Just Like Grams

Every Sunday night Nate and I have bible study. We are blessed with a church that has free child care, but even more blessed for family who is able to babysit. My mom/Elyse's Grams came up to watch her tonight and all three of us in return had a wonderful evening. Elyse absolutely loves to be around my mom, do what she's doing and (not planned) even now dresses like her. Anyway, thanks mom for watching our baby girl tonight, we love you!

Pretty Blue Tent

Well the sun might be out this week, but boy has it been cold! Today's high I believe is 5 degrees (without windchill). Therefore, Elyse and I have been trying to do new things to stay busy. Today involved spending time inside our pretty blue tent. We spent much of the morning in there singing, talking and reading books. I know for a fact when Elyse's Dada gets home he too will REALLY enjoy her tent. Mostly because if you don't know, Nate really enjoys camping. In fact, there was one time in college where he and his roommates decided to sleep in tents in their own backyard in weather less than 20 degrees outside, just for fun.

Reflection

While Nate was outside grilling Elyse couldn't help but want to watch. Not only was watching Nate keeping her busy but so was the opportunity to see herself in the window. I grabbed the camera quickly and got a few shots. They aren't outstanding, but still pretty good. I think it helps that I was taking pictures of someone I find to be absolutely beautiful.

Bad Baby

So before you watch the video, you need to read the following plot: Yesterday, Elyse was trying to put her baby into her toy train. Unfortunately the baby's head weighs a little too much and so the baby kept falling out. She then picked up the baby and said, "No". She then proceeded to get up and head for the stairs going into the family room and her time out area. As she was going, I asked her, "Elyse, where are you going." She responded back with her gibberish talk. I then said, "Are you taking baby to time out?" Just then, I got up grabbed the camera and captured this...

Miss. Chatty Patty

As you can see from the video, Elyse has a lot to say. I just can't wait till we can understand it all. We just can't get enough of our little chatty patty.

Winter Fun

Today was a perfect day to play outside; so us three took advantage of it. We bundled up and headed out to where it was 35 and sunny. Even though Elyse wasn't a big fan of the snow since I think it's because she can't walk well in her boots or feel the ground she still had fun and was a good sport. I really hope for more of these nice days!!!

Noah's Ark

One of the greatest joys Nate and I get as parents is teaching Elyse about God and His word. Elyse was given a baby bible as a gift and recently has enjoyed seeing pictures and talking about Noah and Jesus. She LOVES to play with her Little People Noah's Ark set. Noah by far is her favorite of all the things and animals in the ark. The reason for the video is because I think it's priceless what she calls Noah, I can't get enough of it and wanted to share it with you, enjoy.

Indoor Sledding

Both Nate and I have been waiting for the weather to get warmer. I don't think last week got into the double digits once. However, Florida's high one day was 38, which had to feel even colder for them than zero for us. Well one other main reason besides the fact that it just feels better, is so Nate and I can take Elyse outside to play in all the snow. This week sure does have potential. Although if it doesn't warm up soon we will have to stick to indoor sledding.

I apologize the video is so dark and kind of blurry. Had to keep distance from Elyse or she would have wanted to stop sledding and see herself on camera.

Cool Colors

Recently I have been working a lot on colors with Elyse. She loves to color and I would like her to know what color she is coloring with. I was able to capture her and Nate coloring and working on her colors. She does great with cool colors, it's the warm colors that we need to start learning. Overall, we are very proud of her!

Skype

I have seen Skype being posted on friend's blogs and always thought it was a cool thing to have but never proceeded in getting it. However, my brother, Steven and my sister-in-law, Kim followed through and set one up for my entire family. Now Elyse can talk and see her aunt, uncle and grandparents all the time. As you can see in the videos, she not only loves her Uncle Steven and Aunt Kim, she LOVES Skype just as much as Nate and I do.
A special thanks to Steven and Kim!

An Apple A Day

I feel like I have so much different things to post since I haven't had my computer in over a month. I have old and new pictures as well as videos. Hopefully I will be able to post something each day but I'm not making any promises.

As for this post...I don't enjoy giving Elyse snacks, but boy does she LOVE food. Well during last week, we all spent sometime at my Mom and stepfather's house. While there I was getting Elyse's stuff organized and came downstairs to my mom and Kim quickly putting a apple back in the bowl and having Elyse repeatedly say, "Apple". I then see the apple which has been nicely eaten and discover my daughter enjoys them whole. Nate and I allowed her to finish eating some and she was telling us how much she enjoyed it as you can see in the picture and video. Nate and I realized at that point we don't need to peel the skin off anymore.

Christmas Break

Nate, Elyse and I had the privilege of hosting my brother, Steven and his wife, Kim from December 23rd until January 2nd. We LOVED having them here, especially Elyse. She adores her Uncle Steven. She even would say "Steve" and "Kim" when she wanted their attention. It tended to sound very Russian, but still too cute. We spent much of the week playing with Elyse, celebrating Christmas, bowling, playing cards, going to the zoo, shopping, watching movies and talking. I really don't know where the 10 days went, but I know I miss them already. We look forward to seeing them again in just a few months!!!
Here are a few pictures that were taken throughout the week:
Thanks Steven and Kim for coming to see us and making our Christmas break a memorable one. We love you guys!!!

EEEEEE...

...it's 2010!
Even though Elyse started 2010 asleep, Nate and I were blessed with having my brother and sister-in-law here to keep us awake. We spent the night having a tournment of games and laughing non-stop. In fact, we made it till 1 A.M., I don't remember the last time I was up till 1, but it was so worth it.

We hope you have a Happy New Years and many blessings come your way in 2010! We are starting off 2010 with a wonderful blessing in our home, our computer is back!!!!!