Author Archives: Julie

My Little Social Butterfly

Our Little Miss had a packed schedule for the Martin Luther King Day weekend.  But no complaints here – all of the outings and visitors were fun for both Annabelle and her (sometimes-conversation-deprived) Mama.

We began our whirlwind of activities with a playdate at the Skena home, where the Little Social Butterfly and I were able to spend time with Molly and Cohen, as well as their fabulous Mommies, Naomi and Cristen.

Annabelle and Molly have a competition going for who has the chubbiest cheeks

Our Little Cue Ball has a bit of hair envy whenever she sees Cohen’s lovely locks

The Mommies got to enjoy some adult conversation (Though who am I kidding?  All we talked about was babies…baby sleep, baby food, baby diapers, baby dance moves…okay, maybe not the last one) while the kiddos, who are just a few weeks apart, amused themselves by:

catching up on the latest infant gossip over some tummy time…

admiring (err…grabbing?) each others’ outfits…

and sharing of their favorite pastimes (yes, this is a photo of Annabelle offering her thumb to Molly, who happily “accepted” the kind gesture).

It was such a fun afternoon!  The next day, Annabelle, Daddy and I were very excited to welcome Merrick and Gerald to our home for a weekend visit.  The McSwiggans (or “McSwiggies”, as the Little Miss will be taught to call them) are our dear friends from DC.

No surprise, the Little Lady ADORED silly Merrick

Later that evening, the McSwiggies helped us host the Jordan and Inazu families (friends from Duke/DC/church) for a great evening of dinner and conversation.

And finally, our Little Party Animal wrapped up her long weekend by heading over to Uncle Paul and Aunt Courtney’s home to celebrate Cousin Ethan’s 4th birthday.

“Ethan the Astronaut,” as he wanted to be called, and his talented-solar-system-cake-making Mama

Luke, the Birthday Boy’s #1 sidekick

Heated discussion about why Pluto is no longer considered a planet

It was a great party, which capped off a very fun weekend for the Little Miss and her two sidekicks/social secretaries/parents.  But at this rate, we’re not so sure how we’re going to be able to keep up with her!

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6 Months Old (Jan. 9th)

Our sweet Little Miss is six months old!

What better way to celebrate than by letting the Little Lady try out solid foods for the first time?  For her sake, I’d love to say that we gave Annabelle some yummy cake with lots of chocolate frosting on top.  But no, Mike and I were responsible parents and opted for rice cereal.  It’s not gourmet, but she seemed to enjoy herself!

(already asserting her independence)

(already asserting her independence)

Here’s a video of the big event.  Use the password “belly” to watch.

So, you may ask, how is her eating going now?  Well, despite our very exciting beginnings, Annabelle has decided that she’s in no rush to partake of other culinary delights.  I’ve offered her more rice cereal, apple sauce and smashed bananas, but the Little Stinker seems to have lost interest.  Oh well…we’ll keep trying!

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Holidays Part II: Dreaming of a Wright Christmas

After spending several days in Annapolis, MD with the Plaxico clan, we drove east to Lewes, DE to celebrate Christmas with all of the Wrights.  Some of you may remember that besides being Mike’s hometown, Lewes is also the location where we became a Mr. and Mrs.

As with the Plaxicos, it was a very special gathering as all 13 of us (plus another one on the way for Paul and Courtney…wahoo!) were able to be together for the holiday.  Thirteen people sounds like a lot for one house, but thanks to the wonderful hosting by Grammie (Paula) and Grandpop (Rusty), we were all very comfortable…and well fed. 🙂

The Little Miss was a bit overwhelmed at first with all of the new faces and excitement.  But with a few extra naps and some snuggles from Mommy and Daddy, she got her groove back and spent the visit happily playing with her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

(Annabelle: "No, no, Aunt Laura, you're supposed to eat the game pieces")

(Annabelle: "No, no, Aunt Laura, you're supposed to eat the game pieces")

(Annabelle: "Ah, Luke, aren't you a cutie?!")

(Annabelle: "Ah, Luke, aren't you a cutie?!")

All of the snow that had fallen provided us with some extra fun and excitement, particularly when Grandpop brought out his Jeep and pulled each of us down the road on a sled (“us” meaning the adults….don’t worry, you don’t need to call social services on me).

And the highlight for the Little Lady?  Discovering that her reindeer slippers light up and make music!  Revelation!!!

It was a great holiday, and we are so glad to have been able to spend Annabelle’s first Christmas with her fan club.  Err…I mean relatives.  So with that, we wish you all (again) a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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