Let it snow!

Merry Christmas! Today we woke up to about a foot of snow. It is beautiful outside. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. We opened presents at Grandma and Grandpa's after church. Hadleys favorite present was the Radio Flyer scooter. She just loves to push it around.

This morning we made egg bake and monkey bread. Grandpa and Grandma and Andrew came over. We opened presents. You got a Laugh & Learn House, a towel, books, bubbles, bows, socks, PJ's and a baby. Aunt Petra and Uncle Tim sent you a Boon Frog Bath storage system and some Boon plates, forks, spoons and snack ball.

Yesterday Grandma and Grandpa got you a sled, ball, clothes, a pequin toy and an ornament. I am probably forgetting things but you got a lot. Plus, the scooter. Andrew got you a ball and some plates and forks. You are one lucky little gal.

You also got an Olivia book from Nevaeh plus, a soft photo album and some forks and spoons.
Oh and we finally got Daddy the diaper sprayer... now it will be easier to clean your diapers!

Time to get ready. You are napping and I better get in the shower!

Ahh she sleeps in her crib

Finally, after three days of needy whiny clingy, she sleeps in her crib. The last three days she has been going through teething, one year old anxiety and a slight cold. We have had little sleep. Friday she ran a temp on and off through out the day. Saturday we woke up with blood in her left ear, so we thought she had a ear infection... turns out she just scratched her ear to make it bleed. Doctor didn't see anything wrong with her ear drums. So we knew that she was okay and that it was just the teeth thing again. Yesterday after doctor she napped a little and then that afternoon another little nap.

The last two nights she had to sleep in our bed. Last night she was in our bed the whole time. Both Robert and I had to take turns sleeping on the couch.
So far today has been a good day. We made it to church. We went to breakfast with Nevaeh and her family and played. At 12:30pm I laid Hadley down for a nap in her crib. No rocking, just put her down like normal and finally she just fell asleep. Thank God! My prayers must have been answered!

Hadley is feeding the dog!

This morning while Hadley was eating her breakfast she would feed Talley. For every two she ate, it seemed like she gave Talley one. Such a silly girl!

A Birthday Message from Mommy

One year ago today you were born and both your father and I have never been the same. We changed because our hearts filled with love for you. It happened the second after you were born at 8:55 pm. We heard you cry and then we just looked at each other. We were filled with many emotions. I know we felt relief that you were finally here, we were also scared, but most of all we were happy. Daddy got to officially hold you first. He went with you to the recovery room, I met you a little later. I can't put into words how it felt to hold you. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Next you met your Grandpa and Grandma. It was a late night and a very long one too. You were so excited to see everyone, you barely slept. I was stuck in bed and Daddy took care of everything.

It is surreal that one of the best moments of our life happened a year ago. I know we have amazing moments everyday because of this but when I think back to that night, it really was one of the best moments of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you so very much Hadley Marie and so does your Daddy. We would do anything for you!

A Birthday Message from Daddy

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!!! I can not believe that a year has passed before my eyes. From being the first person to hold you in the ER room. To catching you almost rolling off the coffee table while you and I were watching the NCAA Final Four tourney. To watching you sit and hold yourself up. Then, came the time, were you found out how to crawl all over the house. We can never take our eyes off of you for more than two seconds, like the time you found that little piece of wood pellet on floor and it dissolved in your mouth. There are some many other great memories that I am not mentioning, but I love you with all of my heart. I will give you hugs and kisses until you push me away. I can only imagine what the next year has in store, and I am looking forward to it.
Love Daddy

Presents!

Where to begin? Many wonderful gifts from family & friends!

Birthday Party Recap

Today we celebrated Hadley's first birthday. The party was a grandma and grandpas. It started at 2pm. It was a partly sunny day with snow dust on the ground. It was in the high 30's.

The Theme was "You are my Sunshine"

The Guests:

• Grandma & Grandpa
• Mommy & Daddy
• Uncle Andrew
• Shanessa & Nevaeh
• Laurie & Bruce
• John & Karen
• Tammy
• Jessica & Russ
• Great Grandpa Gene
• Michelle & Danny
• Becky
• Tom, Jean & Katie

The Presents:

• Lots of cute clothes, brown overalls, PJ's, comfy clothes from Becky, Shanessa, Michelle, and Tom and Jean.
  
