Christmas Eve

Wow... it is here... CHRISTMAS! I can't believe how fast the time flew. It was just yesterday we were planning Thanksgiving dinner... or wait... we were raking leaves. Now, there is a ton of snow and Yep... it's here, the Happiest time of the year... or at least we hope so. There is always tension especially with a toddler, cookies, presents and limited naps. But, today was a good day and if the rest of the weekend could go as well as today I will be happy.

First we woke up and made some yummy sausage and eggs for breakfast. Then Hadley and I made Christmas Wreath cookies! This was Grandma Bernice's famous cookie, so it was fun to think of her while we made them.


Hadley enjoyed the red hots, her job was to put them on the cookies.


The cookies turned out! And, they were yummy too. Then Auntie Michelle, Danny, Cody and Eme came to celebrate Christmas with us. They arrived around 11:30. We ate spaghetti, breadsticks and a salad. Then we had cookies. After we ate we relaxed and opened presents. Hadley got a bunch of great items. She got some Melissa and Doug food ... both cutting fruits and regular veggies. She also got new pots and pans for her kitchen. She loved her baby accessories and even tried them out on herself. She got a new froggie towel and socks too! Robert and I also got some nice gifts. We were are very happy!


Michelle and the crew left around 3pm.


Hadley went down for a nap and she didn't fall asleep right away. Daddy heard her crying a little so he went and laid down with her. She was asleep in no time after that. We got ready for church at 5pm. Hadley woke up on her own but was a bit crabby which added some tension. One of my favorite things to do is going to church on Christmas Eve... so I wasn't going to let a little girl who was being fussy spoil that. I managed to get her dressed in her cute cream sweater dress with red snowman tights and away we went. We even made it there before church started. Grandpa and Grandma joined us. After church we went to Aunt Laurie's house for a lite dinner and Neveah and Hadley played. They also opened gifts from each other. And, both girls got a doll from Becky and Mark.


Then we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house to open up gifts. It was about 8pm ... right on schedule. Hadley got some finger paints and similar items from Nevaeh. She was thrilled. We made Nevaeh a Shutterfly book and everyone liked it. At Grandpa and Grandma's... Hadley was happy to run and play. She had a huge stack of presents and got some great gifts. Mommy got a new jacket and Daddy got snowshoes. We also got some meat from Chad and Andrew gave Robert a new fishing pole and I got a Swifer Wetjet and the movie Eat Pray Love.
Now on to Hadley...
She got dress up items from Chad
A screen tent from Andrew
A piggie calendar from Andrew and Chad
From Grandpa and Grandma...
A laptop, princess tent, clothes, dora toothbrush, a knitted sweater by Aunt Judy, a new tricycle, Memory game, PJ's and I am sure I am forgetting something. But once she got the tent... all she wanted to do was sit in there and play with her laptop. Only two and already retreating from the family with her electronics!


We finished opening presents and did stockings. Hadley was a great little girl and enjoyed exploring her new gifts. We cleaned up and got ready to go. It was a little hard to get Hadley to leave her tent behind... but we reminded her she would have it to play with tomorrow. We did take a family photo in the tent.


It was nice to have Chad back in the mix too. We were all together for Christmas! It was a great night and Hadley even went to bed fairly easy when we got home. She was out at 10:30pm. A little late but not bad.


Well it is officially Christmas! So Merry Christmas and hopefully tomorrow goes well with a full day of activities.

Meeting Santa

Hadley making her wishes for all her new toys last weekend!
At Macy's in Minneapolis.

Happy Birthday to you!

Hadley is Two!

Big Girl Bed

Today we got the new quilt for Hadley's Big Girl Bed. It was a birthday present.

Yesterday we bought a twin mattress and put it on the floor with her new sheets. It stayed in the center of her room and she slept in her crib. She played on her bed and was excited.

Tonight Robert moved it to the corner and took out the reading chair. That chair is now in our room awaiting the arrival of the crib and a few other furniture pieces from Hadley's room for the new baby.
Then Robert put her new quilt on the bed. Hadley thought it was much cooler tonight. Plus, we had to read books in her bed because we didn't have the chair like usual. So new change to our routine.
I was a little scared that this might give us some hiccups... and I am sure it will but tonight so far so good. We read books in the bed and I asked her where she wanted to sleep. She said she wanted the Big Girl Bed. So I said ok and gave her the usual blankets, baby and monkey. I tucked her in and told her I would be back to check on her. I turned Violet on and out I went. It has been almost ten minutes so I will go check on her and she if she is still in bed.

Today after nap we played with Nevaeh at her house. We haven't been there forever! It was nice for Hadley to go play with N's big toys and it helps me see what she really wants. I think she also knows that Nevaeh sleeps in a Big Girl Bed too!

