Happy Halloween!

We didn't dress Elijah up in any fancy costume or anything this year. He's too young to really appreciate the fun of that! We did hand out candy tonight, and it was gone in about 45 minutes! Here's some pictures from the evening!

DADDY AND ELIJAH



"WOW! WHAT IS ALL THAT?!"



"YUM! I THINK I'LL HAVE SOME M&M'S PLEASE!"



"ALL FOR ME?!"



ALL DRESSED UP LIKE A BIG BOY!

Well, we finally did it. . . . .

We bought a mini-van! We never thought that we would be a mini-van family, but after having Elijah, we realized that it's something we needed to do. We found a GREAT deal on a 2007 Hyundai Entourage, slightly used. We traded in Vince's Santa Fe since it was paid off and were able to do a down payment too! I'm so excited about our new van! God is good!

Oh pleeeeaase?

"Please can I stay in here and play?!"

Elijah's 4-Month Photo Shoot

Here are just some of Elijah's pictures from his 4-month photo shoot. He did SUCH a great job! I am so thankful - I was praying all week that he would do well, and he was perfect! It was hard to choose the pictures - they took 92 and they were mostly all great!

Enjoy!

Heading to the Gym!

"I'm ready to work out!"

I couldn't have said it better myself. . . . .

Hello?

"Yes, I'd Like To Order A Large Pizza with Extra Cheese and Mushroom. Thanks!"

A new blogger alert!

Just wanted to let you know that my husband has now joined the blogging world! Here's a link to his blog - he has lots to say!!


http://vincewturner.blogspot.com/

Sleeping Peacefully

I walked into the bedroom the other night after my shower to this sight:



Isn't this just adorable?! I love the 2 men in my life so much!!!

Does it ever get easier?

This is for all those working moms out there (which there doesn't seem to be too many that read this blog). I am still struggling every day with leaving Elijah to go to work! Sundays I cry harder because I know the next day starts the cycle all over again. I cry every morning on my way to work. I am blessed that Elijah stays home with Vince 2-3 days a week and then is with my sister-in-law the rest of the time, but it's still so hard!

So, my question is, does it ever get easier (as everyone says it will)? My desire is to be home with Elijah every day, but unfortunately, we aren't able to do that right now. If I could be a stay-at-home mom, I would in a heartbeat! I have this nagging feeling inside of me that I am not being a good mom because I have to work. Then I have Vince telling me that I AM being a good mom because I'm working to help provide for Elijah and to help provide a roof over our heads, etc etc. I'm just so torn, and struggle!!

I'm sure every working mom has gone through this, so I know I'm not the first, and I know I'm not the last mom to suffer through this. But it's just so hard! I love my little man SO much and just would love to spend every minute with him (if I could!!)

How do you other working moms out there cope??

(Of course I had to end with another cutie picture of my guy!!)

Hold On To Jesus

I recently got this CD for Elijah and I to listen in the car while we're driving to my sister-in-law's house early in the morning when I have to work. I have listened to it a few times, and there is this song on there that is so great! It's called Hold On To Jesus. I had never heard it before, but I think that it should be every mother's (and father's) prayer for their child. To hold onto Jesus despite what is going on in the world, despite what people say. Here are the words:

You’re a little piece of heaven
You’re a golden ray of light
And I wish I could protect you
From the worries of this life
But if there’s one thing I could tell you
It’s no matter what you do
Hold to Jesus
He’s holding on to you.

The world will try to tell you
That might is more than right
That beauty’s on the outside
And being good’s a losing fight
But remember what I’ve told you
Because the world will make you choose
Hold to Jesus
He’s holding on to you.

Hold on to Jesus
Cling to His love
Rest deep in His mercy
Whenever things get rough
Don’t lose sight of His goodness
And don’t ever doubt His truth
That when you hold on to Jesus
He’s holding on to you

Hear me dear Jesus
Rock this little one to sleep
Keep him close when he’s scared
And give him grace when he is weak
I know he’ll stumble
But I know he’ll make it through
If you hold to him just like
You said You’d do
Hold him, Jesus
So he’ll hold on tight to You.

It's such a great song. The whole CD is really good and relaxing. Some well-known worship music scaled down a little bit. If you like music like this, I would highly recommend this CD!

Some Elijah Pictures

Here's my little man - he's 15 weeks now and I can't believe how fast time has gone!!!


Belly Time







First Attempt At Cereal



My Cutie Pie

It's "D-Day!"

