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.