funny and makes us all laugh and is also my "handful". She loves to help with the baby and is a wonderful big sister. Her favorite color is blue, her favorite food is Mac n' Cheese, pancakes and muffins. She loves to play Barbies with Sammi and to draw. She's our cuddler and helper. She says the word "super" before every emotion (ex: I'm so super hungry") and when she is pleased with me, she'll often say that I'm the "biggest, bestest mom ever." :) We love our little Maddi!

Keith's Birthday

Yes, this was awhile ago, but as I'm still catching up, better late than never. :) Keith turned 2 on January 14th. Since I was on partial bedrest, we kept it real simple....Papa Joe came by and joined us for dinner and an egg-free cake(hmm...yum) amidst Elmo decor and balloons. Keith had lots of fun and was a pro at blowing out his candles. (for days afterwards whenever he heard me sing "Happy Birthday" he'd join in and then blow out non-existent candles at the end.) I can hardly believe my little boy is already 2! He's such a sweet little gentlemen and is so funny. His favorite color is red and he loves bubbles, balls and balloons. He loves to watch football with is daddy and is such a fun mix of sweetheart and mischevious boy. Happy Birthday Goobs!