View of Buck Island at sunset from Cheryl & Earl Haase's house, the night before Tropical Depression Erika hit St. Croix (downgraded from a tropical storm before it arrived) ... September 2009

Same view, but during Tropical Depression Erika ... can't even see Buck Island!

Levi on Sept. 4, 2009, his 3-month birthday! Having fun with some colored feathers ...

Poor li'l guy got his first mosquito bites!

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old, hanging out on the couch ... he's pretty good at "sitting up" on his own as long as he's propped up right!

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old, getting better and better at pushing himself up and holding his head up ... he doesn't enjoy his "tummy time" for very long periods of time, though! He starts getting very frustrated ...

Levi, 3 months old, exercising :)

Levi, 3 months old, sticking his tongue out as he concentrates and exerts himself!

Levi is beginning to reach out and grab things ... on purpose now, instead of on accident :)

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old

Levi, 3 months old, playing and learning!

Levi, 13 weeks old, beginning to wake up

And he's awake! Happy after a good night's rest (he only woke up once and "slept in" until 7 a.m.!)

Levi, 13 weeks old, having fun playing with his daddy =)

Levi, 13 weeks old


Levi, 13 weeks old, enjoying a "knuckle" sandwich :)


Levi, 13 weeks old


Levi, 13 weeks old


Woke up to this stunning view from the bedroom one morning as we were housesitting for a couple in our church. Incredible!


Rosy clouds reflecting off of a calm, glass-like Caribbean Sea at dawn


Buck Island view at sunrise


Levi, 13 weeks old, still sleeping soundly after his first monumental sleep-all-night-long milestone!!! His parents were thrilled =) He slept from about 11 p.m. until about 8 a.m.!


Levi, 13 weeks old, my sleeping angel baby :)


Sunrise, Cotton Valley, St. Croix


Levi, 14 weeks old (almost 3 1/2 months!) and Ingrid at Sarah's surprise early birthday party in Christiansted


Alexandra, Levi, and Jahbyel at Sarah's birthday party in Nikki and Heather's apartment


Levi, 14 weeks old ... almost 3 1/2 months!


Levi, 14 weeks old


Levi, 14 weeks old


Levi, 14 weeks old, kicking and gazing intently at the most fascinating ceiling fan


Levi, 14 weeks old, is starting to play with toys! He examines them and they inevitably end up being slobbered and gnawed on :)


Levi, 14 weeks old, and a toy


Levi, 14 weeks old, having fun with his toy :)


Levi, 14 weeks old ... he's pretty good at amusing himself for awhile :)


Levi, 14 weeks old, is discovering how to grab his legs and feet


Levi, 14 weeks old (about 3 1/2 months!)


Levi, 14 weeks old, playing!


Levi, 14 weeks old, having some "tummy time" on the futon ... don't worry, I was watching him very closely!


Levi, 14 weeks old


Levi, 14 weeks old, in one of his cloth diapers


Levi, 14 weeks old ... my little Mr. Funny Face!


Levi, 14 weeks old, examining a toy closely


Chubby knee, little fingers :)


Levi, 14 weeks old ... he can reach out and grab things now!


Levi, 14 weeks old, multi-tasking


foot & hand


Levi, 14 weeks old ... check out those lovely long lashes :)


Levi, 14 weeks old, taking a way too short afternoon nap ... some days he simply won't take naps longer than half an hour and is understandably quite grumpy when he's awake!


bellybutton and hands


Levi, 14 weeks old, playing with his feet ... if you look closely, you can see all the mosquito bites the poor guy got the night before :(


Levi, 14 weeks old, modeling a new outfit a friend sent for him :) Love those sleeveless onesies!


Levi, 14 weeks old, somewhat sitting up on his own and slurping on a fist


Levi, 14 weeks old, sitting up!!


Levi, 14 weeks old, playing


Levi, 14 weeks old


Levi, 14 weeks old


Levi, 14 weeks old, shows off his newly-acquired mosquito bites ... I feel badly, but at least he doesn't really seem to mind them


Levi, on the morn of turning 15 weeks old ... officially 3 1/2 months! He's still sound asleep in his crib, and as you can see, he's learning to roll on to his side ...


Levi, 15 weeks old, my little cuddle muffin :)


Levi, 15 weeks old, S-T-R-E-T-C-H!!! Waking up in a good mood :)


Levi, 15 weeks old, playing in his exersaucer ... so many bright colors and things to look at and play with! Does he look a bit overwhelmed?


Levi, 3 1/2 months old!


Levi, 15 weeks old (3 1/2 months)


Levi, 15 weeks old, having fun!


Levi, 15 weeks old, looking rather chunky! :)


Levi, 15 weeks old


Levi, 15 weeks old


Levi, 15 weeks old, going a bit cross-eyed as he examines his arm and knee


Levi, 3 1/2 months


Levi, 15 weeks old, is so good at practicing what he's learned :)


Those fascinating things, hands :)


Reaching for his foot :)


Levi, 15 weeks old (3 1/2 months), hanging out on the changing table after getting a new, clean, fresh diaper


Aren't feet fun??


Mom, these are my feet! Aren't they cool?


Pointing at the ceiling fan, what fascinating fun!


Levi, 15 weeks (3 1/2 months) taking an afternoon nap on mommy & daddy's bed (I must admit I joined him for at least an hour of it, very refreshing! :)


Levi, 15 weeks old


Levi and Kaleb being introduced for the first time ... destined to become best buds! =) At this age, though, they weren't too interested in each other ...

Of course, we're all so happy that Brandyn and Kendall are back on island as well!

Levi at 15 weeks (3 1/2 months), really enjoys it when we help him stand :)

Derek helping Levi work on his leg muscles :)

our "hoppy" son :)

Derek and Levi =) My island men!

Derek participating in his first triathlon relay at Cane Bay Beach ... he did the swim part and did great!

Derek, ahead of the pack! :)

Swimming out to sea ...

Derek participating bright and early in his first triathlon relay

Derek coming out of the water after a long swim ...

