A new game with Daddy

Ear infection #3

Anna began having symptoms again today so we brought her into the doctor's office for an ear check. Sure enough, another ear infection- this time in both ears. This is her third ear infection in the last five or six weeks. The doctor said that if she continues to have them we may need to consider having tubes put in her ears.

Can you guess...?

Anna and her Grandma Van Hal went to the Dutch store in Grand Rapids last night. Can you guess what Grandma bought her?

We had our playgroup again today. Here's Anna preparing a snack in the kitchen with her buddy Kayla. This was the nicest kitchen set I've ever seen... I think maybe we'll get Anna one for Christmas next year.

Grandma came for a visit today. Anna absolutely adores the bag that Uncle Mike got Grandma for her birthday- it's covered in Anna photos!

Marty

When Bryan and I get McDonald's I generally get a Happy Meal. If the children's toys seem baby appropriate (no small parts or scantily clad barbie-like dolls), I order a normal happy meal. You can also request a "toddler toy" which is specially designed for the younger crowd. Unfortunately this is usually a Ronald McDonald toy, which Anna doesn't seem to mind but is somewhat troublesome to me. I do not particularly like clowns. Anyway, the Madagascar toys that are currently being offered seemed like something that would be both safe and enjoyable for Anna. We purchased a Happy Meal a week or two ago and we received "Marty" the plastic zebra. When Marty is given a good shake Chris Rock's voice says either "Hollah at your boy!" or "You guys are crazy!" Anna thinks this is pretty funny. Marty is currently a designated car toy, but I really must remember to bring it into the house. Anna usually drops poor Marty within about sixty seconds, and he is destined to remain on the seat of the car for the rest of the drive. Every single time we go over a bump the thing talks. Drives me nuts. Ahhh... motherhood.

The twist 'n clap

The mall and Chuck E. Cheese

Today Anna and I met up with some friends at a mall play area. Although we hadn't planned on staying for lunch a couple of moms were going to Chuck E. Cheese and we decided to join them. I hadn't packed a lunch for Anna, so she didn't have the most balanced meal, but she seemed to have a good time. She had cheerios and crackers (okay, and maybe a little pizza).

Anna hanging out with her buddy Elle, who is a couple of weeks younger.

Playing at the library

Today I took Anna to a small local library to play. In this case "playing" means Anna walks up and down the aisles and Mommy chases her.

11 months old

I can't believe Anna is already almost a year old!

Showing off those new teeth.

Birthday giggles

Funny smiles

Anna has a cute new smiley face where she scrunches up her nose.