Surprise!

To surprise my family for Christmas, we wrapped a onesie that said "I'm the BIG sister" on it and had her unwrap it. Stephanie was the first one to catch what it said. You can see everyone's reactions in the pictures. We have it on video too!

Today is the first day I have felt kinda queezy for more than just a couple minutes. I am very very tired today and a little car sick feeling and a tad dizzyish/lightheaded. But overall, I feel pretty good and am thankful for my husband who has been letting me sleep in a lot in the mornings!

I am now approaching Week 6 of my pregnancy. This following is from WhattoExpect.com

Your baby's face is taking shape, which is something sweet to think about as you race to the toilet to pee yet again.

Your Baby in Week 6 of Pregnancy
You might be coping with full-blown pregnancy symptoms (sorry), but there's plenty of good news too. Your baby's jaw, cheeks, chin, eyes, ears, and nose are beginning to form what will eventually become one adorable face. In addition, her kidneys, liver, and lungs are developing, and her heart is now beating 80 times a minute (and getting faster every day). All this and she's still no bigger than the length of a nail head (about a quarter of an inch) from crown to rump!

Special Announcement!

I have a baby in my belly!! We surprised our families for Christmas with a very special present! They don't get to hold it for 9 months though. :) The baby is due August 28th. At least that is my projection but we will see what the doctor says. I am currently 5 weeks along and feeling pretty good. Just tired easily. No morning sickness!

New Words

This past Friday night Hailey was sitting on grandpa's lap (my dad) while coloring. He pointed to the purple crayon and said "purple". She repeated it back!!!! Then he pointed to the blue crayon and said "blue" and she repeated that back too! Then she pointed to the purple and said "purple"! I don't know if she remembered or if that was a coincidence but my family and I were freaking out!

Tonight, Hailey was walking around with my phone. I called grandpa while she was holding the phone and put him on speakerphone. While the phone was ringing, she looked at it and said "uh-oh" a few times cause it was making a noise. Then after grandpa answered, she said "hi" and waived and then said "grandpa" a few times!! She was very excited about the Viking's win today, that is why she was calling her grandpa. :)


Hailey's laugh is contagious, her smiles are bright, she runs and plays and brings joy at everyone's sight. We love her so much and are very thankful for her. We don't take one minute for granted, as time seems like a blur. Thank you God for our daughter, please bless and keep her. ~ Kimberly Canada

The $8 slide

My mom got that slide off of Craigslist for $8!! It was a fantastic buy! Hailey absolutely loves it. We have had it inside the past few days because it has been so rainy.

We put up the Christmas tree, as you can see in the pictures. The bottom of it reserved for Hailey approved ornaments that she can put on and take off repeatedly. She has a lot of fun playing with them. We tried to go to Mount Dora this past weekend for their Christmas lights but the weather was bad. I'm sure we will make it by New Years. Instead, we went to Crane's Roost on Saturday night for their lighting of the Christmas tree. We had fun watching fireworks and Hailey's face but we left shortly after the lighting because it was just too crowded. We are going back soon with some friends and will take family Christmas pictures then.

I can't believe how fast Hailey has changed in the past couple months. She is saying more and more words. I even see her start to put concepts together. We get a lot of laughs from the things she does too. The other day she was sitting on the changing table and said "uh oh" and we said "uh oh what?" She said "uh oh poo poo" and pointed to her diaper! We were cracking up!

There is a mysterious bug that keeps biting Hailey at night. She woke up this morning with 6 bites on her. I have no idea what it is but it leaves red bumps for like a week. Sean says we have to catch this thing but I just don't know where to begin or how to do it.

God's provisions

I am continually amazed at how God provides for us and so appreciate our friends and family. Just the other day we received a gift certificate in the mail for Publix. Matthew 6 talks about God knowing our needs and that He will provide for us and that we are not to worry. Sean and I are going through a season that God is asking us to step out in faith, out of our comfort zone, and trust in God. I am very excited to see where God is going to take us in finding new jobs, where He is taking us in the His ministry and our family. My prayer is that we wait upon Him and hear His direction, not our own.

We had a great Thanksgiving with our families! This was Hailey's second Thanksgiving but the first one that she could actually eat the Thanksgiving food. She wasn't really interested in it though. Neither at my parent's house or Sean's. The only thing she really seemed to like is my mother-in-law's cranberry salad. Oh yes... it is good! Tart and sweet all in the same bite! Hailey was gobbling that up with red chunks of cranberry all over her face. Haha. I should have gotten a picture.

At my parent's house, we talked about what we are thankful for. I am thankful for God and His love and salvation, for my husband, healthy daughter and my family. I am thankful for God's provision and His faithfulness. My husband is just amazing and I absolutely cannot imagine my life without him. He is a caring, giving, loving father and a hardworking, Godly man with integrity that leads our family in the way of the Lord. He is more than I could have ever asked for in a husband and father to my children.

We asked my sister Rachel to take some pics on Thanksgiving...










She did a great job! Thanks Rachel! :)

So excited for tomorrow!!

Woohoo!! Sean comes home tomorrow!!! Oh how I miss him! I know Hailey misses him too. The other day she went into Sean and my bedroom and peeked around the corner into the bathroom where she normally finds her daddy cleaning up after work. He wasn't there so she ran out the room and looked around.

