December 24 - December 26

Hi buddy!
Big post, big 3 days, lots of photos for you!  I am writing this on Monday morning after all the hoopla is over and you are going to be 1 tomorrow.  My baby is going to be 1!  Just in time to turn 1, I noticed that you have ANOTHER tooth.  Poor guy - you just keep getting tortured.

This photo is from 12/23.  You were playing with my camera and I took this one of you.  Just a great close up and a snapshot in time of my baby at almost 1 year - little milk drool to boot  :)

Friday

It is Christmas Eve!  It kicks off our 3 day holiday & birthday extravaganza.  We had lunch with Auntie Val, Grampa, Great Gramma, Auntie Kim and Uncle Jeff.  You hammed it up while you ate lots of mexican food.  Auntie Kim was so happy to see you and love you up.  Uncle Jeff was trying to teach you naughty tricks - blowing your lips so you would spit on everyone!  Afterwards, we ran errands and went to Great Gramma Faiman's.  You were better with her - you let her hold you and you crawled around her basement.  You even showed daddy your new stair climbing skills - you went up her stairs 3 times!  Then, nappy time before the celebrations begin!!

We went over Gramma Ruth's for dinner - you pigged out on Aunt Laura's ziti.  Then, presents.  You got some great new things but you weren't really into the wrapping and got tired quickly.

Yummy!  The messier, the better!

Look how cute I am in my red overalls!

Daddy, I am done - I don't care if it is the coolest Styx shirt ever.  Let me roam free!

After Gramma Ruth's we stopped over Great Gramma Lang's for a little bit.  Most of the family hangs out there on Christmas Eve.  We didn't stay too long because we were TIRED!  You did a great job on just 2 little naps!

Saturday - Christmas Day
It was the big holiday - your first Christmas!!  You woke up and we opened our presents together.

It started out promising - you looked excited to open your gift from Daddy.

 Sponge Bob video!  YAY!

Then, it was time to open your gift from mommy!  See your cool shirt that tells everyone your big news?  You are going to be a big brother!!

A Christmas book that mommy recorded for you.  YAY!

OK Daddy, I am done.  I don't care what I bought for you!

We went over to Great Gramma Lang's for Christmas.  First thing, we showed everyone your new shirt. Auntie Val screamed, Gramma was so excited, Auntie Kim teared up and Grampa Keith was so excited to be a Grampa again!  You rocked the shirt but, in hindsight, I should have gotten the one that said "This little monkey is going to be a big brother."  We had breakfast then you took a nappy!  When you woke up, you were exposed to your first session of Lang Christmas paparazzi.

 You didn't care much about presents there either!  You played, napped, ate and hung out with the family for the rest of the day.  You did cause quite a stir towards the end of the night.  We had you sitting on the kitchen table and you started throwing a fit with plastic bottles.  There were 2 empty ones on the table and you were lobbing them all over the place.  Even Great Gramma was DUCKING!  It was all in good fun and you enjoyed yourself.  Gramma and Auntie Kim enjoyed your faces and noises.

We stopped over Gramma Debi D's so you could see her for a few minutes.  You were tired but you warmed up pretty quick.  Then, we were home and in BED!

Sunday - Birthday Party!
BIG DAY BUDDY!  You had your first birthday party.  You were up wide eyed and in a good mood at 7:30.  We went to breakfast and ran errands.  You took a nappy and mommy went to decorate for your party.  I have to confess that I was a little emotional while I was hanging up all of your decorations.  It was just a weird feeling to know that I was having a party for my baby who is now a big boy.  While we have had a lot of milestones this year, this was a biggie!  Afterwards, I told your daddy that it is weird but it was one of the strongest times that I felt us as a family unit - Elijah, mommy and daddy having a party.

You did so good at the party.  It was overwhelming for you because there were so many people and so much activity but I was so proud of you.  So many people came to love you up!  Your Grampa and Heather did so much work for you & they were so proud to be able to help out.  They did all of the set up and provided all of the food.  You are lucky to be so blessed by so many people who love you!

All your Mickey Mouse decorations.

