Not Gonna Sleep

That was Eli's attitude last night. No way was he going to sleep. I spent an hour rocking him, and after about 10 minutes in bed, he woke up again. Huts took him for an hour. He finally settled down at 11 and slept until I woke him up this morning. The trick is getting him warm and snugly in the Popeye blanket made for Christian. When wrapped in that, he seems cozy and content. He was tired; he slept on my shoulder the whole time Huts was dealing with a frozen pipe. Lucky for us, Huts opened the bathroom vent and the pipe unfroze on its own--no busting into the wall needed. The water came on at 2 a.m.; Huts said it was nice and icy.

Sweet Boy

I cannot get over how happy Eli is. He smiles constantly and rolls his way all over the floor. He is very strong, learning how to roll forward and back in about a week. He is also starting to work on sitting up, though he would rather stand. He likes to laugh--at what we aren't always sure. He is so different than his siblings, who were fussy. He is a dream baby!

Mr. Talkalot

Eli likes to coo and make noise. He lets people know that he is in the room and makes sure he does not get left out. He has been known to talk himself to sleep, like Christian and Tori do. Looks like we are going to have another chatterbox on our hands. It is hard enough to keep up when two are talking, much less when three are. Huts and I will have a hard time understanding the three of them.

Exzema

Eli has it, and we have all kinds of products to keep it under control. Believe, he looks good compared to a few weeks ago. THe nurse is considering changing his formula, but as for now, he is just a grease monkey. He talked himself to sleep last night and only got up once. Yahoo!

Almost Healed

For weeks now, Eli has been battling cradle cap. It got so bad that he looked burned on one side of his face. After some Neosporin, cortisone cream and cradle cap lotion, he looks 100% better. One side of his head and face, in fact, is nearly free of scales. He still rolls his head back and forth to deal with the itch, bit it is not as often. Eli is also on his second night back in his crib. He gets up at 1 or 2, but goes back to sleep after his bottle, which is fortunate for us. Now if only I could learn how to go back to sleep.

Bumper

Give Eli your thumbs, stand him up in your lap and watch him go. He loves to swing forward and back and bump all around. He goes as fast as he can and smiles the whole time. This is great fun for him.

Scaley

Eli has got a bad case of cradle cap. His head flakes constantly and he has scratched the area next to his ear so much that it is oozing. I called the nurse and he said we could apply Neosporin and Cortisone. We also bought some cradle cap stuff for his head. It seems to be working, but that patch by his ear has a ways to go before it looks better.

Nine Ounces

That's what Eli had this morning at 1. He could not get full, and after a couple of big burps, he fell right back asleep. I thought the oatmeal and rice cereal, plus a bottle, had filled his tummy, but I guess not. He was starving early this morning. My little chunkmunk has a plump belly, pinchable cheeks and chunky thighs. Christian says he is fat, but he is just plump and playful. He is our smiley boy who rarely fusses and loves to eat!

Too Big For My Britches

Grandma called and wanted to know what size of clothes to get me for Christmas. Mom thinks I might be wearing 9 months, but who knows. I''m growing like a weed. Nine months didn't fit me this morning, but it will soon. I love that cereal, and I hear Mom is going to send some to the sitter's for me. I'm also gonna get some fruit soon. Man, oh man, am I looking forward to that. Yummy!

Poopster

Eli had a little problem this morning and had to be changed because of it. He soiled his clothes big time, so tonight he will be getting yet another bath. Lucky Eli. I think we'll do this before pictures with Santa at the mall. Keep your fingers crossed that Eli is good and smiles with Santa and the other two get in there and get their picture taken. They say they will, but they have said that before.

Burp!

That's what Eli needed to do last night and couldn't. He got a tummy ache and kept his daddy up. He finally burped and slept until 5:30. Then he wanted a bottle and wasn't going to wait for anything. Christian had to get his own clothes out and dress while I supervised. He is pretty good at this; I just watch for outgrown clothes, which has happened often. I can't keep up with either of the boys. Christian is long and lanky, and Eli is squat. I barely got this six-month shirt on him this morning. He looks like a football player. I call him my chunkmunk, and he has taken quite a liking to oatmeal cereal, scarfing half a jar down last night before I stopped him. I'm going to have another big boy!

