Elliot - Kindergarten

Elliot loves kindergarten!  Here are some photos from the "Wedding of Q andd U"

Merry Christmas!

Happy 5th Birthday, Elliot!

November 7, 2016

Happy 5^th Birthday, Elliot Walter!   Wow!   What a year it has been!    I’m sure as the years go on, you may read these letters and think things such as, “Yea, Mom.   I get it.   I’ve grown.”   Or maybe, “Okay, Mom.   I know, I know, I’m a child of God.”   My hope is that these letters to you will be a comfort (especially when you are older).   Perhaps you will have a family of your own.   Perhaps you will live a world of adventure.   Perhaps, both!   I sincerely hope that these letters are as much a treat for you to read as they have been for me to write.  

The truth is Elliot; you’re never done growing.   I remember being pregnant with you and I found myself worrying over silly things.   I remember wondering if I’d love you right away, and would you love me back.    I have to laugh at these silly thoughts because here I am, five years later, and still incredibly in love with you.   I love you more and more each day.    You bring such joy to my life and the lives of others.  I smile every day because of you.   I find myself constantly amazed by you and forever proud of you.  

This time last year, your little sister was barely two months old.   You were still learning the ins and outs of being a big brother. As Nora grew, you grew.   You became stronger in thought, word, and deed.   It’s been amazing to watch.  And special!   I’ve seen you wipe her tears, help her learn, put her to sleep, etc.    You are immensely proud of her, but also over-protective of her.  When I reflected on a theme for your letter this year, I decided on strength.  

Elliot, you are a strong young man.    You always have been.   From the day I found out I was pregnant with you, you were strong.   I remember being told that you were a “weak egg” and to not get too excited about the pregnancy.   God was my strength and I believed you would be just fine.  I was right.   You were strong inside my womb and you are strong outside my womb.   You have tackled challenge after challenge this year.    You demonstrated strength in understanding when your whole world changed and our family of three became a family of four.   You have accomplished things far out of your comfort zone this year.    Through this strength, I’ve had the honor of seeing Grace, as well.    Through all this, I want you to know that there will be times in your life that you may not feel strong; and that’s okay.   Life isn’t always easy.    However, you get to choose how you live your life.   It is my hope and prayer that you always remain strong, but also always remember that the strength you have inside of you is a gift from God.   There will be times you will feel weak, but please remember, that God will always be with you.  I am your biggest fan, no doubt.   But God, sweet Elliot, God is your core.    I thank Him every day that He chose me to be your Mom.    You are my love and my joy.       

Happy 5^th Birthday, sweet boy.

I love you!

Love always,

Mommy

Happy 4th Birthday, Elliot!

November 7, 2015

Happy 4^th Birthday, Elliot Walter!     This year has been a HUGE year for you.    Mainly because you went from being an only child to turning into a big brother.   Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have a sibling for you.    I prayed for it, of course.   However, it seemed that science was wrong once again.   Mommy was told that you would be my one and only, but apparently, God wins again!  

You were a MAJOR part of my pregnancy with Nora.    If I had to choose two things you learned this past year, I would say you learned compassion and understanding. You helped me when I was sick, you held my hand when I would lose my balance, and you came to many doctors’ appointments.    You would talk to my belly and feel your baby sister kick to the sound of your voice.     You helped set up her room and you even helped learn her name before anyone else ever knew it.

Now I know your little sister is barely two months old now, but I truly hope that you two become good friends.     Even though she is so very tiny right now, you are a huge part of her world.    You’re an amazing big brother and you’re growing into such an amazing young man.

You have blessed my life tremendously and I am so very honored to be your Mommy.   I love you, with all my heart and soul.

Love,

Mommy. 

Awesome. Just Awesome.

Last night, while taking photos, Mark said the one photo reminded him very much so of my first time meeting Elliot.   Mark made this for comparison.  

39+ week "Photo Shoot"

Sometimes Mark takes thee best pictures.   We did these tonight, and wow... I'm so in love.    God, thank you for my miracle babies.   Thank you for keeping them safe both inside and outside of the womb.   I may not be loaded with money or things, but my blessings in love and grace are out of this world!

Way to go, Elliot!

Elliot is such a lover of learning, and he has been having a heck of a time with writing his name "in order."   Well, here it is folks!   Look at that face!!!

OCNJ Photos

We had a wonderful time in OCNJ!   Here are just a few (emphasis on few) of the photos we took!

When I was pregnant with Elliot, they would not let me on the big giant ferris wheel.    I love that ferris wheel.   So this time, I told the lady to pretend I was just fat.  Haha!   Elliot loved it "all the way up there" and it was just so cool to see him brave the ocean, the rides and enjoy the simple things.