birthday highlights

Here's the birthday girl showing off her walking skills with mom close behind.

Elise's birthday cake was all-natural, sugar-free and, well... didn't taste that great. Elise seemed to like it though.

Elise was such a sweetie the whole time. Even with a crowd of people around her and cameras flashing, she loved every minute of it.

After cake time and a quick bath, it was time for presents! Elise got all kinds of new bath toys, books, clothes, and a radio flyer red wagon.

One really special present was a beautiful sweater made by great-grandma Orange.

I have many more pictures that I will put in a snapfish album. Please email me if you'd like me to send it to you!

birthday baby

Elise was so excited that it's her birthday today that she woke up at 5:30am! Yikes... hopefully she'll also be celebrating her special day with a couple of long birthday naps. :)

It's amazing to me that our little Elise is turning one today. This time last year, we were at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing talking with our doctor about going ahead with the c-section. I was having contractions, and although I was convinced it was false labor and I should really get going to work, the doctor wasn't comfortable sending me home with our baby in a breech position. Once the contractions really started to pick up, there was no turning back! January 26th was baby day... 3 weeks before our due date and 2 weeks before our scheduled c-section. Our February baby was actually a January baby.

I'm so thankful for Elise's precious life, her sweetness, her playful spirit and amazing little mind. I praise God for our little girl, our darling Elise, and all the joy she brings us.

Now, it's time to finish the cake and hang some birthday balloons!

first kisses

I think Elise might have her first crush. This handsome guy is our buddy Charlie. Isn't that cute?! I'm so glad I had my camera with me. :)

ski bums :)

On Saturday we went cross-country skiing around Presque Isle. It was gorgeous, and Elise loved it. Actually, we all loved it. Now we just need more snow!!!

i'm still standin'.... yeah, yeah, yeah!

Cruisin' and Crawlin'

Looking less and less like a baby everyday! :(

Elise trying on her new jacket, an incredible handmade Christmas gift from Grandma Button.

Elise has been a busy girl this past week, cruising and crawling all around the apartment and exploring her environment on hands and knees. In less than two weeks she'll turn 1! It's crazy how time flies! Elise has a few new tricks that I should tell about: 1) She can now make a high-pitched barking sound when asked, "what does a doggie say?" 2) She can stand up in her crib without assistance. 3) Her official first word is "hi" which she says all the time to Toby and me.

New Years Day in Colorado

meeting cousin Avery

excited about cousin Linnea

playing with uncle Carson

more photos to come later...

Train Ride to Grand Junction, Colorado

We're on our way to visit Carson, Carol, Avery, and Linnea!

We spent a lot of time in the lounge car, eating snacks, reading, and playing games.

A beautiful view from the train. The Colorado Rockies are gorgeous!

Our 6th year wedding anniversary was December 30th (the first day of our train trip). To celebrate we had dinner in the dining car while nana and papa babysat.

Christmas

Aunt Tarami! This stocking is bigger than I am!!

Learning to unwrap

Christmas cutie