Life Through Eli's Eyes

Colorado

2011-07-10T13:24:00.000-05:00

Our family vacation this summer was to join the rest of my family in Breckenridge, CO. What better way to beat the miserable Houston heat than to have 2 weeks in 70 degree weather. Although, we got a little scared when it snowed the second day we were there (5 inches!). But after building a snowman, it melted and all was right with the world. We had a blast. We celebrated Mimi's (my mom), 60th birthday! We celebrated Father's Day ( I don't know the last time I actually saw my dad on Father's Day) and we did so many fun things.

There were firsts: Eli went to his first movie theater movie (Cars 2), he went on a first real hike and he got to bungee bounce. He also went on his first canoe trip to fish for the first time with his dad, pap and Uncle... however after 15 minutes he only caught seaweed and it started to storm like armageddon so, wasn't a complete success. But he had fun.

We rode the Cog Railway that went all the way up to the summit of Pike's Peak (14,110 feet) and it traveled on a 25% grade upward at times. So cool! and the views were AMAZING. Of course Eli believes that any train he rides includes shopping at the train station so he kept saying "Can we go shopping?", that is my boy.

RJ and I have been doing P90X so we thought we could conquer more difficult hiking with my dad this time... and we did... ugh. P90X does not quite prepare you for altitude but we made it and were so happy on the way back down!

We took a small road trip to see the Red Rocks Amphitheater which was such a beautiful site, however we couldn't actually see the inside because there was a Willie Nelson concert that started at 3:30! Oh well, everything we saw around it was worth the drive.

The most important thing we did was deliver RJ's mom to her final resting place(s). She had one request for us and that was that she wanted her ashes to be spread in the Rocky Mountains... so we did! 3 different places and she will be able to look out in all different directions from high altitude. And we were honored to get her there.

Here are some various pics from the trip, more to follow once I get my I-phone pics situated....

Gondola ride to Peak 8

Atop Peak 8

Maya

View from lunch ( one block from my parents' house)

View from the cog railway (going up)

At the Summit!

Cousins

Eli on the Gondola

Dad

The Boys on Pike's Peak

More Boys on Pike's Peak

Eli Hiking

I love my various i-phone cameras....

2011-05-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Missing you today, Mary.

Remembering Nana

2011-04-01T14:35:00.000-05:00

As I sit to write a tribute to RJ's mom, I am bombarded with so many memories and thoughts and feelings. She was both strong and soft, stubborn and giving, and above all, how she loved her family. Her smile when she saw one of her grandchildren would light up a room. And her sorrow in the loss of her twin grandsons was deep. She didn't have much but would have given it all away to help a loved one. She always welcomed a friend as family and cherished our friends' children as her own. She valued honesty and simple living. I am reminded of the song to which she and RJ danced at our wedding, "Simple Man" (the Shinedown version). I feel it truly spoke to how she hoped RJ's life would unfold. Her message to RJ, I believe, is one we can all stand to learn. With the love of family and ourselves we have it all.

Mary Elizabeth Wagner 11/3/46- 3/20/11
My Mother-in-law, my "mom", my friend.

Some photo faves of our time with Nana

Randomness

2011-02-25T16:13:00.001-06:00

Just some random pics from the past couple of months...

Having fun in the snow in Pittsburgh

Trying to figure this stuff out

Post-snow cheek breakdown

See a lot of this face since we turned 3

Me and my boy.. the love of my life!

Christmas morning kolache breakfast

Eli and our friend, Amy... just a cheesy face. (On him, not her)

Eli is 3!

2011-01-16T15:54:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Eli's 3rd birthday, once again, with the train theme. This is the second year in a row. Not that I don't love trains, I am just hoping for a new theme next year... I have now bought everything possible "train-themed" thus far and I don't think they make anything else so.. to avoid reusing the same old decorations, we must move past this party phase!

Mimi and Pap sent Eli this GIANT Thomas tent, a very big hit at the party. Now to find a place for it while we try to sell our house! We also made our own balloons this year with a kit.... I LOVED THIS.

Eli started opening presents before we even got in the room...

Our dear, dear nanny, Nena...

