Peas Please

Tonight I made some green peas in the steamer. I used the "Rocket" which is like the Bullet but cheaper (per Andy) to puree it up to baby food consistency.
Eli sat in his highchair and went to town! (Ok...he ate less than 1 tsp).

Followed by a bath...his little curly-cue on top of his head melts my heart!

Well Deserved

I know I haven't blogged for many nights. Traveling over the holiday with a new baby is much different than just going as husband and wife.
I can't even begin to tell a story of all our adventures we had this weekend-but cheers-here's to what I think is well deserved 24 oz beers by our Christmas tree.
I am so so so lucky to have Andy.

Randomness

Ahhh the randomness that takes over me. A few days ago I reminded Andy how I worry and think about everything. He knows this of course. He always tells me the simple answer "just relax" or "you have to calm down" and I always think in my head how that sounds so simple but very hard for my mind. Recently he told me "just think of blackness" but instead I just let my thoughts jump from one to the next. When I tried to tell him about it-I sort of gave him a continuous streamline of my thoughts-he was amazed. Probably as amazed as I am that he can honestly think of just blackness. Well that is what this post is all about. Randomness. Like my thoughts and my worries.

Has anyone heard of this band? Straight No Chaser. A year or two ago, my brother in law downloaded a song on my Itunes called "12 Days of Christmas-Live" by this band. Now I think it's great and want more songs by this band. If you haven't heard it-listen. It's neat-I don't think there are any instruments. If you don't want to buy it-you can watch it on Youtube HERE.
I REALLY want to know how much practice goes in to this. Has anyone listened to any of their other songs? (Oh by the way-Thanks Matt!!!)

The last few nights Elijah has been giving Andy and I a hard time going to bed. He has been very fussy and we have not been able to figure it out. It has been very hard on me because I am already sleep deprived and I wanted to go to bed early, which caused me to get more and more frustrated that I couldn't get extra sleep to be able to deal with him. Tonight I was nervous. Andy works late and I didn't want to deal with it myself. I was scared. So when I got home I made sure that I relaxed with him. I danced with him and sang with him and took some pictures of the two of us. I wasn't going to let him know that I was nervous. We danced to Christmas music, PINK, and lastly-Jimmy Buffet (Dad-you would have been so proud.) He went down like a champ! (Thus-giving me time to blog).

I read my sister's blog every day. Multiple times a day. I love it. I Love to hear what she has to say-I feel like some of her thoughts are wandering around in my brain and I just haven't had time to put them into words. I love all the pictures and stories and funny things about the boys. I love those two cutie pies! To see them almost on a daily basis in pictures makes me feel better since I can't be there in person. Recently she blogged about Perspective. It has a few links in it about another blog she follows (click on the word blog to the left to see it). I always have to check these out. This one has me obsessed. I can't stop reading it, clicking on it, reading the story etc. It brings tears, tears, tears. This woman was in a plane crash-and her story tells how she survived and how she is doing. I have shared with a few people-but like my sister says-if you have a minute or 10, this story will make you realize how tough you're life ISN'T and how grand it is. And the wonderful part is that her life IS grand and amazing. She has made it that way. And oh what she has overcome. This lady is a truly strong woman. I couldn't be her. I couldn't. I can do a lot of things, but I could not be her. Reading it makes me feel so foolish to complain about my headache, or that I didn't have time to go to the bathroom all day, or that the kitchen is a disaster or that I went over on my text messages this month. If you're a mother, who struggles with identifying things to feel gratitude about in your day to day life, read this story and take a moment to rethink you're life. I have and I want to read it and rethink each and every day. Here is the story that gives you an overview. Click here to read the 2 part story. (Thanks Sarah!)

Another thing that helps me get through my day: The Station....a few years ago when I first started my job I was looking for something on my co-workers desk and I noticed a typed out blurb hanging there. I took 2 minutes to read it. Then I copied it. I keep it folded up in a little notebook in my pocket and some days I take it out and read it. Other days I have typed it in an email to a friend or family member who is having a "moment". I could do without the religious line, but other lines feel so true to me ( It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today). The grass is never totally greener on the other side. And nothing is ever perfect-because as soon as you get what you want, you are already waiting for the next thing, always wanting the next thing to satisfy you. A few lines of this may be a little generic, or sound like one of those mass forward emails you get from someone you never really talk to-but this hits me and reminds me to try to enjoy what's going on instead of wishing wishing wishing for the next best thing. (Thanks Pam!)

