Inspired

I was inspired by my pregnancy with Eli to start this blog. I have not lost that inspiration, motivation, or desire to write, but lets face it...being a parent is time consuming (and an honor) to put it best :)

 I wanted to dedicate this post to some amazing people we have in our lives that inspire us on a daily basis for their drive, strength, faithfulness, passion, steadfast love, patience, understanding and most of all love. Jared and I walk our marriage together as one, through trials, in difficult times, and in joyful, exciting times. A difficult time that comes each year in our marriage is the month of April we work hard to make it joyful and a celebration when we can. We had no idea two years ago the trial we would face with losing Jared's mom Sundra on Easter Sunday in a very abrupt, unexpected way. We are faced each day/year with the wonderful opportunity of celebrating Sundra to the best of our ability not just on Easter Sunday in remembrance of her passing but each and every day. She is an inspiration, always in our communication, in my teaching, in Jared's relationships with people and especially with Eli. She inspires me to reflect on the little details, celebrations, and love I can demonstrate to others through gifts of time and homemade baked goods. Her cookies and cakes were the best! She has inspired me to write tonight...There are moments in life that take your breath away, leave you in silence, and encourage you to reflect on the MOST important aspects of your relationships here on earth. That for us was one of those moments. I (beka) will never forget that exact moment...the world froze, it felt surreal, it took my breath away,  it was a pain like I had never experienced in such a real and frightening way. We held so very tight to those we did have here with us and still do. So in honor of her second year spent with HIM above I am inspired to tell those around me my appreciation, love, and desire to give support and encouragement when and where I can. If you are reading this I hope you know that I love you for what you have given me, shared with me, and taught me in our relationship and friendship. I hope I have in some way done the same for you, even if for a fleeting moment in time.

This is our Sundra Rainbow :) She is riding with Jared's dad in the gray pickup behind us. We didn't know it would be one of the last times we would see her. We love you Sundra!

 My hope is that we inspire Eli to share his love with the world around him and that we have the strength and inspiration to share his Grandma Sundra's love with him on a daily basis and especially around Easter and the month of April. We are planning some extra special family and friends time this weekend with Eli for his first celebration of Easter Sunday and his Grandma Sundra! Enjoy this beautiful time of year with your family and in honor of those who walk before us.

Enjoy Mr. Eli chatting it up on the video below :)

With love & laughter
Beka, Jared & Eli

Ears, language, and motoring around

Eli's tubes work...that is something Jared and I are thankful for. Eli had his first follow-up visit to the ENT and it was a quick, 'all clear' appointment. Not even 2 days later Eli got his first cold since the tubes were placed. We thought his ears were all clear...after a weekend trip to K-Stat the Urgent care facility here in town. It was a holiday weekend so we made a return trip that monday back to K-Stat when his ears started draining. IF you have had the opportunity to have a child or know a child with ear tubes you know what I mean when I say who knew that was what an ear infection looked, smelled, and felt like. POOR Baby! I am thankful that the tubes are doing their job and draining all that nasty crud out but my oh my was it disgusting! The Dr. at K-Stat prescribed medicated ear drops which we were told to only put in the one ear that was draining, red, and inflamed. Within 24 hours the other ear began draining and we were putting drops in both ears twice a day. Eli tolerated the medicated drops MUCH better than he does oral medications now a days. Which was a blessing. Overall the tubes surgery was a success and for now Eli's ears are healthier for them. I would say definitely worth the surgery at such a young age. Not only for quality of life but for his digestive system (oral antibiotics are SO hard on his tummy), language development, motor milestones, and the list goes on and on and on! IF tubes are an option for your child I would recommend them!!

Eli's ears, now clear of fluid are helping his language develop also. He is MUCH more vocal and is babbling up a storm. Dadadadadas and Mamamamas are beautiful sounds we get to hear multiple times a day. He also enjoys the "blablablabla" "bababababas" "lalalalalas" and "screeching sounds" as Jared calls them. This moment in development is SO fun to see, hear, and experience on a daily basis.

Eli is now quicker than a lighting bolt when he is determined to get something. He army crawls faster than anything else, but is also getting up on all fours (hands and knees) to crawl a few 'steps' before getting back down to army crawl. He is pulling up on furniture which means the ouchies, head bumps, and falls are in full swing. We are in full baby proofing mode but there are just some bumps you can't prevent.

     

First tooth coming through!

His SECOND tooth coming through!

Sending Love & Laughter
Beka, Jared & Baby Eli

A year of Firsts: 2012 in review

2012 was a year of FIRSTS for this Meitler Family here are just a few!

