Eli

Eli Michael - born 3/30/04. He is such a blessing and my absolute reason for living! He will be 3 1/2 next month and I can't believe how time has flown! It seems like forever ago when I held him in my arms for the first time, marveling at the amazing gift the Lord had given me! Days later, at home alone with him, I remember sitting there realizing I was his sole source of nutrition and his safe place in this world that can be so cold...and wondering how in the world I was going to raise him to be the man the Lord wanted him to be! Through trial and error, we made it through the first few days...the first few months...and now, the first few years.

Eli is an amazing little guy! He loves to sing and dance...and I can't decide if he's going to be a musician or an athlete. He's had an arm since before he could walk and if you're not paying attention, he'll throw a ball at you at lightening speed! We started playing golf with him a few months ago and he can hit the ball harder and straighter than me! I call him my little "retirement package..." We'll see! ;)

Eli is also such a loving little boy. He loves his Momma and needs to be as close to me as possible - most of the time rubbing my arm or kissing it repeatedly. It's his thing and it makes him happy! ;) He tells me all the time, "Momma, I love you sooo much!" And he loves the extended, crazy family he now has... He has more grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles than any kid I know! But, on the bright side - he's loved unconditionally by so, so many people...and it shows. I'm blessed that he stays with my mom - his grandma - most of the time and his aunt and little cousin a few days a month as well. His time with his baby cousin has made him so caring toward all of the children in our lives... He loves to rub their faces and give them hugs and kisses! I just know he'll be an amazing big brother when the time comes...

**originally posted August 21, 2007