Monday, August 1, 2011

Baby Steps

Elise has been starting to walk some recently. I'm so dang proud! She's doing great. Where did my baby go? She's really steady at standing, and when she doesn't just dive forward, she can take up to about four steps at a time.

standing on her own


yes, three videos, because I just can't get enough
(feel free to watch as much or as little as you want)



My baby is becoming a toddler.
{sniff}

Cool in the Pool

Arizona is hot! Who knew? We have been staying pretty cool, though. Elise loves the water.

Here's Elise playing in the water in the pool in the backyard.





And here we are at the YMCA pool. So much fun!


Thanks, Aunt Ann, for the awesome ball!



The deep water was Elise's favorite. She's fearless!


super bright sun = squinty baby


We're having such a fun summer!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Hippo Walk

Elise is getting so close to walking, especially in the last few days. It may be a few weeks more before she really takes some steps, but here she is practicing with the hippo walking toy. I'm so proud!


[That's Holly voice on the video. She was manning the camera so I could spot Elise in case she wiped out. This was Elise's first time using this toy. I thought she did awesome!]

Twenty-one

I am finally twenty-one years old. I know, I'm still a baby (especially because I already have a baby), but at least I'm really old enough to be an adult now. [I'm pretty sure that sentence made no sense.]
Anyway, Holly and Jonathan got me a delicious gluten-free cheesecake to celebrate. Divine!



my sister Holly and her husband, Jonathan


Happy birthday to me!


We didn't share with this little hooligan (she was already in bed), but I just wanted to include this picture from earlier that day. I love that she is wearing rain boots on the wrong feet.


Kissing Cousins

Elise's cousin Ryland is really into kissing right now. He kisses pictures in books and toys and people and...well, just about everything. Even Elise. Scratch that: especially Elise. She's just the right size for him, right about his level but still smaller so he can pin her down if need be. Tough love, I guess you could call it. He's so stinking cute.



And, here's another video of Ryland, just for fun. Shoes are another thing he's really into right now. I was amazed at how well he could walk in these flip flops!

Chilling in Arizona

After moving most of our stuff from Provo to Matt's parents' house to store it, we spent a few days with the family. We went to Disneyland on Friday and Laguna Beach and Saturday, and we had a nice Sunday just spending time together. On Monday, we packed up the essentials and headed to Arizona to my sister Holly's house. We are staying with Holly and her family until Matt is able to find a permanent job. If you know of anyone who is hiring mechanical engineers (anywhere in the country), please let us know!

This is Holly's youngest son, Ryland. He's so handsome. He's about six months older than Elise.


Elise and her cousins Savannah and Leighton


These four have so much fun playing together.


Elise is in heaven. She loves kids. And they can't get enough of her.


sweet Savannah, with my beautiful [pregnant] sister Holly in the background


added bonus: lots and lots of new books
[I realize that the book Elise happens to be pulling down is called "I'm a Big Sister," but this isn't some sly way of announcing that I'm pregnant. If you're still wondering, I most certainly am not pregnant.]


another bonus: lots of fun, new toys


silly Leighton


cute Savannah


and the baby buds (without their duds)


Ten Months

While we were at Matt's parents' house, Elise turned ten months old! I can't believe how big my baby is getting. And she loves her grandparents.

Elise and Grandpa


Elise with Grandma and Grandpa
She was so tired! Dressed in her pajamas and ready for bed.


Elise and her great-aunt Ann


What a great place to spend her ten-month birthday!