These are the words you said to me tonight. 😍 Halen Rae Carol...you're growing up so fast and yet you're still so little. These darling questions remind me to cherish your littleness and to soak up all the moments you yearn to share with me. Sometimes it's easy for me to be on auto pilot and my day blurs by. And then at the end of the day when I'm exhausted and ready to sit by myself and read my book, you ask me this. And my heart melts and I immediately say yes. There's nothing I would rather do than cuddle you sweetheart. I will feel this way when you're two, four, 10, 17, 32 and 50. I will always want to cuddle you my darling girl. I am sorry if you've felt that I haven't been as attentive. With Henley's birth, our lives sure did change. But as Henley grows I will get to spend more time with you. You'll always be the baby girl who made me a mommy, and for that I will always thank you. I will never be able to express to you how much I love you, but I'll always try.
I can't wait to wake up and spend another day with you tootie toot.
Love you more than every star in the Rocky Mountain sky and more than every grain of sand on the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Love,
Mama
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Friday, July 1, 2016
Back to Texas We Go
On June 12, 2016 we moved back to Texas. Living in Colorado has been so special, we've been camping, hiking, played in the snow, made friends, and enjoyed our cousins...but it was time to get back to our family/friends in Texas.
You grew so much this past year living in Colorado...you learned to really talk, you made your first real friend, Rachel, you developed such a strong bond with daddy, became so close to Jack & Kenzie, and turned into a big sister! Colorado will always be a special place for us, we'll have to visit often. But Texas is where we belong...near YaYa, Papa, Gigi, Enna, all our buddies: Jaxon, Piper, Brooklyn, your cousins Crash & Jager.
We had a Sip 'n See to introduce your sister to everyone and you played with all your buddies. It's so good to be back. We're looking forward to settling in and soaking up the support from our village. We're living with YaYa for a year, while our Mourning Dove house is being rented and then we will move back in next summer.
We'll have a great summer as our new family if four. 😊
I love you big girl.
Love,
Mommy
You grew so much this past year living in Colorado...you learned to really talk, you made your first real friend, Rachel, you developed such a strong bond with daddy, became so close to Jack & Kenzie, and turned into a big sister! Colorado will always be a special place for us, we'll have to visit often. But Texas is where we belong...near YaYa, Papa, Gigi, Enna, all our buddies: Jaxon, Piper, Brooklyn, your cousins Crash & Jager.
We had a Sip 'n See to introduce your sister to everyone and you played with all your buddies. It's so good to be back. We're looking forward to settling in and soaking up the support from our village. We're living with YaYa for a year, while our Mourning Dove house is being rented and then we will move back in next summer.
We'll have a great summer as our new family if four. 😊
I love you big girl.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, May 27, 2016
Your sister is born!
Halen, on Monday, May 23rd your baby sister was born! We spent the day together, we walked around the hospital in Castle Rock and had a yummy lunch together and you fell asleep on daddy's lap. Around 2 p.m. Aunt Sharon came to pick you up, you spent a few days with Jack, Kenzie and Uncle Kurt.
The morning of Tuesday, May 24th you entered the hospital room and met your baby sister for the very first time! At first you just saw me, and ran up to my hospital bed and we hugged and kissed. Then you saw that daddy was holding a baby and you squealed with delight. You were so excited, "Baby!" you'd say. And, "hold it." You just wanted to claim Henley and hold her all day. We all gathered on my hospital bed where you held Henley for the first time. You were decked in your bright pink Big Sister scrubs and pig tails. You loved looking at baby Henley. Then you held her again on the couch and you wanted to see her, "toesies" and when Henley started to cry you'd say, "Baby what happened?" You were so concerned about her, it was the sweetest thing. And you got mad at mommy when I needed to nurse Henley, you'd lift up your shirt and say, "My milk." You were just so attentive and sweet.
We brought Henley home on the evening of Wednesday, May 25th, finally our family of four altogether.
You two girls are daddy and my whole world. We are so excited to start this new journey...the four of us.
Love you baby girl.