• Books: First 100 words, board books with touch and feel from Mommy and Daddy and Shanessa
  
• Wooden Farm Puzzle from Shanessa and Nevaeh
  
• Little People Carnival from Auntie Michelle
  
• Bed Bugs Hammer Set from Mommy and Daddy
  
• Duffle Bag from Mommy and Daddy
  
• Rocking Horse from Grandpa and Grandma
• Farm Magnet toy from Grandpa and Grandma
  
• Christmas Dress from Grandpa and Grandma
  
• Stacking blocks from Tom and Jean
  
• Glow Sea Lion from Tom and Jean
  
• Fleece blanket from Great Aunt Judy
• Croc Shoes from Great Aunt Judy
• Mille Lacs Hoodie & Juice from Great Aunt Laurie and Bruce
  
• $20 from Great Grandpa
• Caterpillar toy from John and Karen
  

The Food:

• Homemade Mac N Cheese
• French Bread
• Ham
• Carrots & Dip
  
• Cantaloupe
  
• Relish Tray
• Cupcakes
• Smash Cake shaped like a sunshine

The Party Favors:

• Books for Nevaeh
• Lego's for Lucas
• Soaps for the ladies
• M&M's for the guys

It was a great day! We had no major issues. We even took Hadley's one year old photos this morning. Hadley was in a super mood. She doesn't want to be constrained at all... She wants to do what she wants. She was into opening presents but then she wasn't. She also didn't destroy her cake. She must have known how much work mommy put into it. The party started at 2pm and most everyone was gone by 5pm. I also made a slideshow of pictures to play in the background.

I am surprised I didn't cry when we sang Happy Birthday. I am still in shock that we have a one year old!

Happy Early Birthday!

Hadley was timid eating her cake. She was wondering, "Why is everyone looking at me?"

Birthday Party Update

Only one day left until the big first birthday party. We have been getting ready all week. Yesterday we made cupcakes at Grandma's house. We still need to frost them, but we tried one and it turned out great. We made cupcake toppers at Aunt Karen's house too, we used her easy cricket machine to cut out the sun shapes. Nevaeh came over to play in the afternoon.

Today we have to make Hadley's sun shaped cake! Hope all goes well. We also have to decorate and stop at the store to pick up buns and order balloons. I am sure there is more I am forgetting... yup, I have to wrap Hadley's present.

Good Day!

First Snow!

It is snowing today! This is the first snow of the 09-10 season.

Happy Birthday Claire!

Today we attended Claire's first birthday party. She was officially one last Tuesday. Hadley, Robert and I went over to Claire's party at 2pm. Hadley had a great morning nap, so she was in a super mood. We got there and Hadley knew right where the toys were. She played. We ate some chili. Margie made super yummy chili. Then Claire got to destroy her cake, after we sang Happy Birthday of course.

She picked at it slowly and then she started to get into it. She probably ate a 1/3 of it before Margie took it away and cleaned her up. Then she opened presents. All the kids enjoyed this part because they liked the new toys as well as the paper. Claire loved the ribbons.

After that it was time to call it a day. Most everyone was tired. It was a great day for Hadley and Claire was a super gal on her first birthday. Hopefully Hadley learned a thing or two from her good friend in preparations for her upcoming party on Saturday.

Thanksgiving Eve

Well, I have about 55 minutes before it is officially Thanksgiving. What is Thanksgiving? I know it is a great time to spend with family and friends but it also is a time for us to realize what we are thankful for. I am thankful for my dear daughter Hadley, I am also thankful for my health, my husband, my family and friends and well I guess in this economy, I am happy to have a roof over my head and a heat, lol!

Tomorrow we are going to Grandmas house. We will have the usual foods. This year will be tough. Grandma Bernice will not be there and this is the first holiday since her death that we will have to go through. I wish I knew what to say to everyone tomorrow, because this will be like the white elephant in the room. All I can say is that I am happy to have had a wonderful grandmother for 30 years.

