Dang, I'm really crappy at this blogging thing lately. Here's another catch up. November thankfulness:
Nov 4- I'm thankful for temples and for the blessings and promises they bring. I'm so thankful my family can be together forever. I'm also grateful we live somewhere with a temple so close, and that they are building another gorgeous temple close by!
Nov 5- I'm thankful that our latest change has gone smoothly. We downsized from 1200 sq ft to maybe 100, and its been easier than I thought it would be. I thought sharing a room with hallie would mean sleepless nights, but she's done really well. I'm thankful that she could adjust quickly. I hope she stays that way
Nov 6- I'm thankful for celebrating birthdays. Happy 25th birthday to Tyler! We had his sisters over for pizza and cake and enjoyed celebrating with the family.
Nov 7- I'm thankful for the kind words that were said by hopeful people the morning after the election. It was nice to hear people being positive and faithful instead of negative and hateful. We wish we could have had different results, but the racial and religious bashing was ugly on both sides
Nov 8- I'm thankful for my brothers. They are some of my best friends, and mean the world to me. I'm thankful we can live with them for a short time so hallie can get to know her uncles. She loves them so much. I'm also thankful that my brother comes home from his mission soon!
Nov 9- I'm thankful for our church calling. I never thought I would love nursery as much as I do! We get to serve and be there for church while hallie is entertained and happy. Win-win
Nov 10- I'm thankful for music. The kind where I can put headphones in and go to another place when I'm stressed.
Nov 11- I'm thankful for hobby lobby! It is my happy place!! Even if I can't spend money it gives me such a good feeling going and looking at everything. Especially now that Christmas stuff is up!
Nov 12- I'm thankful for Tyler's job. And that we can have bonuses for extra Christmas money and that it pays our bills for now
Nov 13- I'm thankful for Tyler's grandparents. They have stepped in as my own since mine passed away, and they hold a special place in our hearts. I'm thankful for the support and love they give us and for all the yummy salsa!
Nov 14- I'm thankful for my job and that I can get out of the house for a few hours each week
Nov 15- I'm thankful for modern medicine, and how it can help so much when you're just feeling yucky
Nov 16- I'm so thankful for sick days. Tyler stayed home so I could rest and feel better. I don't know how I could have done it without him
Nov 17- I'm thankful for food!! Having the stomach flu and not eating for three days will really make you hungry!
Nov 18- I'm thankful for date nights with my sweet husband and for free babysitters!!
Nov 19- I'm thankful that I get to stay home with my sweet girl everyday. I love watching her grow and learn new things every day. She is changing so much at this stage of her life and I am so thankful it worked out that I can be home to watch it and we can have a special bond that we wouldn't have if I had to work all day
Monday, November 19, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Thankful November
Is it seriously already Nivember?! Gah! I decided to jump on the bandwagon this year and participate in the "30 days of Thankfulness" challenge and name something I am grateful for each day. I started posting them on Instagram, but I decided I'll post ere so I don't bomb everyone's feed. So here's a catch up:
Nov 1-I am thankful for my other half, my best friend, my supporter, my protecter (is that a word??), my provider, my baby daddy, and a few other choice roles he has. I am so blessed to have been able to marry such an incredible man. We may not have it all together sometimes, but I would not have it any other way an I am so thankful for him every day. He lets me be me, and still loves me more than I deserve, and I am so thankful he is mine for eternity
Nov 2- I am also incredibly thankful for my sweet Hallie. It is the biggest blessing being a mom. I love watching this little being learn and grow every day, and I love that she is something that Tyler and I created. I am so thankful that it has worked out for me to stay home with her all day. She is such a blessing to our family, we are so proud of her and the little spirit she is. She keeps us so entertained and loves making us laugh, and has such a special place in my heart. I am so glad I get to be her mom forever!
Nov 3- Today I am grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that I have. It has given me a better, happier life and I know that what I believe is true. I am thankful for the blessings I have received because of it, and I am thankful that hallie will be raised in a loving home that is centered on Christ.