I can't wait to hear what God did in Ecuador with this group of guys that went! My conversations with Sean have been very limited. Last I heard, over 200 people have gotten saved from the crusades they were doing!

Hailey has had a tough week. Very, very clingy and fussy. There have been moments that we have had a lot of fun though. Like tonight, we were playing with cardboard boxes and laughing. But this morning was tough. She had her first time-out. She dealt with it pretty well for not understanding what was going on.

Yesterday was tough too. I wasn't feeling to well and then Hailey started screeming and flailing herself everywhere for a very long time. Nothing I could do would make her happy. I have no idea what set her off. It was so frustrating. Some friends of Sean and mine invited Hailey and I over for dinner. I thought it would be good to get out of the house. On the way there, I looked back at her and her forehead was blotchy, eye was swollen and red, nose was red and around her mouth. It looked bad. She acted okay though. But a couple hours later, she puked. Oh it was nasty! I still am not sure exactly what was going on... maybe a reaction to something?

The heat is ridiculous down here in Fla. When it FINALLY gets cool around here, I want to try this recipe. I heard it is really yummy!

Café Mocha

1 cup of instant coffee, I like Tasters Choice best
2 cups of Nestles NESQUIK®
3 cups of Carnation Instant Milk I have tried other brands and they don't taste as well.

To make your cup of Café Mocha; boil your water, pour into your cup and add 3 tablespoons to your cup. If you have a big mug you will have to adjust the number to tablespoons you add to it. I like mine creamy.

Ecuador

Sean is in Ecuador right now!! Today is his 3rd day gone from home. Hailey and I have family staying with us which is fun to spend time with them that I normally don't get to! Please be praying for Sean as they travel about Ecuador and minister. The enemy is really trying to attack them by telling them lies. Please pray that the Holy Spirit empowers all of these guys and moves through them - all for God's glory!

The Count down....

Sean leaves in 3 days for Ecuador! I can't believe it is finally here. We have been talking and praying about it for months. I would like an itinerary so I know exactly where he is going and when but that is all up in the air. They have some places set to go on certain days but it is all subject to change. They also will be asked while they are there to make detours and go preach somewhere they hadn't planned to. This is really going to be a me trusting God thing!

We have pretty much everything Sean needs. I think he will have his bag packed by tomorrow. Wednesday morning I will drive him to Apopka to meet with all the guys going on the trip. They will leave from there and drive to Miami airport.

Sean was planning on taking his guitar with him so the guys can have devotional/worship time in the mornings but he was a little unsure about it. He was concerned that the airline may not let him carry the guitar on the plane with him but instead put it in cargo. So we thought we would put on Craigslist that we are looking for a guitar to take down there and give away to a needy church worship band. Before anyone responded, Sean found an acoustic guitar someone had given him, not expensive but in pretty good shape, that he had totally forgotten about. Next he was looking for strings and found some that he didn't know he had! WOW!!! God had it right in front of us and we didn't know it!! That is going to be so exciting for Sean to be able to give that guitar away to someone who needs it. Thank you God!!!!!

What we're up to....

I now have an official climber. Yesterday, Hailey climbed onto the couch! A week ago, she learned how to climb on Sean's and my bed. The tough part is now she has to go through the learning steps of how to get down without tumbling to the ground!

Sean is preparing to go to Ecuador. There have been some big attacks from the enemy on our family and others who have just returned from Ecuador. I know God is going to do something BIG so I am really excited. I am challenged to pray more and trust God more than I ever have before. I am also learning more about the authority God gives us over the enemy. Please join us in praying over the guys going on this trip mid October and their families.

New things Hailey is doing:

She loves stickers! She will put her fist out for you to put a sticker on it.
She will pile you up with her toys.
She dances. Stomps her feet, turns in circles, claps her hands and jiggles.
She has started to repeat words that we say.
If you ask her where her nose is, she will pinch it. :)
She eats gold fish now.
She poses for pictures with a nose crinkle and smile.



I am almost done weaning Hailey. She is down to just nursing at night. I think in a couple weeks I will be ready to go to all cow's milk. That decision doesn't come easy!!!

1st Birthday Party!

Walking, talking, clapping and diaper rash!

Hailey has her first diaper rash. I let her go around the house twice today naked (she didn't make a mess!) to let it dry out. I have been putting cream on it too. Poor baby! It looks like it hurts.

Yesterday my grandmother passed away. This was my dad's mom. Please keep my family in your prayers. It was not a surprise as she has been ill for quite a while. We will miss her. She was the glue that held my dad's side of the family together. The next few months will be challenging.

Hailey says "duck"! She was in the bathtub holding the duck and repeated after me everytime I said "duck". Then she got out of the bathtub and was playing with Skittles and she started clapping! I am SO proud!!! She walks all of the time now and long distances. She still crawls but not a lot. Her favorite thing to do right now is to put her bracelets on, grab as many toys as she can hold and walk around the house.

I think Hailey is the best baby in the whole world! She is so easy!! I am amazed at how obedient she is. Most of the time, when I say "no touch" she lets go. It really seems that she wants to please. I sure pray it stays that way!! She barely fusses and is most of the time ever so happy. I just can't complain. She has made everything so simple. We have a crazy schedule sometimes and she just goes with it.

We think Hailey is a lefty. I am. =o) Only time will tell!

