Baby Steps

Since I never followed through with my idea of daily posts about Anna (big surprise!), I figured I would just keep the theme going for a little while.  And why not?  She's full of all things cuteness. 

Last Thursday, October 17th, Anna took her first steps.  There were only a few; 4 to be exact.  And it was one of those moments when my heart almost burst into a million pieces.  Partially from the absolute joy on her face as she realized what she was doing.  (Anna literally laughed out loud with every step she took.  She was so proud of herself.)  And partially because I recognized that this might be the last time I watch one of my babies take their first steps.  While Jared and I had always anticipated having 4 children, God has changed those plans for us and we're more and more feeling as if Anna will be our last biological baby.  And since I don't know how old our little Ethiopian children are going to be when they arrive home, I view all of Anna's baby milestones through somewhat of a bittersweet lens because it could be the last time for us.   

For this particular moment, I was able to focus on the joy Anna felt in her new "ability".  On the excitement of Leah and Isaac as they cheered her on.  And on the absolute love I have for this sweet baby girl.  It may sound dramatic, but it was one of those times when it felt like the clock slowed down for just a few moments.  I could literally feel myself soaking it all in.  I am so thankful I was there to witness it.  (One of the joys of being home all the time.) 

I did notice the shift in my thought process when picking up the phone to announce Anna's big accomplishment.  At almost one year exactly from my mom's death, my brain is learning not to automatically think, "Call Mom!" when there is something I want to share.  Naturally, instead I thought, "Call Dad!"... these things take time.  Baby steps, right? 

All of those emotions from 4 teeny steps.  Isn't it funny how for a family with young children, a baby's first steps are as celebrated and monumental as Neil Armstrong's walking on the moon?  This is big stuff, people.  Big stuff. 

 Taken on the beach in North Carolina.  She got a good bath after this.  Ya know, to wash ALL THE SAND off all of those places. 

 Because not everybody wants to spend their first birthday at a soccer game.  

 I am often struck by her beautiful eyes and delicate features. 

Dimples!

I know these pictures are flashy and not really well done composition-wise as far as any decent photographer is concerned, but I don't care.   They show such a glimpse into the personality of our big-eyed, dimple-cheeked little girl.  See for yourself.

*Photos taken in August 2013*

Milestones, Shmilestones...

Anna, I will do my best right here to document the "milestones" of your first year.  They are already a bit foggy on the exact dates, but you get the idea.  

• You've been little in size since the beginning, but you've also been our chunkiest baby yet.  And also our shortest. So while you might look chubby with those sweet baby rolls, you've maxed out at the 30% for weight... and stayed around 4% for height (latest stats from your 9 month check up). 
• You slept through the night for the first time around 5-6 weeks.  It was GLORIOUS.  But after about 3 weeks, you decided sleeping all night was for the birds and you went back to waking me up.  Over and over and over again.  You didn't officially start sleeping through the night for the long haul until you were about 9-10 months old.  (I definitely felt like BNL had created the theme song for my life-- Who needs sleep?  Well, you're never gonna get it.  Who needs sleep?  Tell me what's that for?)
• You hated, hated tummy time.  And we didn't push it because you would just spit up and then lay your head down in it.  And that's gross. 
• You rolled over at 4 months, and sat up unassisted at 6.  But since we have hardwood throughout the house, we never really wanted you to sit without a menagerie of pillows around you. 
• You have always been content to sit and watch what was going on around you.  Which was fine with us, so we never coaxed you to move.  And that's why it took you until you were almost 9 months old to start crawling.  It was only a few weeks later that you started to pull to stand up.  And then at 10 months you started cruising along the furniture.  You've been content with crawling, since you're pretty speedy at it, and it wasn't until just last week that you discovered the fun in walking while someone holds your hands.  It's only a matter of time now...
• You had your first big trip when you were 3 weeks old.  We drove to Texas so I could say goodbye to my mama, your Oma.  We placed her gentle hand on your head just once so we could know that she'd met and touched her newest granddaughter.  She loved you, Anna girl.  I could hear it in her voice over the phone when I called to tell her just how beautifully perfect you were.  On that same trip, you got to meet your Opa, and he loved on you and held you for a little while.  He used to take pictures of you to his work and show them off to his co-workers, saying, "Isn't she absolutely adorable?"  I'd have to agree with him.  
• Just one week shy of your first birthday, you finally got your first tooth--bottom left.  I've had the joy of looking at that gummy smile for almost an entire year, and I've loved it!  
• But being toothless hasn't held you back at all.  You've eaten normal foods for a while now, and your favorites are cheese, grapes, green beans (well, beans of any kind, really) and broccoli.  
• You've just recently started attempting to say words.  And I use that phrase loosely, because all you really do is just make noise after I say something.  It's ok, it's pretty cute. 
• You are super duper ticklish.  
• You think peek a boo is the best game ever.  
• Sleeping without your pacifier and mimi (taggie blanket) is not an option.  They are essentials, and you love to rub your face in the blankie while you're falling asleep.  
• There are all kinds of campaigns about making babies sleep on their backs.  You didn't pay any attention to those, as you've slept on your belly from the minute you could roll onto it on your own.
•  Almost everyone who meets you comments on how happy and content you are because you are!  Almost all the time.   

*Pictures taken in June 2013*

*Pictures taken in August 2013*

 So happy to be standing!

 My watermelon girls

 It doesn't matter what you are doing, as soon as that camera comes out, you MUST HAVE IT.

 It's a little bit crowded in there. 

 Your happy, snorty face.  

 I love that gummy smile. 

Sharing a snack with the big kids.