Laurel Elisabeth Stevens

I was looking through some things of Tim's that Kristen sent down, and found this photo of Tim with Grandad. Grandmother had written this verse on the back. "My thoughts are not your thoughts--nor my ways your ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my thoughts than your thoughts and my ways, than your ways." Isaiah 55:8 Thank you, Grandmother, for always pointing us to God.

Img4762 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Here's our big guy once again--about 21 pounds and wearing size 12 months clothes. This was taken at the end of October. Now, a few weeks later, Henry is moving well on his tummy, but only if there is something he really wants, like Elisabeth's pink Crocs or any book I'm trying to read to Elisabeth. If he's not in hot pursuit, he is crying for me to hold him, or playing with the "learning table"--a musical toy with buttons for him to push.

Img4757 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Still working--this is 5th position.

Img4758 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Elisabeth has been taking ballet at the YMCA since September. She really enjoys it and is very serious. It is so fun to watch her efforts. It reminds me of my days in ballet, although I didn't start until age 5, and what I remember most is Ms. Nancy harping on us to hold our tummies in and turn our thumbs in. Obviously neither of those things have been emphasized yet here! At home she enjoys watching DVDs of ballets--so far Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. She would watch the whole thing at one sitting if we would let her. She also likes to listen to cds of the music. Emily, her doll, also goes to ballet class, Elisabeth recently told me.

Img4746 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Uncle Nathaniel helps Elisabeth collect leaves for her "leaf girl."

Img4744 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . The results of too much love . . .

Img4743 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . See, it is already too warm for the sweater. (Notice Elisabeth's stripes. Stripes go with stripes, right?)

Img4735 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . A rare moment to wear a super cool sweater from Grandma. Try as he might, he can't get the hood off (because he always pulls it down over his face). Elisabeth calls it his jester hat.

Img4721 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Elisabeth and Henry really enjoy each other. When Elisabeth comes into Henry's room in the morning (provided I get to him first) his face lights up the room. When I bring Henry into Elisabeth's room, they both smile. E. just loves to nuzzle H. and H. loves to pull her hair or whatever is in the way. Henry is just now learning to crawl on his tummy, so we haven't had too much of him taking Elisabeth's things, but I know that is coming. Right now her favorite things to play with are tiny, so we'll have to be careful . . .

Img4656 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Elisabeth enjoys building with legos lately.

Img4645 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Henry at 6 months old--just beginning to sit, but needing help from the boppy etc. Right now he is easier to photograph than Elisabeth is!

Img1585 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . This is from the archives, but I'm experimenting with Flikr and somehow this photo was there already. But it is a touching one, and I'm happy to see it again. It's from Christmas 2004 in the Hill Country.