I have to type this ever so quickly because Hailey is in the room napping and she has become a light sleeper. Our computer is not quite an expensive paper weight but close to it. Evidently there is something wrong with the hard-drive. Unfortunately, it won't let us access it to save our stuff. Ugh. We are going to loose some music, pics and documents. I am sure we have learned our lesson now! Windows isn't working at all b/c it is on the main hard-drive. I am on our computer now but using Ubuntu so I can access the internet. I was going CRAZY without the internet!!!

Hailey turned 11 months yesterday. One more month until the big party! I am hoping to pick out invitations this week. Then I have to finalize cake plans.

Hailey is walking a lot! She gets excited when she is doing well and screams with joy as she flaps her arms like she is going to fly. She loves giving kisses and hugs. She says "dog", "kitty", "momma", "dadda", and "nana". Sometimes I think I hear her say "baby".

I just switched up her eating schedule again. When she wakes in the morning, instead of nursing first, I give her baby food. Then a bit later I nurse. Same with lunch and dinner. So at the end of the day she is nursing 3 times. So far it seems to be going very well. She has a lot more stinky diapers.

Uh oh... she is stirring... gotta go!

I have so much to post but haven't been able to because our computers at home have fallen ill. Dahvyd came over for dinner and also took a look at our PC and my laptop. I'm on my laptop now which has a very, very fickle internet connection (it is going in and out as I type) and is very slow. Our PC window's program (windows xp) crashed. It looks like our hard drives are okay. Dahvyd is going to come back another day and work on it cause it is going to take a while. Thank you Dahvyd!!!!

So, once we get our PC working, I have lots of pics to post. Pics of the farm, the youth retreat and at home.

Hailey is the most adorable baby ever. There just aren't words to express how precious she is to Sean and I. She has one tooth that has broken through on the bottom front. It looks like one on the top front is putting the pressure on. Last week she took 9 steps to her Aunt Stephanie. She loves to walk around the house holding onto our hands. She isn't quite confident enough yet to really attempt to walk around by herself though she could do it.

Xander, a 18 month old boy from next door dropped by the other day and is letting Hailey borrow a few of his toys that he has grown out of. The Schuesslers also gave Hailey some of their toys they were recycling. I had also bought her a few toys last week at Children's Orchard. It looks like she has made out like a bandit the past week. I can't imagine what my home is going to look like after bday gifts from the grandparents. Oh my!! My living room looks like Toys 'R Us when all the toys are out. lol! Thank you Xander and Schuesslers!!

Birthday plans are getting set! Hailey's one year birthday is August 21st. We are having a huge pool party for her birthday. I have a cake designed, plus cupcakes and we will be making ice cream sundaes! We have reserved a club house and pool in Lake Mary... a very nice venue. I can't wait!!!!

Ouch! Hailey bit me!

Hailey gives kisses now. If I am holding her and I ask for a kiss, she will give me an open mouth kiss on my cheek. Just before bed, I asked for a kiss but this time she bit down! Yikes... that one tooth sticking up is pretty sharp. I think I have a dent in my cheek. =o) Guess it is time for the "no biting" training.

The other day she took 3 steps at Mimi's house! Three is the most she has done at one time. We try to walk her around the house more helping work the muscles and show her that she can do it. One day it will just click but until then she knows crawling is easier. =o)

Michael is leaving us (our dog). We will miss him much but we just can't take care of him like he needs. We don't have time to play with him or even just give him general necessities. I am allergic to him let alone he makes a lot of mess that is mostly my responsibility to clean up. He also has trampled over Hailey a couple times now. We have to keep him locked up when she is out and when she is napping (b/c he wakes her up) and when the mail man is going to come b/c he tears up our front door. The other day when we let him out, he peed in the living room. Yeah. Just stood there and peed. It is just too much for our busy lives, having a baby and wanting a clean enough house to have a baby crawling around. But he is staying in the family so we will be able to see him pretty much whenever we want.

It's been a nice week being able to be home in the evenings more b/c we didn't have youth this week (just got back from retreat) and didn't have worship team practice either. Tomorrow morning I will make deviled eggs and when Sean gets off of work, we are going to hang out with friends and watch fireworks.

We're back!

We have settled back home from our trip to NC. It was just almost NC. Right on the very edge of Georgia. Hailey did absolutely fabulous on the way there, while we were there and going home. There were a lot of challenges though... 1. Packing. How much baby food and diapers do I pack? Am I forgetting something?! 2. Being able to travel in timely manner yet change diapers and nurse. 3. The pressure on Hailey's ears as we went up and down the mountain. 4. Finding our way on the mountain. 5. Taking care of Hailey amongst chaos and other responsibilities on the retreat.

I got car sick.... bleh! I haven't been car sick in a really long time because I found if I sit in the front seat, I'm fine. One time, I sat in the back with Hailey to give her juice as we went down the mountain (hoping it would help with her ears) and it only took a few minutes for me to start feeling sick. We got all the way down the mountain and Sean had to turn back around. Oh my.... I forgot how terrible car sickness was! Luckily, Angela had told me about a pressure point on the wrist for nausea. I pushed the point the whole way up and I think that is why I didn't blow chunks. As soon as I got to the house, I fed Hailey and went to sleep. My dear husband made sure Hailey got to bed and then stuck around, missing the arcade, to make sure I was okay.

