Xmas Part 2

Santa ate some of the cookies we left him and took most of the carrots to his reindeer.

Our home was very festive and even the dogs got gifts, too!

This is in the middle of opening gifts. Halfway through I had to nap there was so much action going on it made me tired. Emmett and daddy opened presents for me. I got some really fun things and I think my favorite is Sophie the Giraffe.

Xmas Day Part 1

Chillin' with my mommy and daddy at Greenlake...

Emmett and I hangin' out in our cool robes...

Mommy and daddy we're in the best mood these two days! I've never seen my brother act so nice, too. What is this Xmas holiday all about?! All I know is I like it and so does my family.

Ho-ho-ho!

Anya was a HUGE hit at this party! We ate pizza with Santa at the Geiszler's beautiful home and have done this now for the last 3 years. When Anya showed up in her Santa suit along with her intoxicating smiles, the party was all over her. We played "passed the baby" many times as everyone needed a turn holding our sweet baby in the red suit.

Family Shots Part 3--Just Papa and Anya

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Papa really loves me!

Family Photos Part 2

Emmett and Papa look alike in the above photo. Gramma and Anya are happy to be together!

This photo session was going smoothly until we decided Anya needed to participate. Emmett was not happy about sharing the lens with his sister as he wanted Aunt Penny and Gramma to himself. He looks calm and well-mannered here, but the photo is deceiving. We laughed a lot trying to pull this one together! Never quite got the shot we hoped for--oh well.

These two are buddies! Anya spent an entire night with Aunt Penny while mommy and daddy celebrated their 10 year anniversary at Salish Lodge. Anya did amazing and Aunt Penny is a saint!

Big brother sure is silly and Anya is used to it by now. He is by far the most enteraining person for Anya and the rest of his family, too.

Family photos Part 1

Fa la la la la la la la la

We sure did have an amazing Xmas this year! It was the most relaxing holiday I think I've ever had. I think Justin would agree. No traveling, waking up in our home on xmas morning, taking a walk around Greenlake in the sun, doing whatever we want to do...pure bliss! The only missing piece was not seeing our families who are scattered around the country. Hopefully, we can get some of them to visit us for future holiday celebrations. Mom that means you!

Anya was a trooper as we made sure to experience as many festive things around the city that an infant and toddler can handle. We did the Teddy Bear Suite at The Fairmount Hotel (see above). Emmett was not a big fan as it did not have enough action. His favorite part was getting the candy cane at the entrance. My favorite shot is of Anya and Daddy together. Anya is the only reason Daddy survived the teddy bear suite, too.

First Halloween

We sure did have fun this year! I had this grandiose idea that we all dress up as pumpkins. I knew this was probably the first and only year I could get the whole family to agree to my silly request. Justin basically said, 'no, I am going to be the scarecrow for the family'. Even better!

There were 3 more babies this year: Anya, Maceo and Alexa. All of them did very well and Anya even stayed up for some trick or treating. It was our 2nd annual celebration in Lake Forest Park where the Bertrams live. The 'burbs are much more fun when it comes to this holiday! Thanks, Josh and Sarah, for being awesome host and hostess!

Daughter and Daddy

2 Month Check-Up

Anya was great at the doctor's appointment last week. She had to get her first shots and I was surprised at how strong and brave our little girl took the pain. Her cry lasted ten to twenty seconds and then she was happy again. Big brother helped a lot by patting her head and giving her kisses. He felt like he had a very important job to do and he did great.

Her stats: Height 22.75 inches (50-75%)

Weight 11.45 (50-75%)

Head Circumference 40 cm (75-90%)

She is healthy, happy and wise!

Anya at 8 Weeks Old

I would like to say this photo above is her first smile, but our baby girl started smiling at 4 weeks! In the last week or two, we have seen LOTS and LOTS of grins from her that simply make our heart melt. Her easy going, happy personality really is a true joy.

Big Brother

Emmett kisses me a lot among many other things!

Is he still behind me?! When is he going to leave?

Yep, he's still there and I am just going to have to deal with it. I hope I get another kiss...

Wow--do I have a big brother who loves me or what?! He seems to always be in my face, kiss and lick me. Oh, and there are those times he puts his finger in my eye or on my nose. Mommy keeps saying these words over and over and over again, "careful and gentle". I am sure it has something to do with big brother being nice to me. Oh, and sometimes I wonder if there is a broken record in our home as I keep hearing, "give her space, give her space, give her space".

My family loves me very much and so far, I realize this is a very loud home with lots of action and fun!

Anya Already Makes a Guest Appearance in SF!

Our baby girl traveled beautifully to the Bay Area and to think it was only her second week of life. She slept the whole plane ride there and back. What a change from previous flights with little ones!

Anya was a huge hit at the wedding in the wine country, too! It was the first wedding I've been to that I was thrown up and pooped on. I was grateful she waited until after the ceremony, so my dress stayed clean for pictures. It was an unforgettable event to say the least and we're happy we could make it. Laurie means too much to me to miss her BIG day and we knew Anya would be a trooper. Thanks, baby girl!

Oh, and we got this stellar photo of the three of us before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge--so fun! This is the beginning of many adventures with our girl!

Anya and Her Family

Three Generations

Wow-what a treat and treasure to see three generations of Riemer Dorn girls with the Seattle Skyline in the background! I loved spending the week with my Grams as she really knows how to keep me clean and warm. Hope to see her again soon!

Anya Elle's First Week

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