kudos to the camera phone

I am grateful for the camera feature on my phone to capture sweet little unexpected moments.

Eli being adored by Grandpa Heaton

Our happy changing- table boy

It's all in the eyebrows

Buddy Ethan

3 months

Eli is three months old. Our favorite part of the day is the time he spends on the changing table. After he's fed and changed, he is so happy. We spend a lot of time bent over the changing table making silly noises and enjoying all his new expressions. I think it's mean to tickle little babies, so this is the first week we've tickled him much. His legs and toes are super ticklish. He gets freaked out if you tickle his stomach (which is why I think it's mean).  He has developed a cute throaty laugh and starts giggling at the sight of his Uncle Brady.

It's miraculous to watch his body grow and become so strong. Often he'll have moved across the crib when we check on him. It is a strange feeling for a parent to realize your baby is doing things, like moving around the crib, without your help. Independence is a wonderful thing but these little changes have me worrying he'll be moving out on his own soon. Eli goes to bed around 9pm and sleeps until about 8am. It's a miracle. When he gets tired he puts his arms up in front of his face to block out the world. When he's really tired he hollers until he suddenly shuts off and falls asleep.

He is very aware of people and does not like to be left alone. Lately I'll make a little nest on the counter for him while I'm in the kitchen. I can get chores done, he is well supervised, and we certainly enjoy each others' company. He also has some toys hanging on his car seat that he's become aware of. He'll swing his uncoordinated arms around until he gets a hold on one of them.

Eli is finally gaining some weight as well. He's around 14 lbs and 24 inches. He likes to be on his stomach or held against us with his legs bent against his chest so that he's facing the same direction we are. He's holding his head up so well, which led to these great pictures:

Eli's first flight

Look who's flying?! Eli got on an airplane with me and flew from SLC to CDC. He was 12 weeks old at the time. I took pics the first time Mason flew (at 3 weeks!) so I thought I'd better snap a few of Eli. It was a lot harder to take pictures because I was by myself. Luckily I had my handy-dandy sling which I never fly without if I have a baby in tow. I really love Elijah's expressions here. He looks pretty concerned. Funny though, he looks like that even when we aren't on a tiny little prop engine aircraft. It must be the eyebrows that make his wide array of expressions have a worried look. Or maybe it's my parenting... :)

so blessed

Eli was given and name and blessing by his father on Sunday, March 6th. We've certainly learned that Eli does things his own way, and it's usually not what is expected. He hollered during most of the prayer and then was quiet at the end. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time, thinking: Oh Eli. You'll always keep us on our toes.

It was a very special day surrounded by more loving family than any little baby could wish for. Jason bore his testimony and had everyone in tears with his powerful words and tender spirit. It is always fun to get the family together, and this was a wonderful occasion to have both sides of the family all under one roof...even if the house was bursting at the seams with about 45 people coming to honor our little guy.

Mom's handsome boys

Generations

All eyes on the baby

Eli wondering what the commotion is all about.