Ellis' lovely yellow dress

Today was the first day Ellis wore a dress.  I bought this weeks ago thinking it would be forever before she would fit into this little polka-dot number, but alas, it fits!

This picture was actually taken toward the end of our photo session. I think it's clear why this was shortly before the end:

How you doin'?

Beautiful peepers:

Either tired or completely bored:

Look at how BIG she's getting!!!

Speaking of how BIG she's getting, check out these comparison shots from today and the day Ellis came home.

My finger is pointing to the strap level we had to use on the day we brought Ellis home:

Today {April 21st}:

March 21st:

April 21st:

March 21st:

Sorry, no word yet on how long this blog will continue to be strictly devoted to baby pictures of Ellis.  It could be permanent...

Gabe, author extraordinaire

I just posted a zillion pictures a few minutes ago, but I need to post again!  Gabe just received one of two advisors' reviews of his completed novel.  I'm so proud and want to post the letter he received.  Consider it a teaser for his to-be-published-in-the-future novel:

Gabe is one of the best students I have ever had at Goddard.  He is very smart but also humble and hard working.  He is a deep and serious person and his book really shows this.  A Thousand Fires  is a well developed novel about a missionary and how he comes to terms with the REAL GOD, a different God than the one he has all his life been taught about.  Gabe is able to bring this forth, this spiritual growth in a meaningful and real way.  In this draft he works to make Hannah a less conventional character, someone with a real struggle.  This book is about the difference between trying to eat the menu versus actually eating the real spiritual food of life.  It's very important in that way as it breaks down the idea of a knowable God and what is right and wrong.  I really enjoyed working with Gabe on this book.  I am sure if he continues to revise, A Thousand Fires will see a bigger reading public!

Congratulations, Gabe!  I admire you so much and am so very proud of you. 

the latest snapshots

On Easter, Gabe led worship at church, while Ellis and I stayed home in our germ-free environment (ha!).  I decided to do an Easter photo-shoot a la Sear's style.  As it turns out, holding up an infant in a basket with one hand while trying to aim and shoot the camera with the other hand is quite challenging.  Believe it or not, here are the best shots of our photo shoot!

I think this is my most favorite:

I love photographing Ellis' chubby sleeping face.

Ellis and Gabe sat and chatted in our rocking chair for the longest time the other night.  She was completely captivated by him. There are a few more pictures further down in this post.

Here are some more shots where I'm holding her and unable to look through the camera while I shoot and hope for the best.

If you look closely, you'll see Ellis sticking out her tongue.

She is so much FUN to have around!

i'm that mom.

I entered ellis in a cute baby photo contest. What can I say? I think she's adorable and we could win $2500. Here's the link if you want to vote...here.

You can SKIP all the dumb offers by clicking on "skip" at the bottom of each page. After like 10 of them, you get to the VOTE page.

Happy Easter!

11 on 11, with one to grow on

Pics from my seester-in-law's baby shower:

While we were all downstairs, Averi and Maci were upstairs "washing" Maci's hair for the "party...in the park...for Grammy."  So funny.

 

10 on 10...11 on 11

I had every intention in participating in this fun idea yesterday, but alas, it did not happen (it's proving hard to plan on much with a new baby and figuring out how to sleep at night...).  SO. Today. I'll do 11 on 11. Don't give up on me, I'm really looking forward to this!

due date: today

Today you smiled at me for the second time.  Thank you for doing that  :)