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.

Waking Up...

It's in the Photograph

Here is the newest addition to our family: Eliana Jean Tew.

This one's for Tiffany. Thanks for the cute onesie--it fits her kissy face!

And a big thank you to Monica, Shelby, and the boys for coming up to help us!

Week 40 Part 2

The ultrasound went well (other than squishing the baby into my guts and my ribs, making me feel nauseous). Eliana will probably be a petite baby, if she comes anytime soon. Apparently, she has long legs, which she must have gotten from Merrill. Also, because my blood pressure was a tad high, they did a blood test. And it was negative for pre-eclampsia. So far so good. the only thing that would make everything much better would be if Eliana were to have already made her debut. I can't stand this waiting! I want the worst (and most painful) part to be over and have a little baby girl to hold.

Week 40

So, Eliana's almost here! Hopefully! I just got back from seeing the doctor today: I'm 1.5 cm and 70% effaced. Finally some progress! And contractions are still not painful-just my belly tightening every once in a while. I go in for an ultrasound tomorrow to check Eliana's growth. My blood pressure was a teensy bit high at this appointment, so they want to make sure things are okay. I sure hope they are! Keep us in your prayers!

Week 39

I had my appointment yesterday with Dr. Johnson. Nothing has really changed-except for my weight. He has no worries that the baby is going to be too big, because I still measure kind of small. Although I've had a few painless contractions here and there, nothing has happened to me for me to be even close to delivery. I'm getting really anxious for Eliana to come already. There's really nothing I can do except wait it out, but who ever loved the waiting game? At the rate Ellie's taking, she'll probably be a March baby. And if she is late, at least I don't have to worry about having too big of a belly ;)