Our 2 month old

This was one of the first times we really saw her smile because she was having fun...of course we grabbed the camera! It melts my heart to see that precious smile.

We're beginning to see more and more sides of her little personality!

Mommy and baby resting their eyes.

BCM Christmas Bonfire and Movie

We bundled up and went to our friends' Todd and Megan's house for a college bonfire last night. Elli and I mostly stayed inside and visited with Megan and baby Sarah. Todd is the BCM minister at ULM and is a great friend and ministry partner to Clint. Their baby, Sarah, is just 4 weeks older than Elli...they're already friends as you can see!

Elli's First Thanksgiving

Aunt Katie took some really precious pictures. I'm grateful because I was too tired all day to take any of my own!

We loved Aunt Kate being home! Elli misses all her aunts.

Afternoon nap on her Granny's shoulder...so sweet
(especially because I was able to nap at the same time!)

We all loved her new outfit!

T-Day tradition...watching some football with Daddy.

Let's Swing

Elli has come to like her swing. She usually falls asleep pretty quickly in it. She was having a really happy night when I took these.

Elliana's Song

When Clint and I were trying to come up with a name for our baby girl, I stumbled upon Elliana in a baby name book. I loved the meaning: God has answered our prayers. In addition, it has Hebrew origins which we thought was really cool in light of Clint's love of Biblical history. A day or so later, I remembered the song by one of my favorite Christian groups, Watermark, named "Elliana's Song." I listened to it again and from that point on, was completely sold on the name. It was also one of the only names Clint and I both agreed on!
We had known Grace would be her middle name for quite a while. She is named after my wonderful grandmother, Gracie Arnold. And of course, Grace has many spiritual implications that are very important to us as well.

Our New House

We took Elli out to see her new house not too long ago. This will one day be her room!

Family Time

We're slowly introducing Elliana to her brother, Hobbes, even though we still won't let him touch her! We were worried that Hobbes would feel neglected after the baby was born, but I'd say he's getting enough attention from his grandparents!

First Halloween

Daddy and daughter making the same face! She is VERY expressive...sign of what's to come?? :)





Elli and I went up to the church to bring something to Clint and I had to get some pictures of Elli and her Daddy with her "Daddy's Little Pumpkin" shirt!

We thought this picture really showed her beautiful little face. She has such a thoughtful expression.

Elli's Birth Day

Elliana Grace Sheppard was born on October 10, 2007 at 3:38 pm. She was 7 lbs., 1 oz. and 20 inches long. Although she was 3 and 1/2 weeks early, she was a very healthy baby. She came into the world making lots of noise!