Today, we just hung out. Hadley was on nap strike! It was a very hectic afternoon. She was really pulling all my strings. But, we finally got a nap in at 4:30pm and she still went to bed easy, just an hour later, at 8pm. We let Daddy go out with a co-worker and ring in the Thanksgiving Eve! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Teeth

Today we noticed two bottom teeth coming in. Wow, we didn't really notice any abnormal behavior except that Hadley was clingy. So now we are up to eight teeth.

Tonight we went to Faith in Action. We played, sang songs and learned about Jesus. We have a good time. We came home and Hadley was a little fussy. We did bath and went down for bed at 7:30pm.

Hadley is 11 months!

Happy Eleven Months Baby Girl!

As I write this I am shaking my head. I can't believe you are 11 months old. What a whirlwind of a year. It is so weird to think how you used to nurse 12-15 times a day and now you nurse maybe three. You used to lay in one spot and just stare at the bright lights of the Christmas tree and now you move as fast as lightning.

I remember when you were first born I would ask Shanessa questions about what is normal at your age and she would reply, I can't really remember. I used to think, how can she not remember it was only 9 months ago. Well, that is true. It is so hard to remember what you were like at 4 months old. I have been asked if you were a good sleeper, or how much you weighed and so on, and I honestly have to think really hard about it. This is a reflection of how fast time flies but also on how much is absorbed in both our brains in one day.

Today you spent the day at Grandma's house. It was Monday and I had to work. After I was done I picked you up and we came home. Daddy was home and he gave you a big hug. We ate dinner. You had spaghetti hot dish. You played for a while, then bath and bed. You were in bed by 7pm and I think you fell asleep around 7:25 or so. I cleaned from 7-8pm. Got to do it when I have the time.

Hadley Marie, we are so blessed to have you in our life! You make each day special and our life is so much fuller with you in it. We love you so very much!

Hadley getting her Halloween bear from Grandpa!

Halloween and 30

Well I am officially 30 years old. I turned 30 on the 1st which was Sunday. We had a fun football party. The Vikings beat the Packers. I got a beautiful necklace from Robert, Hadley and Michelle. I also got a charm bracelet from Grandma and Grandpa. I love them both.

Hadley was a ladybug for Halloween. We went trick or treating with Claire and Margie. Claire was a little bear. It wasn't the best weather but we got a few pieces of candy.

Today is opening of hunting. No deer yet for Daddy. Grandma, Hadley and I went shopping and had lunch at BeLa's. Hadley ate a grilled cheese.
The weather is gorgeous.

Heinsen Update

Here are a few things that have been keeping us busy....

Robert is working full time still, that is a great thing. Then he is getting ready for hunting. He also did some work on the land the last couple of weekends. He is trying to get some spots ready to make food plots for next year. He is also in three fantasy football leagues. So football is a major thing he watches and reads about.

I still work at the Messenger three days a week. I just decided to help with a upcoming project so I will be picking up some hours.
I also have been working two nights at BeLas and I have actually had two real estate closings this month. Plus, I have had a few listings to tend to. I also lead Faith in Action Wednesday nights at church. Plus, since I finally had a closing I went and did a little shopping these past couple of weeks. You know that dreaded Walmart/Target run where you have to spend 100 on cleaning supplies. I did get a few things for Hadley.

As you know Halloween is coming up. Hadley is going to be a lady bug. We are going to the business trick or treating event on Friday at 4pm with her friend Claire. She is a busy bee, I have had to stop writing this three times already. Currently she is taking the zip lock bags out of the drawer and she is also messing around with the diet coke. Robert doesn't like when she plays in drawers. But, it is really hard not to let her. She loves it. Ok, now into the tin foil... stopping again.

Later today, Robert and I are heading to Maple Grove to go shopping for a few supplies. I am having my 30th birthday party this Sunday at my parents house. We are having a football party because the Vikings will be on. Should be fun. So we have to finish the party shopping and help with the cleaning.

Hadley's party will be Dec. 5th. I need to get her invites ordered and mailed. I am super excited for her party because I came up with a wonderful theme. You will see what it is when you get the invite. I didn't want a pooh theme or character party...

Anyway - here is an update.

What did we do today?

