You're going to be a BIG sister

Something very special happened on Thursday, August 24th...you woke mommy up really early. But instead of trying to shush you back to sleep, I got up eager for an answer from God, of which daddy and I had been praying for. A few minutes later, my question was answered...mommy was pregnant!! Which meant you my darling muffin, were going to be a big sister!!!!! Mommy was so elated for so many reasons. I was so excited for the new member of our family, and to watch you grow into a big sister role. I am looking forward to watching the bond you'll create with your sibling. You have grown to be so nurturing, smart, and so loving. I know you'll be such a wonderful role model to your little brother or little sister.

After the initial excitement of  mommy wanted to plan a surprise for daddy, I put you in mommy's old shirt that YaYa put on mommy when I became a big sister. It said "big sister" in pink and turquoise. Then we went to Starbucks and bought daddy some coffee and breakfast. When we came home, I had you wake up daddy. He spotted your shirt and was so excited. Daddy later told me, "I don't know what I'm more excited about: Halen becoming a big sister or this new baby." Daddy loves you so much and never wants you to feel unimportant or not as loved as your new sibling. You are our baby forever and always. You made daddy and I parents. But we know this new family member will add something so special to our family and develop an unbreakable bond with you.

Mommy later called the doctor and set up our first doctor appointment for October 16th. Which seems so far away, but it'll be here before we know it. The estimated due date is June 2, 2016. Which means you'll be just over two years old. 2016 will be one amazing, exciting, adventurous year!! Takes us back to how daddy & I felt when we knew you were on your way. Pure joy.

We love you with all our hearts Halen Rae Carol. You're the light of our life. Our family is incredible.

Love always,

Mommy & Daddy

Our little climber

Well, my darling, it's official. You've climbed out of your crib. Twice. You are almost 16 months old. Daddy and I weren't quite ready for this next step, but here it is. We have learned in the past year that you are quite the determined, strong young lady. And you'll do just about anything to get what you want (oh brother). So I took your mattress and put it on the floor and made you your Step 1 big girl bed. (Who's big girl, surely not mine she was just born!) Indeed you are growing up, right before my eyes, and I am loving evey single second of watching you thrive.

The night you climbed out of your crib neither your dad and I even saw the act. All we heard was you and you were knocking in your door to come out. I had put you down and daddy went to get you in the morning. The following night, we all slept great until you did it again. I looked at the monitor and saw your face, I ran into your room. I've been scared but, you seem ready. You don't like being confined. My little American honey pot, you grow wild and free.

So first night in your Step 1 big girl bed...so far you've rolled off the mattress twice, despite my efforts to keep you in. Hopefully my latest update wil keep you snug in bed, all night long. Mama desperately needs sleep tootie.

Love you my anchor,

Your mama

First month in Colorado

Hello my beautiful daughter! You are 14 months old and we've been living in Colorado for a month. It's been a busy month, we are so close to being settled. We're still living out of boxes, but we get new carpet today and then we can officially and completely unpack.

Daddy and I have painted the stripes in your room to re-create your nursery from the Mourning Dove house. We love our new house. You love playing in our backyard with giant birch trees to keep it shady. The living room and kitchen are open and connected, so I can always keep an eye on you. That makes mommy's heart happy. All of our rooms are upstairs, and you even have a playroom right next to mommy and daddy's room!

We went camping in Telluride for the Fourth of July! We had so much fun, you are such a trooper. We stayed for five nights! We went on three different hikes, you rode on daddy's back in a hiking backpack. You played in the mountain stream, looking at rocks and exploring. It was freezing! But you didn't mind one bit, you loved it. You are definitely an outside kinda girl. We went into town and had some delicious meals. Mommy and daddy celebrated our 4th anniversary and we cooked meals at our campsite too. You pooped in the tent on the first night!? It was stinky, but mommy cleaned it up. Sleep was a little nutty, we all ended up cuddling each night. We went to the awesome 4th of July Telluride Parade, it was so fun. Old-fashioned airplanes flew overhead and fighter jets to get the parade started. We saw all kinds of people, animals, it was really fun. Then we went to the park to relax and play. It rained a bit on our trip, but we made the best of it. We had yummy Brown Dog pizza for dinner while waiting for the fireworks. There was a fun band playing, and you danced your lil hiney off. Daddy and I had so much fun with you.

Lately, you love shoes, love playing outside, you love being social with other kids, your first word was "ball" and then "Hi". You wave at people and have started blowing kisses. You know where your tummy is! You are a busy bee and so much fun.