Derek sprinting out of the water, Cane Bay Beach

Derek at the end of his triathlon relay

Most of Team 109 with Levi (the other teammate was busy biking)

Team 109 and Levi (at 15 weeks) ... Cane Bay Beach

Levi, 16 weeks old

Levi and his friend, Kaleb, zonked out for their afternoon naps at Tamarind Beach after having some fun in the water =) Levi is 16 weeks old and Kaleb is about 10 weeks. They both, unfortunately, got their first real sunburns :(

Levi and Kaleb

Tamarind Beach, view of Green Cay and the Caribbean Sea ... a very hot September day!

Our poor sunburnt son =( Levi at 16 weeks ...

Getting sleepy ... getting ready for bed ...

Rosy, sunburnt cheeks ... at least he didn't seem to be too bothered by it

Taking a bath with Mom before bedtime ... Levi at 16 weeks

Levi at 16 weeks ... trying to cool him off in his bath after he got his first real sunburn and getting all clean before heading to bed

Levi, 16 weeks old, attempting to suck on his toes while hanging out on the changing table (this is at one of the places we housesat this fall)

Levi, 16 weeks old, having some tummy time on his Boppy

Fun Boppy tummy time ... Levi at 16 weeks

Levi, 16 weeks old, just loves drooling and sucking on his fingers

Levi, 17 weeks old (about 4 months), "steering" ... playing in an exersaucer at one of the places we housesat this fall


With Levi, 4 months old, at Coakley Bay Beach on a lazy Sunday fall afternoon


With my 4-month-old baby at the beach





Levi in a basket :)


Mom, why'd you put me in this thing?


Levi, 4 months old ... look at those gorgeous blue eyes :)


Levi, 4 months old


Levi, 4 months, at the Mermaid Beach, lounging in the shade after a swim :)


Levi, 4 months old


Levi, 4 months old


Levi, 4 months old


Levi, 4 months old, stretching out his arms



Levi, 4 months old



Levi, 4 months old



Levi, 4 months old ... so charming when he smiles!



Levi, 4 months old



Levi, 4 months old, modeling a onesie created at my baby shower ages ago ... Dug it out and it barely fits him ... wow, check out those chunky thighs! :)


my Crucian baby :) 4 months old!


Levi, 4 months, playing with his feet in his crib


Levi, 4 months


Look, Mom!


Levi, 4 months


Levi, 4 months



Playtime! Levi, 4 months



See how talented I am?


Levi, 4 months, sucks on pretty much anything he can get near his face!



...those eyes ...


Levi, 4 months



Cram that foot in there!


Playing with Photoshop, emphasizing his beautiful blue eyes =)


Levi, 4 months



Levi, 4 months



thoughtful baby


stretching those limbs


Levi, 4 months, grabbing his feet while hanging out on our futon



Derek sharing a magazine with Levi


Levi likes all the brightly-colored pictures :)


Levi, 4 months old, entranced with his own image in the mirror while having some very brief tummy time ... he doesn't like being on his stomach so either rolls over onto his back or cries so we'll help him do it =)


Levi, 4 months old, playing with Tigger


Asleep with a stuffed animal blanket-type toy ... he likes to fall asleep with something snuggled close to his face ... don't worry, I keep checking on him to make sure he can breathe! :)


Levi, 4 months old, trying out his new booster seat (thanks, Cate & Matt!)


I think he likes it :)


Sitting in a real chair like a big boy!


Levi, 4 months


Levi, 4 months


Having some tummy time on our bed ... position #1 before he begins to roll over ...


Position #2, tilting ...


Position #3, on his side, almost there!


... and Operation Roll Over Complete! =) Good job, Levi!


Levi, 4 months


Levi likes to sit up and lean forward (and also blow spit bubbles)


Levi, 4 months


Funny expression


Levi, very intent on something and also getting a bit annoyed, I think ... this facial expression just cracks me up!


Talking to his momma :)


Family picture at Mermaid Beach ... Levi at 4 1/2 months!


Our family :) Enjoying a relaxing Saturday at the beach


Levi and Derek hanging out at the beach, looking cool in their shades :)


Daddy and son beach time!


Levi, 4 1/2 months old, was having a blast at the beach, babbling away and making all sorts of noises :)


Levi at Mermaid Beach, sitting on his daddy's lap


Mermaid Beach at The Buccaneer on a Saturday fall afternoon


Levi fell asleep in my arms and had a great nap


Sleeping baby :)


Just chillin' with my son on the beach!


Zonked!


Levi, 4 1/2 months old ... recovering from a rough morning ... he had four shots and was such a tough little guy about it, barely cried! I was very proud of him, even bragged about it a bit to the check-out girl at the grocery store, although strangely enough, she didn't seem all that impressed ...


Levi ... hands and fingers everywhere, constantly in the mouth!


Levi, 4 1/2 months old


Levi, practicing his rolling-over skills :)


A happy boy, from any angle! :)


Levi, 4 1/2 months ... resting his cute little noggin


Levi, 4 1/2 months old, lounging on his Boppy


Derek and Levi having some bonding computer time together ... unfortunately, the mess is all too typical of our catch-all room ...


Levi, 4 1/2 months old, enjoying his last time in the swing before giving it away to another, newer baby!


Levi, 4 1/2 months


Reaching and grabbing ...


It's so hard to grab these things when the swing keeps, well, swinging!


Having a great time in his exersaucer


Levi, 4 1/2 months, his concentration game face :)


Playtime is serious business!


Levi, 4 1/2 months old, with Derek at Project Homeless Connect, an event we all got roped into ... Derek to lead worship for about an hour and me to take photos and Levi just because he's a baby and I couldn't leave him at home alone :)


Levi, 4 1/2 months, at Project Homeless Connect, held at St. Croix's Ag Fair grounds in late October


Nikki managed to get Levi to take a nap while at Project Homeless Connect ... it got really hot in the late afternoon and he got a bit fussy ...


Levi, 4 1/2 months, asleep on Nikki's lap


Levi in his stroller, heading back to the car after a long hot day at Project Homeless Connect ... clutching a balloon animal a little girl made for him


Slowly waking up a bit ... Levi's first balloon animal!


Relaxing at the beach at Divi after a busy Saturday moving furniture at home ... Levi is lounging on my lap while Derek swims some laps in the ocean


At 4 1/2 months, Levi can stand up on his own for awhile now, as long as he locks his knees and holds onto something :) We only do this in the crib so he has something soft to fall down on. He looks very proud of himself here!