Eli's friends enjoying cupcakes on the kitchen floor.

Crazy mother I know, but I bought him this drumkit.. he seems really musical so we will see. The good news is.. it has a volume button!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-08T15:37:00.000-06:00

In keeping with the spirit of Trains... Eli's Halloween costume was a train conductor... oddly he did not want to be Thomas (and thankfully). This is the first year he enjoyed Halloween, anticipated its arrival and participated in all our goofy family activities. After a week of practicing saying "Trick or Treat" he prompty went to the first house and annnounced... "Can I have Candy?"... Then the second house he went to he asked the owner where she had gotten her ceramic pumpkin.. Her response "I can't remember, I think Target". His response.. " I love Target!" (where he gets most of his trains, of course). And the last house had a small decorative spider to which he responded by singing (loudly) "Itsy Bitsy Spider". On any account, was a blast and cannot wait until next year!!!

Lil Conductor

At the "Punkin Patch"

Too Cute

Pumpkin

Helping out

Me and him...

Day Out With Thomas

2010-10-23T15:28:00.000-05:00

I am pretty sure if you asked anyone who they could spend one day with they will give you very different answers... some celebrities, scholars, politicians, etc. Well, Eli would heartily tell you... THOMAS!!! So, Thomas came to a little town called Rusk, TX and... well, Eli got to meet him and go for a ride. We went with our friends Drew and Jessica and their boys Mason and Ian... a good time was had by all (although it was still ridiculously hot).

Mater from the movie "Cars" at a small autobody shop in a very very small Texas town..

The Wagners

Sir Topham Hat (the conductor of Sodor)

Train Ride... he was so happy, the only time he is quiet...

The boys at the track!

Train Show

2010-10-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

Back in October I found out that there was going to be a model train show at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. SO, of course, our little train conductor was in attendance. He could not believe the enormity of the room and that it was entirely filled up with trains... of every size, type and group. There were several tracks set up with trains and we just literally followed this child for 3 hours as he ran from booth to booth begging for a new train. This is also where he had his first ever Dum Dums lollipop and, I think, found his own piece of Heaven this day. Obviously, we didn't make it home before he fell asleep and he talks about it still. Unfortunately everything "model train" is very expensive, so the cheapest thing we could get him (that he would agree too) was a 20 dollar, very old (and small)black steam train... he loves it still..

First Lollipop!!!

The pic that prved he need a "trim".

Just silly...

Loving this!!!

Their Names in the Sand...

2010-09-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

There is a FABULOUS woman in Australia who chooses to preserve the memory and legacy of her own son by writing the names of children who have passed for their bereaved parents on the beach at sunset. She does this out of the kindness of her own heart and only asks a simple donation if you wish to have a copy to print. Here is the magic and beauty she creates. I cannot thank her enough for what she does.

The website is: http://namesinthesand.blogspot.com

2 1/2 year Photos

2010-07-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

So.... we never really have taken Eli to have professional pictures as I thought we would never be able to get him to cooperate with the process. Well, I ate my words last week. He was such a cheese ball for the camera that it ended up going MUCH better than I expected. So well that the photographer took about 100 more pics than she normally does. What that means for me is that I had 130 PICTURES TO CHOOSE FROM!!! Needless to say, we spent way more money than we intended. Well worth it though. Considering we haven't taken him since he was 3 months old. Of course we took his Thomas the Tank Engine prop... because we couldn't love trains anymore right now if we tried.

Styled by Yogurt

2010-05-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

With 2 fists full of yogurt, Eli took it upon himself to "restyle" his hair at dinner last night.

Butterflies...

2010-04-19T13:40:00.000-05:00

Butterflies are a gift. They flit around us, just briefly, and then they are off, just as quickly, to the next stop. They don't stay long, they don't need to... But we are moved to smile when we see one. Butterflies are often compared to losing a loved one.
For this reason, we chose butterflies to symbolize the very brief joy and life of our twin sons, Ryder Jansan and Levi Dominic.

