Happy Birthday to my sweet son, Eli Gil

Today my littlest boy turns one. I was thinking back to where we were one year ago. We had no idea where we were going to move to, we were hoping and praying for a home. We were surviving the first year with out dad.  Life was bittersweet as we were bringing a new baby in to this world with so much uncertainty. 

Here is Eli's first year in pictures. 

Chicago in June with Uncle Pete, pregnant with baby E.

August 12, 2011. Brand new baby.

Daddy and Eli at the hospital

First family of five shot

Can this picture of Max and Eli be any sweeter?

Our beloved Oscar and Sienna meeting Eli

One of his first smiles, 1 month

Cooking with yaya, 2 months

Wearing a onsie that I wore when as a baby. 3 months

Christmas with Uncle Joe, 4 months

Starting on solids, 5 months

24 hour retreat away with mama at Hilary's house. 6 months.

First bath with the brothers. 7 months

Ice cream in Stillwater, celebrating boppa's birthday.  8 months

California with Uncle Gil. 9 months.

At the beach. 10 months.

Cal and E. Homies for life. 11 months.

Just before his birthday, a little over 16 pounds, six teeth, and such a funny personality.

Although Life is forever changing 

and things get hard, 

one thing is certain: 

It's all going to be okay. 

We got a beautiful house, we continue to heal from the loss of our dad, we are settled in to this new life, and we are encouraged that God has us covered. 

This afternoon we are celebrating both Eli and Max's birthdays. A week from today Maximo Joe will be turning FIVE! And two weeks after that, he will begin KINDERGARTEN!