We have a 1 year old

Anna turned 1 year old on September 26, 2009!

Her birthday was a huge success! It was a very special day for our Anna. We were able to spend the morning together, just the three of us. Brent and I gave Anna her gift from us ... her green gingham chair. She loves it! We were busy with the few last minute preparations for her party. I was arranging the flowers in the vases for the tables. Anna loved her flowers and "sniffed" each one. She took her usual nap and she woke up to the start of her birthday party! We were so happy to welcome everyone to our home. Our family traveled a long way to be with us and to help us celebrate Anna's birthday. We were so grateful that so many made the trip. It really meant so much to us that our family was here. Our friends were also here, including Anna's little buddies, Katie and Andy. The party was outside in our backyard and the weather cooperated pretty well - cloudy, but at least no rain!

Anna was the perfect 1 year old. She enjoyed everything ... the party, all the people, the balloons, the cake, and her presents. She couldn't have been cuter. Brent and I couldn't be prouder parents!

This blog entry is long overdue, as Anna turned 13 months old earlier this week. But still, everyday I say to myself, "I can't believe Anna is already one." We have had our baby girl for one whole year! What a blessing she is. And what a wonderful year we have had. Just a perfect first year! Can't wait to see what this next year will bring ....

Wrapping Up Summer

What a fun summer we Hartsell's have had. Summer 2009 = awesome! Sad to say, but our summer days are ending. Brent went back to work today to start the new school year. Anna and Mommy are back to being "just girls" during the day. It has been a real treat having Brent at home these past couple of months. I have been spoiled by having extra hands with Anna, evenings of walks and ice cream runs, late nights in front of the TV, and mostly...having my best friend around all the time. And Anna couldn't be more happy than when she plays with Daddy. He's the most fun, don't you know.

This summer has been so special for both of us to spend with Anna. She has been at the perfect age for Mommy and Daddy's adoring eyes. She's grown by leaps and bounds the past couple of months. And we've both been here together to see it all....her expert crawling (well, scooting), going from sitting to standing, sleeping through the night (most of the time!), her hair growing, her first word, eating finger foods, and her most joyful and fun little self.

We hate to see summer end. But the fall season will bring its own excitement. I can already think of many things to look forward to... changing leaves, for one, which is always a favorite of mine. And little jackets and sweaters for Anna. ND football. The Mom & Tot exercise class Anna and I signed up for with friends .... there is a lot to look forward to. AND! Miss Anna will turn one-year-old before we know it.

Good-bye, sweet summer. We have so enjoyed you!

2 1/2 wide

We stopped in the Stride Rite store today. We went in just to look. But Anna was hamming it up! She let the lady measure her feet and she is size 2 1/2 wide. Fat little tiny feet. And we walked away with the most delicious little shoes.

Big Girl

Where did my little tiny baby go that we brought home from the hospital? Anna is 10 months old already and she's suddenly turning into a (little) big girl. Just in the past few days she seems to have blossomed! I am realizing that my baby is growing up. *Sniff*

Yesterday I found Anna standing up in her crib after her nap! Just standing there, very proud of herself, hanging on for dear life, and smiling away. This morning, it was the same thing. And probably will be the same thing from now on - standing there waiting for me. And someday probably standing there trying to figure out how to climb out. Ay-yi-yi!

Anna is on the verge of her first word. Actually, Brent and I have pretty much concluded that she's said her first word. Or "almost" said, anyway. The word is....drumroll...."ball". Except her version doesn't quite include the "l" sound very well. But almost! And the best part about it is that she says it without being prompted when she sees a ball. And because we're so excited about it, there are balls everywhere around the house just waiting for Anna to see them and call them out!

Finger foods are becoming part of the menu more and more. Anna is doing very well and brings her little puffs to her mouth without much trouble anymore. At first, she didn't quite get it and she didn't like the texture of new foods. But now she is doing great and meal times are pretty fun. Especially fun for Jo-Jo, since she gets the extra puffs that fall on the floor!

