Grand Baazar with Grana

Jan 26 2014

We had one last day together and I was finally feeling brave enough to take Anna on an outing.  So I bundled her up and headed out with my Mom.  We got comments like.......is that baby real......is that a toy baby............çok küçük (so little)..........and its' too early for your baby to be out (turks stay inside for 40 days after a little one is born).

I love shopping (no secret here), especially in a market/baazar type place, so I lead the way with the most purchases (most were not for me). 

We had a nice lunch as many shop owners helped us find just the right place to eat.  We had many conversations about where in the states anyone that we met had been and finished off the day grabbing Starbucks before we headed home.  

Shannon met us there, love having her back.  

My mom got a great lamp. 

I am in love with these pillows for Anna's room. And I found a rug I want for her room too. 

Here is our girl who did so well on our trip out today.  We are sure missing Grana.

Momma and Anna

Just for Laughs here you go!!!!!!!!!

I had my dad send me some pictures from my baby book to compare with pictures of Anna.  

You can go ahead and laugh (I did).  I was a chunk (7lbs. 15oz) and compared to Anna ( 6lbs. 7oz.) a whole pound bigger than she was.  It is honestly hard for me to see resemblance with these pics.  And the weight difference.  And the double chin.

Here is another similar shot (profile).

Errand day

Jan 23 2014

This rainy morning we headed out to the US Consulate.  We need to apply for Anna's passport.  After we get this we can get her birth certificate and SSN.  

It was such an easy process than when we did it in Kenya for Noah.  We went right in, at the head of the line, and were quickly processed through.  It felt good to be in an American place.  

We should get it UPSed to us in 7 to 10 days. 

Afterward we went to lunch.......While My mom and I sat sipping Sahlep and Luke had a fancy lemonade.........Drew quickly got the car headlight fixed and headed over to eat.  

Luke was so proud of this drink and wanted a posed pic with Daddy. 

Later that night our friend Aynur came to visit.  She actually lives in Atlanta but she is the sister to our landlord.....she is so good to come visit us when she is in Turkey.  

 She was so proud of me fixing Çay for her.  I don't often have visitors, but have had many since Anna was born.  

My 2 youngest

These two have a special little relationship.  Luke is just fascinated that there is a baby in his house.  He is so curious about her and wants to rock his baby.  Other times he doesn't even notice she is sitting in her seat right next to him ( this may be because she isn't as loud as he is/ yet ).

Sweet girl having crib time. 

Other times he sits and tells her all kinds of things.  

Then she ponders and thinks it over. 

Today during her tummy time. Luke decided to introduce her to all the animals at he stable where Jesus was born.  He carefully showed her each one and said "this is donkey......this is moo cow...."

He tells me all day that Baby Anna is either awake (eyes open) or she is asleep (eyes closed)

But today he was just content to sit and stare at her. 

Look how big my 2 year old looks next to my girl.

Anna Caroline / 1 month old

Jan 19 2014

Baby girl is one month old.  I love how she is growing and changing everyday.  It is fun to marvel at how God made my daughter so unique.    She is holding her head up so strong.  She is starting to have a little trouble nursing.  She loves baths when she is in the warm water......but hates being cold when we get out.  She loves music.  She loves when her Daddy talks to her.  

She is 7 lbs.  8 oz.  and 20 1/2 inches long.  

I think she has such long feet.  

And a sweet little smile that we have only seen a couple of times. 

Meeting Anna

Jan 18 2014

My sweet friend Raika and her son Leo came over to meet Anna. 

I always love seeing and talking with her but especially loved catching up on life and sharing baby snuggles.

It was a fun morning.  

Pirate ship fun

Jan 17 2014

After the show we played on the excellent playground.  

And the fun pirate ship. 

I loved the view. 

The boys loved the zip line

Too BIG.

Dolphinarium

Jan 17 2014

We decided to venture out and see the Dolphins.  It was extra fun because we had Grana in town to help with the boys.  Anna still sleeps through most outings, so we were able to watch the show.

The boys with Grana.

Me and my love.

And we got popcorn.

Which Luke loved. 

My wild boy is getting so big.  Just look at those sweet hands.  Eating his own popcorn 

(he spilt half of it). 

The first dolphin.

He paints. 

Waving BYE BYE.

Mr. Walrus.

Doing push ups.

And sit ups.

And playing toss the ball.

Noah loved him.  Though he was hilarious.

He's musical too.

And these were my favorite. 

The bottlenose dolphins.

I think they are just so pretty.