Sean thought he was getting away from work for a few days.... haha. We accidently busted a pretty large hole in the wall at the home we were at. It was a complete accident while playing a dancing game. One of the guys fell and then tripped over the fireplace and a huge black bear stool. Sean worked his drywall magic and Adam painted. It looks pretty darn good I must say! Good job guys!!

Oh, and some of the girls and I got locked out of the house up there. Friday most of our group went whitewater rafting. Three of the girls stayed with Hailey and I to go horseback riding (Hailey and I didn't ride though). We left after the whitewater rafting group. I closed the front door and then thought, I need to look around for a key to lock it. Well, evidently the door automatically locks itself. This is a good thing because I don't have to worry about someone getting in while we are gone but how are we going to get in when we get back??? Eeek. I put in a quick call to the Shaws but they were already rafting. When we got back from horseback riding, it would be hours before the rest of the group comes. We ended up lifint one of our girls up to climb onto the porch and she was able to get in one of the doors there. Whew! Otherwise we would have been stuck outside for almost 4 hours with a tired 10 month old!

Sean and I were saying that the youth retreat was successful if just one youth got closer or came to know God. Luckily, it was more than just one! Our prayer is that a lot of seeds were planted and/or watered and there will be fruit from what God did on the youth retreat. !

It's so close!

Before I know it, we will be heading out the door for the NC youth retreat! Hailey and I are setting out early in the morning to pick up Angela and be on our way. The schedule worked out perfect today... Hailey was ready for bed at 6 PM. After feeding and pj's she was in bed shortly after 6:30. This means she will probably be up around 5:30 in the morning but that's good so she can play before the long road trip. Ugh... this means I gotta get up earlier than that! Originally I said 4:30 but I think I'm going to push it to 5:00. I always push it. Yes, I am one of those late people. But I am aiming to get out the door at 6:30 (which is early) so hopefully I will be on time to Angela's. Mmmmmm... I already hear Starbucks calling my name.

During the massive packing this evening, Hailey crawled into my suitcase and had a blast with all the clothes. It was adorable!

Tata 4 now!

Hailey is 10 months old!

I don't have a lot of time to post b/c it is hectic crazy around here! Between an almost walking beautiful baby, work, getting ready for the youth retreat and Sean's school, we don't have a lot of free time on our hands.

We leave for the youth retreat this Wednesday morning. Hailey and I are going with Angela early to set-up before the rest of the youth come later. Everyone else is leaving in the evening and driving during the night.

Tomorrow is so busy... I gotta work for a couple hours in the morning. Then get home to do laundry, pack and whatnot. I may have to make a last run to the store too. In fact, yes I do cause I'm out of baby tylenol! Then my mom is coming over to see Hailey and give me free time to do last minute stuff. My plan (we'll see how this goes) is to put Hailey to bed really early tomorrow night so she gets up early and has time to play before she is stuck in the car for a very long time. The ride to NC is 8 hours but it will take us longer b/c of stops.

Eeeek! Look at the time! I gotta get going!!

The Cutting

This morning Hailey was a tad fussy. As soon as I put on Mickey's Club House on tv, she sat silently watching. Any cartoon grabs her attention. I think because of the vivid colors and the high pitched character voices. Anyways, then she started chewing on my fingers and when I would try to pull away, she would put my fingers back in her mouth. A bit later when I sat her in the highchair (we were trying fresh copped up strawberries and blueberries for the first time!), I noticed something. There have been two teeth that we have been able to see so clearly through her gums. There hasn't been any action... until now! First I noticed one tooth is now higher than the other. Then I noticed the cut on her gums where the tooth is higher. It is breaking through!! We are officially entering The Cutting.

Center of attention

My neighbor told me about a program on Tuesday mornings at the Seminole County Library for babies. I decided to take Hailey this morning and see what it was like. They sang songs, sang a book, walked, play with a tamborine and bells, waived scarfs, etc. Hailey had a blast. There were a lot of babies there. Some older, same age and younger than Hailey.

She sat on my lap for the first few minutes just staring. Then she suddenly decided she had to be the center of attention and was determined to sit in the center of the large rug everyone was gathered around. The center of attention. Then she visited other babies. She was having a blast until I wouldn't let her chew on the hand bells all the babies were given to shake. I think I'm going to make this an every Tuesday thing. The classes are in 30 min. increments and we stayed for two. When we got home, she was ready for bed. It must have tuckered her out cause it wasn't quite time for her nap but she went to sleep in my arms anyway. (Which I don't mind cause she doesn't do that much anymore!)

Hailey is doing pretty good eating solids now. Okay... stepping on soap box for a second and then I will get back to the Hailey eating thing. Why do they call them solids? This so confuses me. It's not solid. It's mushed up! They should call it mushies and then when the baby is actually eating solid food then it is called solids. Stepping off... I am still BFing Hailey too. This has become difficult as she just wants to play. She has never been a very good nurser in the sense that she tends to graze more than get festively plump. You can tell that by her weight. But now it is even worse cause she will nurse for a few minutes and then want to play. I will wait a little bit and then try again. Maybe I will get a few minutes more of nursing. But this takes up time and can be difficult if I have things to do or we have to go somewhere. I thought about maybe it is time to give her more bottles but she does the same thing with bottles. My mom will even hold the bottle in Hailey's mouth while Hailey is playing to get her to drink more. lol... I don't think that will work well with BFing. haha.

