Girls, girls, girls!

Sarah and Natalie made it! The flight was a mostly uneventful, except when Natalie decided the lady next to them just *needed* to have ginger ale on her lap! Otherwise, everything is A-OK.

For the next few days it is going to be girls everywhere! Matt is going to be surrounded...Sarah, Natalie, Annika, Athena and I! Chaos, I am telling you!

Like father, like daughter

As I was getting Annika ready for the day, she picked out this onesie. She insisted on it! Then, she wanted to put on Matt's gamer headphones. I swear, I have another little geek in the house!

Baby Legs!

Ah, there are just some things you didn't think existed until you have a child of your own. One day, Matt came home from work with a pair of "baby legs". Evidently, one of his clients gave the pair to him.

I have looked at these legs, wondering, "Why would I EVER need these?" Until today, I realized what use they have. I am willing to guess that they were invented by a man (just like the sleep sacks--so many snaps are confusing to some!) It is inevitable, whenever Matt changes Annika's diaper, that she will not be wearing the pants (if she was wearing any) that she had on prior to the changing. I am not sure why this is--perhaps Matt is scared that he will put her pants on wrong?

Well, it was a little chilly and rainy today, and I knew that Annika and I were going to be homebound today. And I knew that she needed pants, but my laziness got the best of me, and we decided to give the Baby Legs a try! Odd little things, I must say....I still can't figure out if I like them or not...they are convenient, but a little odd looking. Eh, they at least made me reminisce of the times of my "LA Gear" leg warmers back in the early 80's. What an innocent time it was!

Starbucks is the Devil's juice

Sometimes, it is inevitable. Coffee, the nectar of the gods (besides beer), beckons my taste buds. And although I am a die hard Caribou Coffee fan, I am stuck with no choice but Starbucks--I mean, after all, there is 3 of them within a block and a half from home.

Our Sunday morning tradition typically entails Matt running to one of them, getting the paper and some caffeine goodness. Well, this week, he decided to get me the largest size. Darn it, how could I not drink it? It was a tasty latte, irresistible-despite not being my beloved Caribou.

Then, Holy Hell broke loose. Oh yes, Annika got a little too much caffeine, too. Needless to say, we had a ROUGH day yesterday. Nothing, and I mean, NOTHING would chill little Annika out. The coffee, combined with signs of teething, caused a day of rock n' rolling for Mommy and Daddy.

Today has been a lot better--no devil's juice in me today! I just have to remember-

-JUST SAY NO TO STARBUCKS!

Hoping for good weather!

Well, we didn't make it to the parade today; it was a little too chilly. Instead, after it warmed up a little we went for a nice long walk. Annika loves putting some miles on the stroller, and Mommy and Daddy like to check out the area, too.

Annika is really hoping that it will warm up outside, as she wants to go swimming with her cousin Natalie next week! The outlook doesn't seem too obliging, though. We will have to play it by ear.

Oh--another thing...Annika found her feet this weekend. She has been grabbing them. In no time, I am sure she will attempt to put them in her mouth. Just the thought of it makes me want to gag.

The reigning queen

After all the excitement of yesterday and in preparation for a weekend with Daddy being around, Annika has been sleeping most of the day. This morning she was having a good time reigning our bed, watching her minion (me) put away laundry--such a slave driver!

No real plans for the weekend. We are thinking about going to Renton River Days, which is another festival. If Annika wants to go, I am sure she will wake us up early enough to attend the parade tomorrow morning!

Hope everyone has a good one!

All tuckered out..

Annika got to visit Daddy at work again today! Mommy met up with some friends of hers for supper, and dropped Annika off at Matt's work--about 20 minutes before he got off of work. Well, needless to say, all her fans were there, and Matt didn't leave work right away--about a 1/2 hour late! Annika was-of course-all smiles, as she just loves all of Daddy's doting co-workers!

Then Matt took her home from there, and they had some father-daughter bonding time. Mommy missed her little one (and big one, too!)! By the time I got home, Annika was missing her mommy, too. I gave her a bath, fed a little more, and she was out like a light! I guess being so cute is exhausting!

Love Bunny!

Today, Annika got her first savings account! Now, she just needs to find a job to put some money in it!

It was a little chilly here today--about 60 or so. So, I put a hat on her for her travels. I forgot I had this hat, and it almost doesn't fit anymore! But, I HAD to take pictures--she looked so cute! (when doesn't she?!)

I think we got it...

...figured out! Annika and I have an understanding, and for the last three days or so, I think I have her figured out! It is nice to see somewhat of a schedule and some predictability. Of course, nothing is set in stone (as I wouldn't want it to!), but it is starting to be like a well-oiled machine here. Now, I guess I could get back to the knitting and cross stitching I haven't touched in 3 months...but probably not :-P

You've come a long way, baby!