Your own personal cake

Your Godparents - Auntie Becky & Brian

This looks screams to me "I will get even with you some day mommy."

You ended up modeling the hat as if to say "I'm too Sexy for this hat..." 

Yay, fire!  I can reach out and touch it!

I can really just dig in?  Seriously?  I won't get in trouble?

This is too good to be true - they are even helping me smush my hands into it.

YUMMY!

I have never been this messy before but it tastes GOOD.

I am done.  Clean me up now please.

Thank goodness Grampa has this big bath tub for me - in the kitchen.  I like this as much as I liked my cake.

All clean!  Thanks for taking my pictures Uncle Zachary!

We didn't open your presents at the party because you just won't stay still. You roamed around and visited with everyone.  You got tired at the end so we brought you home and you took a nappy.  We loaded all of your Christmas presents and birthday presents upstairs in the living room.  We wanted to get everything written down.  When you woke up, you were surrounded by the biggest mess ever - loads of paper, toys, cards, clothes and everything in between.  You know what you played with the most?  A container of tic tacs that were in our stockings from Uncle Tyler and Uncle Zachary.  Hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of toys and you go for the $.59 tic tacs!

You were so hungry that you ate more than we have ever seen.  You had 2 hot dogs, 2 cups of mandarin oranges, a piece of toast and 1.5 bottles.  I think it is because you didn't eat much on Christmas Day or at your party.  You played with daddy & your new toy from Gramma Ruth - the cars seem to be the favorite right now.  Then, you and I played for a bit and it was time for bed.

I know you will never remember anything about this big weekend, buddy.  But, I hope that when you are older, you will see the photos of everyone who came out to love you up.  I told everyone thank you at the party - those who babysit you, those who find the perfect toy or outfit for you and those who just think of you and say a prayer for your well being.  I think that you can feel all of that love and those prayers because you are so darn happy all of the time.  We couldn't ask for a better baby and we both love you so much!

December 20 - December 23

Hi Elijah!
Your last week as a baby.  Next week, you are a one-year old and all of your "first holidays" will be over.  How exciting that you are growing up and how sad that it goes so quick.  Did I tell you that your 4th tooth is FINALLY coming in?  Man, those two uppers took forever.  We have noticed you drooling a ton and I couldn't figure out why.  We were playing and I glanced at your mouth - your 5th is coming in too!  Your bottom left is coming in and we didn't even see it.

Monday
You were busted at daycare - you bit Mary on the arm.  Uh-oh.  Add that to the list of things we need to work on in the New Year.  We are settling into a new routine where you come home from Mary's, play a bit, drink a bottle and take a nap.  It works well for me.  We had to run errands tonight - go to Sam's to get your party supplies.  You were ornery at dinner but you were good at Sam's.  You just get tired of sitting in the cart all of the time.  You didn't want to go to bed so you fussed up a storm.  You fussed up so much that you got yourself sick. So, you bought yourself an extra 90 minutes of awake time while we gave you a bath & changed your bedding.  After that, you were out like a light for the whole night.

Tuesday
Grampa had to get some repairs done so you were stuck with your mommy!  We played for awhile then it was nappy time.  I left to go out to dinner with friends and Daddy let you sleep 2 full hours.  That silly duck!  When I got home, you were in your bed fussing because you weren't ready for bed yet.  I got you out and we played for a bit before you were officially tired.  You were smiling up a storm when I brought you out because you thought it was a victory  :)  Tonight is when I noticed your 5th tooth.

Wednesday
You were so not ready to get up today buddy!  Just like your mommy - crabby pants.  But, once you were in Daddy's arms to go to Mary's you were a happy camper.  Mary wrote on my facebook that your 6th tooth is poking through.  Poor guy - you have 2 not fully in and 2 on their way in.  Nothing like getting them all at once.  Grampa picked you up and you hung out at his house for a bit.  We had KFC for dinner and you shoveled in the chicken so fast and for so long that I was shocked.  Apparently, you likey the chicken!  Afterwards, Daddy set up your bouncy house that you received as your first Christmas gift from the Beatys.  At first, you cried.  Then, you decided that it was your duty to throw out every single ball.  Finally, you started enjoying it - crawling in and out.  We ran to Target then you were out like a light!

