3 Months Old

This is the "hands in the mouth" stage! She has so many funny expressions.

Annaliese’s 92nd Day (June 27, 2010) – 50’s Tea, Happy 3 Month Birthday, Annaliese!

I can’t believe Annaliese is 3 months old today. She has changed in so many ways. Today we went to Aunt Loretta’s for a tea party themed in the 50’s style. On the way there Annaliese decided that she wanted to suck on her two middle fingers just the same way I used to when I was her age. (There is a picture of me doing this in the Christening Book that I posted for Annaliese's Baptism) It will be interesting to see if she keeps it up.

For the party I dressed up as June Cleaver from, Leave it to Beaver, since I’m the housewife now!

Chase read books to Annaliese to keep her entertained while we had tea! I told him he had to show her the pictures! He’s a great little reader.

Annaliese’s 91st Day (June 26, 2010) – Birthday fun with the Cousins

Today we went to Aunt Loretta’s to celebrate my cousin-in-law, Dominic’s birthday. Annaliese does great around all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins. We put this paper towel on her head as a joke from the time we had to use wet rags for her when we were at Jordon’s baseball game and it was so hot!

Annaliese’s 91st Day (June 25, 2010) – Big Things

We are getting ready for big things! Here is a picture of Annaliese’s high chair all set and ready with my plate set from when I was a baby. Obviously she’s not ready for the high chair yet but I figured I could get it set for when she is ready. One thing she is ready for is giving it a go at her crib. Tonight we tried Annaliese in her big crib for the first time. She lasted 3 hours without needed our help! We thought that was great. She is still being swaddled so we had to put the positioning wedges in her crib while she was in there. Then we brought her back in our room for the rest of the night. We figured we are going to take it slow and try her in her room each night at least once for a while.

Annaliese’s 90th Day (June 24, 2010) – Play time with Daddy

Eric took the day off today and played with Annaliese. He gets down on the floor with her all of the time and plays for hours (or should I say, as long as she lasts!) As you can see they played hard!

Annaliese’s 89th Day (June 23, 2010) – Lights out!

Tonight we had friends of ours, Matt, Jennifer, and their daughter, Madelyn over for dinner. We grilled out and the guys got rained on. We had a big storm but the dinner and company was good. We enjoyed watching little Madelyn eat baby food and roll around on the floor. She is about 2 months older than Annaliese. After they left the storm continued and finally the lights went out. This was the first time Eric and I had dealt with no power and a baby! Luckily it was late and time for bed anyway. We broke out the candles and sang lullabyes to Annaliese by candlelight until we all fell asleep. (But, no we did not forget to blow out the candles!)

Annaliese’s 88th Day (June 22, 2010) – First Laugh & Fun Bath!

Tonight Annaliese laughed for the first time! There is nothing better to hear than the sound of a baby’s giggle. We were getting ready for bath time and Daddy had Annaliese in the mirror. He was bouncing her back and forth and chanting and humming to her and she was looking at herself in the mirror. All of a sudden she just let out a small little giggle, then again, then again. It was the cutest thing ever! After all that excitement Annaliese and Mommy took their first bath together in the big tub! She did great and didn’t even leave any surprises in the tub, which I was a little worried about!

Annaliese’s 87th Day (June 21, 2010) – Ultrasound Time

Today Annaliese had to go for an Ultrasound at CHKD. Recently we noticed that Annaliese’s hip has been popping a lot. When she nurses and one leg in particular is up in the air it will pop in and out. We also notice it during a diaper change. Annaliese does not cry when this happens which is a good thing but it just sounds aweful. Since Annaliese had a history at birth of a “crunchy hip” we called the doctor and she had us come in. When we went in she checked Annaliese’s hip and sure enough it popped for her too. So she decided that we should go for an ultrasound just to make sure that her hips were growing properly. We brought along Annaliese’s bear security blanket for support! We also brought Aunt Loretta with us. She helped keep Annaliese entertained on the table as I held her. It did not hurt her at all and she just laid very well the entire time. The appointment was very quick. Before we could even get home Dr. Wick had already called on our answering machine and told us that the ultrasound was normal at that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the way Annaliese’s hips were growing at this time. We were so relieved!