Today Annika is 3 months old! I can't believe it has been that long already! Everyday, she never ceases to amaze me. Last night, when I was giving her a bath, she "talked" to me like I have never heard her before! Matt and I were fascinated...she seems to grow and change so much from day to day!

And everyday, her personality really shines through. She seems to have a lot of my mannerisms (she is a thumb sucker--much like her Mommy was!), but she definetly looks a lot like Matt--she is going to be taller than me in no time! She loves to spend time looking at herself in the mirror, and really cherishes her Saturday mornings with her daddy, watching Saved by the Bell!

It is fun to see her really starting to play with her toys and other objects around her--she really seems to enjoy throwing things around! By far, her favorite actvity is seeing the world; in the safety of her parents arms!

My cuteness is back!

With so much going on this past week, I haven't been around too much. But I convinced mom that it is time for me to post and have her help me put up another film; I wanted to cheer up Grandpa and Grandma Heaner, as I know it has a hard week for both of them. This was taken while I was having my morning workout (and mommy was joking about the coffee comment!).

I hope everyone has a good weekend! I know I will; I have Mommy and Daddy all weekend! I miss my daddy during the week--a few hours at night just isn't enough for this Daddy's girl!

In remembrance...Lowell Brown

On Tuesday morning, we learned that Annika's Great-Great Uncle Lowell passed away at the age of 94 years old. Unfortunately, she never had the opportunity to meet him.

When I think of Lowell, I like to remember that he had a true fondness for Mr. Goodbar chocolate bars and a love for Red Lobster. Although I only knew him for a few years, I know that he as a great man; and was practically a dad to Kent (Matt's stepdad). He lived a long life (perhaps the chocolate had something to do with this?) and he will be greatly missed!

His obituary can be found here: http://www.legacy.com/startribune/obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=113491577

Our 2nd 3rd Anniversary!

Today is our 2nd 3rd anniversary! Yes, 3 years ago we renewed our vows in a very fashionable way, I must say! Here's to many more anniversaries! I love you, baby!

Annika's press release

Annika and I were goofing around the other day, and she decided that she had something to say to all her followers. Enjoy!

Getting it right the second time...

In celebration for Matt's birthday yesterday, we went to the pool. We were a little bit more prepared! Yes, complete with a hat and an umbrella, we were in tow to the pool. All went well, and although Annika probably still didn't realize what was going on, she seemed to like the pool. In fact, she was fussy prior to going into the pool, and calmed down when we entered! More pics are in the 12 week folder!

Happy Birthday Matt!

It is Matt's birthday today! He turned 32! In celebration for his birthday, he got off of work early to spend some time with his ladies! In addition to the many cards and gifts he received in the mail, he also got his much beloved and highly desirable freezer pops! From Annika, he got a gift of a 2 year subscription to Wired magazine. And I, ever the romantic, gave him his requested gift, Grand Theft Auto IV. He wanted Chinese delivery for his birthday, and we followed up with some birthday cake complete with 32 candles! We almost burnt the house down! There are a couple of pics of the festivities in the albums, under "Matt's 32nd"! Be sure to check out the ones post candle blowing out, as they are full of smoke!

Happy Birthday, my love!

Water (Lady) Bug!

Annika had her first swim today! After running all over the place trying to find a newborn swimsuit, I had to settle on a 6 month old. It was a little big on her, but nothing a few safety pins couldn't fix!

I am not sure if she knew what was going on, but she seemed to really enjoy the swim. She didn't cry or anything--truly a waterbug! It was pretty bright out though, and shame on Mommy for not thinking of a sun hat! But, we improvised with a burp cloth. Parenting is all trial and error--next time we will know better! With the sun being pretty strong and little shade, we didn't stay in the pool too long, but Annika didn't want to get out!

P.S. Annika wanted to let Natalie know that she has to bring her swimsuit for some more water fun!

Llamas, sunshine, stroller, oh my!

Yesterday the family went to Kent Cornucopia days. It reminded me of Grand Ole Day, but with much less beer and drunken fools. It was a good time--we just walked around, checking out some vendors. Annika seemed to have a good time, chillin' in her stroller. She seemed particularly fond of the Llamas and tried to convince her parents she was old enough to ride one, but Mommy and Daddy wouldn't let her! Maybe next year!

It seems a little drought-like here. I saw on the news of some wild fires plaguing parts of Washington. I guess I would have never thought! These fires are not near us at all. It was a strange sign of the times yesterday, when we got home to have sprinklers on! Matt and I didn't know the apartment had them!

Today is supposed to be just as nice..maybe we will check out the pool!

The Diva says: No more video, please!

