on july 1, anna rolled over--from back to front, and then the next day she went from front to back. now she won't stop. as soon as i put her down for a diaper change she arches her back and starts to flip over. the other morning she was awake before me, and lying there in bed cooing at everything, poking me in the face, yammering on and on. i finally woke up and opened my eyes to be greeted by her face about inches from mine. when she saw me open my eyes she immediately grinned and made a happy sigh, almost like "hooray! you are awake!"

i told her to whisper and we headed out to the living room where i was able to play alone with her for a little bit. she loves big smooches on her cheeks and laughs her ridiculous low-pitched "aaaahhhh" laugh. sometimes she squeals, but that is usually when she is in her bouncy seat and sees me from across the room. when tickled or otherwise made to laugh up close her laugh is less a laugh than a guffaw. her other favorite thing to do is blow bubbles. all day long. with sound. the best part is that when i do it back to her, she thinks it is hysterical, and she does it even more. she definitely gets the "Most Verbal Baby" award in this family.