Elyse's Pretty Dress

Elyse is already learning to cross her legs like a lady!!

Saturday at Lake Ella

My dear friend Ashley and I took Elyse to Lake Ella on Saturday. It was such beautiful weather. Boy does she get a lot of attention!!

Night out with Daddy

Elyse went to a FSU women's basketball game!

Being a Mommy

What has becoming a mom meant to me? Well, I could say so much on this subject. It has shown me just a glimpse of the love God has for me and all His children. It has shown me a miracle beyond any I have ever seen. I understand grace like never before. I have experienced freedom and the key to living an abundant and full life that Jesus Christ died for me to have (John 10:10). I have experienced a new awareness of my own sin that I don't want to pass on to Elyse. I have experienced pain for another person... I never want her to feel pain, I want to take it away. I have become a better teacher and have a deeper love for my students and people around me. I know now that God wants to use my junk and turn it around for His glory. I have experienced a loss of sleep and how to function by the strength and joy of the Lord. I have learned patients beyond what I thought was ever possible. I have a new appreciation for family. I could go on and on. When the day is all done and Elyse falls asleep in my arms, I realize that I am content and would want to be nowhere else but in that moment!!! Thank you Jesus for Elyse, you make everything beautiful in your timing!!

Blocking the SUN

We went for a walk today with Aunt Emily. Elyse wore her new sunglasses from Grandma Lori! Elyse was interested in all of the world around her! She is such an observer! A true Scientist if I must say so myself.

The Roomies

Elyse is now a part of a sorrority known as the Cross Creek Circle girls, Gangsta Safari Bandits, or just the roomates (yes Angie included). Emily and Angie are the best roommates Elyse and I could have. They are extremely funny and a great support of our new lives as mommy and daughter. Emily always picks up Elyse when she cries. She is the comforter. Angie is now realizing her love for babies and wants 5 of her own. We are going to take many family vacations together. RIGHT? Here is Elyse is hanging out just like one of the BIG girls!!!

The Loney Family

I am so thankful for this family. They have opened their doors for me many times. Lisa is now a precious friend..and must I say a great cook! I hope one day Mya (their 1 year old daughter) and Elyse will become friends too! I thank the Lord that He allowed us to cross paths!

Big Girl!

Elyse is changing in so many ways. She eats rice cereal with fruits and veggies. She tries to grab the spoon and feed herself. She holds her bottle by herself. She is in the process of sitting up. As I watch all of these changes, I can't believe she has been on this Earth for 5 months. It brings tears to my eyes, of joy of course. But the time goes by so fast.

Christmas

Christmas was such a nice time to spend with family. Having a baby changed my view on how excited I was for Christmas. Even though she didn't really care, I had a lot of fun. I even put up a tree and decorated..Can you believe it Angie?

Maternity Leave

I was able to stay at home for 2 months. It was such a nice time to bond with Elyse. I did not want to leave her when I went back to work. But thanks to Mrs. Debbie (her babysitter and friend) I feel safe leaving her. She gets lots of attention and love!

First time to Church Oct 13th

We went to church for the first time. She slept through most of it. We went to Centerpoint in the morning, where I am now an official member. They were such a blessing to me through this time. They brought us meals every other day! I am so thankful for my church. We also visited Watermark, which was a strong support sytem for me, as I went through my pregnancy!

Bringing Her Home

My family was here for her arrival. All of my dearest friends visited and loved on Elyse. It was all such a blur!!

Elyse's First Day of Life

My Sweet baby girl was born on September 17, 2006 at 9:45pm weighing at 7.7 pounds. My mom, Donna, and Laura all saw her come into the world. It was a safe delivery. She was the most amazing thing I had seen this side Earth!!! But she sure kept me awake more than I would of liked :) It is all worth it though!

I wanted to find an easy way to share Elyse's life with all the people I love, instead of downloading images and e-mailing them. So thanks to Lisa, I am trying this out. I hope I will learn to be a good blogger. Enjoy!!