Tuesday, May 29, 2012

ch,ch,ch changes...

As first time parents, everything that Eli does is new and exciting, but this lately it's so many different things!  I'm not sure when it happened (overnight really) but our precious little boy is just checking off so many milestones lately.  Everyday is something new.  Here is what has been happening:
  • He's been able to roll over for a long time now, but now it's rolling everywhere. There is no laying on his back anymore.  If you lay him down on a blanket, he will roll from one side of the room to the other.  The changing table is quite the adventure now. :)
  • He can sit up on his own now, without any help.
  • If he is rolling over, he is all about laying on his stomach.  While there, he tries to get moving with his feet kicking like crazy, but so far he has only accomplished some scooting.  But he is one determined little boy.
  • He LOVES to be in his walker on our hardwood floors and can go anywhere, I mean ANYWHERE, he wants to.  He can go backwards, forwards, turn circles, back up and reach anything he wants.  He can go in and out of any room and if he could open doors, we'd REALLY be in trouble because I think he would live on our patio.  We are already having to baby proof our house because his little hands try to reach picture frames, outlets, kitchen cabinets, muffin's dog food...you get the point and we've only just begun!
  • He can give you "high fives."  He then proceeds to scream with excitement because he is so proud of himself.
  • His latest achievement is waving.  He hasn't quite mastered this yet, but he practices all of the time.  As he's falling asleep his little wrist is twisting and his hand is opening and closing.  Before now, it has had a little pageant twist going on, but he finally mastered it today and waved to his daddy from across the room.
  • AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST....we have heard those precious words... MaMa & DaDa... He did say MaMa first, BUT he has been all about saying DaDa these past 2 days, which makes Kevin very happy.  Laying in his crib this morning, Kevin & I woke up to the sound of DaDa coming from Eli.  Music to our ears...
...our baby boy is only half a year old and has accomplished so much...I can't imagine what he will be doing when he's a year.  He is such a joy and I cannot imagine our lives without him.  He laughs and squeals and is such a happy baby that he makes it easy being his mommy and daddy. 

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mother's Day

My first mother's day...words cannot even express how full of love my heart has been today.  Some people may think it is silly.  I mean we are mother's everyday so why do we need a specific day dedicated to us?  It's not the gifts that we got (a beautiful diamond necklace to remember my first mother's day) or the "down-time" our husbands gave us.  It's the fact that before now, it was always a time to make sure we told our own mother's "thank you" for all that they do for us. And now, this time, we are being told thank you and beginning a beautiful journey of raising a child.  One that we do not deserve, but that we are trusted with.  It is the most precious, rewarding and difficult thing we will ever do.  The job will never end but continue on for as long as we are allowed on Earth, because my mother is still there for me and I'm almost 30!

I do have to say one more thought that fills my heart though.  I read a status a moment ago of a dear friend and it said she was, "praying for all of the people longing to be a mother because it was a difficult place to be."  That really got me thinking and she is exactly right.  I've been at the place where you decide to try and have a baby, but you are so anxious and want it so badly that you just worry for some reason you can't have a child. Then I've been "there"...so close to being a mother, but losing a precious baby.  All I wanted so badly was to be a "mom."  To have those big, innocent eyes looking up at me, waiting for me to say something, and then giving me the sweetest smile in return.  But it wasn't in God's plan for that to happen at THAT time.  Fortunately, God blessed me and allowed me to be a mother in HIS time though and it was worth the wait and everything Kevin & I went through to get here.  So today, I am more thankful than I have ever been to be a mommy to my precious son, Eli.  And I do wonder about my angel in heaven (whether it was a boy or girl...what they would look like)...But I, too, am praying for anyone longing for this experience and hoping that your prayers are answered.  Just remember, it is in God's time and in HIS hands.  We don't always know why things happen, but we must have faith that there is a reason for everything. 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Babies, Babies Everywhere...

So before anyone freaks out...it's not me with a baby (besides Eli...who is quickly turning into a little boy).  However, I have SO many friends & people I know who are expecting little bundles of joy in the near future and I am absolutely loving it.  I think any woman who has or wants a child gets so happy and excited for people they know who are going to get to experience the joys of being a mommy.  Kevin says that I get so excited it's like I'm the one having the baby, but I am just truly overjoyed for them. 

