Annaliese’s 64th Day (May 29, 2010) – Pungo Strawberry Festival

Today Eric, Annaliese, and I went to the Strawberry Festival in Pungo. Baba and Grammy were there too! This was Annaliese’s first parade. We had to watch the parade because my former dance teacher, Ms. Rita, was the “Witch of Pungo” this year. We were so excited for her. Annaliese’s Baba was the 2nd “Witch of Pungo” in the early 80’s. When I was a young girl I used to be in the parade and also performed dances at the Strawberry festival so I always enjoy going back. Plus, we get to see lots of family and friends when we are there. It was kind of a rainy day so we walked around part of the time and spent other parts of the day in Ms. Mabel’s home. Her house is the big white one at the beginning of Pungo and the site of many of the festivities for the festival. We are lucky to have her because we were able to feed and change Annaliese there. Today was the first day Annaliese rode around in her stroller with the plastic shield on top of it. She was the only one that was nice and dry! Later we came home and cooked and watched a movie with our friends, DJ and Penny.

Annaliese also started taking vitamins today. They smell awful and she made a gag like sound and “yuck” face when we gave them to her.

Annaliese’s 63rd Day (May 28, 2010) – Rest Time

Today Annaliese ran another small fever throughout the day so we stayed home, rested, took Tylenol, and rested some more!

2 Months Old

Annaliese’s 62nd Day (May 27, 2010) – Shot time = Sad time Happy 2 Month Birthday, Annaliese!

Eric took off today so that we could take Annaliese to the doctor for her 2 month checkup. It was a very sad visit because Annaliese had to get her shots. Daddy held her head while Mommy stood at the end of the table and teared up. She did a great job taking the oral vaccine but the actual shots were another story. When the nurse stuck her the first time her mouth went immediately open and she almost didn’t breathe until all four of them were over and then she let out her big burst of a cry. It was heartbreaking. I just wish they could all be done orally. It would be so much easier on everyone. Annaliese is growing well. She is still low on the percentile chart but her own weight and height are increasing so that’s all that matters. When we left the doctor we came to let her rest. She was a mommy and daddy’s girl all day. We held her extra softly and put the rice pack on her thighs as we massaged them. We took her 2 month pictures as well. She ran a small fever and did great taking her Tylenol. She was a brave little one today!

Annaliese’s 61st Day (May 26, 2010) – Favorite past times

Annaliese still enjoys sleeping in her swing but she also likes lying out on the floor and gazing at her toys. Baths are a favorite too!

Annaliese’s 60th Day (May 25, 2010) – Tickle Time

Today Annaliese enjoyed watching her mobile go around in her crib. She is really doing good with tracking things these days.
Eric loves to tickle Annaliese and when he does her legs always draw up. Tonight at 11:15 Annaliese gave her first smile to Daddy. If you recall her first smile to me was around 11 at night. I think we might have a “Night Owl” on our hands. If she’s anything like her parents she will fit in perfectly!

Annaliese’s 59th Day (May 24, 2010) – Enjoying the day

Today was the first time I really noticed that Annaliese is staying up a little more during the day. It used to be that she slept most all of the time. Now I am starting to notice that she is staying up for longer periods during the day. So today we went to Sams Club and her granddaddy strolled her around the whole store while Grammy and I ordered pictures on the computer.

This is her ready to seize the day. She has such a long and slender shape right now. We only wonder whether or not she’ll take after her daddy.

Annaliese’s 58th Day (May 23, 2010) – Tea Time

Annaliese attended her first tea party today for the Mother’s Day Tea at Aunt Loretta’s house today. She was such a sweet little thing the entire time. I can’t wait until she can sit at the table with us and sip out of a tea cup too!

Annaliese’s 57th Day (May 22, 2010) – The Great Outdoors

Annaliese loves being outside! It’s the strangest thing but if she is crying and we walk outside she stops immediately. I don’t know what it is about the great outdoors but they are sure great to us when our little one gets upset. We spent some time outside today attending Annaliese’s first baseball game. Her cousin Jordon had a game so we went out to watch him for a little bit.
Then we took some pictures outside before attending my best friend Amanda’s graduation party. Annaliese wore the cute little romper that Amanda gave her to her party. We stayed out pretty late and Annaliese slept very well when we got home.

