Christmas Baby

Christmas around the house

Annabel loves 2 things most in this world right now: The Christmas tree and her puppy!

Annabel is 6 months old!!!

Where has the time gone? Everyone tells you when you have a baby that the time flies by too quickly and they weren't kidding!

Annabel has been up to a lot this month...she:
*Had her very first Thanksgiving
*Saw her first Christmas tree and LOVED it
*crawls backwards!
*Sits all by herself (with the boppy)!
*Babbles all the time and I swear she has said "MAMA" 3 times!
*Rolls and rolls and rolls
*Gets excited and squeals with joy!
*Loves everything that plays music, moves, or lights up
*Laughs all the time
*Studies EVERYTHING for a really long time
*LOVES her exersaucer. She bounces and bounces and bounces
*The dog is her favorite thing in the world!
*Reaches and grabs for EVERYTHING
*Is very good baby! She doesn't mind being in a room with lots of new people! Very sweet!

Annabel you are such a joy to be around and we love you so much! We can't wait to see what is yet to come!

Little Miss Annabel is 5 months old!

It has been amazing at how much more of a personality she has grown within the past month!

This month Annabel:
*Tries so hard to crawl but mostly scoots backward
*Tries so hard to sit
*Reaches/Grabs/Plays with EVERYTHING
*Loves her exersaucer
*Smiles and Giggles ALL THE TIME
*Loves her doggy! She finds him hilarious and loves to pet him!
*Eats solid food: she tried rice cereal fo the first time and loves it!
*Makes faces
*Has a sense of humor and finds mommy and daddy so funny!
*LOVES toys! Especially if they light up or move!

This past month has been SO MUCH FUN! We have loved every single moment with our little lady and cannot wait for what comes next! Such a happy time ahead!

Happy Halloween from the Lil Chicken Wing!

Annabel laughs

Ready for Halloween!!!

Annabel is 4 months old!!!

We have had a busy month and Annabel is at an age where she just keeps getting even more fun!

This month Annabel:
*LAUGHS and GIGGLES!!!
*Smiles when she knows someone is being silly with her!
*Laughs at raspberries being blown on her belly.
*Understands peek-a-boo!
*Had her first cold :(
*Started daycare and has been doing so well!
*Always follows mommy with her eyes wherever she is in a room
*Continues to be such a happy baby and lets everyone hold and snuggle her
*Pulled her toy hard enough (finally) so that it played a song and lit up
*Sleeps on her side in the crib and seems to move/roll all over in there!

Annabel, you are the sunshine in our lives and we love you so much! We look forward to so many more wonderful adventures with you and we love watching you grow!

Family Wedding

On the 18th of September, we all went to Indianapolis for cousin Ryan's wedding! Annabel was pretty much carried around all night dancing with Grandpa. It was so nice to see all of our family again! We miss them so much! Annabel also got to meet her second cousins Ella and Abby!!! Here are just a few pictures!

3 months old and so much fun!

Annabel is 3 months old today! Time has gone by so quickly and I am so proud of our beautiful little baby! She is funny, smart, and sweet and a joy to be around everyday!

This month:
*has continued to sleep through the night as she has since 2 months! She gets up occasionally once a night, but all we have to do is give her her binky back and she passes out for another few hours!
*Eats 5 or 6 ounces a feeding and sleeps from about 9 to 6:30 (give or take)
*Smiles!
*She is starting to giggle!
*Continues to try to pull herself up to sit
*SHE ROLLS OVER! Annabel rolled from her back to her front for the first time and then a couple minutes later, she rolled from her front to her back!
*She chats A LOT!
*She loves when you make funny faces at her and tries to imitate them
*She starting to understand the concept of peek-a-boo
*She still LOVES her bath and is too big for the net insert!
*currently weighs about 13 pounds!

Mommy went back to school this month and it was hard to leave this beautiful baby. But the days are busy and go by quickly! The best part is that Annabel will be home with Daddy for 3 weeks! They have really enjoyed their time together!

We love you Annabel with all of our hearts!

So much fun...so little time!

We have been enjoying these last weeks of summer vacation and they have gone by too quickly!

Here is some of the fun that we have been up to lately:

We went to Lake Geneva for a day and got to see Melissa and Brian. We especially love the lake and the entire downtown area! We got to hang out together and do a little shopping.

Aunt Kimmy came to visit and we had lots of fun shopping and walking around and watching movies! We really miss our aunties and our family a lot!!!

We went to Milwaukee to the annual Brand pig roast and had lots of fun! Annabel had to wear a huge sun hat to keep her out of the sun and she was not a fan. She got to meet some very lovely people and had lots of cuddles! It is something she will really look forward to every year!

Also, at 12 weeks 1 day...ANNABEL ROLLED OVER! Not just one time but first she rolled from her back to her front and then almost immediately kicked around and rolled from her front to her back! She is getting so big!