Yum

Eli as finished one jar of cereal and will try oatmeal tonight. He isn't thrilled with the food, but he will eat it. He slept through last night, giving me some much needed sleep. It was Huts' turn to get up with Eli, but he got a reprieve. If only this would continue. Eli still beats his siblings hands down for eating and sleeping. He is a very easy baby.

Eli Peli

What chubby-cheeked fellow continues to grow at a rapid pace, sucking down bottle after bottle of milk? Eli Peeeli, that's who, and tonight he is getting his first taste of cereal. Huts thinks the time is right because Eli has lost that mouth reflex and no longer pushes everything out. I agree. Eli is more active than ever, coos a lot and needs the extra calories. I just hope he likes it.

Rolls

Eli is an eating machine. Last night he had 2 7 oz. bottles, one at 7:30 (which made him sleep until 2) and one at 2 during his wake up. I'm sure this will help him gain ground on his cousin Sophia, who is a pound heavier, 1/2 inch taller and 6 months older. His eating habits have also given him lots of fat rolls. He has multiple chins, arm pits, legs and sometimes no neck. He's already ready for a size 2 diaper at 11 weeks! With so much skin he's gotten a few spots that have gotten a small rash. But it has all cleared up without any intervention. I'm sure once he gets moving, the pounds will fall off like they did with his siblings. Its just funny to have such a big boy who is so young.

Smiley Boy

Eli is raspy and has been sleeping all night in his swing. He fusses a little in the swing, but not much. He sleeps from about 11 to 6 and wakes up happy but hungry. He usually smiles at me and coos while I dress him, and if I am lucky, I get the other two dressed before he demands a bottle. He is the best bay of the bunch!

Still Recovering

Eli still has a cough, which makes him raspy and hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. He spent much of last night in his swing. He finally fell into a good sleep at 3 this morning. I am now starting to feel the effects of being up much of the night. Tonight is Huts' turn. Lucky him!

Ewi the Skeleton

Grandma Marie bought Eli a skeleton shirt that glows in the dark. Christian and Tori think it's a real hoot. They loved watching him glow in the dark this morning. Eli didn't seem to notice. He was just happy as a clam to watch me blow dry my hair. He is a happy baby for the most part. He smiles way more than the other two ever did and working his way toward rolling over. He can get halfway over, on his side. He is also starting to get some belly time.

Quiet Weekend With Mama

While Christian and Tori were kicking up their heels at their aunt's wedding, Eli was having sweet dreams at home, The poor little guy came down with a nasty cold and slept all day Friday and much of the night in his swing. He was a little better on Saturday, but still slept a lot. He went to bed that night at 11, got at 3 and went back to bed at 5, where he slept until noon. He gave his dad hell last night, fussing in his sleep for five hours! He was a happy camper this morning and feel asleep before we even got into the car. Let's hope the kids at the babysitter's wear him out today and he sleeps well tonight.

Mommy Time

Eli is not going to the wedding. He does not travel well and has had enough trips for the time being. He is staying home with me and gets loads of Mommy time, three days and nights, to be exact. Our goal? To clean the house. Poor guy. he has to make a couple more trips to Brookfield soon, one in October and maybe one in November. We'll see how well the trip in October goes.

Eli also went to his 2 month doctor appointment today. He is 14 lbs 3 oz. which puts him in the 95th % in weight, 23.5 inches, 70% in height and 50 % in head size. He also got 3 immunizations. He didn't scream for long. After that he got to go to Sonic with Mama and Aunt Annie. A fun day.

Mucus Man

Eli has had some sort of mucus problems for awhile now. Yesterday, his right eye had mucus coming out of the tear duct. Last night he was stuffy. Who knows what today will bring. His parents would prefer he get over his illness quickly. Last night we both got about 4 hours of sleep due to staying up with him and getting up with him. He just had a hard time breathing and wasn't comfortable. Hopefully he makes up for it today with extra sleep which will help get rid of the mucus. He'll get the vaporizer tonight and may get to sleep in his bouncy or car seat. Hopefully that'll get everyone in the house more sleep. We all need it.