Levi standing up in his crib :)


Our family photo, taken for the St. Croix Christian Church directory


Our group of friends got together for a costume party for Halloween ... Here Nikki is frosting her awesome pumpkin cake


Brandyn and I both dressed up as gypsies, without planning it ahead of time! Here we are with our sons on their first Halloween ... Levi as a bear and Kaleb as a pumpkin ... Levi kept trying to hold Kaleb's hand :)


Me and Levi with Brandyn and Kaleb


Derek in a toga, Jason in overalls, watching a football game


Nikki's pumpkin cake ... very impressive and delicious!


Nikki's pumpkin cake and Sarah's decorated autumn table


Alexandra's fun and yummy cupcakes


Heather and Chelle


Our costume party for Halloween 2009


Hanging out with friends in costume


My grumpy little baby bear took a nap in his costume (in Clara's crib)


Levi dressed up in his bear costume, a gift from his Aunt Jenny before he was even born! Isn't he completely adorable?? =)


Levi dressed as a bear for his first Halloween costume party


Levi, 4 1/2 months old, in his bear costume


The gang in costume :)











Derek cutting a dashing figure in his toga :)





Levi is distracted by the cute little girl in a duck costume :)





Make a silly face!

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Levi at 4 1/2 months


Levi, 4 1/2 months


Levi on his 5-month birthday! He can actually sit up on his own for awhile now =)


Levi, 5 months


Levi, 5 months



Levi, 5 months



Levi, 5 months ... his head looks really big in this photo =)


Levi, 5 months, smiling and showing off his cute dimples


Derek feeding Levi his first solid food on his 5-month birthday!


Levi taking a spoonful of rice cereal on his 5-month birthday


Levi wasn't quite sure what to make of the rice cereal but he did eat a good part of it


Levi, 5 months, and his first bowl of rice cereal








Making a pretty good mess


He made all sorts of funny faces, I'll have to try and capture it on video


Levi, 5 months old


Levi, 5 months old, playing in his exersaucer


Levi, 5 months old


Levi, 5 months old



Levi's little hand :)


Levi, 5 months old ... so happy!



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old, hanging out on our bed ... just put the comforter back on after having it off for the extremely hot summer months!


Levi, 5 months old ... getting so long!



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old, practicing his tummy time on our bed



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old, playing with his musical, moving teddy bear



Levi, 5 months old, laughing!



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old, with his ever-so-tasty fingers!



Levi, 5 months old ... he likes to sit up and play with his toys



Mom, can't you see I'm busy here?


Levi, 5 months old ... playing in his walker outside on our patio



Levi, 5 months old, in his walker



Levi, 5 months old, checking out our awesome view ... or looking at his daddy :)



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old



Levi, 5 months old ... smiling for the camera and for mommy :)



Happy outside baby!


Smiling at his daddy


Levi, 5 months old ... our wonderful baby boy :)



Levi, 5 months old, practicing his sitting-up skills :)


Playing with Tigger





Levi, 5 months, taking an afternoon nap


Levi, 5 months, enjoying his evening bath (he likes to suck on the washcloth)


Getting clean!


We tried some avocado the other morning, but he didn't really like it


And that's what I think of avocados!


Where's the milk?








Levi, 5 1/2 months old, after a bath


Levi, 5 1/2 months old, in his hooded towel after an evening bath


Levi, 5 1/2 months, in a happy mood after his bath

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We take Levi to the beach for the first time! He's 6 weeks old here ... hanging out with his daddy in the shade =)


Close up pic of Levi ... love his little hat :)


He was fussing in our hot little house until we took him down to the beach ... he quieted right down and seemed to enjoy the breeze on his face and the sound of the nearby waves ...


I took him into the ocean for the first time! Technically, the Caribbean Sea. The water temperature was perfect, very warm, and the waves were gentle. He seemed to love it, didn't cry a bit, just took it all in ...


Chillin' out in the water with mom! =)


my little water baby!


Fun! Good thing he seems to like the beach ... since we'll be coming here a lot! Also, one of the major bonuses of living on St. Croix in the first place ...


Derek and Levi in the water


Closing his eyes because of the bright sunlight ... enjoying his daddy's arms ...


Doesn't Levi look like he's trying to smile for the camera? :)


Taking in the awesome view ...


Drying Levi out after his ocean adventure!


All wrapped up ... getting warm and dry ...


intense baby-blue eyes


Talking/singing/cooing to himself ... love it when he's in this mood!


... and ... he's getting sleepy


Sound asleep ... lulled into baby dreamland by the wind and the waves ...


Asleep in his car seat/baby carrier on the beach that's just down the road from our house


6-week-old Levi playing on his gymini


Levi in motion! He sure can move his arms and kick those legs hard!


thinkin'


love our baby!


Levi at 7 weeks ... when he's bound and determined to sleep, he can do it anywhere, in any position!


Kickin' around ...


Levi at 7 weeks


We went back to the beach ... it's free and fun entertainment, and it helps us cool off a bit! Here Levi is huddled in his beach towel, hanging out on the hammock.


Our loveable li'l 7-week-old monster :)








Making funny faces at his parents!


When he was a newborn, he had a habit of sucking his bottom lip under his upper one, so we barely saw it! Lately he's taken to sticking it out, especially right before having a crying fit! So cute :)


Really funny facial expression :)


With Levi at the beach!


Levi at 7 weeks


Levi at 7 weeks ... he really does have the most adorable facial expressions :)



Levi at 7 weeks



Levi at 7 weeks



Levi at 7 weeks ... it's a VERY hot summer afternoon and he's just limin' in his cloth diaper ...



Moving arms and kicking around





Levi at 7 weeks



Levi at 7 weeks



Cute grin :)


Cooing/singing/yawning ... talented baby!


Levi at 7 weeks



Hanging out in the evening with his daddy! Levi at 7 weeks ...


All swaddled up, peacefully taking a nap ... thank heavens!


7-week-old baby napping ... just love him!!


