The End of an Era

I can't believe I have to go back to work next week. Daddy's going to miss you, Anabelle. It's been a fun four months staying at home and watching you learn so many new tricks. [Sniff!] Daddy's got something in his eye...

Staying Fit

Anabelle gets in a few rounds on the punching bag.

That's Why It's Called A High Chair

"Somebody needs to install steps on this thing. How am I supposed to get into my seat?"

Hair!

Aunt Becky gives Anabelle a big static shock and sends her hair flying!

Another Cute Close-Up

Anabelle shows off her spring colors.

Decisions, Decisions

"I can't decide if I want to watch Sesame Street or play Xbox."

Go Gophers!

Thanks to Cousin Jack for letting Anabelle try out his spiffy hat.

Big Brown Eyes

Anabelle uses her big brown eyes to hypnotize Daddy into giving her whatever she wants.

Anabelle's Adventures in Babysitting

Last night Mommy and Daddy decided to have a night out without Anabelle. Luckily, Anabelle's grandparents were available to babysit on short notice. Based on the pictures Grandma J took, it looks like Anabelle had a blast without her parents:


"Yep, I definitely need a haircut."


"Hmm...what should I play? I'm not sure what this audience's tastes are."


"Why, thank you! I had a feeling you'd enjoy my version of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'!"


"I've always said that the blue ones taste the best."


"...but they're also very hard to chew."


"Admit it: I know you're jealous of my sweet ride."


"Whoops! I mean -- I meant to do that! (Who put that doll there?)"


"Ta da! Perfect dismount!!"

Based on these pictures, I think Grandma J should be Anabelle's official photojournalist / biographer from now on. I like these photos much better than any of the ones I've taken.
[Thanks to Grandma J for providing the pictures for this post -- and special thanks to Grandma & Grandpa J for babysitting on such short notice!]

Photo Filter Week: Well, That Bombed

Well, the votes are in and the response was unanimous: You hated Photo Filter Week. I mean, you really, really hated it. Some of you even commented that one image in particular was giving you nightmares. Apparently you'd all prefer to see unfiltered pictures of Anabelle in her natural glory. (Incidentally, I don't know how many of you realized this, but for all of the pictures last week, clicking the small filtered image will take you to a larger image of the original, unaltered photo. Apparently most of you were so traumatized by the small images that you didn't want to risk making them larger so you never saw the "real" pics.)

I guess I should have realized that when you have a subject as photogenic as Anabelle you don't need any fancy filters or gimmicks to enhance the experience. You come here to see how cute Anabelle is, and that's what we'll be providing from now on.

So please accept my apologies for any trauma last week's images may have caused; and please accept Anabelle's promise that she will never let Daddy get so carried away with his graphics programs again:


"I told you Photo Filter Week was a bad idea, Daddy!"

Photo Filter Week: Dauber

"Anabelle Playing with Grandparents" (2006) - oil on canvas; from the collection of Mommy and Daddy

Photo Filter Week: Ripple

Whoa, Anabelle! You'd better check the possible side effects on that prescription medication bottle you're playing with: I feel dizzy!

Photo Filter Week: Focal B&W

Look at those teeth (four -- count 'em, FOUR) up on top!

Photo Filter Week: Soft Focus

Happy 10-month birthday, Anabelle! Boogie all night long!!

Photo Filter Week: Tint

Anabelle pretends she's a dog, chewing on the plush soccer ball.

Anabelle's Homer Simpson Impression

"Mmmm...tasty blue donut!"

Rockin' Through The Numbers

Anabelle in her PJs, playing with her new favorite toy, the Learn-Around Playground.

Lid Lick

Anabelle never did find out how many licks it takes to get to the center of the toy drum lid.

Fun at the Shower

Saturday the whole family went to a baby shower for one of Mommy's co-workers. Here, Anabelle and new friend Kaitlyn look on as the happy couple open their presents. (Anabelle even claps for the really good presents.) Anabelle says, "More parties, please! I love being the center of attention!! (What do you mean it wasn't a party for me?)"

Get Ready To Say "Awww"

Anabelle and Cousin Jack hold hands.

UPDATE: Jack has his own version of events.

Does This Count As a Milestone?

When she's older, Anabelle will hate me for putting this picture up.

Fun with Mirrors

"I can't seem to get anywhere. This kid keeps blocking my path!"