Sick One

All 3 kids have runny, snotty noses and this makes Eli's first at 7 weeks. He's not sleeping well keeping his Mama and Dada up most of the night. He's miserable most of the time too since he isn't sleeping well. Before all this started he was a pretty decent sleeper, only getting up once a night. For our kids that's a miracle in itself.

Eli has been well documented in pictures, but not too much on video yet. Splatter knocked the camera off the mantle, so we may not have many videos of these first few months of Eli. It seems to work, but we'll try to get a new one for Christmas. I'm sure there will be more video of Eli after then. We've already over documented the older two, I'm sure we'll do the same for Eli.

I Am THUNDERCHUNK!

I went in for my 2.5 week appointment and have some fascinating news. I have become a big boy. I weighed in at 10 lbs 2 oz for my appointment weight. I also grew another 1/4 inch up to 21.5 inches. My goal is to give my parents a hernia by my 6 month birthday. I like to be held and my weight gains are going to sock it to them!

In other important news about me, I sleep well for Dad, not so much for Mom. My streak of keeping Mom up at night continues! I've heard them say that I'm the easiest kid so far. That's what they think! Wait until I'm a little older and can pit Ollie and Tori against each other and sit back and watch the ensuing battle. I'm sure Mom and Dad won't catch on. In no time I'll be just like the Brain on Pinky and the Brain.

I do spend some time awake by myself checking things out. I watched a bit of the olympics. Then there was that whole red pillow show, while I laid on the couch. It was a red pillow that sat there. At least it was better than the brown couch show. I just wish my parents would change the channel once in awhile. As soon as I figure out the remote thingy, the power will be mine. Of course I could also learn how to turn my head...maybe after a nap.

First Trip

Eli made his first trip out of town this weekend. He behaved well for most of the trip and let his Mama sleep well for his first night in a hotel. At least for an infant. He only had 1 really bad fussy spell in the car on our way home. The rest of the time he slept or Ollie and Tori were able to help put his binky back in his mouth. Tori was a great substitute Mama since his Mama couldn't be in the back seat with him.

He's starting to eat more with each bottle. He only got up twice last night to eat. He'll get his Mama tonight. During his last appointment, he was 8 lbs. 13 oz. Surprisingly he's only in the 75th percent in height and weight. I would've thought he would be in the 95th. Maybe that's reserved for the 14 pounders. We met several people this weekend who either thought he was 2 months old or really tiny depending on their reference. He's big enough for us!

Knock, Knock

Who's there? Its me, Eli! I was a whopper too. You could tell fish stories about me if I was a fish. I was born 8/7/08 at 10:24 am. I came in at 20.5 inches long and 9 lbs. 5.6 ounces. If the doctor could've strung me up and for a winner photo he would've. He had to push 3 times to get me out of Mama's tummy. My big sister Tori only took 1 push, so I he had his work cut out for him.



As you can see, I have rolls. Rolls over my ears, extra chins and chubby legs. Ollie and Tori love me like crazy. Ollie has been hugging me and kissing me multiple times on every visit. Tori is a little less impressed, but she has given her share of loving as well. They both love holding me and Ollie gets to hold me all by himself.




Hopefully I will get to come home today, but I may have to wait another day. Mama is ready to come home and so am I. I'll also get a chance to meet the kitties who I'm sure will love me. I hope to see you all soon!

Just 3 Days

and our little alien Eli will be born. He has taken to ripping across my stomach and sticking up a knee, hand or foot of some sort. It's kind of gross, at least Ollie thinks it is. He keeps talking to Eli and kissing my stomach. I think he is looking forward to you coming out, Eli, more than anyone!

Just 10 More days and Counting!