Nov 1-I am thankful for my other half, my best friend, my supporter, my protecter (is that a word??), my provider, my baby daddy, and a few other choice roles he has. I am so blessed to have been able to marry such an incredible man. We may not have it all together sometimes, but I would not have it any other way an I am so thankful for him every day. He lets me be me, and still loves me more than I deserve, and I am so thankful he is mine for eternity
Nov 2- I am also incredibly thankful for my sweet Hallie. It is the biggest blessing being a mom. I love watching this little being learn and grow every day, and I love that she is something that Tyler and I created. I am so thankful that it has worked out for me to stay home with her all day. She is such a blessing to our family, we are so proud of her and the little spirit she is. She keeps us so entertained and loves making us laugh, and has such a special place in my heart. I am so glad I get to be her mom forever!
Nov 3- Today I am grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that I have. It has given me a better, happier life and I know that what I believe is true. I am thankful for the blessings I have received because of it, and I am thankful that hallie will be raised in a loving home that is centered on Christ.
Trick or treat
Is it just me or did October fly by? This year is going much too fast, I don't even know if I like it. It must be because Arizona forgot the memo to cool down the temp, so it still feels like it Gould be August outside. Gross. The rest of our October was full of activities. I know last year I was real creative with my "13 days of Hallieween" but this year? Ha! For starters I couldn't find ONE halloween shirt let alone 13 different ones for the bug. I made her a few, but even that was time consuming.
Bekah and I took the girls to the Superstition farm one morning. It's kind of small and perfect for the girls age, and hallie had a blast with all the animals at the petting zoo.
We had the girls get their pictures taken by our favorite photographer Allisabeth Jackson. It was kind of chaotic, but we got some cute pictures of them in their costumes.
We took a family night and went to Schnepf farm's with Tyler's sisters. So fun! I think Tyler, Hallie, and I really needed to get out and do something fun together. Hallie was so good, and she loved all the rides! She's so like Tyler, it kind of scares me.
We went to the ward trunk or treat and had lots of yummy chili. Then Hallie got to go around to all the cars and get candy. She picked it up pretty fast after she realized they were giving out candy. She was so proud of her little bucket, she would put her candy in it and then show everyone
Halloween night the McCoys came over and we took the girls trick or treating. They did great for their age, and I know Hallie was so excited to be getting some attention. Her costume was such a hit this year. After we went around the neighborhood we came home to watch the annual scare fest at my moms. Hallie has done so well this month with all the scary decorating and things. She loves waking up going downstairs and talking to the scary wolf man and Michael Meyers. She was definitely born into the right family.
Other news:
We got called as nursery leaders. Mock as you wish, but it has seriously been the best calling ever. We have a 15 month old, who isn't old enough for nursery for 3 more months, and is way too active to sit thru 3 hours of meetings. So any excuse to put her in early and have her be entertained while being able to serve, is a win-win for us. Hallie loves it. She fits in so well with the older kids, and I don't even know if she realizes we are in there with her. We are loving it, and the naps that come from it aren't too bad either :)
Tyler was finally released from the national guard. He met with his recruiter and guess what, they wouldn't take him. They said he needed to lose weight. Just another thing holding us back. So, he started working out and eating better, and 2 weeks later he went back in and had dropped 10 pounds. Must be nice. But I am so proud of him and his determination. So now he goes back in on his birthday to run a PT test and see where we go from there!
Hallie turned 15 months at the end of the month. She is such the little active personality. She makes more messes than any one person could ever clean up, she loves exploring, and she is communicating so well. She signs sleep when she is tired, waves hi and bye, blows kisses, and is saying words when we tell her to. We love her more than words can say and we are so proud of the smart little girl she is!
Bekah and I took the girls to the Superstition farm one morning. It's kind of small and perfect for the girls age, and hallie had a blast with all the animals at the petting zoo.
We had the girls get their pictures taken by our favorite photographer Allisabeth Jackson. It was kind of chaotic, but we got some cute pictures of them in their costumes.
We took a family night and went to Schnepf farm's with Tyler's sisters. So fun! I think Tyler, Hallie, and I really needed to get out and do something fun together. Hallie was so good, and she loved all the rides! She's so like Tyler, it kind of scares me.
