The Newest Member of the Ward

Like all good priesthood brethren, Eli has figured out how to nap during Sacrament Meeting.  Way to go little man!  Today we made it through our first full 3-hour block of church (if you count missing the last 1/2 or Relief Society for a little nursing break.)  It was nice to be back in the ward and surrounded by so many people who love us and who we love.  Check out the cute little onesie!  Now that's the way to go - in fact, Kelly is wondering if they come in his size.

So Far So Good...

     I really thought that it would be easier to get back to school.  The school part has been ok, it's been the leaving Eli that has nearly killed me!  Monday night I cried for hours and held Eli every second I could (poor Kelly didn't get any baby time).  Tuesday morning I cried as we got ready and left.  Tuesday after leaving him with our wonderful sitter, I cried.  Seeing the trend?  By Tuesday afternoon I swore I would never take him to a sitter again!  (Yes, I was ready to call my principal and quit right then and there).  After some good baby time and a calming blessing from my husband, I am now in a very different state of mind.
      I am so grateful that the Lord has provided a sweet and loving woman who is able to watch my baby while I am doing the job I love so much.  I am grateful my sitter is a grandma who will love my baby like he deserves to be loved.   I am grateful that she lives 2 minutes from the school so I can go visit at lunch.  I am grateful the Lord has blessed me with a son who loves life and loves people.  It's amazing what a couple of days and the Spirit can do for your state of mind.

At the end of one of our lunch visits!

Spa Night with Dad

Just like my dad, I love a good mani/pedi.  

Mom tries to clip my nails, but I prefer Dad's method - 

a pink nail file and a comfy leg to lean on!

Oh the Weather Outside is... Wonderful?

Can you believe the crazy weather?  It has been sunny, mid 40's to 50's, and beautiful!!  Eli and I have ventured out several times to stroll around the neighborhood and the local park.  Sunday afternoon we even dragged Daddy along for the fun.  I mean, it was so nice we had to wear shades!

The Future's so Bright...
Check out my "peeps" in the reflection!

Mom a.k.a. Mrs. Isom

In an effort to deal with the overwhelming amount of anxiety I have about going back to work next week, Eli and I are spending some time in my classroom.  This is the beginning of a longterm relationship Little Man will have with my occupation.  I'm so grateful for my job and so grateful it is a job I enjoy doing.  I'm really looking forward to getting back to my students.  But this is hard!  I have a completely new admiration for all those working mothers out there.  The goal is to stay positive and just do what I can.  #1 priority - Eli and Kelly, #2 - Work.  Sorry dishes.  You are really low on the totem pole!

"Working Hard" in Mom's classroom.  Yes, that is one messy desk in the background!

Super Eli

Daddy and his boy decided to surprise mom with a little low altitude hero fly by. 

We bought the cape for Eli's future rompings, but apparently Dad was ready to play now.  

Very cute! (Both the big and the small one!)

Super Eli

Up!  Up!  And Away!

Bear Cub's First Christmas

Singing with the Macs, Dinner with the Isoms, Sleepover with Grandma...What a Christmas!  It was so much fun to have our little "stocking stuffer" here for Christmas.  Eli really is the very best present we've ever received.  Kelly and I really enjoyed buying gifts for the little man and giving them to each other.  Kelly opened a couple of Lego kits, I opened a play mat.  And then we played!  

The very happiest Christmas ever!

"Cool" Grandma Doris