Hadley has also had five poop diapers today. All are soupy type and I am hoping this isn't another bug. She has eaten well and has been pretty upbeat! I am sure she is okay, I know she hasn't gotten into anything weird but changes like this always make me worried.

Baby update... Little Pea is kicking a lot and it seems like my belly is getting bigger but then it gets smaller so I don't know if the baby is just moving around and that is why I change. I am 24 weeks and going on 25 in a two days. So I am officially 6 months 1 week along!

Life update... I also have our Christmas cards ready to order from Shutterfly but I need to finish Nevaeh's photo book before ordering. I am almost done... I started it last night and have just four pages to tweak. It is so much easier to do a book for someone else. I have Hadley's book to finish too! I have that half done. I have a goal to get her's done too and ordered with this order if possible so I can have it shipped free! Next weekend we are going to Minneapolis for the Holidazzle Parade and to see Santaland at Macys. I hope we have okay weather and a nice easy going day. It will help to leave early and allow extra time for everything. I really want Hadley to see Santa so I am hoping if we get there a few hours earlier then the parade the lines won't be soo long! I am putting it out into cyberspace for my wish to be granted!

Bed update... I just went up and checked on her. She is still in her bed. She is sucking her thumb. I think she is asleep but I didn't go in. I will go in later. I fear her falling out but it is a short fall considering it is just a mattress on the floor. But, I think I will put some pillows down to hopefully help break the fall if she does! I can't believe my little baby is sleeping in a twin bed. Wow... this is so surreal. I feel very similar as I did when I had to put her to bed in her crib for the first time. She was five months old and I cried. I didn't want my baby sleeping in another room. It only took a few days and I was over it but this time it feels like another big milestone! I will try not to cry but it just means she is getting older and bigger and that only means that someday she won't need me and I dread that day!

Update on bed... Hadley slept that first night in her bed until 2 am. Then she cried a little and came into bed with us. The next two nights she chose to sleep in her crib. She is still waking up in the middle of the night because of the habit that formed while she was sick. Last night she slept in her Big Girl bed again. She woke up at 4am and came into our room, not crying, blanket in hand ready to crawl in...

My Column

It’s nearly Thanksgiving which means the time is ticking by for the most perfect Christmas card photo and more — and I mean much more…
Tis’ the season that looms ahead of me where I can tell you what I will be doing every weekend until 2011. I know I shouldn’t spend so much time on the little things but I can’t help it.

This year I want to have cute Christmas cards and I mean the cutest little cards EVER so help me God!

Last year I waited until the last minute and ended up with lame photo cards from a photo machine. Of course the picture of Hadley was adorable but the card itself was hideous and didn't have the same Heinsen household pizazz as my previous cards.
In the past I have sent some creative cards. A favorite card pre-Hadley is one where Robert and I with our dog Talley dressed in camo and blaze orange and posed by the Christmas tree with rifles. The tag line read, “Hunting for Santa!” It was a hit and I heard comments from friends and family near and far. The following year we took a picture outside by a blazing bonfire during a snowstorm and the tag line read, “Sending you Warm Wishes!” Now these were creative cards and trust me I didn’t come up with the ideas all by myself. The Internet helped. However, I did have to organize the photo, track down a photographer (my brother), decide that 50 shots were enough to choose from, finally choose the photo and order cards online. This is a task I need to get on now, and sadly I just thought about it tonight.
Add this to a list of growing tasks that need to get done in the next few weeks. As in, can you believe Hadley is going to be 2? Where has the time gone?
I can remember planning every inch of her first birthday party. Now it is birthday number two and I am in the planning stages for a Dr. Seuss spectacular. Thankfully the theme was easy to decide on and it offers room to roam in the decorating department. I have two weeks to finish planning the menu and grocery shop, purchase her big girl bed, order her bedding, make cupcake toppers, create pom pom balls — Yeah, I know what you are thinking, “What the heck are pom pom balls?”
I found them on Etsy, another site I LOVE! They seemed a little expensive to purchase pre-made so I Googled instructions on how to make them and have decided to go that route. They are medium sized paper dahlia-like balls that hang from the ceiling, thus creating a bright and cheery “It’s my birthday” look. If you are skeptical like my husband, who tells me that by making the pom pom balls I have gone overboard and am just causing myself some unnecessary stress, well you are probably right. But ask him and he will tell you that even though I may stress about it, it gets done. I live for party planning and added stress means a great party!
And, pom pom balls hanging from the ceiling along with cupcake toppers help create a special look and feel for a very special little girl. I purchased 280 sheets of tissue paper, and one pom pom ball takes 16 sheets so I have room for error. Maybe with a little begging I can get Robert to help!
I cannot be more thankful for the many blessings over the past year. My family has survived in this sluggish economy. We have a roof over our head with heat and electricity. I don’t want to jinx it, but currently all of our vehicles and appliances are working! Even though Robert wishes the Suburban would die, I pray it makes it another six months. We have a healthy happy daughter who reminds us daily of what life is really all about, a loving dog and we are blessed with a tremendous support system of family and friends.
“Thanks” sometimes doesn’t feel like a strong enough word. But it is what we all should say each morning as we start our day. I must remember to count my blessings first and then my tasks! Especially when I start making the pom pom balls!