And to just top off the randomness of this email-here is a pic of my little cutie (and his sister Bailee).

Grace in the Small Things #4

1. What a great weekend! We had no real plans-so we got shopping done, cookies baked, tree up and decorated....

2. Candy Cane Lane-If you live in the Milwaukee area and you've never been-it's pretty great. I know I know...most think what are a few houses worth of Christmas lights? But this is block after block of every house lit up. Andy and I bundled Eli up and took a walk (no ice or snow means a stroller can go!) down 2 of the longer blocks and talked about which were our favorites etc. Amazing. Love that it is so close to our house.

3.A busy Monday at work-it's always hard to go back to work after an excellent weekend. But when I'm busy, it's easier to leave Eli because the time goes so fast and then all of a sudden--WOW I'm home with him.

4. A nice crock pot with a timer-this allowed me to produce a yummy roast yesterday. I know Andy loves when I make a meat/potatoes/vegetable meal. Home cooking. I'm always proud too. A crock pot makes it so easy-just plunk it in with some of my favorite flavorful vegetables and let it go!

5. The Internet-how did I ever live without it? My mom had some computer problems recently and didn't have the Internet for a few days. Oh my gosh-how would you find a phone number or an address--or directions--or a recipe etc etc etc.

Just Sittin' Around

Another milestone for Elijah! In the last 2 weeks Andy and I have been working on getting Eli to sit up. Many of the baby books say that at 6 months-this is very doable for babies. The little girl who attends the same day care as Eli is 1 month ahead (quite larger) but can sit up on her own. I'm sure Eli would like to sit next to her, or across from her and smile instead of laying down and looking up at her.

Every time we would sit him up, he would lean all the way forward and put his arms out. Basically it looked like he was laying on his tummy, but on top of his legs.
Yesterday I sat him between my legs (So he could lean back) to watch Andy put some ornaments on the tree. I sat him up and prepared to catch him as he fell back. But he didn't! I couldn't believe it. I kept saying "Andy look!" and he would and there sat Eli...
There!
Sat!
Eli!!!!

He even would correct himself if he leaned backwards. After a little while he would start to topple to the side and didn't mind face planting in the carpet a few times. He's not strong enough to sit for extended periods but the short and sweet bouts of butt time were amazing to us.

One day he's not doing something. The next day he is. One day he is cooing-the next he'll be talking. One day he's drinking milk, the next it will be juice. Then water. Then beer. One day he is in a small tub, then it will be a full bath tub and before I know it-lakes and pools. One day he has tiny white socks-next thing I know-I won't be able to tell his apart from Andy's!
The other day when Andy was holding Eli at my eye level I said "Amazing...all of a sudden Eli will be taller then me! And he won't let me do raspberries on his tummy."
I have to keep remembering these moments and take them all in. Enjoy them. They go fast. Every day seems to be a new stage that turns into a new amazing feat for Eli to conquer and I'm loving every minute of it.

Edward is my Jacob

Thanksgiving was a success!!! Eli wore a long sleeved onesie that said "I'm Stuffed" on it!! He enjoyed seeing everyone on both sides of the family, as did Andy and I. We ate a ton of good food, had a lot of great laughs, took a short swim and even got a special nap in on Sunday.
The highlights of the Holiday weekend:

1. Eli's head bobbing in the pool with Andy while I sat and relaxed in the hot tub.

2. A hug and a kiss from Grandpa Casey.

3. A special talk with Uncle Chuck about how he is eating these last few weeks (the dietitian in me!).

4. My dairy free green bean casserole turned out!

5. Crying from laughter during the WHO'S IT game.

6. Group/family photos for both sides of the family.

7. French toast and sausage for breakfast.

8. Bloody Mary's before the BIG meal.

9. Hearing and sharing what we were all thankful for from all the Roeder's.

10. The non-stop TWILIGHT conversation where my sister and brother both got passionate about their opinions on this book/movie. My sister's comments about Jacob were entertaining! (She is a jacob fan and her husband is named Ed-thus the title of this entry). Watch out turkey-next year Eli is going to gobble you up.