Baby is 2 months old today!

Annabel is now 2 months old and is becoming such a fun baby! She is a very happy, content, sweet, and funny little lady! We are enjoying every minute with her!

At 2 months, Annabel:
*Makes all kinds of noises and sometimes loudly (wonder where she gets that from?)!
*Will make these noises when you are talking to her as though she is talking back!
*Noticing herself in mirrors
*Punching and grabbing at the toys on her play gym. She can amuse herself for quite a long while in there! She also talks to the animals!
*She can follow you with her eyes when you enter a room
*She can hold her head and shoulders up while on her tummy
*Kicks her legs while playing all the time
*Sleeps for 4-5 hour stretches at a time
*Sticks her tongue out at you if you do it first
BEST OF ALL....

ANNABEL SMILES!!! It is the most beautiful thing we have ever seen! She smiles when you go to her first thing in her bassinet and she smiles back at you if you do it first or if you make funny faces and sounds!

You are a true joy, Annabel! We love you and can't wait to see what our beautiful and smart little lady shows us next!

Daddy Turns 30!!!

This weekend Grandma Joyce came to babysit because Andy turned 30! What a fun weekend for Annabel (and all of us, really). First we started the weekend by going to Andy's company picnic. We met up with some of Andy's friends, toured his building, and had some good food. Annabel, of course, was an angel as she slept the entire time! The next day, Andy and I went boating on the lakes of Madison with some friends and Annabel stayed home with Grandma. She also slept in her own crib for the very first time and it was a success. We are so blessed with such an adaptable little girl! She slept really well in this new space! It was a little bit sad though because I remember when she first came home from the hospital and we put her in her crib for a picture and she looked SO tiny. She is filling out the crib space rather nicely now! Time is flying by so quickly!

All You Need is Love

What I remember growing up were lots of lovely family members and close family friends around to provide lots of love, laughs, and support. I truly think that a great deal of who we become is due to those that surround us. As time continues, my heart is full of joy as we whitness the love that some of our most favorite people on Earth, people who have supported and loved Andy and I, are now providing that same love and support to Annabel. We are so lucky and blessed! As this continues, Annabel is going to grow up to be one very special and amazing young lady...I just know it! We really do have the very best family and friends.

This was a busy week+ full of visitors from some of our most favorite people. Lindsay, Melissa, Jana, Kim, and the Brewers. It was busy but the kind of busy that you never want to end! It makes me so happy to see these wonderful people love our little lady so much. We spent some time here and at various places downtown like the terrace and some restaurants. Everyone comments on what a well behaved baby Annabel is. We are so blessed and her sweetness and adaptability (from her daddy) are what allows us to take her on many adventures with us!

Happy Fourth of July!

This is the picture of a girl who slept through the ENTIRE fireworks show that we could see from our balcony :)

Annabel is one month old today!

July 1st, we have a one month old baby and we have managed to keep her alive! I kid, but being a parent is scary with no exact how-to manual! They just let you walk right out of the hospital with them! I must say that Annabel is a lucky lady with parents who truly enjoy being parents and have loved every minute of it. Even the lack of sleep. And the poop. This month has taught me about miracles, love and life. It has been a truly amazing experience.

One of the first things people say when you have a baby is, "Enjoy it! It goes by SO fast!" They aren't kidding! This month went by in the blink of an eye and we have had so many great moments already!

*We have learned to distinguish between Annabel's cries. She is usually either hungry, wet, or has lost her binkie.
*Annabel has become much more alert! She LOVES her swing and now stares at her mobile all the time.
*She stares at faces and makes her own funny faces
*She is starting to coo and make noises of her own
*She loves to dance or jazzersize in her crib!
*She is starting to grab on to things
*She still needs to wear her mittens because she still likes to have her hands up by her face and sometimes scratches, although this is getting so much better.
*Annabel loves her binkie...this could become a problem someday but makes her so happy for now...

Thanks for being such a wonderful, beautiful, and sweet little baby, Annabel. Each day is truly even better than the one before it. We cannot wait for the many more wonderful moments we are sure you will bring into our lives!

Auntie Lauren visits!

Over the past couple of days, Annabel has had quality time with Aunt Lauren! We are having a week full of visitors and couldn't be happier about it. I believe that part of the reason we become who we are meant to be is because of the people that surround us. Andy and I are so lucky to have some of the most wonderful family and friends and we cannot wait for Annabel to feel the same love that we have felt from each of them. During this visit, we took several walks to the park, had a picnic, watched some girlie movies (MANY more to come, I'm sure), went to dinner and for ice cream, and went to the zoo! The zoo in Madison is fairly small, but it is FREE and they have a HUGE play area. We can't wait until Annabel is old enough to enjoy such a fun place! It is amazing how fast you want to re-explore the world when you have a child. We played and spent quality time together and had such a wonderful time! We cannot wait for many more wonderful memories to share.