My Dearest Ryder & Levi
You each came and went far too soon on 2/28/10 but we are certain that from the moment we knew you were there until you were gone, you brought us incomparable joy.
We are grateful still for the honor we were given to be the parents of twin boys, if only for an instant. We imagine all that you could've been... would've been. We dream of the relationship you would have had with your brother, Eli. Although he is still very young, it was apparent that something changed for him also that day. We often think about what color your eyes were, how we would've been able to tell you apart (I am certain you would've tried to trick us) and how we would have loved to watch the growth and lives of identical twins to see how close and similar you were, and your differences. The thought of being the mother of 3 little boys while a little scary, was a challenge I couldn't wait to take on. The love between a mother and her son is like no other, and to have had that 3 times over made me feel like I was going to be the most loved mom of all.
We have never known a greater sadness... emptiness... since you had to go. Instead of watching over you both in your crib, I now dust off the urn that holds what's left of your perfect tiny bodies. There are unanswered questions and many, many tears yet to fall for you. But, always know, our beloved sons, that your mom and dad love you each and every day. You are in our hearts and thoughts and prayers. We yearn for the chance to hold you each and maybe we will be given that honor in different way, someday. Until then, we, and your big brother, will keep you close in all the ways we can. You DID exist, you WERE here, although briefly, and are always a part of our family.

All our Love,
Mommy, Daddy and Eli

"They" also say that you learn who your true friends are when a tragedy occurs and while I think that is true in most cases, I never had a single doubt how true my friends are. I simply got to learn the depth of love and friendship beyond my dreams. I thank them all deeply, from my very core. For all the love our family and friends showed us makes us richer on this earth. There is no thanks big enough, but to all our family and friends... you all know who you are THANK YOU!!!

Unfortunately the day we wanted to release our butterflies was the only rainy one in a sea of sunny days, so we released balloons and honored our boys with loving words, prayer and a few mimosas ;)
The following day brought just enough warmth and sunshine that we got to release our butterflies... Eli enjoyed this so much, especially since the last butterfly hung out on his hand for quite awhile. Here are some pics of he and the butterflies...

Galveston 3/27/2010

2010-03-30T21:39:00.000-05:00

Went to Galveston for a day trip... had NO idea it was a pretty nice beach. Eli loved it, and the carrots snacks on the way there.

2010-03-29T21:48:00.000-05:00

Last Week:

Me: "I put you in time-out because you cannot throw toys. You need to say sorry."

Eli: "Sorry, mama"

Me: "For?"

Eli: "Five"...

This Week:

Me: " I put you in time-out because I told you that you can't lick the slide outside, you need to say sorry"

Eli " Sorry, mama"

Me: "For?"

Eli: "Ever."

Ba da dum...

Where is Eli??

2009-06-24T22:26:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share a quick story that I thought was cute. Last week I was making dinner and I couldn't find Eli. After a slight panic attack and sprints from room to room, I realized he was laying with his milk... in the dog bed... in the corner... in the kitchen... right behind me!!!!!! argh!

Tain, tain, tain!!!!

2009-06-24T22:10:00.000-05:00

This, of course, is the word "train" out of the mouth of Eli... I cannot believe just how much he loves trains. It started with a simple Thomas the Train oval wooden track with a wooden engine. It has evolved to a mass transit system in our gameroom that involves hills, battery operated engines (thanks pap), water towers and even a San Francisco trolley! From the moment he gets up in the morning, until bedtime it is "tain, on" "tain, off" "tain, Tain TAAIINNN!". I now usually have to make him say "night night, tain" just to get him to leave them for the evening just so it can all repeat the next day. A very sweet patient of mine has a daughter that needed to get rid of her son's train table and we apparently needed to get a train table so it was a win-win!

Being that he LOVES the train world, we thought it would be a fabulous idea to take him (in the 4000 degree heat) to Zube Park. Zube Park has a train society there for people who build miniature trains to run them on tracks and they allow the public every so often to ride them too. From the moment Eli saw the Thomas the Train tablecloth he was in.... and boy did he love the engines. Our friend, Nicole, brought her son, Cade, and everyone had a blast!!

This is him screaming "Tain!"