My blankets are washed, my room is ready and Mom is hanging in there with all of the swelling. I am coming real soon, and I can't wait. It's getting cramped in here. Mom and Dad are getting anxious to meet me, and so are my big brother and sister. They all want to know what I look like since I wouldn't get in position at the sonograms. Mom wants to know if I have Dad's chin and nose, and if I will have blonde hair and blue or brown eyes. Ha, ha, ha, everyone will just have to wait. I've still got some time.

17 Days and Counting

That's when Mom's doctor has scheduled my birthday. My brother and sister are getting real anxious to see me. Tori has even decided to talk to me through the womb. I don't know whether I will wait until August 7 or come out before then. Guess that is nature's call. Mom and Dad are ready for me, though. Mom even washed my bed stuff this weekend. Tori wanted her to put it on so she could sleep in my crib, but Mom said no. Too many cats to snuggle down in it and leave behind a load of hair.

Found out Grandma Vickie and Uncle Dale are coming up to see me and to help watch Ollie and Tori. That's good. I was';t sure if Annie was going to be able to do all of the babysitting. She is working an awful lot. Grandma Marie and company are coming the next weekend. Mom and I should be home by then, so that's good. Mom might even be walking normal by then.

Well, I guess I should say bye for now. See you all soon!

Still Coming

Well, it looks like August 7 is still the big day, unless Eli makes his own entrance into the world. My doctor has now decided that a sonogram is not necessary. I only measure one more centimeter than I should at this point, so he must not think that the baby is going to be that big. We'll see. Huts' coworkers are taking bets on the weight. Oh, Eli!

Eli, Where Are You?

Ollie must sense that Eli is coming soon because he keeps trying to talk to him. He likes to watch Eli move and make my stomach move. He gets disappointed when Eli doesn't do anything and appears to be sleeping. The heartburn and saliva is in overtime and other things are moving into place. I see the doctor on Wednesday. He is supposed to order a sonogram for the next week. If Eli is big, I am not sure what my doctor will do. He may let me go until August 7. or turn me over to his replacement (my doctor is going on vacation for the last week in July and the first week in August). Huts and I are preparing for either. With all of the baby talk in the news, we are looking forward to meeting our own bundle of joy and Ollie and Tori meeting him too.

Swollen Feet

July is in full swing, and I am feeling the pain. My feet, ankles and legs are swelling up, and Eli is getting bigger, adding to the weight. I finally gave in last night and laid down on the couch. Doctors always warn you about carrying a child through July, and they are right. It is no picnic. It will all be worthwhile in a few weeks when our lovely baby boy comes out screaming to the world. If I am lucky, we will get out of the hospital on Sunday, at the latest Monday.

Weekly Now

I am doing weekly doctor's appointments now. Everything is fine. However, my doctor wants to do one last sonogram to make sure Eli is not too big. I guess he delivered a 9-pounder yesterday! Anyway, wish me luck. No sonogram next week, but maybe the week after.

Way to Go Cousin Tyler

In case you don't know it, my cousin Tyler has been sitting up all by himself. I haven't even got to meet him or my brother and sister. but I am excited that he is getting stronger and might just be able to show me how to sit up next year. Goodness knows that Ollie and Tori will be well past that and of no help. All Tori wants to do is shove her doll's bottle down my throat. Ollie seems to be the gentler of the two and just wants to hold me. He can't wait for me to grab his finger. Wait until I grab it and suck on it. That should gross him out. Of course, he is a complete boy who likes to gross Mom out with his tales of blood, boogers, dirt, pee and poop. He can be so nasty sometimes, but then so can I. Wait until I pee on him; then he'll find out what gross is really all about. He thinks it is funny that he peed and threw up all over everyone; wait until it happens to him! Little brother will show him!

Where's Eli?

You have to be careful what you say around Tori about Eli. The other day I was telling Ollie that Eli would come out with us to the swing set but in his stroller. Tori suddenly got interested in the conversation and said she wanted to sit in the stroller with Eli. I told her that she could. Wrong thing to say. She hopped out of her swing and wanted to go get the stroller with Eli in it. I had to explain to her that Eli was still in my tummy and wouldn't be able to get into the stroller until August. She knows Eli is not here yet, but forgets sometimes and goes looking for him.

