I've been trying to get more pictures to meet the demand of everyone who reads this blog and checks my status on Facebook, but Eliana moves so much, I can never get a good one--unless she is asleep, of course. So, here is something better for your enjoyment:

Eliana loves getting her diaper changed because it is also play time. Merrill discovered that she loves you to blow air on her face, and this is what we see each time.


This is for kicks and giggles--the poop-ing face.



So, Merrill and I have decided that we would like to get at least a little more sleep at night. How have you moms managed that? How can we get Eliana to sleep without her having to cry it out? We want to avoid that completely. I don't want Eliana to fear sleep. She's already starting to fight sleep, especially in the evenings. How do you help an infant that fights against your coaxing them to sleep? And when do you start setting up a sleep schedule for naps during the day? What's worked for you guys?

My Other Half

The other night, I had the hardest time getting Eliana to sleep. She fights sleep in the evenings. I tried playing, changing the diaper, burping, bouncing, swaddling, swaying, walking--even nursing--but nothing worked. Then Merrill came home. As soon as the door opened, Eliana got quiet, looking for Papa as she heard his voice. He picked her up and laid her on the bed. He turned on some music and started singing and playing with her. Shortly after, she fell asleep. Watching Papa play with Eliana made me so happy--and thankful--that I have a partner to help me raise our children. I'm also glad to have a husband whose goal is to become financially free so that he can be home with his family during the day. That will be nice for me and for the kids--to have their papa be there for them anytime.