Happy Vicentine's Day, Valtoria!

Last weekend, we celebrated Valentine's Day and my birthday. (Matt likes to refer to this special day as Vicentine's or Valtoria's Day.) Elaina received an adorable hat for Valentine's Day from my sister. We had her 3 month pictures taken at the mall on Saturday, and the hat proved to be a great addition to the photos. I don't own the license to the pictures we had taken, so my amateur photo will have to suffice. :)


On Saturday night, we had birthday cake. I'm not sure what happened, but Elaina got freaked out somehow when I blew out the candles. Watch the progression of her facial expression in the following photos.

"What is that thing, Mom?"

"I'm not too sure about this..."

"OK, I don't like it!"

"MOM!"

Too cute. :) Matt's birthday was on Monday, and we are going out to eat tonight to celebrate. We'll spare Elaina the freak-out and forgo the cake this time.

Laughter- how sweet!

Recently, Elaina has started laughing. It's awfully cute, and we thought you might like to see it also. I love her grunt at the end. We're still trying to figure out the best way to post videos, so let us know if you aren't able to view it.

An Officer in the Family

My Sister's husband, Adam, was recently sworn in as a Sheriff's Deputy and the local paper did a write-up. I especially like the mention of Adam coming to Warrick County to be a part of "a great local family." :)

Congrats to Andrea and Adam!

JAILER NAMED NEWEST DEPUTY
Newburgh/Chandler Register
Thursday, February 12, 2009

Warrick County Clerk Sarah Topper administers the Oath of Office to Warrick County Deputy Adam Silva on Jan. 21. Photo submitted

Warrick County Sheriff Marvin Heilman has announced the hiring of a new deputy sheriff in the county.

County Clerk Sarah Topper administered the Oath of Office to Deputy Adam Silva on Jan. 21.

Silva served as a civilian jailer for almost a year. He immediately began his official training with supervisors and field training officers. Silva, age 27, has also served as a reserve officer for the Newburgh Police Department.

“Adam has proven to be a dependable, career-minded employee and I hope he has a great future in law enforcement,” said Heilman.

Silva is originally from the Massachusetts area and he has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Oakland City University.

He met his wife while they were enrolled at the Pensacola Christian College.

“Adam’s pursuit of his education and, more importantly, the new lady in his life, brought him to Warrick County to be a part of a great local family and now to be a deputy sheriff serving the public,” said Heilman.

Silva and his wife live in the Chandler area and they are expecting their first child in May.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity to serve as a deputy for the Sheriff’s Office,” said Deputy Silva. “This is something that I have always wanted to do. I look forward to many years of service to the citizens of Warrick County.”

January Photos

For those of you that can't get enough Rust, we've updated the January "photo galleries". Enjoy!

12 weeks (ok, really 13)

Elaina turned 12 weeks last Monday. I'd love to claim that we took the following photos then, but it's simply not true. I was 3 days late taking them, and I'm 7 days late posting them- making her a whopping 13 weeks old now! This drives the perfectionist in me crazy, but the realistic mother in me knows that sometimes we just have to go with the flow. Anyhoo, I know I'm biased, but I can't get enough of that cute little face. A note on that cute little face- she WOULD NOT smile for me when we were taking these pictures. We took them after a long day of fighting with the bottle, and I think she retaliated by not smiling. She's good. Really good.

Speaking of the bottle, by Friday of last week, she was actually taking it! We realized that, yes, she really will take it if she's hungry. Amazing! If she's not hungry enough to take it, we don't force it. So far, so good!

I hope you enjoy the photos. I got a little carried away with the tutu. I couldn't resist. :)

Elaina's Newest Trick:Hand-Eye Coordination

Mommy Goes Back to Work

Today Victoria goes back to work and I begin my month-long tenure as a homemaker. Elaina and I are both a little nervous (and I think Victoria is too). I've got big shoes to fill--Victoria has been wonderful with Elaina. Nevertheless, I know we'll be alright, because Victoria left me armed with very clear instructions and a schedule.

I'm hopeful that our arrangement will work out well. I'm working only ten hours per week this month, 4 in the office and teaching my classes/ 6 from home (don't laugh at my naivete in thinking I'll be able to get that much work in during Elaina's naps...). Victoria meanwhile is back working full time.

As I was getting the final OK on my schedule from my direct supervisor she wisely cautioned me to not waste any of Elaina's waking moments by focusing on work instead of time with my daughter. I realize this month will be a special time with Elaina. I'm blessed to have such an opportunity and look forward to making the most of it.