Visiting the West

Elyse and I decided to take a trip out to visit Tiff, Andrew, and Will. I met Tiffany while she and her husband were here in Tally. About a year after meeting them and becoming close with Tiff they moved back to Oklahoma so her husband could finish her Masters. They have been such a blessing to me and have remained a constant source of encouragement through situations even when far away. They had a baby six months ago and neither of us had seen our babies, so we booked a flight. It was very refreshing to get away and spend time with friends.

Nothing Sweeter

They both feel asleep....awwww

Will and Elyse

The Porters and I have already betrothed them...it was love at first sight though... Elyse just needs to learn to submit...she tends to be the dominant personality here

Starting early

Check out the magazine Elyse is reading...David's Bridal.....she is such a girl:)

small feet...big steps

Elyse Jayden....super model

She didn't really like mommy making her stand there for pics..."there are better things to do than pose for a camera, mom."

Mommy and Leasey

I got to sneak some moments in Tiff's beautiful backyard with Leasey

The Porter Family

Andrew and Tiff have been praying for a baby for a while. They experienced the loss of two babies through miscarriages. God has been teaching them so much through their time of waiting. Tiff has grown so much closer to the Father, while learning to trust in his sovereignty! Now they are wonderful parents to a beautiful baby boy named William Andrew Porter.

The Big BOOT

One woman band

I bought Elyse some musical instruments while we were gone. She loves to play with Mya's when we are over there. So I thought she would like some. She did indeed. I really hope she will have some muscial talents unlike her mother.

Clapping.....

Elyse learned to clap while we were gone

The pacifier

Elyse has never taken a paci but she wanted Will's.
So we gave her one of her own. Omigosh, I am starting my baby on a paci at 10 months....

Uncle Andrew and Aunt Tiff

I know, Elyse has lots of Aunts and Uncles.....

Our Sweet Babies

A little taste of tea

There is this awesome tea room called Inspirations in Oklahoma. It is totally a girlie place. I have been there both times I have been in Oklahoma. You are served tea with scones at first. Then they have light lunches and scrumptious desserts. You are served a little Bible verse with your lunch. Each time I have been there God has really used His Word to encourage me and speak to my specific situation. Does anyone know if there are any places like this in Tallahassee or Southern Georgia?

They have these elaborate hats that have a southern flare. Tiff and I had to try them for fun!

"Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He will bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Lift off..

The plane rides were ... how do I explain it....exciting for Elyse and stressful for mommy. I think I laughed a lot trying to get my mind off of the obvious. I trudged around the Atlanta airport with a 20 pound baby on the front of me and a 15 pound backpack on my back. I had to go to the bathroom with this arrangement too. It was quite humorous, I must say.

But Leasey loved the sights. It was a big adventure for such a little girl.

10 months old

Omigosh!!! I am a mother of a 10 month old! I am a mother of a 10 month old! I had to convince myself....I absolutely still sometimes can't believe that I am a mom. However, days like Monday quickly remind me...when I am thrown up on twice and pooped on once and I wash 4 loads of laundry because of bodily fluids on them. HMMMMM....

TCBY

Yes I finally got to take Elyse to mommy's favorite icecream place. We sat at the kiddie table together and enjoyed cookies and cream:)

She doesn't get it from her momma.....

Elyse was gettin her hair did....and she got the pick stuck in it. She kept trying to get it out but was unable to understand what was in her hair. Oh the many hair stories I am sure I will have to share.

Look at that baby in the window!

Elyse loves to look out of the window by the door. She will watch people leave and wave bye bye to them. She also loves to lick the window and put her snot all over it. No wonder she has frequent colds.

The Nichols

Emily parents visited on Sunday. It was a blessing to wake up on Sunday after our nap and find our house full of people. Usually I am by myself:) It wasn't just anybody that graced our prescence but Auntie Nae and Uncle Dale.

Where's Elyse?

At dinner on Sunday Elyse took the napkin and wanted to play peek-a-boo with that too! I have to say it was adorable!

Peek-a-BOO

Elyse thinks she is tricking me and she hides under the crib. I frantically look around as if I can't find her. Finally I lift up the crib skirt and there she is. She errupts in this innocent childish laughter that is priceless! This is one of her favorite games, we can do this for hours.

Big Daddy and Lola

Elyse hates to get her diaper changed. So we wrestle and she usually wins and runs away with the diaper so I can't restrain her. She really loves to let it all hang out!

Elyse's newest hair accessories:)

Kylie and Elyse

My friend Lindsey's baby was born about 2 weeks before Elyse. We hadn't seen them since I was on maternity leave. So we got to visit with them again. It was interesting to observe the two. They seemed to have two different personalities. Elyse is talkative and active. While Kylie enjoys sitting down and playing with her toys and not getting into too much mischief. We enjoyed ourselves though. It was very nice to get some time to visit with another mom:)