We went to the ward trunk or treat and had lots of yummy chili. Then Hallie got to go around to all the cars and get candy. She picked it up pretty fast after she realized they were giving out candy. She was so proud of her little bucket, she would put her candy in it and then show everyone
Halloween night the McCoys came over and we took the girls trick or treating. They did great for their age, and I know Hallie was so excited to be getting some attention. Her costume was such a hit this year. After we went around the neighborhood we came home to watch the annual scare fest at my moms. Hallie has done so well this month with all the scary decorating and things. She loves waking up going downstairs and talking to the scary wolf man and Michael Meyers. She was definitely born into the right family.
Other news:
We got called as nursery leaders. Mock as you wish, but it has seriously been the best calling ever. We have a 15 month old, who isn't old enough for nursery for 3 more months, and is way too active to sit thru 3 hours of meetings. So any excuse to put her in early and have her be entertained while being able to serve, is a win-win for us. Hallie loves it. She fits in so well with the older kids, and I don't even know if she realizes we are in there with her. We are loving it, and the naps that come from it aren't too bad either :)
Tyler was finally released from the national guard. He met with his recruiter and guess what, they wouldn't take him. They said he needed to lose weight. Just another thing holding us back. So, he started working out and eating better, and 2 weeks later he went back in and had dropped 10 pounds. Must be nice. But I am so proud of him and his determination. So now he goes back in on his birthday to run a PT test and see where we go from there!
Hallie turned 15 months at the end of the month. She is such the little active personality. She makes more messes than any one person could ever clean up, she loves exploring, and she is communicating so well. She signs sleep when she is tired, waves hi and bye, blows kisses, and is saying words when we tell her to. We love her more than words can say and we are so proud of the smart little girl she is!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
October begins
Yay! All caught up! This is now my FAVORITE time of the year. I love all that October brings; the change of weather (sometimes), the fall colors, the excitement of Halloween, my moms house getting decorated, and then going into the holiday season. It makes me so happy. My mom is off on her annual October vacation so Hallie and I are manning the house while Tyler is at work. Tate and Clay are on two weeks of fall break. Clay is actually in Hawaii visiting his girlfriend. Lucky dog. Speaking of my brothers, Chad gets home in March!! Thats only 5 months away! So scary that he's almost done! Anyways, yesterday to get out of the house Tate and I took Hallie to the zoo. Hallie hadn't been yet besides zoo lights, and Tate and I haven't gone in almost 8 years, so we had a lot of fun. Hallie loved all the animals, and we all slept really well after the long day.
Hallie has blossomed into such a funny kid lately. I seriously can not believe she is the same cranky baby that she was last year. She laughs at everything, and loves making other people laugh. She has the biggest sense of humor and she knows how to use it to get away with things. Already..were in trouble. She keeps us all entertained throughout the day by keeping us laughing. She's communicating really well, and loves giving herself praise. She says thank you to anyone who gives her something, and she says good girl when she knows she's being good. I just absolutely adore that little girl. And on a side note, I am SO excited about her Halloween costume!!!
Well its the first weekend of October so that means its time to get back to Conference. Oh, if any of you actually read this and want a good snack during a session, I highly recommend this one: caramel corn SO YUMMY!!!!
Well its the first weekend of October so that means its time to get back to Conference. Oh, if any of you actually read this and want a good snack during a session, I highly recommend this one: caramel corn SO YUMMY!!!!
September
September is usually the one month of the year that drags on forever. That's partly why we got married in September, because every other month has something to celebrate, and we figured why not give ourselves something to look forward to in September and maybe it wont take too long. This year, it flew by so fast. I still can't believe it's over.
-We got a lot of rain this month. Hallie absolutely loved going out and playing in it. She loves being outside, and when it was sprinkling it was actually nice enough to go out and play for a few hours. That just cant happen when its not raining, 110 degrees and the black asphalt just dont mix with a stumbling baby.
