Pineapple Pete: Annalee Estelle

Dear Annalee,
Sweet girl. It's hard to believe that just one year ago we were holding you in our arms for the first time. I still remember that day like it was yesterday - the excitement, the anticipation, your beautiful eyes when they placed you on my chest for the very first time. I still don't mind staring into those beautiful blue eyes... although it's getting a bit harder to keep you in my arms these days. You are on the move... crawling and standing and trying to walk. It's funny to watch you stand and grunt because you want to move those little legs of yours so bad. You are full of spunk. You love to eat. Love being outdoors. Playing with books, puzzles, balls and your baby doll, who you carry around and give big hugs too. We've had such an amazing year watching you grow and every day you are discovering and learning so much more. We've been blessed with good health and a great eater and sleeper. How did we get so lucky? I hope that you will always have that sparkle in your eye and give big snuggly hugs whenever we ask. I hope your determination only continues to deepen in all that you do, and that you will always find happiness and joy in the simple things in life. You certainly dance to your own beat sweet girl and we couldn't have asked for anything more. We love you so!

Twelve Month Highlights:

21lbs. 14oz., 30 inches long
Wearing 12 and 18 month clothing and pajamas \\ Pampers Crusiers size 3 diapers and Baby Dry at night
Nicknames: Anna Banana or just Bananas, Sweet Pea
Tricks: Walking with your v-tech walker or a chair - which you love just as much \\ squatting to stand in place \\ putting the lid on water cups, puffs, etc., \\ walking really well holding our hand and even took a couple single steps on May 25 at your one year check-up.
Favorite toys: shape sorter, v-tech walker, chairs, boxes, anything with a lid or door that you can open and shut
Favorite books: Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Baby Peekaboo Book
Favorite songs: Thumpkin, Bumble Bee, Old McDonald, This little light of mine.
Food: New foods you've tried - waffles, pineapple, limes, tomatoes, french fries, sweet potato fries, bread, crackers. You've starting turning down eggs sometimes, but then other times you'll eat them. Otherwise, you're pretty good at trying anything we give you. Avacado is a favorite at the moment. As is chicken and applesauce.
Holding your water bottle like a champ! Also loves using a straw now.
Refusing to sit still for diaper changes without a distraction.
Has learned how to sign "more" when you want more to eat.
Clasps hands when we pray before meals.
Trips: Lots of trips and visitors this month. Molly came to visit us, and we took a day trip to ROA to pick up your dad and have breakfast with Mols before she hit the road. We took a long weekend trip to Charleston on Mother's Day and also visited your dad in DC for a fun family weekend in the city.
Holidays: Your first birthday!! A recap here. Also, Mother's Day was very special for your momma. We spent the day driving back from Charleston, but stopped a fun BBQ spot in SC and Ikea for some goodies.
You typically go to bed around 7:30/8pm and wake up around 6am. Naps - Usually a shorter morning nap around 9/10a. and a longer afternoon nap around 2/3pm.
Without the paci, you like to find your thumb or fingers, so we sometimes revert back to the wubbanub during the day.
You're starting to repeat what we do. It's really cute!
You are a talker, but haven't really put together many words. "Ut-o" and "Oo-oo-A" are popular combos. Ut-O is probably your first "official word."
We started swim lessons this month and has been so cool watching you learn to kick, splash and float. Every lesson you get more and more comfortable in the water. We are ready for Memorial day at the beach!

Eleven Month Favorites {Items We Couldn't Live Without}:

The Bob stroller \\ Deluxe Booster Seat \\ humidifier \\ silicone bibs \\ teethers \\ spiral activity toy \\ Munchkin soft-tip spoons \\ Munchkin 360 cups \\ Sophie \\ V-Tech walker \\ Baby Einstein Take Along Musical Toy \\ soft-sole shoes are a must these days \\ outdoor play-yard \\ shape sorter \\ large knob puzzles \\ pop-up play tent w/balls

Pictures from this month: