Okay, So She's Two...

Hailey waited all day long for Daddy to get home so she could wear her pretty Christmas dress and decorate the tree. I had this fantastic idea that this was a great opportunity to capture our little darling at her cutest for a Christmas card this year. Boy was I wrong. Give the kid a box of ornaments, and totally disappear. There was no standing in front of the tree, no smiling for the camera, no standing still period...just decorating and dancing around in her dress to jingle bells for the 100th time. You might think that would have made a cute photo...but let me repeat...there was NO standing still...not for a moment. I'm gonna have to be sneaky about this one.

Oh, wait...she did stand still to marvel at this shiny ornament for a second in front of the television...ain't this one pretty?
Hailey will take a break from just about anything if it occurs to her that KiKi may need a hug.
And Daddy can always make her giggle...

Good to be Home

There is nothing like seeing the holidays through your child's eyes. Everything is new, happy, exciting, and special. It's such an incredible feeling to share that with your own child, and to live it through them for yourself. Andrew and I are such homebodies, it's no surprise that Hailey is as well. She brings that same new fresh perspective on coming home as she does to the holidays. It's so heartwarming to see her happy to be home in the place we have created for our family, and makes me appreciate it even more.

Hailey picked right back up with her usual favorite activities...this photo is per her request...tea party with doggy and big bunny.

Dress up...
And a visit to the attic to get down some Christmas decorations. Okay, that's not usual, but isn't this a cute photo?
Bedtime is always a great time for us to read stories and talk about the day. Hailey absolutely loves her nightgown, and couldn't wait to wear it to bed tonight.
Here she is spinning around to enjoy how it ruffles at the bottom. See what I mean...only through the eyes of a child...
And BOOM!

This photo is really just here for all of you who keep bothering me about seeing a picture of my ever growing belly...here you go...there's the baby!

Thanksgiving

This year we went to Atlanta to visit Andrew's folks and family for Thanksgiving. We really had a great trip, and reintroduced Hailey to traditions she has forgotten from last year...I wonder how many years all of this will remain new???

She danced her way through the Macy's Parade...from a cozy lounger.

Then she talked to Uncle Coopie on the phone to wish him Happy Birthday...or Thanksgiving if you want to get all technical about it. That's Cane in the background...hoping Hailey will actually figure out how to open the door and let him go for a joy run.

She found her regular hiding space even works at Grammi's house.
And she ate a great Thanksgiving dinner prepared by her Grammi...see where it went???
And of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a full day...make that weekend...of football. Her new favorite thing to say is, "Go Baby, Go Baby!!!"
Friday was spent with the traditional rush to the malls (yes, Andrew and I drag Hailey along for this event as well, and have for 3 years now). She was a trooper...she even woke us up at 5am for the early bird specials!! Deal seeking runs through her blood I'm afraid.

That night, Hailey had a great time visiting with her cousins Maya and Ethan...don't they look cute? Then Saturday we went for more Thanksgiving dinner at Mama P and Papa John's house...she wanted you to see her plate of whipped cream. Who needs pie, really? Or a fork for that matter?

Here's the whole clan.
She also had a blast showing off her new chef's outfit and shopping cart full of goodies they bought her to complete her kitchen ensemble.

One of Hailey's favorite things to do now is feel the baby move...she asks all the time if KiKi can wake up. Actually, she says, "KiKi out, come see Haya"...I explain we have to wait, so I guess she figures she'll just ask her to wake up. Anyway, here she is cuddled up counting kicks...or high fives...with me. That night she actually told me she wanted to cuddle with KiKi, and she fell asleep cuddled against my belly for the night. It was very sweet.

We spent our last day with Fred and Jen...and even got to help kick off the Christmas decorating at their house! Doesn't the kid inside all of us wish we could just nestle our nose in a big box of colored ornaments this time of year?

So that was our Thanksgiving...it was lots of fun. Hailey slept the entire car ride home, and for that I would like to publicly thank her. Hope your holiday season has gotten off to a great start as well.

And so it's Inevitable...

Today I turned a corner...leaving the great wide open of the second trimester when you feel good, look okay, and can focus simply on how much fun it is to be pregnant...and entering the third...a world where denial is unacceptable, and it's hard to focus on much other than the knowledge that in a very short and very unpredictable amount of time, the baby has to come out. There's no turning back. Labor is unavoidable.

