I loved our city life, and I still miss it in lots of ways. But life for Annie is so easy here in the suburbs. Just walking outside is the biggest thrill for her – we didn’t have a backyard in our apartment building. My aunt was here over the weekend, and she blew bubbles with Annie in the backyard for an hour. It was quite possibly the best day of Annie’s life.
There’s a line from the movie “Knocked Up” where Paul Rudd’s character says, “I wish I liked anything as much as my kids like bubbles.”
I’m pretty sure Annie would marry bubbles.
We love our little neighborhood. We lived in a nice one before, but the street was busy. Our new street is much calmer, and going for walks is much more relaxing. Especially for these two:
I want to get pulled in a wagon, damn it.
Annie loves going to the playground at the end of our street. She thinks sand is the coooolest (note: I do not think it’s cool to pick it out of her hair).
It’s so easy to make her happy here that it’s hard to miss celebrity sightings at the grocery store. Besides, L.A. didn’t have Jacket next door.
Elle P. says:
“…it turns out that last week the Governor of California signed a bill that closes this maternity loophole.”
This is awesome.
Heather says:
congrats on the health insurance front! That’s very exciting!
We’re starting to look for a house after Christmas, we’d like to stay close to where we are, but renting here is one thing and buying is a far more expensive venture.
Jenny says:
glad you like your new neighborhood.
A funny story about maternity health insurance. 20 years ago my parents were self employed (my dad farmed and my mom stayed home with the kids). They had 3 kids and youngest was 6. They were sure they were done having kids. So in December, they decided to drop the maternity rider in their health insurance. Two months later my mom went to the doctor for what she thought was a return of fibroids and found out she was pregnant with twins. It was a high risk pregnancy—she was 38 and had a history of miscarriages—-and none of the cost was covered by their insurance. Thankfully, the twins were born very healthy at almost full term (after 5 months of complete bedrest) However it took them years to recover financially from paying out of pocket for the entire thing.
Lisa says:
She looks so incredibly happy. There is just something about a kiddo chasing bubbles that always melts my heart.
keri says:
I love the first pic, the way annie is looking at your aunt – – adorbs
Melissa says:
I am in a similar situation with the baby. No maternity coverage. Found a policy with a $5000 deductible that I really don’t want to do. Anyway, because of your blog I found out about the bills signed last week. This is very exciting! It looks like the actual bill takes effect on 1/1/12 but insurance companies will have until July to comply. Our last governor vetoed this bill four times, so this is some amazing progress.
Lanie says:
Bubbles are the best! So glad that the insurance loophole in CA is getting closed. Take care.
Tami says:
She is sooo adorable Heather. I could spend hours looking at pictures of her. hugs,
Kristi says:
Your aunt looks like Shirley MacLaine! Annie is just darling!
Lindsey says:
I thought the same thing! On both counts!
Kristin (MamaKK922) says:
I am not sure if she could get any more gorgeous. Annie is seriously so breathtaking. And yay for non city life, I am happy you guys are adjusting. I get to adjust in 3 years LOL. But we’re moving to the country. So I may be a little crazy for awhile LOL.
Meg says:
Ah, yes — the pure joy of bubbles! I was also a bubbles freak and still get excited when I see them. My favorite were the giant ones you needed a lasso-like thing to create — and then they would pop right in your face, soaking you with soapy goodness. Childhood!
Amy says:
Been there and done that! Son was 2 when we finally moved out of the condo and got a HOUSE! So much easier to entertain little ones with a yard, nice neighborhood and nearby play grounds!
So good to see you all settled in your new home
The Woman Formerly Known as Beautiful says:
You must be relieved to get the heck out of L.A. You know how those celebrities are always stalking us mommies because their lives are just overrun by meaningless torrid love affairs, wasteful private jet trips to Marrakech and Staad, Barneys of New York closing the entire store so they can shop in private. I get sick of these celebs following me around wishing they could have my repetitive, predictable life! This way you can be somewhere peaceful where you and your child aren’t constantly stalked by Lady Gaga.
BTW are you pregnant? If so I am sending all the best wishes your way (and stay away from Eva Longoria — she’s so desperate for a child you never know what she might be capable of!)
DefendUSA says:
Heather…Here is a great sand trick I learned about 20 years ago…Buy the cheapest baby powder…and then if Annie goes to the playground or beach even, you sprinkle it on wherever the sand sticks and the sand falls right off…carry a dry hand towel for just that purpose…less mess in the car, too. You could sprinkle it in Annie’s hair, but that would be for general purpose to remove the sand, but it will look white!
AmazingGreis says:
She looks so happy in all of those pictures! I mean, she’s always happy, but those pictures are great. Hug her for me!!