After getting rave reviews from her film debut, I have tried with all my might to get a good film of the Diva. However, the actress is tired. She is on an acting hiatus, thus no more video at this time. She will come around, and more filmage is to be had! She is also avoiding the paparazzi, so not too many new pics either; just a diva!

We also found out today that "Auntie" Wattie is coming to visit us! YAY! Annika sure brings in her followers! Guests will be streaming in!

This weekend we have no real plans, but to go to Kent Cornucopia Days. In Kent, a town near us, they have a nice little festival and we are looking forward to adding some miles on the stroller! It should be fun, and the weather is looking good--high 70's all weekend and sun! Who says that is always rains here? I think we have gotten maybe 2 days of rain in the last 3 weeks. Liars!

Have a nice one!

Video!

I have been experimenting putting a video on here. So, here it is! This is Annika right after her bath, as active as ever! And, of course, I sound like an idiot. I hope you enjoy the movie!

Please let me know if this works, or if it greatly affects the speed of the page. Hopefully it works well! (And by the way, this is Amber posting as Matt!)

Loving the weather!

We haven't posted in a while; nothing is really new here. Annika and I have been going for long walks with the stroller--definitely adding miles on her wheels! Also, today she was such a good baby when Mommy went to the fitness room to run on the treadmill. She liked to see mommy sweating like a pig! Yesterday we got good news--Natalie and Sarah are going to come and visit at the end of the month and Grandma and Grandpa Heaner are coming at the end of August! Yay! We also bought our plan tickets for Christmas; December 19-27th. What a world traveller!

I did get the job as a waitress at Shari's. I am not sure when I am going to start, though. With our visitors coming and such, I may not go back to work right away. I still need to get a food handler's permit--something required in the state of Washington. I am hopefully going to get that soon, and then discuss with work my options. With the weather being so nice, I don't feel as much cabin fever as before! Also, Annika and I are looking into joining a mommy's group; then she can meet new friends!

Meet your playmate!

We finally got to meet Elena yesterday! It was a lot of fun, and Pat got to practice his grilling skills on us. He made EXCELLENT steaks, and he is welcome to practice anytime with Matt and I!

We had a good time visiting, Elena is SO cute! It is so funny to see how different they are! One thing is for sure, it was so hard to get both of them content to take pictures. Also, we have matching outfits, but before we left the house, Annika decided she didn't like hers by pooping all over it! I think she also knew we were going to take pictures of her, as she decided to give herself a big scratch before we got there also....little turd!

More pictures from our visit are in the "Week 10 and 11" folder!

Shake, Rattle, and Roll!

Well, the fourth was pretty uneventful for us. We did take a nice walk, and Annika was in bed before the real fireworks. As noted previously, I did not choose to take part in the festivities. That, of course, didn't stop it from being Armageddon here. Fireworks--any and all--are legal here, so they have been going off relentlessly all night. I have been evading them all night, by surfing the net and listening to music via headphones. Annika, though, seems unfazed by them. She has been sleeping pretty good all evening.

Today, with the help of Mommy and Daddy, Annika held one of her rattles! Once she understood that it made noise when you shook it, she loved it! She was whipping it all around, loving every minute! For reasons Matt and I can not understand, she absolutely LOVES her changing mat, hence why these-and many other-pictures are taken on it!

Tomorrow we have plans to FINALLY meet her little playmate, Elena! That is right; Annika is not the youngest person we know anymore; Elena is exactly 6 weeks younger! She is very excited!

Hungry Hippo

These pics have been in the album for a few days, but I had to put them on the main page. Annika is starting to actually realize she has toys now! This hippo has a rattle in it, and she loves it! It always seems to get her smiling!

Today we are just going to hang out. Thought about going to the fireworks, but I personally still hate them (remind me of Baghdad days). I am a little more used to them now, but still feel a yucky churning in my stomach when I hear them. They air them on TV here, so I guess to feel a little patriotic, maybe we will watch them. Perhaps on mute.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th!

Visiting Daddy at work!

Today, I had a job interview. I decided that I need to spend a night or two away from the apartment, so I decided on picking up a waitressing job. However, for the interview (which I knew wasn't going to be more than 20 minutes), Annika got to visit Dad at work! I dropped her off by 9:30, and by 10:15 I was there to pick her up. She slept the whole time! It wasn't until she heard me, she decided to stir. But, of course, she was cute as ever--dazzling everyone, including Patti (Matt's boss) and a lot of other admirers.
As you can see in the window, the weather was a little odd here. We had our first thunderstorm! In fact, just minutes before I arrived at Matt's work, the power just went back on after a short outage. Thankfully, it cleared up, as the pics show!

After a trip to Target, we are now home, and she is sleeping once again! Man, Matt's work is tiring!