January 2012: 
*We started 'The Meitler Minute' blog to keep family and friends up to date with the exciting opportunities and wonderful things that happen in our lives. Our FIRST collective documentation of our story as a growing family.

* We celebrated finding out our FIRST born would be a son and we would name him Elijah Lee

*Our FIRST two couple friends from college each had their beautiful baby girls! What blessings they are to us through the first time parenting successes and challenges.

February 2012:
 *We became godparents to a beautiful baby girl Ainsley Harland. Our FIRST godchild and what a blessing she and her family are to our family. Often reminding us that even when there are miles between us we are still close enough to be called family. We love you Harland Family all the way to S. Korea and back!

*We had our FIRST professional pictures taken of Jared, Kobe and I (about 26 weeks pregnant) since our wedding day. They are phenomenal thank you B of La Brisa Photography!! We love you Chris, B, and Autumn!

*We helped welcome a beautiful baby girl Gracyn Schaefer to the world with our FIRST visit to Emporia of the year and my FIRST newborn photography session! What an amazing opportunity to raise our baby boy with great friends from childhood. We are looking forward to Eli and Gracyn playing together for many years to come!!

March 2012:
* We celebrated the soon to be birth of Eli with two baby showers! They were our FIRST time to see many family and friends since we were expecting and Beka's belly was growing!! We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends to give us the gift of gathering those we love in celebration of our first baby boy! Thank you Laurie, Amanda, Courtney, Aunt Pam, Eleanor, and Mom Pam :)

April 2012:
*Beka accepted an instructor position with K-State FSHS-ECE. Her FIRST "real" job back at Stone House on campus without being enrolled as a student! What a blessing and dream position.

May 2012:
* Beka left her FIRST 'real job' after completing her M.S. just 2 days prior to Eli joining our world. I was again so blessed to have a year of learning from some the best professionals in Early Intervention! Thank you Anna, Cristina, Kelley, Tara, Amanda, Peggy for an amazing opportunity to learn everyday in an environment that was often times unpredictable!

* We welcomed our FIRST baby boy to our family. The Meitler family grew by one HUGE blessing. Elijah Lee Meitler joined us on May 9th and nothing has been the same! We loved you before you were born, we loved you the day you were born, and we love you more as each day passes by. Thank you for all of the wonderful FIRST moments you have provided for us. You are a true gift from God! We are so thankful for all of the support from family and friends during this exciting time in our lives! Eli's FIRST time to meet Grammy Pam and Grandpa Ken.

*Eli's Auntie Sarah flew in for her FIRST visit of many in the months to come :) We love having her here so much and are SO thankful for the blessing she is in our lives.

* We had Eli's FIRST pictures taken by our amazing friends Dusty and Julie Smith of D&J Smith Photography. We love you guys, and are so thankful for your support and beautiful way of capturing our precious baby boy in his first few days!

June 2012:
* Eli had his FIRST road trip to our fabulous friends Shayla and Dwight's wedding in KC! What a beautiful ceremony and blessing their marriage is. We are beyond thankful for their friendship throughout the years and look forward to many more years of family fun!

*Eli attended his FIRST Boys State of Kansas events. This will continue :)

*Jared's FIRST day back at Best Buy after Eli's birth. This was a rough day for all of us, but with strength and support from my mom we made it through!

* Eli's FIRST introduction to many family members on both sides of the family! Aunt Kendra, Great Grandma Sadie, Great Aunt Kim, Great Uncle Stan, Second Cousin Luke, Grandpa Dwight, Great Grandma Tell, Great Grandpa Bob, Great Aunt Pat, George, and D2 (Chris).

July 2012:
* We celebrated 3rd anniversary by going out to eat together while Grammy Pam watched Eli! Our FIRST dinner, hour, time spent just the two of us since Eli's birth in May.

*Jared accepted his FIRST job at K-State with Career and Employment Services! What a blessing for our family and Jared is getting to follow a true passion! We are thankful!!

* Eli's FIRST pool party! Paigerina's Fiesta!! He had a blast meeting Aunt Paigerina and Aunt Natalie and we did too!

August 2012:
* Eli's FIRST day of school! What a blessing to have him at Stone House with Beka each day and to have such a fantastic group of teachers! We love his Honeybee friends and families!

*Beka's FIRST day of work back at Stone House! Again so thankful to be following my passion and sharing my love and knowledge of Early Childhood Education with future educators in our program at K-State!

* Jared's FIRST day of work at CES on campus! He started with a busy week and the Part-Time Opportunities Fair.

