My Own Personal Echo

We starting letting Elijah watch Baby Signing Time each morning when he was about 6 months old.  I was so excited when he started signing "dog".  He signs just a few words like, milk, more, all done, and fish.  All Baby Signing Time really did for Elijah was give him a thirst for words, I think.  He's a talking machine!  ...Really just an echoing machine.

The other night while I was changing him, he was touching my elbow, so I started telling him what it was. Now he tries to say it, but it sounds like "bel-bow".  I love it!  ...Here's a video so you can witness it for yourself.  Enjoy!



I've had this post written for days, but was hoping to get another video uploaded, but couldn't.  So here it is anyway! ...Gotta love the internet!

I can't believe it's almost here...

...Elijah's first birthday, that is.  How did this happen?  It's just so incredibly hard to believe!  As I reflect on Elijah's upcoming birthday, here's what I'm thinking right now.  Basically, one year ago, I ...

• had no idea what to expect about labor, about parenting, about nursing, about so much stuff!
• couldn't comprehend how much I would love someone so small
• had not witnessed first hand that  Justin would be an amazing daddy
• had no way of knowing whether I would survive my first year as a mommy
• (and now I'm crying as I type)
• hadn't experienced the abundant grace God gives mothers
• didn't have a reason to complain about laundry!
• hadn't yet experienced my parents and in-laws be wonderful grandparents
• had no idea that my son would bring so much joy into my life
• had no concept of how many dirty diapers one child can produce
• had no possible way of knowing that I would truly love being a stay-at-home mom
• had never said the words "No, Elijah. We don't eat dog food."
• didn't know what it was like to give a child a bath
• didn't know the joy of reading and playing with my child
• didn't know what lack of time was
• should have taken more naps when I could
• didn't understand putting someone before myself all day long
• hadn't cried when a baby laid his head on my shoulder
• hadn't loved anyone's laugh so much

....ok, I have to stop cause I'm really crying now!

What a year!  It's hard to comprehend how time just flies by, but at this same time, I have enjoyed every moment of Elijah's life so far.  I'll have to share more about him in the next weeks leading up to his first birthday on February 19th.  I've been a little out of the blogging routine lately...so I've got some catch up to do. 

I am wondering though...

What advice do you have for the first birthday party?

What traditions have you enjoyed for your child's birthdays?