I have to admit I'm kinda starting to count down till Hailey is a year old and we can switch to cow's milk. I will still try to nurse in the morning and at night for a bit. It will be hard for me to let go of nursing. I won't have that way of connecting with her anymore. I know once it is completely done it is going to be a little emotional for me. It is one way that I comfort her too. There was one day that I don't remember what happened but Hailey was so very upset. Even though Sean and I were trying to get out the door to something, I said I just gotta nurse her to calm her down. It was like we needed each other and this internal motherly instinct totally kicked in and took over. What if I have that feeling after I have weaned? It will be an urge that I can't do anymore. I hate uncompleted feelings. Yuck. I know, it will all work itself out and we will connect another way. I can look at it this way... I am nursing her now and forming a LASTING connection with her now. Yes. That is the way I will look at it. I will not be losing any connection with her. Just changing a bit. Morphing. But until then, I will enjoy BFing and having this special time with my baby. =o)

One small step for Hailey, one giant leap for baby chaos!

This morning Hailey took her first step! She was standing in front of Sean, not holding onto anything. He put his arms out and said "Come here" and she took her first step!!! We couldn't believe our eyes!

I recognized her desire to walk so I got her a toy yesterday that she can hold onto and walk. She was playing with a similar one of Jacob's at his house and loved it. Instead of buying a used one for $15 I went to Target and bought a new one (but a different kind) for $19. I don't like the one I got so I'm going to get the used one today. It is similar to Jacob's but it's Winnie the Pooh.

It's time to get ready for the day. I need to dress Hailey, clean house and get ready for work. Nana and Aunt Stephanie are coming over to watch Hailey!

How can I make some extra moola?

I'm trying to think of ways to make some extra money. One thought I have had is to blog and hope it can bring in some cash flow. But what would I blog about? Babies and parenting? Or the learning of it that is. Music? My walk with God? I'm not quite sure any of those things would be all that interesting to a big enough group of people. Or that what I have to say would be interesting at all. I have also thought about trying a hand at baking and decorating cakes. I have had some fun in the past making cakes and decorating with fondant. I don't want to brag but for the lack of experience and absolutely no training whatsoever, I didn't do all that bad!

Well, if anyone has some suggestions, I'm totally up for them! In the meantime, I shall keep brainstorming.

Nine months ago...

Nine months ago I (and a few days). I gave birth to Hailey! We went to her 9 month doctor appointment today. In the waiting room were a couple who JUST had a baby. They were sitting there adoring her and still trying to figure out exactly how to hold the baby. I caught myself staring at them. I hope I didn't make them feel weird. I was just remember back to all those new parent feelings!

Speaking of new, I'm getting into some new territories with my 9 month old! She sometimes decides to try and fip onto her stomach when I am changing her. This is going to be a problem as she is very strong! Sean and I sat and talked about what we are going to do. I really feel like a team and am so appreciative of Sean's activeness in Hailey's life. He is a very involved father!

I have incorporated more baby food into Hailey's diet. She eats baby food 3 times a day having normally 4 or 5 jars total. I spent some time Monday making baby food. I made sweet potatoes and avocado. Then I cut up watermelon and cantelope into tiny pieces that she can chew on. She doesn't like the avocado or most of the vegetables for that matter but if I put yogurt or fruit on the tip of the spoon, she will eat it. Tomorrow I plan to make applesauce and banana.

I can't forget to mention that Hailey's weight is 15 lb. 12 oz. She is 28 inches long. Her weight is in the 10th percentile but the doc said she is gaining so they are not concerned. =o) The doctor did mention to not hold any food back from Hailey. She said to even give Hailey a french fry if she wants it. What?! That surprised me! I don't think I want to start my 9 month old on fried foods yet. If she is anything like me, fries are a HUGE weak spot!!

I gotta brag on my husband, Sean. He has been WONDERFUL (as always). But really, extra WONDERFUL! This past Saturday, he let me sleep while he took care of Hailey! Last week Hailey was making a habit of getting up at 5:00 or 5:30 AM. That's what I get for putting her to bed at 7 PM! So I had been getting up with her during the week but joked with Sean friday night that if Hailey gets up early Saturday, he can take care of her. And he did! I really didn't have to say anything either! So then he helped some around the house. Then today he worked on finishing a home project and a repair! Whoa!!! He took me to the mall last Friday night. He has also been spending more time with me and just watched the Bachelorette with me. Watch out Sean, I'm getting spoiled!

The nursery had gotten so clogged up. I mean junktified more than normal. There were all kinds of baby stuff everywhere, music, etc. So Sean put the playpen in the master bedroom and Hailey napped in there while I cleaned the nursery/multi-purpose room. I went through Hailey's clothes and boxed up a ton of clothes she has grown out of. I remember when she was too small for those clothes and they were so cute so I couldn't wait for her to fit into them! Now she is too big!! I found the hospital shirt and cap she wore when we first had her. I'm going to take pictures tomorrow of her next to it so we can see how much she has grown!