Your new buddy Mackenzie Grace was born on mommy and daddy's anniversary (June 30th), you'll get to meet her over Christmas break. This weekend we'll be celebrating Mackenzie's 8th birthday and going to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo with Kyle, Tim and Owen Besson. And we're going camping in Steamboat next week! Summers are so much fun.

I love being with you everyday, mommy is trying to start her own in-home day care so I can be home with you everyday all the time.

I love you Halen Rae Carol!!!!!

Love,

Mommy

Wubbanub

This post is solely dedicated to your beloved wubbanub. Daddy and I went shopping at BabyEarth while you were in my tummy. We wanted to get you a few  pacifier options because we didn't know what you were going to prefer.  We liked the Wubbanub collection, because there were little stuffed animals attached to every pacifier. We found one with a cute caterpillar and chose that.

At first you didn't like any pacifiers or bottles. But when we went on our month long road trip you started to like them. Then you became hooked on your Wubbanub. It became your lovey, brought you so much comfort and made you feel safe. I loved seeing something bring you happiness and peace. Everyone in life needs a lovey, a safety net.

I always want you to be comfortable in life. The world can seem dark, and uncertain sometimes. But when you find comfort, your heart feels safe and content. I hope our home always brings you comfort and the feeling of being safe. Being with your daddy and I should always make you feel safe, comfortable, and happy.

We hope to teach you how to create your own safety net and comfort one day. Building a home that is clean, safe, smells good, provides that place you can always go and feel right.

Then for Christmas we bought you another Wubbanub, you were thrilled. Now you carry around both, while we nurse you have this cute habit where you hold your Wubbanubs, you stick one in your ear and hold the other close to your chest. So cute.

You want your Wubbanub all of the time, we try to only give it to you when you are upset or about to go to sleep.

We love you our lil sweet pea.

Moving to Colorado

Darling Girl,

What a year it has been...there have been so many amazing moments. Daddy and I have lived in Austin for two years now and we made the big decision to move to Colorado. It is very bittersweet, as we love so many things about where we are now.

We love our wonderful neighbors, the Boltons, we love our house...the house where we made you and brought you home from the hospital. We love having all our family close by. We love having our friends nearby. We love your first teacher, Lyn, who has developed such a special relationship with you.

But sometimes, God calls you forth for a bigger purpose, and being dutiful servants, we must listen and obey. The Lord has called us to Colorado. We were there the year before you were made, and daddy had his dream job. I think the Lord believes we are not done with our work there, so he is leading us back West. We know this will be an amazing adventure, as we have family and great friends there. Not to mention an incredible background that we can play in, hike in, camp in, swim in, ski in, and oh so much more.

We are happy to have made you in Austin, TX and brought you into a world where all those near and dear to our hearts were there to watch you grow this year. We know our family and friends will come visit us in Colorado, and we will travel back to Austin to spend time with our village here.

Daddy and I bought a house on Collinsville Place, very close to our cousins the Kolleths. We will raise you here and add to our family there. This next place will most likely be where your first memories are formed. And mommy and daddy want them to be great memories. We strive to lead extraordinary lives. We think Colorado, Valor Christian High School, and all the opportunities the Lord is putting in our path will lead us to extraordinary destinations in this life.  We will be able to serve God and our community more than we could have ever imagined. As a mother, that is all I could ask for, is our family be together, to be healthy, to be happy, and to be serving the Lord.

We move in about three weeks and are trying to spend quality time with those we hold closest to our hearts before we embark on this new chapter of our lives.

We hope you'll always know where you came from and how special Austin, Texas is to our family.

We love you little Austinite.

Love,
Mommy

You're ONE!

Oh sweet Halen. I cannot believe this year has gone by. It seems like yesterday, that daddy was driving me to the hospital to deliver you. And then you were in my arms, so new and precious.

Now here we are 365 days later. It has been a wonderful year, Halen. Daddy and I have absolutely LOVED being your parents. We are thankful every single day for you in our lives. We can't imagine you not being part of our family.

This weekend was so special. First it started with daddy taking off work on Thursday to spend a daddy/daughter day with you. You guys had breakfast at J & J's, then went to story time at the Cedar Park Library, then you came to have lunch with mommy at work, we ate Rudy's BBQ, then you went to the Domain, where I met you after work to walk around and spend time together.

Then on Friday you played with Gigi all day. Friday night daddy and I stayed up late getting ready for your birthday party on Saturday.

Saturday morning, we cleaned the house, wrapped your presents, made food, and you ran errands with mommy all to prepare for your birthday party. Then in the afternoon Uncle Matt came to help daddy, YaYa came to help mommy and Aunt Dana came with Piper. While you and Piper played we finished getting ready. Jennifer and RJ showed up early to help too!

