Christmas Spirit!

Elliot had his photo done with Santa at Bass Pro Shop!    They offer free photos - and an option to buy a package.   Mark and I are so nerdy that we investigated Santa's and we really liked the story of this particular Santa.  

Elliot is definitely filled with the Christmas spirit.   He enjoys watching the lights twinkle on our little fiber optic Christmas tree and on our larger tree.    He's so filled with wonder.    We're really excited to see him open his presents!

One Year Appointment

Elliot had his one year well child appointment and did VERY well!

He has lost 2.5 pounds which puts him in the 18th percentile for weight at 20lbs and 12oz.

This is almost right where he needs to be.   He was 7lbs at birth and by the one year appointment he should have tripled his birthweight.  

He is 29 inches long.  

He has mastered all of the milestones for 12 months already and only has TWO to master under the 18 month chart.    This warms my teacher heart!

Unfortunately, he did have to get four shots yesterday.     He had his flu shot, chicken pox vaccine, mmr vaccine, and hep A vaccine.   A few tears were shed but he perked right up when he was given Clifford bandaids and then was taken for a walk to pick out a new book.    I love that he leaves the doctors office with books instead of lolli-pops!

First Steps!

On Friday, November 9th - Elliot took his first steps!    It was so cool!

He's been standing independently and "walking" all over the house by holding on to things for a while. It was really neat to see him do it on his own!  

He's still not quite sure of what he is doing and he hasn't done it too much since then - but he's well on his way!    Way to go, big boy!

PaPaw Made Elliot a Riding Horse!

Cake!

Elliot's first taste of cake was on Wednesday.    He will have more made by his Grammy this weekend at his birthday party!    Because of Hurricane Sandy, Halloween was delayed.   He was able to trick-or-treat on his birthday, too!

True story

Happy 1st Birthday, Elliot!!!

Dear Elliot,

            When I was pregnant, people would tell me how fast time would go as a parent.    During my pregnancy, it felt like FOREVER until you would finally be here.  And now, as I look back... I wonder where the time went.   You are ONE!   ONE!   This has been the BEST year of my life!   

            1 Corinthians 15:51 says - "Listen, I tell you a mystery:  We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed."     You have changed me!   This letter will be different from the rest.  Instead of giving you a lesson, I am going to tell you what you have TAUGHT me this past year.

            Elliot Walter, you have taught me that miracles happen.    You are my miracle.   According to some doctors, you're not even supposed to be here.    I was told I'd never have a healthy son.    Look at you!   You are PERFECT!   I now look back on those painful appointments with a silly smirk on my face.       God's Grace Abounds!   

            You have taught me that my touch brings comfort.    When you were first born, I would simply smile as I watched you nurse.    I remember our first night alone together.   The nurses wanted me to sleep for a little while.  They took you to the nursery.   Before they left, they told me that when you were ready - they would bring you in to be nursed.   I remember in the darkness of the night, they brought you to me.   The nurse helped me position you and left us alone.   It was finally you and me.   As you nursed, I blessed you.   I prayed over you.    I was giving you spiritual nourishment as well as physical nourishment.   It was so sacred and special.    Even now, my touch still brings you comfort.   I hope this will be eternal.   I love being the source of your comfort.  When you have trouble sleeping, the sound of my heart beating puts you to sleep.    When you have a boo-boo, my kisses make it all better.  

            You have taught me patience and time management.    You come first in all things.   If it means we are late for something, so be it.   Your needs trump everything else.   You're worth it.    I'm not going to rush you for my vanity. 

            You have taught me problem solving.   I remember a few weeks ago we were driving to Philadelphia and you began crying.    I knew you were in a clean diaper.   You were definitely fed.    Nothing was pinching you.   The music was not loud.    Finally, I had to put myself in your shoes to figure out what was bothering you.   It was the darkness and the flashing of the lights.    It was scaring you.    Your daddy and I now have light up toys in the back seats of our cars just in case you get scared again.    And in life... there will be even scarier times.    For those times, we will be your light up toy.    You can come to us for anything you may need.   

            Elliot, you have taught me how to be a kid again.    You and I do silly things together.   Whether we're making funny faces or having a tickle fest, your laughter brings me joy.    You have taught me how to find the fun in the simple things.    Even going to the grocery store is fun - all because of you!  

            You have taught me the sanctity of silence and listening.   Even now, I still love watching you sleep.    I love listening to you talk.    I love hearing what you have to say.    That will never change.    You've made me more relaxed and more reflective.  You are my greatest blessing.   God has blessed me tremendously.   I am honored to be your mother.    You make me proud.   You make me smile every single day.  

            You've taught me to take nothing for granted.    You've taught me to cherish every single minute of every single day.     You've taught me how to be a better person.    It's true!    You've even taught me new ways to pray and talk to God.  