Annaliese's Baptism

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Annaliese’s 86th Day (June 20, 2010) – Happy Christening Day & Happy Father’s Day

Wow, what an exciting day! Not only was it Annaliese’s big day but she got to share it with her Daddy on his first Father’s Day. We started the morning out with Amber and Brandon coming over to help get Annaliese ready for church. They brought over one of her presents, a pearl bracelet, for her to wear during the Christening. Annaliese wore my Christening gown that my Aunt Linda had made for me. She also wore my gold bracelet that I wore on my Christening day. I was so happy that we were able to have found these things for her. Aunt Linda also added some lace to the sleeves and bottom of the gown for Annaliese. Annaliese also wore Baba’s doll’s crocheted shoes for the event! She had a cross bib and used a special white blanket that a neighbor made for her.

We got to the church early to practice and some of our family was already there. Luckily, they got to sit in the back of the church where there is a direct view to the Baptismal Font. Father David baptized Annaliese along with some other children. It was a very nice ceremony. We had asked the cantor from our Wedding to sing for Annaliese’s Baptism and she did a beautiful job as always. Annaliese did a great job as well throughout the ceremony. She slept for most all of the time including getting the water poured on her.

She wore a beautiful white stole that Baba made for her with her name, the date, and other information on it. This is a picture of her Godfather, Annaliese’s, and her Godmother’s stoles from their baptisms. We used them as decorations. We also used my crystal cross and rosary from my Confirmation as decorations too.

After taking pictures at the church we headed back home for the party. The family had all helped to prepare food and we had a nice luncheon. After lunch we had sang the, “Happy Baptism To You” song I made up (like Happy Birthday). Next we had cake. Annaliese’s cake was white with yellow flowers on it just like the one that Amber and I had on our Christening day. My Aunt Linda had made our cake. Amber and I were baptized together on the third weekend in June just like Annaliese except ours was in 1980!

After cake I opened Annaliese’s presents. She received so many nice things. We also gave Amber and Brandon their presents. We gave Amber a necklace and earrings and Brandon a pen with, “The Godfather” engraved on it for him to use at school!

We decided to replicate a picture of me sitting on my Godmother’s lap on my baptism day with my gown and bracelet on. So Annaliese sat in Amber’s lap as we took the picture. Boy, does the gown still look great after 30 years! Overall we had an amazing day. We were so blessed with the entire day.

Annaliese’s 85th Day (June 19, 2010) – Prepping for the Party

Today we spent the entire day prepping for Annaliese’s big party. We also made sure that we got a good night’s rest before her big day at church. We are looking so forward to the big day. We have asked my cousins Amber and Brandon to be Annaliese’s Godparents. We are more than excited that they have accepted are are honored to be a part of her spiritual life.

Annaliese’s 84th Day (June 18, 2010) – Last Day of School

Well it’s official…I am now a Stay-at-home Mom! I have decided after 7 years to leave teaching. The decision came with great apprehension and sadness but I know that it is the BEST decision for us. Eric and I have been planning for this for a long time and the time has finally come. I have always given teaching 110% and now I want to give 110% to my baby girl. I don’t know how long I will stay home but I do know that at least for this upcoming year I will be able to. Today was a sad day for me because I gave my resignation letter and I packed up all of my classroom. It took my Dad, Eric’s Mom & Dad, Eric, and myself, to pack up all of my stuff in my room. As you can see it took 5 car loads and a trailer to haul all of my stuff away. I am not going to type anymore because it will make me sad.

Annaliese’s 83rd Day (June 17, 2010) – Cleaning Day

Today Eric and I stayed around the house and cleaned. We are trying to get ready for Annaliese’s big Baptism party on Sunday. Annaliese was a good girl and swung in her swing and rested as Mommy and Daddy cleaned all day.

Annaliese’s 82nd Day (June 16, 2010) - The Little Gym

Today Annaliese and I went to the Little Gym to see Ian in his class. He has been going to the Little Gym for the last couple of months and today was his final show. He did a great job! We can’t wait until Annaliese is old enough to go to the Little Gym too!
Today I also got all of the presents and ordered the cake for Annaliese’s Christening on Sunday!

Annaliese’s 81st Day (June 15, 2010) – Spa Day

Today was Day 2 of Eric’s babysitting for the week. Michelle and I went to the spa to get a manicure and pedicure so Eric watched Annaliese. Later that day a friend of ours gave Annaliese their daughter’s swing set. Eric and Granddaddy Thames went to get it and set it up in the backyard.

