The Best Year

One short year ago, Ryan and I were anxiously (and I mean ANXIOUSLY) awaiting the arrival of our sweet baby boy, Eli Alexander Grieves.  Our prayers for a healthy baby and routine labor were answered when he arrived at 4:21 pm screaming and purple (good, baby purple - not scary purple).  In the last year we have sacrificed sleep, hobbies, lounging on the couch (or lounging of any kind really), and our own schedules.  And we would undoubtedly make those sacrifices all over again to have Eli in our lives (which is good because I'm sure the sacrifices are just starting :)).

One short year ago...

Sweet Eli,
You are the complete embodiment of joy and  unconditional love.  Those are both huge concepts that are hard to grasp, but you, sir, have made it possible for us.  From the moment you were born you have trusted and loved us without condition.  And we have loved you the same.  You have also shown us what true, unbridled joy looks like.  There is nothing like your smile and your giggles to fill an entire room with joy.  As much as your daddy and I love each other, we were incomplete without you.  You have brought joy to our lives that we had never, ever experienced before.  Thank you sweet baby.
We are so proud of the little boy you have grown to be.  You are loving and sweet and silly.  You are also strong-willed and stubborn passionate.  We are certain you have taught us far more than we have taught you and I am sure that will only continue.
We continue to pray that you will grow to be a great man of faith who is kind, compassionate, and loving towards everyone you encounter.  We love you to the moon and back.

Maniac Man!

At one year you....
- army crawl at the speed of light
- love to 'scare' us (Bah! BuuuuAH!)
- eat table food and drink from a sippy cup
- laugh when we tickle you and make bug eyes at you
- like casting spells on anyone and anything
- love to swing HIGH and swim!
- climb on everything (bar stools, stairs, dressers, oven...if you can pull up on it, you will!)
- will sometimes walk behind your push cart....but you're not really that interested
- sometimes throw a fit when we put you in your carseat
- sometimes get impatient when you have to sit still for too long (carseat, stroller)
- have started to figure out your shape sorter
- like to have 'conversations' with anyone that will listen
- seem to be scared of men with dark hair (sorry Uncle Go)
- do not understand the concept of 'stranger danger.'  Everyone is your friend!
- seem to be having a little bit of separation anxiety  (at church and gym nurseries)
- wave hi, bye-bye, clap and sign for 'all-done' and 'more' (except you use the same sign for both words...that makes things tricky)
- love saying 'Uh-Oh' and dropping things just so you can say it (uh-uh-ohhhh)
- sleep from 7 pm - 7 am and take two naps during the day (kid loves his sleep!)
- LOVE playing and wrestling with your daddy
- love other kids - watching them, playing with them, etc
- love reading books - especially your Old MacDonald and Wheels on the Bus 'touch and feel' books
- did great on your first plane ride to Texas!
- go by E, E-Money, Monkey, and Maniac Man

Can't wait to see what year two brings!  We love you E!