Sleeping Angel

This is my little angel, taking a really good nap after church today. All this week after doing her night-night routine (bath, jammies, read a book from Aunt Jessica, sing a song or two, say prayers and then swaddled and kissed a few times and then lights out), we have been leaving her to put herself to sleep. And when I say "we", I really mean ME since Dan had to work the night shift. It was really hard doing this training all on my own but luckily Dan was only a text away and he talked me out of going in there many times. It has paid off already! She is pretty much going down for naps without crying and last night she only cried for 15 minutes! It was wonderful! However, it is also sad because it means she is growing up and this is one step towards her not needing me to do something for her! (In the top right of the photo is her Miss Kitty).

I was so worried that she was going to be all mad at me the next morning but she still greeted me with her big smile as though she were saying "Good morning mom! I'm happy to see you!" Ahh, being a mom is the best!

Speaking of growing up, she also sprouted her first little tooth this week. I have already had the "pleasure" of knowing what it is like to nurse a baby with a tooth but it is so fun to see it. Yet another reason for me to be all weepy though. I actually cried because it means she will no longer be my toothless grinning baby! (I also cried the day her umbilical cord fell off...even though I was so happy that finally happened so I could give her a real bath!)

Tickles and Giggles

Who can resist a baby's laugh? Little Anne seems to have selective tickle times. She doesn't always giggle when we tickle her. But when she does, it is so cute and so much fun!

Anne and Red Finally Meet

We took Antonia to meet Red yesterday. It was a little later in the evening and she was ready for bed (thus the cute jammies) but I think she enjoyed the walk and just being outside. Red just loved having us there to see him. Since little Anne has joined our family, he has been a little neglected by Dan and I but thankfully Taylor and Heather take good care of him. And he even has a little buddy (Sarg - Tay and Heather's little dog). We will be really happy once our house is completed and we can have Red with us again!

Anne and Red Photos

Fun with Papa

One of my most favorite memories of my dad growing up is when I was about 4 years old and he took me up on the hill behind our house. We sat on the grass and looked up at the clouds. We talked about Heaven and what we thought it would be like and he also talked to me about when I grow up and that I needed to pray for my future husband because he may not be a member of the church yet. He was right on that one since Dan didn't join the church until I was 8 years old. I'm sure there were other things we talked about but those are the things that stick out most for me.

Now, to see my Dad (Papa to Antonia) laying out on the grass with Anne brings back all of those memories. Although I am sure Anne won't remember this specific day with Papa, I'm sure there will be many more to come that will be memorable for her.

Antonia is 4 months old

I can't believe that my little Anne is now 4 months old! She is growing so fast. She is so much fun and we love her so much!

Anne is really starting to explore the world around her...through her mouth! That is where everything is going these days so I have to really watch what she gets her hands on. She also is developing her lungs. She loves to squeek and squeel and at various volume levels...my favorite one is the really quiet one!

What a great blessing and opportunity it is to be a parent and to be able to see the progression! Just tonight, to our amazement, Anne rolled from her back to her tummy! She has only rolled from her tummy to her back once so I thought we would be a little ways off from this one. I'm just glad that Dan was home to be able to see it!

Having little Anne with us makes all those years of waiting well worth it. She is just such a joy to have in our home.

July 4, 2008