In the nursery I got out the CD player that was my grandmother's so I can play music for Hailey on it when she is playing or napping. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away August 17th, 2006. Which that date ended up being Hailey's due date in 2008. (God was fulfilling my prayer of bringing new life) Anyways, it's unfortunate she didn't get to meet Hailey but I know Grammy would be so proud of her. The CD player had a cd that Grammy had left in there. I kinda didn't want to take it out. I know Grammy would be SO happy to see that I am now using it in Hailey's nursery! One of Hailey's favorite things to stand and hold onto is the rose wood table that was Grammy's. It is the perfect height for Hailey. She keeps her empty soda bottle on it. Yeah, I let Hailey drink soda. Every morning to wake her up. Haha. Got ya there for a minute didn't I?! lol... you can probably read my sarcasm. Hailey just likes empty bottles of any kind. I'm so happy to have that table that I can then pass down to Hailey and tell the story of Grammy and what a great influence she was.

Well, I see this is getting long and the Magic game is on so tata! Hopefully I will get to post soon!

We're still here!

Hailey is becoming a pro at crawling. She will also pull herself up to standing and cruise. I have to keep doors shut in the house because she will suddenly "disappear". She loves to stand holding onto the dog gate at the kitchen and laugh at the dogs.

Sean and I were talking the other day how Hailey is quite fearless and very trusting of us. Generally, she is loud, happy - very outgoing. The only time she is quiet is when she is in a new place or a lot is going on around her. Then she becomes observant. God woke Sean up many times throughout my pregnancy to pray for Hailey and told him specific things to pray. I really believe because of the faithfulness of Sean's prayers, Hailey is as healthy and vibrant as she is.

New things Hailey is doing:
Crawling like a pro
Whistles
Tries to say "bye bye"
Plays with her tongue, sticking it out of the corner or her mouth
Stands in her crib (we lowered the mattress)
Holds onto her blanket for comfort


In other news: Sean is loving his school. He is going to get a BA in Theology. After that he is talking about getting his Masters! This schooling will help prepare Sean for doing more ministry and hopefully one day being a pastor! This is what we believe God is calling him to do for years so we are very excited.

My mom got a biopsy done of a lump in her breast yesterday. (She had a single mastectomy for breast cancer a little over a year ago). As we await the results, we know God is in control of the results and are confident everything will turn out okay. She got a PET scan just a few months ago which shows any type of cancer and it came back fine.

I have been busy with Hailey, work, keeping up the house and church. My struggle has been keeping the house up. More specifically, the mess Michael, our black laquer German Shephard makes. It is unbelievable! I could have a full time job just cleaning up after him. Really. It's been driving me CRAZY! Especially with a baby crawling too. My sister was talking the other day about someone she knows who loves to clean because then she reaps the benefits (a nice, yummy smelling, clean house to relax in!). I like cleaning my house because I like reaping the benefits but unfortunately, with Michael, I can't. As soon as I have cleaned it, he has made it messy again. So, it's an ongoing thing that is making me insane. FYI - definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over!!!!!

New Pics

God amazed me again!!

This past weekend was so very busy for us yet such an incredible experience. Our church had a guest worship leader/speaker come for the weekend. His name is Kent Henry. You can check him out at kenthenrymin.org

God used Kent to open our eyes to a level of deep worship that was missing in our lives and in the church. God also had a message for the church and for Sean and I. It answered the very thing that Sean and I have been praying and seeking God about. We know that we are supposed to do more in the ministry, working up to even full time ministry. We have been asking God to open a door or show us where to go and what to do. HE DID THAT THIS WEEKEND!!

But let me back track a little... just a month ago or so, Sean and I were asking the question "How do we prepare ourselves more?" He revealed things to us that we need to change in our lives. For me, it's priorities. I have definitely had a change of priorities since Hailey has come along. Or at least adding to the list!

Sean was praying about some form of education. Literally a week later he learned there is going to be a college accredited school starting in our church! This school is offering the exact course he had been looking for. What?! Really? Is this God's answer for that? Sean is going to a meeting tomorrow night to get more information so we can pray about it. Sean is also getting discipled by our pastor and going to a class to learn more about writing sermons.

I am getting back to leading worship in full force now. Angela is now the leader for the middle school/high school girls in the youth group. I assist here and there. I think this is better because I can focus more on the worship band and training our singers.

Sean and I were challenged that God wants to do more with us in the ministry at our church. Now we are praying about exactly what, the timing and preparation. We are so excited!! This time is crucial for us to wait on the Lord for His exact direction. Please pray for us and our church as we seek God's perfect will!

I hate my veggies!

I am disappointed that Hailey doesn't like veggies. She literally does raspberries, spitting the veggies out of her mouth. Look out!! For now, she will get away with it but when she is old enough, it's clean your plate or get nothing! Easy to say now but I'm sure it will be very hard to stick to. She enjoys baby yogurt, fruit and these puff things that melt in her mouth.

Hailey is all tuckered out from the weekend. We were here, there and everywhere. Poor thing, every time she got to sleep it was time to go somewhere else and I would have to wake her up. I was hoping she would sleep late this morning but she didn't. Her Mimi said that Hailey took two good naps today though. And I got her to bed at 7:30 PM. She didn't make a peep.

Hailey is scooting and started the first crawling steps! Sean and I watched her for the first time move her legs and hands and go forward in an actual crawling motion! It won't be long and we will be baby proofing the house. I have so many things I've gotta get up off the floor and clean. My plan is to have my mom come over one day that I'm home during the week and help me. Not sure that's on my mom's list of things to do as of yet. Do you mind, mom?? =o) Seriously, I need to give a shout out to my mom. She is simply fabulous! She helps me so much and bends over backwards to do whatever is easiest on Hailey and I. I can't thank her enough. I love you mom!!!