Sticking out his lip before working his way up to a good cry ... isn't this the most pathetic, heart-breaking face you've ever seen? =(


Sound asleep in his stroller at The Buccaneer ... Levi on his 8-week birthday


my precious sleeping Levi :)


My friend, Nancy, and I have been meeting for morning walks. Our sons enjoy their stroller rides =) Here is Levi on his 8-week birthday and his friend, Henry


Levi in his stroller, looking a bit bored


Henry


Henry


Levi at 8 weeks


Levi, alert and awake


hint of a smile


checkin' things out


lounging around shirtless, trying to get rid of that heat rash on his back! poor guy :(


when he grins, I can't help but smile myself! Levi at 8 weeks


Levi Gerrit


getting annoyed with me taking so many photos again? :)


he likes to ball his little hands up into fists and throw them around wildly


Hanging out in his "Moses basket," as I like to call it


Levi, 8 weeks old


Levi, 8 weeks old


Levi, 8 weeks old



Levi, 8 weeks old



Levi and Broux (James & Sarah Desonier's dog)



Not sure what to make of each other


Wide eyed!


trying to be artistic ... Levi's little hand tightly gripping his daddy's wedding ring


Levi and Derek's wedding band


Levi's little fingers, Derek's wedding ring


Drying Levi's cloth diapers in the hot Crucian afternoon sunshine ... (our "new" Jeep in the background)


Cloth diapers ... aren't they cute? :)


Levi, 8 weeks old



Levi, 8 weeks old



Levi, 8 weeks old



Levi, 8 weeks old



Foot


Feet


Feet


Levi, 8 weeks old



Levi, 8 weeks old, hanging out on his Boppy on one of our Ikea chairs



love his blue eyes :)


...getting sleepy...


Feet


Levi, 8 weeks old



Levi, 8 weeks old



Levi, 8 weeks old, gurgling and talking :)



love this expression!


smiling at me :)


having a conversation with his momma


Levi, 9 weeks old


Levi, 9 weeks old



Levi, 9 weeks old



Levi, 9 weeks old



Levi, 9 weeks old



Levi, 9 weeks old



kinda looking like a gangsta


St. Croix Yacht Club ... hanging out in the shade with Alexandra and Levi before taking the baby on his first sailing excursion, at 9 weeks old!


View of Cruzan Time, Ryan & Alexandra's boat


St. Croix Yacht Club, with Buck Island in the distance


Alexandra and Levi, hanging out in the shade at the St. Croix Yacht Club ... Levi is taking a nap in anticipation of the journey to Gallows Bay :)


The guys brought the boat to dock for us to board :)


Ryan and Derek on board the Cruzan Time


With Levi, on his first sailboat!


Derek steering


View of St. Croix from the Cruzan Time


Levi taking in the view! He seemed to really enjoy the trip, barely fussed and kept making contented, cooing noises :)


Safe in his daddy's arms!


We made it safely to the St. Croix Marine in Gallows Bay ... back on land, Levi took another nap after his big sailing adventure!


sound asleep


all tuckered out!


Alexandra, Derek, and Ryan


Alexandra, Derek, and Ryan, hard at work while Levi and I relax on shore





Derek, making sure the boat is securely tied up





Alexandra and Ryan, the Navigator and the Captain, with their boat, the Cruzan Time :)


us! looking rather windswept ...


Levi, 9 weeks old


Levi, 9 weeks old


9-week-old Levi, swaddled and asleep in his swing .... ah, peace and quiet!


Enjoying his bath at 9 weeks ... splashing water everywhere!


in his bathwater


Sunday afternoon nap, 9 weeks old


Levi at 9 weeks


Levi at 9 weeks


Boppy playtime!


Levi at 9 weeks ... an interesting expression! :) Looking faintly surprised ...


he loves to clasp his tiny hands


Movin' and kickin'


Levi's 9-week-old feet! :)


different angle


perspective


Levi, 9 weeks old


ah...CHOO! what a sneeze!


Levi, 9 weeks old


Ahoy! 9-week-old Levi aboard the Cruzan Time, excited for his second sea voyage :)


Being a good sport for his mommy :) In the sailboat cabin ...


sad? or sleepy?


looking like my mischievous baby! :) Levi at 10 weeks old ... 2 1/2 months!


the onesie says it all ... ha! :) Levi at 10 weeks


Smiling at the ceiling fan, he is mesmerized by it! :) Levi at 2 1/2 months


A bit blurry but a good expression! :) Levi at 10 weeks


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old ... check out that round belly :)


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi's feet


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi's feet


Levi's hand


Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 10 weeks old


Slurping on his fist in his sleep :)


Beginning to wake up!


Dad & son ... we went on a little walk down to the beach the evening before Tropical Storm Ana hit ...


With my little bundle of cuteness on a hammock!


With my 10-week-old son


Levi, 10 weeks old, getting better at holding his head up for longer periods of time!


Levi, 10 weeks old


awww, cute grin :)


resting his head after all that hard work! Levi, 10 weeks old


Levi, 11 weeks old


Levi, 11 weeks old


Levi, 11 weeks old


Levi, 11 weeks old


11-week-old sleeping sweetheart


naptime!


love his little 11-week-old toes :)


us on our 5-year anniversary! a couple of our friends babysat Levi so we could have a date night out without the little kiddo


love :)


5 years of marriage!


Levi, 11 weeks old, loves to suck on his fist


mmm.....


so tasty








mom & son's feet :)


Levi's little feet


Levi at 11 weeks, propped up by his Boppy


Levi at 11 weeks, mesmerized by the pictures on his Boppy


my Mr. Funny Face :)


doesn't he have the greatest facial expressions?


sticking his tongue out ... one of his newest discoveries :)


sleepin' on the futon


Levi, 11 weeks old


Wide awake in his bassinet after an afternoon nap ... his last in the bassinet before "graduating" to his crib in the next room!


slurping on his fist and keeping an eye on me


wide and wild eyed!


looking a little crazed :)


Mr. Blue Eyes!


Levi, 11 weeks old


Smiling at me


Playing with dad!


Playtime before bathtime before bedtime


Fun with dad


Derek and Levi


Levi, 11 weeks old


Playing on the blanket our next-door neighbor, Lizzie, made for him


Levi, 11 weeks old

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big smile! Levi at 12 weeks

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Flying from St. Croix to Seattle; Levi's first plane ride at 3 weeks!


