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.