My petite little girl!

Hailey weights 14 lb 4 oz. She gained 5 oz. going from 6 months to 7 months. The doc said she seems healthy and it could be that she is just going to be very petite. He added that I need to take in more calories (b/c I'm nursing) and maybe that will help. Hmmm... I'm not so sure about that!! But I decided to drink some milk which may help. (I don't ever drink milk) The only way I will drink it is if I put chocolate syrup in it. So, we'll try that for now and see what happens.

Nowadays Hailey takes two naps. The length varies. Generally her longer nap is in the morning. After she is awake for about an 1 1/2 to 2 hours she is ready for her morning nap. Generally she sleeps for 2 hours, sometimes 3. Her afternoon nap is normally 1 1/2 to 2 hours. She ate baby food for her Mimi yesterday so well! I'm very proud of her. The poo after that was yucky though! Haha... Sean got to change it cause I was making dinner. (Pizza-nini... get recipe at RachaelRayShow.com)

Hailey is still sleeping through the night. Some people said that would change but I think she is pretty set into her routine being that she is 7 months old. She nurses 4 to 5 times a day. It generally takes about 30 minutes give or take. I was hoping she would end up being a quick nurser but she takes her time. That's okay though. =o) I was talking with a friend the other day and she talked about how hard it is (on the mom) when the babies stop nursing so I will cherish the time I have with her at this stage.

Please pray for my mom. She has lymphedema. The doctor is sending her to physical therapy and said that they can stop it from getting worse. This is swelling of the arm and can be extreme pain. Unfortunately, when it swells, it doesn't go down. But, our God is a mighty God and He can heal or he can help us cope. We put our hope and trust in God.

I got a treadmill! Yay!! My parents got it for me for my birthday. It took me a little over a week to pick one out. I couldn't spend a ton of money but wanted to get one with a nice warranty and one that could withstand two people running on it. I got it new at Play It Again Sports in Altamonte. I recommend this store! They are constantly getting a lot of great stuff. So far so good with this one! Time for me to go try it now while Hailey is napping.

Tata!

SwagBucks!

I've heard this really works! You can redeem $5 Amazon or Starbuck's gift cards, music or even electronics.

Growing up!

"Mamamamama!!!" That's what Hailey started saying on Tuesday, March 3rd. It ticked my heart to hear it! I saw at church today, March 15th, that she is starting to waive hello and goodbye. Then she peed on me. Then when I was changing her she looked straight at me and said "Mama". It almost seemed that she associated me with the word. Sean is convinced that she does but I'm not absolutely sure yet. When she says "mama" I try to make sure and respond to her. Maybe because of that she has learned a little early? I'm sure every parent is eager of this!





Things Hailey loves:
Swinging at the park
Jacob & Luke (her buddies)
Daddy's weird sounds
Nana and Aunties
guy's noses (she grabs them)
colorful set of plastic rings that stack

Things Hailey does:
pushes up with her arms and tries to get her knees under her
makes raspberries with her mouth
spits out baby food like a fountain
kicks her feet and waves arms when excited
splashes the water in the bathtub
sits up without support
talks a lot
working on saying "dada"
prefers mommy right now
starting to hold bottle (mostly little ones)
has a starter juice cup


Hailey goes to the doctor on Tuesday to get weighed. I pray she has gained enough weight. Last time the doctor was a bit concerned but said it could be that she is going to be petite. As long as she has gained sufficient weight then she will be fine.

A message to all my peeps

I'm supposed to be in bed for the night so don't tell my mom and dad that you read this. I just wanted to say how much I love them both. Daddy plays the guitar and sings to me all the time. I sit on the floor and look up at him and smile. Daddy is so entertaining and funny. He is always tickling me and making funny noises. Everyone says I look like him. Daddy plays fetch really well too. =o)

I love being with my mommy. I practically never cry when I'm in her arms. Sometimes I topple over when I'm sitting playing with my toys and it surprises me so I cry. She holds me and makes it all better. She knows exactly what I want. When I'm teething she gives me these nice cold rings to bite on. It feels so good but it makes my cheeks and hands cold too! Mommy loves to play peek-a-boo with me. She makes me laugh so hard I squeel. I also love to smile at mommy. When she smiles at me I can't help but smile back. Sometimes mommy rubs my face when I'm tired or not feeling well. I close my eyes and go to sleep.

The doctor says I didn't gain much weight the past couple months but that I look good and not to worry. He said this baby's got some back (like mother, like daughter).

Hey, can someone explain to me what these fuzzy creatures are crawling on my floor?! They run away and leave me with their fuzz puffs in my hand. It doesn't taste good either. Jacob, do you have any tips on how I can catch one of these things? If we catch my big black one, we could take a ride to Bruster's and you can buy me a sundae. :::wink:::

Great Grandpa Raymond

Hailey,

Today your Great Grandpa Raymond passed away. He loved you oh so much. He was so proud to be your Great Grandpa! A couple weeks before he passed, we went to visit him during dinner. He was up in the dining room and overjoyed to see you. He smiled ear to ear. Nana took pictures. He always wanted to know how you were if you weren't around. I'm sorry you will not remember him. But we will keep his memory alive. Know that he is proud of you!!