Levi slept for most of the flight ... everyone oohed and aahed over him, even had complete strangers offering to take him!! I said NO WAY!


Snoozing away thousands of feet up in the air


Sleeping baby!


Precious :)


We threatened to check him as luggage if he wouldn't behave! Just kidding :) Here he is chilling out in the Atlanta airport, waiting to board yet another l-o-n-g flight, this time to Seattle


We arrive safe and sound in Seattle, exhausted by a full day of sitting on planes! The morning after we arrived we went to breakfast with Jennifer, Tim, and Peter ... here Levi is in his car seat, taking in the Seattle sights!


We had made a last-minute decision to fly up to Washington state, part of the reason being that we wanted to surprise Grace & Obadiah at the wedding reception party my parents were throwing for them. She really was surprised ... in a good way ... it was a lot of fun!! =)


With my sisters!


Marx sisters!


Successful surprise!


Grace reaching out her arms to hold Levi


Can't beat a hug from a mom =)


Proud papa showing off our 3-week-old baby =)


Adoring relatives surrounding the baby!


Grace & Obadiah's wedding reception shindig


Uncle Obadiah and Aunt Grace with their nephew


Auntie :)


Happy oma!


Grandma checking on baby


Uh-oh! He's waking up ... and he's hungry!


Hanging out in the shade


At Grace & Obadiah's wedding reception party ... Abner, Laura, Peter, Timothy, and Marcus


Hanging out poolside


Auntie Cheerio with Levi :)


Visiting with relatives





Taking a break from holding the baby while Levi gets passed around from relative to relative ... enjoying my cool strawberry lemonade in the shade


Laura looking delighted with her nephew


dog days of summer :)


Luke and one of the dogs ... either Chance or Kodiak, I can't tell them apart


Mom holding a grumpy-looking baby


Gem enjoying the fresh, homemade ice cream! It sure was delicious ...


Grace, Obadiah, and Caleb


Proud grandpa with Levi


Volleyball time!


Derek being awesome :)


Laura serving ... she has a killer arm, that one!


Grace ... powerful!


Volleyball in the backyard


Laughing! Happy grandparents and grandson :)


Grandma and Luke


Grace and Luke


my beautiful mother


the newlyweds :)


our ever-growing Marx-Anderson-Solano-Reid family!!


our family, all together with the latest additions for the first time!


our own little Anderson family :) with a sleeping 3-week-old Levi


Grandma Anderson giving Levi his daily morning bath, which he loved!


Enjoying his morning soak in the kitchen sink :)


getting all clean clean with his grandma


Uncle Luke and Levi





Levi at 3 weeks, in Luke's arms


bouncing my baby boy because he's crying ... for some reason, he seems to like being suspended in mid-air


bouncy, bouncy, bouncy


OK, he just looks plain mad in this shot!


attempting to comfort my poor crying child


Grandpa Anderson with Levi


Levi "airing out" and interacting with Oma


Checking out grandma


Levi at 3 weeks


Mom, Levi, and Luke


Kiss from Uncle Luke

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Great Grandma Dee & Levi at 4 weeks

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Great Grandma Dee & Levi at 4 weeks

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4 generations (Levi at 4 weeks)

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Adorable, precious feet ...


There's a hint of a smile! :)











I (01).JPG 2009-06-10








Big yawn!











Hanging out with Dad


















































Uh-oh ... unhappy about something, and letting it be made known loud and clear!


Levi's first bath at home ... he screamed the entire time! Guess he likes being dirty ...


Post-bathtime trauma ... in Mom's arms


Love my little son!





Mom's fingers, baby's hand


Cross-eyed :)








Getting annoyed with the camera Mom keeps sticking in his face








Asleep with the Night-Night his Aunt Laura made especially for him





With his Pappa





Dreaming peacefully





He smiles! =)





With "Uncle" Charles


After Levi fell asleep in his sling


Sleeping on Mommy's lap with his Boppy











Cuddled up with his Boppy


Adorable!


Hanging out with "Aunt" Marnie at Todd & Elizabeth's house on her recent, brief visit to the island


With "Aunt" Marnie and Levi


With my son :) He's a couple weeks old here and has gained a pound since his birth weight ... he's 8 lbs., 4 ozs. in this shot


Levi ... moving around!


Hanging out on the futon with Levi ... somehow he managed to get himself in this position ... don't ask me how!


Family portrait time! Levi is 2 weeks and 4 days old here


Our family :)








Being silly ... poor Levi must be wondering how he got stuck with such goofy parents! :)








With our son =)


Deep in thought after naptime ...


Levi at 3 weeks!


Levi at 3 weeks! Limin' on the blanket "Auntie" Sarah made just for him :)








My baby :)


Concentrating on something!

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Derek in scrubs, about to enter the operating room where Levi is going to be born via C-section on Thursday, June 4, 2009


Levi is born!! Thursday, June 4, 2009, 7:56 p.m. ... beautiful, perfect baby boy, 7 lbs., 4 ozs., 20.5 inches long


Getting all cleaned up








Derek cutting the umbilical cord


Cutting the umbilical cord ... separating Levi from his momma


Cutting the umbilical cord


Getting introduced to the world


Our first family photo! So happy and proud to finally meet our son, Levi


He was worth it all ...


Taking it all in


Oma Marx admiring her first grandchild ... love at first sight :)


Oma Marx and Levi


Levi in the hospital nursery with one of his many nurses


Soaking in our bundle of joy =)


Watching while he sleeps


Father and son moment


Safe in his daddy's arms


Just love his adorable, wrinkly feet!


Big feet, long toes ...


Baby feet and daddy's arm and Crucian hook bracelet


Baby foot and Daddy's arm


Fatherly love


Oma Marx holding Levi


Alicia and Levi


My wonderful labor coaches ... couldn't have made it as far as I did without their help ... my Mom, Derek, and Ros Turner


Auntie Nikki and Auntie Sarah visiting Levi in the hospital


Levi has so many adoring fans! :)


Grandma & grandson


Proud and happy grandmother!


He's about exactly 48 hours old in this photo


Holding my son ...


Can't believe I'm a mother!!!


Too precious


So tiny!


Derek brought me flowers in the hospital ... such a wonderful, sweet, thoughtful husband!


guess this says it all!