Rollin'

I'm not a kicker, I'm a mover. You can feel parts of me pressing against Mama's tummy. Good luck in identifying what part of me you are feeling. Sometimes its a limb and I'll move it. Sometimes its a butt and will stay where it is like I'm sitting in my favorite rocker. I'm stubborn like my siblings and am already giving Mama pains...back pains. I'm as heavy as a basketball, but don't try to play hoops with me just yet, I'm not sure I'd fit through the hoop.

My big sister's birthday is today. Happy Birthday sis, but your day won't compare to my big day coming in August. I hope you like me as much as you like pretending to be a baby. I know that you are just warming up my spot for me. Big brother Ollie is excited to see me too, I hope I can live up to his expectations as being like Abby. He loves her, I hope he loves me as much. We'll find out August 7th when the competition for parental attention is divided among 3 instead of 2.

Hi Eli

Ollie, Tori and I put up the letters of Eli's name next to his bedroom door. Ollie is impressed that Eli's name has the same letters as his name. Both of them have been talking to Eli in the womb, and last night, Huts finally got to see Eli move big time. Now he knows why I groan so much. This child is not nice when he moves. He is running out of space quick.

All Is Well

Last time, I measured big and Eli weighed a lot. This time around, I am right on target, which means Eli weighs within the normal range. All of the fuss about gestational diabetes has been for naught. They checked my blood sugar after a meal and it was fine. The countdown to August 7 has officially begun! Eli is running out of room fast and giving me fits.

Back In Action

After experiencing the flu with Mom and moving little on Monday, Eli was back to his rambunctious self on Tuesday and kicked like a storm. He has been moving ever since. This little guy will be ready to meet the world on August 7, if not sooner.




Eli at 7 Months

3 Hours, Yuck!

I took the three-hour sugar test today to see if I have gestational diabetes. The first and third hours were punctuated with nausea. In fact, I thought I might pass out at the end. Too much fasting piled with sugar. I should get the results tomorrow or Friday, and that may explain why Eli is so big!

Squawker

That's the name Huts has taken to calling Eli. I'm hoping it doesn't come to pass. We had enough crying with Ollie. Speaking of Ollie, he loves babies. This weekend at the zoo, I caught him holding a baby's finger. He also asked his dad if he could go hold the hand of another baby. We keep telling him to be patient, that Eli will soon be here and then he will have a baby of his own to hold by the finger.

Sonogram #2

It is today at 3. Everyone says that I am little and just now starting to really show. Whatever. I feel enormous, but after the constant deluge of remarks, I am starting to wonder whether Eli will be as big as his brother and sister were (7-10 and 7-15). Last time, his weight was normal; we'll see what they say today. With any luck, we are right on or a little ahead of schedule and my doctor will set a delivery date. The last time we discussed it, August 3 and August 7 were mentioned. Let's see if it remains that way. Of course, Eli could always decide to come on his own and arrive earlier than planned.



Update: The date has been set for now, unless something drastic changes (including his vacation) Eli will arrive on Thursday August 7th. He is currently 3 lbs 4 ounces and he should be about 2 lbs at this point in the pregnancy (28.5 weeks). He is a big boy! Tresa is definitely not small or big, she is just right for this point in her pregnancy the doctor said. The above picture is the best they could get during this sonogram. This was the hardest sonogram to figure out what you were looking at. Apparently, he didn't want to be seen, since this is the best shot we got of his face. He is facing the right direction now...head down. His mama has to have a 3 hour sugar test next week to see if she has gestational diabetes. Other than that, everything is going along well.

E-W-I

Ollie and Tori often turns their L's into R's or W's, so Eli is often Ewi. Ewi is getting stronger, and although it hasn't been easy, carrying him has been a privilege just as it has with the other two. Feeling a child move inside you and knowing that they are getting stronger a little each day is beyond words. All of the nausea, vomiting, heartburn, swelling and spit has all been worth it, and if I were younger and had more time and money, I would do it again. Our trio is nearly complete, and we can't wait!