Annaliese’s 56th Day (May 21, 2010) – More visiting

Today a friend of mine came over with her son to meet Annaliese and bring us a gift. Next my friend Michelle came over with her Mom to meet Annaliese. Later I took Annaliese over to visit Eric’s and my Goddaughter, Christa. We had a busy but fun day!

Annaliese’s 55th Day (May 20, 2010) – The visiting continues

Today we had more visitors come. Eric’s mom’s best friend came over to meet Baby Thames and bring her a cute little outfit. Later Annaliese’s Great Aunt Cathy came to have lunch and visit for a little bit. This is one lucky girl to have had so many people to come and visit her since her arrival.

Annaliese’s 54th Day (May 19, 2010) – Trying to capture a smile

Today I tried to capture a smile on camera. I didn’t have too much success. Annaliese smiled again at me at 5:28 in the evening but I just couldn’t get her to do it again for the camera. I will definitely keep trying. Later we celebrated Aaron’s birthday.

Annaliese’s 53rd Day (May 18, 2010) – I can hear with my cute little ears!

Today was the first time Annaliese went to the grocery store. She did great just sleeping away in her seat. We can only hope that all trips to the grocery store with a child will be that easy!
Tonight was the first time Annaliese had an obvious turn of the head toward the direction of a sound. We were on the bed and Quila walked by. Annaliese heard the sound and turn her head in that direction! Great job, Little One!

Annaliese’s 52nd Day (May 17, 2010) – Open Wide

Today marks the date 14 years ago that Eric and I started dating. Boy, look how far we have come since then. We worked in Annaliese’s room some and I put some of her preemie clothes away in storage containers. I can’t believe we have already gotten to that point. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun! While we were working Annaliese decided to take a few naps. Ever since she was born she has always slept with her mouth open. She definitely takes after her Mommy because that’s the way I sleep. We also let her do Tummy Time in her crib while we worked in her room and she fell asleep. She slept for like 2 hours. I only wish that she could sleep on her stomach all of the time. I think she would probably prefer it that way but unfortunately we can't let her. Eric sang to Annaliese later on in the day and she just looked up at her Daddy as if to say, “I just love you Daddy.”

Annaliese’s 51st Day (May 16, 2010) – Lounge Time

We lounged around the house today. Annaliese was tired from all the partying she did yesterday. Quila helped be lazy with her.

Annaliese’s 50th Day (May 15, 2010) – Party Time & Big Smiles

Today Annaliese attended her first child’s birthday party. She went to help Annika celebrate her 2nd birthday. Of course she had to wear her party dress! Her and Daddy

Annaliese had her first official smile tonight around 11:10. After feeding her and rocking her I had her up on my shoulder. She looked over at me and smiled. What a way to melt a mommy’s heart!

Annaliese’s 49th Day (May 14, 2010) – Tummy Time Troubles

We try to do Tummy Time most everyday. Annaliese is not always fond of it so we have to find other creative ways to do is such as in our laps or on our chests. It’s hard holding that head up!

Before Tummy Time

During Tummy Time

Not happy with Tummy Time

Back Time (with the pacifier!)

Tummy Time asleep

Annaliese’s 48th Day (May 13, 2010) – My cute little hands!

Today Granddaddy Nedera came over and visited. We took a picture of his hand and Annaliese’s. We are not sure who’s hands she has but she definitely has her daddy’s nail beds which means that she will have nice thick nails.

She is really starting to turn her head to look at things now such as her mobile and the toys hanging from her bouncer seat. She’s not really looking at too much here obviously but she loves having her hands up by her face. She also loves to fall asleep in her swing. She had to get rested up though because later in the day I took her to school to meet my students and colleagues for the first time. The students did not know I was coming and so they were so surprised. I didn’t let them touch her but did let them take turns looking over the stroller to see her while she slept. I enjoyed taking her to meet the other teachers and staff.

Newborn Pictures and Announcements

We also took some family shots.

Here is Annaliese's Announcement from: The Virginian-Pilot (local newspaper).