Well the month of October has went by so fast that I don't even know the date today.
I do know it is Wednesday. This morning Hadley woke me up at 8:15 am. So we sorta slept in. Hadley usually gets up around 7:30 am.

I got Hadley dressed. She wore a cute outfit from the Gap. It was a pink and blue striped shirt with pink leggings. Then we went downstairs. I got breakfast ready. Hadley had toast and eggs. I pulled her into the bathroom so I could take a shower. Then upstairs we went so I could get ready. Hadley played in her room and crawled around.

Next thing I know we were running late. Off to Grandma's... we arrived just before 10 am. Then off to work for me. I buzzed to Grandma's for lunch at 1 pm. We all ate some garden soup. Then I picked Hadley up after work at 5 pm.

Then off to church for Faith in Action. We ate pancakes and played with toys. It was a quite night there because many people were missing. We are thinking they were all sick. Lots of flu out there. We left at 6:45 pm and came home. We played for a bit and did bath at 7 pm.

Hadley was tired. She saw her blanket. It was so cute. She grabbed her blanket and laid her head on it and stuck her thumb in her mouth. I didn't even have her pj's on yet. I hurried to get those on. We shut off some lights. Breezed through Good Night Moon. I nursed her for five minutes and she was having trouble keeping her eyes open. I laid her in her crib with her blanket and monkey. She didn't make a sound. She has really mastered going to bed on her own. When she is ready she goes into her crib without a fuss and falls to sleep so peacefully.

All in all a great day. I wish I could have had more time to play with Hadley. She was asleep at 7:15 pm and I was bored. I worked on some updates on Hadley's book. She has three things I have to update. I have your book that I write in. I update your blog and I also work on your Shutterfly photo album.

Daddy had a mock fire tonight and I think he just got home.
I guess I am not alone anymore.

Love to all.

Clothes

I thought I would do a post on sizes Hadley wore so I can look back on it someday when the new munchkin comes and see how they compare.

Newborn - 3 month:
Hadley wore newborn clothes for a short period. She went straight into 3 months. Most PJ's from Target were short lived because they shrank.

3-6 month:
This size served us well. We stayed in it through out the spring and most of early summer. I remember putting Hadley in these outfits around 3 months and they were big and she wore them through 6-7 months. The only problems we encountered were pants because of her bumgenius diapers. One of my favorite outfits was this hot pink overall jumper with a white long sleeved shirt. Hadley looked so cute in it.

6-9 month:
We stayed right on track. About mid summer we started wearing 6-9 months. My favorite outfit was a cotton green hoodie with pants. It was super soft. The jacket was a size bigger and still fits today. But, the pants sadly we have grown out of them.

9-12 month:
Currently Hadley is 10 months 3 weeks. She wears an Osh Kosh outfit that is 9 months. Other then that we have been wearing mainly 12 month clothes. Her jeans fit around the waist okay but the length is long. The other day were wore Children s Place jeans rolled up (12 mo.) and a Gap thermal shirt (12 mo.). She looked super cute. It works out better if we wear disposable diapers with our jeans, they fit better and are more comfortable. But, we should be able to wear this next lot of clothes for a couple of months as there is quite a bit of wiggle room in everything.
As far as shoes go, Hadley has a pair of Stride Rites that are a size 4 and they are big. We hope to get about five months out of those.
Our favorite outfit is currently a pair of Osh Kosh khaki pants that look like cargo pants. The inside is soft. We usually wear one of our many long sleeve tops with those pants. We also love leggings with longer shirts. Very cute!

Finally Friday

It has been a good week. We have managed to go to sleep at night really well. The last two nights if not the last three Hadley has been put to bed sorta sleepy not fully rocked to sleep. She didn't cry or whine much, maybe ten minutes. Wednesday night she woke at 3am. I went and nursed her in the chair and she was almost fully sleeping when she was done.

I laid her in her crib and she woke up crying wanting me to pick her up. I thought well it is probably time to let her know she can put herself back to sleep. So I patted her back and left the room. She cried off and on. I ended up going back into her room at 3:45 or so and did the same thing and again at 4:15 or so. She would cry hard, then stop for a bit, then cry hard again. I ended up going into her room one more time around 4:30ish. I hated it because it was like we had to start the crying cycle over again. Finally, I said to myself that if she doesn't fall asleep by 5:00 I will rock her back. I knew that it would just negate everything I did the past two hours but I could take it anymore and we really weren't going to try this sleep training yet, it was just a whim on my part.