I remember with Hailey I looked at this part of my pregnancy, and the then unknown experience that is child birth, with blissful ignorance, and only a little fear. Graced with the knowledge I now have, it's a little more difficult to look at the impending labor as simply a means to an end. I know the reality...and I fear it. I have to push this girl out, and then bring her home and raise her in the chaos that is every single day with a two year old!

Don't get me wrong...I am very excited. I am sad to think that the time that I have her all to myself in my tummy will fly by, but I can't wait to meet her, to hold her, to tell her I love her, and to share her with the world. And I actually truly enjoyed labor with Hailey, but I also remember little tidbits of pain dancing around my body for 8 hours.

I have wasted no time in getting things prepared for her. We already have a nursery set up for her, minus only a few finishing touches. This was very important to me, as Hailey absolutely loves her room, and knowing that she has a place to be and to keep her things as she wants. We already have the clothes washed...which was easy since another girl is on the way. So in many ways we are ready! Maybe it's my readiness that scares me. I now know that she could come any day...and by "any day" I mean in a few months...and by "day" I mean when ever she chooses, day or night.

I do remember that while I was resting before going to the hospital the morning my water broke with Hailey, Andrew was frantically running around the house vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, and emptying the fridge. We knew that was the last time those things would happen for a while...and it was...and they may never happen again.

Sorry Keelyn, the house will not be spotless when you come home for the first time...but it will be full of love just for you, and mommy will be so glad to have that pesky labor behind us.

Ready for Christmas

Today was really a fun day. Despite the seemingly early arrival of the holidays, we bundled up and went out to the Christmas parade this morning to spark up some Christmas spirit, and introduce Hailey to every marching band in the entire city. She loved it...especially the horses...and the flags...and the dancers...and the giant whale...yes, she is pointing at a giant whale. We had a great time catching up with our good friends Fred and Jen...Jen is pregnant as well and expecting in April.
Later, we went for lunch...and of course pickle chips. Apparently pregnancy hasn't created an affinity for pickle chips with Jen as it has for me...but a good time was had by all.
And of course, it's not a truly great day unless you have a little dinner music to top it all off.

Secrets for Santa

Much to my surprise, Hailey already has Santa figured out. When surveying the living room floor full of toys (including some broken crayons, her favorite blocks, and a few purses) this morning, she said:

Hailey: Santa new crayons, Haya.

Me: You don't have to play with the broken crayons, why don't we build something.

Hailey: Santa more blocks...pink blocks.

Me: Okay, you better start a list.

Hailey: (picks up a purse and opens it) Santa bring money, okay? Haya more money.

Me: We have to wait until we go see Santa to ask him.

Hailey: We better go. Kiss mommy. Bye Bye.

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Ice Cream is for Loners

A good friend recently told me that if you eat ice cream alone, it means you are lonely. I understand his point, but I totally disagree. You see, I am sitting here eating a bowl of ice cream right now. My OB actually suggested I do so once a day to help with my poor weight gain earlier in this pregnancy. It seems to be working, so I'll stick with it...when else in my life will a doctor ever suggest eating ice cream because it is a good source of calcium and fat!?!? Anyway, I am not lonely, and I am not alone. My uterus is very full of a very active baby, who apparently also enjoys the ice cream. And I was not alone before her either, thanks to Hailey. Even now, she sleeps just across the hall, and I sit here ready to save her from the quiet the second she wakes up. In fact, I cannot remember the last time I was truly alone. Not to use the bathroom, not to eat, not to sleep, not to shower, not to do much of anything. Aside from the few times I have had to actually leave the house to work since she was born, I can probably count the number of times I have been without her on my fingers. Sure, Andrew takes her to the grocery store once in a while, but while they are gone, she's in my thoughts...and usually across the phone line a few times as well. She's such a part of me. In the moments I am away from her, I am wishing she were right beside me, and it's such a relief when she is.

So it's with this thought that I am so looking forward to being a mommy of two bright little girls. As you can see, Hailey is looking forward to being a big sissy too...here she is helping me paint "baby KiKi's" room this weekend.

I love every moment with each of my girls already, and I dread the thought of a moment alone. I'm sure this will change as we all grow as a family and our little birdies fly away a little at a time. All I can say is when those moments come...I hope I have a bowl of ice cream.