Happy 23 Months!

So I knew that time was flying but I didn't think it was going this fast. Ten days later...

Happy 23 Months Little Hadley!

We have been super busy. I know that is no excuse but a sickness also hit our household.

On the 9th we went to ECFE in Onamia. I had another ultrasound that day too to check on baby.

All is good with baby and with you. You enjoy ECFE, that day you were happy to play with the farm toys.

Also, you have been interested in your farm quilt more. The other night when you weren't falling asleep and yelling Mommy at 10pm. I went upstairs and you said, "Farm blanket." You were asking for your farm blanket it was too cute. I gave it to you and you feel asleep but then ended up in our bed later on. That is how it has been going. You haven't been feeling that great so you have been waking up and wanting to sleep with us. You do go to bed very well though. Routine is the magic! We need to start bedtime earlier though. Now you are usually sleeping by 9pm. But we need to get you going at 7:15pm so we can hopefully get you to sleep by 8pm. Easy to say, hard to do because the night flies by. After dinner is done which is around 6:30, then is seems like there is no time to relax before bath, books and bed. But, we will try to push it back a little.

At this rate, I don't get back downstairs to find time for myself until 9pm. So I end up staying up later then I should. Usually I don't go to bed until 11ish.

Also, just so this is posted - my back is killing me! I am PT scheduled for next week. I hope it helps because I am 22 weeks along with this little pea and I can't imagine going through the next 17 weeks with this pain! I usually don't complain but back pain is not fun.

This weekend Daddy has to work. They are very busy so it will be Hadley and I to fend for ourselves and the following week he has to work 14 hour days. So I already warned Grandma that we might be using her more. However, this week she has watched you everyday. That is where you are now. I had to work at the Messenger both Tuesday and Thursday this week.

Well finally I took the time to post something.

We love love love you!

You make everyday a blessing!

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Bowling!

Playing Games at the party!

All of the kids at Grandma's Halloween Party!

Second Cousins at Grandma's Halloween Party!

Hadley happy after we got home from Trick or Treating around town!

Enjoying some of her candy after T or T!

Halloween Week

Hadley eating her cookie she made at ECFE!

Today was the kick off to our Halloween week. We went to a pumpkin party tonight at the Isle ECFE. Hadley had fun playing with all the new toys. She went down the slide. It was optional if she wanted to wear her costume. She didn't wear it, we didn't ask. There were a lot of fun pumpkin themed activities...
She got to color a pumpkin. She decorated a cookie. She played with pumpkin playdoh and made little ghosts. There was a short circle time which she went to kicking and screaming saying, "down, down".... but once she saw Nevaeh was sitting she sat... right in the middle of the circle. She does have self confidence, that is for sure. We all sang for each kid and then she got to feed the pumpkin her triangle shape. We sang a Halloween version of the Wheels on the Bus go round and round. Then it was good bye time. I convinced her to leave by saying she could go home and eat her cookie. She asked where her cookie was the whole way home. Thank goodness we live close by.

Wednesday night we have a Fall Fest at Church.
Friday we have Trick or Treating around town from 3p-5p.
Sunday is Halloween and we have a little party to go to at Grandma's.

Hopefully Hadley will wear her costume both Friday and Sunday!

Happy 22 months a week late!

Hadley and Nevaeh at the Isle Firemen's Open House

Hadley and Nevaeh spent the day at Dunsmore Family Farm!

So we are only two months away from 2 years old! Sometimes I look at Hadley and see the baby inside her and sometimes I look at Hadley and see the big girl she is becoming! She has increased her talking a ton. She repeats everything we say. She asks a lot of questions, like where's Daddy at? She enjoys playing with babies and playing with her toy kitchen at Grandma's. She now knows who Mickey Mouse is... not sure how, but she does. It must be from the little bit she has seen on the Disney channel. Or, maybe from Nevaeh. Speaking of Neveah... Hadley loves spending time with her. She looks up to her and they get along great.

We did have a couple firsts this past month. The other day, Hadley was frustrated while playing with Claire at her house and when Claire put her hand by Hadley's mouth, Hadley bit here. She immediately got a time out and talked to her about biting the next two days. Hopefully, it won't happen again. I did order a book from Amazon about biting.