We walked over to Millrun Park, where your 1st  birthday party was held. The theme was a Garden Party, with bright colors and flowers, all to celebrate you. Daddy and I created a fitting menu: Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Papa's Herb Potato Salad, Julie's Italian Pasta Salad, Neicey's Pinwheels, DiDi's mini egg salad and PB&J sammys, Lilly Pullitzer Fruit Salad (watermelon, strawberries, green grapes and mint), YaYa's lemon poundcake, cream cheese sugar cookies, Traci's French vanilla cake balls and mommy made you a coconut-vanilla smashcake topped with the cream cheese sugar cookies. Everyone loved the food. I also served a cocktail and lemon water.

We hung out under the tall trees with a beautiful breeze blowing, so many people came! You played with our neighbor Brooklyn, school buddy Presley, Gaia from school, your BFF Piper, best bud Jaxon, cousin Crash. You had the prettiest pink, bubble dress on that YaYa bought you. Daddy pushed you on the swings.

Then you got to meet your PawPaw for the very first time, your daddy's dad. He held you and played with you. You also got to meet your Aunt Jennifer for the very first time, your daddy's sister, and your cousins, Caroline and Logan. They all loved meeting you and celebrating your first birthday.

Nanny and Poppy Hall came, NeNe spent the weekend with us, she just loved cuddling you and playing with you.

Then after awhile we decided to sing, Happy Birthday, to you and let you eat your first birthday cake. I took off your pretty dress, and left you in your diaper. Then I put the cake in front of you. You ate the cookies first, even shared with daddy and a few other people. You were so cute, you took your time eating your birthday cake. Finally you started to taste the icing, and eat your cake. Finally, you got really into it and started to pick up your cake like a shot put. We took videos of you, you were so sweet and funny. You kept wanting to share your cake with everyone.

Then daddy and I had to take you over to the dog park and hose you down. You loved the hose, you kept trying to drink the water. Then after we cleaned you up, you played some more and we opened all your presents. You got some AWESOME stuff... a water table from the Bolton's, cute clothes from Gigi, pool toys from Papa, YaYa's famous flashcards, a bubble lawnmower from Cora, a tunnel from Neicey, and so much more!

Then later that night, we stayed up playing with your YaYa and NeNe. You were so tired! Then the next morning, was your actual first birthday! We had a relaxing morning. Then got ready for church...you were dedicated on your birthday. It was so special. Daddy, mommy, DiDi, T, NeNe, Papa, Gigi, and YaYa met with the Pastor and we talked all about you, and prayed for you. Then we were led up on stage, where Pastor Tim blessed you, and we all committed to raising you in a Christian home. We promised to help you create a relationship with Christ. Julie, Neicey, Gram, Nikki, Aunt Dana, Kathryn were all in the audience watching your dedication. Your Godparents: Enna and Uncle Mike, love you so much. They have vowed to be there for you every step of the way.

Then after church we went out to brunch at Kerby Lane, then you, daddy and I went downtown to walk around the Pecan Street Festival. You LOVED the petting zoo, we saw a ponies, a camel, a kangaroo, a tortoise, and lots of goats. You kept talking to them in your own language, and would pet them when they came close. Then we celebrated you officially turning ONE at 4:43 p.m. Daddy and I swelled with pride that you are our daughter. We are so proud of you. You are gorgeous, have the sweetest personality, so pure, so wonderfully made. Those blueberry eyes capture our hearts every day. We cannot express how much we love you. It's more than the world can contain.

Cheers to you baby girl! On to year number two!

Love,
Mama

You're walking!

Hello my beautiful daughter! Wow, how time is flying by. I cannot believe how quickly this year is moving. You are now 11 months.... (!!!!!) you started walking at 10 1/2 months! You are such a quick learner, and just so curious about life. Daddy and I are so proud of you.

Since Christmas, you have grown so much, it didn't take you long at all to start walking. You were practically pulling up from the moment you got crawling down. We put you in the Waterbabies class at Emler Swim School and you are now swimming underwater for SEVEN seconds! It's amazing watching you learn how to swim.

Cora came to visit in the beginning of March, we had fun playing with her and wishing her a happy 1st birthday! We hang out with Jaxon all the time too, While Cora was in town we got all the babies together including, Piper, which was really fun to see all of our babies growing up.

I was able to get your hair up into a pony tail! I have switched between one piggy and two piggy tails, They are adorable! Your hair is so blonde and gorgeous, I am very excited about continuing to do your hair as you grow.

We keep hanging out with our neighbors and lil Brooklyn! It is fun watching you girls grow up together.