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A Little Late, A Little Long

So perhaps this is part of nesting for me this time around...or a reaction to the realization that Hailey's 1st year scrap book may never be completed as we have rushed through year two of her life, and have moved right on to bringing another into the mix...but here goes.

It's in the interest of feeding my great love for words and pictures...keeping abreast on cool things technology has to offer so that when my 4 year old wants to start her own website, I can help...chronicling the lives of my children in the midst of the insanity that is raising them...and keeping in touch with the far too many dear friends I have who have moved away in the past few years and recent months...that I start this blog. It's a little late to play catch up on the amazing time we've had since Hailey came into our lives two years ago, but I'll share some highlights. Be prepared...it's all about Haya...and possibly the longest blogging entry in history!!!

Hailey Anna was born October 8, 2005...9:37 pm...5lbs., 8oz. Despite the looks of this picture, she spent most of her time as a baby wide awake...and so far toddlerhood has followed suit.

Hailey's first Halloween...a little preemie sized pumpkin.

Daddy couldn't wait to show her the ropes...

...and mommy couldn't wait to dress her up for her first Christmas.

...ooooohhhh!!!...

...aaaaaahhh!!!...

We are blessed with many things in our lives, and among them are the wonderful parents we have who get to be grandparents to Hailey. She adores them as much as they do her.

Nana on her quest to help me teach Hailey to sleep...still in progress...

...nap time anyone?...

...I'd rather sing to you until you give up and let me play some more...

Okay, so maybe you didn't know this, but it takes two new parents to feed a baby for the first time...it's simply too exciting an event to leave it up to one.

Oh, how she loves her Uncle Coopie!

This is Hailey at 6 months old...Wendy has provided us with professional photos of Hailey at each milestone of her life...and they are all beautiful!

Hailey's first trip to the ocean...and first encounter with a seashell...it did end up in her mouth shortly after this, but I prefer the more contemplative photo.

...want to be tan like mommy?...

It was on this trip, when Hailey was 8 months old, that she realized how much fun it is to dance. The family also realized how much fun it was to watch her, and did what ever it took (including looking ridiculous on the beach) to encourage her to dance frequently.

Daddy has always had a knack for getting Hailey to sleep.

Hailey's baptism - 9 months old -

...weeeee...

Hailey's first birthday.

She hates being a mess, even at the expense of good cake.

Hailey at one year, photographed by Bob Stuart.

I'm sorry, was that laundry in there for a reason, it was in my way...Halloween number two...mommy made a ladybug costume, and she looked adorable.

At about 13 months old, Hailey decided to stop nursing. She also refused to eat anything solid. Terrified that she would widdle away to nothing, I offered her some Chef Boyardee...apparently she was just waiting for the good stuff...

The lake where we feed the duckies in our neighborhood.Learning to walk!!!!!!!! I think the tongue helped with balance.

Hailey had a blast helping us decorate for Christmas.

She didn't have quite as much fun, however, when we went to see Santa in Nana's neighborhood one afternoon. If I know my daughter, this year will be no different. Clenching my neck for dear life, shaking with fear, and then rambling on about how fun it was an hour later.

Santa did deliver some good loot though.

I'm sorry, did you need something?


Seriously, she loves books.


And she loves to spin in circles until she runs into the wall or the floor in delight.



I think Daddy was too tired to read.


I would say about 30% of her day is spent talking on the phone.


This was not the first snow Hailey saw, but the first time she got out to walk in it. We went out on the golf course behind the house and she had a ball.

Just look at her eyes.

And her smile.

Easter 2007 Hailey had her first Easter egg hunt. This is one of the highlights of her life (and ours) to date. She ran around squealing and picking up candy and eggs to put in her basket. Apparently this is an innate trait because we gave her no instruction.


I know she looks happy in this photo, but if you only knew how happy I was that her hair was finally long enough at 18 months to put in pigtails, you'd understand my smile was twice the size of hers.

Who knew she'd love landscaping so much? She can spend lots of time with Daddy working in the yard, and she's actually a great helper.



We've known Hailey had a Type A personality from the getgo. She hates a mess, and is the first to clean it up as well. She keeps track of things in an organized fashion, gets nervous when things are out of place, and loves to clean. I was busy putting laundry away, when I saw that she had found a great way to keep the hangers organized...


