Annie @ 6 weeks.....

Annie visits with Great Grandma Fitzpatrick early in the week, then takes her first out of state road trip, visits the lake for the first of many times, has her first boat ride and spends some time with Grandpa Fitzpatrick & Grandma Nancy. A great weekend!

Watching TV with Grandpa Fitzpatrick

Annabelle makes her mark on the wall at the cottage.
(with some help...)

Annie's first boat ride (on a COLD August day?!)

Also, news about the Galactosemia research that was done in Boston this week! See link: http://www.boston.com/community/moms/articles/2009/08/31/patients_from_across_us_take_part_in_study_of_galactosemia_at_childrens_hospital_boston/?page=1

How cute is this baby??

Annie's Sunday Stroll...

Crabby Annie & Carter (yes, Alyshia...you have the happy baby this time ;)

Momma & Carter with Alyshia & Annie

5 weeks

Dad's Illini Fan

Mom's Sun Worshiper

Annabelle visits Grandma & Grandpa Meek's House

Annie with Great Grandma Meek

Annie & Grandpa Meek

Rolling right along...Miss Annabelle OFFICIALLY rolled over (partially at least, from her belly to her back) at 4 weeks and 5 days! No more leaving her ANYWHERE for 'just a second' anymore!

4 weeks & 4 generations...

Great Grandma Metzka (90ish), Momma (30ish), Grandma Fitzpatrick (60ish) & Annie (0ish) Four Generations - all 30 years apart! :)

Annie & Carter chillin' at Grandma Fitzpatrick's

Annabelle checking out the Annabelle Hydrangeas in Grandma's yard :)

Annie turned 4 weeks today, hard to believe it's been a month! (Mom feels like July 14th has just been one reeeeally long day ;) We took our first trip to Grandma's house this week and visited with much of the "Aunt Hill". Also got in a nice visit with Alyshia & Cousin Carter, hard to beat a few hours with two babies :)

Annie also had her first visit with the specialist, Dr. Hoganson. She is doing fantastic :) All of her tests have come back normal (outside of having Galactosemia of course). She gained weight again, up to 8lbs 12oz, from 8lbs 4oz less than a week ago! We couldn't be happier!

Annabelle 3.5 weeks

Annabelle with Grandma Meek

Dad & Annie (3.5 weeks)

Making new friends already! Annie with Jonah, Grant, Shyla & Brody!

Busy week with the Meek Family! We went to Veggie Fest this past weekend to meet up with some new PGC (Parent's of Galactosemic Children) friends. Annie braved the 90 degree heat and humidity like a champ! We had a great time getting to know some new families and some SUPER cute kiddos!

3 weeks & already Adorable

Annie's first party outing

Bonding with Aunt Colleen

Annabelle has changed so much this week! She had a check up with Dr. Melissa and rang in at an impressive 8lbs 4oz! (Mom was hoping to just crack 7 and a half pounds...what a surprise!) Her weight gain must be from the extra eating she's been doing lately, she's always hungry! She's also working on her facial expressions - a lot more attitude and personality starting to shine through. We LOVE it!

Annabelle June headin' for 3 weeks old....

Kisses from Grandma Meek

Cuddling with Grandma Fitzpatrick

Another sleep deprived, but totally in love, family photo ;)


Little Daddy lovin'

Bath time pictures are still our favorites!

Many more pictures to come! But a quick update: We're approaching the big three-week mark :) Annie has been busy staying up all night, demanding attention all day and eating and diaper producing like a champ. We've been spending time bonding with the Grandma's the past week and looking forward to more lovin'. Mom and Dad have also hooked up with some other Galactosemic families and are anxious to learn more and make new friends for Annie (and ourselves!) Annie went to her first party on Sunday, where we celebrated the life of a great friend, Steve Ruda. She did great seeing new faces and cuddling in new arms. Each day gets a little easier and a lot more interesting.

More info:

"What is Classic Galactosemia?
Classic Galactosemia is a rare genetic metabolic disorder. The child with classic galactosemia inherits a gene for galactosemia from both parents, who are carriers. Normally when a person consumes a product that contains lactose (e.g., dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter), the body breaks the lactose down into galactose and glucose. Glucose is the sugar used by the body for energy and galactose is broken into usable glucose. Galactosemia means too much galactose in the blood caused by the individual "missing" the enzyme (known as GALT) to convert galactose into glucose. This accumulation of galactose is a poison to the body and can cause serious complications. "