Trip to PA.

Annabelle and I just got back from visiting Stroudsburg, PA for a week. James was suppose to be traveling for work so we thought it would be a good week to visit, but it ended up James wasn't traveling. That's ok, he definitely took advantage of being child and wife free for a week with climbing, hiking, and sleeping. He was missed, though.

Annabelle loved being with Grandmom and Pappy Wenck for a whole week, and I am pretty sure (and by pretty sure I mean %100 sure) that Grandmom and Pappy loved having Annabelle at their house for seven whole days. Unfortunately Annabelle got another ear ache so we had to take her to an immediate care center to get some antibiotics. I knew something wasn't right because she was not acting her self, but Grandmom was sure she was just being grumpy and had us let her cry her self to sleep, later to find out her poor little ears were bothering her. I made sure to tell Annabelle that it was all Grandmom's fault that she was upstairs crying in her crib, not Mommy's. Grandmom definitely had some guilt around that, but a lesson was learned: always go with Mommy's instinct.

We got to visit with lots of friends and family. One day Annabelle, Grandmom, and I drove up to visit with my cousins and their little ones. Annabelle loved playing with her cousins.

Annabelle also got to meet her two great-grandmothers on my side of the family. I loved showing off my daughter to my Grandmother's, and of course they both loved meeting Annabelle.

In addition to family, we also got to see some family friends. As usual, Annabelle was the center of attention.  I even had the chance to get together with my high school girl friends. It was wonderful seeing everyone and catching up. 

Besides seeing lots of people, we mostly just hung out and relaxed with Grandmom and Pappy and hung out with Uncle Ryan several times. And of course Annabelle visited her Uncle Ryan at the bar.

It was a great week and sad to say good-bye, but both Annabelle and I are also glad to be back home with James (Daddy) and in sunny Colorado.

Eight Months!

On 9/10/11 I turned eight months! No doctor's appointment this month (whoo hoo, no shots!). My parents were curious on how much I weighed so they put me on their scale and unofficially I weigh 15 lbs and 9 oz. Skinny but long. I am still fitting into most of my six month clothes, but have just started to move towards 6-9 month clothes.

Moving is the word for this month. In the beginning of the month I was rolling from one side of the room to the other in no time flat. I loved when my parents would leave me on the living room floor and go into the kitchen for 30 seconds and then come out with a look of surprise because I would be in a completely different place. I am beginning to learn that there are some things in the living room that I am not allowed touch. The fireplace screen is one of my favorites. It makes such a cool sound when I rub my hands across it and when I pull it the screen moves! But for some reason whenever I make my way over to the screen I am quickly picked up and placed in a different spot. That is ok, I don't give up and keep trying to play with it! After I became an expert at rolling, I was determined to learn how to crawl. For a couple of weeks I would get up on all fours and rock back and forth hoping something would happen so I would move forward, but usually I ended up just falling flat. However, just yesterday I was able to figure out that I can pull myself forward with my arms and by pushing my legs, so I am an official crawler! My parents are calling it a bittersweet moment, I don't understand what is bitter about it, I can move everywhere!!! (Check out the video)

I got my third tooth recently, too. I was a little cranky because it hurt, but nothing too bad. I am still eating lots of solid food and even started to eat some meat. It's not my favorite, but I eat it. I also started gumming on cheerios. Right now they are more fun to play with than eat-I like when they stick to my hand and I have to shake them off. My doggy, Brady, loves them too when they fall to the floor.

My days are filled with taking walks/runs with Mom and Brady, playing with all my cool toys, going to Gymboree classes, and going out and about in Denver with Mom. I loved the evenings because that is when my Daddy comes home and I can have some Daddy/Daughter time. I have a feeling my days in the upcoming month are going to be a lot more interesting since I have lots of new things to explore now that I am mobile!

Annabelle's first ND game and Baptism

So I have to start off with saying that the awesome time that was had this past weekend is obviously excluding the outcome of the game. Even with all of us sticking it out through two rain delays and a six hour game, the Irish still couldn't pull it off..........at least we had a lot of other things to celebrate.

First, family and friends were celebrated the whole weekend. Both James' and I's immediate family were present except for Annabelle's Uncle Chriff who had to work and was missed dearly. In addition to our family, lots of our wonderful friends joined us for ND/Baptism weekend. For most of our friends it was the first time they got to meet Annabelle, so it was very special.  Our family rented a house two blocks from ND campus and our friends rented another house not far from us. Saturday was a day of tailgaiting that included lots of food and drinks. It was very hot outside so Annabelle only came for several hours. She was dressed to kill though (of course!). Grandmom Wenck volunteered to stay back with Annabelle at the house while the rest of us went into the stadium for the game. It was a very good decision considering the heat and then the severe thunderstorms that hit and caused the rain delays and a very, very long game. Nana Waechter joined Grandmom after the first rain delay, so Annabelle was able to watch the game in great company.



On Sunday, the next occasion was celebrated, Annabelle's Baptism. She wore James' dress that he wore during his Christening and the mass was celebrated in the Log Chapel on Notre Dame campus. Our friends and family were the only one's in attendance, it was a very intimate and special celebration. For most of the mass Annabelle loved being the center of attention and was in a great mood. She got a little itchy when she realized she had to stay seated for a little while and not be allowed to roll around on the floor (her new favorite thing), but over all was content most of the time. Uncle Ryan and Aunt Kate are the Godparents and did an awesome job at the ceremony. It was obvious both were very proud and loving Godparents. Looking at my daughter, my husband, and my wonderful family and friends that I love so much, all in one special place like the Log Chapel and surrounded by the Notre Dame tradition, definitely made me feel very blessed.

After the Baptism a picnic was held back at our house. The rest of the weekend continued like the beginning: friends and family having an awesome time enjoying each others' company and sharing in lots of memories, and of course enjoying more food and drinks. Did I mention how lucky James and I feel with such an awesome family and wonderful friends?! Annabelle will be hearing about this weekend forever, as it was one that will never be forgotten.