Thursday
Daddy said you were so funny this morning.  He turned on the hallway light to wake you up.  Then, he turned on the lamp in your room.  You buried your head in the mattress then you put your butt up in the air to bury it in the mattress even more.  Finally, you were so annoyed that you put the blanket over your head so you could get some more sleep.  You are so your mommy's son buddy.  You may look like your dad but your behavior today is ALL MOMMY.

It was your daycare Christmas party today buddy!  You got lots of presents and a new outfit from Mary. I picked you up early so you could go see The Cvilikai family before they went to spend time with their dad.  You hung out with Auntie Val, Great Gramma and Grampa while I ran to get your cupcakes for your party.  We had dinner, you played and then it was time for bed.  We were really lame tonight buddy but we have to rest up for Christmas weekend!!  Tomorrow, we see almost your entire family!  Let the party begin!

December 13 - December 19

Hi baby!
It has been a week BUT I have been making notes each day so I don't forget.  Also, I have a lot of photos for you this week.  We are getting close to the holidays so lots of photos.

Monday -
Grampa picked you up for me and you hung out at his house for awhile.  We had dinner together - yes, mommy cooked today - YAY mommy!  You had your first Little Debbie's "Christmakuah cake."  Those are daddy's favorite and you loved it.  I have a feeling that you are going to have no problem with your first birthday cake.  You woke up in the middle of the night with a big mess.  Yay mommy for being the silly one to go in and get you.  :)

Tuesday -
Grampa picked you up again and you hung out over there for a bit.  We had dinner at home again (yay mommy!) but you didn't really enjoy the ham I made.  You liked the mashed potatoes then you pigged out on grapes, mandarin oranges & peaches.  The funny thing was that on Wednesday, Mary told us you loved ham at her house.  I don't know if I made the pieces too big or if you didn't like the mustard on mine.  You played and conked out early

Wednesday -
You and I were tired puppies.  We slept right through the morning until daddy woke us up ready to go to work.  You are doing something new this week.  You are sticking your tongue out.  You did it when you were a baby and now you are doing it again.  It isn't an ornery stick out - it is a big thick cute stick out.  I saw one of your friends do it at daycare and I think you picked it up there.

Daddy and I took off work a bit early to take you to see Santa.  You did great when we were walking up - you were smiling and talking.  You pointed at Santa.  You reached out for him.  Once I gave you to him, it was done dealing.  You were SCREAMING.  When I picked you back up, you were fine again and looking at him.  We will try again next year  :)

Santa gave you a candy cane and you liked it.  It was your first!

I gave you something new tonight.  I cut up an apple for us to share.  I made little bitty pieces for you and you didn't like that so much.  You grabbed a wedge and you loved that!  You were gnawing on them for a good 1/2 hour.  I love that you like healthy fruit.

Thursday
You were a total fussy pants this morning because we were up early but daddy said that as soon as you got in the car, you were a happy camper.  You are trying to change your nappy schedule.  You like just one in the afternoon now and then a short one when you come home.  That works for mommy because I can get some work done.  I think it works for Grampa and Great Gramma too because they like to cuddle up with you.  We had a bath tonight and you ruined it twice.  Come on buddy - the tub is not the toilet!!  You are getting funny when you go to bed.  You cry, then you talk to yourself then you conk out!

Friday
I am trying not to take it personally but you don't like hanging out with me in the morning.  You just get so impatient for daddy to come and get you.  You reach out for him, you whine for him and you just want the heck out of the house to go to Mary's.  We ran errands after work and then it was a Christmas party at The Beaty house.  We had yummy spaghetti and wedding cake.  You got your first Christmas present - a big bouncey house that you fill with balls.  We will probably end up turning the upstairs living room into a play room for you.  You liked the paper but didn't care about the box  :) We wore you out at Morgan's and you conked out!

