Dear Eli

I want you to know how special your life has been. You are now over 3 months old. You are 7 pounds 5 ounces and keep getting bigger. You like to be held, and get a lot of tummy aches which keep both of us up at night. It makes me feel bad there is nothing I can do for you, but secretly I enjoy the extra cuddle time. You love to roll over. We try to put you on your tummy but you instantly roll to your back. Last week you rolled from your back to your stomach for the first time which scared daddy because you were laying on the couch! You are starting to smile more on purpose. Ry and Tennell absolutely adore you, they cant keep their hands off of you!

I want you to know that on the day you were born, we were prepared to give you a priesthood blessing that same day. To give you a name to be known by in the history books of our family and church. Eventually, Daddy and I felt comfort with the thought of actually waiting until you came home instead. We knew you would come home as a healthy baby boy and we would save the name and blessing for a special day when you could be surrounded by family and friends. On August 7, 2011, your daddy was joined by Grandpas, Great Grandpas, Uncles, and Great Uncles as they surrounded you with the priesthood and blessed you with incredible things from our Heavenly Father. We are so thankful for that day. Thankful for the comfort we felt while still in the hospital after you were born, so thankful we saved your blessing for a day when you could be surrounded by so many friends and family who, 3 months before, were praying for you to live. 

I want you to know that many people prayed for your safe arrival, prayed for you while you were sick, prayed for you to grow, and still pray for you now that you are home. I know that it is because of all these prayers, that you are with us. I cannot even begin to list the names of all those who have told me about the prayers they say for you. They, too, know how special you are.

I want you to know how you have changed me. You showed me how to be close to our heavenly father. The day before you were born, you showed me the voice of the spirit. I have never been able to listen to the still small voice like I did beginning that day. It became louder in the weeks following your birth, and has now started to quiet down. I miss being so close with the spirit, but I know it can return loudly when I need it the most. 

I want you to know that I love your daddy. That I have felt even closer to him than before your birth. He is my best friend. He keeps me strong. He was the voice of reason that day. It was his idea to save your baby blessing for when you came home. He was and is the strongest man I know. I hope you can grow to be exactly like him, a worthy priesthood holder, a hard working husband, a leader in the church, a playful and involved father, and much more.

I want you to know that your sisters pray for you. That they will always care for you. They will always be there for you. There will come a time where you will be a protector for them as they have been for you, because that is what a brother is for. They will need you forever, we all need each other forever. I want you to know that you are a lucky boy. Your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and great grandparents adore you. 

Most of all, your sisters, daddy and I love you. I hope you will always know that. I hope you know you are with us for a reason, and you get to stay with us for eternity, guaranteed. 

Love,

Mom


(originally written 8/11/11)