Cousin Gage serenades Eli

Uncle Will, Aunt Jenny, and Eli think this is one of the cutest videos ever! Thank you, Gage!

Eli's 1-month Birthday Party

He slept through most of it- but that NICU was a happenin' spot for a while...

I like my belly

You just wait...

Some day I'm gonna be bigger than you, Mr. Teddy Bear!

The Little Man

My First Afghan

Thank you Pastor Beverly for making this just for Eli!

Hiccups

Check out this adorable little video of Eli vs. Hiccups.

Found the thumb

He found the thumb first, but it wouldn't do so he opted for the whole hand. That worked.

Paci Practice

He held it in himself for a while

Peek-a-boo

"Don't they ever turn the lights off in here??"

Sometimes it's hard for a kid to get a little shut-eye.

"Hmmm... that's not mommy..."

Eli spent the first half hour staring up at me.    

Eli & Daddy Pics

Daddy's turn...

Today daddy gets to be a kangaroo, too. I can't wait!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

A cuddly teddy bear, a paci, and momma's milk. What more could a kid want?

New Booties!

Nothing like custom booties to keep the tosies warm!

"Hello, friends!"

Eli took a moment to wave to all of you who have been praying for him. He said, "Tell them I really appreciate them and I'm looking forward to meeting them really soon!"

Thought I was kidding?

So apparently some of you thought my little reference to "over 300 bottles" was a slight exaggeration... think again. Here's the new freezer with our bountiful supply! :)

Thursday Morning

Hi Everyone,

Eli continues to do well. He is receiving mom's milk and is putting on weight. He weighed 2 pounds 2 ounces last night. We have been overwhelmed with all of your gifts, cards, emails, calls, and prayers. It is really humbling to know much we are loved! Eli has an entire family out there that he hasn't met yet. Maybe one day he will get to meet all of you! Thank you so much for everything- it's hard to put it all into words right now, so all we can say is thank you so much and we love you.

Jenny and I really enjoy reading your comments, so feel free to post a little message if you'd like.

Love you all,

Will & Jenny

Time to Eat!

Eli has been doing well. Yesterday the doctors gave him a little pedialyte to get his stomach ready, and today he got the real thing! This is good because today I counted about 300 bottles from mommy in our freezer (we had to get a freezer just for this purpose)! Sorry if that's too much information but I think it's funny & amazing! Anyway, Eli can now really start putting on the weight. He was born at 1 pound 15.4 ounces and now weighs around 2 pounds 1 ounce. 

Kangaroo Kare

Here's a magical moment... Mommy's first time holding Eli. He snuggled right up and was so calm. The nurse said Jenny can now do this every day, and something makes me think she won't pass it up.

Tummy Time

Eli got to get off his back for the first time and we think he likes it! Today is looking to be a VERY big day- the doctor said that Eli is ready for Kangaroo Kare- that's very technical medical jargon meaning that Jenny gets to hold Eli for some skin to skin time. Needless to say Jenny is beaming with anticipation. I'll keep you posted!

Enter the Pacifier

Eli knew exactly what to do when Jenny put the pacifier in his mouth today. It's good practice since Jenny has a couple hundred bottles of the real thing ready to go. Let's just say he'll be well fed...

He's breathing well on his own now, and the doctor said today that she hopes to take out even the nose-hose (that's not the technical name) soon.

Grandma & Grandpa Twelkemeier flew home this morning- they will be missed!

Night night...

Good night, little fella! Today was a big day for Eli. His ventilator tube was removed so that he can breathe on his own. He has a little air flowing into his nose but it's on a very low setting. We can hear his little wimpers now that he can vocalize (which is good, but sure tough to hear- he sounds like a little kitten!). Momma T spent the night last night and it went well, though she only got 2 hours of sleep! What a blessing our parents have been to us. We feel like we have so much support and encouragement. We are so grateful to all of you who offer continual prayers and support to all of us. We can certainly feel them- and need them! All of the doctors and nurses have said he is doing VERY well. The lead surgeon, an extremely blunt individual, even said Eli is exceeding his expectations. Tonight the mother of another premature infant who has been there for 4 months gave Jenny a bag full of little clothes for preemies. They are so cute!

Boys Night In

Tonight me and the little guy get to hang out together. He gave me this high-five when he found out. Only a week old and he already knows what it means to have "man-time".

1 week birthday

Eli has been with us for one week today. He looks good this morning- his color has returned and he is active. They took another xray and his tummy looks good- no free air or miconium (sp?). He is under the shadow of the Almighty!

Eli the Kicker!

This little man kicks like it's his job...

Beautiful Jenny

Here's my small attempt to share with you what an amazing lady this Jenny Watrous is. I am so proud of her and so blessed by her love and dedication to me and to Eli.

9.2.08

Well, here's the first shot at keeping everyone in the loop. Eli is doing well this morning. We thank God for keeping him through the night once again, with a little help from Susan & Jenny who stayed with him.