Finally she fell asleep right at 5:00. Thank God!

She slept until 8:15 and we spent the day shopping in Blaine because I had to go in for an eye appointment. We bought her a winter jacket, hats, mittens, some shoe socks things and a toy.

We had lunch at Applebees. That is a great place for lunch with her because the side items on the plate are perfect for her to eat. She had veggies and potatoes, a bite of my steak and some of Grandma's chicken pasta.

She slept on the way down and on the way back.

It was a great day.

Happy 10 Months!

Today is Hadley's ten month birthday. WOW! It is sunny outside but cool for October weather. The fall colors are in full bloom.
Hadley can say baby, puppy, mama & dada.
She can walk around furniture and her favorite thing to do is push chairs around at Grandma's house.
She can balance when she wants to. No free walking yet.
Her favorite food is still pancakes. She loves to eat them by the handfuls. She also loves eating meatballs.
She doesn't sleep through the night yet. She gets up about once a night. We need to cry it out. So Robert and I have to find a couple of days where we can sleep train.
Hadley has five teeth. Well 4.5 teeth. Her fifth tooth is coming in. She got he two front teeth about two weeks ago and then the fifth tooth is the top right after the front.
It has been a fun filled couple of weeks. We have been very busy.

Two front teeth and words

Hadley has popped out two front teeth. They are just starting to show. It will really change her look. I can't believe our little baby has two front teeth. Speaking of baby she can say that word now. Yesterday, she started saying it. Ba be in a soft voice as she smiles.

I was putting her in her car seat and while I was doing so I handed her a book with baby faces and she said it, ba be, and it was in the right context. So at Grandma's today we gave her a little baby to play with and said the word hundreds of times.

This week we don't have much planned. Tomorrow we get to watch Nevaeh for a few hours. Wednesday we have Faith in Action. Thursday, I think we are free. Friday, I am busy with work, both at the Messenger and BeLa's. Saturday we get to go shopping! Hopefully we will find some good deals. We really need to get some everyday outfits for Hadley as well as essentials.

I guess we have a lot going on as usual.
Tonight Hadley had chicken and veggies for dinner. She went upstairs for bath time at 7:30 and was in bed at 8:00. She went to bed without a fuss. She woke up once last night around 2:45am and nursed. She got up for the day at 7:00 am. So we will see what tonight brings. Hopefully one of these days she will sleep through the night.

Good Night!

9 months Doctor visit

This morning we had Hadley's 9 month doctor visit. She is in the 50th percentile for both height and weight. She weighed 19 lbs 6 oz and was 27.5" tall. She was a good little girl, a little cranky because she wanted to take her nap early.

We can see her gums are swollen where her top two teeth are. Any day hopefully we will have a tooth pop through. One tooth did come through but has decided to go hide again.

For lunch today, Hadley is having chopped broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. She started with some O's, however, I don't think these are her favorite anymore. She really loves yogurt melts.

Off to Grandma's today for a few hours. Mommy has to run into the Messenger for a little work.

Happy 9 months!

Hi Baby Girl -
Happy 9 months on 09-09-09. Today you were perfect. First we went out for breakfast with the team at Mille Lacs Realty. You were a great little gal. You ate some of your O's and applesauce. Then we went to Grandma's house because Mommy had to work. You had a little more to eat because you were too busy to get full at breakfast. Grandma made you egg yolk.

It sounded like you were a great gal for her too. You took a long morning nap. Enjoyed your lunch. Played, crawled around, and knocked over the computer tower. I guess knocking over the tower isn't that great but at least you didn't get hurt.

Then you took an afternoon nap and I came and picked you up. We hung out for a bit and came home. At home you played, ate dinner, played some more. At 7pm we started bath time. You were so good. You love to find new things. Tonight you noticed the vent cover in the tub. You tried to get it twice. Of course the rule is you have to stay in your little ducky but you try to get out.

