Her New Swing

Nate and I love to garage sale to get great kids stuff at great prices. I think we are pretty good at finding things, but I believe my mom tops us by far. She finds Elyse awesome toys, clothes and other goodies. This past week was no exception. She found Elyse an outdoor swing for about $5.00. Elyse loves it and I love the fact that my mom is such a great bargain shopper. Thanks mom for Elyse's new swing.

Memorial Weekend

Last Friday, Nate, Elyse, my mom and I traveled 6 hours to a Chicago suburb to visit my Nana Speckman. Nana hasn't ever seen Elyse so it was extra special. Elyse is her first great granddaughter and like Elyse, Nana is also adopted. Elyse loved seeing her, she was constantly smiling. After staying for an hour, we got back in the car and drove another 4 hours to Michigan to stay with my brother, Steven and sister-in-law, Kim. Elyse did wonderful in the car, but does NOT sleep well at all. I expect her to spend the next few days catching up on her zzzz's. While in Michigan we played games, went to the park a few times, visited goats at a nursery, went to a parade and visited with Kim's side of the family. We think of them as family, they are amazing people and Kim's sister has a precious five month old girl. A special thanks to Aunt Kim for buying them adorable matching outfits. Overall, it was a very fast and wonderful visit.
Thanks for everything Steven and Kim, we love you lots and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Little Lizard

While Elyse was playing I noticed she was constantly sticking out her tongue. I ran and got the camera and was able to show you Elyse's new talent. It' nothing too exciting, but still kind of funny. I also know it's not very lady like, but when a little lady is this cute, I think she can get away with it.
By the way, I want to apologize to family who have been waiting weeks now. I have been trying to catch Elyse pull herself up and wave bye-bye. I'll get it sooner or later, promise!

Egocentric Child

On Sunday, I was videotaping Elyse playing and just happened to catch her smiling at herself. I can't get over how babies don't realize they are looking at themselves until about 11 months old. She just smiles every time she sees herself, she must find that baby in the mirror to be one happy and adorable little girl.

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.