Annabel and Grandma

We have been so blessed with such a GOOD baby! It has allowed us to be fortunate enough to take her almost everywhere with us. We aren't the kind of parents that believe in sheltering the baby all summer long, so Annabel has been on a road trip home, on walks to the park since she was a week old, out to brunch with family, etc. It has been so nice to have her out and about with us, especially since we don't have the luxury of family living near us.

That being said, sometimes mommy and daddy need a night out...and that is exactly what we did! This past weekend, Grandma Joyce came up to babysit while Andy and I went to a wedding. IT WAS WONDERFUL!!! Andy and I had such a wonderful time dancing and spending time with friends and having conversations that didn't involve poopy diapers or laughing hysterically at a good adult conversation rather than at a funny face that the baby made. It was mostly fantastic because Annabel was with her grandma that loves her so much and Andy and I didn't have to spend the time away worried sick about her. In fact, I am proud to say that I never called home once (but Andy did sneak a text in to his mom that I later found out about :) Andy and I had a much needed wonderful night out and Annabel got a night full of grandma love. I'd say it was a success all around!

Annabel's first playdate!

It isn't easy living away from family and long time family friends who have supported you for so long. One thing that makes it better are the great friends that I have made here in Madison. I met Molly and Rachel when we all worked together at the daycare that Annabel will be starting at in the fall. We became friends so quickly and I am so happy to have met them. It was just easy right from the start, like we had always known each other.

We all had the day off today and decided to get together. We spent the day hanging out and catching up and Annabel had her very first play date with Rachel's son Nolan. Nolan was born on January 30th. I must admit that it was lovely spending this time together while everyone else was at work! I only wish the weather would have been nicer so we could have gone to the park. I know that we will have many more fun times together!!!

Annabel's first road trip!

This was a weekend with many firsts in the Bien household. We took our first road trip with an almost 3 week old baby, Andy celebrated his first Father's Day, and Annabel had so many firsts of her very own.

We packed up the car and took the 3 1/2 hour drive home to visit our families. I've heard other moms say that traveling is very different with a kid but never truly understood that until this weekend. First of all, we packed up the car and it looked like we were leaving for a month. I still felt like we had forgotten something. Second, you have to plan your trip around the baby's feeding schedule and plan to make stops along the way. Gone are the days of trying to hurry to get somewhere. Overall, I think we did a great job for a couple of rookies. We managed to get through the entire weekend with enough diapers and bottles and with minimal tears from each of us.

In the car, Annabel slept pretty much the entire way. We stopped once to feed and change her and she was pretty much passed out for the trip. It is amazing to me how quickly one can learn to feed and change a baby in the car, even with a dog to worry about. Hoosier was very well behaved and he slept most of the way as well! What a relief to know that since our family does not live too close that we can have a successful car ride home!

My parents had a cookout and family and friends stopped over to spend some quality time together and meet lovely little Annabel. She got even more clothes which officially makes her wardrobe bigger than mine! Everyone thought she was so sweet and adorable. She slept almost the whole time and was only put down long enough for everyone to eat some yummy food. She is so loved.

The highlight of the weekend was Sunday. It was Father's day and it made me so happy to see that Andy had such a wonderful day. He got breakfast in bed and Annabel got to meet his side of the family. First, we took her to the church that Andy's uncle preaches at. Everyone was very happy to meet our healthy and beautiful little baby! She was great in church...she slept the whole time in Grandma's arms. Then we went to lunch with Andy's family and my sister and dad. The best part was when great grandma Annabel met and held our Annabel! It was love at first sight! It was a moment I will never forget because Annabel is named after one truly amazing lady.

Coming home is always bittersweet because we miss our families so much. I want Annabel to always be surrounded by people that love her so much so I see many more road trips in our future!

Hopes and Dreams for Annabel

You look at your baby and cannot help but wonder what her life will be like. Seeing her cry now makes me want to cry and this problem can usually be resolved with a snuggle or a diaper change. I pray everyday that she has a life full of happiness and special moments but I know that there will be times where she will be upset and a simple diaper change or hug may not be enough :)

Here are my hopes,dreams and wishes for Annabel:

1. I wish for you, my sweet Annabel to be a very healthy child who grows up to live a very long and very happy and fulfilled life.
2. I hope you have a childhood full of fun and play! Take time to be a kid!
3. I wish for you to have a true understanding of how much we love you...even before you were born we adored you.
4. I wish for a sparkle in your eye...that special something that makes you truly love life and that makes others love being around you.
5. I hope you have a true passion for whatever career you choose. I hope you excel at so many things that you always have a lot of options!
6. I pray for you to have a smart mind that loves learning and appreciates the value of a great education.
7. I hope that you always feel beautiful. Because you are truly a beauty both inside and out.
8. That you always feel special.
9. That you take the time to make others feel special.
10. That you always take the time to exercise your mind, body, and soul...at any age.
11. Form a relationship with God.
12. I pray that you find a wonderful and true group of friends that fill your heart and make you laugh.
13. That you marry a man who is the love of your life, your very best friend, and that he adores and respects you for the rest of your life. I wish for you to find the kind of love that I have found with your dad.
15. That you stay true to what you believe in.
16. That you take time to do the right thing.
17. That you feel like you can be open and honest with us and trust us with your heart. That you know that you don't have to be perfect...you just have to try your very best. That you have a truly remarkable relationship with your aunts, uncles, and grandparents. They will help shape who you are. I am thankful for that...we have some amazing family members!
18. That you love unconditionally and forgive quickly...but don't let others walk all over you.
19. That you take time to have fun and take adventures...responsibly, of course :)
20. That you are cautious when appropriate but not to worried or afraid to really take chances!
21. That you are kind, sweet and respectful to others. Always.
22. That you are often found with a huge, beautiful and genuinely happy smile on your face!
23. That you remember to let loose...sing! Dance!LOVE! DREAM!


My sweet Annabel...we love you so much and cannot wait to see you smile!

Best Friends

You always worry about what your dog will do when you bring a new baby home. If you are anything like us, your dog was your baby before you had a baby. Our spoiled rotten but very sweet puggle is pretty hyper, so I was nervous. He spent a week with grandma Joyce when we first came home from the hospital and she seemed to talk some sense into him. He may just be the first dog who comes home to find a new baby and actually behaves BETTER! He is much calmer. He likes to sniff the baby but backs off when we tell him to. Within a day, he officially became her watchdog. He likes to watch her as much as possible.

The other day, we were giving her a bath in the kitchen and she was screaming bloody murder. Hoosier was up on his hind legs for the entire 20 minute ordeal and was barking like a mad man as if to say, "Stop hurting my baby!!!"

Just over 1 week in...

It is hard to believe how quickly the time is flying! I always thought that time went by so quickly but having a new baby makes it so go by so much faster! We are really looking forward to making a trip home to visit everyone, but it seems we have something going on almost every weekend with visitors, etc! It is going to be one busy summer and before we know it, it will be time to go back to work!

Annabel continues to be the sweetest baby. She only cries when she is hungry. She still has her days and nights confused and we need to work on this one.

We had our first outside adventure today walking in the stroller with daddy and the dog. It was a beautiful day outside. Unfortunately, she slept the entire time! Round 2 the next day was MUCH better and she was more alert!

Welcome to the world Annabel!

As the new proud parents of Annabel Christine Bien, we have decided to start a blog to celebrate this wonderful little lady. Since most of our family lives out of town, we felt like this would be a great way to keep them posted on our little miracle! It is also a great way for us to remember these times in her life as they go by so quickly!

Annabel was born on June 1st at 6:25 PM. She weighed 6 pounds 5 ounces and was 18 inches long. We stayed at the hospital for 2 days and were released on June 3rd. It was shocking that you have this baby and 2 days later, they just let you out into the world! It was shocking! It almost seems like they should at least give you a test or something! We were ready to start the adventure but were very nervous at the responsibility that was ahead of us. She is a perfect and beautiful baby and we couldn't be happier.

Andy has been the most wonderful daddy! He hasn't missed a minute. He helps with feedings and is up every time I am up. He loves to hold her and just stare at her beautiful face. He can't get enough of his little girl!

So far in her first week, Annabel has done a lot of sleeping. Although, I can't say the same for us! We haven't really gotten into the whole "nap while she naps" thing but we need to start. No one can prepare you for how exhausting this is! At the same time, nothing could be more worth it!

In her first week, Annabel:

• Has entertained us with her many funny faces
• Has amazed us with her beauty
• Has been a calm baby who only cries when she is hungry
• Is so small that NONE of her clothes fit! Not even the newborn ones!
• Has had a sponge bath over the sink
• Has learned to nurse fairly regularly
• Seems to have her days and nights confused (we are working on this)
• Looks like a little lobster when you burp her! She has to wear little mittens because she likes to scratch her face and when you burp her, she raised her arms up and moves them around. Hilarious!
• Has really enjoyed her swing
• Met her aunties and uncles! Our family has never felt more love and support. I know that this little girl is in great hands!
• Met her grandparents and fell in love!
  
• Met her doggy Hoosier and they instantly fell in love :)
• Did a photo shoot for her birth announcement with Grandma Joyce

She also earned herself the nickname "Chicken Wing" because she likes to keep her arms folded in by her face...making her look like a tiny little bird!
These are some of my favorite pictures from her first week. Enjoy! I know we do!