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?