Memorial Day and First Boat Trip

2009-06-05T15:27:00.000-05:00

We were invited to celebrate Memorial Day with our friends and their family this year. There was good food, small fireworks, horses to see and large grassy areas for Eli to roam... although he still headed directly to the road... what is it about him???

Ellen With Luke and Mitchell

Horses

Daddy and Eli

Eli and Aiden (couldn't get them to look at the camera at the same time)

The week after Memorial Day we went to Lake Livingston to visit with some friends who have a house and boat there... Being that Eli LOVES water, he enjoyed the lake, the pool AND the boat, although the life jacket took some getting used to...

Easter '09

2009-04-13T14:12:00.000-05:00

Eli's second Easter...can't hardly believe he's 15 months! He is walking and talking and he has decided that he should exert his own opinion and thoughts and I am not sure how much I like it. He loves to walk, just not in any direction I prefer. He has a teeny temper (hmm hmm daddy's boy) and he is not afraid to speak up (rather shriek) when challenged. All in all he is the absolute most amazing creature that I have ever known and just when I think I am consumed entirely by my love for him, I learn I love him even more... how is this possible? Anyway, here are some pics from Easter and I know there are many, I just couldn't decide on fewer.

Quints Coming to House Near you!!!

2009-04-13T14:05:00.001-05:00

Springtime... means so many thing to so many people. To us... it means we get to hang out with the quints more often!!! So, last Saturday was the very first appearance by Luke, Sidney, Ivy, Briellen and Mitchell at the Wagners!!! Hold onto your hats!!! So much fun!

Mitchell

Ivy & Brie

Luke accosting Eli for his milk

Luke and Sidney in the steeler beanie

6 little bebes

Blue Eyes & Blue Bonnets!

2009-04-05T13:50:00.000-05:00

So... we don't often take part in "Texas" traditions to the fullest however, I didn't want to miss out on this one. I thought, once again, that I would get some really good shots of my blue-eyed subject laughing and frolicking in the beautiful blue bonnets. What I got was a determined toddler running AWAY and in the opposite direction from every perfect shot I wanted posed. So, instead here are several candids...

Valentine's Day for 3

2009-02-20T12:26:00.001-06:00

he can't wait to drive

pretty sunset on the lake

modified dining for toddlers

i like this chair

RJ surprised me with a Velentine's getaway to a new resort in Lake Conroe, TX. Since we have no grandparents locally,the little monkey tagged along. We had a very nice time. The room was gorgeous and we got a bottle of champagne, a dozen roses, dinner, breakfast and couples' massages in the room (although we had to go separately so one of us could entertain said monkey). We spent some time at a park in Lake Conroe the next day and the weather was fabulous. Although Eli couldn't have any champagne, he enjoyed milk while mommy imbibed... it was very nice family time...

happy boy

mom and dad

the wagners

the boy loves to slide

Looks real, no?

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

2009-01-12T12:19:00.000-06:00

Eli celebrated his first birthday January 12!!! We had a birthday party for him on January 17 when RJ's family came into town! It was a lot of fun and we had a great turnout. Unfortunately Eli didn't feel well (we later learned he can't tolerate cow's milk yet) and he absolutely did NOT want any of his cake!!!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! Go Steelers!

2009-01-05T21:56:00.000-06:00

Eli had his first Christmas in the Rocky Mountains with my family. It was a blast. We had a super warm snowsuit for him (something unheard of here in Houston) that won't get much use otherwise but he looked adorable in it. My dad pulled him all around Breckenridge in a Baby Boggin (Toboggin "baby-sized") for days. No stroller can make it through all that snow... There is a sledriding hill very close to their home and we finally decided to try him on the hills unassisted. He LOVED it. TOO funny, he smiled the whole way down the hill and laughed and laughed. In fact, the only time he cried was when we stopped. RJ and I actually got on the sleds with my niece, Maya, and I absolutely forgot how much fun it is to sledride! Hysterical! I can't wait to do it again. We also did some skiing which counted as my full second time. The great thing is that I really picked up where I left off and didn't fall much at all!!! GO ME! We had a low-key New Years (it's been a long time since that happened) and spent the night in with 2 bottles of champagne (and vodka/grapefruit, yum). There is a torch light ceremony that involves selected skiers (not me, of course, you have to be good)carrying lit torches down one of the peaks. Very neat. Then there were fireworks that we could see from my parents' living room. We watched the ball drop in New York and didn't even stay awake to see midnight mountain time. Oh well... so it goes. Pretty successful first holiday season for the boy... ho ho ho.