Love,
Mommy
The morning of Tuesday, May 24th you entered the hospital room and met your baby sister for the very first time! At first you just saw me, and ran up to my hospital bed and we hugged and kissed. Then you saw that daddy was holding a baby and you squealed with delight. You were so excited, "Baby!" you'd say. And, "hold it." You just wanted to claim Henley and hold her all day. We all gathered on my hospital bed where you held Henley for the first time. You were decked in your bright pink Big Sister scrubs and pig tails. You loved looking at baby Henley. Then you held her again on the couch and you wanted to see her, "toesies" and when Henley started to cry you'd say, "Baby what happened?" You were so concerned about her, it was the sweetest thing. And you got mad at mommy when I needed to nurse Henley, you'd lift up your shirt and say, "My milk." You were just so attentive and sweet.
We brought Henley home on the evening of Wednesday, May 25th, finally our family of four altogether.
You two girls are daddy and my whole world. We are so excited to start this new journey...the four of us.
Love you baby girl.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Hand Foot Mouth
Oh Halen. On Saturday, May 14th you started running a really high fever. It was very unusual for you because you're never sick. We thought it was a reaction to your Chicken Pox vaccine the Tuesday before. But by Monday I was informed that Hand, Foot & Mouth disease was going around and Ben had a confirmed case. So I took you into the pediatrician and sure enough you had HFM. Then we found out Ainsley had it too. So mommy decided to take some time with just you and no other kiddos. On Monday is when the sores got worse, you woke up that night at 12:30 a.m. screaming in pain. It made mommy so sad. We were up for four hours until you finally fell back asleep. This virus is no fun, and I'm so bummed you got it. You've been so healthy this year compared to last year with all your ear infections. And mommy is 38 weeks pregnant, which makes this even more interesting. Your sister could come at any time.
I am writing this blog as you slumber away next to me. I love you darling girl, and I hope this moves through your system quickly.
Love,
Your Mommy
I am writing this blog as you slumber away next to me. I love you darling girl, and I hope this moves through your system quickly.
Love,
Your Mommy
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
"Let's Go Fly a Kite, Up to the Highest Height" 2nd Birthday Party
Your 2nd birthday party was a huge success! Unfortunately weather disnt cooperate, so we were unable to have your party outside at the park, but we made do inside at our house. And it was awesome!! Because your theme was all about kites, I made a banner out of homemade felt kites that said, "Happy 2nd Birthday Halen!" and it was all very colorful. Our menu was: Chicago Style Hotdogs, potato salad, BLT pasta salad, watermelon-berry fruit salad, Neicey's Famous Tortilla Roll Ups, Blueberry Pineapple Salsa, Lavender Lemonade, a cooler of beer and a Lemon-Blueberry Cake for your birthday cake. It was all delicious!
You wore an adorable nautical style dress with a bright pink tutu. I was able to glue a 2 on your shoulder strap. You had so much fun playing with all your buddies! Everyone who came: your cousins Jack & Kenzie, Joshie & Charlie, Daycare buddies: Ainsley & Ben, your playground buddy Kinsley, Aunt Marilyn, Bebe & Mark, your good friend Owen Besson, and Aunt Sharon.
You played with all the pink balloons, ran around the house, and did lots of giggling. You knew exactly what to do when we all sang you happy birthday, you blew out your candles perfectly...except mommy accidentally used trick candles, so they lit back up as soon as you blew them out. You had the cutest, most confused look on your face. But finally they went out! For presents you received: 3 soccer balls (!!!) we're so exited to introduce you to sports, some soccer cones, shinguards, soccer hair bows, bubbles, a giant beach ball sprinkler, an art set with a princess coloring book, a cute dress, your first package of girlie undies, more bubbles, a lifevest from mom and dad, pool toys from mom and dad, a Big Sister scrub set to wear to the hospital to meet your baby sister, a personalized library book bag, and a sweet teddy bear.
We ended the night by playing more with Jack, Kenzie and Owen. You had a great time. We love celebrating you our darling two year old!
And then a few days later we went to your two year well check...you did fantastic! You were so well behaved! Everything sounded great and we found out you were 36 inches tall in he 91st percentile, 28 lbs in the 69th percentile, and your lil noggin is in the 35th percentile (like mommy's 😊). And you are ahead developmentally by 7 months! Not that daddy and I are surprised, but we are so proud of how healthy, smart & active you are. Then you received your chicken pox vaccine, and you were so brave. We went to get frozen yogurt afterwards to reward you for being so good!
