Naked in the sunshine....

Oh, there's just nothing like it...a baby butt!! As you can see, Elias is growing some new rolls...everywhere! We are guessing he is around 12ish pounds and is growing to be a long boy...tall like his daddy! His eyes are blue...very blue! His eyelashes are long and his lips...oh so kissable! We are in love with his feet...for some reason they just get us everytime. He is very vocal...sometimes sounding like a seagull (which is the cue for...I'm tired mom!...NOW!!). He has started to "giggle"...the first time was when I was changing his clothes and diaper...who new this could be so fun! And then we really heard him giggle while Grandpa John was talking to him!!And, Elias has rolled over! (a trick Nana taught him!) For now, he rolls from his stomach to his back! He's not so sure what to think when his world turns upside down! We continue to be amazed by our little peanut, who is changing and growing so much...so fast! Don't you just want to squeeze that cute baby butt...

Let there be sunshine...

"It humbled my ego and stretched my soul.

It awakened me to eternity. It made me know my own humanity,

my own morality, my own limits.

It gave me whatever crumbs of wisdom I posses today."

~Erica Jong (American writer and poet)

This quote has so much meaning during this amazing journey in our lives, raising our sweet little boy. In so many ways, we feel awakened, stretched and humbled by our little one.

We were able to spend some time up north in Detroit Lakes and White Earth lake. Here are some photos of our adventures...

"Let there be sunshine.

Let there be blue skies.

Let there be mama.

Let there be me."

~Old Russian folk song

Nana and Grandpa with their grandchildren... Our family...
"Hey cousin Liam, do you see what I see?"

My first boat ride...

Hangin' out with Daddy...
Eli and Great Grandma Vogt...
My sweet Aunties...
The proud Grandpa's...

My ZaNy CousiNs...tHe GoOfY gOoBeRs!

Here they are...my zany cousins! From left to right (Will-2yrs, Grace-4yrs, Aaron-10yrs, Elias-8weeks, Ian-6yrs, and Raine-7yrs) We had a fun day with all the cousins at our house while we celebrated Will's 2nd birthday!
Here we are on a walk in the arb...trying out the baby bjorn! The forest was beautiful, lush and green! Elias slept the entire walk all snuggled in on mommy!!
Elias has started to SMILE!! This has been SO FUN!! He usually smiles in his sleep or when he has gas, but just this week he has been smiling at us! Oh my goodness...there is nothing like it.

Updates on our little peanut...

A few weeks ago we found that our little peanut had a hernia that needed to be fixed. On Monday, Elias had surgery at Children's hospital in Minneapolis. All went really well and we are home nurturing our little one as he recovers. He is doing so well and seems to be bouncing back really quickly. Below is a picture from the hospital. We were really pleased with the enviroment and staff at Children's...Elias was in good hands!Mikko snuggled up next to Elias... Mikko sure loves this little one and has done really well adjusting to our new family member.
Elias is now 8 lbs 5 oz. He is growing so fast and changing every day. Here he is sleeping away. He makes the cutest faces while asleep...from giggling with a huge smile to a frown to all kinds of little noises that are so sweet.

Bath time with Mommy! Elias loves to be in water...

Handsome little guy...many people say he looks like Daddy.

Hello everyone! We hope you are all doing well and enjoying the spring weather...yeah, it's finally here! Here are some updated pictures of our little peanut...
Elias is so in love with his Daddy! Look at my chunky cheeks...
Introducing my new buddy...cousin LIAM DANIEL BERNDT! Liam was born on May 17th...We are so excited for Jenn and Phil and their new bundle of love!
Just chillin' in my jogging suit!
All bundled up for a walk in the Chariot!

Four Weeks Old!

We can hardly believe it...our little peanut is already 4 weeks old! And he is growing...almost 6 pounds! We cherish every moment with him as we watch him grow and change. Elias and I spend our days bonding...breastfeeding, cuddling, changing diapers, reading books, going for walks in the sling, visiting with friends and family, and waiting for Daddy to come home! We sure love when Daddy comes home to be with us!! Elias becomes more aware of his surroundings daily. He looks around and loves when we talk to him. He is discovering his hands and becoming very strong. He is the biggest love muffin!! We have numerous nicknames for him...scuddles, peanut, peanut butter, butter ball, love muffin, and little man! Oh, we are so in love!!

In love!

"There aren't words yet invented to define the emotions a mother feels as she cuddles her newborn child." ~Janet Leigh
As I sit and write this blog, it is hard to find words to describe the feelings we have for this little miracle. Chris and I are so in love with him and feel so blessed he is here and doing well! Elias is already two weeks old...still a peanut, but eating, sleeping and pooping like a champ! He is so sweet and full of life! Here are some pictures of Elias with Grandparents and Aunties and Uncles! Chris and I are so thankful for our wonderful families...Thank you so much for all your love and support and help during these first few weeks!! And also, thank you to our friends who have called and e-mailed...your love and support means so much to us!


Auntie gigi (Jenn)visiting in the hospital...soon Elias will meet his cousin, baby Berndt! We are very excited for you Jenn and Phil...

Auntie Sarah holding Elias the first few days we were home! Thanks for all your help Sarah!! Auntie Sally holding Elias...thank you Sally for all your help!!

My first time in my new chair!
My first outing with mommy! (that's our home in the background)
Dreaming about milkies!
Uncle Ox with Elias at one day old!

Dreaming about more milkies!

Dad and Mom loving me! Can you see my dimple chin? I got this from my Daddy's side!

Grandpa John (Ekern) holding his first grandchild!
Nana and Grandpa (Vogt) admiring Elias, their sixth grandchild!