So, today is the day that I have dreaded for the past 3 months. Today is the day that I expect to cry throughout the day. Today is the day that I now have come to loathe. Today, I go back to work. I am not at all looking forward to the day, and am very sad to have to go back to work. I have SO enjoyed being home with Elijah the past 14 weeks. I have enjoyed every second of every day (even during Elijah's fussy-butt times). I know it's going to be a rough day for me today. Elijah, I'm sure, will have times of extra fussiness when he just wants his Momma (I hope at least!). This is Vince's first full day with Elijah too, so this is a day of adjustment for everyone!

Elijah won't be going to the sitter's (our sister-in-law) until Wednesday, so at least he has some time to get adjusted to being away from his momma. I pray that today FLIES by and that I get through it with not too many tears! I'm REALLY praying for a part-time job that pays decently so I don't have to go back to work full-time, but that's a long shot at this point. Only God knows!

I'll let you know how today goes and how many tears are shed!

Elijah's Big Crib

Well, Elijah has moved into his crib. He's been in his cradle for the past 3 months and has definitely outgrown it. He scoots from one end to the other and then I hear his head banging on the end of the cradle. Poor kid! So, he's been upgraded to more square footage. He looks so tiny in his crib compared to his cradle! I've been sleeping in the nursery for the past 2 nights to make sure the change has gone ok. I'm an over-protective mother, what can I say! He's done great in his crib and he seems to sleep better. Funny thing is, he still scoots from one end to the other in his crib!

He starts like this:




And ends like this:

Our Trip To NH

Thanks for everyone's prayers for our recent trip to NH. This was Elijah's first flight, so we weren't sure what was going to happen! He slept the entire 2 hour trip to the airport, so that was a good start to the day. When we were going through security, I had a water bottle in his diaper bag for his bottles, and security wouldn't let me take it through. They were very snotty about having water for his bottle and their only solution was to mix the bottles up in front of them - how silly! The bottles only last for an hour once you mix them up, and why would it be safer for me to mix the bottles in front of them with the same water bottle they wouldn't let me take through?! Crazy! So, we ended up mixing up a bottle in the terminal with tap water, and of course Elijah through it all up! I ended up going to Starbucks and getting a warm bottle of water from the back (since you aren't "supposed" to mix a bottle with cold water) and it cost me $2.50!! Oh well. I ended up nursing him from then on out, and didn't even bother with the bottles. I nursed him on the plane each time we took off (we had connecting flights), and he promptly fell asleep and slept each flight and woke up when we were landing. Praise the Lord!!

When we got to NH, we thought we were getting a mid-size SUV for our rental car (I had an Entertainment discount and an additional coupon, so it ended up being cheaper than a car). Well, thy only had full-size and large SUV's left, so we ended up getting a Jeep Commander for the same price! Vince was hoping he didn't like it too much, because then he would want to buy his own (yeah right - not at $40,000!!). Thankfully, it was a smooth ride, but definitely not the SUV for us!! I forgot to get a picture of our Jeep, but this is a picture on the Jeep website of what we had for the week:



The rest of the trip was great. We had a wonderful time with my family and my friends. Everyone loved seeing Elijah (of course) and it was nice to get away and spend time in my hometown. It was really hard being away from my family before we had Elijah, and it's even harder now that he's here. We treasure the time we have with our family and can't wait to see everyone again! I put a slide show below of the highlights of our trip! Enjoy!

Elijah Laughing

Elijah has cooed and started laughing here and there, but this is a video of him laughing while my dad was visiting this week. It's so cute!!

Kind of TMI

Ok - Elijah is being exclusively breastfed with the exception of one bottle a night of formula. Normally he's been going every 3 days or so between bowel movements, and then it's a big one (of course). Well, we're almost at a week now! He doesn't seem to be constipated - his tummy isn't hard, he isn't straining or anything. I've read that it's pretty normal for breastfed babies to go several days between bowel movements. I am just curious if any other mothers out there experienced this, and if so, what did you do (if anything) to help your baby along. Sorry for this being TMI!!!


UPDATE: As of 8:15 tonight (right after I posted), our wait is over- thankfully! BUT, I'd still like some input if you have any.

Homemade Baby Food

While the farmer's market is up and running, I am wanting to get veggies and fruits and work on making baby food for Elijah. Yes, he's only 3 months old, and won't be eating this for a few months, but I would like to start making it while I can get the veggies & fruits fresh. So, here's my question - any good ideas/recipes for homemade baby food? I'm thinking carrots, peas, green beans, squash, mixed veggies (carrots, peas, green beans), and peaches. What else is there that I can make for Elijah???

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane. . . . . . . .