It was a great week celebrating you muffin!! The next milestone is you becoming a big sister, in a matter of weeks.💗
We love you so!!!!
Love,
Mommy
You wore an adorable nautical style dress with a bright pink tutu. I was able to glue a 2 on your shoulder strap. You had so much fun playing with all your buddies! Everyone who came: your cousins Jack & Kenzie, Joshie & Charlie, Daycare buddies: Ainsley & Ben, your playground buddy Kinsley, Aunt Marilyn, Bebe & Mark, your good friend Owen Besson, and Aunt Sharon.
You played with all the pink balloons, ran around the house, and did lots of giggling. You knew exactly what to do when we all sang you happy birthday, you blew out your candles perfectly...except mommy accidentally used trick candles, so they lit back up as soon as you blew them out. You had the cutest, most confused look on your face. But finally they went out! For presents you received: 3 soccer balls (!!!) we're so exited to introduce you to sports, some soccer cones, shinguards, soccer hair bows, bubbles, a giant beach ball sprinkler, an art set with a princess coloring book, a cute dress, your first package of girlie undies, more bubbles, a lifevest from mom and dad, pool toys from mom and dad, a Big Sister scrub set to wear to the hospital to meet your baby sister, a personalized library book bag, and a sweet teddy bear.
We ended the night by playing more with Jack, Kenzie and Owen. You had a great time. We love celebrating you our darling two year old!
And then a few days later we went to your two year well check...you did fantastic! You were so well behaved! Everything sounded great and we found out you were 36 inches tall in he 91st percentile, 28 lbs in the 69th percentile, and your lil noggin is in the 35th percentile (like mommy's 😊). And you are ahead developmentally by 7 months! Not that daddy and I are surprised, but we are so proud of how healthy, smart & active you are. Then you received your chicken pox vaccine, and you were so brave. We went to get frozen yogurt afterwards to reward you for being so good!
It was a great week celebrating you muffin!! The next milestone is you becoming a big sister, in a matter of weeks.💗
We love you so!!!!
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Conversations with our 2 year old
Your daddy and I decided to keep a running log of the sweet, hilarious, inquisitive, remarkable, silly things you say as you're two and learning about the world and how to have conversations.
May 3, 2016 On your 2nd birthday, "Happy burtday to you, hap burtday to youuuuuuu!" You wanted us to sing to you over and over and over again. When I accidentally gave you trick candles at your birthday party, you were quite distraught as you worked so hard to blow them out. 😊
May 5, 2016- "No Halen I do not need you to eat my boogers," said daddy.
May 23, 2016- When meeting your baby sister for the first time: "I hold it!" "Baby!" "Mine." "Toesies!" When Henley started to cry: "Baby what happened?" When mommy started nursing Henley, Halen lifted her shirt and said, "My milk."
May 27, 2016 At bedtime you kicked daddy out of your room, "Out!" And pointed toward the door.
May 27, 2016: When hanging out in the living room you said, "Jack and Kenzie, play."
When saying prayers I asked you if we should add anyone else, "Jack and Kenzie."
May 29, 2016: You got your first hair trim by YaYa and when the hair fell on the table she said, "My hair! My hair!" But you did very good, you were calm and still.
June 4, 2016: You ran into the living room grabbed the Boppy, sat on the stairs with it on her lap and said, "Hold it." (About holding her sister.) Then once I places Henley on the Boppy, if Henley fussed Halen would say, "It's ooook baby, it's oooook." And rub Henley's chest. (Just so sweet!)
June 16, 2016: When Henley would cry, I would ask Halen what Henley needed and Halen would say, "Milk." 😊
June 20, 2016: You got a bloody nose and said, "My nose, nose!"
June 26, 2016: You were bit by mosquitoes and said, "No no buzzy!" She did not like being bit by a bug.
July 2, 2016: You're putting on your swim suit and while naked you wiggle your bum bum and say, "I naked naked, I naked naked."
July 5, 2016: You say things backwards or just the back half of a phrase, for example, I'll say, "I love you Halen." And you respond with, "Too!"
August 9, 2016: You were upset by something and said, "I want my Kenzie." So so so sweet.
