To Anna..

(taken by our dear friend Tommy)

To my dearest daughter,

You are 8 months old! I can't believe how fast you are growing and I knew I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to tell you everything about your life right now.

You are loved beyond measure. You have two sets of grandparents that can't wait to see you and squeeze you. You have a Dad that works so hard to provide a wonderful future for you while still soaking up all the Anna time he could possibly need (and probably wants more). And well, your mom, that's me, can't get enough of you. We get to spend our days filled with laughter, play time, exploring, sleeping, eating and learning more about each other.

You aren't quite crawling yet, but you want to be on the move! You will sit with your legs in a wide "V" and reach as far as you can without having to get on your tummy. You will turn your body to the side and have two arms on the ground with one leg in the crawling position and just stop...you just aren't sure where to go next! You are eating finger foods and really seem to be enjoying it immensely. We try new foods all the time and you always get a bite of whatever I am eating.

You still have about 2 more months left in your helmet and you are such a trooper. I can't imagine what it is like to wear it although you don't even seem to realize it is there. I wish I could wear it instead of you.

Lately you have become such a momma's girl. Always wanting to be held or more attention given to you...and I will say I don't mind. I love when you reach out to me!

Your love affair with the pups is ongoing and lately Abbie has truly become your companion. I can only imagine she will be your sleeping buddy once you move to a toddler bed...and I can't tell you how happy I am.

You are a wonderful baby, a great sleeper/napper and an absolute light of joy in our lives. We can't even remember life before you..

All our love,

Mom