Annaliese’s 80th Day (June 14, 2010) – First Time visiting the “Browns”

Eric is on vacation this week so he took Annaliese this morning to the Norfolk UPS building where he used to work to visit some of the ladies there. They were so excited to see her and it was Annaliese’s first time at a UPS building. She has her cute little onesie that she got from Mommy’s friends at work but it was too big for her to wear yet. This was daddy’s first babysitting job of the week because I had to go to my school for my students’ end of the year party. Daddy did great with her on his first outing. He had his Timberland Diaper Bag with him all packed with even and extra outfit! Way to go, Eric!

Annaliese has started using her hands more now and is even sucking her thumb at times. She still uses her reflexes such as step, grasp, and startle. The one that Daddy and Mommy dislike is the startle reflex because it wakes her up when we lay her down on her back.

Annaliese’s 79th Day (June 13, 2010) – Strolling Along with Daddy

Today was the first day that Annaliese went to Baba’s house. We went over there because Baba was working on Annaliese’s stole for her Christening. She enjoyed being at Baba’s. Later Daddy took Annaliese for a stroll for the first time by himself around the neighborhood. He took her down to visit some friends where Granddaddy was and stayed there for a little bit to let Mommy get some things done!

Annaliese’s 78th Day (June 12, 2010) – Water Country USA

Today Annaliese went to Water Country with Daddy, Mommy, and friends. She enjoyed cooling it out in the shade and lounging in her stroller. We did not put her in the water because Mommy still thinks she’s too young to be in the same water with all of those people. She was such a good girl all day and we kept putting cool washrags on her to keep her from being too hot. She smiled all day!

Annaliese’s 77th Day (June 11, 2010) – First Dance Recital

Today was the first time that Annaliese smiled while she was eating. She looked up at me with the most precious smile it just melted my heart. She was so happy at that very moment and so was I!

I had a dental appointment so Amber (Boo) watched Annaliese while I went. This was the first time that Boo babysat her. Then Aunt Loretta, Boo, Annaliese and I went to Dumars for dinner. This will be Annaliese’s first of many trips to Dumars, it’s a family favorite! Then we met the rest of our family at the Harrison Opera House for Lauren’s dance recital. Annaliese wore her tutu just for the occasion. Everyone thought she was so cute! Boo held her as she slept through the entire recital, clapping, music and all!

We had to document her first dance recital because if Mommy has it her way, Annaliese will be in dance as soon as her two little feet will let her (and as long as Annaliese herself shows interest in it)!

Annaliese’s 76th Day (June 10, 2010) – School Day

Today I went and worked in my classroom for a while. I went in to help my substitute pack up some of my things. The students were at the Planetarium when I went so I had the classroom to myself for a while to get things done. Annaliese stayed home with Grammy. I missed her in just the short little time that I was away from her and my body did too! I can’t be away from her too long or we have a “leaky” mess on our hands. It’s my body’s way of saying, get back to that baby and quick!! From the looks of this picture Annaliese seems to be wondering when I'm coming back too!

Annaliese’s 75th Day (June 9, 2010) – Tummy Time is Hard Work

Tummy time is such hard work even Daddy falls asleep! We are still doing Tummy Time every day even though it doesn’t last very long all of the time.

Annaliese’s 74th Day (June 8, 2010) – Night Owl

Remember back to last weekend when Daddy went out of town and Annaliese slept 6 hours…well, tonight she had me up until 2:30! Some nights are better than others! If she could sleep in our bed all of the time she probably would sleep a whole lot longer.

Annaliese’s 73rd Day (June 7, 2010) – Riding in a Different Vehicle

Today we went with Grammy so that she could get a car seat base for her car. I had to take my car into the shop to have a recall fixed on it so we got to test out the new base in Grammy’s car. This is the first time Annaliese rode in anything different than Mommy and Daddy’s Explorer. Later we went to Christa’s T-ball game.

Annaliese’s 72nd Day (June 6, 2010) – Philly’s Fanatic

Baba came over today and watched a movie with me. She also came to show me the plans for how she is going to sew Annaliese’s stole for her Christening. Daddy came home later on. He brought Annaliese back a Philly’s Fanatic onesie. It is bright red so Annaliese enjoyed looking at it. Of course Mommy didn’t enjoy looking at it because it wasn’t navy blue pinstripe (Yankees colors). Since Annaliese is going to be a Redskin fan Daddy said that she couldn’t be a Yankees fan too. She had to like a Philadelphia team like Daddy so I guess she will be a Philly’s fan.