Eli is 9

Here I am once again saying, I can't believe we've had the pleasure of being this kid's parents for 9 years. He's halfway to 18 and most of the time that makes me want to cry, but sometimes it makes me really happy because I can't wait to see what God has in store for him as an adult. What kind of calling? It makes me happy to think about cheering for a praying for him. I guess it's in this moment that I'm always reminded of not being promised tomorrow, so as many days as God gives us we will be thankful. And if He returns before Eli's 18, well, I'm great with that. :)

I was reading through last year's post on Eli and he was an avid non-fiction reader and this year he has crossed over to fiction. He is currently finishing up the third book of the Lord of the Rings and is also enjoying The Ranger's Apprentice series. His teacher has done a fantastic job of recommending books for him this year. Third grade has been SUCH a good year. 

Eli has a goofy side to him and he is still perfecting that British accent of his. We recently watched The Newsies as a family and he's adding a New York accent to his repertoire. He also enjoys playing on the x-box we got for Christmas, playing football in the front yard, shooting hoops, and kicking the soccer ball occasionally. This fall he played soccer and was (in my humble parental opinion) fantastic. He's so competitive and a hard worker. Their team played the undefeated team in the league for the championship and won 4-3. They got the second place metal because they would have had to beat them by 11 (what they were beat by in the regular season) to have been deemed champions. I don't know what kind of highway robbery that is, BUT I'm confident the lessons he has learned from that and the drive he has in him will come in real handy in the future. Basketball will start in January and I'm looking forward to watching him. 

Eli is usually game to try anything. He loves crab legs and planting gardens. He likes to sing and watch the NFL- he absolutely loves every stat the announcers share. Oh yeah, he's still a Cowboys fan and I think he will be for life. I mean if there was ever a time to jump ship, the last year would have been the time. He does still cheer on the Chiefs. 

It makes my heart so happy to see Eli be a big brother. God knew what He was doing (understatement of forever) when he made Eli the oldest of our family. He loves to make Knox laugh and loves to read to Lana. He's thoughtful and almost always kind. 

Height:54"

Weight:69.4#

This photo is comical now- it wasn't then- this is Eli trying his best to smile with a second place metal around his neck. After the photo, he ripped that sucker off. 

 Eli, we are thrilled with you. We love you and are proud of you. The way God made you is special. There's no one just like you. You do a lot of wonderful things- you're helpful, kind, athletic, smart, hard working. But even without those things, you're our son and we couldn't be happier about that. Keep living for Jesus- keep asking Him to guide you- keep loving Him. He delights in you too and there's nothing greater than knowing that, even if you don't feel it sometimes. We love you, son. -Mom and Dad

Knox- 8 months

 

My goodness, we're already at 8 months with our little sweetheart! He, of course, had his first Christmas and started dragging himself around just a few days before Christmas. I had our presents under the tree and they were completely safe up until that point. He likes to chew on presents. 

Knox continues to be really sweet and a great sleeper. He is growing like crazy and just seems like such a big boy. He also seems to have found his vocal chords this last month as his volume is, well, louder. I have heard a few "ma-ma" so maybe he knows my name? :) 

No surprise, but he loves to eat and drink. Just this last month he started drinking water and he drinks and drinks. It's so funny. He also loves to eat and has started wandering into the world of table food. I don't think it will be long before he says farewell to baby food. He still hasn't had any teeth come through. 

As you can see by the next photos, Knoxer/Knoxie is so loved by all of us. His siblings are so sweet to him and Haddie is always hearing new words that he is learning. ;) 

Eli, Micah, Haddie, and Lana at 8 months