For spring break we stayed in town the first half and just enjoyed being together. Then for the last half of the break Uncle Chase married Heather, so we went to the wedding at a beautiful ranch in the Houston area. Uncle Chase asked you to be a flower girl, you were precious! You started walking just in time, to walk down the aisle in your beautiful dress, carrying your little basket. We had such a great time at that wedding, it was nice to get away for a few days. It was a very intimate wedding, but the Kolleths were there, which was really fun. Kenzie just loved playing with you, and so did Heather's nieces: Harley, Logan and Kennison. Crash was there too of course, you just love your cousin Crash. Every time he walks into the room you light up, squeal and walk over to him with arms open for a hug. It is the most darling thing.

Daddy and I made a huge decision to move to Colorado this summer. We lived there the year before you were born and we loved it, but we missed our family and friends. So we moved back and got pregnant with you right away. We have loved being back in Austin to have you, raise you for that first year, being near our family and friends. But daddy really loved his job in Colorado, the weather is incredible, there is so much to do. So we decided to make the bold decision to move back. We truly feel you will love growing up in Colorado. We'll be really close to Jack and Kenzie, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Kurt, pretty close to Aunt Kari, Cali, Lariel, and Loren. And we have some pretty awesome friends there with kiddos that we know you'll love. So we are going to enjoy living in Austin for the next few months, then head out West. Papa and Gigi want to follow us to Colorado in the next few years, and hopefully we can get Yaya to follow eventually too.

We had a wonderful Easter, I made your Easter pail and we got: a kite, popsicle maker, healthy snacks, some sandals from Gigi and hair accessories from Gigi. Yaya made you a basket from the Easter bunny too. We went to church, then over to the Mobleys for an Easter Egg hunt and brunch. You had a lot of fun finding eggs and playing with Jaxon. Then we went to Yaya's for Easter dinner, everyone came over including: Papa and Gigi, Uncle Chase, Aunt Heather and your cousin Crash. This was your last first holiday. I still can't believe you turn one in just a few weeks. Feels like yesterday that you were kicking inside my belly.

What else can I catch you up on...you've had quite a few ear infections, which makes daddy and I very sad. We have to go see a specialist. Mommy tries very hard to be as natural as possible.

Mommy is so excited for summertime so I can be with you every single day. I love you baby girl. I am consumed with love for you. One of my favorite things right now is you walk down a hall and when you see me you light up and walk as fast as you can straight into my arms. I love it. You do the same thing at Lyn's when I come to pick you up, you drop whatever toys you have and walk as fast as you can to me. Being your mom is the best thing in the entire world. I thank the Lord every day for sending you to me.

xoxoxo Love always,
Mommy

The Flu

Right after I cut my hand, you fell sick with the flu... it was terrible. I was standing in the kitchen, and you threw up all over me. It made me feel so helpless, seeing you so sick and uncomfortable. You had a really high fever for three days, that made mommy and daddy so nervous. I sat up all night with you several nights, so you could sleep.

Then all of a sudden, we all got sick. There was a moment where I was holding you in our bathroom, daddy was on the toilet with diarrhea and you started to throw up everywhere. And I had to throw up. Your daddy and I made eye contact, and realized that was one of the hardest, most miserable moments we had experienced as parents. Luckily, the flu seemed to move through our family pretty quickly, but it was a beast nonetheless.

Sadly, we had to miss your best buddy, Jaxon's 1st birthday, because we were sick in bed. We spent New Years Eve all cuddled in our king size bed, watching the ball drop from afar. And New Years Day, we cuddled on the couch with a nice fire, and movies on in the background.

You were the highlight of our holiday season beautiful girl. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. God loves you best.

Love,

Mommy

Christmas

Your first Christmas was so much fun! We went to a beautiful Christmas Eve service at Hill Country Bible Church, then went to the Curby's house for a yummy dinner and sat by the fire. We had a great time. You snuggled with your Enna by the firepit.

Then on Christmas morning, you crawled down the hall to see the wondrous sight of our beautiful Christmas tree, all your presents, a roaring fire with Christmas music singing in the air.

After our little family unit enjoyed the first moments of Christmas together, you got Ellie the Elephant, a new wub a nub, all kinds of fun toys, your very own stocking! YaYa, Papa, Gigi, Uncle Chase, Aunt Heather, and Crash came over. We all opened presents together, there were A LOT of gifts... you were spoiled, in the best way possible!

We ate a delicious brunch altogether, and then we took a long nap and went over to Papa and Gigi's house for a divine Christmas dinner.

There we watched Frozen for the first time, such a fun movie, which your daddy and I are excited to share with you.

