Thanks guys!

For the neato tea set and light-up spinny vacuum! I LOVE em!

Anna opens her Christmas gifts from Auntie Kwista, Uncle Tony and the cuzes... Dev & Dyl.

who doesn't love???

a good boy band! Not me! check out this Veggie Tales Silly Song! (We love them ALL by the way).

I'M IN A BASKET EVERYBODY!

After several days of watching Anna attempt to stuff herself into the small white toy bins, it finally occured to me to put her in the big toy basket. And she couldn't believe it! She sat in that basket, and didn't make a peep, for a good 15 minutes. She only stood up because daddy came in, and she needed to make sure that he saw her in the blue basket.
And in other exciting news, Anna has her first scraped knee! She was running around outside with all the other kids last Sunday evening, and she fell in the street and scraped her knee. She cried a little (but mommy didn't freak out!) A little cuddle and she was back to chasing the kids in the street.

HAIR! Then and Now...

At one month old, the first thing people noticed was her hair!  Now, at 17 months old, the first thing people notice is her hair!  What a cutie.

this is what it looks like...

when daddy has Anna for the afternoon. Baseball hat. Oddly wrapped diaper. And lots of fun!

Toddler Activities?

We are on day 5 of non-stop rain. NON-STOP. So we're all going a bit stir crazy! Normally we get out for walks to the "park" once or twice a day, but we haven't gone out at all this week. And it's caused me to start thinking that I need to provide Anna with more creative ways to play. (Even when the rain stops!). Can you suggest any fun & engaging activities for a toddler (17 months) that we can try indoors? Thanks!

Teeth brushing routine?

Okay people, I need honest answers here! If you have a kid under the age of 2 (or remember when you did) please share with me how often and how faithfully you brushed your child's teeth. Months ago someone in a baby forum I used to participate in, asked this question and EVERYONE replied that they do it religiously twice a day since the baby was sprouting tooth #1. Now, call me a skeptic, but I think at least SOME of them were fibbing. We brush Anna's teeth at night, about 90% of the time (occassionally we just flat out forget). But she basically won't really open up for the toothbrush, and so I fear that her teeth are not really getting clean and that I am a terrible mother! So tell me, what is your teethbrushing situation with your little one?

MELTDOWN!!!

As I type this, I am in a complete state of bewilderment. My almost 17 month old is having an insane tantrum that I cannot seem to manage or pacify. She is screaming- blood curdling screams- and flailing herself in all directions, banging her head on the floor, flipping her body around and clawing at my legs. I've tried picking her up, soothing her, singing, reading a book, changing scenery... EVERYTHING! The only thing I can think to do now is just flat out ignore her. And do you know what started this? She bit me, and I told her "No" sternly and tried to "explain" that biting was not going to be allowed. And then it started. AND.IT.WON'T.STOP.

I gotta go get some tylenol for my headache.

Please Pray For Our Baby...

We have a very sick kid down here. My poor, sweet baby continues to throw up, have diarrhea, and just in general not feel well. Last night I went in to her room to check on her around 11pm, and found her laying in a crib FULL of vomit. We had to get her up and give a cold shower (we don't have a water heater) after she'd already been asleep for hours. And wouldn't you know that sweet kid just went right back to sleep!

It's been over two weeks since this started and I'm just so sad for her. Our pediatrician said that since her fecal test came back negative for parasites or bacteria, she simply had a virus, gastroenteritis, and although it's probably gone, her little digestive system is just all out of wack. We are going to really be careful about only giving her mushy foods like rice cereal and ripe bananas, and keeping her hydrated, and just wait this thing out.

I feel so frustrated and helpless. There is NOTHING worse than seeing your child in pain. I know, in the scope of things, we have so much to be thankful for, and I know that God is in control of my baby's tummy. We'd appreciate your prayers.

Dancing and Pigtails!

Just another day...

just a cute pic...

a day in the life of Anna...

"Ooohh a camera!"

"Hmm... there's still 4 toys actually left in the toybin... We can't have that!"

"We're on the move toys..."

"Don't mind me, I'm just leaving my really neato house"

"What are you looking at?"

"I love you Scarlet... I give you kissies"

A Mommy Moment

Isn't it amazing how, as a mom, the small, seemingly insignificant little things bring so much joy into our lives? Today I was in the shower with Anna (we don't have a bathtub) and her hair was full of shampoo. Normally I have to use a cup, fill it with water, and gently pour it over her head to rinse her hair. (Keep in mind we don't have a water heater, so we are talking about cold water here!) But today she leaned back and let the water from the shower run over her head and face. I was utterly delighted by this act of bravery! I chuckled to myself later when I thought about how much joy I received from that one little moment. It's good to be a mommy.

Anna's Words...

... in order of appearance...

1. tickle (sounds like tick-a)

2. dog (sounds like d-uh)

3. uh-oh

4. good girl (sounds like guh-gil)
(this is in reference to Scarlet by the way)

5. no (this is my new favorite... yeah good times)

6. thank you (sounds like tay-tuh)

Notice any important missing words... like, I don't know, MAMA for example???

Thank you Auntie Kwista!

for my really super adorable dress! I love it! And look how cute I look in it!

Señor Papa

Little Anna hasn't figured out that these stylin' green glasses belong to

Mr. Potato Head (aka Señor Papa) and not her. But she's so stinkin' cute, we didn't tell her.

update on Anna

to read my post about Anna on Mommy Chronicles, click HERE.

Anna Gets Down to Silly Songs with Larry!

Getting into trouble!

Here is a photo of our darling, sweet Anna trying to recover a CD that she threw into the toilet. (Sorry Eric, it's one of your CD's that was left behind!) This kid is keeping me on my toes more and more everday!!!

Wild Animal Park! Yay!

Today we decided to spend the day together as a family! We found discount coupons online for the San Diego Wild Animal Park... and since Eric couldn't remember ever going, we thought it would make a fun day! And it was a blast! We waited until after Anna's long morning nap to head out, and we spent the whole afternoon enjoying the cool weather and beautiful animals. Anna was in a great mood all day, and had a very fun time!