We're sitting up!

Yes, you read that right! Hailey is sitting up now! She can support herself well. She will sit for a few minutes unsupported. Eventually she topples over and then continues to play with her toys.

Last friday Hailey went to the park for the first time. We went with Carrie Schuessler & kids and Amanda Phillips and her little boy and 4 month old little girl. Hailey got in the swing! She sat in the swing with her legs coming straight out and stiff. lol. Luke Schuessler was in the swing beside her.








Hailey loves to sleep on her stomach. She sleeps with her butt in the air and her hands under her tummy. I just went to get her some more pj's the other day. I got her a couple 6 - 9 month sizes. They are a little big but that's good cause there is room to grow!

Hailey still hates baby food. I give her bananas and apples in a mesh ring and she loves to chew on it. But when I try to spoon feed her or even feed her with my finger, she makes an icky face and spits it out. But then she grabs for whatever Sean and I have!

A couple weeks ago I set Hailey in the bassinet part of her playpen, sitting in her bumbo and she was playing with some toys. From a distance, she looked like she was sitting up by herself. Sean walked in the room and freaked out screaming "Get the camera! Get the camera!" (this was before Hailey started sitting up unsupported) I just started laughing and then he realized she was in the bumbo. Poor guy! He was so excited!!

WORK:
A few weeks ago I was singing the song "God is bigger than the boogy man" I was just so scared about the way work was going. It's a family business. What would we do instead? It's so hard to find a job right now too! I just tried to have faith. Then suddenly we had a lot of people looking for estimates. Soon we should have more work to do!! Thank you God for your provision! I pray for favor on our estimates we are giving out.

FAMILY:
My pop (my mom's dad) is doing very bad healthwise. My family has started making arrangements because he could pass anyday now. My mom has been dealing with everything very well but I think it is starting to take a toll on her. Pop has been in and out of the hospital and hasn't eaten in weeks. He had a stroke last wednesday and now he can't talk at all. Jesus Christ is our savior and my pop has accepted Jesus so I know he is going to be eternally with God. That gives me such a great sense of peace even during a tough time.

5 months and counting!

Five months have passed since I had Hailey. Can't believe it!! Her developments are so fast and dramatic. The other day Sean and I were commenting on Hailey's social development. We have seen a huge difference in the past week. She is working on sitting up too. Haven't gotten it yet but soon!! I would love it if she would skip the crawling and go to walking. I want her to be able to crawl, of course, but Michael's (our huge black german shephard) hair is everywhere!! Once I vaccum or sweep, it's there 10 min. later so it's pretty much a neverending battle. I can just see it now... Hailey looks up at me and smiles with a mouth-full of black hair. Ah! Well, I guess it comes with the territory.

Hailey loves toys that have blinking lights and makes music. She also loves her Chewy... it's a zebra. For the most part she is sleeping well. Most nights she sleeps all the way through. Some nights she wakes up and I give in and feed her and she goes right back to sleep. Other nights, like last night, she woke up crying a couple times. She was laying on her back so I flipped her over and turned the mobile on which vibrates and she soon went back to sleep. She cried for not even 5 minutes. I don't let her cry steadily for more than 10 minutes.

Doc appointment

Hailey had a check-up doc appointment today. She weighs in at 13 lb. 7 oz. and 25 1/2" long. She got 3 shots today and was quite upset about it. I think that combined with being tired made her really fussy this morning. We started her on baby food today. (Here comes the nasty poo!) We are trying sweet peas first. She cried and cried but I think it was for other reasons. The doctor said she will start teething more soon and to watch out for ear infections.

Hailey began waking up during the night cause she is cold. I started putting a onesie underneath Hailey's pajamas and she is sleeping much better. We are on a schedule of waking up at 7 AM to eat, eating every four hours and going to bed around 8 PM or so. It's working really well. My only struggle is getting her to nap when we are out places. Sometimes she will act the cutest when she is really tire but then suddenly, like hitting a brick wall, she is exhausted and screaming! It's not fun!!

Hailey rolls over from stomach to back and back to stomach. She loves it when Sean and I clap and say "yay!!". She smiles and we have noticed she looks for our approval. I had to tell her "no" for the first time the other day. She was arching her back while sitting in the bumbo and I was feeding her cereal. The first time she smiled at me. When she noticed that I didn't smile back, then she just gave me a serious face (the same face I was giving her).

Christmas was a blast with Hailey. Her favorite present was a pinguin Aunt Stephanie got her that wobbles, plays music and has balls in it. She squeeled and grabbed it. With the money from her Great Grandpa and Great Uncle John, I bought Hailey an exersaucer. It should come in the mail any day now!! But where am I going to put it?! I'm so glad it colapses.

Hailey slept through her first new years. It would have been fun to keep her up but not good for her. We spent the night playing Rock Band with Stephanie and her boyfriend Patrick (Patti).

We got a new camera... a Nikon D60. We LOVE it! Sean and I had been saving for over a year. We had a ton of gift certificates from last Christmas we had saved. Speaking of saving, Sean and I decided we need to save and do something for our anniversary. This year it will be our five year anniversary. We are thinking maybe a 3 day cruise. Can I really leave Hailey for that long?! Ah! She will be a year old so maybe I can handle it by then.