2006 and counting

It has been a while since a post because Annika and her family have been quite busy. In fact, we've been so busy that I don't even know where to begin to give you the latest updates. But you know I'm going to try.

- Annika's first Christmas: As expected, Annika is coocoo for wrapping paper. She just can't get enough. She is very good at opening gifts, and even better at shoving the paper in her mouth while she growls and screeches. It is quite a sight to behold. As for the actual presents, she sure did rake it in, and I'm going to be spending the rest of 2006 writing thank you notes on her behalf.

- Annika's tricks: Annika is now the proud owner of a number of exciting tricks. These include (but are not limited to) sitting up unassisted for long periods of time, smiling a great deal at things that make sense, laughing even more - usually when her parents are being silly and eating large amounts of food in all forms. Her favorite foods so far seem to be pears and sweet potatoes. However, she will eat almost anything with gusto. She has a morning meal of oatmeal that she gobbles up - and it's not like it has brown sugar in it!

- Traveling, Annika style: As part of the holiday festivities, we brought Annika by car to her maternal grandparents' home in the Los Angeles area. This drive usually takes Chris and I about 5.5 hours, but with a baby that needs to eat, it took 7. It wasn't too bad though because she rarely complained, but quite happy to either play with her many toys or to sleep most of the way. I only had to sit in the back with her a couple of times. As usual, she exceeded our expectations. On a slightly related note, she slept through the night every night at her grandparents' house, which isn't rare at our house any more, but the fact that she could do it in a new environment was awesome.

2006 looks to be a great year for little Annika. Can't wait to share the updates of her life with the people that love her!

P.S. Did anyone see Dick Clark on New Year's Rockin' Eve? Chris and I were simultaneously saddened and uplifted by his appearance and voice. So amazing that he decided to ring in the new year with America despite the fact that he's not yet 100% after his stroke. You go, Dick!