Elijah latches on, folds laundry, and goes for walk, ALL IN ONE DAY!

Elijah's suck reflex is no joke. It's like a wet-to-dry vac. I feel for Beth.

But he makes up for it by helping Beth fold laundry.

Hey dude, sweet Maya wrap.

Goin' for our first walk.

Yes, there's a baby in there.

1 Week of Life!

Elijah has been enjoying this new world for one week and is feeling fine.  He would like to personally thank all of the people that have helped to make this week so special and to make him (and us) feel so cared for.... all the visits in the hospital, the sweet aunts who have loved on him, the people who have come by to peep at his little face and bring food and presents.  We are surrounded by a generous community... what a blessing for a new little life.

His grandparents are especially dear for all they have done, whether near or slightly further, this kid is set for life with giving and wise grandparents who have poured love all over him.  Thanks for coming up, Teresa and Duncan!  And mom... that blackberry cobbler is love personified.
Elijah wants to send a special hello today to those keeping up from afar, especially Robbie Hall. We are thinking of you and praying for quick healing... Do you like the tractor, Robbie?  Elijah can't wait for you to show him a thing or two on the farm!

Elijah and Bryce get their nap on.

Aunt Chara.

Chara, Al, and Sophia really love Elijah. Thanks Alejandro for all the driving! Chara was a huge help!

Sophia knows how to have fun.

Elijah's got people.

He's gonna learn to laugh.

Dressed for the ride home.

Hittin' the road.

Elijah is home!

Elijah Wayne Eichelberger: 2nd day

Look how proud I am.

Katie's proud too.

So's Sarah.

Have clean diaper, will travel.

The most beautiful girl in the world.

Behold! Elijah Wayne Eichelberger, 8 lbs. 4 oz. of oaken thunder! He is beautiful, as the photos attest, and we are sitting in the late afternoon just looking at him, in wonder, with Iron and Wine playing in the background. Elijah Wayne Eichelberger. An intense unfathomable miracle. We are so blessed.

Katie and Michael's Wedding

We were so glad to be able to celebrate with Katie and Michael and Berry friends in Atlanta last weekend.  Bryce was a bit nervous about a 4 hour trip, 2 weeks before the due date.  His knuckles were white until we hit Chattanooga on the way back, around midnight.  In any case, it worked out great.  I was unable to stay off the dance floor like a good girl with a stress fracture in her foot.  What can you do when "Hey Ya" beckons?  Heed that call!

Becky was there with her FIANCEE Mark, Matt Anderson brought his lovely girl Sarah and Patrick and Alina were able to come!  We missed Amanda and Ella and Will, but it was kinda crazy to get that many of us together.  I enjoy everyone so much- amazing that we all would have met 10 years ago this month as we were tender young freshman.
And yet, some things never change.

Any Day Now

Here is your last update from the world of ballooning Beth.  A man at work said I looked like the girl from Willy Wonka who turns into a blueberry.  I am sure I don't know what he means.