September 2012:
* Eli's FIRST football game against Miami. K-State won!! We are so blessed to be able to share some of our fondest memories from college with Eli right here in his hometown :)

October 2012:
* Our FIRST son was baptized at First Lutheran Church here in Manhattan. We are so blessed to have family and friends who traveled from near and far to be a part of Eli's big day. We are thankful that the Lord is present in Eli's life at such an early age and are dedicated to supporting him through the years and building a church family for Eli. 

* Eli's FIRST Halloween! He was a handsome mummy :)

November 2012:
 * Eli had his FIRST Airplane ride to see Auntie Sarah in Atlanta!

*Eli attended his FIRST K-State basketball game and fell asleep! K-State beat Washburn!!

* Eli celebrated his FIRST Thanksgiving with family here at home. Eli had rice cereal and green beans for dinner!

December 2012:
* Eli had his FIRST surgery, Ear Tubes placed. We are beyond blessed to have such an amazing family doctor who makes decisions that are best for Eli and his quality of life! Dr. Knopp referred us to Dr. Pease an ENT here in town and the surgery was scheduled and done in less than 2 weeks. Again such a blessing to have the opportunity to have wonderful healthcare for Eli.

* Eli celebrated his FIRST Christmas with family. He helped us pick out his FIRST real tree, he loved looking at the lights, and ripping paper off the presents at least for a few minutes at a time!

*We celebrated our FIRST New Years Eve at home since we've been dating and it was fabulous! Welcoming in 2013 as a family was such a fun evening!

We have had a year full of FIRSTS, many blessing, so much to be thankful for, and above all the opportunity to share this special time growing and learning with Eli. We look forward to 2013 and celebrating many more FIRSTS and some seconds for Eli in the coming months! Eli already checked a FIRST off his list for 2013....sledding in the snow with daddy :)

Sending love & laughter,
Beka, Jared, Eli & Kobe

Catching Up and Flying on Airplanes!

This poor blog and Eli's poor monthly updates have been a bit neglected since September...oops!

Since our last post life has been FLYING by and we've been flying by the seat of our pants to say the least :) Jared is in full swing with his new job and loving every day that passes learning new information and helping students grow right along with him. We are especially thankful this holiday season that Jared gets to experience holidays that are relaxing and spent with family instead of the hustle and bustle that goes along with working in retail. I am beyond blessed to have such a dedicated husband who continues to work so hard each day and help Eli and I so much each evening/night. Eli and I are in a routine of going to work/school together each day. The semester is more than half over and the classroom is in full swing. My staff and colleagues are the best anyone could ask for and are like an additional family for us.
Being a working momma is hard, being any kind of momma is hard who am I kidding. Eli and I went through the weening process at 5 months because my body was 'just saying no' to the pumping process and wasn't producing enough. Even trying all the remedies in the books and talking with my Dr. and the lactation consultant it just wasn't happening. This was MUCH harder on me emotionally than I assumed it was going to be but we made it through and he is of course thriving and doing wonderful! I send out my thoughts and praises to all you mommas who breastfeed, have stopped breastfeeding, or choose not to breastfeed at all. What a difficult decision all of that is and if anyone had told me prior to it all that there would be such an emotional bond I don't think I could have prepared myself for just how tough it was for Eli and I. I am proud of both of us for sticking with it as long as we did :)
 Some fun things we've done as a family (Eli's month 4-6)
* Took Eli to his first K-State Football Game :) We also tailgated and got to see some great friends who now also have kids. Tailgating will never be the same again!
* Eli had his first taste of rice cereal, sweet potatoes, green beans, and bananas. He definitely prefers them warm not room temperature!
* We transitioned Eli to his crib and for the most part he is doing great! :)
* Eli found his toes! One of the most hilarious things ever! He LOVES them!
* Eli was baptized here at our church by Pastor Keith who was also the officiant that married Jared and I 3 years ago.
* Eli was a mummy for his first Halloween
* Eli started rolling all over the place, again hilarious to see how confused/proud he is of himself.
* Eli also started sitting up with help and now is sitting independently!! Wahoo :)
* He is even starting to scoot across the floor little by little. He'll be mobile before we know it!
* Eli now weighs more than our dog-child Kobe!! He is 19lbs 7oz and 27.75 inches long-such a big big boy!
*Eli took his first ride on an airplane, which also means he took his first ride on an airport bus, terminal shuttle, and rode with Auntie Sarah on a 10 lane highway in Atlanta!!!
* Auntie Sarah took us to a park, played with us at her house, and took us out to dinner :)
*Eli got to go with Jared on the CNN tour, play in the olympic park fountains, and stay at a 5 star hotel in downtown ATL all while mommy was at the NAEYC conference.
*Eli went to his first home basketball game :) Go Cats!