Grace in the small things #3

1. Time. This weekend we had no real plans. It was great to get a few things done around the house, stop at a holiday party, buy diapers etc etc. It also allowed me time to make my very first ham and then my first pot of split pea soup. YUM. (Andy loves it too!)

2. Great friends to stop by and watch the Packer game with us! Thank you to Peggy, Jason and Lily for coming over, sharing the game, chatter, kiddo time and apple pie!

3. Knowing I don't have a very busy day tomorrow- It eases me into the work day. I don't fall asleep tonight dreading the "RUN" between patients tomorrow. And Kristi who said she'd bring Eli in for lunch. What else could I ask for on Monday?

4. The excitement of the Holidays! Andy won't let me put up decorations yet, but the xmas music has been played on the radio and at work. The "season" always goes too fast in my eyes.

5.Breakfast in bed. This morning my husband and son (in the Baby Bjorn) woke me up with a plate of 2 eggs, 2 toast and a piece of ham along with juice and 2 vanilla oreos (the cookies that have the vanilla cookie outside have no dairy!). What an AWESOME treat.

6. A chance to laugh until I cry...check out the "video" my sister posted of Andy and I. (funny video)

Case of the What If's # 2

So....I've been challenged (Thank you Dena, Melissa and Colleen F.).
If you go back and read my very first blog entry ( first entry ) you will see that I admit I am a pessimist and that my writing style will probably always be "half empty" style and that I am hoping this will help me "move on"-thus the title of my blog. So here is my attempt-to beat the odds and be an optimist.

What if I have a husband who will cut onions for me even though he won't eat them?
What if I only had to work 1/2 days on Fridays?
What if I had a patient who made me laugh?
What if I had the cutest boy in America sleeping up in his crib right now?
What if I had a lot of fun being part of a book club?
What if my sister who I didn't really get along with when I was little, was now one of my best friends?
What if I got to watch my favorite tv show this week?
What if I lost all my pregnancy weight?
What if I liked the dairy free butter I have been using?
What if I was very excited for all the pregnant people in my life?
What if Eli is quiet during church this weekend?
What if I had a whole weekend to do nothing?
What if Andy remembers to put non-dairy white frosting between my graham crackers and stick them in my lunch?
What if I loved food and have an abundance of it in my house?
What if I win the lottery?
What if I get to laugh every day?
What if I get to read a really good book?
What if I get to see all my family for Thanksgiving?
What if I'm already in the Holiday mood?
What if I have a great relationship with my parents?
What if I could run a marathon?

Ok-guess which of these is real.....MOST of them are!!! Isn't that awesome? Unbelievable. I feel better just typing it all up. Happy Friday.

The Sneeze

This video takes the cake.
This made my night. My week! My year!!!!
We figured out that Elijah LOVES sneezes. He thinks it's so funny. So here is daddy (pretend) sneezing for Eli.
How could this not melt a mommy's heart? We especially love the seriousness that happens at the very end of the video.
Enjoy.

(PS this is not enjoyable without sound on your computer!)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Case of the What If's

What if Bailee runs away?
What if our computer crashes and we lose everything?
What if I get in a car accident?
What if I never do all the things I want to?
What if Andy doesn't get a job closer to home?
What if there is something really wrong with my feet?
What if I forget to pay some of the bills?
What if I don't find time to do all my Christmas shopping?
What if everyone thinks weird things about me?
What if my husband doesn't think of me at all?
What if someone I care about gets hurt or sick?
What if there is bacteria growing in our house?
What if I say the wrong things?
What if I come across rude?
What if I'm done learning or what if I'm out of opportunities?
What if I miss something?
What if I'm always this tired?
What if I'm more wasteful than anyone I know?
What if this is all there really is?
What if I'm supposed to be doing something else?
What if nobody tells me that my hair is sticking up or that my fly is open?
What if I forget everything or just the important things?
What if I can't get over it?
What if nothing is funny to me?
What if I can't find my locker combination or my classroom or my schedule?
What if all my teeth fall out?
What if I never have a good dream at night?
What if Bailee feels lonely?
What if Bailee understands everything I say?
What if Andy is bored with me? What if he wouldn't miss me?
What if I just can't get it?
What if I don't get to see that movie?
What if I wear the wrong thing?
What if someone is mad at me?

