How big is Annie...

It's hard to believe another week has passed...I'm always thinking I'll post in the middle of the week so each entry isn't so long...alas...

In this past week, Annie has become far more intent on initiating games. This morning, for instance, we were cuddling in bed after Eric left for work, and she reached down to the quilt--which was by her feet--and pulled it over her face for peek-a-boo. Earlier in the week, she learned "...So Big." She'll respond to the question (how big is Annie) about 75% of the time, but often in the midst of other things--playtime, diaper changing, eating--she'll just throw her arms up over her head and wait for someone to say "So Big!"

Our weekend was again filled with holiday fun:

On Friday, Annie accompanied Mommy and Emily on their annual trip to the 8th Floor at Dayton's turned Marshall Field's turned Macy's. This years theme was The Nutcracker, and Annie was absolutely mesmerized by the sets, the animated figures, the lights...we tried to get a good picture of her, but she would not divert her attention to the camera!
For dinner we headed down to Mattie and Mike's for a tasty dinner, and lots of play time with friends. Annie seemed especially interested in their dog, Moses.

On Saturday, Grandma Barb came over to play while Eric and I ran errands. Annie enjoyed playing in the mirrors, reading stories, and dancing with her.


On Sunday, we lit the Advent candles at church and while Annie did not have any technical responsibilities, she did a great job looking cute and singing loud enough during the choir's anthem that she got a mention in the sermon! Annie and Daddy visited the new Macphail building in the afternoon for an open house and got to see where Annie's new classroom and Daddy's new studio will be! For dinner, we traveled to Erin and Kyle's Northfield for a beautiful Christmas dinner with friends...Annie got some extended playtime with River, and once again, seemed especially interested in a dog: Inu, their dog, was quite patient with Annie as she pulled his hair and shrieked every time he was in view!