We are also experiencing an eating drought. Hadley used to eat everything and it didn't bother her to eat the same meals. Now she is very picky and has to be asked to take a few bites. Hopefully this is just a phase.

We also started ECFE in Onamia on Tuesday's. Our first day was last Tuesday and Hadley did good. We played together, then did circle time. She got up near the end of circle time and wanted to play again. I was able to tell her that it wasn't time to play and she seemed a little upset but she didn't throw a huge fit. Next it was time to wash hands and have a snack. She did eat some snack, it was Kix. After snack, she got to go outside to play with the teachers. The parents did the parent talk. Then it was time to go... we had lunch at Happy's.

October Update

We are doing well. Robert is working ten hour days now instead of twelve which is better. He isn't so tired.
I added another day at the Messenger. I will be driving to Aitkin on Thursdays to help with ads up there. It may not be every Thursday. I still have my Tuesdays free, usually do some real estate things that day. I have no sales pending but I hope to find this one needy client something soon. She has been looking all spring and summer.

Hadley is growing up... she does talk a lot and copies everything we say. Or usually repeats the last thing we say. She is into picking out her own socks and it also bothers her if they aren't on right. If they are messed up she tries to fix them and then sorta cries and says Mommy help, mommy help.

Hadley is going to be a chicken for Halloween. My Mom is putting together a little party for the kids.

We aren't super busy but have little things going on here and there...
Robert is helping Tom this weekend, then the following he has a grouse tourney at Hunter Winfields on Saturday. They have a little dinner afterwards. Then the following weekend he is heading North with Mike to join some of their high school buddies at a cabin Saturday to Sunday. I mainly just have to work Saturday nights at BeLas.
By that time it will be Halloween, then Thanksgiving, Hadley's BDay (Which I am scheduling for the Sunday after Thanksgiving) then the Christmas Season...

I am kinda excited about being pregnant through all this because I am hoping it will go faster. We haven't nailed down too many names but here are some we seem to like...

Harper or Avery for a girl
Grady, William, Asher for a boy

It seems harder to find a name this time around.

Little Pea

Heard Hadley's little sister or brothers heartbeat today. I had my first doctor's appointment. Everything went well. I was nervous but better now after hearing the heartbeat! Little pea is the name I have given this baby and after reading baby center... Little Pea is now the size of a medium shrimp!

21 months!

So we celebrated your 21 month arrival by getting up early and going to place with Tyler and Collin. Their mom helped me make attendance sheets for Faith in Action. Then we shared lunch at Dairy Queen and came home for nap time. After nap we played outside a bit, had a snack. Which you always want. Then we walked up town for errands. It was a nice day outside!

Your favorite food is a tie between pickles and chips.
Your favorite drink is probably water out of a plastic bottle but you like juice too.
You really like to climb or rock on things. Pretend play is growing on you too.
You like to be outside and ride in your cozy coupe.
You like to color or at least get the colors out and get them all over the place.

That evening we watched the Vikings. They didn't look horrible but they need some improvements. They lost by 5 points. You went to bed at half time around 9pm. Thankfully you slept through the night until 7am.

This morning we had oatmeal and banana's for breakfast, which you didn't want, you wanted chips. Now it is time to get ready. You get to go to Grandma's today. Mommy has to work and then has her first doctor's appointment at 2:30pm and Daddy is working. He is working a lot. He even has to work tomorrow.

September already?

Hadley, Daddy and Talley sleeping... Well Talley was until I came into the room.

I am beginning to wonder why everything happens so fast... first it is Spring ... now it is Fall, where did summer go? Today feels like a fall day. It is simply beautiful outside. The sun is shining, the wind is light, the air is brisk and everything just seems to sparkle. This morning Hadley woke up at 7:30 am. We had a simple breakfast, cereal & bagels. Then we played, I read "The Last Song" while Hadley played. I couldn't put it down. I was almost done and any spare moment I had, it was in my hands. When I was starting to cry, I finally put it down and decided it was time to get motivated. So we got ready and went to the coffee house for a cinnamon roll, I had a small half caf latte. It was delicious. Then we strolled through the flea market and farmers market. Hadley and Nevaeh got a little toy kitten. They also got some M&M cookies and caramel corn. We then went home quick and grabbed the wagon and went to a few shops to check out the sales. We found Grandma a shirt for her birthday, hopefully we can keep it hid for that long. Then we went to the other coffee shop for a smoothie. After many snacks and playing ... it was time for a nap. Hadley went down easy, Robert was already asleep ... he got up at 3:30 am to go hunting. I read my book and finished it. It was a wonderful hour of reading the end of "The Last Song", oh did I cry... man it is so weird how much a person can get into a book. But, this book of all books really seemed to make me realize that we have to be thankful for what we have and that before we know it, it can be gone... and then I heard Hadley cry. I went to get her and she was still crabby, she wasn't ready to get up yet. She barely slept an hour... So I laid with her in bed next to Daddy and Talley. She fell asleep right away, I crawled out of bed. Did some cleaning and an hour has passed. Hopefully, they will both wake up happy and rested. I get to go work at BeLa's tonight, so I better start getting ready.

