The Smile of an ANGEL

I can't express how much we have enjoyed the first two weeks of Eli's time with us! No words would do justice...I won't even try. It just brings a lump to my throat each time I see him. Just look at this face!!! He has his Pop Pop's dimples.

It seems that Eli is happy most of the time...only fussing when he's hungry or getting comfortable. We're watching Jenna and Keith blossom into wonderful parents. They're passing their good feelings onto this sleeping child...cuddling and kissing him. They are so proud and full of wonder.

Eli has already grown quite a bit and is so incredibly strong. Before we know it he'll be toddling around here...though I don't want to rush that as Kevin and I enjoy holding him every chance the new parents will allow it. tee hee

All of our critters have taken turns checking Eli out. They run to his swing to see if he's there and kiss his toes when they see one exposed. KiKi is slowly learning to share Momma & Papa's lap with Eli. Duncan was instantly okay with the new arrival...very proud to have another boy in the house, I think. Gabby was her normal obsessed self sniffing & licking until it was "old hat".

God has blessed this house!

Joy in the Family!

Tuesday's Child is Full of Grace!

I can't tell you how much joy is in our house this early a.m. and no one else is awake. Little Elijah Duffy Caldwell was born last night, 7/7/2009, at 7:59pm. He is 7lbs 11oz & 21 inches long...loads of hair and perfect. He looks just like Keith...matching the image I've had in my mind for all these months almost to a 't'. And did I say "perfect"?

We spend the day in the labor & delivery waiting room...sharing stories between the Caldwell's and the Duffy's...getting updates via email and text from Keith. Jason & Chrissy bring pizza for everyone at 6...no one wants to leave the building. When Keith doesn't join us for food, we wonder...is it time? This hospital plays a lullaby over the speaker system when a baby is born and at 8 o'clock we hear the lullaby over our laughs & chats...everyone holds their breath...we all look at each other with WIDE eyes...could this be him??? Then a few minutes later, Keith walks down the hall to tell us that 'yes' it was Eli's arrival time and he lets his emotions spill out. He is SO happy! You can see it in his every word and movement. After a few minutes sharing the moment with us, back to his new family he goes.

We were told to move to the nursery section of the hospital...Keith's sister, Lisa, spots the nurses moving Jenna and Eli to their new room so we stop to steal a peek. Jenna looks beautiful, wonderful & smiling...not like someone who has labored all day & delivered this perfect bundle of joy. The second nurse comes around the corner pushing Eli's bed and as he comes into view he looks up at Aunt Jami & me with wide open eyes. The nurse pulls off his cap for a moment so we can see his FULL head of hair...just like Jenna's when she was born. We collectively take in a breath...how beautiful he is!!!

A little while longer to wait while the family is settled in their room and photos can be taken of this new life-new family...so long for us who are sooo anxious!

The mass of two families come into the room to see this little one who now makes us officially one family. We are bursting with joy and excitement...all taking photos with our phones like paparazzi, laughing & giggling, taking turns holding and cooing to Eli. Two year old cousin Mackenna delivers the picture gift she had drawn to welcome Eli and kisses him on the head.

Pop Pop finally takes his turn...he's been waiting for this moment since the day I met him almost 31 years ago. This image bringing back memories of him telling me the first time we met, 'I can't wait to be a GRANDFATHER'...the time is finally here sweet man!

What utter JOY in the family! What utter JOY!!!



These photos were taken by Tommy Feisel of New Age Foto. He was assisted by his wife Meredith. We are thrilled to have another group of photos taken by this talented person.