What a crazy busy next two weeks we're going to have. We found out that in addition to packing and moving next week, we also need to paint the new house and install all the flooring. Sweat equity is great, except when it all happens at once! I'm taking tomorrow off work and all next week to help Kris get it done. But what are we going to do with Annika! We can't find anybody to help tomorrow until 5pm when Auntie Krystle gets off work. We'll be spending most of the day getting supplies and doing prep work so it shouldn't be too bad. Then Auntie Krystle can watch Annika Saturday and Sunday for us and my brother Uncle Mathias is going to help us paint both days. I'm not sure about Monday, the 4th. I think Grandpa Dan can help watch Annika that day. And next week, our friend Jon is going to help Kris with floors. Jon is a teacher and is off for the summer. If he can help Kris, I can watch Annika and Jon's two kids, Salix and Acer. Oh, and our PODS container is being delivered Wednesday, the 6th, so we'll need to pack that up next week/weekend so we're all moved out by the week of the 11th. We don't have a firm closing date yet on the townhome but we know it's going to be that week sometime. We'd like to be out by Monday, if possible. Yeah, we have a lot to do in the next two weeks. I worry about Annika and how she'll handle it all. Thank God Auntie Krystle can help this weekend. She has babysat for Annika more than anyone else so I'm very comfortable leaving Annika with her. Maybe I'm more worried about me and how I'll handle hardly seeing my baby this weekend. I'm going to miss her!

Auntie Krystle is also coming over tonight to play with Annika while I pack. We have a ton of empty boxes at home (although still not enough) and I'm hoping to get a ton packed tonight. I can't wait until it's all done and we're in the new house.

Well, that was a mad dash of a weekend! Saturday morning we went to Lowe's and bought our Jacuzzi tub, drain kit, faucet and in-line heater. Then we went to Direct buy and ordered all our appliacnes. Check and Check off the to-do list! Late that afternoon we went to Grandpa Dan's house. He was off on a quick motorcycling vacation (overnight) so we visited with Uncle Mathias while Kris went to work. Then, Kris arrived and we had dinner. We were staying at Grandpa Dan's house because it was close to our Sunday morning plans. Sunday morning was the triathlon that our friends Jon and Michelle were competing in. Kris and I were going to cheer them on and watch their kids while they raced. Since it's an hour drive from home, we stayed overnight at Grandpa's house instead of waking up early. Uncle Mathias joined us at the race but spent most of the time with friends of his. Annika LOVES Uncle Mathias. She went to him right away and played with him most of the night. Then, when Uncle Mathias was ready to leave the race, he came over to say good-bye and get his keys and phone back from me since they were in my purse. Kris had put my purse in the car so I handed the keys over to Mathias so he could go get them. Annika wanted Uncle Mathias and practically leapt out of my arms to get to him when he walked over. Uncle Mathias tried to give her back to me so he could go get his stuff and Annika didn't want to, so he brought her with. Usually, she doesn't like to be very far from me so I was a bit surprised. She's getting to be so independent. When we arrived back home last night we packed a couple boxes before crashing for the evening.

Yesterday, Annika had a late nap, sleeping from 3-6pm. I was worried bedtime was going to be rough so we delayed it until she was getting sleepy. At 8:15, Kris gave her a bath and then I nursed her. By 8:45pm, she was sleeping but woke up when I put her in her crib. She stayed there and fell asleep with little intervention, by 9pm. At 10pm, as I was getting ready for bed, she woke up. Kris comforted her and she went back to sleep in her crib. AND SHE DIDN'T WAKE UP UNTIL 5:30AM THIS MORNING! That's 7.5 hours of sleep! That's her longest stretch yet! Of course, I woke up 2-3 times but whatever. I think she might be getting the hang of this sleeping longer thing. I also think it helps to have her in her crib rather than by me, as much as we both like it. I think my and Kris's movements during the night wake her as she is a fairly light sleeper sometimes. Since she always starts out sleeping in her crib, now if she starts sleeping longer, I think things will be okay. Yay for sleep! So why am I so tired today? It couldn't have anything to do with moving in 2.5 weeks with no home to go to, right? :)

My daughter is so beautiful. I love waking up to her face in the mornings. Then I look over her and see my husband. I am so in love with my little family. End Sappy Moment.