These are just some of the thousands of "what if's" that attack me on any given day. And in case you didn't notice, I left alllll the Eli what if's off-because there are too many and I wanted a post that wasn't about him.

Eli Live

Here is more Eli for those of you who are far away.
Up close and personal.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I wish I had videos like this of myself when I was so young, just trying to figure it all out. So here you go Eli! I love that you are so expressionate, inquisitive and involved!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Why the Red?

You may have noticed the background changed...to red! My sister figured out that if I change my background to a solid color people at my work would be able to read the font. In the past my co-workers were only able to view pictures. Now they will be able to read my thoughts too (and then leave comments :))
So why the red? And not blue? or Yellow? My sister actually picked it-but I'll stick with it for now. Merry xmas color! Go Badgers Color. How my face looks when I'm mad! Red-I LOVE YOU! etc etc etc.
Here's a recent video of Eli playing with Daddy. I was trying not to get Andy in it-but he wanted to be part of the show.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Bitter Sweet Pampers

The debate has been going on for years I'm sure. Which diaper works best for your little one? Some say it all depends on if you have a girl or a boy. I know mom's who love Huggies, some who like LUV's, and many many many who like the Pampers swaddlers. We've tried them all and then some. We try to use coupons to buy ours and have been pretty much sticking with Huggies and Pampers. They seem to be the softest and have not had any pee-leaks (a few poop-outs but that is to be expected). And no, I am not doing this post to sell one product.
To go backwards-when Andy changes Elijah's diaper he can get him to laugh out loud. It's so cute and melts my heart. Sometimes I peak in to see what it is that Andy is doing to make Eli giggle. Usually it is Andy sweeping the diaper gently over Eli's face and making a silly noise. He does this a few times and Eli closes his eyes, smiles, coos and laughs. So the other day-I had to compete. I had to try this and see if I could make him laugh. When I did it (and he DIDN'T laugh but did smile) I could smell the Pampers brand diapers. They have this certain smell that no other diaper has. It took me right back to Eli's first days of life. Many may be able to recall that baby-newness smell they experienced with their children. Because we didn't get good snuggle snuggle snuggle time in the beginning with Eli, the smell of the Pampers diaper is what brings me back to his newness . As fun as it is to reminisce about how small and special he was and is, it's difficult to have a smell bring me back to those heart wrenching, stressful times in the hospital. That was a tough beginning for Eli and he is totally fine now, but still I get a heavy heart when I think about it.
So yeah, those pampers diapers are so soft and smell so good. And they don't leak either! But they bring me back...which for me is bitter sweet.
Let the great debate continue...if you read this and you have a specific diaper that you stick to, leave a comment so we can see which works best. Does it depend on girl/boy? Age? I'll be interested in the consensus.

The Early Pampers Days. The later Pampers Days The Huggies Days

Grace in Small Things # 3

1. Having a husband who is willing to get things done on a beautiful Saturday morning- (raking leaves, changing diapers, cleaning out gutters, returning DVD's) when he really just wants to watch tv. Thanks Andy!

2. A new faucet that doesn't leak- After an hour of going up and down and turning the water on and off....we got the new faucet in. Eli even helped.
3. A fenced in backyard- OH MY GOSH-I couldn't live without it. Bailee has so much fun prancing back there. It is so nice to let her have her space, just open the door and let her out and not worry about her leaving us or getting hit by a car.

4. A closed day care this week-(I know this isn't something you would normally be thankful for) but Eli got special time with all of his grandparents and smiled the whole way through. And slept better too!!

