The Big Zero Five

        On June 14th, Gabe and I celebrated our five year anniversary. Like most people, we always do something special on the day of our anniversary, but we figured five is a big enough number to spend some money on something noteworthy to commemorate the event.  On the count of three, Gabe and I both shouted out ideas. The first word that came out of my mouth was kayaking, and Gabe, of course, said a spa day. I know, I know, our relationship is so backwards. I should be the one watching chick flicks and asking for a day at the spa, but it's the opposite and it works. Gabe found an all day spa and hot springs in the mountains south of Los Angeles, and let me tell you, it was an excellent choice; extremely relaxing and we had a lot of fun! 

        Being married for five years really isn't that long when you compare it to my parents who have been married for 35 years, but I feel like we have both grown so much in those five years. Gabriel and I are very different people, who have very different thought processes. When we first got married, there were times when it got in the way, but once we started to realize how different we were, we kind of started to embrace it.  Gabe is a dreamer, an artist, and a person who goes with the flow of life. I, on the other hand, am very organized, cautious, you could say a pessimist, and I am completely incapable of just going with the flow.  I toss a little order into Gabe's life and Gabe helps me to relax and be open to new things. Every couple, including ourselves, has the occasional debate, but in these short five years, we have learned to mold our two very different personalities into a relationship that works, and it works pretty well might I add. I can truly say that Gabe has made me a better person. He has taught me to be humble, respect other peoples beliefs and cultures, as well as forgive easily.  

        Since we have become parents, I am constantly grateful for Gabe and the influence he is in Anniston's life.  He influences her to dream big and see the beauty in everyday life.  We continue to grow together as we make time for one another and put God and family first in our lives. Our love for one another just keeps increasing, and I look forward to many more years with these two cuties.

Anniston's 11 months

Anniston is now 21 lb, 6 oz,  and 30 in long.

• Anniston likes to point at everything and say "this?" or "that?" It's her own little way of saying, "What is this?" or "What is that?" She is so curious and wants to know about everything.
• Anniston's favorite sound to make is the dinosaur. If you ask her what sound a dinosaur makes or just roar at her because you feel like it, you're sure to get a "RAWR!" back from her.
• She took her first step; However, anything past one step on her own is much too scary for her at this point. 
• Her vocabulary has exploded this past month.  She surprises us everyday with something new. It's so much fun!
• Like's to crawl around the house while Gabe and I follow her around.  If we aren't following her, she stops and waits for us. Such a polite little baby. Anniston and Gabe like to have crawl races down the hall and Anniston thinks it's so funny.
• Loves every type of berry.  She always points at the berry carton and says "more." It's pretty dang cute. 
• Slipped in the tub and got her first black eye.  Poor thing! 
• Likes to move her little body to the beat of any type of music. She's a little dancing phene.  
• We often find her strumming on her daddy's guitar strings.  She also likes to get on her tippy toes and sneakily play the piano. 
• Gives the best hugs.  She's pretty selective of who she gives them to, but if she likes you, there's a good chance she'll sneak in a kiss.

To The Newish Papa

The first week after Anniston was born, I was kind of a nervous wreck. I had never really been around newborns or babies in general, so I was kind of lost, and honestly, a little overwhelmed.  Gabe, however, was a natural from the beginning.  When Anniston would cry, he would soothe her in seconds. I didn't even change one diaper for the first week after Anniston was born.  Gabe totally dominated that department.  He is an incredible father to Anniston.  The first thing he does when he gets home from his long day of work is scoop Anni up and goes to play with her on the floor.  Most days, I have to force him and Anni to stop playing just so we can all eat dinner.  They are two peas in a pod; they are both very calm and inquisitive souls that enjoy just sitting and watching life happen.  I feel very blessed to have such a well-suited companion in parenthood, and I'm so very thankful that Anniston has such an honorable, loving, and nurturing man as a father.  Happy Father's day to my husband, Gabriel Leon Lawrence, and to all the dedicated and loving fathers out there!