We sold the townhouse last night!! Yesterday afternoon around 2:30 Kris sees a car pull into the driveway. He dashes to the phone thinking he missed a message about a showing. Nope, no message. He runs around cleaning things up and gets a phone call from our agency. The people outside don't have an appointment but they're wondering if they can come in. Kris finished his mad dash and let's them in while he and Annika head out for a walk. I get home from work a bit early (3:30pm) to find Annika sleeping by Daddy on the couch while Daddy is watching the G4 network (a gaming channel). He transfers the sleeping baby to me so he can shower and change for work and then leaves. At 4:30pm the phone rings but Annika is still sleeping on me so I ignore it. A minute later, my cell phone rings telling me I have a message. A minute after that, the home phone rings again. Obviously, someone wants to get a hold of me and terrible thoughts of car accidents and Kris pop into my head. I know - I can't help it. Anyway, I answer the phone and it's our realtor. She has an offer and the other realtor wants to present in person tonight. Can we do 6:00pm? I call Kris right away and tell him to turn around and come home. Our meeting with the realtors goes well, I think. The other realtor is from Egypt and has a cool accent. He got there early, before our realtor so we chatted for a while. The couple buying our house are from Europe. German and Poland, I believe. Anyway, the man is an electrical engineer like me! After we negotiate on price a bit we sign the offer and everyone leaves us. Kris and I are excited but stressed at the same time. They want to close before the 15th of July! We have less than 3 weeks to pack up and move out! This is good actually because then we won't have to make our July mortgage payment. Still though, the next few weeks are going to be busy! And since our house won't be done by then (obviously) we need to find a place to stay. It will either be Grandpa Dan's house or Uncle Dusty and Aunt Kim's house. There is so much to do! Today we're going to go order appliances, maybe some light fixtures, buy the whirlpool tub, call the flooring guy to get that on order plus other miscellaneous non-house errands. Oh, and Kris has to go to work today since he didn't last night. It's going to be one hectic day! And that is why I'm up early on a Saturday morning telling you all about this. My head is going nuts and I couldn't sleep any more. I'm anxious to get rolling today.

Funny story from last night since this is supposed to be Annika's blog. The other realtor went outside to call his clients about our counter-offer. Our realtor wants to hold Annika and since there had been sufficient warm up time, Annika goes to her. Our realtor is walking around playing with Annika, making goofy faces and such. Kris and I are around the corner in the kitchen whispering about this and that - the stress already beginning. The other realtor comes back in the house and when we round the corner, he stands their holding Annika! I guess when he came back in, Annika stretched out her arms and wanted to go to him! He thought she was so cute (everyone does:) ) and has 2 grown daughters of his own and was tickled that Annika wanted to go to him. I went over to take her from him so we could finish the negotiations and she didn't want to come to me! She was perfectly happy where she was thankyouverymuch. What a little stinker. :)