With Levi in the nursery ... he had to get in some artificial "tanning" because the doctor was afraid he had a bad case of jaundice ... but it all turned out well!


Levi's first car ride ... and he slept the entire way home from the hospital ...


Sleeping soundly, not a care in the world


All tucked in


In his car seat


So peaceful and content when he's asleep!


Almost home ...

Pregnancy Test
We find out we are definitely, positively pregnant!!!

Baby01.01 - 15 weeks
Our first view of Baby Anderson ... my first ultrasound at about 15 weeks along

Baby01.02 - 15 weeks
Here he is (although we don't know he's a "he" yet at this point!) ... sucking his little thumb

Baby01.03 - 15 weeks


Baby01.04 - 15 weeks


Belly01 - 18 weeks
My first "belly" shot ... I thought I was showing a bit =) This is about 18 weeks along, around Christmas-time (as evident by the Christmas tree in the background!)

Baby02.01 - 19 weeks
Our second ultrasound ... we find out we're have a Boy!! A little Derek Jr. =)

Baby02.02 - 19 weeks
This is the strangest ultrasound photo ... he looks like a little alien :)

Baby02.03 - 19 weeks
Another boy shot!

Baby02.04 - 19 weeks
The doctor is most emphatic he's a boy =)

Belly02 - 22 weeks
My next belly shot ... January 2009 at Pt. Udall (the eastern-most point of the United States), about 22 weeks along ... this was when my Mom & Grandma were visiting ... we had so much fun hanging out and touring the island together, all 4 generations of us! =)

Belly03 - 25 weeks
Valentine's Day weekend, a beach on St. Croix's west end ... February 2009, about 25 weeks along ... I'm definitely looking pregnant now!! Strangers in the street are making comments ... it's a lot of fun =)

Belly04 - 26 weeks
Here I am about 26 weeks along, at a beach on St. Croix's west end, enjoying my new maternity swimsuit for the first time!

Belly05 - 26 weeks
Elly, Feb '09, 26 weeks

Belly06 - 26 weeks
Here's a really funny belly shot =) I was having fun goofing off at the beach ... silly pregnant woman!

BabyRoom01
We start preparing the baby's room in earnest (Derek did most of the hard work) during Derek's spring break, the last full week of March 2009

BabyRoom02
Getting the crib and changing table set up!

OurRoom
The bassinet, next to our bed :)

Belly07 - 31 weeks
in my 3rd trimester now!!

Belly08 - 32 weeks
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Belly09 - 32 weeks
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Belly10 - 32 weeks
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Belly11 - 32 weeks
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Belly12 - 32 weeks
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Belly13 - 32 weeks
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Belly14 - 32 weeks
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Belly15 - 32 weeks
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Belly17 - 32 weeks
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Belly19 - 32 weeks
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Baby03.01
Our baby's hip bone ... my last ultrasound ... about 32 weeks along! (This was the only photo the doctor gave me ... the baby has grown so much that he won't fit onto the screen anymore!) ... as of April 3, 2009, the doctor said our baby is weighing about 3 lbs., 13 ozs. =)

Friends01
On my 28th birthday! With my fellow pregnant friends, Sarah and Brandyn, all in our different belly stages :)

Belly20 - 37 weeks
About 37 weeks along! Derek took this shot at Duggan's Beach, just down the hill from our house, around dusk

Belly21 - 37 weeks
At 37 weeks ... belly just keeps growing and growing and growing ... and little Levi keeps kicking and moving! Such a cool feeling ...

Belly22 - 38 weeks
Wondering when little Levi will be arriving?

Friends02
Our photographer friend, Kendall, took some shots of us prego girls at our various stages of pregnancy at Ha'Penny Beach this week. I'm at 38 weeks, Brandyn is at 29 weeks, and Sarah is at 18 weeks. How fun for us to share this exciting time in our lives together! =)

Friends03
Showing off our bellies!

Friends04
Brandyn and I are having boys ... Sarah is waiting to find out! Looking forward to when our children can all play together ...

Friends05
Enjoying our first-time pregnancies! St. Croix is an awesome place to be pregnant ...

Belly22 - 38 weeks
Derek took some shots of me and "The Belly" at Duggan's beach, just down the hill from our house. I'm 38 weeks along now and Levi could arrive any minute! Waiting, hoping, expecting, planning ...!!

Belly24 - 38 weeks
Wondering when he'll come ... what he'll look like ... what his personality will be like ...

Belly25 - 38 weeks
Soaking up some sunshine on a beautiful Saturday morning!

Belly26 - 38 weeks
In the last few days ... weeks? ... of pregnancy

Belly27 - 38 weeks


Belly28 - 38 weeks
The three of us went snorkeling! I think Levi liked it because he kept kicking his momma. The water was so cool and relaxing, and we saw lots of sea grass, a sea star, conch shells, and plenty of colorful little fish.

Belly29 - 38 weeks
Hanging out at home with my feet elevated above my heart. Since the midwife told me to take a few days off work and relax in order to keep my blood pressure down, I find myself in this position a lot these days!

BabyShower01
Our awesome friends here on St. Croix threw a joint baby shower for me and my friend, Brandyn. We were totally blown away by everyone's generosity, support, encouragement, and love ... thanks, everyone!!

BabyShower02
Imagining what our babies will look like ...

Belly30
In the last couple weeks before Levi is born ... my mom and I spent a lot of time walking Ha'Penny Beach, hoping to encourage the baby to come on his own before I had to be induced!

Belly31
With my mom ... at about 40/41 weeks

Belly32
At about 40, 41 weeks ... at the end of Ha'Penny Beach

DateNight
Dressed up for our last date night before Levi arrives! We went to a delicious Thai restaurant in Christiansted

Belly33
At Duggan's Reef Beach with my mom ... about 40, 41 weeks

Belly34
Lounging by the pool in the last week or so before Levi is born!

Belly35
Elevating my feet and doing my proofreading in the week or so before Levi is born

Belly36 - 41 weeks
The day my labor began, Wednesday, June 3, 2009. Went for a walk on the beach with my mom to encourage the process along ... contractions weren't too painful at this point!

Belly37 - 41 weeks
The biggest "The Belly" ever got, thank goodness!

