Finally . . . Snow!

This past weekend's snow storm was a welcome event . . . our local totals measured anywhere from eight to 12 inches. Erik and I were so excited to get out that we dropped Anja off with Grandma Marilyn and took off for a local nature preserve. The first photo is of Erik in the middle of a small pond/lake, checking to make sure we wouldn't fall through the ice. (Too bad we forgot a ski pole or ax so that he could properly test the thickness! Oh well!) Fortunately, we both made it across without any drama. As you can see in the second photo, the snow was super deep. A good workout!

She's Rollin'!

Yesterday was an exciting day for any first time parent . . . Anja rolled onto her stomach for the first time! The first time I thought it was a hoax, but the second time (as photographed above) I knew it was for real.
Anja's shown us that she's a pretty strong little lady. Tonight she practiced holding her head up while lying on her forearms.
A bit surprised at how excited her parents are . . . what's all the fuss?!
After all that tummy time, it was time to play with Dad!

Time Flies

It's hard to believe that Anja is already three months old! She is talking (in her own way) and interacting with her environment more and more. It's amazing to watch her learn and explore her world. Just think, absolutely everything is new to her: the discoveries happen daily!

Anja's namesake, Anja Pärson, has been in the news lately. Actually, it's not 100% accurate to consider the Swedish skier Anja's namesake. Perhaps this is just the Norwegian in us not wanting to admit naming our daughter after a Swede (can you believe it!). In any case, it was our first exposure to the name. We were watching Pärson compete in the Winter Olympics where she won gold in the Slalom and bronze in the Combined and Downhill. Pärson did this after recovering from what would have been a career ending knee injury for many. This was around the time we found out Shana was pregnant and the name started to fit on many levels. Anja is a beautiful name, it's unique/uncommon, it's Scandinavian, a champion athlete bears the name, etc.

After having a rough ski season to this point, Pärson won 3 gold medals in Are, Sweden. With these victories, the 25 year old is now Sweden’s greatest Alpine skier. I’ve included a couple links below.

Check out this video of Anja Pärson in the downhill from Eurosport.com

Stenmark: Anja’s our best ever.
http://www.eurosport.com/alpineskiing/are/2006-2007/sport_sto1084989.shtml

Paerson plays down hopes for five
http://www.eurosport.com/alpineskiing/are/2006-2007/sport_sto1085116.shtml

http://www.anjapaerson.com/

Family

We had a wonderful time at Ron and Kay's wedding this weekend. It was great to catch up with family and see the new addition, baby Emery! Congrats Ryan and Jesi! It was also Anja's first wedding. She seemed to enjoy herself and had plenty of people willing to hold her. The photos below were taken right before we left for the wedding.

In other news, we're happy that Mark will be back from the Dominican Republic on the 13th of April! We're counting the days and are getting very excited to see him. In one of his last e-mails he pointed out some Kyrgyz videos on YouTube. They certainly took us back and made us laugh.

The Besh Barmak clip is a very typical local music video. Besh Barmak Clip. The Kyzyl Gul clip shows some very traditional cultural events. I feel bad that I can't remember the names, but the horseback games go back a long way. One of the games they are playing involves a goat carcass and the aim is to wrestle the carcass away from the others, all while on horseback, and throw it into the goal or ring of stones. Kyzyl Gul. If anyone can remember the names or add some details, please do so.

11 Weeks . . .

Here are two photos of Anja taken within the last week. The one of her standing is from today - she is supporting herself but she's a bit wobbly. :-) She's beginning to mimic sounds now too and it's fun to "coo" and "kkkkaaaa" back and forth! She gives a big smile when we respond. (We'll do anything for a smile!)

As for the two of us, Erik had a great trip to the Boundary Waters. His students did very well, although were a bit shocked by the first night. I suppose sleeping outside when it's -30 degrees Fahrenheit will do that, especially if it's your first camping experience! :-) Shana got back in the pool for the first time this week and while it was good to get back in, she knows she's got a lot of work to do before triathlon season!

Anyone running Grandma's Marathon this summer? Shana's signed up and Erik and Anja will be her support crew this year.

Thanks for your comments!

We hope all is well,
Erik, Shana & Anja