After a delightful evening together, Annika and I battled at bedtime last night. She did not want to go to sleep in her crib, by herself. I had work I had to do last night so I couldn't give in and just go to bed with her in our bed. I needed her to go to sleep in her crib. So, I put her in her crib and sang her songs and held her hand, etc. until she would be asleep. Then I would slowly back away. As soon as I would leave the bedroom, she would wake up and cry. How does she know when I'm physically not in the room anymore?? We did this for about an hour. Kris came home early last night since work was slow. So, at 9:30pm, I said it was his turn. He did the same thing. He would rock her to sleep or lay on the bed with her and when she was asleep, he would put her in her bed. She would wake up. He would comfort her and hold her hand, etc. It wasn't working for him either. At 10:30pm, he said it was my turn again. So, in to her room I went. I comforted with hugs and kisses. I rubbed her back. I turned on her soothing music. She would still cry whenever we left the room with some sixth sense sort of thing. Finally, I was frustrated and needed a break. So I let Annika cry for 2 minutes while I composed myself. Then I went back in, laid her back down, told her it was time for sleep, rubbed her back and then backed away from the crib. I did this a bunch more times before needing another break. This time I let her cry for 3 minutes and then went in and did the same thing. Then I let her cry for 5 minutes and then went back in. The last time when I laid her down and told her it was time for sleep, rubbed her back and left, she went to sleep. And stayed asleep. It was about 11:10 or so at this time. I finished up my work and went to bed at 11:30. I woke up at 2:47am to no baby and no husband in bed with me so I went investigating. Kris was still at his computer, waiting for Annika to wake up. He usually stays up until 2am playing computer games. And when Annika wakes up, he brings her to me in bed. I told him that I can hear her from our room and it was okay for him to come to bed, so he did. Guess what - Annika didn't wake up until 5am! She slept from 11pm until 5am! That is her longest stretch of sleep ever! I brought her to our room then, nursed her and she fell asleep with us. When I got up this morning and when I left at 6:30am, she was still sound asleep. I felt terrible for letting her cry for even 5 minutes. I know that I could never let her cry it out. However, I did need a sanity break for myself. And I could tell from her cry that she didn't need anything, that she was safe and not in pain or hungry or anything other than just plain tired. I know I don't have to justify this to all you moms out there. You get the sanity break and tired crying thing. I do hope that tonight goes easier but that the 6 hour stretch of sleep sticks around!

Last night, Annika and I went shopping with Grandma Pat and Auntie Krystle. Grandma Pat decided last night she wants to be called Grammy. I told her that sounds like an old lady. She said "But when 20 years from now when Annika calls me that I will be an old lady!" OK, fine, whatever, GRAMMY! So, Annika and I went shopping last night with Grammy and Auntie Krystle. :) Grammy wanted to buy me some birthday presents and who am I to say no to an old lady. :) We also stopped at a few children's clothing stores. Most of them are having big summer clothing sales now so I've been buying Annika some clothes for next summer. As I was paying at Children's Place, Annika decided she was done and started walking out the door with Grammy. As soon as she hit the hall of the mall, she heard the mall music and started dancing. I look out to see Annika bouncing and waving her arm in the air with Grammy immitating her. That was too cute. I wish I had a video camera at that moment. When Krystle and I joined them, Annika was still dancing and having a great time.

We ate dinner together at The Cheesecake Factory. When we got there, it wasn't busy at all and they seated us right away. We had empty tables all around us. Annika sat in the high chair next to me and ate the bread they provided. Shortly after a couple was seated next to us. The man started playing with Annika, whistling at her and making goofy faces. She stared so intently at him and then clutched my arm. She decided he was okay and allowed him to play with her - from afar. After dinner (and dessert!), as we were getting ready to leave, our waiter came by and told me that I had a good baby. I said I was sorry for the mess I was leaving on the floor and he said not to worry about it. I'm sure waitstaff cringe when they see a baby/toddler brought in to a restaurant but I've never worried about it with Annika. She's always been a good baby that way.

Sunday night, while eating dinner, Annika was standing on a stool at Aunt Kim's kitchen island. Don't worry, I was standing right next to her with my hand on her back. Anyway, Annika was eating chopped up pieces of strawberries. When they would get too small or too slimy, Annika couldn't pick them up with her fingers. Being the smart little girl that she is, she bent over and sucked them up with her mouth! It was the funniest thing ever. She did the same thing last night. I was eating a grilled chicken leg for dinner and I had put small pieces of chicken on the coffee table for Annika to eat. The chicken was too slimy and flat for her to pick up so she bent over and sucked them off the table. She cracks me up.

I don't know if I've told you, but my daughter has a favorite band. Kris discovered this last week. Every time this band comes on the radio, or computer playlist, or on MTV (on the rare occasions the tv's on), Annika starts dancing by bouncing up and down. Who is her favorite band? The Foo Fighters. Yep, the Foo Fighters. My nine month old daughter loves the Foo Fighters. I don't know what to say about that.

