All smiles

Feb 7 2014

Anna has just started smiling at you when you smile at her.  Just in time to share some grins with Mimi. Just precious.  I loved just watching Rosemary talk to Anna and see her get excited and smile back.  

Just so sweet this Mimi can spend some time with her Anna girl. 

Mimi and her boys

Feb 6 2014

We were out to eat on Thursday night in the boys new matching shirts.  Mimi, the boys, and I were stir crazy (after being in the house 3 straight cold days) and Drew was exhausted (from his trip).  But we had a good dinner and headed home to a good sleep.

I love these smiling faces. 

By the fountain.

We both look so tired.

Well Drew looks a little more lively here ( I told him not to look tired).

My sweet girl is ready for bed. 

All curled up, bottom in the air, and snoozin. 

While Daddy is Away

Feb 4 2014

We had lots of snuggle time on the couch with Mimi while Daddy was on a trip.  The boys had so much fun playing with their new toys Mimi brought.

Ninga Turtles and Nerf Guns. 

Anna was content to sit in her seat and stare. 

And get cross eyed

It was a sweet time of reading books at night.  Luke love the attention.

Anna is working on her neck muscles.

A little H.E.L.P.

Feb 2 2014

Mimi came in to help with the kiddos while Daddy takes a trip.  The boys were so happy to see her and wouldn't leave her side.   They especially did not want to go to sleep that night after she got in.  

Mimi meeting Anna for the 1st time.  I love that we get to share out little girl with her grandparents.  Can not wait for all of them to meet her.  She is just a joy.  She has started smiling and cooing at us.  

Happy 2nd Birthday Hudson

Jan 30 2014

We were able to help celebrate our friend Hudson turning 2 years old.  

blowing out the candles.  what a big boy.

My boys were especially proud to be at his lil party and eat his cake.  

They we were pretty proud to let him open his gift from us too, partly because they wanted to play with it once it was opened.  

The other guys sitting talking.  

Lil bit a Basketball

Jan 24 2014

Drew was invited to go to a Basketball game  between Anadolu Efes and Milan.  Our neighbors gracious won tickets and took Drew.  

pics of the game.  

The guys eating out and playing a game called...........OKE

Aunt Brittni

Feb 3 2014

Our Aunt Brittni came all the way to see us and meet Anna.  The boys just love her and busied her with all their imaginary games and having her read to them.  We just love hearing how her life is going.  

It looks like Anna is reaching up to grab her.  

Anna (not herself)

After Grana left, baby girl was just not herself.  She isn't wanting to breastfeed (since this is my third you would think I have it down/but you honestly start to doubt "Am I doing this right" "Why won't she eat" "Does she just not like me"), is crying a lot at night, 

and when I took her to the Dr. I found that she was losing weight.  

It worried me a lot and we started supplementing formula, i started pumping to get my supply back up to normal , and she started to seem better.  

Here is our pic from the Dr. office.  So thankful for great health care and Dr.s we love.  

Sweet girl was getting so over tired that when she did get to sleep she slept for hours.  

In the midst of all this her Passport and Birth abroad certificate came in.

Passed out 

Sweet brother taking care of sister

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.