To see more pics from the trip go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/susanbsn/sets/72157612171220427/

Short video of the "sledder" this is a much smaller hill but you can see his BIG smile at the end!

It Snows and He Walks (well, one step)

2008-12-22T16:56:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Eli's first Thanksgiving in the privacy of our own home... I cooked for the 3 of us and Eli actually ate some too! I learned he really doesn't like mashed potatoes and rubs them into his hair rather than eat them (just like RJ used to do when he was a baby). The weather was really nice so we ate out on our new deck, yay!!! Now we don't have to worry that anyone will break their ankle on the old one!
i took Eli's Christmas pics myself again... I think we did a little better. It was really tough to get him to sit still and not crawl. He took one step on December 17 but NOTHING since then, I figure he knows he has the crawling down, why bother?
He also has been having some breathing and coughing (mostly coughing) issues for some time now and his Doctor started him on some treatments to help with inflammation in his lungs. I REALLY am hoping and praying that it doesn't turn into Asthma. The Doctor did say that it doesn't always mean it will. It was really hard to get the breathing treatments in him, he was NOT happy and waking him (and us) up every 4 hours is no picnic!!! ANyway, he still plays and plays constantly, he'd never know he was having an issue.... Lastly, we did have night with some real snow. Pretty awesome for us "Yankees"...

Halloween and Family Visit!

2008-11-07T10:20:00.000-06:00

Eli's first Halloween was a big hit. My parents came in and brought my niece Maya for the big holiday. The week before we went to pick pumpkins and I had grand visions that I would get the most precious pictures of Eli at the pumpkin patch that I would cherish forever. Instead I got approximately 45-50 shots of him looking anywhere BUT the camera, eating leaves, grass and various bugs and crying. No one told me that taking pictures would be this HARD!!! If anyone has ANY baby cooperation techniques, feel free to divulge as I simply ended up looking like a lunatic calling his name louder and louder and clicking, whistling and clapping. I am, thankfully, lucky I wasn't committed... Here's some pics... the good, the bad and the ugly....

Yummy...

more food!

Kaiya and Eli scheming to keep me from taking pictures

My Baby Boy

The only decent photo from the patch

Inexplicable Number 1 Sign

Our day at the "zoo boo"

He loves to swing

"Is this food?"

Maya was Jasmine and Eli was a Skeleton

Playtime with Maya

Eli learning bongo play

9 Months Old, Swimming and Aiden's Party

2008-10-16T15:09:00.000-05:00

Since my last post we have been very busy...
Eli's Nana left after staying with us for 3 weeks. and what a 3 weeks it was (Ike). Eli started swim classes and we have been going to Ellen and Amy's houses often for assistance with Babies A-F... (Ellen has quintuplets and Amy, her sister, is pregnant and on bedrest).
Eli has learned quite a bit... his new nanny started and has already taught him to clap. He is "army crawling" and getting everywhere he needs to go... it ain't pretty but he gets the job done.

We kidnapped Ellen from her busy baby schedule to go to Aiden's (Amy's son) birthday party and Eli got to "hang" with his "guy" friends.. very interesting.

Eli has also learned a new trick...

Eli started swim classes and he is enjoying every minute... I think we have the next Michael Phelps... (doesn't everyone?) Well, I think it's a great possibility.

Eli had his 9 month well baby check up today... he weighs 18 lb 4 oz and is 27 3/4 inches long. Time is simply FLYING by and he is getting bigger!!! I know I was warned about the time warp but, wow!

Here's some random shots from the last few weeks...

Eli's First Trip to Pittsburgh!

2008-09-29T22:44:00.000-05:00

Eli finally made his first trip to the 'Burgh to meet all of his family and friends. What a whirlwind it was!!! We had a good time but needless to say... exhausting. Eli also caught his first cold, which then developed into an ear infection which THEN led to his first course of antibiotics which then led to not so fun diaper changes. Eli was supposed to attend his first Steeler game but due to his "cold" he and his mother (boo) stayed home and watched it on TV. GO STEELERS!!! Here is some various shots from that trip

Eli's friend Cameron who was born a day after him...