Kris called me at work yesterday to ask if I'd like to have lunch with him. Of course I would! Turns out we had a showing yesterday so Kris and Annika needed to leave the house. He called Jon & Michelle to ask if they could go over to their house. Jon is a teacher so he's off work for the summer and Michelle had taken this week off. They live in a nice complex with a playground and pool so Kris and Annika were going to go swimming. I ended up bringing lunch to them. It was convenient since Jon & Michelle live close to my work. Annika looked so cute when I got there. She was in the pool in her floating device (click here for picture) with a hat on her head. Kris forgot to grab the camera on his way out of the house so I don't have any pictures of this. Darn!

When Kris got home yesterday, he threw all the wet swimwear into the bathtub to dry. Last night, Annika and I were in the bathroom so I could grab something. Then I ran to the office to get something else before running back into the bathroom. I left Annika in the bathroom while I did this. When I came back into the bathroom, I saw Annika going head first over the side of the tub. She was going after the hat Kris had draped over the spout. I yelled Annika but I was too late to grab her. She landed on the swimming suits in the tub and was just fine. She looked at me like "What, I was just getting this hat." It scared me though! The girl has no fear.

Annika and I had a nice treat last night - Daddy! Kris took the night off and stayed home. We had a nice, normal family evening. We picked up the house since we had a showing later in the evening, Annika and I took a nap and then went out to dinner during that showing. After dinner, we played games and then Kris gave Annika a bath and I put her to bed. So, that's what normal families do!

Kris said that yesterday, Annika took a nap laying on a pillow in a laundry basket. I don't know why or how, but picturing that in my head is just too funny.

The last week or so, I've been teaching Annika to fall back asleep on her own without needing to nurse. We've been practicing in her crib. I rock her to sleep as usual then lay her down. When she wakes up (either right as I lay her down or later), instead of taking her out and rocking her back to sleep, I lay her back down in her crib and give her the pacifier back. If she's still really sleepy, she'll go back to sleep right away while holding my hand. If she's woken up a bit, she gets mad at the laying back down part. I comfort her by rubbing her back or hugging her (although not removing her from the crib unless she really starts crying instead of just whining). Then, I lay on the floor next to her crib and put my hand through the slats. Sometimes she'll play in her crib but eventually, she'll lay down and hold on to my hand and fall asleep. I also turn on the music-only part of her Ocean Wonders Aquarium to some quiet soothing music. After I'm asleep and she wakes up, I bring her to bed with me. The last few nights, she's been trying out her putting herself back to sleep routine while in bed with us. This usually involves her crawling/moving around on the bed to find a comfy place and then lays down and goes to sleep. However, the comfy part of the bed is usually ON mommy or daddy. If I'm laying on my back, she will drape herself across my stomach and go to sleep. Last night, when Daddy came to bed, she woke up and draped herself across his head and neck. Daddy didn't think that was the best place to sleep, so he moved her off his head. She settled for draping herself across his pillow and burrowing her head by his. It was just too cute. Later in the night, she moved around again and ended up by our hips/thighs but facing our feet. She was still there when I woke up and left this morning. It's very nice that she will put herself back to sleep without having to nurse. However, I'm still waking up, usually to give her pacifier back to her, but also because she's moving around so much. Still, it's progress and some day, I will sleep through the night again! That will be a happy, happy day!

Annika went swimming in a big pool for the first time Friday night, courtesy of Robyn, Gavin and Jessica. They had a guest pass for the local Lifetime Fitness and invited Annika and I out to play. Annika had a great time splashing and "swimming" in the pool. The pool was a "graded" pool meaning it was like a beach in that the water started from nothing and got deeper and deeper. We started out sitting in the very shallow end where Annika could sit in the water and splash and play and get acquainted. Then we moved to a little bit deeper so the water came up to Annika's chest. Annika even let me put her face in the water. Usually, she doesn't like getting her face wet in the bathtub, but Robyn showed me how they get the babies used to going under in Jessica's infant swimming class. Basically, you hold the baby parallel to the water and them "zoom" them through it and back out again. At first Annika had this look on her face like "What just happened?" but as soon as Robyn and I cheered her on, she was OK with it and smiled. A little later I set her on the edge of the pool and she would fall into my arms. She thought that was great fun. Not only did she get to fall back into mommy's arms but she got to splash and play at the same time. She started getting pretty brave towards the end and would just start walking away from me in the shallow end. A couple times she would walk to the shallow end and then crawl out of the pool. Little miss independent was done with us and wanted to go do something else now so she did. Silly little thing.