I worked the early morning shift today at work so we were able to take Anna to 5:00pm mass. I've never been so busy during mass before. Sheesh! One very squirmy, noisy little Anna made things pretty difficult! We ended up in the baby cry room area. Not much praying happended this mass for me. How things have changed! My prayers are in my heart and Jesus hears them. And I thank Him, so deeply, for the blessings he bestows on me and my family. And for our precious little girl. Our Anna, who is growing so fast and so beautifully.

Summer Fun

Hi everyone! Hope this finds you well and you are enjoying the summer. Our summer has been great so far. It's nice to have Brent home on summer vacation. I have been picking up a day or two more a week at work. Otherwise, we have been busy busy. Anna is doing just great. She is busy scooting all over the place and checking everything out. She's not crawling on all four's yet, but she has no problem getting where she wants to go! She has started pulling herself up once in a while. And I find her sitting up in her crib after naps waiting to play! Anna has so much to say...always making sounds and letting us know just what she thinks. "Da-da-da", "Buh", "Tuh", "Ma-ma-ma". She is a spunky, fun little girl...with a mind of her own...and she's having a blast. And we are, too!

Fun at the park on Brent's birthday 7/1/09

Trip to the Detroit Zoo 7/8/09


My first curl :)


Swimming at the pool 7/9/09


Having fun at home

Brent and I just celebrated our 5th Year Anniversary yesterday 7/24/09. Five years of wedded bliss. :) We have had a wonderful five years together. And seems like the most fun is just beginning. Our neighbors watched Anna for a couple of hours and we enjoyed a nice dinner out, just the two of us. HappyAnniversary to us....and many more to come.

Father's Day

I am a bit late with this post, but it's an important one!

Brent's first Father's Day! A fun day spent together as a family. Brent's parent's came to visit for the day, too! Nice for Brent to spend Father's Day with his Dad. And Anna had her Daddy all day long.

Anna & Daddy

We started Father's Day morning off right....a take-out order of pancakes from The Original Pancake House down the street. Yum! Anna had her oatmeal and prunes and we had pancakes. We spent a nice morning at home .... sat on the screen porch for a while, played, and Anna took a little nap. Brent's parents arrived around lunch time and we had Jimmy John's subs. Anna was happy to see Grammy & Grampy!


Later, we were off to the park! We went to our Grosse Pointe Woods community park. We walked the walking trail and Anna snoozed for a bit in her stroller. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and warm. We took Anna to the pool ... her first experience in the baby pool! She was a little overwhelmed at first. But once she was used to it, she splashed and played with her toys. She was SO cute in her little bathing suit and sunhat!

Brent loved his Father's Day gifts. A personalized coffee cup from Anna. And a Weber grill. One of the favorites was a framed picture for his desk at work.


We were happy to have Brent's mom and dad here for the day. Brent has great relationship with his dad. Greg is fun-loving, easy-going, and kind. Fun for us all to be together today. A father and his son .... and a father and his daughter.

I headed to South Bend with Anna on the Monday following Father's Day. So, that's when I saw my dad. A belated Father's Day for us, but no less special. Scott came over and we had steaks on the grill and enjoyed a nice evening. My dad is most special to me. I just love him dearly. Scott and I are blessed with a loving and an awesome dad.

We had a special and fun day with Brent. I am lucky to have him as my husband. Lucky we both are to have our daughter. And Anna is lucky to have Brent as her Daddy. He loves her beyond words. You can see it in his eyes when he looks at her. And she knows it .... she knows her Daddy loves her and she loves him right back. They are best buddies. She has a friend, hero, and father. I have a friend, partner, and husband. He's everything Anna and I will ever need.

Ready, Set, Go

Anna is on the move! Just in the last few days she has been scooting around and she's goin' places. No real crawling yet, but she's testing out getting up on all fours once in a while. Check out her video below!