August 10, 2016: You wanted to hold Henley on the couch, I put her in your lap and you said, "Mommy, I lub her I lub her I lub her." My heart about melted.
August 10, 2016- When we do something you ask you've started saying, "Thank you so much!" It's quite cute.
August 13, 2016- You were hugging me and said, "Mommy you're my best friend me." My heart just swelled. I love being your best friend baby girl.
August 14, 2016- Lately you have been saying, "Mommy I neeeeeeed you!" Or "Daddy, I need you!" It's so sweet.
August 17, 2016: We're watching the Rio Olympics gymnastics floor routine and you were watching and Aly Raismann finished and you clap your hands and say, "Great Job, great job!" 😊 It was hilarious & so sweet.
September 1, 2016: We were discussing snack options, and I said, "Halen how about some cheese?" You responded with, "Okay I'll have some cheese." Then you paused for. moment and said, "Actually I want some raisins." I was shocked by your vocabulary! And
you used the word correctly! You're growing up so much!
September 14, 2016: We were getting ready for a bath and you found daddy's goggles and you called them, "Haggles." ☺️ Makes me think of Harry Potter.
September 16, 2016: We were getting you ready for pre-school and we put on your new Nike shoes and you said, "They have a swoosh!"
September 20, 2016: We were getting ready for bed and you started to sing, "I love my mommy, I love my daddy, I love my sister, I love my family!" You sang this over and over and over. So sweet and we love it!
October 2, 2016: As we were saying prayers you said, "Thank you for my books, thank you for my teddy bear, thank you for my tent, thank you for daddy, mommy, YaYa, papa, Crash, Henley, Uncke Chase, Uncle Matt, my mirror, thank you for Ms. Shannon, Ms. Laura, thank you for my bear." It was pretty adorable.
October 4, 2016: You learned a scripture at church with the sign language to go with it. You love saying it and doing the hand motions, "God (point overhead) made (pound your fists on top of each other) the world (make a big cure with your arms) and everything in it (reach send out wide)!" You're so proud when you say it! So so sweet!
October 28, 2016: You like to be carried lately and you'll say, "Daddy I want up here." So cute.
Thanksgiving day 2016: You and daddy were about to go outside and daddy had on his flip flops so you said, "Daddy I want to be like you and wear flop flops." It was so sweet!
November 25, 2016: Daddy gave you a mini pecan pie to eat and you didn't want it, you told daddy to eat it and when daddy did you said, "Daddy I smell your breath." You stuck your nose in daddy's mouth and then said, "Your pie in there." It was pretty funny.
December 11, 2016: We went to Great Wolf Lodge as a start to a new family winter tradition. And in the middle of the night you lost your num num and whispered to daddy, "Daddy, I don't know where is my num num is?" So sweet that you would whisper. 😍
December 16, 2016: Daddy didn't feel good and you said, "Daddy, want me to blow on your tummy?" Then you blew on daddy's tummy and asked, "Better?"'
Christmas morning 2016: We are all opening presents and you say, "I help you open your presents?"
January 8, 2017: Daddy was tucking you in and you said, "Daddy, I get you a pillow and it just be you & me, okay?"
January 11, 2017: When we come downstairs in the morning you watch a few episodes of tv while we all wake up. This morning you said, "I want to watch on the battery." (You were referring to the iPad. Pretty cute. ) ☺️
January 12, 2017: We were outside that morning and we could hear Cedar Park High School practicing and you said, "I hear daddy!" You associate whistles with daddy and his football.
January 17, 2017: We were getting ready for bed, you were cuddled with daddy and I said, "Daddy is my favorite." And you quickly added, "Daddy is my favorite too." And you snuggled closer. ❤️ Right after that daddy suggested you go peepee on the potty and watch, you said, "That sounds fine!" It was pretty funny. You sounded so grown up.
January 23, 2017: You looked straight at daddy and said, "Daddy, that's diculous!" I think you'd heard mommy say ridiculous before... Haha. Then a few minutes later you said, "Daddy, that's funky." Haha! Mommy has to be careful what she says.
January 30, 2017: We want to the park after church and you were on the swing. You are learning to propel yourself and you'd say, "Back and foreth, back and foreth." Moving your legs to help push yourself on the swing. Just so cute.