I have always loved kids, worked with them and wanted to have them for as long as I can remember.  My biggest fear for a while was what if I couldn't have kids, what would I do then?  Then Kevin & I got pregnant, but we lost our first baby.  When that happens, it definitely puts things into perspective and you see just how PRECIOUS being pregnant, carrying a child, and holding that tiny baby in your arms is.  Then when you get that child that God wanted you to have, everything you went through is worth it and although you might have unanswered questions, you're ok with it.



SO, with all that said...I get excited because when a friend is pregnant you get to hear the details, and when you hear them you remember every step of your pregnancy that you forget so quickly when your baby gets here.  The first time you felt them kick, what you craved or what made you sick, when you heard their heartbeat or saw the ultrasound for the first time and the dr's had to explain what the alien looking parts were.  Those things fill your heart up with love the first time you experience it with each child, and then again when you look back on them as well.  THAT'S why I get excited for everyone and what they are going through.  Not only that but it is an emotional rollercoaster the first time so having a friend that has been there, done that, is the best thing that a friend can provide you with.  Google and pregnancy books scare you to death, so find someone who will you tell you like it is and ask away(in pregnancy there really are NO dumb questions).  Whatever you've done in life, there is nothing like it (whether it's a smooth or bumpy pregnancy).  ENJOY IT, WRITE THINGS DOWN, & TAKE PICTURES!  You will love having them later...trust me. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

What in the world?!?!

So I just noticed that I haven't updated my blog since December 2011.  What in the world could have me so busy that I can't just sit down and type away for an hour about life?  OH YEAH...that's right...my precious baby boy.  Eli Wayne Dunn...my pride and joy... the center of my world (other than my husband)... is seriously growing like a weed.  When you are pregnant with your first child everyone says, "Enjoy every moment...because they grow up so fast..." Here is living proof...
I mean seriously, when did he get to where he can sit propped up by himself?


And when did he stop needing to sit in in the carseat in the stroller with the extra head support to make sure that his neck is straight up?  This picture was taken this past Sunday.  We decided to go to Hollywood Studios for the first time and he LOVED it.  He smiled at every person that passed by.  He layed back and chilled for the ride all afternoon long.

These 2 boys are the light of my life.  They make every day brighter and put a smile on my face no matter what.  So what is the point of this blog?  I look across the couch tonight and I see my sweet husband (the best daddy there could ever be...besides mine) relaxing with our son asleep in his arms and I say, "Enjoy every minute of every day...even the bad ones....because it is true, it is NOT a cliche...children grow up WAY too fast and before you know it they are sitting in high chairs eating solid food, rolling from one side of the room to the other, scooting on their stomachs, and belly laughing at jokes like they understand what you are saying."  As each stage goes by my heart saddens for my "baby" boy, but leaps with excitement for the next part of our adventure as parents.  Raising a child is a true GIFT from God...


Thursday, December 8, 2011

LiFe As We KnOw It...

Have you seen that movie, Life as we know it? It's pretty good and pretty accurate as well!  In that movie these two people end up taking care of their best friends baby because her parents get killed in a car accident.  Although (thank the Lord) the circumstances aren't the same, the movie goes on to show how one day they are out, care-free, doing whatever and the next morning you life as they know it is completely different.


When you are expecting a child and carrying it for 10 months you think you have time to prepare.  Yeah right!  You read all the books, get advice from everyone whether you want it or not, and you try to have everything you can think of ready.  Then you bring home this little life; this precious bundle of joy that you stare at it thinking he is the most beautiful thing you've ever layed eyes on.  You can't believe that God blessed you with the responsibility to raise this little boy that was created out of love by you and your husband, your best friend.


But just at that moment, he starts to cry...and doesn't stop.  Or he cries everytime you put him down and your days/nights now consist of sleeping in a recliner or couch to keep your baby satisfied.  You go through a cycle constantly of changing a diaper, feeding him, and then getting him to sleep.  You wake up getting a couple hours of sleep and you become a coffee drinker (when you couldn't STAND the taste of it before.)  Sounds miserable doesn't it?


Well the truth is that YES it's different, but it is amazing.  It is not miserable at all.  I can't believe Eli is almost a month old already.  It seems like just yesterday I was 41 weeks pregnant, praying that I'd get to meet this little boy soon. 