Mom's 60th birthday party (sorry mom). We had a great party at our house. Andrew cooked for everyone, and Grandma and Sondra flew in from Ohio. It was all a surprise to Mom, and a lot of fun. I still can't believe we pulled it off. This photo is pretty cool...4 generations of 1st daughters...ages 90, 60, 26, and 1 year...May 26, 2007.


Hailey has one hiding place in our house. If you play hide and seek or peekaboo...even if you let her run around and find a new place...she is always there...right under the dining room table. I have spent countless hours "looking for her" there.


I can't believe this is the first photo of the beloved blankie...but here it is in all it's glory. Blankie goes everywhere.


Eastman goes pretty much everywhere too...here he is in his plush ride at the zoo while friend Hailey walks like a big girl. Daddy was so glad we brought the stroller.


Hailey loved having a pool in the yard this summer...lots of time was spent out there splashing around and ruining Daddy's grass.

The day we found out that we had another baby on the way, we told Hailey. We couldn't hold it in, and she was so excited.


Um, I look so good! I better take a picture in case Mommy doesn't notice or forgets. Cheese!


This is Hailey on a day when she had to go to a meeting for work with me...she dressed herself up...jewelry, purse, and all.



This is our beach trip, 2007. Hailey learned to love the water...especially the tide pools.



She also spent a considerable amount of time trying to empty the ocean.



And apparently a spigot can be as much fun as the beach. Maybe next year we'll just take her to the side of the house.



At Uncle Rob's wedding, she was spoiled with many "big girls" who wanted to play with her and teach her to dance. She actually owned the dance floor if you ask me. Five year olds went to sleep and she was still kicking!


This is Daddy's favorite.


This photo has been on my desktop since we took it...you'd think from the look on her face that the sprinkler isn't what she expected...however, this was probably the 50th run through.

One of our very favorite summer activities was playing on the golf course each night at dusk with our neighborhood friends. Mostly, Megan and I sat in the grass and enjoyed the chance to gossip while Eric, Andrew, Analise, and Hailey ran around on the course like lunatics. It made for some good sleep.


The always eager to help Hailey had a blast helping Daddy put a new desk together to make room for little sister on the way.

The night that Uncle Coopie was coming home to visit from Bolivia, Hailey dressed up after her bath. Much to her dismay, I dressed her before heading to the airport. If allowed, she would wear any given pair of my high heeled shoes everywhere all day long.


She did catch up on some much needed cuddle time with Coop while he was home.

If you ever wondered where she picked up her "cheese face"...look no further...

In her own little world, singing "bubbles" for about 10 minutes straight. I think she looks like a little Who singing at the top of the mountain at Christmas time.
Showing off her dancing skills at Brendan's wedding...not too shabby.

Hailey before her first night sleeping in her new big girl bed. I was so worried about switching from her crib, but she took it like a champ. She loves it!

She also loves to stick her tongue out when I take pictures of her.

And she loves her friend Kate...but even better...sharing chocolate chip cookies with Kate.


For her second birthday, we gave her a new big girl room.


She had a choo choo birthday party at a local park with all of her great little friends.

Her grandparents gave her an adorable kitchen which she cooks in (and cleans in) daily.


And by the time we got to her actual birthday, she was a pro at blowing out the candles...and singing happy birthday to herself. As she puts it, "Hap to Haya."
Apparently the only way to truly enjoy a tea party with your mom and stuffed animals is in a bathing suit...that way it's an "ocean tea."


Hailey and I love our days when we have no agenda, and we can visit our neighborhood park for some Mommy and Hailey time.


We visited Great Grandma and Grandpa just as the leaves were beginning to change, and Hailey was in awe. It was really cool to see her have so much fun running and playing in the yard I remember playing in as a kid as well. I took about 100 photos this day, but I'll spare you.




Grandma took her to pick out her own pumpkin.

And she was Minnie Mouse for Halloween.

Jack pot!

You comin' with me?


So this is what laundry baskets are really for...

And this is what we do all day long...dress up and dance to music.

Don't worry, Hailey is learning to cook from her Daddy. I just take the pictures.

Oh, and he is teaching her to plant flowers too...


But I will take credit for teaching her to clean...as long as she doesn't need therapy for her neurotic obsession with cleanliness later in life.


Whew! So that brings us up to speed. Thanks for sticking with me through all those photos! I couldn't just start this blog without catching up on some key moments in the past two years. I could have included thousands of photos, literally, but this will do for now. There will be many more to come.