Not so fun things:
* Eli got his first ear infection at about 4months in his left ear. First round of antibiotics cleared it up but within 5 days he got another infection in his right ear. We are now on round 3 of antibiotics to clear the rest of the fluid and have a referral to the ENT here in town. Fingers crossed his ears have a chance to heal. My mommy/early childhood brain goes straight to language development concerns and hearing loss...so praying for some answers and healing.
*Teething is in full swing :( 

We love our Mummy

lalalaaaaa

we won?!?!

yuck...yuck...did I say yuck!

I'm a Rollie Pollie

such a ham!

just loungin around

First basketball game!! Go Cats!

Olympic Park Fountains ATL

First Flight bye bye KS

We are celebrating Thanksgiving this year by continuing our tradition of hosting it here at our home which means less travel with the little guy and more rest for all of us! We are thankful each day for time spent with the ones we love!

With love & laughter
Beka, Jared & Baby Eli

Checking things off the 'To Do' List

I've learned many things in these short few months as a momma. One I have to remind myself happens to what I would say most parents of infants and young children. I get started on something and finish it within what seems like hours, days, weeks, or even moths later. It MIGHT get done and checked off the 'to do' list but most likely that list gets thrown away during a hurry up and clean moment and a new one starts with yet more things to get done. Adding into the mix both Jared and I who are working full-time jobs that we both feel very connected and dedicated to means our home is often neglected. This leaves our family time often filled with cleaning and taking care of the home things (scheduling oil changes for the vehicles, sending bills, mowing the lawn, etc) we didn't have time or ENERGY to do during the week days.
I have also been neglecting something I have come to LOVE, get energy from, and learn about on a daily basis. My photography...I got a new camera (WOOOHOOO) a Canon T4i and a new 50mm lens but I haven't even had the time or energy to get them out of their beautiful boxes they were shipped in because I want to have ENOUGH time to learn the new body and lens together and enjoy it. I WILL make time to do this in the next month. I've figured out giving myself the leeway and wiggle room of 4weeks helps me actually feel like I am accomplishing things! So beautiful photographs will soon be on their way!
Its the moments like holding Eli and listening to his sweet sleepy sounds, watching Jared make him giggle and squeal, and seeing him wiggle him self into funny half-rolling over predicaments that fill my heart with so much joy its overwhelming at times. This little man of ours is making me open my eyes to all the little things that make life so wonderful and understand how blessed we as a family are each day. Coming from a momma who worries about all the little things, has way to high of expectations for the amount of time we have in a day, and a very detail oriented organized mind slowing down and enjoying the moment is getting easier and knowing that things will get checked off the 'to do' list when they absolutely need to be.
For now just some Iphone photos that have documented the last few weeks :)

playing with daddy

First day of school 8-16-12 (daddy)

First day of school 8-16-12 (mommy)

fell asleep sitting up!

I'm a sailor, or a cowboy, or an explorer!

Hanging out with Paigerina home from FL!

Paige, Natalie, and Eli!

Eli's first gameday! Cats won 51-9!

With Love & Laughter
Beka, Jared & Baby Eli

BIG changes :)

I have decided that our blog is something I need to make more time for! It has been a month since our last post again...I have been amazed at how quickly days, weeks, and even these last 3 months have zoomed by. Jared and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary by going out to dinner while Grammy Pam watched Eli for us. She is amazing and has been such a blessing for us and baby Eli since he's been here! Jared and I got to talk about all the happenings both difficult and fantastic that have happened in our marriage in 3 short years. We discussed many things but the common thread was that God has given us strength to build a family, find love and support in family and friends, and blesses us everyday with all the little joys of being a mommy and daddy. Our discussion included a post I saw on pinterest one day. God has three answers to our prayers. 1) YES 2) NO 3) NOT YET.  This brought a new light to our conversation and our goals set for this next year of marriage. Each year Jared and I make a list of all the things that happened in that year of marriage. These "yearly reflections" are kept together in a book for us to enjoy.

Our Third Year of Marriage....