He has turned mine and Kevin's world upside down, but for the better.  We are more in love than ever and stronger than we've ever been in our relationship.  The sleepness nights and figuring out cries are worth it everytime he gives you that little grin or makes this little giggle because he's trying so hard to figure out how to laugh. Or when you are rocking him in your arms and he is making those little noises falling asleep and he cracks his eyes open just enough to make sure you are still there and then falls back asleep.  I am overwhelmed with love for this tiny baby already and can't wait to see each milestone as it happens.  I wouldn't trade this new life for anything in the world.  So my advice to soon-to-be parents...just go with it.  Don't try and plan too much.  Don't think you have it figured out because just as you get somewhat on a schedule, he goes through a growth spurt or changes and you have to figure everything out again.  Enjoy it because everyone is right about one thing...they grow up WAY too fast.




Friday, October 21, 2011

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

Well I am 38 weeks, 1 day pregnant and still counting.  Today Kevin & I went into our doctors appointment in a great mood, so excited to be checked (which is hilarious by the way...this will definitely be the only time I ever get excited about being "checked" by a doctor...awkward) and see what/ if any progress had been made.  No more progress...still just 1 cm dialated and really nothing else major going on.  Darn.  BUT, then we had an ultrasound and got to see our precious baby boy's face on that monitor again. It was such a clear picture of his face with his little pug nose and big, full lips.  Kevin got to use the sonar and find the heartbeat himself, which was awesome.  We sat there thinking, "this will be the last time we see Eli inside of my belly", witnessing the miracle that there is really a baby in there and as disappointed as we thought we would be...we weren't! 

The truth is...he has to come out and at the most it will be another 13 days on his due date, November 3rd.  BUT we are so blessed beyond measure.  To carry a baby...a healthy baby...and not have many complications (besides morning sickness and such) is such a blessing.  People take it for granted and even though this last week has honestly been pretty miserable, I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I would do this all again and hope to before too, too long!

So what's the worst that will happen until God reveals Eli's birthday to us all?  Kevin and I will spend time together, being in love and enjoying these last rolls, tumbles and kicks that we get to see going on in my belly.  And we know that before long, we will be holding our beautiful baby boy in our arms and this "waiting game" will just be a memory for the books.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

There Shall be Showers of Blessing...

Kevin & I have realized once again just how blessed we are, after our recent trip to North Carolina. We headed out (Kevin, Muffin and me) very early in the morning and didn't imagine just how great this trip would be. Over the first two days we spent time with old and new friends and took part in two of our great friends special day.  We got to hang out and have fun with some great friends (probably for the last time in a while) and meet tons of new friends as well!  We danced, talked and laughed two nights away.  Our friends, Sunny & Tyler had a beautiful wedding and we were glad to have been chosen to share it with them.  Every time we attend a wedding, especially when Kevin's up there in his tuxedo, it makes me fall in love with him all over again.  Seeing the love in the bride and groom's eyes, listening to the words you say to each other and thinking back to the day when you said those words to the person you love is a great moment.



After that, it was our time to be reminded how in love we are and how our love for each other has created a special little boy that we get to meet and take care of very soon!  We got to go back to where I am from and see tons of people (friends and family) that I haven't seen in what seems like forever.  It was so great to see everyone and the support that we got from friends and family was amazing!  It's not everyday that someone who has been gone (technically) from their hometown (Creswell) for 4 years can go back and get the love and welcome that I did.  My home church and family blew me away with their generousity.



Then we traveled to Kevin's hometown (Four Oaks) for yet more showering by friends and family.  Even though we were in two different places, the kindness from everyone was the same in both places.  It's great to see someone when it's been a while and pick up right where you left off.  That's how you know people truly care.  We had friends come (who had to travel a good ways) from previous jobs, college, etc. that we probably haven't seen since our wedding!  True friends are so hard to come by and Kevin and I are even blessed in that area because we have so many friends that are there for us no matter what!



Eli will not go lacking.  We received so many thoughtful gifts that we literally had to rent a U-Haul to get it all back to Florida with us.  What a great problem to have!  Other things that were great were that Muffin got to visit with everyone and she LOVES her some grandma and grandpa. I started calling them (my parents) that long before I even thought about their nicknames changing for a baby one day...so she doesn't know who Nana and Papa are, so I'll have to work on that.

Since we've been back it's been tons of fun organizing, putting things together and then placing them in the exact right place (or so we think for now).  Kevin and I couldn't be happier right now.  The only thing that can make it better is having little Eli here to put him in everything we received!