Cousin Bonding

This week, Anna got to spend some quality time with her cousins, Devon and Dylan. Devon, who is 8 years old, was so great with Anna. Everytime he walked into the room where Anna was, he would wave and say "Hi baby Anna!" He was constantly trying to play with her and take care of her... so cute!!!


I left Anna in Devon's care for a few minutes, while I was doing the laundry. When I came back into the room, I found that Devon had gotten down right next to Anna so that he could keep a close eye on her.

I Found My Thumb!!!

This week, Anna has taken to sucking her thumb. She also reached down to play with her feet for the first time yesterday. It is so neat to watch her discover and enjoy new things! This morning, we went out for a stroll and rested on a grassy hill... I took this pic of Anna relaxing in the shade... sucking her thumb.

A FUN WEEKEND!

On Saturday we headed to the LA County Fair. We didn't end up arriving there until 5 pm, just as the sun was getting low in the sky and it was cooling off. It was so fun to bundle up and enjoy the cooler weather after a hot summer! The highlight of the fair was the Maternity Barn. It was so sweet to see the newborn babies! In one pen, newborn sheep babies were just learning how to walk... taking a few steps and then falling. The mama sheep would walk behind their babies nudging them to get back up.... so cute! In the pig pen, little pink piglets were running after their mom trying to get milk. Their little curly tails are adorable.

Then on Sunday, we had a church Baptism and BBQ at the Aquatic Center. We took Anna swimming... she didn't smile or laugh, but she didn't cry either... :)

The Latest Statistics!

Anna had a doctor's visit today. I absolutely love her pediatrician... she's young but very thorough! At the appointment, Anna was given her first set of shots... three in her thigh and one oral. Poor Baby! I thought my heart was going to break when I watched her sweet little face scrunch up and let out a huge cry. But she made it... and now we are home and cozy.

Here are the statistics at 11 weeks:

Weight: 13.8 lbs (89th percentile)
Length: 26 in (95th percentile)

Everything looks good and she is happy and healthy! (And BIG!!)

Watching "Bambi" in Her "Bumbo"

Anna likes to sit upright, although she is still working on the whole "neck control" issue. She spends a few minutes in the Bumbo each day practicing the art of holding her head up. The only way to get her to look up while sitting, rather than staring down at her hands, is to plop her in front of the television. I swore I would never do this... but alas, she loves it! What can you do? (At least it's Bambi and not CSI)
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Some Pics of Eric's last trip to Panama! AUGUST 07

Eric and Shawn... Buddies

Some members of the team: Shawn, Genaro, Eric & Alejandra

Lush vegetation...

La Chorrera (30 minutes outside of Panama City)

The boys...Genaro, Shawn, Eric, Pastor Ray, Pastor Bert

My Happy Girl!

Milestones and updates this month:

Anna is smiling a lot!

She is reaching for and grasping her toys!

Today she even held a toy up in the air! A First!

She talks constantly to her toys with the sweetest cooing you have ever heard!

She has been sleeping all night since 6 weeks!

She is wearing size 6 months!

We are very proud parents!!!

PASSPORT PLEASE!!!

Eric and I have been praying about serving as missionaries in Panama. For several years, we have been doing the necessary preparations at our church... and Eric has been down there twice in the past few months to scope things out. Now it is our turn! Anna and I get to go to Panama in November! Which means she needs a passport! Very exciting!

Say "Cheese!"

Anna Grace at 8 weeks! First photo shoot... (well, mom and dad's attempt at a portrait studio look)

Cousin Abuse!

This past week, while Eric was in Panama, Anna and I went to stay at Grammy and Poppy's. For a few days, we were joined by cousin Hailey. As you can see in this picture, the girls are already having conflicts! Uh-Oh!

(Just a note: Hailey is actually sweet as pie and would never intentionally punch her dear cousin Anna in the face!!!) :)

A Whale of a Tale

Fish have always been a part of our relationship. While we were dating, Eric and I would spend time walking around PetSmart looking at fish (not much to do in Temecula!) After we were married our love of fish continued... we even spent several hours in a fish store while waiting to go to the airport to leave for our honeymoon!

A few months into our marriage, I bought Eric a 20 gallon aquarium to fill with his very own fish! This birthday gift was a huge hit. After a successful go at building and establishing an aquarium, Eric and I purchased a large 75 gallon aquarium... it was beautiful.

Not long ago, we decided after many expensive trips to the Aquarium of the Pacific, to become members. It was very exciting to receive our membership packet and get ID cards! We now can go to the aquarium anytime and we even have our own special entrance (we feel very important).

While in labor, we made a trip to the aquarium that proved to be the transition from easy labor to agony! And so, it was only fitting that we take the result of that agony, our beautiful baby girl, to the aquarium for her first encounter with our beloved fish!


Clearly, she loves it! She especially enjoyed the Baja California exhibit.




A father imparting his hobby to his firstborn.

Taking a break in the Scuba Cafe (surprising, the aquarium cafe has great food!)

A Pain in the Neck!

Early Monday morning, I was awakened by the sound of Anna crying from her crib. I sat up in bed, ready to go pick her up, and I felt a horrible pain radiating from my neck. I tried to turn my head, but it was too painful. I slowly lay back down and tried very hard not to move my head or neck. I have no idea how it happened, but somehow I threw my neck out during the night. Eric only had a few minutes before he needed to get to work, so I quickly dialed my mom! Eric was able to stay home for a few more hours and help with Anna, and my mom arrived at my place soon after he had left for work. Thank God for Grammys!

I was able to get a chiropractic appointment soon after my mom arrived, and he did a quick adjustment. For the rest of the day, I was basically on the couch, trying not to move... it was AWFUL! My mom ended up staying the night and helping with Anna which was such a blessing! (Thanks Mom!)

During the course of the day, we were able to snap this picture of Anna smiling at my mom! She had begun to smile a little before, but this was the biggest smile yet and the first one we were able to capture on film.

Anna's First Trip to the Beach

Today was a beautiful, sunny Saturday, and Eric and I decided to take Anna and meet up with Chad, Mindy and Hailey at the dog beach. We love Huntington Beach in the summer and I just recently bought a little tent for Anna to nap in when we go! She was awake for about an hour and a half and then it was time for a nap. She looked so peaceful snoozing on the beach! And Hailey and Anna took turns sporting an stylish pair of pink sunglasses. Scarlet was miserable, of course, and when we got home Scarlet and Anna each had a bath!

A Lazy Morning...

Today we have no plans and began the day just hanging out... the three of us. Scarlet really enjoys the baby, and is constantly trying to get close to her. We have to monitor their interaction, however, because Scarlet doesn't seem to realize that her paws and claws can hurt the baby... but I think they will grow to have a special bond, and I am really looking forward to that!

A First for Mommy and Daddy

Anna is a little over 4 weeks old, and Eric and I decided it was time to go on a date! Grammy came up to watch Anna while we went to Benihana's. It was so awesome to sit down to dinner together (although we ended up talking mostly about the baby!)

Anna is getting bigger everyday (and her hair is getting longer as well!) Today she began smiling, first at Grammy and then I received the honor! It is so fun to see her little personality emerging each day. I love her so much... I can't even remember life before Anna.

BAD HAIR DAY?

Check out all this hair! Some days it is tame, some days (like today) it is WILD!