-Big announcement: we moved. Again. I know. And, we are planning on moving again in a couple of months. Yikes. We have decided to go the route of active duty. I know its something Ive talked a lot about and until recently I think we've been too scared to do it. But both of us prayed a lot about it, and honestly felt it was the best thing to do for our family. So, Tyler's papers are currently being signed to get out of the national guard. Once that is finalized, he will swear in with the army again being infantry active duty, he will get a duty station and he will be on his way. I signed a contract with work that I would stay until the semester is over, so Hallie and I will be here until the end of January and then join Tyler (wherever that may be). We are so excited for this new change, but also extremely anxious. I know how hard it will be, but I know it is what we need to do. I just want to know where we will be living already!!! Our top pick is Colorado, but who knows where the army will send us.
-The end of December we celebrated our 2nd anniversary in a big way. We were able to go through the temple and be sealed to eachother and to Hallie. Talk about a good anniversary. Doubt we can ever top that one. It was such an incredible experience, and I am full of gratitude and happiness that I can be with my family forever. I know this may sound bad, but I am so glad we were able to experience the sealing after we had a baby. It is such a strong feeling seeing your baby in the sealing room, knowing how much you love them and would never want to be without them, and then hearing you will be a forever family. Hallie did so well in the temple with Grandma Pico and the other temple ladies. It was a looong day (4-8:30!) and I am so proud of her. After we were out we all went to Cheesecake Factory and celebrated
-We got a lot of rain this month. Hallie absolutely loved going out and playing in it. She loves being outside, and when it was sprinkling it was actually nice enough to go out and play for a few hours. That just cant happen when its not raining, 110 degrees and the black asphalt just dont mix with a stumbling baby.
-The end of December we celebrated our 2nd anniversary in a big way. We were able to go through the temple and be sealed to eachother and to Hallie. Talk about a good anniversary. Doubt we can ever top that one. It was such an incredible experience, and I am full of gratitude and happiness that I can be with my family forever. I know this may sound bad, but I am so glad we were able to experience the sealing after we had a baby. It is such a strong feeling seeing your baby in the sealing room, knowing how much you love them and would never want to be without them, and then hearing you will be a forever family. Hallie did so well in the temple with Grandma Pico and the other temple ladies. It was a looong day (4-8:30!) and I am so proud of her. After we were out we all went to Cheesecake Factory and celebrated
August Highlights
-The week after Hallie's birthday I turned 23! Hallie and I spent the day together while Tyler was at work and then he took me out to dinner. It was a laid back birthday, not my best but I think I'm still adjusting to the fact that I put everything into Hallie's birthday the week before and then I'm still recooperating on mine :)
-Hallie went to my mom's salon for the first time! She still didn't have enough hair to get a hair cut, she needs all the hairs she has. But we went to visit my mom at work and she decided to put Hallie in the chair with the cape and just play with her hair so that when she does need a haircut she'll know its a good thing. She was so perfect the whole time, and she looked way too old sitting in that chair. She also really enjoyed the sucker she got after for being a good girl
-Tyler's little sister Janessa had her baby making us aunts, uncles, and cousins! She named her Camilla Rose and she's such a sweet little baby. Hallie loves giving her kisses and holding her
-Our animal lover Tyler brought home kittens for me to take care of. Maybe he didn't think Hallie occupied enough of my time? No. He found the kittens in the dumpster and they were in bad shape, they still had their eyes closed and momma cat was no where to be found. I took them in our bathroom and fed and kept them cool/warm until I found someone who had the time to actually nurse them back to health.
-The end of August I started working! I had been training for work the past two months but I finally got my own squads (actually I got 7 of them) and I have been working Monday and Wednesday nights. It's been a nice break to get out of the house two nights a week and I'm glad it gives Tyler a chance to be one on one with Hallie
-Hallie went to my mom's salon for the first time! She still didn't have enough hair to get a hair cut, she needs all the hairs she has. But we went to visit my mom at work and she decided to put Hallie in the chair with the cape and just play with her hair so that when she does need a haircut she'll know its a good thing. She was so perfect the whole time, and she looked way too old sitting in that chair. She also really enjoyed the sucker she got after for being a good girl
-Tyler's little sister Janessa had her baby making us aunts, uncles, and cousins! She named her Camilla Rose and she's such a sweet little baby. Hallie loves giving her kisses and holding her
-Our animal lover Tyler brought home kittens for me to take care of. Maybe he didn't think Hallie occupied enough of my time? No. He found the kittens in the dumpster and they were in bad shape, they still had their eyes closed and momma cat was no where to be found. I took them in our bathroom and fed and kept them cool/warm until I found someone who had the time to actually nurse them back to health.
