Elijah is two months old!

Elijah is growing so much everyday, and we fall more and more in love with him. Weighing 10lbs 6oz, laying 23.25" long, he continues to be such a joy in our lives. He has reached two months of age and has quite the array of new talents:

Elijah has learned how to smile in response to our smiles and when he is happy. And, as you can see in this precious picture, he has even learned how to laugh!

Elijah loves laying on his little playmat looking at the fun things hanging above. Gigi just brought him a new lion that plays a song, and he just loves it!

Most amazing of all is Elijah's new talent of praying. Every night we pray as a family together before we put Elijah to bed. This night, when we finished praying he was laying there with his eyes closed and his hands folded as if he were in deep converstation with the Almighty. It was so sweet.

All Those Women!

This past weekend we visited with Papa's family to celebrate Father's Day. As expected, Elijah was the most handsome man at the gathering, and all the ladies decided to gather around for a priceless photo. Notice that Elijah is not so happy about having to take the picture!

Which Family Member Does Baby E Most Favor?

When babies first arrive everyone immediately begins trying to figure out who the baby looks like, and when Elijah arrived he was no exception. Everyone talked about whose lips he had (Erica's) or whose eyes he had (Matt's) or whose hands he had (Daddy's). Everyone wanted at least a little piece of Elijah to favor them. So we wanted to get your opinion on the matter and settle it once and for all. You can lock in your vote by using the poll on the left. Enjoy! (P.S.- You can click on the picture to enlarge it.)

What's in a name?

Since Elijah has been born, we have used a plethera of little anecdotes while talking to our precious son. Among those we use most often are "munchkin", "babycakes", "sweetheart", "sugarpie", "little man", "buddy", "sweet boy", and "little papoose". No matter the name, the meaning is the same- perfect grace gift from God. We love you Baby Lijah!

Elijah Meets Granny and Grandpa Melton!

On our way to visit Gigi and Pops we stopped by Granny and Grandpa Melton's house to have lunch with them and introduce Elijah to them. We had a huge feast of fresh vegetables straight from the Melton's garden- delicious! Granny and Grandpa just loved Elijah!

Four Generations of Patricks

David, MawMaw, Elijah, and Pops

Pops and Baby E lounging in the shade!

Maw Maw loves Baby E!

Elijah's First Beach Trip!

We recently took Elijah to the beach for the weekend in Gulf Shores, Alabama where we stayed in a beautiful condominium at Caribe Resort (thanks Mr. and Mrs. DiMartino!). He had a great time dangling his feet in the baby pool and basking in the sun. We talked about how much fun it will be when he is a little older and can play with us in the big pool, and David said specifically how he couldn't wait to toss Elijah into the air and watch him make a big splash. Until then...

It's Bathtime!

Elijah loves his daddy

7 Things I Just Love About Marriage

On June 8th David and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary. Gigi and Pops were in town and offered to babysit Baby E for us so we could have a romantic night out. We went to dinner at Cafe 123 in downtown Opelika where we ate ceaser salad (they make it fresh on a cart right in front of your table!), pan seared escarole (not sure of the spelling, but it was a delicious fish), and filet mignon. We followed that up with a delicious chocolate dessert. David was so sweet to prepare 7 questions about our past 7 years for us to talk through as we ate. It was a wonderful evening.

7 Things I Just Love About Marriage

1) Waking up everyday to someone who loves me and takes care of me.

2) Having a husband who encourages me, challenges me, and knows me deeply.

3) Road trips where we ask each other all kinds of interesting questions and talk about everything.

4) Our nightly time together after everything has settled down.

5) Getting to work with David everyday and to spur each other on.

6) Experiencing so many different foods, places, and adventures together.

7) Knowing that it just keeps getting better everyday.

31 Reasons I Love Life

On June 8th I celebrated my 31st birthday. On this momentous occasion I thought about how abundantly blessed I am. This little list came out of that:

31 Reasons I Love Life
1) It’s an adventure every day.
2) Family.
3) Lunches out- Mellow Mushroom, Pepito’s, Newk’s, Surin.
4) The sunrise on a cool morning at the beach.
5) The face my son, Elijah, makes when he stretches.
6) Friends that sharpen, challenge, and encourage me.
7) Knowing Whose I am and knowing my purpose here.
8) Getting to eat cake all day on my birthday.
9) Dates with my husband.
10) The crabcake and avocado sandwich from Amsterdam Café. Need I say more?
11) Shopping at the Summit with my mom.
12) Seeing someone understand the gospel for the first time, and knowing that their life will be forever changed.
13) Morning devotion with David, Elijah, and Oswald Chambers.
14) Dogs that show unconditional love.
15) Knowing that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that the Lord is sanctifying me daily.
16) Getting to honk my horn at everybody as I drive through the streets of China.
17) The Marriott Ilihani hotel in Oahu, Hawaii…room 1509- AMAZING!
18) Everything my nephew, Alexander, says- he is just too cute!
19) Looking up at the stars and realizing that the sky never ends.
20) Watching classics like You’ve Got Mail, While You Were Sleeping, and Runaway Bride over and over and over again.
21) Getting my toenails done by all those sweet Vietnamese ladies.
22) Chocolate mousse.
23) Walking around my house after it has just been cleaned- there’s just nothing like a clean house.
24) Listening to Gigi talk to Baby Elijah in her “puppy dog” voice.
25) The sound of milk frothing.
26) Strolling up and down the aisles of the Fresh Market just taking it all in.
27) Receiving gifts- especially those in Williams-Sonoma boxesJ.
28) A full day to bake, bake, bake.
29) Any and every kitchen gadget.
30) The joys of marriage and motherhood- it gets better every day.
31) Making every moment count and desiring that everything I do be an investment unto the glory of God.