Take Him By the Hand...

Thinking about back-to-school this morning. [We do not start until next week]. Author is unknown but forwarded by my friend, Heather. So much to pray for as our little ones begin a new school year.

"My son started school this week. It's going to be strange and new to him for a while. And I wish you would sort of treat him gently. You see, up to now, he's been King of the Roost. Boss of the Backyard. I've always been around to repair his wounds and soothe his feelings. But now, things are going to be different.

This morning, he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on his great adventure that will probably include wars, tragedy and sorrow. To live his live in the World will require faith and love and courage. So, World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him...but gently, if you can.

He will have to learn, I know, that not all men are just. That not all men are true. Teach him that for every scoundrel, there is a hero. For every crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader. For every enemy, there is a friend.

Teach him the wonder of books. Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even when others tell him they are wrong. Teach him to close his ears on a howling mob...and stand and fight if he's right. Teach him gently, World, but don't coddle him. Because only the test of fire makes fine steel. This is a big order, World, but see what you can do...He's such a nice little fellow."

Cantigny Tanks with Elijah

These posts are coming at your out-of-order but, alas that is the current state of my mommy-brain. We got to spend a Sunday afternoon with Elijah at nearby Cantigny Park and as expected, the tanks were the highlight of the boys' visit. Here are a couple of pictures from our sunny/warm afternoon.

 

Cousins Day @ the Childrens Museum

We had 3 active little people [and another that spent most of the time in the stroller] and the museum was PACKED. Taking pictures took a backseat to keeping track of little people but here are a couple of shots from our time with Karissa & Lavell yesterday. Lavell was the explorer of the group, darting from one display to the next and X-man/Karissa were the problem-solvers, working together to figure out how each display worked. Good times!

 

3Months Old

Miss E. is growing quickly; getting to be a chubs! She's adored by her big brother though he is a learning [just a wee-bit] to give her some space. On her "lots of crying days" you'll most likely find X-man retreating to the out-of-doors! We are thankful for the gift she is to our family and the blessing of seeing our Alexander as a big brother, a title he has wanted for so very long. 

 

Smiles From Miss E...

By now [she's 8 weeks old], Ellyana is starting to smile & coo. It is so awesome! She is most smiley in the early morning when we have some "snuggle time" after daddy leaves for work & before Xman is up. Usually that means her laying beside me in bed as I try to capture just a few more minutes of sleep before tackling the day. Here's a picture from the other morning with that little smile that has captured my heart.

P.S. My  mom was just here for 3 days. Can you tell I had the opportunity to "catch my breath" just a wee-bit? Just letting you know that blogging is going to be relatively sporadic but hopefully, not altogether non-existent like its been lately.

Big Brother & Little Sister

Xman LOVES his little sister! We are talking LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I am mildly hoping the fascination wears off just a wee-bit so she can sleep without a little guy shaking her while saying, "It's time to wake up! It's time to wake up!" He has been really nurturing & surprisingly, very gentle. He does not like her to cry and often shouts, "Paci alert! Paci alert!" or says dejectedly, "I can't do it anymore. She's still crying. I need you, mom..."

The picture below is back in early June when he asked, "If I get dressed really fast can I hold her a few minutes before I leave for school?" So fun to see him interact & excited about his little sister.

 

She Is Here! [Proof is In the Pictures!]

Yep! This post is decidedly overdue [like 8 weeks overdue] but for my blogger-friends [who are non-Facebook users] here are some pictures from the past weeks. My apologies in advance for overloading your computer with cuteness! :)

We're doing good. Actually, we are doing REALLY good. Lots of transitions, of course, and until recent weeks, very little sleep. But we are overwhelmed by God's goodness in giving us the gift of Ellyana Marie [whose first name means "God answered" and middle name is shared by birthmom, Nicole, and myself].

So, without further ado, here are some pictures...

meeting his little sister for the first time

ready to go home from the hospital

the calm AFTER the storm [bathtime]

getting ready to go to church for the first time

miss curly-Q; her hair is getting curlier by the day

lunchtime with big brother

 
 And now she's crying so I have to run.