-The end of August I started working! I had been training for work the past two months but I finally got my own squads (actually I got 7 of them) and I have been working Monday and Wednesday nights. It's been a nice break to get out of the house two nights a week and I'm glad it gives Tyler a chance to be one on one with Hallie
-I also took hallie to a library play date with Bekah and Hadley. They had us in a room where the kids were supposed to play with all the toys together and the parents were taught different ways of learning and creative play. And Hallie, my little active monkey, took the play time to push the chairs up to the table, crawl onto the chairs, up on the table, and throw things. She is such an explorer, toys still do not fascinate her. I've got my hands full with this one!
Rewind
Whoa, really? Have I seriously not posted since Hallie's birthday?! Shame on me. Well, there's obviously lots to catch up on. But I'll start where I left off...Hallie's party
We had bug's party on the Saturday after her birthday. We had a cute pink lemonade theme. I tried so hard to think of somewhere to have the party where it would compliment the decor, be on neutral grounds for split families, and wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. But, I kinda gave up and realized I wanted to focus more on Hallie than all the stress, so we had it in our dinky little apartment (parking was interesting with 40 people) with our red dining room walls that horribly clashed with the pink and yellow. But, the day ran smoothly, I wasn't stressed, all the people Hallie loves were there and goodness she LOVED all the attention she got that day. We had sub sandwiches, veggies, Pico salsa (duh) and of course lemonade. Everyone just hung out while Hallie opened presents (ok, she opened one and didnt care about the rest so I helped) and then watched her eat her cake while everyone else had cupcakes. PS, Hallie is so my child. We had her try a store bought cake and she didnt like it. She loves homemade cake so much better. Thats my girl! She was so into her yellow cake with strawberry frosting (pink lemonade themed ya!) that she didnt even notice her guests leaving. After everyone left, we forgot about the huge mess that was now our living room and took a family nap. It took a couple of days to get our apartment back together, we had moved all the furniture around and took all the decor off the walls to replace it with a shrine of our cute daughter. But it was so worth it. So glad you had a good birthday party Hallie, we love you!!
We had bug's party on the Saturday after her birthday. We had a cute pink lemonade theme. I tried so hard to think of somewhere to have the party where it would compliment the decor, be on neutral grounds for split families, and wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. But, I kinda gave up and realized I wanted to focus more on Hallie than all the stress, so we had it in our dinky little apartment (parking was interesting with 40 people) with our red dining room walls that horribly clashed with the pink and yellow. But, the day ran smoothly, I wasn't stressed, all the people Hallie loves were there and goodness she LOVED all the attention she got that day. We had sub sandwiches, veggies, Pico salsa (duh) and of course lemonade. Everyone just hung out while Hallie opened presents (ok, she opened one and didnt care about the rest so I helped) and then watched her eat her cake while everyone else had cupcakes. PS, Hallie is so my child. We had her try a store bought cake and she didnt like it. She loves homemade cake so much better. Thats my girl! She was so into her yellow cake with strawberry frosting (pink lemonade themed ya!) that she didnt even notice her guests leaving. After everyone left, we forgot about the huge mess that was now our living room and took a family nap. It took a couple of days to get our apartment back together, we had moved all the furniture around and took all the decor off the walls to replace it with a shrine of our cute daughter. But it was so worth it. So glad you had a good birthday party Hallie, we love you!!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Happy Birthday Dear Hallie
What a year.
Wow. My baby is one. We made it through a whole year. And what a year it was. This journey has been full of more ups and downs than I had ever thought, and as much as I know they will continue for the years to come, I look back over the past year and I am proud. Proud of my baby girl and all she has learned and accomplished. Proud of my husband and the role he has taken on as sole provider for our family. Proud of myself and the decisions that I've had to make as a new parent. It has been a whirlwind of a year. But we did it. We kept our first baby alive, well, and healthy.