Saturday morning we went to watch the Vixen practice. It was a gorgeous sunny day if a bit on the warm side. Annika and I spent most of the time in the shade while Daddy stood on the sidelines and got some coaching in. I think he enjoyed himself even if he did grumble about this and that afterwards. He needs to be in charge so things get done his way. :) Kris sunburned the back of his neck and the tops of his feet that showed through his sandals. Poor guy. And because Kris and I are terrible parents, Annika's shoulders got a tad bit pink. We had forgotten the baby sunbscreen at home that morning, which is why we spent most of the time in the shade. Bad parents, Bad! It didn't seem to bother her one bit though and it's all gone already. After running some errands we went home so Annika could get a good lone nap in. That evening Auntie Krystle came over to babysit. Kris and I went to a really good new restaurant called Tria. You can check it out at www.triarestaurant.com. Then we went to see Batman Begins. We had a great evening together. When we got home after midnight, we found Krystle in the rocking chair rocking a wide awake Annika. Annika had woken up about a half hour earlier and didn't want to go back to sleep. After Krystle went home, Annika and I went to bed, but Annika didn't fall asleep until 2am! She then woke up at 6am (which did give me a nice 4 hour stretch of sleep) and then was still sleeping at 8:15am when I had to wake her up so we could leave.

We had breakfast yesterday morning with Grandpa Dan, Marcia, Auntie Krystle and Uncle Mathias. Then we went to Grandpa Dan's house to play for a while. Daddy stayed home and spent most of his first Father's Day alone, which is just how he wanted it. He relaxed and played computer games most of the day. When Annika and I got home yesterday, we took a nice long nap together. When we woke up it was time to go to Uncle Dusty and Aunt Kim's house. Grandma Lona and Grandpa Dale joined us there for more Father's Day celebrations. Annika had a fun evening playing with everyone, especially Babe the dog. She was still wide awake past 9pm! She finally started getting sleepy about 9:15pm or so and then we headed for the door.

It was a perfect weekend. I like having a day where we can just be a family. Since I only get to see Kris for 15-30 minutes each week day, it's important to me that we spend lots of time together, just the 3 of us, on weekends. I then like having the other weekend day to spend with our extended family. However, there are 3 sets of grandparents so it can get tricky seeing them and spending enough time with them all! I think they know that we looooove seeing them though. :)

I really need to post more often. I often think about it and just do not have the time. Anyway, we've had a great week. Tuesday, Annika got to see Aunt Carrie and Uncle Adam one last time before they headed home to North Carolina. I heard Annika had a great time with them. Unfortunately, I had to be at work when they visited. Grandma Lona and Grandpa Dale were visiting too and that is always a good time for Annika. We had a showing that night so after they left, Annika and I headed out to do some shopping. It was a second showing for this realtor but we haven't heard anything since then so I'm guessing they aren't interested. It's getting frustrating that our house isn't selling. There are others around us that are selling but they are different designs. There are two other townhouses like our design that are for sale too. I sure hope we sell before they do.

Annika has pretty much had it with the baby food in a jar. She will only eat the fruits now since they are sweet but wants nothing to do with the vegetables. I'm not worried about this though since she will eat all the vegetables she can get her hands on if they are in bite size pieces. Annika is almost entirely on "big people food" now. She even gets angry if someone is eating something and not sharing with her. Last night for dinner, I had a hamburger with green beans. Annika had pieces of the cheese and bun, cheerios, tons of green beans and peaches from one of the Dole Fruit Cups. She actually ate the whole fruit cup. I've given her chunks of hamburger from an earlier meal and she wasn't too impressed with it. She will eat bites of chicken and pork chop though. It might be a texture problem.

