Market

Anna and I have found a favorite Saturday morning adventure: the local farmer's market. We head downtown to see what yummy things we can find. There is all kinds of local produce and baked goods. There are also a lot of craft vendors. The rule at farmer's market: you either have to grow it or make it if you want to sell it. The white trailer and red tent sell local milk and ice cream. Most recently, they've added home made buttermilk biscuits to their menu-Anna and I agree, they are super delicious!


This Saturday, we happen to find someone selling puppies. Anna's gotta check them out...

Then we head to Anna's favorite vendor for a cookie. She knows that when I tell her we're going to market, she's gonna enjoy a cookie- not bad for a morning snack, huh?! They sell all kinds of baked goods. A stop at the cookie tent is always an exercise in restraint for mommie:)

Yummmmm....oatmeal raisin cookie

At 10:00, the fountains come one and you hear a collective squeal from all the kids on the square. Anna heads to check it out.....

She always gets within about 3 feet and decides that is close enough.

Then, with her belly full of cookie, it's time to play! I spend the next half hour following Anna around. She peeks in the doors and windows and visits with whoever she may run into. She just generally has a great time....and as always, looks super cute doing it!

We love our Saturday mornings at market! Maybe we'll see you down there sometime....

Look Who's 2!

Anna had her second birthday last month....wow! how far my little lady has come.....how is she already 2?! I can't believe how much she has changed. Last year, she was propped against the chair, in fact, I think this is one of the first pictures I have of her standing......

This year, I could hardly keep her still long enough to take a picture. My 2 year old is on the move. And can you believe how much she's grown?!



We had a small birthday party with the family, but like last year, she wanted nothing to do with her birthday cake. We had talked about her birthday cake all week and she seemed excited about it, but when the moment came and people were looking at her......

No way, Jose! We've celebrated 3 other birthdays since hers and Anna still says, "No thank you," to cake. So, this momma will wait a little longer for that famous "grab the cake with both hands and rub it in your hair and and all over your face" picture.

Sweet Anna, you amaze me everyday! I love your infectious smile and you deep belly laugh. I love your snuggles. I love how you tell me exactly what you think. I love your super sweet sweet spirit. And most of all, I love that I get to be your momma! Happy Birthday, little Lady!! I love you.......

Catch Up: Putting In and Taking Out

After 4 ear infections since November, the last of which wasn't gone after 3 antibiotics, Anna had tube put in her ears and her adnoids taken out at the end of April. We had a fantastic surgeon who said he could have them both done in 20 minutes....and true to his word, it was almost exactly 20 minutes from the time they took her from me until the time he came to let me know that everything went well!

Anna had a fantastic recovery and even went back to school the next day- just like nothing had happened! The biggest adjustment....she wasn't supposed to have anything crunchy or hard for 1 week- that included crackers! Anna could eat her weight in crackers!! However we both survived in good moods and sure enjoyed our return to crunchy carbs on day 8!

Hmmm, what's going on here? It's awfully early in the morning.....but don't I look so sweet in the gown?!

She was charming her nurses in no time and seemed to enjoy the attention she was getting.

Oooooo, I'm starting to feel kinda funny....

Happy juice is gooood!

I'm so thankful for the great care we received and for how well Anna has done. We are now a month post-op and no ear infections so far! And an added benefit of having her adnoids out- no more snoring! Maybe her grandparents should have their adnoids checked ;)

Summer's Here

We hope you had a happy Memorial Day! It's hot outside and it's time for 'timmin!! Anna donned her new 'tain tuit' and we headed over to my parents housefor a little splash in the pool.

Hey Hollywood!

Initially, Anna wanted nothing to do with the water. It was much more fun to play with the cups and dump water out.

She eventually warmed up to stand at the side of the pool and splash herhand in the water....so much for swimming, huh?! I guess we'll take baby steps to the big pool.

Well, what she lacks in water enthusiasm, she sure makes up for in CUTENESS!!

One Word Wednesday.....

Walking!!!!

We're Stilll Here

I'm not sure where the last month has gone..... I know we didn't sleep it away because sleep has been a luxury at our house...... Two ear infections, a 'famiversary week' celebration, 3 trips to the zoo, working on Anna's walking (she's able to walk with holding one hand!), finding some sprintime clothes......I guess we've just been busy!

A quick catch up (a warning- I'm going to brag on my girl!!):

• Anna's crawling every where....and FAST! She has fun crawling backward, crawling 'doughnuts' and shaking one leg when she's dancing. It's super cute!
• She's learning to use a fork and a spoon- such a big girl!
• She talks ALL THE TIME! She tells everyone she sees "Hi!" and will 'Hi' them until they acknowlege her. She'll ask, "How are you?" or tell you to "Have a good day!" More than once, someone has stopped me and said, "I remeber her; that's the talking baby!"
• She loves music and sings "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "Happy Birthay", and her ABCs. Not bad for a gal who's not yet 2!!
• Anna loves Elmo! I wonder how many mommies have been able to fix supper, clean the house or take a shower just because of Elmo?!
• Anna can count to 10 all by herself! Yes, I have a genius baby!!
• She has taken up to 12 independent steps- walking is still really hard work...short legs just don't get you very far. She can go a pretty 50-100' with one hand held, but walks like she just got off a horse.

So..... here's what you really came to see.......

Working on walking at therapy school

Happy St. Patrick's Day

My little gal looks so big


Happy Spring!.....can you see her new top tooth?

I'm amazed at how fast she is changing and growing. I'm so lucky to get to be her mommie! Hoping you all have a Happy Spring!

A year ago today.....

I held my sweet Anna for the first time! Stayed tuned.....