1st Year Photos

Yesterday we took Elisa to get her 1st year pictures done! Here are a few that we have to choose from. Remember, these are just proofs. Once we make our decisions they will sharpen things up and take out what shouldn't be there. Anyway, enjoy!

Personality Check

Here are some new videos of Elisa that show her personality pretty well. This first one is of a laughing contest that we had last night. If you provoke her at the right moment she will laugh back and forth with you for quite a while. This one is also pretty good because it shows how much she likes to hit the same button on a toy over and over again - little annoying but it is really cute.


This second video is of Elisa saying "ba-ba" which is bye-bye and waving to anyone who will pay attention. Again, cute stuff!

Birthday Party

Yesterday we had a little birthday party for Elisa. We invited 5 of her little girlfriends to come over and play and eat cake. Jennifer rented a little plastic fence and some plastic balls for the girls to play in. I think some of the adults ended up playing too!









Unfortunately, I missed Elisa's party because I was in bed with the flu. Even though I couldn't be there (which was definitely for the best) her laughter and screams (literally) of glee brought me a lot of joy.

Elisa, I am very proud to be your Daddy. Every day I want to love you more and protect you better. Just the thought of your precious ways brings a broad smile across my face. Your laughter keeps your Mommy and me in stitches! Your sweet cuddles bring us warmth. You make me love your Mommy more and more. Thank you for blessing me with so much joy and love. God is already using you. We pray that you will choose one day to allow Him to work in you always. Happy birthday, baby girl. I love you.

Birthday Girl!

Tuesday was Elisa's 1st birthday! We took it easy throughout the day, opening presents every couple of hours. It seems like we sang "happy birthday" a couple of dozen times in English and Portuguese throughout the day too! By the time we were ready to have cake (after supper) Elisa wasn't interested in the least bit. She ended up eating some of it for breakfast on Wednesday. All in all, Tuesday was a good day.

We plan on having a birthday party for her on Saturday. The 1st birthday is a pretty big deal in Brazil, but we are just going to have a small party with 5 of her little friends. I will post an update on the party as soon as I can.

Elisa checking out her mountain of gifts...

Elisa and Daddy playing with the "Leap Frog" caterpillar her Grandparents gave her.

Elisa's birthday cake with surrounding cupcakes for the adults.

"Make a wish, Elisa!"

Elisa and Granddaddy play with her puppy.

Mommy and Elisa read a new book.

"See 'n Say"

It is hard to believe that Elisa will be one year old tomorrow! I can't figure out where all the time has gone. Her grandparents (Jennifer's parents) arrived this last Saturday to help celebrate her birthday with us.

Here is a video clip of Elisa playing with her new "See 'n Say". I don't think she knew whether to hit it or eat it! Pretty cute stuff...

Walking with Elisa: Live!

Check out this video clip of Elisa walking! We are all over the place! Good times!

She's a Walker!

The following is from an email that Jennifer sent our family last night:

Hi Family,
I just wanted to let you know about a major milestone in Elisa's little life. Tonight she officially started walking unsupported! We were at the birthday party of her little friend, Ana Luisa, and she would not let us pick her up - she just wanted us to walk all over creation with her while she held one of our fingers (one-handed). Then, right as we were leaving, I put her down on the floor because she was crying as I tried to say goodbye to everyone, and I let go of her hand. She just took off walking all over the place. Ana Luisa's dad (Alexandre) got out his video camera, and she just kept on walking all around the room. She can turn and everything. It was all very exciting for us and for all of Ana Luisa's family who stood around watching her accomplishment. Even the waiters at the birthday party stopped to watch. Hopefully Alexandre will give us a copy of the video he took and we can try to post it. We just wanted to share the excitement - 16 days before her first birthday!!
Love,
Jennifer

Family Picture: Winter 2007

Silly Little Girl!

Elisa is such a silly little girl! She has us laughing a good part of the time. Here are some of the cute things that she has done lately that we have caught on film.

Spreading avocado in her hair!

Realizing that avocado in the hair isn't a good idea.

Talking to her Grandparents' pictures.

Hiding in the laundry basket!

Kicking rocks with glee as she walks down a path.

Staying bundled on a cold day.

Worth a Thousand Words

As the saying goes "pictures are worth a thousand words". So, I will let the pictures do the talking. Enjoy!