Steeler mania!

Cousin Maysen and Eli at the Point in downtown Pittsburgh

What a fan!

Oh no! Mommy's hungry!!!

About a week after getting home from our visit, we experienced our first hurricane while living in the Gulf. RJ's mom was here helping us out with Eli while our nanny was on vacation and I do believe she won't visit during hurricane season next year!!! No really, it was quite an experience. Follow the link to the pics I uploaded to flickr to see the local devastation.
http://flickr.com/photos/susanbsn/sets/72157607358243802/

Some New Things

2008-08-05T22:02:00.001-05:00

Well, after months and MONTHS of slobber, we finally have a tooth!!! It's just a chip right now but we LOVE it!! Eli also has been doing this "face" where he blows up his chest and puffs his cheeks, we call him Tommy Boy, or, for those in the know... Keanu Reeves.
Lastly, Eli's been getting much stronger and much more mobile. He crawls (backwards only) and can stand with support for a bit... here he is trying for his favorite new drink, Red Stripe!

Congrats David!!!

2008-08-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

We have a good friend, Jim, whose son has just finished treatment for AML (the same leukemia I had) and now he is getting back to living! He is big motocross rider and had a party last week at the track> Eli, of course wanted to participate, however, just looking is all mama is ready for right now...

Susan the "Photographer"

2008-07-25T20:46:00.001-05:00

I decided after our disappointing "professional" 3 month pics that I would try to do some shots of my own and, since I got a really nice camera for Christmas and I LOVE to screw around with Picasa (thank you Kari), I have found a new past time. I even bought "props" to dress up the shots. Poor Eli, he has no idea what he is in for now!! Here is a few of my faves...

Two Favorite Pics

2008-07-06T22:08:00.001-05:00

The 4th of July post parade party...

July 4th Vacation to Breckenridge, CO

2008-07-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

Lots of firsts the past 2 weeks. Eli flew for the first time (he did really awesome.. god bless baby tylenol). He saw his first parade, first snow and snowball, first sledriding (modified for age appropriateness) and first fireworks!!! Not to mention he finally met his Uncle Tim and Aunt Dorothy and got to be spoiled once again by Mimi, Pap and cousin Maya...

First BIG pool

2008-06-21T21:54:00.000-05:00

RJ's company had their summer picnic at Splashtown and Eli got to go in his first big pool. I think he really likes water so far, but he wouldn't tell me for sure...

Random Shots

2008-06-13T13:20:00.000-05:00

Just some randoms... Eli went to the doctor for shots, he is now 5 months old!!! He weighs 14 lb 14 oz and is 24.5 inches long. Wow, what growth! He is really getting sounds now and loves to screech really loud, especially at Kaiya.

Lifelong Friends!

2008-06-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

Eli's friends Mason and Cade came over to swim today, unfortunately Cade couldn't stay for the dip but Mason sure enjoyed!!! Cade is 3.5 weeks younger than Eli and Mason is almost 1.5 years and he has a little brother on the way!!!

Mimi, pool and cereal

2008-05-29T21:40:00.001-05:00

We got Eli his first pool and his first experience was very cute. He really ended up liking it a lot, I think...

2008-05-29T21:37:00.001-05:00

Eli had quite a FUN week with Mimi in town. They walked, in the heat, every day and he is now spoiled.

2008-05-29T21:34:00.000-05:00

Mimi visited us this week and we gave Eli his first food, rice cereal. He got a bit messy but he is doing really well.

First Birthday Party and Random Fun

2008-05-19T12:51:00.000-05:00

Eli went to his first birthday party for his friend, Max. What a beautiful day it was! RJ bought him a football so we can start working on his spiral...

First Mother's Day

2008-05-11T12:35:00.000-05:00

Well, it was my first Mother's Day. Aside from the horrific food poisoning I was suffering with, I still had a very special day (thanks to RJ). I don't look my best, but the new diamond earrings sure helped!!!

