Wednesday, May 21, 2008

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.

11 comments:

  1. You are very lucky... I am guessing Eli thinks he is pretty lucky as well... I am so glad things are going good for you guys.

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  2. So glad to see that you are enjoying the firsts each and every day... As hard as it is to miss all that time it's nice to know that all the rest of his firsts will be with you. I pray that your adjustments to each other continue to go well. It is amazing to watch the love unfolding each day.

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  3. Thanks for sharing all his firsts. It looks like he is fitting right in with those cousins of his!

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  4. You have so many more firsts to come. Wonderful pictures!

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  5. So glad to see your settling in and enjoying those "firsts". :)

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  6. What a great post! There are so many firsts still to come too. Glad Eli is doing well. Isn't it magical???

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  7. I love this "Firsts" post. The pics are adorable and so is Eli!!!

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  8. I love this "Firsts" post. The pics are adorable and so is Eli!!!

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  9. Eli is such a beautiful boy. Take it from me who has four kids, there are a lot of firsts that will continue to take your breath away. Enjoy everyone of them

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  10. I'm so glad Eli is doing so well! He's just adorable...
    Jen :]

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  11. Oh Steph, What a wonderful post. I have been through this already with Sam the wait is hard. But you reminding me that it all melts away helps so much with waiting for Joe! So glad to hear of all your firsts together.

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