Heinsen update!

Hadley, Nevaeh, Shanessa & Talley enjoying a s'more at the cabin.

This morning is rather cold. We just got up. Hadley is eating Oatmeal and Robert just left for work. I am sitting her browsing my email and wishing I had a ton of money so I could shop online for fall stuff for Hadley. Anyway, I haven't been feeling the greatest lately, because I am preggo again. I have been really really tired and just sort of out of it. It is funny because the first time around I remember being tired but I could do whatever because there was no little one to take care of. Now, there is and it is good because it keeps the days moving along. Last night I told my Mom to wake me up when March comes...

I am 9 weeks yesterday. Due March 23rd. We are not finding out again. I am pretty sure it will be a C-Section. So the baby will probably get to come out at 39 weeks.
So yeah only 30 more weeks to go!!
I am experiencing horrible acid reflux which I have never had in my life. It started Tuesday. I still haven't seen my doctor yet. Need to make an appt. today. I did take two home tests and then went to the clinic to confirm. Currently I am working on getting MA. So hopefully I filled in all the paperwork right. We should qualify as the income guidelines are high when pregnancy is involved.

This past weekend we went to the cabin. Shanessa, Geoff & Nevaeh joined Sat. to Sun. Hadley and Nevaeh are best friends. They get along so well together. Both of them came down with a little stomach flu on Sunday and it looks like maybe it is finally gone as of yesterday. I hope so because one day Hadley pooped four times... and each time was super gross.

Today we are going to stay home and do nothing but tidy up! I don't feel great and there is plenty of work to do here. I really need to clean. Most Thursdays we go to the pool... but it is too cold today!

This coming weekend is Wahkon Day so I have to work at BeLa's. Robert is going to St. Cloud for a State Softball Tourney both Sat. & Sun. Friday he has a guide trip on the lake.
With this new baby coming we have been toying with the idea of building but I just don't know if I am up for it. It would work if we were able to sell our house for what we paid or a little more. In this economy that is really all a person can get. I best idea would be to sell and live with my parents while we build so that way we save that mortgage money monthly. Who knows... I guess if it is meant to be it will be!

Just wanted to give you a little Heinsen update! Hope all is going well in your world.

Ten + Ten equals Twenty!

Hadley our crazy little girl turned 20 months old today! She is starting the independence stage where she thinks she can do everything herself... good & bad... easy or hard. Tonight Grandma gave me some beets to give Daddy and Hadley took them from me and would not stop saying, "mine, mine, mine, mine"... I was afraid she was going to break them so Grandma distracted her by saying to watch out the window for Papa to come so she could go for a ride. We were super close to a melt down but that did it... she went to the window and looked, but turned her head to see where the beets were.

July update

July 30th - Robert and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. We went out for dinner and relaxed at home! It was a nice simple evening.

July 20th - We had some professional photos taken by Karen Tramm. Hadley and Nevaeh both did their own thing and Shanessa and I didn't think we would get any good pictures.... BUT.... we got some great ones of them together and individuals. Also, it was Auntie's 40th Birthday!
Plus... one more thing... Mommy realized that she was late and she took a pregnancy test and it was positive... We're expecting again!

July 16th - Mommy and Daddy celebrated Shanessa's 30th Birthday. We all went out for dinner and ended the night at the Blue Goose dancing. It was a lot of fun! Plus, Auntie Michelle came up and stayed the night with Hadley so Mommy and Daddy didn't have to worry about a thing!


July 4th Evening - We went to Wahkon for the fireworks. Hadley stayed up all day for them. She enjoyed the sparkles and the loud noises. Here is looks like she is asleep but she is awake and looking up to see the sky filled with pretty colors. After seeing fireworks we would ask her, "What does a firework say?" and she would reply, "Boom!"


July 4th - We spent the day at Father Hennepin with Nevaeh, Shanessa, Geoff, Paul, Cassie, and Leah. It was a nice day. A little cloudy. Hadley and Nevaeh played in the sand but didn't spent much time in the water.

19 months

At the zoo with Auntie Michelle!

Happy Happy Day! All I can say is we have been busy. Very busy. As for myself, I have been busy with the ML Fun Run, I ran Grandma's Half and did good, the 4th was in there and I worked a lot at BeLa's.
Hadley has been busy...
She has been to the pool 4 times!
She has been to the zoo!
She has been to the lake twice!

