And I thought We Were Happy Then...

There have been so many times over the last several years that I've thought I couldn't possibly be happier. Steve and I are coming up on our 5 year anniversary and of course I thought our wedding day could never be topped. Then we'd have those times we'd be sitting on a beach watching the sunset or having a picnic in Paris or just being silly and playing games at home that I'd think "It can't get any better than this". This time last year, I couldn't imagine ever being happier. Wow...I didn't know anything. Just over 6 fabulous months have passed since sweet Annabelle's arrival to this world and literally every day is happier than the one before! She has a bit more personality every day, a bigger smile, a funnier laugh and seemingly, a new favorite food. This month was, of course, full of firsts again. Can you imagine what it must be like for virtually everything in your world to be a "first" or "new" almost every day? It's really no wonder she sleeps between 12 and 13 hours every night, all the excitement of a "new" every day must be exhausting!

6 months old

Beignets!

One of the big "firsts" this month was a weekend away from each other. Steve had a conference in New Orleans so we went for the weekend while Annabelle stayed with her Nana & Grandpop. We definitely missed her, but we enjoyed ourselves. It was the beginning of the Mardi Gras parades and we accidentally got caught on the wrong side of one and had no choice but stay and watch as its route was between us and our hotel. We had some delicious meals, a visit to Cafe du Monde, brunch at Commander's Palace and generally, a relaxing weekend. It was, however, absolutely wonderful to come back home to our little girl.

Steve outside a YUMMY spot

New Orleans

Sippy Cup!

One of Annabelle's favorite parts of every day at home has now become mealtime! She graduated from just milk, cereal and oatmeal to fruits and veggies now and seems to just love them all. We started out with fresh pureed butternut squash, which she just gobbled up as if it were the best thing she'd ever put in her mouth. Actually, it probably was, at that time. Then we moved on to peas. Loves them. Sweet Potatoes, yum. Bananas, apples, carrots, pears. Love, love, love. Honestly, we've never yet had one of those moments that I give her something and she spits it out; she just loves everything. I have been making about half of her baby food and was really worried that after the time and effort spent making it, she'd refuse it, but there's something incredibly satisfying about going to the extra effort and having her gobble it up every time. 

This month she has also mastered the art of sitting up all on her own, like such a big girl. She really enjoys sitting in the floor amidst all of her toys and trying to grab Macy as she runs through. Annabelle is so quick that a few days ago as Macy passed by, she grabbed poor Macy's back leg. It didn't hurt Macy, just annoyed her a bit and taught her to make her loop just a bit further away! It is so cute to watch Annabelle giggle and squeal as Macy runs circles around the living room. I think as she gets bigger, these two will be the best of friends. Or at least that's my hope.

As I'm trying to remember everything our little girl has done this month, I'm sure I'm forgetting so much. We had a fun day at the zoo with Kimmie (back before it was winter again). We enjoyed a day with Kristin, Liz & Lily and one with Hope & Baker. Annabelle had her first (two) experiences on the swings....which she LOVED. We had a "family" walk with Annabelle in her stroller trying to decide if she'd rather look at her Daddy and Maggie or her Mommy and Macy. 

 These photos were all taken on Annabelle's "6 month Birthday"!

And here are some pics of how we spend some of our time:

Not sure she loved the hat...but I did! 

This is how she says "Good Morning"!

Loves her Daddy playing guitar & piano, too

Loves her paci so much...

...sometimes she has TWO!

With Kimmie & the zebras

Swiiiiiiiiiiing

Just relaxing in her crib (hehe)

Such a big girl

A day spent with cousin Kayla

And of course, as she is 6 months old now, we had an afternoon with the ever fabulous Brandi Pitts!

AnnaBELLY

Basically, this has just been the most fabulous month ever. And the best part is that I know next month will be, too!