Third annual beaver

Joel and Benny Beaver are doing their best to make Annikka a basketball fan -- she even knows the main cheer now (oohhhhhhhh-essssssssss-uuuuuuuuu. OREGON STATE! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!).

Here she is enjoying her third basketball season, her annual picture with Benny Beaver. (Here are years one and two.)

From March2010

This year her new thing is playing peek-a-boo with Benny. Oh the things mascots have to go through. :)

From March2010

Those who are familiar with Joel's unwavering passion for the Buckeyes might think this is unbelievable, but Annikka actually knows there are 3 sports teams out there: Benny's Beavers, Brutus's Buckeyes, and Goldie's Gophers.

Rockin' out, toddler style

Last weekend we went to a "family fun night" where a friend's son (a second grader) was playing guitar in his band. The evening had several short acts with kids from various classes/clubs around town. I don't know if it was the song, the lights, or new found energy but Annikka loved these girls playing in their band -- hopefully you can see her dancing even though the video is a little dark.

A little story

Annikka is becoming quite the little story teller. She tells us about what she did at school (although her time lines are a bit unclear sometimes) and re-enacts parts of stories from books (as much as a 2 1/2 year old can). She also enjoys making up funny little stories like this.



In case you need a little help with the translation: She is telling us about a jelly bean and raisin who came over but didn't match, so they did a tuck and roll (a relatively new skill of hers).

Sorry Charlie Brown,

but there will be no peanuts for Annikka. After three separate unpleasant encounters, our suspicions were confirmed by an allergy specialist, Annikka is allergic to peanuts, cashews, and pistachios (i.e. some tree nuts). It's a different allergy combination than Joel's, so our nut/seed radar will have to be re-tuned. She is now the proud owner of an epi-pen jr. (aka her peanut medicine) but I hate to think about having to use it one day. I suddenly feel as though peanuts are lurking everywhere, so it's better to be safe.

First haircut

Annikka reached another milestone tonight, her first haircut (courtesy of Mom). I won't lie, she wasn't really excited about it but the M&M's helped.

From January2010

From January2010

It looks like there may still be some curls, but I think we'll have to wait for the final verdict -- most of the remaining curls may be from the hairs that didn't get cut.

From January2010

We trimmed the bangs from her eyes (haven't decided yet if she should have bangs or not) and shortened the back. Still waiting for the sides to fill in a bit more. :)

From January2010

From January2010

She still looks pretty blonde, though.

Rice krispies

As surprising as it might sound, Annikka and I both made rice krispies treats for the first time this week. How I made it 32 years without making them before, I don't know. But I had been thinking about them non-stop for 2 weeks (at least I don't crave unusual things), so I'm not sure who was more exciting for them.

From January2010

She was a great helper, really enjoyed measuring out the rice krispies, as well as eating and smashing them while I stirred.

From January2010

From January2010

I don't think they'll be her favorite new treat (she isn't a big fan of crunchy), but we all enjoyed them that night.

From January2010

Big sister & little sister

Our world of pink has just gotten a little brighter because it's a girl!

From January2010

Here she is touching her toes to her head.