Wow. My baby is one. We made it through a whole year. And what a year it was. This journey has been full of more ups and downs than I had ever thought, and as much as I know they will continue for the years to come, I look back over the past year and I am proud. Proud of my baby girl and all she has learned and accomplished. Proud of my husband and the role he has taken on as sole provider for our family. Proud of myself and the decisions that I've had to make as a new parent. It has been a whirlwind of a year. But we did it. We kept our first baby alive, well, and healthy.
Hallie Rene
Nicknames: Bug, Buggie, Turkey
Favorite toys: Cookie Monster pop-up, Mom's phone, the remote, anything with buttons
Favorite foods: Chicken, yogurt, oatmeal, grilled cheese
Favorite things to do: Play hide and seek, jump on the couch, go to Walmart, give puppies hugs
Tricks: clap, wave hi/bye, points with her whole hand, sneeze and cough on command, blows bubbles, fake laugh
Words: Dada, Mama (when sad), cheese, doggies
I'll write soon about how her birthday went and how her party goes. Our world sure revolves around this sweet girl. She has taught us so many things over the past year, but the greatest was love. She has expanded our hearts and we are forever grateful to be her parents. We love you Hallie Bug!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Sweet child of mine
In the past few days I've realized that we have one of those kids that keep you on your toes. You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones where silence means they are up to no good. Hallie has mastered the art of climbing. It had me and Tyler laughing all weekend (once again, this goes to show how relaxed and laid back we are even as first time parents. Most couples would probably be freaking out if they found their kid doing some of these things, but we find it hillarious). Hallie learned a few days ago where I keep her baby cookies in the pantry. I was changing a load of laundry and came back into the living room and couldnt find her. I glanced in the kitchen, wasnt there. Anyways, I finally heard her and found her standing up on the shelf in the pantry (we have boxes on the floor that hold ziploc bags and she used them to climb). Now, if I forget to close the pantry door, which happens more often than not, I find her pulling things off the shelves to sit down and snack on. She also is trying to figure out how to climb into the bath tub, and is getting a little too close for comfort. That is one that makes me nervous, cuz that's a tough fall head first. Today on Tyler's lunch he asked me to buzz his head real fast. We stacked boxes up in the doorway to keep Hallie out of the bathroom because I didnt want to close the door. Next thing I know the little monkey is crawling up on the boxes, and over them into the bathroom. She is quite the skilled climber, but its keeping life interesting. Unfortunately I dont have any pictures, because even though I enjoy a good laugh while she is doing it, I'm not a horrible parent..so I stand close in case she needs me. This little girl is just too funny!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Back to Cali
This year, for my mom's birthday, she decided to go to San Diego with my brothers and her friend Amy. She invited Tyler and me, but Tyler had to work that weekend because he had been gone for AT for so long. A few days before they left, we came up with the idea that I would fly in and meet them in San Diego for the weekend and then drive back home with them, so I wouldnt have to drive by myself with Hallie. So just like that we booked a last minute flight. Hallie was so excited to be on a plane again. She is so happy flying. In fact, she got a little too excited. Five minutes into the flight I felt my pants get warm. I was soaked. I was relieved to find my pants dried when we started to descend, and then felt my leg get warm again. Seriously, isn't that why I spend a fortune on diapers every month? To prevent this from happening? Eh, I guess it could have been worse. Since our flight was super early in the morning on Friday, we went straight to the beach for the day. Hallie was unsure about the sand at first, but warmed up to it. We were at dog beach, so she also really enjoyed all the dogs. She even said doggie a couple of times! I got completely fried crispy. To this day, I still have burn marks and its been a week. Ouch. Hallie was pretty covered the whole time AND had sunscreen on, but I really think she was just blessed with that lovely olive skin color that just tans her when she's out in the sun. Friday night we of course went to Hodad's for dinner and had a yummy burger and an order of frings! I love that place, no trip to San Diego is complete until you've been there. The next day we ventured out into the sun again and went to the farmers market at Ocean Beach. Then in the evening when it cooled down we went back to the beach and enjoyed being able to be comfortable in sweatshirts! We left Sunday morning and drove back home. Um, Hallie slept the whole time! I don't know how this happened, or even if it will ever happen again, but I'll take it! She was once again, SO GOOD the whole trip. This girl is made to be on vacation. She absolutely loves it. Even walking around in her stroller, her legs are kicking, her fists are pumping, and she has the biggest smile. It cracks me up. I am so glad to have such a good traveling baby. It makes vacation so much more enjoyable!
