Elise’s Baptism

I’ll admit that before Elise was born, I wasn’t at all religious.  I believed more in science and concrete evidence.  But now that I have this perfect baby girl with the best little personality that came from happiness and love… I can’t help but think there must be something more. 

I was brought up Catholic and it was my parents’ request that we get Elise Baptized, we, of course, agreed.  As the time drew near, I was more and more excited about it.  I do not want to raise Elise to think that there is nothing else out there and that there is only this life and then it is over.  I want her to have faith and hope.  I want her to know right from wrong.  And above all, I want her to believe in something.  She can believe in whatever she wants to, but I want to give her the tools to choose the right path in her life. 

We chose, in our eyes, the perfect Godparents for our little girl.  Two people that we look up to immensely (both as parents and as husband and wife) and who will help us teach Elise so that she can choose her own path once the time comes.  Godparents who will love her always, no matter what she chooses in life. 

The day was perfect!  Elise wore my baptismal gown.  I was always so excited for my child to get to wear this gown.  Every time my mom would show it to me, I would get giddy about how special it will be for me to have my baby wear it.  And it was just as special as I believed it would be.  I hope she will feel the same way.

She had her closest family there with her on her special day.  Family, that (I think) before she was born, had dwindled on their beliefs. 

We returned home for a brunch buffet and cake… that turned out just how I pictured it!  

I’m so excited for our little girl!  She does and will make so many people smile throughout her lifetime.  I know she makes me smile more than I ever thought possible!  She, alone, has brought faith back into my life.

5 Months Old!

To my sweet baby girl,

You are 5 months old!  You are my little buddy and we do almost everything together.  I love this stage so much. 

One day, you decided that laughing was the best thing ever and some days all I have to do is look at you with a funny face and you crack up!  It is so much fun.  The things that make you happiest are your pups.  You love watching them wrestle and play together.  You especially love pulling on Gracie’s hair but you are so gentle with Chloe (I think you know their personalities already). 

Reaching out for Chloe

You love being held by your daddy or me.  You are also letting others hold you as long as I am beside you. You still are not rolling over (probably because you like being held so much) but you are able to sit up for about 5-10 seconds unassisted. 

You are growing so fast and becoming your own little person.  It is hard to believe that you have changed so much in these 5 months and I cannot believe that you’ll be ½ year soon.  I cherish every single second with you because they are going so fast.  I never wish away moments because I’ll never get them back. 

You wake up every morning with the biggest smile on your face.  You are just so eager to start your day.  And thanks to you, I am now a morning person… it is your happiest time.  I love waking up next to you every morning and I think you love waking up next to me, too!

We tried solids the last couple of days but I don’t think you are quite ready.  You were extra clingy and a bit of a crank…. I think we might forgo the cereal and start you on veggies next month, but we will see.  You seem really interested in food but your tummy might not be ready for it. 

You are quite the talker… and complainer… and yeller… and singer.  You like to talk (you get that from dad). You love singing in the bath (you also get that from your dad). If something is not going your way you will complain… and if it isn’t fixed you start to yell (you get this from my side).  I love everything about you.

You love breastfeeding… and I love it too.  At night you will nurse then snuggle into my arm and fall asleep… this is my favorite part of our day together.  It is my little slice of heaven. 

We do things our way and it is working for us.  We are a team; I listen to you and you hear me.  Every decision I make revolves around you.  I’ve learned not to force anything upon you… you have your own mind and you tell me what works for you. 

Valentine's Day!

The love I have for you is something that I will never be able to explain to you.  One thing I have learned is that you never know just how much your parents love you until you become a parent yourself.  Every day I love you more and more…and I know it will just keep growing. 

I believe all moms and babies have this special connection that as long as you nourish and love it, it’ll last forever.  I know, because your grandma and I still have it.  My bond with you is forever… never forget that.