Happy Birthday Jenna

Today we had lunch at the Johnson's to celebrate Jenna's birthday. We enjoyed ribs, cupcakes, ice cream and Mario Cart on the Wii and Annika entertained herself with one of her favorite past-times at Grammy and Grampy Johnson's: pulling the magnets off their fridge.

Happy Birthday Jenna - we love you!

SNOW DAY

The first blizzard of the season created an opportunity for Branden, Annika and I to have a week-day home together. Because of the REALLY cold temperatures we didn't let Annika get her first experience in the snow, but she had a lot of fun pressing her nose against the door and looking at all of the white stuff falling from the sky. Some people groan when snow is forcasted, but it's part of the reason we love living in Michigan.

Oh Christmas Tree

It always feels like the day that our Christmas tree goes up feels like the official start of Christmas. We love going through our ornaments every year and talking about the memories that each one brings to mind. This year Annika will start collecting her set of ornaments. A set that will build every year and that she will take with her someday when she starts a family of her own, just like our parents did for us.

9 Months

Annika turned 9 months old on Saturday. Today we attended her 9 month appointment and found out that our little girl is definitely a peanut - 10th percentile across the board. She's weighing in at 16lbs and measures 26 7/8" Everyone is always commenting on how tiny she is, but we think she's just right.

The newest development is that we've been struggling to get good pictures of Annika. This is due to a couple of factors: 1) Annika is constantly on the move. She has a blurry face in 3/4 of the shots taken. 2) She knows what a camera is and refuses to smile for it. Thankfully we catch her off guard every once and a while so we can share her silly (still toothless) grin. I know I'm biased, but I still melt every time she giggles or smiles.

Happy 9 months Annika

A Wonderful Thanksgiving

It's amazing how fast 5 days away from work can fly by, but both Branden and I are so thankful for the wonderful Thanksgiving weekend we had. We spent the thanksgiving holiday with the Peckenpaugh family and enjoyed some relaxing time with the Johnsons later in the weekend. We are so blessed to have our families, friends, home, jobs and God's never ending grace.

Here are some photos of Thanksgiving with the Peckenpaughs...

Standing & a Shiner

This weekend Annika has become obsessed with standing. Not only is she pulling herself up, but she is also showing her daredevil side by letting go and testing her own balance. She's still pretty wobbly, but can stand unassisted for a surprisingly long time. Starting to pull herself up has also resulted in a lot more tears. I'm starting to understand why some parents resort to protecting every corner in the house with foam. Despite all of her tumbles, her first goose egg came about this weekend when our dog Gordy toppled her over while she was crawling. She has quite the shiner to show for it. With every day that passes we're having to watch her (and everything around her) more and more carefully. Here are a few photos of Annika standing next to our coffee table as well as a moment I caught her balancing on her own.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

8 Months...and moving

Annika turned 8 months old this week and decided that she should mark the occasion with a few big milestones...she's crawling and she was found standing in her crib. Though she doesn't move too quickly yet, she's mastering her own special crawling technique that she's getting more skilled at every day. I suppose it's time we really took a close look at our outlets and cabinets and that we lower her crib. I'm not sure why it makes me a bit sad to lower her crib, but I feel like it marks the passing of the true baby stage. Everyone says that time flies, but I don't think you really understand until you're in it. Happy 8 months Annika!

Last weekend we had the opportunity to spend some quality time with some Chicago friends. We spent a sunny autumn weekend in Michigan wine tasting, eating, relaxing and playing games. Branden and I are big fans of games, so we were happy to be in the company of friends with the same affinity. Hopefully we'll find time to gather again soon!

Autumn Weekend

This weekend we celebrated the fall weather with apple picking & dinner in Saugatuck with friends. Our moments outdoors were brief due to the brisk 40-something temperature on Saturday, but we are taking advantage of every moment before winter sets in.

Seven Months!

Last week Annika turned seven months old. I've been treasuring every day lately because she is getting more and more determined to start moving. It is only a matter of time before we will be chasing her and unable to take our eyes off her. I suppose then I won't need to worry that I still haven't figured out when working out will fit back into my life. Who needs a gym when you have a baby on the move?

A is for Autumn Antiques in Allegan

It is a summer tradition for my friend Courtney and I to go antiquing at the Allegan antique fair the last sunday of the summer months. Today Annika came along for a girls afternoon, enjoying both her first antiquing trip as well as the last fair of this season. The September antique fair is one of my favories because many of the booths merchandise their goods with autumn decor. The cool morning, hint of color in the trees and plump pumpkins put me in the mood for the changing seasons. This coming week may call for some homemade soup and apple cider.

Picnic on the Beach

Last weekend we celebrated the end of an amazing summer on the beach in Shorewood. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for an indian summer, but the darker, colder mornings are the nagging reminder that fall and (eek) winter are just around the corner. Annika has become quite the beach baby and while we enjoyed roasting hot dogs over the bonfire, she gobbled up her carrots under the beach umbrella.

6 Months!

It's hard to believe that Annika is already 6 months old. We've really enjoyed the last month. She is sitting, babbling, giggling and getting her hands on everything in sight. Last night we introduced carrots to mixed reviews. It is so exciting to watch her discover the world around her.

Every week she seems to have a new facial expression to share with us. This week she's moved from a wide-open mouthed smile to a silly tight-lipped grin. Here are a few photos of our little grinning sitter.

This week we are also excitedly awaiting news of Annika's new cousin who is scheduled to be delivered Friday morning. Branden's sister Jody is expecting and we can't wait to find out whether it will be a little boy or a little girl.

Yum Yum Yum

Tonight we gave Annika her first taste of solid food. She gobbled it right up and I think we even succeeded in getting more in her mouth than on her face. It's really hard to believe that she's growing up so fast. I get sad for every stage that passes, but each new thing is so fun. I think we see more frequent baths in our future...

Summer Fun

It has been so fun to watch Branden and Annika's relationship grow this summer. Even though it is hard for me to be at work every day, I feel so blessed that Branden has been able to be home the last couple of months. He is such a great Dad and radiates with love for his little baby girl. Here they are together enjoying a beautiful August day.

A Wedding to Remember

Congratulations Becca and Chris. Your wedding was a dream. The perfect day for a perfect pair.

5 Months

Annika is growing and changing like crazy, discovering the world around her more every day. It is hard to believe how fast the first 5 months of her life have gone. Sometimes we want to stop time and keep her a sweet baby forever.

Celebrating 5 Years

It is hard to believe that 5 years ago today Branden and I promised our lives to each other. In ways it seems like these years have flown, but, but when I think of all that has happened--a house, 2 dogs, jobs, a baby--I realize what a wonderful life we're building together and how 5 years have changed us. I thank God every day for giving me such a loving friend and partner and can't wait to see what the next 5...10...25...50 bring us. Happy 5th Anniversary!

Girls Night Out

In one week my sister Becca will be getting married. To celebrate her last days as a bachelorette I hosted a girls night out that included a fantastic cooking class at the "Cracked Egg" cooking school. We made delicious tapas while sipping on homemade ginger ale. Congratulations Becca! We can't wait to celebrate with you next weekend.