Last Monday - We also made a fun water playzone for her and Nevaeh at Grandma's house one hot day. It consisted of sprinklers, a pool and her slide. The girls loved it!
Then later that day, it rained and they both ran in the rain until they were soaked!

Today we have the Mille Lacs Mighty Munchkin Run. Hadley is too young to run but she can cheer on the runners!
At her 18 month appt. we asked the dr. about her foot turning in when she walks and she said to wait until she was two to see if it corrects itself. Hopefully it does.

Well, 19 months seems so unreal.
I hope we have a fun month!

Having Fun in the Sun

Watering the flowers!

Fill up the cup with water then go water the flowers!

Today we went to Pete's Retreat for two hours to enjoy the sun. We have had so much rain! Hadley loved playing in the water and watching the other kids swim.

Happy 18 months!

Hadley playing with the bunnies at Happy's

So I really only have one hour left of Hadley's big half birthday! We had a great day today. First it was a day at Grandma's. Then we met all our friends for dinner at Happy's. Afterward we went to Aunt Lauries and played with Nevaeh. We got to see Great Aunt Carol.
We stayed up late. 9:30pm YIKES!
The time has whizzed by - now you are soo old - 18 months - really!
Everyday you make me smile! You are such an amazing little girl who catches on to things quickly.
This coming weekend is Geoff and Shanessa's wedding. Tomorrow Daddy gets to go to a Twins game. You and I will have to have a girls night out.
We love you soo very much!
Thanks for being our awesome daughter!

Bee's and Sandbox

Hadley, Daddy and the new sandbox!

Well it is officially summer at 625 West Main St Isle. Yesterday on our way out the door to go to Grandma's house we stopped and talked to neighbor Joan. We were over by the big bleeding heart bush. Hadley was admiring it, we chatted about the weather for a bit and then off to the car to get going. Hadley and I walked hand in hand, I picked her up and she was buzzing. It was the weirdest thing ever. It took me a second to realize what it was... OMG... a bee in her pants. There was a bumble bee towards the top of her pants on her left leg. I immediately starting taking her pants off. She was screaming, I was shaking. It was the strangest, most crazy thing to date for us. Once I got the pants off I noticed she was stung twice. I ran over to Joan and she said take her to the clinic... that was were we went with just her diaper on. The nurses looked it over and said, "ice & benadryl cream. Okay, not soo bad... Hadley was fine now... I was still shaking.

She had a great day. No reactions, so it is safe to say she is not allergic to bumble bees.

Today we spent most of the morning inside. Hadley got up early, 6am. She also slept in our bed most of the time. She has done this a couple times a week for about two weeks now. We know she is getting her bottom two canine teeth (third one's in). So we give in, but it makes for okay sleep for all of us.

With the 6am wake time comes an early nap before lunch, then lunch and maybe an afternoon nap. Around lunch today it poured rain, but now... 5pm, it is sunny.
Hadley finally got to go outside around 2:00. We played for a bit, walked up town. She got a new purse, some farm animals and a tractor. Mostly from the dollar store. We were both bored so it was nice to get out and stroll. When we got back, there was SAND in her sandbox. Daddy went to the Jaycee's Sandbox Fill and filled our little red fish. Yeah! Now we have something new to do outside! We put the toys near and Hadley played for a little while until it was time to go in for a diaper change. After that we did a clothes change since it was getting hotter outside. Through this process we realized she was tired. So around 3:35pm I laid her down. She is still sleeping.
But, I think I am going to have to go walk her up soon because I have to go to BeLa's, and since Daddy is doing a guide trip, Hadley gets to go to Grandma's for the night.

Here's to no more bee's and tons of sand castles!

Happy Mom's Day & 17 months!

Looking so very pretty in her classic skirt and white top with a black hoodie!
She new she looked pretty too!

Today Hadley turned 17 months old and it was Mother's Day! We had a great day. Started out with banana pancakes. Then nap time because one little stinker had to get up at 5:30 am. Then off to BeLa's for lunch. I worked while Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Daddy, Hadley, Nevaeh & Geoff ate. Then everyone went over to Grandma & Grandpa's to play. I along with Shanessa stayed at BeLa's. It was busy with all the people eating. Hadley and Nevaeh played on the slide and ran around the yard.

Later - we went to Steeles Nursery and Grandma bought some flowers. It was nice outside! Then we had a bonfire and a bbq with everyone at our house. It sure was a busy day. We discovered that the girls loved to play around the yard. They like bubbles. Nevaeh likes the swing, they both like wagon rides. Hadley and Nevaeh ate dinner really well and they got to have some 7-up in their cups. They loved that. They also found the dog kennel and like to play in there. Super funny and also a great place for us parents to lock them up inside. Ha Ha!