Family Fun

Anna and I traveled to South Bend last week for a couple of days. My sister-in-law and nieces, Olivia and Bella, were in town from Florida! We haven't seen each other since last October, so a visit together was overdue and much needed! Olivia and Bella are getting so big and they are both such great little girls. And Angie really enjoyed seeing and spending time with Anna! We both got our "Aunt" fix!

Livi loved the new swing Grampy put up for her. In the picture, she was so excited about it, she had to try it out even before it was hung! :) Livi is also quite the little swimmer and she swims like a fish in her pool at home in Florida. Brent's parents have a pool, but the water was SO cold still. Liv couldn't resist and jumped in anyway....but jumped RIGHT back out! Her face was priceless.....brrrrr!

Little Bellzie is the sweetest thing. She talks and talks and everything is the color "red". She found Grampy's baseball hats and brought every one...one by one...over to me. She really thought it was funny when I put the hats on Anna!


Anna is lucky to have such fun cousins. And before we know it, she'll be running right behind Bella and Olivia ready to play. But for now, she was content just to watch. :)


We had a fun trip to Potawattami Zoo! The girls loved it. Anna's favorite part was the train ride!



We had a great trip! Wish we all lived closer, so we could get the girls together more often. But it makes our time together even sweeter....and makes us look so forward to the next trip!

Lets Go Krogering

Anna's first ride in the shopping cart! Sitting up, just like a big girl!

And flirting with the other shoppers. :)

8 Months Old

Today is the 26th and Anna is 8 months old! Can you believe it?

We wrapped up her 7th month in style! Here's the catch up....

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Brent and I had the day off work and we spent the day being a family of three! We went to a lovely Memorial Day celebration at the circle in Grosse Pointe Woods. There was nothing cuter than Anna waving her Memorial Day flag!

She loved to wave it, when she wasn't trying to eat it!

Dancing with Daddy to the band music.

Happiest Girl on the block.

Brent caught this shot - we're holding hands.

Brent's parents were here on Saturday and Sunday. What a nice time! I had to work both days, but they had a fun-filled visit with Brent and Anna! Lots of walks and play time. It's always great to spend a couple of days with Grammy and Grampy!

On a walk with her new sunhat from Grammy and Grampy!

Loving the Johnny Jump Up - hand-me-down from Aunt Ang!

My mom was here all of last week to visit. She took some time off work while my dad is still in school in Chicago. It was wonderful having her! We had a relaxing week together - our days filled with outings and Anna. What can be better?

Hanging out with Grandma on the porch.

Grandma loves me in this chair!

Anna got her first little cold a couple of weeks ago. A stuffy, snorty little nose and a few cranky days. We didn't need to go to the doctor, just stayed at home with the blue nose bulb syringe (booger sucker, I call it) and some extra fluids. Anna also may be teething again. Chewing on everything! She also growls every once in a while...it's very silly and so very Anna. But, she seems to be perking up - not as congested and not as growly. Her 7 month old blues. :)

Well, I'd say Anna's 7 month was a success! Lots of memories and lots of fun. Aside from the little cold, what else can a baby ask for?!

And here we begin month number 8. Can't wait!

Mother's Day

Sunday was Mother's Day. My first one!
I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!!

We started it off right on Friday evening after Brent got home from work. He took me and Anna to a nearby flower & garden shop and we picked out flowers for my window box on the garage. And we shared my favorite ice cream later that night.

Saturday morning we took a nice walk outside, it was sunny and windy! Anna's little hair was blowing in the wind, it was so cute. Then we drove to South Bend for a weekend with our moms. Unfortunately, Brent's mom came down with strep throat and was very sick. We didn't get to see her for Mother's Day - we were all disappointed! What a bummer to be sick on Mother's Day! Thankfully, she is feeling better now. Kathy and Greg will be coming to see us here on Memorial Day weekend, so we'll celebrate then. Saturday evening we had a great dinner with my parents and Scott - my dad's grilled chicken, Scott's potatoes, and mom's brownies. I just realized that I didn't contribute a thing. I just ate!! A lot!!

