Holly and Liam Meet Anna

Our friends Holly and Liam returned from London for the holidays and were finally able to meet Anna after months of Skyping and talking on the phone. We've kept in touch with them while they've been away, but there's nothing like the real thing. It was great seeing them and it was even better for them to meet our little girl.

After playing with Anna at home, the four of us met our friends out for dinner and drinks, while Aunt Maggie and Uncle AJ babysat. It turned out to be a really fun night, but I forgot how bad it sucks to be hungover the next morning with a two-moth old. That's the price Bill and I now have to pay to have Anna and a social life...both are worth it!

A Winter Day Inside With My Anna

Today was one of the coldest days in Chicago EVER...-35 degrees windchill! But, I had one of the warmest and joyful days I've ever had. I was stuck inside with my little Anna and we had such a good time together - I love moments like this one - nothing else in the world matters but the two of us.

Anna and I played and cooed together. And, I had a mini photo session with her (pictures above). I'm just so in love with my little girl and spending quality, uninterrupted time with her is what I live for now. It's easy to forget about appointments and obligations when you have these big, beautiful blue eyes starring back at you with nothing but unconditional love...That is where it's at.

The Holidays (Part 1)

What an exciting time for our little girl. Anna experienced her first Thanksgiving, First Christmas tree at home and the her first Whelan family Christmas. It was a busy couple of weeks, but so much fun.

Thanksgiving was a blast! We headed to Naperville (Grandma Mary and Grandpa Tom's house) to celebrate with the entire family, including the pooches. Everyone just loved having Anna around, including my mom who didn't stop kissing her all weekend...she's in love with her first grandchild!

Billy and I were even able to go out "on the town" and have a couple of cocktails while the grandparents watched Anna. Hitting up the bar scene is just not the same when you know you have to get up with the little one that night. :) We had such a good time just the same.

That same weekend, we headed up to Dan and Amy's house to celebrate Whelan Family Christmas 2008. It definitely was a packed house with all of Bill's family (14 grand kid in all). But it was so much more fun this year to finally have our own to enjoy the festivities with. In typical fashion, Grandma Eileen showered Anna with gifts - mostly cute summer clothes and bathing suits for her first trip to Marco Island in a few weeks.

Thanksgiving weekend was a wonderful time to kick off the holiday season. Everything just seems to be more fun and even magical when you have your own child to share it with. I personally think having Anna has helped me reconnect with the child within and I LOVE it!