            As you go through life, you will find times where you need motivation.   Elliot, you motivate me!   You help me be the best mommy I can be.   Everything I do now is for YOU.   

            There has not been one single day in the past year that I have not kissed you.    There has not been one single day in the past year where I have not told you I loved you.   Every morning I kiss you and I tell you that you are my love and my joy.    Elliot, you have taught me a whole new form of love.   You have taught me about the type of love that I didn't even know existed.    I fall more and more in love with you everyday.     I even fall more and more in love with your Daddy.    Seeing you two together makes my heart overflow with happiness.    

            Elliot, you are the love of my life.    I know that there are going to be challenges ahead.   We'll overcome each challenge together.    I want you to always believe in yourself.    Trust in God and His plan.   Know that your family will always be there for you.    Please know that I could never stop loving you.    I will always be proud to be your mommy.   Thank you for being you.  You have changed me - and for that I am eternally grateful.   You are the love of my life.    You are my LOVE and my JOY.   

            I love you!   Happy 1st Birthday!

            Love,

            Mommy

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

May the rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

--Irish Blessing--

           

             

11 months!

October 7, 2012

Dear Elliot,

I have enjoyed writing these letters to you every month.   They've been a wonderful opportunity for me to reflect on my new life as your mom.    I can guarantee with 100% certainty that I will teach you much more than what these letters reveal.   I can also guarantee that experience will be your best teacher.  

In these letters you have read/learned about faith, God, learning, laughter, the importance of following your heart and never giving up, the importance of constant growth, music, Godparents, friends, relationships, having an escape, happiness and forgiveness.  This will be my last and strongest lesson for you.    This lesson will be on LOVE.     Your letter for next month will be all about what YOU have taught ME.

You're going to experience many forms of love.  You can read all about love in the Bible.   I want you to hold 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 in your heart.   This is the verse that was read at our wedding on May 14, 2005.  
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails ..

In addition to this verse,  we chose some rather detailed and powerful vows:  "I, Leigh Anne, take you, Mark, to be my husband, my constant friend, my faithful companion and my love from this day forward.    In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to remain faithfully by your side in sickness and in health, in moments of weakness and moments of strength, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow.   I promise to always believe in you, to dream with you, to listen to you and at the same time, hear you.   I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

Love is a powerful emotion.    Your heart is a fragile part of you.    Love is not something that should just be given away.   It is special.   It is sacred.    You will experience many forms of love!  During our wedding sermon, Pastor Lee taught us that when it comes to marriage there should be one main rule:  "Love God.   Love One Another.   Nothing Else Matters."    I can't even begin to describe how accurate he was when he said this.     Love God.    God loves you and will always love you.   There is nothing you can do that will stop God's love for you.    

My hope for you is that you have a love like the love your dad and I have.   

Your dad is my best friend.   He can always make me laugh.  

He listens to me.   He respects me.   He treasures me.  

He makes me feel special.   He's always there for me.   He loves me when I don't love me.  

He helps me grow.   He encourages me and he supports me.  

Believe in love.   Enjoy the love you feel.   Enjoy your emotions and your experiences.  

Reflect on the feelings in your heart.    Love God.

Please know how much you are loved.    You are my love and my joy.   

You are my greatest blessing.    I am proud to be your mom.   

I love you!

Mommy

10 month letter!

September 7, 2012

Dear Elliot,

           

You are ten months old and on the move!   As you begin to explore, you are slowly learning that there are consequences for your actions.    Even though you are still so small, Daddy and I have been teaching you about the power of FORGIVENESS.   

You love to touch our cat, Millie.   She is so patient with you as you learn good touch and bad touch.   Sometimes you whack Millie.   Sometimes you rip out a huge chunk of her fur.    She becomes startled and runs away.   A few hours later, she will come up to you and "kiss" you.    You smile.   Even in her cat world, there is forgiveness.    Forgiveness is a powerful act.     When you are older, you will find forgiveness challenging.     Please know that there is nothing in this world that you could do that we wouldn't forgive you for.    Whatever mistake you make, you will always be my love and my joy.  

Love,

Mommy

Forgiveness 

If you look inside of your heart, you can find forgiveness or at least the start                                                                                               
And from that place where you can forgive is where Hope, and Love, also thrive and live 
                                                                       
And with each step that you try to take and with that chance that your heart might break                                                                                   
Comes so much happiness, and so much strength which Alone can carry you a fantastic length 
                                                                                                                                               
For hate and anger will not get you there and though you say that you just don't care           
You can EASILY avoid the pain on which hate feeds                                                                        
 ...the kind of pain that no one needs 
                                                                                                Just make the move, take the first stride let go of the thing known as "Foolish Pride"                   Maybe then you can start to repair the past into something strong, that will mend, and last!                                                                                    (c) Barry S. Maltese 2000

9 month letter

                                                                                                            August  7, 2012

Dearest Elliot,

With each passing day, I can't help but stop and realize how happy I am.    You are only nine months old and SO full of life.    Your laugh can brighten anyone's day.   Your smile is contagious.    Your heart is so pure.    Your curiosity is inspiring!