5. Canoleo-a non-dairy margarine- It works great on toast, noodles, garlic bread etc! This is the best non-dairy product that I've found. (Thanks Greg!)

Our (almost) 12 pound turkey

Hey World,
It's me-Elijah!!!
Guess what? I'm 4 months old now. Well actually a bit older then that already! Mom and Dad can't believe it. Lots has happened to me since I last connected with you at 2 months old. I've been baptised, had croup, mom has gone back to work, I've spent a few days with Grandma Barb (alone!) and I've rolled over.
Here are a few photos of me!
Ok so let's get down to the good stuff. The details. Right?
My stats:
-My head circumference is 2 cm bigger and that puts me between the 5-10th%
-My length is 24.5 inches which puts me between the25-50th %
-My weight is 11 lbs 10.5 oz which puts me at the 5th%

Mom was not happy with my stats. I don't know why, the doctor was very happy that I was on the same exact curve as before. I'm growing! I started small-I'm gonna be small-sheesh mom! The doctor said "Mrs. Roeder, he may just be a 5% baby".
I got more shots and did just fine. And the doctor had a lot of advice about sleeping better and when to start eating or taking formula.
Here is more fun stuff about me:

1. I survived my first Schneider Survivor party!!!
2. I rolled over 3 times in a row one morning before mom and dad went to work. They were so proud. Since, I have rolled over about 5 other separate times. Despite multiple tries, mom and dad can NOT catch it on video. Hee Hee. In time....
3. I'm still only sleeping 3 hours at a time at night. It frustrates mom and dad a lot-but my belly is empty-I need to eat! I'm also ready for the day anytime after 4:30 am!
4. Today was my first Halloween and I helped mom pass out candy. I was wearing my friend Lily's reindeer outfit.
5. I've only had mom's milk until today-I tried rice cereal. I sat in my highchair like a really big boy and tried to swallow some of it. I made a mess. When mom feeds me, I'm very aware of her and love to smile at her. When dad walks in, I can't concentrate at all! Another few weeks and we'll start other yummy foods. (ps-to all my mom's co-workers, I love my highchair!)
6. I have lost most of my hair.
7. Dad and Debbie both think I will be getting a tooth soon-but mom is not sold on it. I fell asleep with my giraffe toy IN my mouth IN a restaurant-what mature little boy would do that? Maybe one who was getting a tooth MOM!
8. I got 3 month pictures taken!
9. I lost my last milia this past week (my last little baby acne that was under my eye).
10. Dad can make me giggle out loud! That melts mom's heart.
11. My nicknames now are: Eli (still), Bubbis, Goobis, Bubs and Dude. Oh yeah-and Busta Brown.
12. I love to watch my big sis Bailee walk around. We're going to be great friends.
13. I also am mesmerized by the floating fish mobile in my room. Sometimes I stop nursing just to stare at the fish that are swimming in the air.
14. I have lots of friends from day care etc. They include (but are not limited to) Brook, Tanner, Shannon, Zander, Samantha, Brianna, Kaleigh, Kaiya, Nolan, Eliot, Simon, Lily and others!
15. I went to the Milwaukee Museum with Aunt Sarah, Uncle Ed, cousin Charley and Henry!
16. I'm very serious during bath time. I do kick around, but rarely do I smile.
17. I talk a lot now. I just babble babble babble. I usually wake up very happy and super surprised that it is mom and dad coming to get me!
18. I have developed a milk protein allergy-which is VERY tough on mom-but she's dealing with it pretty well. Lots of complaining, but NO cheating on this hard diet. Wisconsin IS the cheese state you know.
Welllll, I love you all but MUST go to bed now so that I can be up at 4:30 (tomorrow that is 3:30 since it's day lights saving time HEE HEE!!)
Love,
Elijah Casey Roeder

Grace in the Small Things #2

1. My job. Although many (or all) days I complain of having to work, I am thankful that I have a job. And I'm often very busy, which makes the day fly by and ultimately can mean job security. Another good thing about a job is the co-workers. Today I got to eat lunch with my co-workers--so fun to have a group of women to chat with and listen to and be a part of!

