Bows are fun!

Proof that Mommy shouldn't be left alone with the baby, wrapping supplies, and the camera!

Party weekend!

This was a festivity-filled weekend. Saturday morning, Annika and I trekked up to Bothell for my college roommate's baby shower. The shower had a Dr. Seuss theme and was lots of fun. I was honored to be asked to make the cake for the event. Of course, a Dr. Seuss cake couldn't be symmetrical or just 1-2 colors! Leaning tiers and plenty of colors were on tap for this cake!!

After the shower, Annika and I zipped home so she could take a nap before our next party of the day. My brother's son (Ian) turned 7 years old on Saturday and had a breakfast for dinner party. YUM!! Pancakes for dinner ... really, what could be better? (I may have to swipe his idea for my birthday!)

First Step, First Trip to Kennewick, First Play Date

On August 10th, Annika took her first solo step. She's been walking with assistance for a little bit now, but this was the first time she walked without holding on to anything. She was walking along the coffee table and decided to visit Eric, who was on the couch. She ran out of coffee table before getting to the couch, so she took a step. It wasn't something that would be considered graceful, but it was a step!


We spent last weekend visiting family in eastern WA. It was HOT there... but the sayings about "dry heat" really are true. It hit 105 while we were there, but it felt to be in the upper 80s to low 90s. Of course, what do I do in such heat? I go to the yarn store and buy wool yarn to make slippers and a hat for Annika. Of course, she won't wear them until this winter, but now is the time to start such projects! It was great to spend time with our extended family and do some catching up with them.


Story Time with Uncle John



Annika not quite sure what to do when Buca joined her in the pool




Last summer, three families at work had babies within 2 weeks. Our co-worker Leo lives in Mexico City and comes up to Seattle regularly to spend some time in the office. This trip, he brought his wife (Dulce) and their baby (Leo, Jr - who was born 1 week before Annika). Annika and Leo, Jr. had their first and second play dates during their visit to Seattle. Leo, Jr. and Annika met last winter, but were too little to play. This trip, they interacted with each other and played together like champs!

Annika's 12-month check-up

Last night, Annika had her 12-month well-baby appointment. She now weighs a hefty 17 pounds, 14 ounces and she is 2' 4.75". She's in the 39% for lengrh, 6.8% for weight, and 11.05% for head circumference. She's still considered dainty, but is growing at a steady rate, so her doctor is quite happy. She's also meeting all of her developmental milestones for her age bracket. She was a trooper and survived getting 4 shots without more than a few tears and one ear-shattering scream. Annika's doctor is very happy with how Annika is growing and developing. We even found out that she has a musical heart! (The way the blood flows through her heart creates a bit of a chord sound; it's something she'll outgrow and is nothing out-of-the-ordinary, but still kind of a neat factoid.)

I have to say, I'm very glad yesterday's appointment is behind us. Knowing she was going to get 4 shots had my tummy in knots. I was glad she didn't know to anticipate the event... but I sure did!

Annika is in love

One of Annika's b-day presents was an adorable and incredibly soft teddy bear. Annika is beyond smitten with Mr. Bear (not the most original name, but that's what I started calling him).

She loves to lay on him and snuggle up to him like he's her knight in shining armor ... either that or she's trying out for the infant wrestling league!

Our big one-year-old girl

This time a year ago, we were reveling in the idea that a beautiful baby girl had entered our lives not 12 hours earlier. How is it possible that a year has already flown by? I think about all of the things Annika has learned since her birth - holding up her head, rolling over, crawling, feeding herself, walking while holding on to things, babbling, playing, and our two favorites, laughing and smiling. We definitely brought a ham into this world. Annika seems to feed off of other people's energy and loves being the center of attention. She's also incredible at focusing on a task. Give her a remote control to poke at or a napkin to shred and she's content for quite some time.

Last night, I found myself a bit teary as I laid Annika in her bed. It hit me, really hit me, that Annika was going to wake up in the morning and no longer be a baby. I said good night to my baby and good morning to my big one-year-old girl. Of course, she'll always be my baby, but last night was just a strong reminder that every day is precious and we truly are always moving forward.

Annika's First Birthday Party

Yesterday, we had Annika's first birthday party and it was a smashing success. Annika's grandparents, aunts, uncles, and local cousins joined us for the festivities, which included a BBQ lunch. Annika was treated to MANY generous gifts from her loved ones - including adorable clothes, stuffed animals, a silver spoon and fork to match her baptism cup, books, and a few donations to her college fund.

Of course, the most fun was watching Annika destroy her cake. Once she figured out that the frosting was sweet, there was no stopping Annika! She dove into the cake with gusto and was so covered with cake and frosting, that she wound up in the kitchen sink for a quick bath before continuing with the party.


Pretty Birthday Girl



The Cake (for the grown-ups, not the one to be squished)



"Hmmm... this stuff is kind of fun to play with!"



"I LOVE CAKE!!!"


Annika after the party ... so tired!