My Precious Little Eli

Wet N' Wild

Last week Eli and I went swimming with Kellye and Cole in Fairfield. Eli is so relaxed he can almost float on his back by himself! It is important to Jay and I that Eli is comfortable in water since we love swimming, boating, kayaking, etc. I'm excited to continue taking Eli swimming and teach him to swim on his own!

This weekend Jay and I also went out in the kayaks. I love being out on the water early in the mornings when the lake is so still and the wildlife is out. We saw several different types of birds including those ducks that dive underwater and pop-up down river. I also love the physicality of kayaking and it is an excellent ab/arm workout! It was FAB! Thanks Gram and Granddaddy for letting us borrow your kayaks and for watching Eli while we played!

4 Generations!

Look at these good looking Owings men!

Papaw, Big Daddy Sam, Jay, and Eli

Eli + Cole = E.Coli

Eli is such a lucky little boy to have cousins close in age! Cole is 7 months older than Eli, and Josiah is 3 weeks! Cole is now crawling and pulling himself up. He is all over the place and can't understand why momma won't let him play with Eli yet! It's going to be so much fun to watch the boys when they are both old enough to play together. Kellye and Cole kept Eli last night so that Jay and I could go out for our anniversary! Thanks a bunch guys! Here are some recent pics of Cousin Cole!

Thank you Amy Griffin!

I must take this opportunity to virtually kiss the feet of Amy Griffin... Thank you, thank you, thank you! Amy is now preparing for her 3rd child and was such an inspiration and role model to me as I prepared for my 1st. Her children Ella and Jude have always been great sleepers and fun kids to be around. Before Eli was born, she recommended a book to me called "On Becoming Baby Wise". I read it... Jay read it... and we decided that this strategy of "parent directed" feeding and napping would work for us. Well, Eli is 10 weeks old and has slept through the night 4 times in the last week! YEA! He has been going to bed at 10 and I wake him between 6:30 and 7 the next morning. Of course I still get up at least once in the night to check on him, but I'm sure I'll soon get over that. So thank you Amy! Here are some pics of my napping angel. I had to rig a canopy until we get a shade for the arch in Eli's window!

"He's got the whole world in His hands"

Catch-Up!

Here are just a few random blogs to show that I do still have a life outside of parenting! :)

Recently, Eli and I attended a Bridal Shower for my friend Wendy. Despite the fact that he is carrying her away to Spring Hill, Brad is a wonderful guy and will make a great husband. We are so happy for Wendy and cannot wait for the wedding!

Parents' night out on the town! Carrie Quarles wedding, June 6th. It was one of the shortest (and hotest) weddings I have attended. The wedding was at Dara's Garden in Knoxville and it was an absolutely beautiful setting. Jay and I thoroughly enjoyed our night out alone! Thanks Gram and G-Daddy!

i heart dad!

Eli was too cute today in his "I heart daddy" shirt and plaid shorts! I just had to post a video and some pics from his first Fathers Day. Jay, we are so blessed to have you in our lives! You are a wonderful father and continue to grow into the man that God intended. We love you so much and look forward to many, many Fathers Days to come!