Oh, The Places You Will Go.

Take-off Positions Ready

Living with a traveling fam. Ani's first airplane adventure was a mild success. We
ventured out to Yosemite to be at our good friends Michael and Jen's wedding.
Ani loved the sand, sun, leaves, authentic Mexican food, but wasn't sure about the
temperature of the Merced River (if you think that was cold, wait till Lake Superior!).

She is growing fast and if you haven't seen her lately her most recent accomplishments
include (in order of importance to mom and dad): sleeping for 8+ hours at a time, eating bananas, peas, squash, sitting upright without support, squeeling and laughing,
and rolling over to avoid tummy time.

Hope you all have an excellent Memorial Weekend.

Ani is headed to Lake of the Woods, Canada to try and catch her first walleye!!

The Holmstroms

Hanging with a California Girl, Logan Horan (aka. Dora the Explorer)
(and yes, we know, Anya looks like a boy. even when she wears
pink strangers go, "cute kid, what is his name?")

Testing the Water

Loving the Sand


Jen and Michael, a taste of birth control.


Glad to be back home.


Ani with SuperMom #2, Lupita, our friend and daycare provider, Que bueno!


Tickle torture from Grandpa Holmstrom!!


A Perfect Mother's Day Hunting for Spring Wildflowers


I'm a big girl. How you like me now?!?


Finally, Spring in Duluth!


The scene when mom leaves for work.



Learning to sit upright.


Hangin' with Angie, and Wilder... Keep your hands off her kid.

Spring Fever.... Anya at Four Months

Dear Friends,
Winter has been good, but I am ready for some sunshine.
I don't go outside much, and when I do, my parents stuff me
in this ridiculous snowsuit. What is this place, Siberia?
I must have done something bad in my past life to be
punished with this prolonged snow and cold?! In the books my parents
read to me, most of the pictures are of beaches, sunshine, water, green grass and
trees with leaves-what's up with that?
Praying for spring,
Anya Rae

Ani resembles her parents in many ways. As you look at the picture above, you can clearly see that, unfortunately, Ani is nearly identical to
what her father looked like when he was that age- although
we think she is probably the cutest baby out there.
They say this is the big language
development stage, but hopefully the statement, "You look just like your daddy!" followed
by giggles and laughter won't scar her for life. Not one, out the hundreds that have
gooed or gaaed over her have said she looks like her mom.
The bright side is, she seems to have a bit of Becky's personality:
a bit of an attitude, smiley, happy, curious, nice to others, independent, doesn't like going
to bed early, easily annoyed with dad, feisty, knows what she wants,
and always late (sorry, I guess that's just Becky).
Things are getting more and more fun. The latest accomplishments
include: grabbing items and putting in mouth to taste, going to bed at
around 8:30pm, squeeling really loud, and tummy time for over one minute.
On tap: rolling over, sitting, and helping mom and dad write overdue thank
you letters.
Please come visit, she is growing up fast,
The Holmstroms

Showing up that "miracle baby that reads at 17 months".

The stare-down. Just wait till I can crawl dawg.

Hanging with her guardian Chums. He loves watching her.

Pre-bedtime routine with Mom.

Morning Smiles

Evening Frump

Her first Beargrease Sled-dog Marathon

Smiling Buddha

Two months and Still Kicking

Life ain't half bad.

We hope 2008 has been good to you so far. It has for the Holmstroms.
Since this is Anya's blog, we will skip news on Parents and Pets and
focus on #1. And #1 has rather quickly won over Mom's heart
and is beginning to do a pretty good job on her Daddy. Ani is starting
to understand that even though most mammals are active at night
this family prefers to sleep when it is dark. This realization has been
our best gift yet. The smiles and cooing have been a treat as well.
Enjoy the pics and we look forward to a visit from you soon!

Luv, B, E, A, C, and J

Christmas in G.R. (Mom looking pretty hot.)

Kicking back after a Christmas dinner of King Crab and BBQ Ribs.

4 Generations

Tummy time with Uncle John

The center of attention for the Holidays

Napping with Grandpa on his throne.

Modeling home-made clothes

Dad's singing is not very good, but he tries.
(She'll like Neil Young sooner or later!)

Auntie Tina in town for a spoil session.


In the pre=bath mindset.

No chicken dance tonight.

A visit from some of Mr. H's old students. (Potential babysitters?)


Sleeping Beauty

Mom trying to take care of everyone's needs.

Santa's Little Helper

The onesie (shirt for non-parents) pretty much says it all!!

We have survived the first month!! 215 more months and she will be 18 and out of the house. Nah, things haven't been too bad. Just trying to figure the little munchkin out. We fully understand why many friends have decided not to have kids and also realize why so many more have decided to have them. They really are all-encompassing.

We have had a lot of help, visitors, gifts, cards, and calls...thank you to all involved in trying to make Anya's life a little more enjoyable.

Here is hoping the following pics make you smile, think of family and friends, and give thanks for the holidays and what makes them great!

If you are interested in more pics, click on the links to the left that say Anya's birth, and 1st Month.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Becky, Eric, Anya, Chumley and Jasmine

Mom already has her exercising.

Dr. Jen Mueller: We strongly recommend her!!

Grandpa Anderson pays a visit.

So innocent yet so dangerous.

Four Generations

Great Grandpa Bupa Makes an Appearance

Just kicking it.

Mom obviously dresses her.

Not looking forward to what solid food poops smell like.