When good intentions go awry!

When I started this blog, I had the best of intentions to keep up and post about all the wonderful changes that our lives were going to take however as I am sure you have noticed, I have dropped the ball. I figure it is never to late to pick it back up so here we go again. Hope I have better luck this time. Instead of trying to fill in what I have missed, we are going to start from here on out. Keep reading because the McElveen's blog is back!

Oh my it has been to long

It has been way to long, I know. I will try not to let it happen again.


So much has happened and been going on that I haven't had time to post. I guess the last update was over two months ago so there is a lot to catch up on. First Harrison, the number one priority in our house. He keeps us so busy and so fulfilled. He is growing and growing, topping the carts for his age. Weighing in at 18 pounds and 27 inches long, he is in the 97th percentile for height and weight for 4 month olds. Makes his dad proud to know that we have a healthy strapping boy on our hands.

It is amazing what he has accomplished in his short 4 months on this earth. The other night, we had him laying in his floor to play and we were discussing all that has changed in him in 4 months. He smiles and laughs, which both melt my heart, he is reaching for things, he loves to look at the puppies and pet them, and the most amazing thing to watch him do right now, is exploring his world through texture. He wants to touch everything and is so amazed that everything feels different. I love experiencing the world through the eyes of this child.


So a few weeks ago, after a long agonizing debate with myself, I decided to quit my job at the TV station to stay home with Harrison. It was a very hard decision because I loved my job but ultimately, I loved being a mommy and wife more. It is amazing how our lives change and head in directions that we would have never thought. I never really thought that I would love being a wife and mother as much as I do. It brings me so much joy. I guess it is easy seeing that my husband and son are wonderful but if you would have asked me where my life would be in 5 years, 5 years ago, this is not what I would have said but I would not have it any other way.

I must say that staying home has been an eye opening experience though. This is HARD work! I really admire those that work in child care and all my friends that are stay at home moms. I love it though and thank my husband for the opportunity to be with my son.

Hopefully this will be the last time there is a blogging drought but I must say, I don't get a lot of free time but I will work on being better at this. Please stay tuned.

Big Healthy Baby Boy!

Today we had our two month check up and all is great! Harrison weighed in at 14 pounds 8 ounces and is 25 and a half inches long. He has gained 6 pounds since he was born! Harrison is not even on the height chart for a 2 month old. He is the height of an average 5 month old and is in the 97th percentile for weight! He is doing great. It is amazing how much he is changing each and every day! He smiles a lot, talks a lot, and loves to just lay and kick.

Dr. Bubba wants us to work on getting him sleeping through the night. Right now, he only gets up once usually between 3:30 and 4:30 so not so bad but I would enjoy a full night of uninterrupted sleep!

What an awesome Dad!

Yesterday was Harrison's 1 month birthday. He is growing everyday and getting so big. Last night David surprised us with an ice cream cake to celebrate. Very thoughtful and tasty!

We love you Daddy!

Baby Pictures

We went and had newborn pictures taken and they turned out great. Go to farnsworthphotography.com and select online ordering. Enter the password Harrison97 to view the photos.

Someone should have warned new mothers to not partake in the pictures. Nothing like a lack of sleep and weight gain to make for stunning pictures! Oh well.

Firsts

There have been so many first over the last week or so. Here are some of the firsts for Harrison:

- I met my Great Grandma and Grandpa. They came to spend some time with us and Gran even said that Harrison could come stay with her whenever he wanted. The only problem would be that he would never want to leave! There are always cookies and ice cream in endless supply. What kid wouldn't love that!

- Harrison attended his first birthday party. September 14th was Mimi's birthday and we went to eat a Firebird's and then went back to Mimi's house for presents. Harrison did so good in a loud restaurant. He slept the whole time until the food arrived. Typical boy!

- David gave him his first bottle. This was a very scary idea for me but he did great! (Harrison that is. Honey, I never doubted you!)