Annika is walking more and more now. Last night while I was cleaning dishes in the kitchen, she grabbed a dish towel that was hanging off the stove. She then walked with it in her hand over to the sliding glass doors that go out to the deck. I thought for sure she would stumble or trip over the towel so I was watching her closely. She didn't have any problems though! *sob* My baby girl is getting so big!

We had a great weekend. Nothing mind blowing for Annika or anything, just a very nice weekend. Saturday morning we went for a family jog. Well, actually, Annika rode in the stroller while Daddy pushed her and Mommy jogged behind. We jogged to the park where Annika and I played while daddy ran some more. Then we walked home together. The rest of the day was spent lounging around home, except for the grocery store run. Yesterday was another laid back day. Jon, Michelle and the kids came over in the morning. I drove the kids to Elm Creek Park Reserve while Jon, Michelle and Kris rode their bikes over. The park has a huge playground. Seriously, it's the biggest playground I've ever seen. I think the kids had a good time. Later in the day, Kris, Annika and I ran to the Mall of America to pick up more pictures of Annika and shop a bit while we had an open house at home. That afternoon, Kris's friend Mike stopped by to talk football and computer gaming with Daddy. Annika took a nice long nap so the boys could have some boy time and Mommy could pay bills.

Yesterday we bought Annika a new chamois crib sheet at Pottery Barn Kids. After washing it yesterday, Kris put it on her bed last night. Then he put Annika in her crib with a few toys while we finished folding and putting away her laundry. She had a great time jumping up and down. I sat down on the floor next to the crib and Annika started playing peek-a-boo with me. She would squat down to see me through the crib slats then stand up to peer at me from above the railing, then squat down again, etc. She thought it was hilarious and Kris and I laughed right along with her. I think she really liked the new crib sheet. It's so soft - I'd sleep on it!

Annika had her 9 month well baby doctor visit yesterday. Her official stats are: 19 pounds 10 ounces and 29 1/2 inches long. The doctor said she is long and lean. She's in the 95th percentile for height but only the 50th percentile for weight. Of course, she's been mobile since 6 months old so she works off a lot of calories each day. She is one busy little girl. And she doesn't eat a ton. She has to eat whenever we eat, otherwise she gets mad, but even then she doesn't always eat a whole bunch. The doctor proclaimed her in perfect health and ahead on a lot of milestones. The doctor was impressed that she's clapping her hands together and has the pinching concept down (boy does she - she always pinches my neck now when she's nursing) and that she's already started walking. The doctor declared her a genius. :) And now that I have a medical professional backing up my mother's intuition, I'll declare Annika my genius baby. :) Anyway, Kris was holding Annika's hand and Annika "walked" out of the exam room. The doctor and her nurse were standing in the hallway and the doctor stopped us to tell her nurse that this was the baby who was walking before 9 months. They were both impressed by Annika and her development. We'll be starting her Harvard application papers any day now. :) The only thing the doctor was not impressed with was Annika's sleeping habits. Annika still wakes every 2-3 hours and is in the habit of nursing or being comforted by mom during those times. I know that Annika does not need to wake or eat during the night, but I'm also not going to cry it out with her. Kris and I have made that decision. There are other things we can do to get her to sleep longer and we'll be trying those ideas but otherwise, we're just going to leave things as they are for now. I'm getting enough sleep and as Annika grows and understands things better, I think she'll sleep better and be able to comfort herself back to sleep at night. The doctor also said that as long as we're okay with the current situation, there's nothing wrong with it. There's only something wrong with it if I was feeling stressed or overwhelmed or sleep deprived or something. So, it was a good doctor's appointment. We go back for her 12 month visit in September and then she has to have more shots. Yuck.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Dan!

Things are crazy busy at work so I don't have much time to update. After tomorrow's big meeting, it should slow down a little bit again. Anyway, I wanted to update you all on what's been going on lately.

