Firsts

Missing the first 13 months of Eli's life was tough. I tried very hard not to focus on all of those "firsts" that we missed, but it was not always easy. We weren't there when Eli was born, when he smiled for the first time, for his first tooth (actually, his first 14 teeth!), his first babble, his first steps, his first birthday, etc. But, we did not miss everything during those months thanks to all of our visits. We feel so blessed and grateful for everything that we DID experience with Eli before he came home. And, now that he IS home (AMAZING!), we realize there are still soooooo many firsts left for us. Here are a few we have already experienced in our first week as a family at home:

First playtime with his cousins!! What kind of fun trouble are these boys going to get into?!?!

The first time meeting his cousin, K. K, Eli is so lucky to have you as his cousin! You are so loving and sweet with him. Isn't she gorgeous? First visit to the park. Eli LOVED the swing! We were pushing him pretty high and he just smiled and laughed!

First toothbrush! Eli started brushing his teeth tonight and he did great! That is, until momma tried to take the toothbrush away and he screamed. I guess he likes to brush his teeth?!?! Actually, we think he is getting one of his back teeth in and the toothbrush probably felt pretty good to chew on.
First day playing in the yard...at home. He loved it.
First full nap in his crib! WOOHOO!!! We're working on it!

I am amazed how how quickly our lives have been transformed. At how quickly the pain and heartache of waiting has melted away. At how well Eli has been adjusting to all of these significant changes in his life. Even so, we are starting to notice the subtle ways in which he has expressed his grief and stress. We are noticing because every day it gets a little better. Every day his hugs get a little tighter, his snuggles a little longer, and he relaxes a little more. Every day he teaches us something new about himself. Every day we learn something new about what it means to be Eli's parents. Every day he makes us laugh, smile, and take a deep breath. Every day we are so grateful and feel so lucky to be his parents.