I could not help but sit back and smile the other day.     You were crawling around and very busy.    You were on a mission with your blocks and your cars.    You were giggling and maneuvering.    You were smiling while you played.    At one point, you just STOPPED what you were doing.    You turned around and looked at me with those big brown eyes.    You smiled.    And in that moment, I prayed for you.    I prayed that you will always find happiness.   Even in the simple things.   

I love you.     I've always considered myself to be a happy person.    Being your mommy has redefined the term "happy" for me.   Happy for me is knowing you're you.    

All my love,

Mommy

Happiness Is...

Acting on your dreams.

Building bridges, not walls.

Common sense and moderation.

Disposition, not circumstance.

Embracing optimism.

Feeling what you do matters.

Giving more than receiving.

Having good friends.

Inside you, not ‘out there.’

Job well done.

Knowing when to let go.

Living within your means.

Making the world a better place.

Not going to bed angry.

Optional, and so is misery.

Progress, not perfection.

Quality of your thoughts.

Realistic expectations.

Sharing love and laughter.

Today well lived.

Unbridled enthusiasm.

Vintage memories.

Whatever makes your heart sing.

eXuberance for your existence.

Your choice: if not now, when?

Zzzz’s, a good night’s sleep.

                                                            © Meiji Stewart.

Summer fun!

Elliot is such a little fish!

His first trip to the pool was a bit... confusing.   He wasn't exactly sure what to think of the water because it was so different compared to bath time.

He now loves being in the water!   He kicks and paddles with me and loves to splash!

The funny thing is he's not really a fan of the kiddie pool.  He'd much rather be in the bigger pool with everyone else! 

Elliot's 8 Month Letter

Dear Elliot,

            Ok, seriously?   Time flies!   Time FLIES!   Watching you grow over the past eight months has been an incredible adventure.   Being your mom is the biggest honor of my life.    Now that it is summer time ... and you're beginning to crawl ... I wanted to talk to you about several things.    This letter will focus on the beauty of curiosity as well as having an escape.

            The more you move, the more you learn.    When we first took you to the pool, you didn't know what to think.   It was definitely interesting to you.   You knew you were in water.   But where was the soap??   You knew you were wet.   But why were you in a diaper in water?    You had to become more comfortable and before we knew it you were splishing and splashing!   You gave in to your curiosity.  You learned.   You embraced.  

            Sometimes while you are playing, we will just watch you.   We are so curious as to what you are thinking as you manipulate, maneuver and move!  You're definitely a thinker!    Our hope and expectation for you as your parents is that you never stop EXPLORING your curiosity.   It's how you LEARN and GROW.    Find something you are passionate about and pursue it.    Do not let fear get in the way.   Just try.  

            Finding your passion will take you on an adventure all of your own!   But also, I want you to be able to have an escape.   Something you do for you!   Something you enjoy.   Take this escape as something to help you refresh yourself.   It could be swimming!   It could be hiking!   It could be writing!   It can be whatever you choose because it is your life.   

            For the longest time, my curiosity was if I'd ever be a mommy.   When I found out that your little heart was beating within my womb, I fell in love with you.   I became curious as to what you were doing inside of me.   Who would you look like?   When I first held you, my heart became complete.   Would I ever feel such a strong feeling of love as I did that first day?    The reality is I've learned I fall in love with you more and more each day.   Being your mommy has been the best job of my life.   I wake up in the morning super excited to greet you with our good-morning song.   I tell you each day in our song and before bed that you are my love and my joy.  So now, YOU are my escape.   After a long day of work, I am eager to get home.    I am eager to sit down and play with you.   I'm excited to spend time with you!   You are the greatest achievement of my life.   And I know you are still so little (but growing so fast!).... I want you to know how very proud I am of you!   Stay curious!   Follow your passions and be sure to find an escape, too.  :)

                                                            Love,

                                                            Mommy

Elliot's 7 month letter

Dearest Elliot! 

The theme of this letter for your 7 months is about friendship and people you can count on.

One thing your daddy and I want you to know is that we will always be here for you.   You can always count on us whenever you need to confide in us about anything!

BUT Mommy and Daddy aren't silly.   We know that there will come a time or times in your life where you feel you can't come to us about something.    It happens.  We get it!  We've been there!

For these times in your life, we have selected Godparents for you.

And just like they are there for YOU, they've also been there for me and your daddy.

Your Uncle Joe and I have known one another since I was 14 years old!  We met in 1996!    Uncle Joe and I have a great friendship and he holds a lot of the characteristics and qualities we would like you to possess as you grow into a boy and eventually a man.   