Belly38 - 41 weeks
Last day with "The Belly"

Belly39 - 41 weeks

The last couple of weeks have been SO frustrating. By the time he was about three months old, Levi was doing really well as far as sleeping through the night ... sometimes he'd wake up and fuss but all I would have to do would be to give him his pacifier and he'd go right back to sleep. But lately ... I don't know if he's been going through a growth spurt or he's teething or it's gas or it's something else altogether, but the nights have been ROUGH lately. He just keeps waking up and crying ... I've tried his pacifier, I've tried bouncing/rocking him to sleep, but too often have to resort to feeding him. I'll go to bed and right as I'm drifting off into sleep, it seems like Levi will wake up and start crying. So for the last couple of weeks, I've been nursing him one to three times per night. We've even tried giving Levi his first solid food, rice cereal, before bedtime, but it doesn't seem to help, just make a mess. I spent half of a night recently attempting to sleep with Levi on the couch (which I hadn't done since he was a week or two old) just so I could get some sleep. It is exhausting and just so frustrating because it feels like we're going backwards. It wouldn't be so bad if I just knew the reason why; it would help me to have more patience and understanding. And I do hope he'll go back to sleeping better again, but right now it feels like it's never going to end ...

Levi gets more and more active each day, and it's not a little scary! Yesterday I put him in his car seat baby carrier, which up until now has been a pretty safe place to put him. I went into the other room for a few minutes and suddenly heard him screaming. I ran out into the living room to find him sprawled face down onto our hard cement floor! He had apparently been trying to sit up and leaned too far forward. I picked him up right away, of course, and he immediately stopped crying, so he wasn't hurt at all, but it still really scared me ... unfortunately, I think this is only the beginning of him scaring me like this! Hope he has a good guardian angel assigned to him. =)

When I put him down for a nap, he never stays in the same position, in fact, he usually ends up in exactly the opposite direction and halfway onto his stomach instead of on his back. Guess he's trying to figure out the most comfortable way to sleep. He doesn't always like to be held anymore, either. He squirms around and arches his back and kicks as hard as he can and attempts to throw himself out into space ... he has absolutely no understanding of consequences or pain and is thus utterly without fear ... yikes!

I don't know if it counts as an out-and-out laugh yet, but Levi is sure working his way up to that! He started with an occasional random half chuckle and now that I've figured out some of his tickle points (which may or may not work, depending on his mood -- but isn't that like anyone?), I can get him to laugh and squeal and smile at me. Oddly enough, he seems most ticklish on his thighs! He's also ticklish under his chin, on his ribs, and on his feet. It's fun playing different games with him, like peek-a-boo, lifting him up in the air, or holding him up to the mirror ... the minute he sees his reflection, he gets all excited and tries to reach out to hold his own hand. =) I love how expressive his eyes are, even if he has a pacifier in his mouth, I can tell from his eyes if he's happy or sad/mad or tired. Love this boy!! =)

This morning, Levi officially rolled over!! He's been rolling over a lot lately from his back, but just onto one side and then the other, it hasn't been a complete roll-over from his back to his stomach. I'm not very good at giving him "tummy time" because he doesn't seem to like it very much and it doesn't take long for him to become fussy. This morning, I put him on his stomach and was making breakfast in the kitchen while Derek was keeping an eye on the little guy. I heard Levi start to make his usual irritated noises at being stuck on his stomach and suddenly Derek said, "He rolled over!" I think he did it out of just not liking to be on his stomach. =) So of course I went over and put him back on his tummy and we watched as he did it again ... in agonizingly slow motion, it seemed. So proud of him! =) Will have to try and capture it on video ...

Lately I've been pondering the sacrificial aspects of parenthood, in particular, motherhood. Not that fathers don't sacrifice and aren't involved, but it seems that from the moment a child begins to grow, a mother has to learn to sacrifice for that baby ... from what she wants to eat ... to a body that begins to stretch and grow and get in the way of everything ... to a marathon of contractions ... to the physical pain of labor and delivery ... to sleepless nights ... to still wearing maternity clothes even after the baby has been born ... to being covered with spit-up at the most awkward, inopportune moments ... not that I'm complaining or regretting a moment of it and certainly not that Levi hasn't been worth it all! It's just given me something to think about ... a realization of what my own mother did for me, and even a tiny, tiny glimpse of what God does for us, especially what He did for us when He allowed His only Son to go to a cross for us so that we could be forgiven and redeemed. This incredible, ever-growing love I have for Levi allows me to sacrifice myself for him ... even if I'm feeling sick or tired, his needs still have to be met, and they come before mine. And God loves us all, even when we had joined the enemy in hatred against him. I'm so awed and humbled by that thought!

I've found that God has really been revealing Himself in new ways to me as I've begun this journey into motherhood. So often, I have to laugh or sigh at the illogical things Levi does, like when he's hungry and trying to eat but pushing away at the same time, sometimes even seeming to prefer sucking on his fist instead of drinking his milk. Isn't that so like us? Instead of taking the life-giving, nurturing, perfect-for-us-in-every-way food that God offers us, we push it away and instead look to what the world offers us to meet our hunger and fill that hole in us that only He can fill. Or we look to ourselves to try and meet our own needs as we attempt to seize control of every situation and circumstance. So many times, I feel that Levi should be perfectly happy and content, when he has a full stomach, when he's had a good long nap, when he's just had a bath and a fresh diaper, when I'm holding him close ... but no, he cries and fusses ... for what, I wonder? And then I realize that is so often what I do with my own Heavenly Parent ... He has given me so much more beyond what I even need and still I fuss and whine and ask for more, never content, never satisfied ... And yet God is so merciful, so tender in His love for me, His daughter, incredible, incredible. In other ways, I learn more positive lessons from Levi, from the way he utterly trusts us, from the way his entire face lights up just when I walk past, from his usually joyful demeanor. I pray I could re-learn that trust and joy that I must have also once had as a child. Somewhere along the way, sadly, we have lost that ...

Thanks for giving me these little glimpses and insights, God, and help me to continue to see You working in and through my son. =) So many unexpected blessings I've already begun to discover as a parent!

Levi hasn't been totally consistent when it comes to sleeping through the night ... mostly, I believe, my fault, as I'm not 100% consistent myself in keeping him on a schedule throughout the day ... but more often than not, he is sleeping through the night, and I've definitely been enjoying it! =) Thank you, God!