Friday night, Annika and I were playing in her room after Daddy went to work. I asked Annika how big she was and she threw her arms into the air when I said "so big." We've been playing the game for a while now but Friday was the first time she raised her arms herself. Of course, she wouldn't do it again all weekend, so maybe it was a fluke.

Saturday we stopped by the house. The brick is on the front and the ceilings are sprayed. They forgot to knock down the ceilings though so they'll have to re-do them. Then we went to a graduation party for 2 of my cousins. Annika got to see lots of family that we rarely get to see. Another cousin had his less-than-a-month old baby there. She was so tiny! After the party, we went to the horse track. That's where Daddy's family was. Uncle Adam had flew in the night before so we wanted to make sure we got to see him. Annika had only had a 1 hour nap that day, so we had to leave before the last race before Annika had a melt down. Hopefully we can see Aunt Carrie and Uncle Adam again before they head for home.

Sunday was my birthday. Happy birthday to me! It was a busy day. Annika and I had pictures taken together that morning. They turned out pretty good! We also then had 9 month photos taken of Annika. I'll post those pictures soon for you all to see. After pictures, we headed to Fort Snelling State Park for a BBQ with Jon and Michelle. It was a beautiful day. There, Annika got to meet a little boy who was born just 1 day before her! After the BBQ, we headed home where Mommy's family was meeting us for a birthday celebration. It's Grandpa's birthday today and Uncle Mathias' birthday on Friday so we had a lot of celebrating to do. :) While my family was over, we were all playing in the living room after dinner. Annika was starting to get tired so she was getting a little crabby. I got out another toy for her to play with and her eyes lit up when she saw it. She was standing by our recliner when she saw the leapfrog table come out. I set the table on the other side of the room and in her excitement to get to it, she walked across the whole room! Granted, it was only 6 feet or so, but she walked the whole thing! Usually for long distances like that she gets down and crawls since it's still faster. She then happily played for a while.

Yesterday Annika and I went to the park when I got home from work. It was an absolutely beautiful 80 degree day. She had a fun time on the swings. This time I remembered my camera and took some pictures. When we got home we were playing with toys in the living room and again, she walked from the coffee table to the entertainment center. I think she's getting more and more comfortable walking. We better get the video camera out soon. I want to get some of these toddling steps recorded before she becomes proficient at it. She's getting so big!

Thursday she has her 9 month doctor appointment. I wonder how big she really is!

Pears are lip-smacking, clap my hands together good.

How do I know this? Because this morning, while feeding Annika pears for breakfast, she would smack her lips together after each bite. Then she started clapping and smiling. My girl likes her pears, yes she does.

On Monday, when Annika was chasing the cat, she showed us again that she is one smart little girl. The rest of us were sitting around the table on the deck. Annika was on one side of the table between Daddy and Uncle Mathias. The cat was on the other between myself and Auntie Krystle. Annika wanted to get to the cat so she crawled under the table. The table legs join together under the table only 8-12 inches above the ground. Annika shimmied her way under the legs to get to the other side to get the cat. She succeeded too. We were all amazed and clapped and cheered her on. She thinks we're nuts. :)

And then Annika shows us that she is still just an innocent little baby.

My baby girl likes to eat paper products.

She loves paper napkins and toilet paper she can pull off the roll. We have to constantly watch her when she's in the bathroom with us because she will eventually make her way over to the roll and start tearing paper off to chew on. Weird, weird little girl. Paper products?

And then of course, she is a sweet little girl too. She has starting doing this head-tilt thing that is just the cutest ever. When she wants to show someone that she is cute or smile at them, she'll cock her head to one side and give a serious yet pouty look. When the person smiles at her, then she breaks out into a big grin. If she's in her high chair or sitting at a table, she'll actually cock her head so far to the side that it's laying on the tray/table. She'll also do this while sitting playing or standing and then she almost falls over because she's got her head tilted so far that she loses her balance. She is such a funny little girl.

My precious is what she is.