To our dearest Hadley -
You are getting so big everyday. Talking is your thing now and you are getting better everyday. Your communication is stronger but you still have fits. Not as many but you still want it your way. Your newest word is "mine," where did you come up with that? You love to explore and are not afraid of anything. We are going to have our hands full if you continue to not be afraid! We love you with all our hearts and we enjoy watching you wander with wonder!
Love you forever and always sweetie!

Say Cheese!

Hadley all smiles when I ask her to "say cheese" and she really says, "Cheese!"

May already!

So I have been a little busy to write about dear Hadley. Since April 9th Hadley has gotten over a cold, been healthy for a week, and now had another one. Again we are thinking teeth too. She is such a drool monster. Daily her shirt is wet. But, I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel. She slept through the night last night. YEAH! She has been a little resistant going to bed, but last night I said enough of this and put her to bed at 9pm. Yes, 9pm... a little late, but she wanted nothing to do with bed. Anyway, it worked, she slept until 8am. She needed those 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep and so did I.

The past few days I have finally started to give Hadley grapes. Of course it is like grape mush because I am so afraid of her choking on them. They are such a huge choking hazard. She likes them, as well as loves fruit in general.

This morning she is having grapes, strawberries and oatmeal for breakfast. All the fruit is gone and she is getting to the oatmeal now with her hand instead of her spoon. I guess that works.

Daddy has today off and is in St. Cloud taking a test so he can drive a launch boat on Mille Lacs. We hope he passes.

Not much planned for today.

16 months

Hadley playing over at Claire's house on her 16 month bday!

Hadley you are getting so big and growing so fast. It is weird but you know what we tell you know. If we say that is "icky" you automatically go to the garbage to throw it away. If we say "outside" you go find your shoes, hat, jacket or all three and bring them to us. If we say "snack" you go stand by the dishwasher and look up towards your cupboard filled with goodies.

This past week has been very productive. We started out the week with Easter Sunday. That day we went to Grandpa Gene's for a BBQ. It was a beautiful day. Neveah and Hadley found Easter eggs, watched their Daddies fly kites and roamed around the yard. The girls also had plenty of fun riding around on the gator as well as playing with the fake puppy.

Monday, Wednesday and Today (Friday) you went to Grandma's house while I worked.

Yesterday (Thursday) we went to Grandpa Gene's again and cleaned his house and went out for lunch. And tonight we met with Margie and Claire for pizza and playing time.

The week flew by, as it always does. You keep us very busy. Lately you love to be outside. You would stay out there all day and night if you could. All you want to do is explore. You are fascinated by sticks, leaves, grass and acorns. You like to go for wagon rides, you even like to ride in your stroller. You like to ride around in your crazy coupe and you like to run. You want to run away from me all the time. Last night while we were outside you decided you wanted to go towards the road. I told you that you needed to turn around, well that is NOT what you wanted to do so you cried and tried to go towards the road again. I then said firmly No and to go the other way. You cried harder, I then said "we can't go towards the road" that didn't help and so we went inside. You quickly got over it... but lately, we have had to fight off little fits if you don't get your way.

I think, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that we are nearing the end of your cold. We think you have RSV, a virus most kids your age get this time of year. It usually lasts two weeks and we are just at two weeks with your cold. So hoping that within the next few days you will be done.

Also, today Grandma rubbed you tooth coming in, you are getting a molar on your bottom left side. It has been trying to come in for a week or so, maybe longer. While she was rubbing it, she heard a pop and then a little blood came out. We think that maybe it was getting infected and the tooth was stuck and now it is unstuck, again we hope. But after that happened you took a three hour nap. Also, you didn't even cry.

Well Happy 16 months! I can't believe you are running around, talking, eating like a big girl and understand so much. You can say many words and you love to try to talk. We are working on what animals say and body parts. You know belly, nose, and foot. You can answer, "what can a puppy say?" and you say, "whuff whuff." It is so cute.

We love you little one!

End of March!

Today was almost 70 degrees outside! It wasn't really sunny and it was very windy. Hadley and I woke up around 8:45 this morning because we had a preview of our morning from 5am-6. For some reason she started to cry at 5am. I waited a few minutes and she didn't stop so I went to get her. Mostly I wanted a couple hours of cuddle time with her in bed. I thought she would fall asleep. I was wrong. She wanted to be up and she wanted to go downstairs. So we watched a little TV, ate banana's and milk until 6am.
I saw her putting her head down on her blanket and asked if she wanted to go to bed. She just walked over to the stairs and I went up with her and laid her in her crib.
That was it...
Sleep until 8:45am.
At 11am we went to Grandma's, I had to do some RE work. I picked her up at 3, after her nap.
She has a little cough. So tonight I put the big humidifier in her room to help brake up whatever is in her throat.
She went down tonight for bed at 8pm.
Good Night!