Levi did it again last night, slept all night long! We put him to bed around 9 p.m., drowsy but partially awake, and he didn't even cry himself to sleep at all! The last week or so we've been trying to teach him to go to sleep on his own, which has unfortunately meant several nights of him "crying it out" :( But hopefully his sleeping through the night is a sign it's paying off! And maybe he's learning. He slept until about 6 a.m. this morning, barely making a sound all night long. So here's holding my breath he'll do it a third night in a row!! =)

Levi actually slept through the night last night! He slept through the night! He slept through the night!!! Can't believe it. =) From about 11 p.m. to about 8 a.m.! He fussed a few times and I got up once to give him his pacifier, and then he fell back asleep! The only problem is that now HE has ME trained to wake up about 3 a.m. and then at least by 6 a.m., so I admit I had a difficult time taking advantage of the extra hours of sleep available to me this morning ... But we've definitely hit a milestone ... Levi has slept through the night!

Every day, Levi, now about 3 months old, seems a bit more solid and more like a little boy instead of just a loveable lump of a baby! I can't believe how much he's growing ... he doesn't fit comfortably in one arm anymore, now his long limbs dangle and move and kick ... he's getting so squirmy that it's difficult to hold him in one position for any length of time. His face is more round and he's definitely developing rolls of fat; I can't believe how chunky his thighs are getting! I'm guestimating he's between 13-15 pounds now ...

 

All too often, I catch myself wishing for Levi to be "just a bit older" so we can interact more ... looking forward to taking him swimming at the beach and playing with him, hearing him laugh, watching him take his first steps, reading to him, etc., etc. But when I stop and think about how much he's grown and changed already, how he'll never be my tiny 7-pound scrawny baby ever again, how he'll never sleep 18 hours in a day again, I already find myself missing who he once was. I guess the important thing to remember is to just treasure the present and each moment I have with my firstborn son, because all too swiftly the time will fly by and he won't want to be held by me anymore, he won't be looking to me for all his nourishment and comfort ... and even though there are definitely frustrating and difficult times, I know I'll miss it when it's gone ... fortunately, God willing, I have many years ahead of me to enjoy all the moments of being with Levi as he grows up. =)

Sometimes I catch myself getting frustrated with Levi because he won't sleep any longer or he wants to be held instead of being content playing by himself ... just so I can finish whatever project I happen to be working on at the moment or want to get more housework done or want to sleep just 10 minutes more ... and then I have to remind myself that he is way more important than getting the dishes washed or finishing the chapter I'm reading. He is the whole reason I am staying home in the first place, he is my priority right now. When I stop to think about it, I'm blown away by what a blessing and a joy he is, even when I'm so incredibly tired or my back and arms are aching from bouncing him. When he breaks out into one of his amazing grins just at the sight of me or sound of my voice, all the time I've invested is all worth it, and I'm struck anew by this awesome gift God has brought to our lives.

We've been visiting our families up here in Washington state for a couple of weeks now and have been having a wonderful time ... definitely a great decision to come up here. We had been concerned about what it would be like to travel with a newborn, but after talking with numerous people, including our pediatrician, we were reassured time and time again that infants travel really well ... and that indeed has been our experience! Levi did great on the flights up here (better than we did, I think); he slept most of the time and everyone oohed and aahed over our precious baby. =) The grandparents have been having a lot of fun with their first grandbaby around, and with so many willing hands eager to hold the baby, we've had more time to rest and relax ... and also we've been enjoying the dry desert heat and air-conditioned houses :) Thanks to everyone for helping out, for the great food and being willing to hold a crying baby and for spoiling us. =)

I knew there was no way to really be prepared for this, but I really had NO idea what I was getting myself in for! I had expected to wake up throughout the night to feed the baby, but didn't realize I was going to be up ALL night! It's been challenging for sure, but whenever I look at his adorable little face, my heart melts and I know I can do it for him ... be it staying awake all night, rocking him to sleep even though my arms are tired, or changing yet another dirty diaper ... I know he's worth it. =) He's only been here for a little over a week but already I can't imagine my life without him ... God has really blessed us! I only pray He will continue to guide us and give us wisdom as we stumble ahead into the unknown ...

9/2/2009 6:20:22 PM - 001050478260
I sure love technology these days! Thank you for letting Lenny and me into your lives. We love you lots and lots! xoxo

7/2/2009 8:13:12 PM - 001000607448
Love the beautiful photos. Hope you're enjoying your time home.

6/25/2009 12:14:25 PM - 002075464790
what a wonderful welcome

4/1/2009 12:39:12 PM - 002062883766
Hey I love the pictures

3/31/2009 12:04:21 AM - 002062566011
You take great pics!

Playtime

Levi at 4 1/2 months, having the time of his little life in his exersaucer and expressing himself in a multitude of smiles, shrieks and squeals as he wobbles about on his unsteady legs =) 

Rolling Over!

Levi officially rolled over (from his stomach to his back) several weeks ago but I was only able to capture it on video this morning =) He's now 4 months old and so much more efficient at it now!

Peek-A-Boo!

Levi smiling and playing in his beginning-to-laugh stage at 4 months (17 weeks) ... he's getting to be so fun to play with!

Levi at 14 weeks/ 3 1/2 months

Captured him moving around and making little noises to himself :) He is, as usual, staring with intent interest at the ceiling fan!

Levi at 10 weeks

He's 2 1/2 months old already! Here are his adorable hiccups caught on video =)

Levi Gerrit at 8 weeks

Hanging out with my son! Such a joy =)

Levi at 7 weeks

Almost laughing! Definitely smiling =)

Levi at 5 weeks

Can't believe how much he's grown and changed already ... I love how he's starting to smile and interact with us a bit and the adorable cooing sounds he makes ... like he is beginning his own little language. It's so much fun to watch him just take everything in and trying to see the world through his eyes as this unbelievable new place full of incredible things! =)

August 2009
Shoy's Beach and the Mermaid Beach, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands
October 2009

August 16, 2008
Hibiscus Beach, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

2004-2008
A compilation of photos during Tony and Cherith Wagner's time on St Croix