Saturday
It was a big day!  We took a road trip with Gramma Debbie down to Cookie day in Lincoln!  You were spoiled rotten Auntie Bettie & Great Gramma Dorothy.   They fed you all sorts of goodies and you were so excited to have cookies for breakfast!  You played, napped and then you got 3 more Christmas presents!  You got a new dump truck, a new Cars book (Auntie Sue said you need to get interested in cars early so you can learn to fix them like Grampa Larry) and a Veggie Tales DVD & CD.  Auntie Becky picked the Veggie tales especially because there is a Veggie named Larry!  You tried to tear the paper a bit but you aren't really into presents yet.  I don't know if you will open that many next week.  We got take out at Outback and you had your first taste of Outback Steak.  You liked it!  You pigged out on the Steak and mashed potatoes.  You had them all over your head!  You didn't sleep too well tonight. We don't know if it is your teeth (that 4th one poked out) or if your ears are bothering you.

Sunday
When we got home from Lincoln, you had a new present waiting for you from Mr. and Mrs. Sewell.  You got a new book and a Little People Nativity Scene.  It is so cute and what a perfect Christmas present.  I set it up and we played with it while I ate breakfast.  You really liked all of the people.  I had to keep telling you to quit eating baby Jesus!

After breakfast, you were in your playpen while the Chiefs were on.  Daddy would scream at the TV in glee then you would scream too.  It was so darn cute.  Daddy got his first experience as a Christmas daddy - he put together your new fire truck from Great Gramma Faiman.  He had to get new tools in anticipation "of having many more toys to put together."  Yeah, mommy doesn't believe it but daddy always likes excuses for buying tools.

Mary told us you loved hot dogs last week so I bought you some today. Man, you pigged out at dinner - a whole hot dog, 1/2 banana, cereal, applesauce and cookies with daddy!

Well, baby, I leave you with a photo of you playing by the tree today and letting you know we have a super huge week ahead.  We have Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, family time, and your birthday party.  WOOAH... I hope we get some sleep.

December 7 - December 12

Hi buddy -
I am behind again.  Your birthday is 2 weeks and we are going to have to renegotiate how often I post on here because I am falling behind  :)  I found this picture on my phone and I had to post it.  How silly you are with your cookie face.  I can't remember what day was but it was pretty recent.

Tuesday - After your visit with Grampa & Heather, we got some burgers at Red Robin.  I must share with you that we are rotten parents already.  I ordered a diet strawberry lemonade and daddy ordered a malt.  I thought you would enjoy a treat of lemonade and strawberries.  I put it over to you so you could take a drink.  You snubbed it, cried and pointed to Daddy's malt.  OMG - how embarrassing!  My 11 month old son is already trained to identify a malt and know it is good.  We did photos with Baby Jake for Christmas and then it was bed time!

Wednesday - I don't remember our day but I sure do remember your night.  Daddy was taking you to bed and you got sick all over the hallway.  We got you cleaned up and calmed down and you slept for a bit.  Around 4, you were up and I gave you some pedialyte.  As soon as you were done drinking, you were sick again.  You couldn't sleep and we took some turns with you.  Daddy let me sleep a bit because he knew I could nap with you a bit.  It was a long night but I have to say that I am so proud of myself for not getting sick when you did twice!

Thursday - After our rough night, you stayed home with me and I took the day off.  I felt so bad for you because you were so upset when Daddy left for work and you were not able to go to Mary's. You were devastated!  We hung out in bed all day.  You slept a lot and I tried to sleep when you did.  You were feeling a bit better but you still weren't yourself.  You were snuggly and content with just being in bed with me.  I would grab you & say "Give mama a hug."  You would

Friday - You were feeling better today.  You went over to Mary's and were so excited to get out of the house.  She said that you didn't get sick but now we have a sickness on the other end  :)  You hung out with Great Gramma and she said you got fussy, went into the kitchen, crawled up the counter and pointed at your bottle.  She fed you and you curled up to sleep with her on the rocker.  You love snuggling up with Gramma in her rocker and taking a nap.  We got some spaghetti and then it was time to play.  We definitely needed a bath tonight because you were beyond repair when your tummy got sick.  You loved the bath and it was the most comfortable I have ever seen you in it.  You were crawling and standing without any hesitation.

Saturday - We had a totally lazy day today.  We watched a lot of TV, I did several scrapbook pages, you slept a bit and played a lot.  It was snowing and cold outside so it was a great day for all 3 of us to be lazy.