Uncle Joe will be there for you to help you understand confusing relationships and he can fix almost any problem with a joke and a smile.   Uncle Joe is awesome.   And you two get along really well.   For only being seven months old, you've got this guy wrapped around your finger!

Now... Auntie Jen!   Oh Auntie Jen!   Auntie Jen is tons of fun!!   Her and Uncle Joe together make a great pair of resources.    Auntie Jen and I have been friends since college.    We met in 2000 and she's got the Bible down!   So she can not only give you practical advice, but spiritual as well.    She is going to help you mold into a true man.   

You're not going to be slacking off on learning manners and how to treat a woman when it comes to her.   I also venture to guess that among all the lessons she will teach you, you will probably learn to love literature with her as well.   Auntie Jen can make you better in an instant.   She's got a glowing smile and gives the bestest hugs.  In fact, one of your favorite things to do is to have some snuggles with your Auntie Jen.    

These two people are two very special people in your life.

Daddy and I want you to know that you'll always be able to rely on us and your family.    We chose Auntie Jen and Uncle Joe  to guide you through the ups and downs of your life.   They're amazing people and they love you, just as much as we love you.

You are my love and my joy!

Love,

Mommy!

We took Elliot to see the Ocean...

These photos do no justice for the memories made yesterday.

Watching the ocean with my son for the first time was amazing!

We had a wonderful time!   We were all over the place, and I've got many more photos to post!

I can't believe the weekend has come to an end!   Dear Summer, Get here FAST!  :)

6 Month Letter!

Dearest Elliot,

Happy 6th Months!  You have now been in our life for well over a year and in
our arms for six months.  Time sure does fly!  You are so full of love!  So
full of energy!  So full of life!  You are curious... and daring!  You're
learning more and more each day.    You're growing so fast - it's almost as
if you're doing something new each day!

You were named after my Nana, Eleanor.  One of her favorite songs was
"Forever Young" by Rod Stewart.    When we found out you were growing in my
tummy, we had a lot of friends and family asking us to "register" for gifts.
The problem was... daddy and I were TERRIFIED of not just losing you - but
also, we were TERRIFIED of the store "Babies-r-Us."    It sounds so silly to
even be typing this, but that store was a store we avoided at all costs.
It was too painful in the past to be there because Daddy and I weren't sure
if you'd ever arrive.  We believed you would.    But again, we weren't sure
it would happen.  We must have walked into Babies-r-Us at least four or
five times before "registering."    The day we walked in and registered is
the day that we walked in and heard the song "Forever Young."    We knew God
(and your Great-Nana) were smiling down on us giving us the "ok" to start
getting excited. 

One of the things you do that really makes us smile, is you respond to
music.  You always have.  Since the moment you could hear in my womb, you
responded to music.    I remember driving home from work and hearing Adele's
song, "Rolling in the Deep" playing for the first time, and then feeling you
kick me for the first time.    It was SO COOL.    From then on, any time
that song played... you would kick.  And when you finally arrived.... I'd
rock you to sleep to her music.    You LOVE music.  Especially country
music... and anything with drums!

So, for your sixth month letter/lesson... I have for you, my dear, sweet,
miracle boy... the lyrics to "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart.    You are the
love of our life sweet boy!
Love, Mommy!


May the good Lord be with you
Down every road that you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true
And do unto others as you'd have done to you

Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to Heaven
With a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young, yeah

And when you finally fly away
I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I'm right behind you, win or lose
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
For, forever young, forever young

Elliot meets Auntie SB!

Elliot met his Auntie SB today!

We're so excited that he is six months old now because it means he can go up over mountains with no ear issues!    We're excited to go and visit her this summer!    She spoiled him of course - and Mommy too.    I can't wait for the two of them to have time together again!   He really enjoyed her!    :)

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband!   My Mark!

Mark,
Thank you for always being the one I can run to - for anything.   You've been my best friend for the past ten years.   You are without a doubt, my soul mate.    Thank you for loving me unconditionally.    Thank you for standing by me through everything.   Thank you for supporting me and encouraging me with my hopes and dreams.    Through countless tears and melt downs on our road to infertility, you never let go of my hand.   Through miscarriages and let downs, you were there.   You wiped my tears.   You stood by my side.   You never made me feel "less than."   You kept our dream of being parents alive through your constant faith and optimism.   And now, on your birthday.... you have your son.    You are a phenomenal father.    Elliot is head over heels in love with his daddy.    You two are my world!  My men!   I hope this is your best birthday yet, and I'm looking forward to spending many more with you!   So happy 34th my love, but happy 1st birthday as a daddy.  We love you. 
All my love for always and forever,
Leigh Anne

E.E.C. for E.W.G.

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart) -E.E. Cummings