2. A new meal co-op! Tonight we ate meatballs over noodles made by one of the members in my meal co-op. So fun to defrost, make a veggie and pig out!

3. My siblings. My sister-for her awesome blog that makes my day. And for my brother who has coached me through this non-dairy diet.

4. A day off! I worked this weekend to get a day off during the week-to spend snuggling with my little guy! Also, Grandma Barb is coming to spend some time with us-what beats that?

5.A good book-to ESCAPE. No matter what is going on in life---a real good book takes me away from the stress of it all!

The Studly Dude

Ok so when we had a boy I didn't think shopping for clothes would be that much fun.

Oh but it is!! Was I ever wrong!!

I'd rather shop for Eli than I would for myself. I'm not a huge shopper to begin with, but when we're at the mall-I have to go in every baby clothes store and look at allllll the cute boy stuff. I don't buy a lot because it is expensive-but I would if I could. Girl stuff is cute and there seems to be a LOT of it. But boy stuff-is Studly. Handsome. Classy. Boyish. Cute. Charming. Different. Stylish. Trendy.

One of my friends once said...when you have a girl you get to go dress shopping for dances and find all this cute stuff for the first day of school and hair accessories and jewelry etc etc etc and when you have a boy-what do you get excited about? I agreed with her and said...hmm renting a tux can't be that exciting. And then there are the classic boy outfits (See below) that you fall for and put on for a friend's wedding or the little Christmas sweater vest. That seems so generic. But then you go to a garage sale and you find that sweater vest. And someone gives you an outfit that their son never even wore that is dressy or fancy.

And then you get it-you understand how shopping for a little boy is soooo fun. I imagine stuffing Eli's chubby little arms through the sleeves to make him look like a little grown up baby. Oh the pitter patter of my heart when I experience that. I want to put something like that on him every day and take him to church.

Since he was born I've had my favorite outfits on him-some borrowed and few new. My sister dresses her boys so stylish (not always the cute classic carters stuff)-I love it! But I just can't put those outfits together as well. The doctor said that he thought it was trendy he was wearing a long sleeved onesie under his short sleeved onesie and I told him it was just because he's now fitting into all his clothes that were meant for this past summer! Yesterday Andy brought home a big bag of clothes that a lady from his work was giving us. It was all in great condition! Some of it brand new. Most of it brand name. So which of my friends or co-workers is getting married in the next year?Sweaters that cost $30 in the store-for FREE!!! I know I know, he'll probably only wear once! My sister sent Eli a really cute Halloween t-shirt. And now we have some new shoes from a friend as well.

I cannot resist my little guy-he's such a stud. Who wouldn't love a little Eli in these items?

Boo!

Happy Halloween Grandma Barb!

A very special Sunday

Dear Elijah Casey,
Last weekend you were baptized. It was a very special day for you and because you are so small, you didn't even know it. You did GREAT!!!! You sat on Uncle Matt's knee for most of the ceremony, just staring and drooling. You did get hungry right before it was your turn to go up in front and Aunt Sarah helped carry your bottle up to the alter. You cried a little bit before the water went on your forehead but then I think you thought it was bath time and then you enjoyed it!
Everyone came over to our house afterward to celebrate and you again were a really good and fun boy. Everyone got to hold you, except Daddy. He was very sick and may have caught his sickness from you! I did not let him near you because I want you to be a very healthy boy!
As everyone was eating their cake and cheesecake you had a big explosive poop that leaked through your diaper into your really cute white outfit! Don't worry-Grandma Barb to the rescue-she helped me wash it out and it didn't even stain.
We picked Aunt Sarah to be your Godmother and Uncle Matty to be your Godfather. There are many reasons we picked them (and just because we picked them for certain reasons doesn't mean that you're other special aunts and uncles don't have these qualities). Uncle Matt and Aunt Sarah both like to travel-they both get in the car and would be here in a jiffy if there was an emergency, birthday party, family picnic or baptism! I know they will make an effort to be a huge part of your life and teach you many different things. Uncle Matt will try to teach you and easier way to do everything and show you that you can make almost anything work if you just look at it in a different way. Aunt Sarah will teach you lessons in life on how to be polite, appropriate and trendy in a fun and exciting way (she's FULL of surprises). Aunt Sarah knows what it's like to be a big sister, a wife, a mom, a teacher and a friend. Uncle Matt knows what it's like to be an uncle, a big and little brother, a hard worker and a friend. Uncle Matt and Aunt Sarah are both fun, competitive game players (monopoly, clue, hearts, dice, etc etc etc) and both enjoy a nice cold beer, sun shining down or a cozy rainy afternoon and a buffet of food. Both your godparents have good taste in music and good choice in significant others (Ed and Erika). Both were raised by and respect their parents and have a great relationship with your dad and I. One main reason we picked them is because they both have a strong faith. It may be different from what is the expected faith or it might be exactly that. But your dad and I know these two people will guide you along the right path in all walks of life. They will be there to hold your hand when you need it and will watch from the sidelines when you need to learn on you're own. They will never let you down. This I know. And I love them both for agreeing to take this role seriously for you.
Below are some pictures of the very special day. We love you and we know that God loves you and so many others. You are a blessing to us each and every day!
Love,
Mom and Dad

