Oops, one more!

I forgot to add the photo of Mikey. He's half Pomeranian, half Dachshund, and a whole heap of trouble. And that underbite is 100% natural. We complain about him a lot, but he loves us and has adapted to Annie's presence quite well. We love you, Mikey Dog!

More Photos

Annie's "concerned face." She's such a serious baby.

"M-o-o-o-o-m! Quit kissing me!"

I can stick my tongue out.
Which gene pool did those eyes come from?

One proud mama.

Here are some more pictures of Annie from Ginger and Stephanie. Your talent never ceases to amaze me! If it weren't for you two, and Erin, I would only have fuzzy pictures of Annie blinking. Sam said "We have to have them come back now that Annie is smiling." Watch for my name on your caller ID.

Church and State

I taught in a Catholic school last year, so I could integrate religion and Bible stories into my curriculum whenever I wanted to. This year, not so much. So it warmed my heart when a first grader pulled on my sleeve to tell me "Christmas is about giving and Jesus."

It sure is.

Par-tay!

Annie, Oma, and I thoroughly enjoyed the baby shower at church last night. The ladies literally showered Annie with gifts--toys, books, and clothes. She received many beautiful things, including a hand-knit sweater and hand-knit hat (to replace the white one she hates!). Daddy was excited to see we brought home a new baby monitor that works more clearly than the old one we had borrowed from Oma. Mommy is anxious to get home from work today and check out all the new toys. We'll find out if Anne likes her tummy-time mat! I would if I were a baby.

9 weeks and counting

Annie had her 2-month checkup last Friday. She currently weighs 10 lbs, 8 oz. and is 24 inches long. Her doctor said she was looking good and doing all the things a 2-month-old should be doing. We were a little concerned about her weight gain (or lack thereof), but he said she's just "tall and skinny." She was a brave little peanut when she endured 3 shots and drank her rotavirus vaccine. I've always seen babies spit things out when asked to drink, but Annie slurps everything down. She has no problems with gas drops, Tylenol, or her liquid vitamins. Slurp, slurp, all gone, yum yum!

Current "likes": pictures of cows and zebras (high contrast!), smiling at everyone, poems (such rhythm!), and kicking herself into a new position in the crib. She also seemed to enjoy storytime at the local bookstore.

Current "dislikes": the white hat (she cries every time we put it on, but everyone thinks it is so cute!), Mom being back at work (she adapts by requesting a visit around 2 am)

This week's highlights:
Sunday: Mommy's birthday
Tuesday: Baby shower at church
Friday: Erin and William home for Christmas
Saturday: Babysitting with Erin and Todd

A rose by any other name...

A few shots of Annie at the Westphall Thanksgiving:


Almost a smile--we're still working on photographic evidence that she is a happy baby.

This is her more typical "concerned" face.

Sam and I debated and agonized over what to name our daughter, and now that she's here, she has a hundred nicknames. It makes one wonder why we were so stressed about deciding on a name (and by 'we' I mean me). Anne Meredith is also known as:

Annie
Annie-Pie

Annie-Pants

Annie-Poo
Annie-PooPiePants
Annie-Bell
Annie-Cat
Spider Anne
Anne-in-the-pan
Anners
Sunshine
Bright Eyes
My Petite
Lovely

and the most popular choice: baby

I think we will just name the next child "Fill in the Blank" and wait to see what strikes our fancy.