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.