Uncle Howard and Cousin Lonon

Here is Elsie with her Uncle Howard (or Uncle Howie as we like to say). This picture was taken in Elsie's Great Granddaddy's backyard. She was watching her cousin Lonon throw the ball to the dog (well, we call it "throwing"). Anyway, she loves to be outside and really likes to watch all of the action with her cousin. There is also a picture of Lonon "throwing the ball". What a fun Sunday.

Easter Baskets

Here is a picture of Elsie's Easter baskets. She got some great books - which have all been read already! She loves to "read" with mommy and daddy. So far, Elsie says that these "holidays" or whatever you call them are awesome. When's the next one?

Cereal - Yummy

Elsie started on cereal about two weeks ago. It was a fun experience - a little messy - but fun! Here is a cute picture of her enjoying cereal while daddy was feeding her. Now she is really growing.

Elsie the Delivery Girl

Elsie made a quick stop last night after school to her Aunt Karen's to drop off an Easter present that she and mommy had made. Here she is making her delivery. Who knows - this could be the start of her training for Girl Scout cookie orders!

The Easter Bunny

Well, here is Elsie-belle with her personal friend, The Easter Bunny. Mommy and Grandmama waited in line for over an hour (yes, that was fun with all of the oh-so-happy-nap-deprived children at the mall) to get this cute photo. Elsie really pulled through for us and even smiled for her picture. What a doll! I can't wait for next year's picture where she will, no doubt, be screaming!

Bluebonnets

Here is Elsie in the blue bonnets near Great Granddaddy's house. Even though we had a terrible storm the night before, mommy and grandmama still took the little belle out to take her picture - we just couldn't resist! It was cloudy, but Elsie still thought it was too bright outside. She was also really sleepy as we had been in the car for a while, but she did really well. We even got a picture of Emily in the bluebonnets. What fun!

My Favorite Things

Elsie's favorite things (besides mommy and daddy) are her taggie blanket and her Emily doll. Here is a picture of her with both of them - notice that she is holding both of them with a death grip. Emily and Taggie go everywhere with us - school, the car, Grandmama's - you name the place and they have been there. Nothing better than a girl and her blankie and doll. Gotta love that.

Four Months

Well, here we are at another milestone. Elsie is four months old in this picture. We had to visit the Dr. again to get a check up and the dreaded shots. Those are four letter words in Elsie's book. She did really well and weighed in at 12 pounds. Dr. Cook says she looks great and that he would see her back when she was six months. I can't beleive that she is growing so much so fast. Before we know it she will be driving - well, she has a few other milestones to hit first - but it is really going by quickly!

Fun at the Zoo

Elsie went for her first trip to the Houston Zoo on March 3. She went with her buddies Benton and Gabriel Ervin, their parents Michael and Chrissy and of course her mom! It was a little chilly at first but then things warmed up and Elsie got to see the Giraffes and the Elephants. The babies were so cute! After watching the big animals for a while Elsie was pooped and took a nap for the rest of the outing. What a day! I know you can't tell - but this is a picture of Elsie at the Zoo.

Three Months and growing

Here is Elsie at three months. I can't beleive it has been that long. She is really growing! She can talk up a storm (in her own little language of coos and ahhs) and always has lots to say. She loves story time with daddy and looks intently at all of the pictures as you turn the pages. Her favorite right now is Miss Spider's Tea Party and Hop on Pop. She had her first illness this past weekend - which was terrible for all of us - but she is much better now. We hope she stays well.

Just a swinging

This is Elsie in the swing that she loves (thanks Uncle Howard, Aunt Liz and Lonon). She really enjoys staring at the fish as they go around and around. Thought everyone might enjoy this little happy face!