*****7-11-11 celebrated our second year of marriage and had dinner at Colbert’s*****,

July 2011 Ellis Wedding, Vacation trip to Springfield, MO to tour Jeff’s brewery “Mother’s” and then on to Table Rock Lake to spend time with the Jensen clan,

~August 2011-May 2012 Beka started a new position with P/W Infant Toddler Services

~9/16/11-We found out we were expecting already 5 weeks to be exact and a Due Date of 05/18/12

~September 2011 Jared went to Indianapolis, IN for the BS National Director’s Conference

~Ocotober 2011 Jared was an Usher in two weddings (Hitt/Zlab)

~ November 2011 Beka went to Orlando, FL for NAEYC

~December 2011 Straight No Chaser in KC with the Harlands

~12/12/11 Beka Graduated with her M.S. in FSHS-ECU from K-State,

~12/25/11 We celebrated our 3^rd Christmas together with baby on board,

~12/30/11 We found out we were expecting a BOY (we were ecstatic),

~12/31/11 We celebrated the New Year with the Axman’s at their wedding and Kobe stayed with Jeebz Pfannenstiel

~01/29/12 Beka started the family blog…”The Meitler Minute” to keep family and friends updated with our family adventures,

January 2012 Beka Interviewed for her dream job at Stone House for a faculty position in the department of FSHS-ECE at K-State and accepted/signed the contract on 04/05/12!

~Feburary 2012 we became God Parents to a sweet baby girl Ainsley Harland,

~ April 2012 We had professional pictures taken to celebrate our growing family by B!

~April 2012 we celebrated Easter by making “No-Bake” cookies and lighting a fire for Sundra,

~05/09/12 We welcomed Elijah Lee Meitler to the world at 12:48pm what an AMAZING experience!

~05/13/12 we celebrated Jared’s birthday and Beka’s first Mother’s day,

June 2012-Eli’s first road trip to KC-Jared was an usher for the Alexander wedding

~06/13/12 we celebrated Beka’s birthday and Eli’s one month with dinner at Umi

~06/17/12 Jared’s first Father’s day

~07/04/12 we celebrated our first Independence Day as a family of 4 (cleaning and rocking Eli to sleep while listening to the fireworks boom outside)

******7-11-12, We CELEBRATED our third Year together******

Eli is growing bigger and stronger everyday. We are getting more rest as a family (5-6 hours straight) at night time! Its the small victories as a parent that are exciting. Like watching Elijah laugh and smile when he is pooping...such a man already. He is so funny and full of personality that seems to shine brighter each day. Here is Eli's 2nd month of life for his baby book :)

Elijah Lee Meitler

o  You weighed 12lbs 4oz, were 23.5 inches and your head was 39.5cm at your 2 month check-up

o  You got your first series of shots (3 in your thighs)

o  Your Grandma Pam came to watch you while mommy and daddy went to dinner to celebrate their 3^rd Anniversary (7.11.12)

o  You went to your first ballgame (daddy’s softball)

o  You went to sing-a-long with mr steve with mommy and Grandma Pam

o  You went on your first 1.5 mile walk with mommy and daddy!

o  You sat in your highchair at the table while mommy and daddy ate supper!

o  You started sleeping 5-6 hour blocks at nighttime!

o  You spent time with the Pfannenstiels again J

o  You started to love bath time again…we moved upstairs to the big bathroom

o  You traveled to mommy’s hometown Emporia

o  You made LOTS of trips to Stone House with Mommy before your first day of “school”

o  We learned that WE LOVE YOU MORE EVERYDAY!!

My sister (Auntie Sarah) got to come back and visit in July and we took some fun pictures together with my mom (Grammy Pam). Eli snoozed through most of it, but gave us some great smiles and squeals at the end. Here are just a few that I LOVE!

she is beautiful!

just snoozing away

awesome auntie

love

grammy pam

aren't they beautiful!

hehe :)

he's awake!

so sleepy!

so serious sometimes

amazing smile!

just can't get enough of this little man

"huh?"

all done!

just a few days old here crazy how much he's changed!

As the title of this post says BIG changes are happening soon in our little world! 1) Elijah is turning 3 months old...amazing! He will be starting his first day of "school" on the 16th in the infant/toddler classroom at Stone House. 2) I (Beka) am going back to work full time next week. I'll be back in a preschool classroom doing what I love. Mentoring students and teaching courses for our Early Childhood Education department on campus at Stone House. 3) Jared will be joining me on campus!! YES you read that right. After working for Best Buy since their grand opening in 2006 he will be leaving his position there to work with Career and Employment Services at K-State. His official title is "Career Development Coordinator". He will continue working towards his masters degree and work directly with first year students which is a dream for him. 4) We as a family will get to enjoy evenings, weekends, and holidays together this year for the first time ever. It might sound crazy but we are BEYOND excited to do all the little things together that a retail scheduled has hindered since our relationship began way back when :)
Again just a good reminder for me that God has three answers to our prayers:
1) Yes
2) No
3) Not Yet

With Love & Laughter (and some blowout diapers)
Beka, Jared & Baby Eli