Both Daddy and I think you are going to be a mountain climber because all you want to do is climb. Stand up on the coffee table, sit down, stand up, anything and everything you can crawl on you do.

I just remembered that I forgot to take a picture of you today. But, I guess tomorrow will have to work because you are sleeping now. You went down to bed at 8pm. We gave you some cereal and you nursed. You woke up again at 10pm, I nursed you a little more. You had a little whine. We are still thinking teeth. We did see a little white spot on your front right tooth last week but it has since disappeared. Maybe soon we will see it full-time.

It is just so unreal that 9 months have passed up by. What will happen in the next 9? Who knows, stay tuned I guess. Hadley, we just love you soo much and we can't believe how much fun we have with you. Thanks for being such a wonderful little gal.

Love you!

Talking

Wow has time passed. It is September and Hadley will be 9 months on the 9th. YIKES!
We have had a great summer. We have been to the pool twice, the lake twice and went for many walks.
Hadley is crawling everywhere and can walk holding on to furniture. She is saying da da da da and ba ba ba ba... of course not ma ma ma ...
We love having her in our life. She is such a blessing.
Here are our summer pictures. Hadley was a little over 7 months.
Enjoy!

Teeth

We think Hadley is getting her teeth. She has been very upset today. She has whined a lot and she needs to be held. She is still drooling and her two front teeth are swollen. We think this is it because she has been crying a lot today. She is sore, that is the guess. So we will see what happens. All Hadley wants is her two front teeth.

On another note, she has been a great little gal. Happy as can be. She is crawling around fast as lightning and she can pull up to stand. She walks around the coffee table... yikes we might have a walker soon.

Pancakes & Dog Food

Today Hadley devoured her pancakes. It was her first time having them and she loved how easy they were for her to pick up and eat. She also loves to get into Talley's food. This morning I caught her over by her bowl attempting to eat the square bits of food. She had one in her mouth I was able to rescue that. But, wow... she can crawl fast. One look over in the kitchen she is at the entrance. Not even 60 seconds later she is by the dog food.
I need eyes in the back of my head.

Self feeding

It is a trying item but we are working on it. Hadley can feed herself O's finally. So this morning I cut up her sweet potatoes and coated them with a cracker for her to feed herself. She is currently getting more on her body then in her mouth but she seems interested in it and she enjoys trying to pick them up. She has surprised me too, because I put a plate on her tray and she hasn't picked that up yet.

Chew, Chew, Chew is what I always say.

8 months & Boat Ride

Hadley is eight months old today. Wow, she is growing up so fast. I can't believe the little personality that is evolving. She is busy, loves exploring, crawls fast and loves to stand while holding onto things. She enjoys playing with Talley, she likes to pet her.

We went for Hadley's first boat ride today. It was a beautiful day. We went out at 1pm and strolled around the bay and headed north along the shoreline. Shanessa, Geoff and Nevaeh joined us. Half way through Hadley fell asleep. I laid her down on the floor of the boat under the passenger side area. She slept until we arrived on the dock. Nevaeh also took a little nap too.

It was a very good day!

Toys, Screams and Teeth

Hadley knows how to scream now. Today while eating in her highchair, she just did a low level scream if I wasn't right there by her. It got annoying... I tried to tell her to use her nice voice and it is better to sing a song rather then scream.

On a bright note, we got loads of toys today for only $40. The bunch includes two activity tables, a push toy that looks like a car, various singing, talking, light up toys, soft blocks and some rattles. We also got a free high chair for Grandmas house. It isn't the greatest, but hey it was free.

We think Hadley is teething again. She is drooling and she has been waking up crying about an hour to an hour and a half after going to bed. Last night she went to bed at 8pm, woke up at 11pm, 1am, 3am, 5am and got up for the day at 8:3oam. It is like she is a newborn again.

I hope these teeth pop out soon.

Nevaeh & Hadley near the harbor in Grand Marais

Grand Marais

We went to Grand Marais for a long weekend in July. We left Friday night and headed north to the Lutsen Cabin. It worked out well. Hadley just woke up from a nap before we left so she was happy and content in the car seat for an hour before she fell asleep for an hour. We stopped in Two Harbors where we connected with Shanessa, Geoff, Nevaeh, Brea and Lizzie. From there we drove the rest of the way to the cabin.