Well, we're heading out in a little bit for vacation up to New Hampshire to visit with my family and see some friends (they don't want to see us - it's all about Elijah! - ha!) We have a 2 hour drive to the airport (it was $250 cheaper per ticket to go that route!) and then an hour flight, an hour layover, and then another hour flight. We're hoping this is better for Elijah than non-stop (gives a chance for walking around and diaper changes). I'm PRAYING that Elijah does well on the trip and doesn't have any ear issues and doesn't have a rough time - pray with me on that!!!!

Have a great week and there will be plenty of pictures of our fun times!! See you when we get back!

Bath Time!

Elijah is now (finally) liking his bath/shower time. And who doesn't love the smell of newly washed baby?!

One Cool Dude!

He started fussing after thus, so I'm glad I got this picture when I could!

Funny!

Cheeks

I just want to pinch those chubby cheeks! I love this little boy SO much!!!

My Men

The two wonderful men in my life - I love them SO much!! I praise God for them and the blessing they are to me!!

Our Trip To Costco

Here's Elijah (and Vince) at Costco last week. He enjoyed the trip and behaved so great. He loves his Snugli. Vince had so many people (women of course) come up to him and ooh and ahh at Elijah. Apparently when he was checking out (and I was getting some pop) the girls at the checkout commented on what a great job he was doing as "Mr. Mom". He promptly informed them that Mrs. Mom was in the store too - apparently they sounded disappointed! What is it with women and men with babies! It's crazy! Anyway, here's Elijah in the meat aisle at Costco - we're teaching him young that the Costco meat aisle is WONDERFUL!

Sleepy

Elijah was so sleepy when we brought him upstairs last night to give him his bedtime feeding. Vince put him on our bed, and he stayed like this for a while.



We eventually woke him up to feed him, and Praise the Lord, Elijah slept through the night!!! 7 1/2 hours! I woke up at 5 since that is his "usual" wake up and feed me time. He was still sound asleep. Of course, I checked him to make sure he was ok (typical mom) and he was blissfully asleep. Now, let's just hope for more nights like last night!

Smiles

Yes, Alicia, he smiles all the time!! Here's some we've been able to capture!! He's even starting giggling - I LOVE this!

2 Months Already!!

Well, Elijah had his 2 month appointment yesterday. He had to get his shots, and I was NOT looking forward to that AT ALL. BUT, he did well, and I did well. He only cried when he got the shots, and then was fine once I picked him up. He was awfully cuddly since that, but I don't mind one bit! Here's his stats:

13 pounds (chubby baby!)
23 inches long

He's doing great! He has been such a blessing to us so much. He's sleeping great at night - about 5 hours and then gets up to eat, and then sleeps another 2-3 hours. He naps great, and is great when we are out and about. I am so thankful for Elijah! He's my miracle baby, and I am so grateful that God allowed us to be his parents! Here's some recent pictures - he's so cute!!

Random Cuteness

Some pictures of Elijah - He's 4 weeks now and I don't know where the time went!!

Elijah Update!

Ok - well, since Elijah is 3 weeks old, I suppose I should update on him! (happy now Sarah?!) Things are going well and Elijah is just wonderful! His jaundice is totally cleared up so for that we are truly thankful! He still has his nights and days a little mixed up (I'm convinced he's European because of that), but I think it's getting better. My mom came to visit last week, so it was great to have her here to help out and for her to meet one of her newest grandsons (my sister had her 4th baby on July 3rd - another boy!). I was SO sad to see my mom leave, but hopefully we'll get everything figured out to plan a trip up to New Hampshire at the end of August/beginning of September to see my family and friends.

Elijah is a piggie!! He eats pretty well during the day (every 2-3 hours) and then once night-time hits, he wants to eat non-stop! I am nursing right now, so that's difficult feeding him non-stop! I've been supplementing with some formula at night, but I'm really trying to keep him nursing for the most part. With God's grace, it will happen!!!

Sleep is pretty much non-existent at this point! I'll get a few hours here and there, but I can see the bags getting darker and darker! And poor Vince, can't do much during the night since I'm nursing. I wake him up to change Elijah's diapers in the middle of the night, but it's still hard seeing him sleep while I'm nursing for an hour! We'll get through this transition time, I know that much!

Vince is off this week and a few days next week and he goes back to work. It's been so wonderful having him off of work for 4 weeks to help me! It's been especially needed since I had the c-section. He's been so helpful and had really catered to me wonderfully! He's such a great husband and daddy!! Once Vince goes back to work, it's all me! Scary! I have "practice" times on Monday while Vince is at class and is gone for almost 5 hours. Tonight has been rough since Elijah has started the non-stop crying deal. This too shall pass!!