Elsie's Baptism

Elsie was baptised on Sunday, January, 28, 2007. Her friends and family surrounded her as Pastor Hume (with a little help from Michael) brought her into the church family. While getting dressed in the ladies room, Elsie had many admirers. She was the star of the show for sure. Dad looked pretty proud as he stood with mom to present her for baptism. Pastor Hume walked her down the aisle so all of the members could she her in her lovely frock. She was wonderful during the ceremony and even talked into the microphone. Make sure you check out the amazing christening gown that her Grandma Wire made. It was truly a sight to see.

Grandma and Grandpa Wire Visit

The Wire grandparents made it down from Virginia to see the little belle. Grandma took one look at her and was smitten. Grandpa was pretty taken with her as well, he even read her several stories. Here are a few pictures from the visit. It was wonderful to have them with us. Elsie was really happy to know that she has two grandmothers and grandfathers! I think she thinks she hit the jackpot! Grandma Wire has been busy sewing and smocking for Elsie. Just check out the three piece ensemble she wore to dinner. What a lucky girl.

Around Town

Elsie is enjoying traveling around Houston running errands and checking out the town. She has been so many places - the bank, Target, the scrapbook store, The Container Store, and Babies "R" Us (numerous times). She enjoys getting dressed up in her new clothes. Here she is in a cute outfit from her Aunt Heidi. Daddy says he will have to work extra shifts just to pay for her clothes habit (she has good taste just like her mommy - what can I say!).

1st Christmas with Elsie

We had a wonderful Christmas with the best gift ever - Elsie. She got a lovely ornament from her mom and dad for her first present. She was styling in her Baby's first Christmas Outfit as she looked inside her beautiful handmade stocking from her Grandma. Here are a couple of pics from the day. What a year!

Bathtime

Elsie is a big fan of bathtime. She can be crying or fussing and as soon as she gets in her tub, she is completely quiet. She loves for you to splash water on her tummy while she sucks on her fist. Most days her Grandmama comes by to give her a bath and love on her some. Here is Elsie in the bathtub with her new friend Mr. Rubber Ducky.

We made it to one month!

Elsie is one month old! She has changed so much already in just four short weeks. Here is a cute picture of her on her one month birthday. You can thank her Grandmother Rushing for the cute dress and her "Auntie M" for the pretty blanket. She is smiling little smiles for us in the morning and when she is full or making a present in her diaper. She is sleeping anywhere from 5 to 8 hours at night which is wonderful. Mom went to her one month checkup and got the all clear from the Dr. to drive and to go back to the gym. But most exciting is that mom is only three pounds away from her pre-Elsie weight! Things are starting to get easier - but Elsie is always changing the rules. Merry Christmas!

Elsie at home

Well, Elsie is now just over two weeks old and she is doing great. She has regained and surpassed her birth weight - she is now at 7 lbs 11 ounces! Who knew we would be so proud of our little girl for gaining weight. She has been sleeping for about four to six hours at a time at night and has finally got the hang of breastfeeding (or maybe that is her mom has finally got the hang of breasfeeding). Many thanks to everyone who has called, visited, sent emails and cards to wish us well. We are tired but VERY HAPPY parents.

Elsie at the hospital

Elsie spent two days in the hospital and then decided to leave all of her adoring nurses for more private quarters at mom and dad's house. Here she is all dressed and ready to leave the hospital. Mom and Dad were excited to be going home and nervous to take care of this little bundle of joy on their own. Here we go!

Lady In(-patiently) Waiting

Well, here we are at 9 1/2 months! We are waiting for little Elsie to make her big debut. The Dr. says we are dilated to 3cm and that she is ready to go. The list of to-do's is complete and there is nothing left for us to do but wait. The pediatrician is picked out, the daycare is reserved and we even had the car seat checked (there is a picture of me with the inspector) to make sure it was installed properly. Mommy is working from home and Daddy is off for the week (those firefighter schedules!). The calls are coming in regularly to see if there is any news, but we have nothing to report so far. We will keep everyone posted. In the meantime, pray for a healthy baby girl and a quick labor and delivery for mommy!