We arrived around 8:30 and it was a bit chilly but not bad. Robert and Geoff got the cabin open. All of us gals checked out the water. That evening we just snacked and had a bon fire.
Saturday we woke up and made breakfast. The gals took little naps and we went to town. We checked out the shops, ate some donuts and hung out. The guys went golfing that afternoon and Shanessa and I got to go have a cocktail at Lutsen while the gals napped and Brea and Lizzie babysat.

That evening we had dinner and made another bonfire. Roasted a lot of marshmellows. Hadley was great. She took her baths at 8:00, we then proceeded to the bedroom and got ready for bed. I nursed her a little and then she went right to sleep. She didn't mind the pack n play. She did wake up a little more then normal but it wasn't too bad. I was probably more tired from getting to bed late then anything else.

Sunday we made breakfast and relaxed for the morning. Then we went and explored Cascade Falls. We had a great time hiking and looking at all the beauty. Once we got back to the cabin we ate lunch and the gals took naps. We left the dads home with the little gals and Shanessa and I went to Grand Marais with the big gals. We picked up some t-shirts and fudge and headed back to the cabin. Then the four of us (Shanessa, Geoff, Robert and I) went to a new restaurant at Lutsen for a few beers. Brea and Lizzie watched the gals again for about an hour and a half. It was awesome weather and great conversation. That evening we had our best meal, chicken and fresh salad from the garden. We had our last bonfire and talked smart.

Monday was got up and had breakfast and started to pack and clean. It is such a bummer to have to head home. Hadley and Nevaeh wore there same Grand Marais shirts. They looked so cute. They also got along sooo well. Hadley had a blast watching her big cousin run around.
It was a wonderful summer getaway.

Happy Anniversary!

Today was Robert and I's 4th anniversary. We made dinner together while Hadley was at Grandma and Grandpa's. It was a rainy day off and on... not typical weather for the end of July.
Also today, Hadley got her first bump. She can crawl and she climbs. Today she fell in between the coffee table and chair and hit her head on the floor. She got her first black and blue mark. I put ice on it and watched her for a few hours but she was alright. She wanted to go back for seconds right after she fell. She is a trooper, she is a mover.

We really have to watch her now. She can really go from one end of the room to the other. She loves vents too, not really sure why but she loves anything and everything she knows she can't have.

Busy Busy

Alright many events have come and gone and yet nothing on the blog. We spent the fourth up at the cabin on Big Sandy. It was beautiful weather. We tried to swim but the water was a little cold for Hadley. We just hung out and enjoyed the relaxation. Hadley was a great little gal. She took her naps, ate all her food and slept well through the night.
That Friday I experienced some issues with a clogged duct. I would try to massage but it just wouldn't go away, I tried the hot tub, Hadley nursing and multiple massages. I finally called Melissa and she scared the crap out of me. She told me I better get working on unclogging it otherwise it would turn into mastitis. So that is when I went into overdrive, I got a heat pack and massaged it... it came unclogged. Thank God!

Then we went right into the big weekend of Isle Days. Of course I had the Fun Run to tend to. Everything went awesome. We had 104 participants. We also had an amazing turn out at the spaghetti dinner. Hadley hung out with Daddy on Friday night and I got to go out on the town. We brought you up to the beer gardens for a little while to check out Danny's band. You were full of smiles. You love to just look around at all the different things. Saturday after the Fun Run you and I took a nap, since Mommy was a little tired from her first big night out since you were born. Then we got ready for our 5th annual parade party. We had many guests and tons of kids. It is so weird to see all the little ones. A few years ago there weren't many kids, now there are dozens.

I tried to keep you up to see the fireworks but you were not able to make it. You were to bed around 9:30pm. A half hour shy of the big show. Oh well - there is always next year. All and all we have been very busy, but we have had fun while doing it. You have been a great sport and you seem to enjoy the movements from one event to another. Let's hope so because we are off to Grand Marais for the weekend. Can't wait to show you Mommy's favorite Minnesota town.

Happy 7 months!