Well, I guess I should post some pictures! My blog has been lacking lately - gee, I wonder why! Hope everyone is doing well. Thank you all for your congratulations on Elijah. We are just thrilled to have this little miracle here and are so blessed with what God has given us!!


This is the picture we used for his birth announcements




Elijah loves his momma!




Elijah isn't too sure about this!




I love this picture of Elijah and his daddy!

Elijah's Story!

Well, my little man was born on Saturday, June 23 at 11:15 pm! He was 2 weeks early and he is just perfect! He was 7 lbs 13 oz, and 20 3/4 inches.

I woke up Saturday morning and was having some contractions and bleeding. I waited a little while to see what would progress, and almost 2 hours later, I called the doctor and they sent me to Labor & Delivery. We got there and I was 3 cm and the contractions were about 3-4 minutes apart. They had me walk around and see if the contractions got worse and to see if I would dilate more. Well, we got to 4 cm, so I was admitted.

I went through 12 hours of labor, with the contractions getting stronger and stronger. They had me on some pitocin to speed some things along, and my body didn't like that, and Elijah's heart rate would go down each time a contraction came on. That was being monitored pretty closely. Well, I finally got the epidural at 8cm and Elijah really didn't like that. I got to 9cm and basically stopped. I was at 9cm for about 2 hours and he wasn't moving down the birth canal enough. He was breech for so long that his head got mis-shaped and was HUGE :-) So, at 10:00pm (I had been at L&D since 11am), it was decided I would have a C-section. The doctor got there and I got set up and at 11:15, we welcomed Elijah Vincent into the world!

He is absolutely perfect! He had some jaundice while we were at the hospital, so we stayed an extra day so he could get the phototherapy and he is doing MUCH better now. I'm healing well from the C-section and am really in not too much pain at all. All in all, it was a wonderful experience, and I am so grateful for Elijah and blessed to have this perfect miracle in our lives!

Here's a link to his first pictures! Enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/VinceWTurner/Elijah?authkey=h-gBnCN3nYc

Ultrasound Update

Well, Elijah is measuring just as he should (37 1/2 weeks), the amniotic fluid amount is perfect, and things are looking good. His head is WAY down in the birth canal (resting against my bladder - fun!), so that's a good sign. It was cute - I could see him resting his hand on top of his head. He's running out of room apparently! ha!

He's about 7 pounds already, so he's not going to be a small baby to say the least, especially with 2 weeks left! So, it doesn't look like he'll be coming anytime SOON, although, with his head down as far as it is, it will hopefully be sooner than my July 8 due date (I hope at least!)

So, there's the update! I have my next appointment on Monday, so we'll see what the newest news is then!

Measuring Big!!!

So, I had my doctor's appointment yesterday. Nothing too remarkable besides the fact that I'm measuring 40 weeks. That's almost 3 weeks ahead of where the doctor's say I should be. Vince and I have felt most of this pregnancy that they had my due date wrong. This could be the explanation! I have an ultrasound tomorrow morning to determine the reason for measuring larger. I'm really hoping that they had my due date wrong and that Elijah is going to be here sooner than we thought. How lovely would that be?!?!?

I will keep ya'll posted and let you know what the outcome of the ultrasound is!! Keep us in your prayers!

10 Years Later

I just completed my FINAL course for my degree!!! The only thing left is the final for the semester courses (50 questions) and then I am officially a college graduate! It has been a looooong journey that started back in 1996. I am happy to say that this will all be finally behind me! I wanted to get everything done prior to Elijah's birth, and I did. The final I was planning on taking after Elijah was born, so that's still the plan. I can take that test at anytime. I am just so proud of myself that I am finally done with this chapter of my life. I wanted to have my degree before Elijah was born, so that his momma was a college graduate.

So, it took 10 years to get to this point, but I made it, and I feel great (besides the whole 9 months pregnant thing!)

Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday was Vince and my 4 year wedding anniversary. Yesterday was such a crazy day and busy with church and group and crib assembling, that I didn't get a chance to post anything.

I am married to such an amazing man. We have been through SO much in our 4 years together, and Vince has been so wonderful through it all. We've had our ups and we've had many downs. God has carried us through everything, and Vince has been so supportive and caring about it all.

I love you Vince! Thanks for a wonderful 4 years, and I can't wait for SOOOOO many more to come!!

Getting Somewhere!

Well, I'm 1 1/2 cm dilated and 50% effaced, so at least these painful contractions are doing something! Hopefully we'll keep continuing and Elijah will be here soon enough (one can hope at least!). I also know I could be at this for a while, so who knows. I'm just happy we're starting to see an end in sight! YAY!

In other notes, here's Elijah's crib. We got it set up yesterday after a long day at church.