Anna woke up around 7:30 on Mother's Day morning. Brent, Anna, Jo-Jo, and I took a lovely walk. It was a chilly morning, but sunny and so peaceful. Anna snoozed in her stroller. :) We came home and I kissed MY mom on Mother's Day! This is the first Mother's Day in three years that I've been able to actually spend with mom. Brent made us a great breakfast and we all went to church at 11am. We bought carnations for the important mothers in our lives and placed them at the feet of Mother Mary of Guadalupe. Anna fell asleep in my arms for the last half of mass. A treat for me to hold her close in prayer.

After mass we had lunch at my mom's house on the porch outside. Scott came over and he brought me the nicest gift - he hand-made me a birdhouse. I love it! We hung it up already on our pine tree in the backyard. It's waiting for the first birds to move in. Brent and Anna gave me the BEST gift. Brent made me a picture frame with Anna's picture and her foot print. It's just beautiful and I cried, of course. For my mom, we always buy her flowers for her flower pots for the front porch. And they look lovely!

A wonderful first Mother's Day.
Certainly one I will remember always.

We are so blessed by our mothers - me with mine and Brent with his. And through our marriage, we get to share our mothers with each other. Now, I am a mother my self. To my beautiful baby Anna. On Mother's Day, I was told that Anna is lucky to have me. But I think I'm the lucky one to have her. She is the light of my life and she holds half my heart. Brent has the other half. I'll just have to keep dividing it as our family grows. :)

Swinging at the Park

Anna and I went to the park on Tuesday with our friends, Abby and Katie. It was an awesome spring day and we had a great time! Anna and Katie are loving the swings!! Check out the picture of the two of them. If you click on it, it gets bigger. Look at their faces ...pure joy! I am so happy that we met Abby and Katie. They are both so great - Abby and I have a lot in common and Katie is such a sweetie. And Anna has the best little playmate now! It's so great for me to have a friend in the area. I was so hoping for this. And the girls are so close in age (Katie is 6 weeks older than Anna). We are able to talk about all our baby stuff and get ideas and support from each other. I feel so lucky to have them as our new friends!

Today was a little cloudy and chilly, so we didn't get out much. I took Anna to Target for a few things, so that was our big outing for today. Brent had to work late at school for a parent meeting and didn't get home till after 7pm. We were glad to see Daddy! Anna was a little clingy today, so I didn't get much done around the house. But, we got in a lot of play time and cuddle time. That's what's most important. And the most fun. :)

Lists

My sister-in-law, Angie, challenged me to complete a few lists...so, here goes....

8 THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO....
1. Watching Anna grow up
2. Brent's summer vacation from school
3. Getting my air conditioning fixed in my car
4. My dad's graduation from his school in Chicago
5. Our next trip to South Bend
6. More sunny spring days
7. Kitchen re-model...coming soon
8. Play-dates

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY....
1. Slept in till 9am with Brent and Anna
2. Fixed Anna oatmeal and prunes for breakfast - yum!
3. Worked at the hospital from 11am-7:30pm
4. Washed my hands about 800 times at the hospital
5. Ate a Hostess Zinger from the vending machine
7. Came home to my wonderful family and super smiley Anna Marie
8. Tucked Anna into bed

8 THINGS I WISH....
1. For Anna's complete happiness
2. For the health of all my family and friends
3. That the world was a safer place
4. That I didn't have to work on Sundays, so I could go to church with my family
5. That all my family and friends lived in the same city
6. That junk food was really good for you
7. That money was a little easier to come by
8. For continued blessings, for which I am so grateful

Spring Fun & 7 months!

Spring has sprung and we're having fun!

First time in the grass!

On a walk with new friend, Katie.

Daddy & Anna at the park.

Weeeeeeeee!!

And Happy 7 Months Old, Anna Marie! You're 7 months old today!
Time is sure flying, what a blessing you are.