Today we tried little puffs. Hadley can't quite pick them up yet but she knows how to chew them. She tried to pick them up but it was like she was just playing. Tonight we are going to BeLas for a BBQ. Kendra and Bryon are in town and we haven't got to hang out with them much so we decided to throw a last minute BBQ. I hope the rain holds off.

Crawling & More

Hadley is almost crawling. She is so close. It is funny because sometimes she wants to be held and then sometimes she just wants to be on the ground rolling around. She can get up on her hands and knees. She rocks and slowly takes a crawl step...then she falls...she gets up again and falls...then she army crawls...flops...rolls...and "oh my gosh" she has made it across her bedroom floor. I guess it is time to put up the upstairs gate.

Tonight we visited with Kendra at Auntie Laurie's house. Nevaeh was there and she wore Hadley out. Hadley showed off her new crawling moves. The gals took their first bath together. Then Hadley was out. Seriously, come 9pm and that is Hadley's bedtime. Nevaeh entertained us. She said the word 'more' in the right context. She wanted more lotion on her hands. It was so cute to hear. Part me of can't wait for Hadley to talk, another part of me wants her to stay little forever. I don't ever want to hear back talk.

Happy Fathers Day

Today was Robert's first Fathers Day. We got up and made both Daddy and Grandpa breakfast. Then Daddy, Grandpa, Geoff and Bruce went golfing. They golfed 18 holes. We spent some time with Shanessa and Nevaeh while they were on the course. Then we went to BeLa's for dinner. Hadley was a very good girl. She was short on naps and still seemed happy.

While we were at BeLa's she was giggling and smiley. We went home and got ready for bath at 7pm. She was laughing at Daddy while I was undressing her. She loves her bath in the ducky. After bath it was lights out and I mean lights out. She was tired. She was in bed by 7:30pm. We will see if she stays sleeping or if she treats this like a little nap. I hope she stays sleeping. Normally she goes to bed at 8:30-9pm.

Only time will tell!

Teeth, Swimming and Graduation

Last Saturday was cousin Katie's graduation party. We left Isle and headed South for Rosemount. It was the beginnings of a gorgeous day. Hadley slept most of the way but she decided to get hungry about a half hour before we arrived to Uncle Tom's house. After a half hour of crying we finally made it and quickly said our hellos so Hadley could nurse. After lunch we took Hadley for a swim. She sorta liked it... I think she was a little sleepy.

Hadley napped and we helped Jean get ready for the party. After her nap Robert noticed a tooth coming through. The "first tooth" finally poking through. It was the bottom left tooth. We showed the grandma's (Nancy and Omi) because they were both saying through out the whole afternoon that she was teething. The big bash started at 6pm. Hadley got all dressed up. Everyone thought she was cute. Cousin Kate was cute too. She had many guests come in her honor. The evening went very well. Hadley was on her best behavior. She even slept in her pack and play from 9:30p to 5a. We were amazed!

The following morning we woke up and took Hadley for another swim. She loved it. It was a great weekend. The weather was wonderful, the conversation was great and most of all Hadley had a good time.

Ode to Hadley

So my little gal is 6 months old. WOW! She can drink out of a sippy cup, hold her own bottle and roll over extremely well. She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks. She had been doing that move for about two weeks. I can't believe how she can pick it up. It is just amazing. She has also learned to like her crib. We finally moved her to her crib at 5 months. It was slow going. She didn't like it but now has learned that is where she sleeps. I think what wakes her up now is her teeth. She doesn't have any teeth yet, but at this rate... who knows... I think she might get some soon.

(Added Note) The picture was taken on Hadley's half birthday (6 mo.) That day I was gone at RE cont. ed most of the day and I couldn't wait to get home to give Hadley a kiss, okay a couple of kisses.

Happy Half Birthday!

I can't believe Hadley is 6 months already. Wow times flies!

Finally

Alright I have been meaning to create a digital journal for our precious daughter Hadley. Since she is going to be six months old on June 9th, I figured I better get on this tedious task. However a well worth it task and one I am sure I will come to really enjoy. So hats off to our new adventure. My goal is a post a week. I also want to include photos and video. I hope I can manage ...
Wish me luck and I would do anything for you my dear precious baby Hadley.