PS..is she not the CUTEST beach baby you've ever seen? Ah I could die!
PS..is she not the CUTEST beach baby you've ever seen? Ah I could die!
Redding
Hello blog land..its been a while. I realized I need to back it up and cover some important things before we get into the here and now.
Back at the end of May we got to take a trip to Redding, CA (thanks tax return!) to show Tyler where I grew up! It was a quick weekend trip for Tyler, but I think I showed him everything I wanted to. Hallie and I were there for five days. She loved being out of the house, getting a lot of attention, and I personally think she liked being able to breathe in the nice mountain air instead of dry polluted heat. Getting onto the plane with her was completely nerve-racking. But, this child never fails to surprise us. Our little adrenaline junkie LOVED it. As we were taking off she got this excited look on her face and kept banging on the window laughing. She's a little crazy but we love her. She was so good the whole flight. I was completely impressed. She actually was perfect the whole trip. I could not have asked for a better baby. Even on the trip home (since Tyler had gone home early and I flew back solo) I was a complete mess, but Hallie was SO good.
While we were there we got to go to Turtle Bay, the Sundial bridge, Whiskeytown Lake, out to dinner with friends, the tour of where I lived/went to school, the mall, and just hung out with people I havent seen in years. It was a nice little vacation, and I am so glad I was able to share it with my family!
Back at the end of May we got to take a trip to Redding, CA (thanks tax return!) to show Tyler where I grew up! It was a quick weekend trip for Tyler, but I think I showed him everything I wanted to. Hallie and I were there for five days. She loved being out of the house, getting a lot of attention, and I personally think she liked being able to breathe in the nice mountain air instead of dry polluted heat. Getting onto the plane with her was completely nerve-racking. But, this child never fails to surprise us. Our little adrenaline junkie LOVED it. As we were taking off she got this excited look on her face and kept banging on the window laughing. She's a little crazy but we love her. She was so good the whole flight. I was completely impressed. She actually was perfect the whole trip. I could not have asked for a better baby. Even on the trip home (since Tyler had gone home early and I flew back solo) I was a complete mess, but Hallie was SO good.
While we were there we got to go to Turtle Bay, the Sundial bridge, Whiskeytown Lake, out to dinner with friends, the tour of where I lived/went to school, the mall, and just hung out with people I havent seen in years. It was a nice little vacation, and I am so glad I was able to share it with my family!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Proud mama
As much as I hate Tyler being gone, I do love that it creates a special bond between me and my baby. She is growing up so fast, and I love all the time I am able to watch her learn and do new things. And it's all due to my amazing, hard working husband who has given me the ability to stay at home with her and help her grow and develop. Gah, I just love him.
Since Hallie will be one soon, I wanted to try to start getting her switched off bottles. It hasnt been the easiest process. I offered her a sippy cup when she was 5 months. Since then we've probably tried around 5 or 6 different styles, none of them doing it for her. Not only would she refuse it, but we would have at least 30 minutes of her crying and screaming because she was so offended that we gave her a sippy instead of her bottle. Silly girl.
Her BFF Hadley has been drinking sippy cups, and Hallie shows interest in hers when we are over there. I decided to try a cup that resembled hers. And I also put on my stern face, I was not going to give up. Usually after her screaming I would give in and just give her the bottle, but I realized I was going nowhere with that. She ended up crying for twenty minutes. The only thing that took her out of her tantrum was the fact that Yo Gabba Gabba came on. I despise that show, but it instantly calmed her down. I offered her the sippy again, and she drank the whole thing! I was so proud of her! She also had dinner with it, and today she had lunch and dinner with one! Such an accomplishment!
As I was rocking her to sleep tonight, a song came on. I have heard this song many times, but this was the first time since I have had Hallie. I was overcome with emotion. Tears ran down my face as I watched my little girl fall asleep in my arms, thinking about how much I cared for her and for her future. This song says it perfectly..I do wish for all these things for her, and so much more.