Then on our way home, daddy and I decided to last minute pack up and drive to Colorado early the next morning. So we hurried home, packed up, while you slept soundly. We cleaned up the house a little bit, and right before we went to bed I decided to wash the few dishes that were left in the sink. One of those dishes was a very large knife, I used to make breakfast. I was holding it with my left hand and scrubbing it with my right hand. Somehow the knife slipped and I cut my hand, very badly.

I calmly told your dad, what happened and I was pretty upset I ruined our spontaneous trip to Colorado. Daddy got you in your car seat and drove me to the ER to have my hand looked at.

I had to get eight stitches, the doctor ranked it a six on a scale of one to 10. Daddy brought you to me at one point to take away any scared emotions I might have been feeling. You were so well behaved. We finally got home around 3:00 a.m.

The next day your daddy called all around town to get me into see a hand specialist, because the ER doctor said I'd probably need surgery. But no one was open after Christmas, we had to wait to the following week. Then on December 27th, I went to see a hand specialist, and he said I would definitely need surgery. We scheduled surgery for January 2nd. I was so nervous, because I didn't anything bad to happen, and leave you.

YaYa watched you while I was in surgery, the surgery was quick and before I knew it, I was awake. I kept thanking the nurses over and over again for me waking up. I kept telling them that I had a baby girl I had to get back to and it was imperative that I wake up from surgery. :)

I recovered at home nicely and enjoyed some much needed down time with my family. You were my motivation to heal. It was really hard doing everything one handed, I couldn't be as hands on with you as before, which drove me crazy. But your daddy stepped in, and did awesome. It was hard for a week or so, but we got our groove soon after that. Everyone was really helpful, from making meals and coming over to help. Our neighbors, the Bolton;s helped, YaYa, Gigi, Papa, the Curby's and Nisey all helped us out. We are so lucky, to be surrounded by such an amazing village of people.

You are amazing sweet girl! We love you!

Thanksgiving

Your first Thanksgiving was a fun one! Your Opa (YaYa's daddy), Aunt Jennifer (YaYa's sister), Uncle Carl (YaYa's brother) came to visit. Daddy and I had the whole week off of work, so we were able to spend quality time with you.

When Opa and Aunt Jennifer first flew in from Michigan, we went out to eat at Chuy's and ate yummy Tex-Mex food. That night we made pies to get ready for Thanksgiving the next day.

We spent the whole day at YaYa's house, we let you play on the floor...AND you began to crawl! So much fun to watch you grow and learn.

We had a delicious Thanksgiving feast!

The next day your Uncle Chase, Aunt Heather, and cousin, Crash came over for a big, yummy Italian meal. We ate your YaYa's famous lasagna!

We also went wine tasting in the Hill Country, which was really fun and beautiful.

We love you darling Halen Rae Carol!

Six Months...your half birthday!

Our Halen girl....

We cannot believe you are already SIX months!!!! Wow! We have had such a blast with you this past half of the year. You've brought harmony to out lives, meaning, purpose and love we never thought was attainable. Our family has truly bloomed with your presence in it. Thank you so much for being our daughter.

It is November and the holidays are right around the corner! We had an awesome Halloween, and now it's time to gear up for Thanksgiving. Mommy has decorated the house and is planning the menu with YaYa. Your great-aunt Jennifer and great-uncle Joe are coming in town from Michigan, along with your great-grandpa, Opa. We are very excited to enjoy this time with them. YaYa is very excited and has all kinds of plans in the works.

As soon as you turned six months, we introduced food. Your first food was avocado,

then a few days later I introduced oatmeal. You don't seem to be a huge fan, but we're taking baby steps. Ever since you started solid foods, your sleep has improved ten-fold! You sleep so well. Our friend Traci, found a video monitor for us, so we've been using that. And Nikki bought you a pink bumper that we want to put into your crib, so your lil legs don't get caught in between the slats. I'm hoping to transition you up to your crib next week.

You are an absolute rockstar in your swim lessons! Daddy and I have to decide if we are going to move you up or keep you in the Bathtime babies class until the next semester starts in January. You are definitely ready to be dunked in the water, and ready for new challenges. Daddy was able to go to class with us yesterday, since football ended. He even got into the pool with us.

Mommy and daddy have already bought your Christmas gifts and we are so excited about them. I think daddy may be even more excited about Christmas than mommy, and that is saying a lot. We are going to get a big Christmas tree and garland to decorate the house. Daddy and Uncle Matt will put up Christmas lights. We are going all out this year.

You and mommy in the shower together! I love my girl!

Here you are hangin' out in your Michigan jammies. And man do you love your caterpillar wub-a-nub! You love that lil guy. You reach for him all the time and pop him right in your mouth. Cutie tootie. 

We love you baby girl!