Eli Speaks

2008-05-05T21:14:00.000-05:00

Eli has been really chatting up a storm. Big "firsts" last week were: hold his own shoe and putting it into his mouth, actually laughing out loud and holding/shaking a rattle. Everyday is so new for us! He also enjoyed taling to his Mimi on the phone as well as looking at his new sandals...

Nana Leaves

2008-04-26T21:10:00.000-05:00

Nana's stay finally came to a close (unfortunately). We said "until next time" and all was sad. Big thanks to Nana for all her help! She was a blessing. Next up, Mimi returns May 24th!!! Yay! More help!!

Exersaucer and Bumbo Day!

2008-04-25T22:03:00.001-05:00

Today we decided that Eli's neck control was good enough for new toys. We have a long way to go, but I was way happy!

RJ's Birthday

2008-04-24T21:17:00.000-05:00

Today was RJ's 36th birthday and he got his first birthday card from Eli, he was touched!

Kemah

2008-04-07T22:05:00.001-05:00

We took Eli to his first trip to Kemah Boardwalk yesterday. He enjoyed himself. It was a gorgeous day and we all had fun. He had so much funthat he slept THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! for the first time!!! Yay!

2008-04-05T21:48:00.000-05:00

Kaiya cheated death today after eating (or attempting to) a wasp. You can see in the pic on the left her swollen tongue where the stinger was found and her big puffy eyes. The pic on the left was taken about 30 minutes after I gave her Benadryl. The pic on the right is about 2 hours after. Eyes still puffy but better. She sure scared us because she wasn't breathing quite right and was very lethargic. She's 100% better now, just a lump in her tongue.

Eli meets Mandi, Brianand Maysen.... and Nana returns

2008-04-01T16:00:00.001-05:00

Well, big week last week for Eli and the gang. The fun started on Easter Sunday. He met his other cousin, Maysen for the first time. He also met Aunt Mandi, Uncle Brian and Nana returned for round 2!!! Nana will be here helping out and training a nanny until April 27th. I go back to work on the 8th (maybe) and I will be working 2-3 days per week. We will see how that goes... Eli went to the Houston zoo for the first time, I'd put a picture up except he slept the WHOLE time, bless his heart. Maybe next year.

2008-03-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

last week Eli got his first shots. I don't know who cried harder, mom or baby. You can see two of his looney tunes bandaids on his left thigh. He had 4 in all!!!

Mom and baby spent St. Patty's day together! What fun we had, Eli took a 2 hour nap!!! and lots of smiles all day. Melts my heart!

2008-03-10T15:23:00.000-05:00

Ha! Little steeler man!!! So cute! This is what we do on our weekends, take pics of our boy..

this is just some raw footage of the little guy. turn down your volume, though, because mama sounds like a loon!

2008-03-04T15:53:00.001-06:00

We are learning how to smile!!! It gets bigger everyday! It's best witnessed in the morning, although there have been sightings in the evening too. We also has a 'night out' with our Auntie's Elle, Amy and Jess over the weekend. Here's a pic of Eli and Elle!!!

2008-02-28T14:51:00.001-06:00

Eli is 6 weeks old and he finally met his Pap Sabo and his cousing Maya Kay. Another big thing this week is his Mimi Sabo went home after spending the first 6.5 weeks of Eli's life with him. We miss her!!!

2008-02-11T11:36:00.000-06:00

2008-02-11T11:31:00.000-06:00

It was a big week for Eli. he turned 4 weeks and he met his new friend Cade. Cade was born on Eli's original due date Feb. 6 and Eli went to welcome him to the world last Friday.

January 12, birthdays for everyone...

2008-02-09T18:07:00.000-06:00

Well, the biggest life change imaginable finally happened. We were anticipating his arrival on February 6 but, our little man wanted to see the NFL playoffs and the superbowl (unfortunately the Steelers were eliminated early). Eli John Wagner arrived on January 12, 2008 at 6 lb 2 oz and 17.5 inches long. (He now shares his mother's birthday). So, here we are, learning this baby and everyday seems a little less strange. He is simply amazing...