What a difference a year makes!

A year ago today, on Easter Sunday, I saw two pink lines appear on a home pregnancy test. Those two lines have forever changed my life for better. I could not have imagined how different my life would be just one year later! Elliott Knight was born January 5th of this year, and he is our world. He's only 3 months old, but he is teaching me so much. He has taught me the meaning of sacrificial love, and shown me how selfish I've been. I feel so blessed to have been chosen by God to be his Momma! Most days I still can't believe he is ours.

First doctor's appointment.

It's a boy! Elliott at 16 weeks.

My growing belly- weeks 12-41.

Shortly after we arrived at the hospital to induce labor.

Elliott Knight Grant born at 6pm, 1.5.12! 8 lbs, 11 oz, and 20 and a quarter inches long.

First time I held my baby, love. at. first. sight.

Coming home as a family of 3.

What a difference a year made for this little family. So thankful!!

Life lately, according to my iPhone.

[1.] Elliott enjoying his Bumbo. [2.] Weekend walk downtown.

[3.] Baby Bjorn. [4.] Triple date with the Hayes family.

[5.] Elliott with his great grandma. [6.] Happy 80th birthday Grandmommy.

[7.] My handsome fellas :)

Elliott's 3 month photos.

A couple of weeks ago, we had some 3 month photos made of Elliott.  He has already changed so much since his newborn photos, so we've decided to do a shoot every 3 months during his first year to document his growth.  I loved the way they turned out! If you're in the Little Rock area and are looking for someone to photograph your baby, Amy Hough is the way to go!

Life lately, according to my iPhone.

[1.] Big bed, little baby. [2.] What's wrong with this picture?

[3.] Visiting with Uncle Bustin. [4.] Hanging with Uncle Kirtie.

[5.] E's first day of daycare. [6.] Good morning.

[7.] Meeting Kristin. [8.] Elliott wants a cupcake.

Ronald McDonald House.

When Gary was a little boy, he had a surgery to correct his Pectus Excavatum (his chest was curved in from birth) at a hospital in Virginia.  While they were there, he and his Mom stayed at the Ronald McDonald House.  During their stay, families came to bring dinner and visit with the guests each night.  Their kindness and generosity made such an impact on him that he decided when he had a family of his own he wanted to give back to Ronald McDonald House.  So, about 6 months ago, Gary and I began taking dinner to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House near Arkansas Children's Hospital once a month.  This month we brought Elliott with us for the first time.  The families and workers enjoyed meeting him over a dinner of fried chicken, beans, and potato salad.  It's our prayer that Elliott will grow up serving the families at the Ronald McDonald House as far back as he can remember, and that this will instill in him a heart for serving others.

If you're looking for a way to serve others as a family, check into finding a Ronald McDonald House nearby.  The families staying there have children who are often fighting for their lives, and something as small as bringing dinner to their parents can truly make a difference.  It did in Gary's life.

Happy Easter!

Today was our first Easter as a family of three.  We went to church with my parents and sister this morning, and had lunch and family photos with my Dad's side of the family at my Aunt and Uncle's house afterwards.  I thought Elliott looked pretty darn cute in his Easter attire, and our family spoiled him with lots of Easter goodies.  This time next year he'll be hunting eggs.

Elliott with his Easter basket.

With Brooke and Paisley at church.

Paisley was curious about Elliott, but he wasn't so sure about her yet.

With my cousin, Dillon.

Our first Easter as a family of 3.

My family.

E with Pia and Poppy.

My siblings. 

5 generations- Elliott with his great great grandma, great grandma, grandpa, and mom.

Elliott racked up this Easter, getting Easter goodies from lots of his family members and teacher at day care.

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family!  Hope your Easter was filled with fun, family and joy over our Savior's resurrection.

Elliott- 3 Months.

Elliott:


You are 3 months old already, and I wish I could freeze you at this age for a while.  You are so much fun right now!  We're loving seeing your personality come out.  Here are a few milestones from your 3rd month:


-We don't go to the doctor this month, so I'm not sure what your stats are, but I would guess about 12 and a half pounds and 24 inches.

-You're sleeping in your room now, out of the Nap Nanny, flat on your back in your crib!

-You go to bed between 8 and 8:30 most nights. You typically wake up at 5 to eat, then go back to sleep until about 7:30.

-We still swaddle you for naps and at bedtime, because your startle reflex wakes you up. But you've been kicking your legs out in your sleep, and several mornings you've been out of it completely when I come to get you out of bed.

-You are still wearing 0-3 month clothes and size 1 diapers.

-You're smiling and cooing at us a lot more often.

-You still have trouble going to the bathroom, so you get 2 ounces of either apple or pear juice every few days to keep you from getting stopped up and fussy. Wondering when you'll grow out of this?

-Aside from a little juice, you are still on a diet of only breast milk, nursing when we're together and taking a bottle of expressed milk when I'm at work.  You've gotten quick at nursing, spending only about 15 minutes to eat every 2.5-3 hours.

-You've been staying with Pia 3 days a week this month while I'm at work, but you started daycare this week. When your Daddy came to pick you up after your first day, you gave him a big smile as soon as you saw him.  We love seeing you finally recognize us!

-You're holding your head up pretty well now, and you've been warming up to tummy time in the last week or so. You've also started rolling over on your side when we lay you on your back.

-You've been fascinated with your hands. You love to look at them and study them when you're riding in the car. You also enjoy sucking on your entire fist when your paci isn't nearby. You have even begun to reach and grab at the toys on your play gym.

We love you more every day!  You have filled our home with so much joy, and we look forward to continuing to watch you grow.  


Your biggest fan,
Momma