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.