Grace in the Small Things

Many of you who read my blog also read my sister's blog so you may know what the title of this entry is all about. I'm such a negative person that who would have ever thought I would be able to come up with things to be thankful for? Well- I really want to do this. In case you aren't sure what I'm talking about-check out this entry from my sister's blog which in turn will link you to this.
Grace in small things entry #1

1. I know we get a water bill but a HOT shower is a cheap luxury. The light in our shower does not work right now, so it's a dark, warm place to just relax. No baby crying. No smelly diapers. No phone ringing. No dog barking to go outside.

2. Normal platelet and hemoglobin counts for Eli this month!

3. A great dairy free peanut butter cookie recipe.

4. The Black Eyed Peas song "I Got A Feeling" cranked!!

5. The anticipation of a NEW meal co-op (yes another neat thing I copied from my awesome older sister) on Monday!

6. Missing family-that means we have a good relationship with both sides of the family when we want to see them more often.

7. A successful book club where the little boys got to hang out (Nolan and Eli) and three members taught each other how to knit.

8. All my pregnant co-workers and friends! Can't wait to share in your joy when you're new little ones arrive!

9. The show Brothers and Sister's. LOVE IT. My emotional escape for the week.

more to come

Thursday?

Ok, Andy and I are in need of your help. YES you! We both are working this weekend and have the day off on Thursday. What should we do as a family!?!?!?!?

Elijah Is 3 Months!

Ok so he is almost 4 months old now. But here are some of his 3 month pictures. The photographer captured some of his best emotions. Of course, he has a 100 more that any new mommy and daddy would want to show off but we were happy, love them and spent way to much on them.

Outwit, Outplay, Outlast

Our yearly Survivor party has come and gone. This year it was all the way up in Minnesota at my sister's house. My Schneider cousins took a longer weekend and made an extended trip out of it.
Every year we have different challenges and a new winner each year too.
Man do we get competitive.

My favorite moments:
-The grasshopper hunt~
-Watching Mary and Lisa chug the worm cake
-The battery challenge in the dark (even tho we lost it)
-The log rolling, puzzle challenge
-When the song "All the single ladies" came on and Charley said "This is my favorite song"
-When my boat NEVER sank! haha
-Miwa White, Bud White, Code Bewa (ok I wasn't there, but everyone else got a kick out of that)
-The bonfire where we discussed memories, our favorite and least favorite moments in life, xmas name drawing etc. (would you rather-diapers or long hair)
-I took 2nd in spoons
-A little Uncle Greg and Liz cuddle
-Time with the boy cousins

Hard moments:
-I was the first to go to bed-a new mamma is tired
-I couldn't eat the gorgeous cupcakes, taco dip or dirt cake mmmmmmmmm....
-When I didn't share the glue with Mary and she spilled her drink and gave up on the challenge
-My t-shirt never UNFROZE
-Listening to my mom and sister bicker over who had more margarita and get mad over the "To go cup" of ~water~

This years winner: LORI!! Can't wait to see what she has in store for us next year.