Sunday - You slept in today buddy!  You woke up at 10:00 - that was so awesome.  You hung out with daddy all day while I had great day out with our friend Debbie.  You got to see Gramma Ruth & your cousin Tyler.  Afterwards, we had to be tortured with the Chiefs game then we had dinner and went to Target.  Daddy thinks your 4th tooth is popping through.  He said you have 2 weeks to get it out or you are developmentally behind on the chart from the dentist  :)

Not too big of a week this week.  We hope to go visit Santa.  We also got groceries so we eat at home more often this week.  But, we do have a busy weekend - date with the Beaty's and cookie day in Lincoln on Saturday.

Photos

Forgot to add your photos from the last few days buddy.

We got to see Baby God Daddy for the first time in ages!

Our branch of the family tree at Marias.

All of the grandkids were in town and look - now there is a new level of Great Grandkids.  WOW!

Look at my baby - all grown up.  You don't like to be fed anymore - just have to put the food on your tray and let you go to town.  Now, you are even using a sippy cup!

Daddy hung out with the Cvilikai at the Chiefs game while you & I were hanging out.

December 1 - December 6

Wednesday - You were still a sick, fussy pants and Mary was going to expel you from daycare if I didn't take you to the doctor.  So, I took you to the doctor and you had an ear infection.  Darn it!  We got you new meds and you were much better all night.  I hate that you are on meds again but we have to get your ears cleared up.

Thursday - We went to Rojas for dinner and you wore us out.  You were so active and ornery.  I asked if they had a spare playpen in the kitchen that we could put you in while we tried to eat.  They looked like I had grown two horns.  Luckily, you fell asleep pretty early because your daddy & I were tired.

Friday - Well, I think this is going to show you just how old your mom & dad are.  Neither of us can remember what we did with you on Friday.  I know daddy picked you up from daycare but neither of us can recall any details of the night!

Saturday - It was a big day today buddy!  We went to Farmer's Market to get us some enchiladas and some Christmas presents.  I went to another craft fair while you napped and then we had family dinner.  We had 19 people at Maria's - every Lang in Omaha was there  :)  Afterwards, we went to Gramma's to watch the Big 12 Championship.  You hammed it up with everyone and played with Baby Jake.  I was so excited because you did so great at dinner.  I haven't really known how you would do with so many people.  You did great being passed around and talking with everyone.  You are getting better at playing with Jake.  You are always so excited to see him but your way of showing affection is still a little rough for him - your pointing at his head, your patting of his head (actually, it is slapping), and your kisses (turns into bites!) - need to be gentler for him.  But, we are getting closer!

Sunday - Daddy went to Kansas City with Brian, Erica and Brandon.  You were so good to me - you slept until 9:15 and then talked to yourself until 9:45.  We had breakfast and I tried a new recipe for sugar cookies.  We napped and played.  I tried to take you to see Santa but the wait was too long - 2 hours.  We napped again and went over Gramma's to wait for everyone to return from KC.  You played and crawled over Gramma's again.  We need to lock you up in living room because you were under everyone's feet in the kitchen and Gramma worries that you will fall in the kitchen.  After we said goodbye to all of the Cvilikai, we drove downtown to see the lights.  Actually, we were hoping it would put you to sleep in the car  :)  Luckily, you went to sleep pretty quickly because we were tired!

Monday - You woke up at 5:00 and needed a bottle.  I brought you in with me.  Apparently, you decided that my head was a pillow and then a kicking bag.  I sure love it more when you sleep in your bed.  :)  I didn't end up going back to sleep.  I spent from 7:15-7:45 just watching you sleep.  Man, another day of shock as to where this big boy came from.  Even your hands are a big boy's hands!  Mommy & Daddy played hookie from work today - we had vacation.  We ran errands and saw 2 movies.  Since you have come into the world, we have been unable to go to a lot of movies.  We got you from daycare then it was time for mommy to rest her back and for you to play with Daddy. You were kind of a fussy pants tonight.  We think you may be getting some more teeth as you are drooling up to a ton.