- Harrison went to the lake for a day too. We took Gran and Gramps to Pickwick to check out the house and Harrison and I went along. He did great in the car. We can't wait for him to really enjoy the lake. He will have a great time with Papa there.

- I left him with Mamaw so I could go get my hair done. I enjoyed my time just as much as I know Mamaw did.

-Harrison has discovered his thumb and mom is proud! Why you might ask? Well, I really don't want him having a pacifier and so if he can sooth himself with his thumb then I am okay with it.

- Harrison watched his first Alabama game with David and Mamaw and Pop and Uncle Choo Choo. Bama beat Virginia Tech. Harrison made everyone proud in his Crimson and White!

He is growing so fast and developing more and more everyday. He is smiling and laughing a lot and loves when you talk to him. He is trying very hard to hold his head up and is getting stronger and bigger everyday. Can't believe that he will be 4 weeks old tomorrow. Wow the time flies! I can't imagine life without him. Amazing how children change us for the better.

Great Gran giving Harrison his bottle at the lake.

Looks like a true professional. Guess she has had practice with 5 kids of her own and 11 grand kids. Harrison is the first Great Grandchild.

Sucking our thumb.

Laughing at Daddy. So precious!

Life is awful!

First bottle.

Looking handsome in his crimson and white.

First Bama game.

Harrison loves the swing that his Great Granny gave him. Puts him to sleep every time!

My guys! I love you both!

This is peace.

What a face!

What has taken so long?

Harrison in his swing that is Great Granny gave him. He really likes it.

This is what he does most of the day.

My two favorite guys in the whole world. I love you two!

Daddy singing Indiana Jones to keep Harrison happy!

Just relaxing.

The is the puppies at the end of the day.

So it has been a little while since I have posted anything. As you can imagine, the last two weeks have been busy and exciting. Here are some things that we have been up to since Harrison was born in no order.

We had our first check up with the pediatrician and all looks great! Harrison's doctor was also David's pediatrician and no he is not ancient! Then two days later we had to go back due to a blocked tear duct that had his eye matted shut. No big deal, just some drops and all is well.

Harrison is becoming more awake and aware as the weeks progress. I love to hold him and talk to him and have him look at me. He has also taken to smiling a lot. Now I know that it is more of a reflex than a real smile at something but it is still so sweet to look at.

We have a wonderful church family that has brought us meals during the last two weeks. It is awesome to be a part of a covenant community that is so supportive. Some of the meals we have received are from people we don't even know and some from our small group. Stephanie, since I know you read this, thanks for the powdered doughnuts!

I have always known that I have a wonderful husband and knew that he would also be an awesome dad but I still have to say a huge thank you and tell Dave how appreciative I am of him and all he has done for me in the last two weeks. Fortunately, David was able to take off work for the first week that I was home to spend time with Harrison and to help me out. From the moment Harrison was born until Monday when David went back to work, I bet I changed 5 diapers total. He just stepped in and took over. He even changed Harrison's first diaper in the hospital. Every night when he comes home from work, he takes over. He changes diapers, gives Harrison a bath, and sings to him. When Harrison gets fussy, David sings him the theme song to Indiana Jones and he stops crying instantly! It is so cute.

Everyone always asks, what do the puppies think? They are all very good with him. Allie likes to kiss him on the head, Bama never lets him out of her sight, Bear and Duke are curious but for the most part could care less. They are all worn out from all the changes that are happening at our house. Alllie and Bama go to Dogs Rule, a school for puppies where they get to play all day. It is very much like a daycare for children, just with dogs. Usually I take them on my way to work but since I am not going there right now, I made arrangements for the doggie school bus to come to the house and pick them up on Thursdays. Yesterday was their first day to catch the bus and they did great and came home exhausted. Must of played hard!

I have one new parent observation: An 8 pound 2 week old human rules our house! We do what he says when he says. Guess I need to get than under control before he gets too old.