Hadley's Fav Toy

Auntie Michelle bought Hadley this ride-on toy and it is her favorite!

Coffee Servers

Hadley looked so cute with her little dress on!

Today we got together with all our friends from Faith in Action and served coffee and cookies at church. In our pew we had Nevaeh, Claire and Hadley. All three girls were very well behaved!

Hadley & Nevaeh

Snack Time with a little cartoons!

Nevaeh is two!

Hadley is 15 months!

Ahhh! Hugs!

Nevaeh is being silly

Hadley and Nevaeh enjoy reading books together. Nevaeh trys to read to Hadley.

These two are going to be trouble!

Hadley tries to act so big with her big cousin "N"

I'm gonna get you! Hadley and Nevaeh play together very well.

Our Little 15 month old!

Hadley is 15 months!

Today Hadley turned 15 months and Nevaeh turned 2. 15 months... It is like a broken record in my head. I know that I have spent every last day of those months with Hadley but really where did all the time go?

She is a sunny little girl, she likes to play, laugh, bug her puppy, follow me everywhere. She likes to dig and mess up everything. If I fold towels and stack them... well they will be unstacked and unfolded. If I leave for a minute and come back... an entire cupboard will be empty and scattered all over the floor. Hadley has learned now to use crying to try and get her way. But, I am trying not to give in. She loves banana's. She can say, "nana" and point up to the location on the counter where they are. She eats one daily. She loves milk and can use a straw. She likes to go outside. When she is ready to go out, she grabs her shoes and brings them to you. She also doesn't mind her hat and mittens anymore because it means she can be outside. She will only wear her tennis shoes, the other day I tried to put on her cute red dress shoes and she screamed. She doesn't like to wear any other shoes. So we have to work on that.

We went to the doctor today and received our last immunization shot. Not another one until she is five. YEAH! Just flu shots until then. She weighted 22.8. She is progressing nicely. They asked if she could stack blocks and I really didn't know that answer. So another thing to work on. She could do all the other things they asked about like walk, run, talk a little, eat well, and imitate. Hadley received a cute little book about a girl and her babies from the doctor.

Well off to bed for another eventful day tomorrow. Hadley gets to go to Nevaeh's house for the bulk of the day and then home in the afternoon. I am taking work off because my mom will be gone. That is okay though. It is nice to spend some time at home. I have some real estate stuff to do plus some vacation time to use or lose from the Messenger.

I just am so grateful that we have a lovely & healthy daughter in our life! Thank you Lord!

Finally Friday

This week has been so long. We had a ton to do, we were busy. Tuesday Hadley and I went to Milaca for a WIC appointment. She weighted 22 lbs 7 oz. She was good, didn't like getting measured. I think she thought she was going to have to get shots. No shots there, but soon to come at her 15 month appointment.

I think Hadley is getting another tooth. She is drooling all over and sometimes out of nowhere decides to have a meltdown!

Today we spent the day at Grandma's. Claire was over and both Hadley and Claire played enough to wear each other out. Then we went to Claire's great Grandma's visitation. Afterwards, we went to BeLa's for dinner. Hadley was a handful. She wanted to run, run run!

We made it through dinner and then home for bath and bed. She was in bed at 8:45 pm.

Tomorrow we have Shanessa's shower and on Sunday we have Nevaeh's birthday party. I am making Nevaeh's cake, I still have to get that finished. Jessica is coming over in the morning to do my hair and I also have to work tomorrow at BeLa's... so not really sure when I plan to finish the cake.

Also, of all weekends, I have a column due. So I will be writing that Sunday sometime. I am feeling overwhelmed already. But, I always manage to get it all done.

I just spent the last hour browsing the net looking at clothes. So I have no exuse. I found some good deals online at Walmart. I just didn't press the purchase button. But, I know I need to do some shopping for me. Anyway, it is off to bed now.

Long weekend awaits!

Beautiful Winter Day

This morning Hadley, Grandma and I went to Walleye Dundee's for breakfast. Hadley was so well behaved. She sat and watched out the window the cars and trucks go on and off the ice. She also watched all the people eating their breakfast. She even ate half her huge pancake until I finally took it away so she wouldn't over eat.

After we went to the Vintage Snowmobile show and looked around. Hadley liked watching the snowmobiles and hearing the loud voom voom's.

She even got to sit on Uncle John's sled.

Now we are home, having some warm milk and playing until nap time.

14 months Today!

Playing with her favorite toy... Daddy's phone!

Hadley is such a busy, growing gal! Today she is 14 months old. WOW is all I can say.
We love you like crazy! This morning she woke up super early, 6:30 am. She was kinda testy but is now doing better. She just brought me my boots, maybe she wants to go outside for another wagon ride.
Happy Day little one and I hope you have a great day.