Well, buddy, not much else to share with you.  We don't have any big plans this week so maybe we can all relax, heal (daddy's arm, my back, your cooties) and maybe get some cleaning done around this joint!

November 26 - November 30

Hi Buddy!
Long time no talk.  It is because we are quite a pathetic household these past few days.  Daddy is still recovering with his arm, I threw my back out on Sunday & you have a cold/allergies are acting up.  Daddy really liked the idea of trying to find a temporary nanny because we are struggling a bit  :)

Friday - I was off work to hang out with you.  We napped, we hung out, we braved the Black Friday shopping to go to Walmart, we napped again  :)  You really liked going to Walmart but we must have stayed about 5 minutes too long because you were fussy pants in the check out.  We went over to visit Melissa, Brian and Benny to get some new diapers for you for night time.  You had a mini-play date.  You did so good.  I was surprised because I noticed that your toys kept getting taken away from you and you didn't even cry.  You just went and found a new toy or chased the one you were playing with.  You loved their cocker spaniel and were trying to kiss him.  Benny (2 years old) did get tired of hanging out with you and started pointing at you saying "Baby night-night." It was so cute!  His mommy said "Give the baby a kiss."  So, he kissed you and you opened your mouth wide to kiss him back  :)  I love watching you interact with other children - especially ones that are a bit older than you.

Saturday - we were lazy all day buddy.  You had cooties - I don't know if it was from Gramma Ruth's dogs or the cocker spaniel but you were just a snot box.

Sunday - I couldn't believe that you slept until 10!  I thought you were waking up from an early nap but it turned out that you were waking up for the first time!  Since you slept so long, we went to Sam's right away since we thought you would be in good spirits.  We had the car worked on and it took longer than we thought it would.  You were so tired that you just fell asleep at Sam's!  Stupid mommy lifted something too heavy and pulled something in my back.  I was down for the count after that.  You still have cooties and you just look so miserable!  You also turned 11 months today.  Where the heck did the time go?  11 whole months.  Just one more month and you are going to be 1 year old.  WOW!

Monday - Still had the cooties buddy.  Mary said you were a fussy pants and wouldn't take a good nap.  We had ice cream today and you had a vanilla malt - I figured that there can't be too much dairy in Dairy Queen Ice Cream - it is fake, right?  You did love it!  You just kept sucking and sucking on that straw.  I figured you finished the whole thing but you probably only drank 1/5 of it.  Afterwards, you were asleep at 8. You were coughing so badly that you woke yourself up at 3:30.  I made you  bottle and brought you in bed with me.  We stayed up for about 90 minutes until you calmed down and your medicine kicked in.  Once you fell asleep, you got all comfy and just tucked your arm in mine.  It was so cute.  I love snuggling with you.  I just wish you felt better.

Tuesday - another day of cooties!  You went over Grampa's but you slept for the first part of it.  You just aren't getting enough sleep.  I tried changing your medicine timing to see if you could make it through the night without coughing so much.  At Grampa's, it was so funny.  You wanted to climb up on the couch to chase the cat but you couldn't do it on your own.  You came up next to me and all sweet and innocent started going "mamamama."  Yep, you thought you would get your way if you just started saying "Mama".  After Grampa's, we came home to have dinner before I went to book club.  You went over Gramma Lang's while daddy was at dinner and I was with the ladies.  Unfortunately, daddy's dinner went late so I had to leave book club and come get you.  I was so worried that you would be fussy for Gramma because of your cold.  I took Debbie with me because I was worried I wouldn't be able to carry you.  When we got there, you were snuggled up on Gramma sleeping like an angel.  She said you were good the whole time.  You didn't even want to come see me - you just liked being with Gramma.  We visited with Debbie, Morgan and Shane for a bit.  You played with all their Christmas decorations and entertained them. Debbie hadn't seen you pull yourself up yet or crawl so she was happy just to watch you be you.  Afterwards, time for bed and you slept all night!  I only saw you for a few minutes in the morning but you didn't appear to be as congested so I am hoping the change in meds worked!

I hope you feel better pronto!  We have a big weekend this weekend with lots of plans!!