February 2007 - Life with Two Kids

In February, after both Grandmas left and I had no help, reality set in. The picture below represents our crazy lives right now -- Anna Claire getting into who-knows-what, Mariah spitting up and Rob and I just trying to keep a smiling face. You gotta love it!

We love our girls!

Here's little Mariah -- all in blue!

Me, the Mom, in front of Lake Geneva with my Phil & Ted's stroller. Mariah is actually lying down in the back. Love it! Love it! I shop with it, jog with it, do everything with it.

VALENTINES DAY!

Anna Claire got a big package from her Aunt Cathy (Anna's favorite babysitter from EDH). She sent her a new addition -- Baby Ca-Ca, to join Anna's other dog Ca-Ca.

ROB'S BIRTHDAY - FEBRUARY 20

So I made a delicious American cake mix (doctored up) chocolate cake for Rob's birthday. Anna Claire had been waiting for the big birthday celebration all day. She helped me with the balloons and the cake. After dinner, we got out the cake and were all set to go when I ran back to get the camera. As I ran back to the table, it slipped out of my hand and dropped onto our hardwood floor. Both Rob and I were examining the damage and completely forgot about Anna Claire. Suddenly we both looked up to see Anna Claire digging her fists into the chocolate cake. She just couldn't wait any longer! Needless to say, she was a mess! I did manage to fix the camera long enough to get some cute pics (albeit blurry because I messed up the lens)!

Mariah Madeleine at about 7 weeks. Isn't she a cutie?!

January 2007 - Grandma Judie's visit

Grandma Judie (Rob's mom) flew out to replace Grandma Tia in mid-January. By the time she arrived, I was feeling a little bit better so we ventured out on a few excursions. Of course, Grandma Judie did bring the Colorado cold with her and, while she was here, we had the worst cold-spell of the entire Swiss winter (which was otherwise extremely mild). But Grandma was a trooper and not only stayed up all night with Mariah, but went on lots of adventures with us!


Grandma Judie and Baby Mariah. You can't see it here, but we're hoping Mariah has Grandma's beautiful mouth.

Our trip to the balloon festival at Chateau D'Oex. Anna couldn't get enough of it!

Pretty gorgeous setting for a balloon festival in January! But we took a windy route getting there and poor Grandma Judie got car sick!

Anna's first (and only) snowstorm in Switzerland. Yeah, and we all thought that this was ski country -- apparently not this year.

Anna actually wasn't too thrilled with the snow once she realized how cold it was -- and, of course, she refused to wear her gloves.

Yet another fun trip with Grandma to the cheese factory in Gruyere.

Anna Claire had a great time with her info "phone", learning the art of cheesemaking.

Anna Claire and Daddy hanging out the the picturesque town of Gruyere.

Gruyere Castle. We didn't get to see the inside because the girls were in meltdown mode by this time.

Anna Claire loved cruising in her stroller with Grandma (although she usually won't do it for Mommy).

Classic Anna Claire. Every time we go to the grocery store, she wants a roll -- and she's been spoiled by the delicious ones here!

See Mommy, I've got my baby and baby's blanket (merci, Grandma) in her stroller too!

Story time with Grandma!

Anna Claire loved hanging out with Grandma Judie; Mariah's partial to Grandma too; Mommy was glad for the respite!