Category Archives: Eliana

December 17, 2009 · 12:36 pm

Twenty Weeks of Bliss

Our sweet Answer is now 20 weeks old.  In a blink, Eliana has grown from a tiny, cuddly newborn to a delightful, curious and energetic infant (still cuddly).  We are madly in love with our little girl and thankful for each new day we have with her.  She’s mastered rolling over and can now (when balanced) hold herself in the seated position for long periods of time.

Eliana loves jumping!  Dear friends loaned us their jumperoo seat a few weeks ago and Eliana can’t get enough of it.  She laughs every time she’s in it, jumping herself clear off the ground.  Strengthening those little legs!  Perhaps ballet is in her future?

We’ve officially entered the put-everything-possible-within-reach-in-your-mouth phase.  Toys, socks, blankets, your arm.  Anything!  Eliana is all about chewing and drooling these days.  Of course, we can’t help but smile…even when she drools all over us.  She’s just so darn cute!

The past 20 weeks with our little sweetheart have been such an incredible gift.  Eliana Faith continues to embody her name as we see God’s answer to countless prayers lived out in her life.  We are so grateful that the Lord entrusted her to us and eagerly look forward to the days, months, and years ahead with our precious little girl.

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October 10, 2009 · 7:59 pm

Baby Blues

Baby Blues

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September 17, 2009 · 4:52 am

Sweetness

Eliana

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August 20, 2009 · 9:19 pm

Week Three

Our beautiful Little Lady has enjoyed a wonderful third week of life.  Her smiles grow brighter every day.  She loves being held upright whenever she’s awake and is already holding her head up for long periods of time.  Strong girl!  Enjoy some of our favorite pics from this past week.

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August 11, 2009 · 8:04 pm

Our First Week At Home

We are absolutely in love!  Its hard to believe Eliana is already eleven days old.  She’s growing up so fast!  I just want to photograph and record every single moment.  Each one is such a gift.  Jordan & I continue to be overwhelmed by our beautiful Answer To Prayer.  She amazes us more and more each day.

Eliana has been the perfect baby so far.  She’s animated and smiley when awake, sleeps hard between feedings, and goes down for bed in her crib without a fuss.  She’s already beginning to hold her head up for several seconds at a time, moving it controlled from side to side.  Jordan definitely brings the smiles out of her.  I’ve been telling her since I was pregnant that she’d be a daddy’s girl and she certainly is…warms my heart!

Huge thanks, by the way, to everyone who has sent encouraging emails, cards, and delicious meals for us.  Its been such a blessing to adjust to life at home with Eliana without the stress of planning a meal each night.  You all have made this transition into stay-at-home mom much easier for me.  Thank you!

Here are some of our favorite pics from the past week.  While we know we’re biased, we think you’ll agree that she’s just gorgeous! 🙂

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August 5, 2009 · 11:24 am

Home With Eliana

What an amazing five days we’ve had with our little girl!  Eliana is truly a gift from God.  She has been an absolute joy.  Sleeping peacefully and completely alert when awake.  We fall more & more madly in love with her every day.  Enjoy some photo highlights of her first few days with our little girl…

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July 28, 2009 · 3:29 pm

D-Day

Well, Eliana’s due date has arrived and so far, our darling little girl has not.  She’s still active as can be…just not in the direction I would prefer.   As of yesterday’s weekly OB appointment, I’m 2 cm dilated, 70% effaced & she’s -2 in position.  I thought it would be fun to start a pool for when you think she’ll actually be here.  The prize – the thrill of knowing you totally called it! 🙂  Wager away!

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July 26, 2009 · 9:36 pm

Nursery: Ready & Waiting…

Here are some nursery pics for your enjoyment.  The only thing missing is Miss Eliana herself!

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July 20, 2009 · 3:50 pm

In The Home Stretch

My, how time has flown!  As of tomorrow, I’ll be 39 weeks pregnant.  Its seems like only yesterday we discovered that we’d be parents again.  Preparations have been made, a new nursery set up, her name selected, clothes washed, bags packed.  All that is left to do is to wait.  Just grow and wait.

Bump at 38 Weeks

Comparatively, this has been a much easier pregnancy.  I’ve not been nearly as sick and while the cankles have once again returned, they are not nearly as severe as last time.  Eliana is certainly proving to be much feistier than her brother.  Isaac would gently move around from time to time.  But not this girl.  She’s a powerhouse, constantly moving and kicking.  Many times, we’ve watched her feet clearly move from one side to the other.  Other times, it feels like she’s doing a full-body stretch.  Sometimes she’ll move so strongly that it throws me out of step and stops me in my tracks.  I can’t wait to meet this energetic little girl of ours!

Today’s doctor’s visit went well.  I’m currently 1.5 cm dilated, 60% effaced & positionally, she’s head-down at -2.  Same as last week.  I’ve not had any real contractions as of yet.  Hopefully some spicy food and serious walking will move things along.  Funny how the past eight months have flown by while these past few weeks have felt like a crawl.  I’d much rather be awake at night holding Eliana than just feeling her kick me in the ribs.  But I really can’t complain.  I’m so grateful for the gift of carrying this sweet girl to term, grateful that she has a whole heart and all signs indicate that she’s healthy, grateful for the constant care and encouragement of my dear husband.  I’m deeply grateful.  And with every uncomfortable kick and pinch of the back, it serves as a reminder that she’s still on her way and I’ll be a mom once again soon.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything…other than holding her in my arms, of course 🙂

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June 10, 2009 · 10:04 pm

And her name shall be…

We are pleased to announce that Little Miss Leino now has her name!  As most of you know, we’ve thought long and hard over this.  For months, it seemed every option we came across simply landed on our “Not It” list.  We scoured through books, name search engines, family trees.  Her name had to be just right: beautiful, feminine and unique with an incredible meaning.  Well…we’ve finally found it.  A Hebrew name that means “God has answered us”.  Perfect for our sweet girl:

Eliana Faith Leino

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