Yes, Elijah, there is a Santa Claus

My dearest son,

We have shared so many wonderful memories together in these last 8 and a half months. We laughed together as you took your first dip in the swimming pool. We both gazed in amazement as you watched your first fireworks. We were both nervous and excited as you began to crawl for the first time. Now we are going to share another wonderful first, your first Christmas, and there are some very important things I need you to know. 

You will notice that something magical and wonderful happens this time of year. If you listen carefully, you can hear the sweet silvery sound of bells in the air and if you breathe deeply, you might smell the first snow of the season. You will watch glittering ornaments twist and turn as they hang on our Christmas Tree, surrounded by twinkling lights and sugary candy canes. You also might notice this time of year can make grown ups act differently. It can make them louder, and move faster, and gather in large numbers at shopping malls and Targets. You will watch as people ignore the magic and worry more about wish lists and presents and it will make you sad because you will know that this time of year means something much more. 

You will learn about a baby born in a manger surrounded by his mother and father, heralded in by angels, and visited by gentle shepherds. You will marvel and wonder at how much God loved us to send his son to rescue us in this way. We will teach you about Jesus, how to talk to him, how to worship him, how to know him, and how to love him as we do. He will be the star of the Christmas season, the reason we celebrate, and the magic of this time of year. 

But there is someone else that we will teach you about this time of year. Someone else that loved Jesus and wanted to share that love with children, just like you. Someone named Nicholas who long ago decided to devote his life to giving joy to children in the name of Jesus. He would sneak presents into their stockings that were hanging to dry by the fireplace. Yes my darling, that's why we have stockings hanging on the wall, and why one of them has your name on it. He was a servant of our amazing and loving God and we still celebrate him each year. You will know him as Santa. 

Yes, Elijah, there is a Santa Claus and he is just as real as you and me. Now he isn't watching you while you are sleeping, and he isn't going to take your gifts away if you are bad, but he will leave you a present to open on Christmas morning, and he will tuck tiny treasures into your stocking. He will show us how to give, without worrying about receiving. He will remind us to give to those who are in need. We will sing songs about him, snuggle in a warm blanket covered with his image, and even leave a treat out for him on Christmas Eve, but Elijah, my child, he will never be more important than the Creator that he served. 

Now son, I need to warn you. There will be children that try to tell you that you've been tricked, that there is no such thing as Santa Claus. There will be those that laugh at you and that think you've got it totally wrong. But, Elijah, you aren't going to listen to them. No, you are going to listen to the still, quiet voice that tells you how much you are loved, how special you are, and how much kindness and hope you bring to the world. 

So yes, my love, there is a Santa Claus and may the joy and wonder that he brings to you always point you back to the light of the world, Jesus. 

The Second Shelf

Already time for another update? I can't believe it either. This little guy is growing way too fast. He is absolutely the sweetest baby and we have had another amazing month together.

 It started out pretty rough with his ear tubes surgery. Elijah has had 6 ear infections and seems to get one just as soon as one heals. We didn't want him to keep living on antibiotics so we made the decision to get tubes. We went with a great doctor but I did not love the experience at Wake Med. We waited for 4 hours with him in this jail-like crib. He was starving and sleepy but didn't cry at all until after the surgery was over. As soon as we got him home he passed out in his crib and woke up with this very sweet smile.

The whole thing was definitely more difficult for me than him and so far we are ear infection free!

Elijah helped pack his first shoe-box this month. I am so excited to start this tradition with him because I so loved packing one with my mom.

 We also celebrated our first Thanksgiving with our little tornado. Addie was more than happy to teach him how to climb up the stairs. That is what older cousins are for, right? He is now able to climb up all by himself at home which means more heart attacks for mommy.

 He loved playing with Addie's toys and did a great job napping at Uncle Mikey and Aunt Emily's house in their guest bathroom. It was a perfect fit for the pack-n-play, very quiet, and completely dark. I slept in a drawer for some of my early life so I think this is Elijah's drawer story.

 Elijah's meal times don't exactly align with ours so his Thanksgiving meal consisted of Superman, and other assorted chew toys.

The highlight of the day was definitely his first time in the swing. He could not stop laughing, clapping, and smiling. I'm telling you what, that smile is absolutely heart melting. 

We have so much to be thankful for this year. We are a family of 14! Can you believe it? We added 3 to our numbers in the span of a year. It really is such a blessing to spend time together as a family, laughing and playing games. I can't wait to come together again at Christmas. 

Elijah has really grown this month. Every day I think he looks a little more like his daddy. I mean, check out these lashes.

He can crawl with his belly off the ground now, at ridiculous speeds. He stands up using everything and giggles hysterically when he lets go and balances on his own. He cruises around the couch and his toys. He claps, waves, gives rather wet but adorable kisses, snuggles, and he's learned this super cheesy smile. 

We don't put shoes on him during the day because we want him working on those standing and walking skills without that barrier but we wanted a pair for him to wear when we go out to keep his feet a little warmer. He absolutely loves them but also loves the challenge of taking them off. 

He's working on sounds. Sometimes he tries to say kitty and da-da. Haven't heard a ma-ma yet but I know it's coming. Any of his gibberish is pretty cute. When he started becoming more mobile, he fell a lot. He still loses balance every so often and I see this face, but usually he picks himself up and tries again. He is completely fearless. I left some Christmas boxes at the edge of the living room as a barrier for him from the kitchen and he simply climbed over them carrying one of his favorite stuffed animals. 

 As he started crawling, we looked at everything from a baby's eye view. We moved baskets, hid cords, used outlet covers, and patted ourselves on the back for making things pretty safe. Now Elijah's mobility is making us check out the second shelves around the room. What was once safe, is now fair game. All the baskets, books, and movies that had been moved up one row needed to be moved again. It once again reminded me that I can't underestimate what he is able to do. When he puts his mind to something, he is totally determined to find a way and I love that about him. I love that God made him so brave and so persistent and so incredibly smart. So thank you Elijah, for making me aware of the second shelf.