Swinging for the First Time

It was SO FUN to take Elise to a park and let her experience one of the swings there for the first time.  I called Tyson, (he coaches a high school soccer team and was just finishing up practice).  I asked him if he wanted to meet us at the park on his way home.  His first response was, "Don't let her swing until I get there!  I want to see her face when you do!!"  Yeah--- definitely a first time experience no parent should miss.

Eskimos, Pigtails and Skinny Jeans

It was definitely cold out, but I think we might have gotten a little carried away . . . .

 2 tiny pigtails and 2 tiny bows:

Elise has on Skinny Jeans in these pics!  

Yeah, they make those for babies now.            

I think she looks better in her skinny jeans than I do in mine.

Camera Strap

I couldn't get Elise's attention for these photos . . . 

finally I got her to look at the camera . . . . but this was as much excitement as I could get from her. 

. . . . that is, until she saw the camera strap attached to my camera.

Wow, it's amazing how much fun an infant can have with such a simple thing.

It looks like we have her hooked up to a sling shot here, but I promise it's just Elise grabbing onto the strap as it hangs down from the camera while I snap a photo. . . no danger involved.

Well no danger, that is, until daddy gets involved and decides to hang our daughter upside down with the strap still in her hand.

It's all fun until someone gets tired. 

At least we finally got her to smile for the camera.

6 Months and Paid Off!!

Elise is already past her 6 month mark!

We paid her last medical bill this month, too- what a relief!  

Every time Tyson and I pooled together our money to make ends meet for those hefty medical bills, in spite of how stressful that was for us, at the same time, though, I couldn't help but think that it was also a privilege to pay off Elise's expenses.

But really . . . money can be a huge stress at times, but when viewed through the life of a child, it is such a meaningless thing to give up in exchange for an eternal miracle.   That is what Elise is to us- a miracle.  

How we love you, our dear little one.  Thank you for being healthy and strong, alert, and happy, in spite of your difficult start to life.    We're so proud of you for pulling through it all.

In the Jungle

All bundled up as we head off into the cold, Salt Lake air. 

I wish I could still pull off overalls like this myself.  Oh, and this beautiful quilt she is sitting on was made by my mother.  

Go BYU!

Elise's First Pedicure

Juliet Clark, Elise's WONDERFUL babysitter for the hours that I teach at WSU each week, painted Elise's toes the other day!  The pictures don't capture how cute a baby's pedicure really looks.  (It was also way too hard to capture a shot when Elise kicks her feet as much as she does.) Anyone with a baby girl should try it- - it's priceless to see chubby baby feet all decked out.

I can't imagine why her toe nail polish is already beginning to wear off though . . . . 

Elise's Favorite Thing to Do . . . .

Elise LOVES balancing on Tyson's hand. It's become a nightly tradition around here. 

Christmas, Texas Style

We spent Christmas at my brother Brent's home in Austin.  I can't believe how fast that week flew by . . . way too fast.  My parents, and brother Ben came as well.   

Avery, Ty, Elise, and Payton- these are Brent 's 3 children--- Paige has less than a month to go before they have their 4th child.  

Avery & Payton on the swings in the backyard

Paige was an angel and Brent was a king for the Nativity on Christmas Eve

Ben- another one of the kings for the Nativity. He's still available all you single ladies. 

Tyson and I were the shepherds-- but I looked more like a pirate.

My Dad struggled a little with the shepherd head gear, lol!  

Elise and my Mom were the "star"

Payton, Avery, & Ty

Elise got lots of tummy time in Austin

Payton, Avery, Elise, Ty

We ate out at Torchy's and at Rudy's- delicious cuisine . . . while Elise got to sit in her first restaurant high chair and watch us eat.  Poor thing. 

Paige's family thinks that Avery looks like my mom - - -I think it's that they have similar eyes.  

Mimi & Boompa, or my parents.  I am always so sad to see them go.  

Merry Christmas!!