Through Someone Else's Eyes

Thursday and Friday, we had the opportunity to hang out with our good college friends, the Culvers. They were in the area and we got to reunite and let the kids play.

It has been almost 10 months since we have seen them. Of course I couldn't believe how much their kids have grown up. Lauren was Annelise's age when I last saw her! But wait, my kids are growing up, too! It made me realize how I can get bogged down in the day-to-day life of raising a family, and time goes so quickly! I need to remind myself to look at my kids through someone else's eyes. I need to enjoy all the quirks and the goofy faces and phrases. I need to relax more. I need to laugh with them more.

I could do a whole photo montage of Grant and Danny. They spent so much time together their first year (while the Culvers still lived in CA). I looked in my archives and I found the first posed photo of Danny and Grant. Danny was about 6 weeks and Grant 12 weeks. Now look what we've got... two boys and two girls! Quite the beautiful group! In another 10 years, we'll probably still take posed photos of them...and they'll say, "Come one, mom...enough already!"

Two months and shots...Ouch!

Yesterday afternoon, Annelise had her two month appointment. She weighs 13 lbs. 11 oz and is 23 3/4 inches. Quite the big girl! Everything is looking great, except the umbilical hernia. Annelise's pediatrician would like her to see a surgeon so that it can be taken care of. Doesn't sound fun, but I would rather deal with it now instead of later. On a funnier note...our very kind doctor came close to saying it was the biggest umbilical hernia she had ever seen (I'm 99% convinced she was thinking it, but wouldn't say it), but she was just too kind.

The four shots hurt, but Annelise is doing great today. For those a little bit curious, I included a picture of Annelise that shows off her hernia (I have to have some photos for posterity) and a picture from this last weekend.

"Just Trying to Find my Cheetos"

Danny never ceases to crack us up. Since Meema (my mom) has been here helping out, he has received lots of attention and lots of gum!

On Saturday, Danny was playing with a moving box in our living room. He was also having an indulgent snack of cheetos. I went to get the mail, and Danny was going to hide in the box and surprise me when I came in the room. Both Randy and my mom were in on the joke. While he was waiting, Randy and my mom could hear him moving around in the box. Randy asked if he was ok and Danny said, "I'm just trying to find my cheetos!" Only our son would make use of his time in a dark box by trying to get in a little snack.

Mother's Day

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day on Mother's Day. In the morning we went to a local farm and let Danny see all the animals. We saw baby cows and baby pigs. Danny, being a true suburban boy, was hesitant about petting the animals, but he warmed up. After the farm, we had a relaxing lunch at Quizno's! Randy and I were able to sit and relax while Danny played with two other kids at the food court. That afternoon I took a nap, and when Annelise woke up we took a nice long walk. A wonderful day that all of us could share together! Exactly what this mom wants!

Yes, she is a redhead!

This post is to confirm some questions that have been circling around. Yes, Annelise is a redhead. Randy's dream (since falling in love with me) has been to have a daughter with red hair and up until the last week, he wouldn't even admit she had red hair in case that might jinx it. I haven't really paid much attention, but since we have been going outside a bit more, I can see that her hair is definitely red! People even mention it when they first meet her! Of course these things change, so it may not stick, but it is pretty cool.

How do I feel about having a daughter with red hair? I'm not sure... I value the uniqueness of being a redhead (only 7% are born red). It can be good to stand out in a crowd. There are some downsides, though, mainly the sunburn factor and the necessity for eye makeup (I've already had conversations with dear Annelise about her very light eyebrows!). Oh sure, you get teased a lot... and accused of having a temper (who me?), but these things build character, right?

Smiling

Yesterday both Randy and I witnessed the sly smile of our daughter. And today I was happy to get another one! These smiles are not caused by gas, but are a mimic of our smiles. It is so fun to see what Annelise's smile will look like when she begins to show more emotions. Now getting a picture of the smile might take a couple of weeks. Timing is difficult! Since I don't have a smiling picture, here is an "I wish it were summer" picture.

"Do you remember?"

Danny has a few favorite phrases, including "do you remember" and "OH, we almost forgot." Today he told a particularly revealing tale of a toy he wants to hold on to. As told to daddy in the presence of mommy:

"Do you remember when I found the dinosaur in my bucket? And then I told mommy that I almost forgot to give the dinosaur back to Silvina (our neighbor/babysitter). Mommy said I could take it back this afternoon or tomorrow. I said tomorrow (and then in a lowered voice)...because I like the dinosaur."

Randy and I were busting up because it was told in Danny-style and because he couldn't hide that he wanted to keep the dinosaur.

Six Weeks Already!

Annelise has already experienced six weeks with us. Which also means that today was my first day back at work! It was a little tough to leave everyone this morning, but teaching and being back at school felt great. I am so blessed to have a job I enjoy so much.

I'm trying to think of things that Annelise has done in her six short weeks. She has been to the park, several Easter Egg hunts, four baby showers (yes, four!), the library, two festivals, and today she went to Disneyland for the very first time! (Danny was only two weeks on his first visit, but it was easier to get out with just one kid, and we had quieter schedules back then!)

Danny continues to do well with Annelise, but he does get jealous when other kids pay attention to her. He is mostly affectionate, although I did walk in on him sitting on her lap in the bouncy seat. Occasionally her crying "hurts" his ears. And he loves to say, "Annelise, isn't she cute?" or "Annelise is so cute." He still wonders why she doesn't eat our food. Danny also gets quite disturbed by her spit-up. He likes to cuddle with her on his bed EVERY night (which might be a stalling technique that we overlook because it is adorable!). So far, things have been great with the two of them... I know that song will change, but I'm just enjoying these moments!

Hyperlactation

Here is one of those times you get to read the nitty-gritty details of my daily life as a mom. Over the last week, Annelise and I have not done very well nursing. She gulps, gags, chokes, screams and cries. Those peaceful, bonding moments just haven't been there. I finally did some internet research and found out I have an overabundant supply of milk. I remember having plenty of milk with Danny, but he was such a voracious eater he was able to handle it! Annelise just can't cope. I'll spare you the specifics, but I have taken action, and the last 24 hours have been so much better. Yipee! You spend so many hours a day feeding your newborn, that you just want them to be comfortable. As you can tell by the double chin and those chubby cheeks, Annelise is doing just fine!