Safety First with Siblings

Elias Dean dearly loves his sister.
He really does.
I don't doubt it.
A scenario repeated itself throughout the day for the first month. It went something like this:
I set Kyla on her play mat.
Elias: "Awww, Kyla baby. Baby cute. I hug baby. Kiss baby."
Then one big bear hug and a slobbery kiss on her check and....
WWWAAAAAA!!

You get the picture.
So we've finally moved Kyla's play mat into a pack 'n' play. That way both children can enjoy their toys while I'm cooking dinner, and I don't have to worry that "survival of the fittest" will take its course in this household.  

Hamming it up in the pack 'n' play mesh.

Kyla seems quite pleased with the arrangement. I think she even smiles in the video posted below.

Elias has also become increasingly aware that his birthday is coming up at the end of October. Therefore he wants to celebrate everyone's birthday.  Apparently, he thought putting stickers on Kyla's forehead was a fitting way to celebrate her. You can hear him say near the end of the video, "Happy Dirthday!" Love this boy!

Elias' First Year in Pictures

It's hard to believe that Elias will be two years old on October 29. 

I love his cheery personality, and looking back on his first year's monthly pictures made me even more excited to see how Kyla grows and develops in the coming months.

 

23-month picture.

Newborn

Month 1

Month 2

Month 3

Month 4

Month 5

Month 6

Month 7

Month 8

Month 9

Month 10

Month 11

Month 12

Apple Picking

Elias loves tractors, pulling wagons, and being outside. He talks about his cousins incessantly. He enjoys eating apples (especially with peanut butter).
So taking him to Tuttle's apple orchard to pick apples with Grace, Emmett and Lizzy made his day on Wednesday. Unfortunately Claire and Suz couldn't make it.

"Tractor, Mommy, tractor!"

"I drive tractor"

wagon ride through the orchard

Lizzy laid back for an almost-nap

After picking apples (Jonathons, of course!), we let the kids play in the children's area for a little while before we headed home.

sand. front loader. truck. best boy toys ever!

Emmett and Lizzy

Of course, I had to take a picture of Elias in the pig!

Our Boy

It's so hard to believe our boy is three months old. 

His coos and smiles grow more a part of his sunny personality everyday. So does his intense focus and concentration. Today we experienced what Elias will do when he doesn't want to take a nap - cry for an hour. (He was fine afterward and then slept for the next three and a half hours). 

His new favorite thing to do is sit on my hip while I'm working around the house. He'll sit up straight with his little head bobbing from side to side like a wise old man surveying people's actions and making observations. 

What else has he done in the past three months? 

Spent time with Grandma Frantz

Watched the snow fall during the winter storms we've had. 

Met his Aunt Andrea face to face.

Done "tummy time" - and hated it! 

Slept.

Prayed with Mommy for friends and family.

Discovered how to get his fingers into his mouth - a most satisfying snack.

Painted with Adopted Aunt Bethany at church - love her hat on his little head.

Took naps with Daddy.

Fussed.

Charmed.

Smiled.

Laughed.

And best of all - spent lots of time with cousins! 

Malachi 

Cedrik

Claire

Clayton

Makayla

Aubrey

All the Standish Girls.

Ashley 

Your monkey...though he's not a cousin, you adore him.

What an eventful three months! I'm sure Elias is worn out...

...But we look forward to more memories to come.

Elias Dean Frantz

Born October 29, 2013: Elias Dean Frantz has kept our lives busy with changing diapers, cuddle sessions, and late night feedings.

We love our little man, and are looking forward to watching him grow! 

Elias - The Lord, He is God. 

Dean - Leader

Our prayer for Elias is that he will be a leader in showing men that The Lord is the one, and only, true God as his namesake - Elijah - did on Mount Carmel. 

See 1 Kings 18.