Grandpa and Grandma Speckman Visit

Nate, Elyse and I had wonderful visitors come stay with us these past few days. My dad, Bill and stepmother, Carmela flew from Las Vegas to meet Elyse for the first time. My stepbrother, Bronson also came up from St. Paul to hang out for a few days too. While here we played cards, shopped, ate great food, but mostly watched and loved on Elyse. We all loved having them here, Elyse real did, especially because she got attention 24/7! It was wonderful to see them and we hope to see them again soon!

Our Talking Princess

We finally captured both "Mama" and "Dada" on video (it's not the greatest, but you get the idea). We love hearing her say both of them. However, she tends to say "Dada" more throughout the day. Nate believes it's because she loves her dad more, I believe it's because it's easier to say.

Mother's Day

I want to start off by thanking my family and friends for the presents, cards, e-mails and/or phone call, I really appreciated it! I felt so loved and only thought I would be wished from Nate and Elyse, so thank you so much!!! For the past 26 years, I've spent Mother's Day celebrating my mom. Besides Nate, she's my best friend and I love her so much. Now I'm thankful for my little girl that hopefully I will be just as close to. However, yesterday was an extra special Mother's Day. The reason is because I not only celebrated my mom again, but got to spend the day celebrating myself as a mom for the first time. I was looking forward to this day for the longest time. It means so much to me to be a mom. Don't get me wrong there are hard moments, but I would NEVER want to do anything else!!! Well, my anticipation for the day was not disappointed. Elyse (Nate) gave me a wonderful Mother's day! Nate, Elyse and I went to church together, headed to my mom's for a family lunch and then spent the night hanging out; to top the day off I constantly heard my daughter say, "Mama". Elyse (okay Nate) also bought me this beautiful personal bracelet that I will forever cherish. I thank God for giving me the gift to become a mom. I hope all you mothers had a wonderful Mother's day as well.

8 Months Old

Nothing new, I just wanted to say, "Happy 8 Months Old Elyse!"

Clap Your Hands

Last week Nate and I noticed while playing patty-cake with Elyse that she started to do it by herself. We then began saying "clap your hands" instead of "patty-cake" so she would understand what she was exactly doing and not think patty-cake was the correct words. Don't worry, she still will play patty-cake because she'll see you clap your hands together. By Saturday she was a clap your hand pro and we love making her do it.

Sunday Life Group

Last night Nate, Elyse and I had our last life group for the 08-09 season. We finished this year with a barbecue at our house. It was a lot of fun to hang out with friends, watch the kids play together and eat some good food! We feel so blessed to have them in our lives. We do plan on seeing them throughout the summer, but we take the summer off from the study. The babies below are all within 1 month apart. I think Elyse just looks much bigger and older, Nate says it's because she's closer to the camera, I just think she's that much bigger :) Side note: Elyse is wearing her hat just for Sarah

Willow (8 mon), Mariana (8 mon), Mason (6 mon), Elyse (7 mon)

Hey, Uncle Steven...

I know you like to dress like me, I know you like to act like me, So I was thinking now that you're 24, you may want to act your age.