Since Hallie will be one soon, I wanted to try to start getting her switched off bottles. It hasnt been the easiest process. I offered her a sippy cup when she was 5 months. Since then we've probably tried around 5 or 6 different styles, none of them doing it for her. Not only would she refuse it, but we would have at least 30 minutes of her crying and screaming because she was so offended that we gave her a sippy instead of her bottle. Silly girl.
Her BFF Hadley has been drinking sippy cups, and Hallie shows interest in hers when we are over there. I decided to try a cup that resembled hers. And I also put on my stern face, I was not going to give up. Usually after her screaming I would give in and just give her the bottle, but I realized I was going nowhere with that. She ended up crying for twenty minutes. The only thing that took her out of her tantrum was the fact that Yo Gabba Gabba came on. I despise that show, but it instantly calmed her down. I offered her the sippy again, and she drank the whole thing! I was so proud of her! She also had dinner with it, and today she had lunch and dinner with one! Such an accomplishment!
As I was rocking her to sleep tonight, a song came on. I have heard this song many times, but this was the first time since I have had Hallie. I was overcome with emotion. Tears ran down my face as I watched my little girl fall asleep in my arms, thinking about how much I cared for her and for her future. This song says it perfectly..I do wish for all these things for her, and so much more.
My Wish
Rascal Flatts
I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.
But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.
But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Distance
Wow. They say distance makes the heart grow stronger. I have seen this many times over the years, but this time is different. A warning-if you're actually reading this, and don't like mushy stuff..you should leave. Because tonight my heart is amazingly full to the point where if I don't get it off my chest I just might explode.
Tyler left for annual training Saturday. He's in California this year for two weeks (no coming home a week early this year to become a father, darn) and I've been dreading it. Saturday and Sunday I was a wreck. I don't do well with my husband gone and only having limited communication. In fact, I hate it. I knew I would be ok and this would make us stronger and blah-blah, but those first two days are always rough. I HATE to admit this, but I pulled a Bella. All I needed was an empty forest to lay down in and cry. I felt empty, lifeless, depressed, missing, unmotivated..and it didn't help that I was angry with myself that I was feeling that way when I have a daughter to take care of. But it's hard without my best friend.
Today has been a great turn around. I have no idea why, but this distance has done more than make my heart grow fonder, it has rekindled a fire. And I mean like, some heavy amounts of aerosol hairspray, lighter fluid, and a bunch of other combustible things. I have completely fallen in love with my sweet husband all over again in the last 48 hours. I feel like I did four years ago when we first started dating. And it has completely consumed me. I have been floating on air. I laugh when I catch myself grinning ear to ear when I get a text from him. It makes me absolutely giddy.
I have so much in my heart right now, but I will save the rest for when I get to talk to my handsome best friend tonight :) I just love my sweet husband. He has given me so much happiness, and there is no greater feeling than this!
Just a trip down memory lane:
Tyler left for annual training Saturday. He's in California this year for two weeks (no coming home a week early this year to become a father, darn) and I've been dreading it. Saturday and Sunday I was a wreck. I don't do well with my husband gone and only having limited communication. In fact, I hate it. I knew I would be ok and this would make us stronger and blah-blah, but those first two days are always rough. I HATE to admit this, but I pulled a Bella. All I needed was an empty forest to lay down in and cry. I felt empty, lifeless, depressed, missing, unmotivated..and it didn't help that I was angry with myself that I was feeling that way when I have a daughter to take care of. But it's hard without my best friend.
Today has been a great turn around. I have no idea why, but this distance has done more than make my heart grow fonder, it has rekindled a fire. And I mean like, some heavy amounts of aerosol hairspray, lighter fluid, and a bunch of other combustible things. I have completely fallen in love with my sweet husband all over again in the last 48 hours. I feel like I did four years ago when we first started dating. And it has completely consumed me. I have been floating on air. I laugh when I catch myself grinning ear to ear when I get a text from him. It makes me absolutely giddy.
I have so much in my heart right now, but I will save the rest for when I get to talk to my handsome best friend tonight :) I just love my sweet husband. He has given me so much happiness, and there is no greater feeling than this!
Just a trip down memory lane:
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