February 13, 2017: We were up super early because you had a slight fever and I suggested we close our eyes, you said, "We just need to watch for a little bit while." So cute. So we snuggled and watched Goldie & Bear. ❤️
February 18, 2017: I was tucking you into bed and you wouldn't let me kiss you and I said, "Halen I made you, I made this bum bum and this tummy." And you quickly responded, "No mommy Jesus made my bum bum and my tummy." Touche Halen touche. You are so right baby girl. This made mommy laugh a humble laugh.
February 24, 2017: Daddy was making breakfast and you said, "Daddy, I want to be a daddy like you." So so sweet.
March 10, 2017: We were sitting on the back pot hearing dinner and daddy had Disney radio on. A song from Tangled came on, daddy said, "Halen one day we are going to dance to this song on your wedding day when you get married to your prince." And you said, "Daddy you are going to be my prince." And your daddy got years in his eyes. 😍
March 12, 2017: I was cooking chicken cacciatore and you sniffed the air and said, "Mmmmm I smell something. I want to to take a bite of it."
March 22, 2017: We were driving home from swim class and you said, "Jesus was talking to us." And daddy and I asked you to tell us more. You said, "Jesus had all the bread and all the fishes and he shared with all the people." Daddy and I stared at each other and were almost brought to tears by how profound what you said was. 😍
March 28, 2017: Your prayer tonight- "Thank you for Claire. Thank you for Uncle Matt. Thank you for Piper. Thank you for birthday cake. Thank you for Doc McStuffins. Thank you for mommy. Thank you for my daddy. Thank you for sister. Amen." I love hearing your little prayers. <3
April 10, 2017: We were hugging and you said, "Mommy you are my favorite. With sprinkles on top."
April 13, 2017: We have been working on you giving up your num num and before nap you asked for it and I said you were becoming a big girl and we were trying to no use it anymore. You responded with, "Mommy I don't want to be a big girl." Sweet girl. I know giving up things from being a baby can be hard, but we're so proud of you.
April 20, 2017: You have really loved your babies lately and you give th all sorts of fun names like, "Luce, and "Jensa" it's so sweet. To seeing you use your imagination, creativity and pretending.
May 1, 2017: We were doing bedtime stories in your room and daddy started singing Frozen with you. Daddy went to bad and as he left you put your mouth up to the doorknob, knocked on the door and said, "Do you wanna build a snowman, come on let's go and play. We used to best buddies but now we're not, I wish you would tell me why." It was the cutest thing ever. I wish I got it on video.
May 3, 2016 On your 2nd birthday, "Happy burtday to you, hap burtday to youuuuuuu!" You wanted us to sing to you over and over and over again. When I accidentally gave you trick candles at your birthday party, you were quite distraught as you worked so hard to blow them out. 😊
May 5, 2016- "No Halen I do not need you to eat my boogers," said daddy.
May 23, 2016- When meeting your baby sister for the first time: "I hold it!" "Baby!" "Mine." "Toesies!" When Henley started to cry: "Baby what happened?" When mommy started nursing Henley, Halen lifted her shirt and said, "My milk."
May 27, 2016 At bedtime you kicked daddy out of your room, "Out!" And pointed toward the door.
May 27, 2016: When hanging out in the living room you said, "Jack and Kenzie, play."
When saying prayers I asked you if we should add anyone else, "Jack and Kenzie."
May 29, 2016: You got your first hair trim by YaYa and when the hair fell on the table she said, "My hair! My hair!" But you did very good, you were calm and still.
June 4, 2016: You ran into the living room grabbed the Boppy, sat on the stairs with it on her lap and said, "Hold it." (About holding her sister.) Then once I places Henley on the Boppy, if Henley fussed Halen would say, "It's ooook baby, it's oooook." And rub Henley's chest. (Just so sweet!)
June 16, 2016: When Henley would cry, I would ask Halen what Henley needed and Halen would say, "Milk." 😊
June 20, 2016: You got a bloody nose and said, "My nose, nose!"
June 26, 2016: You were bit by mosquitoes and said, "No no buzzy!" She did not like being bit by a bug.
July 2, 2016: You're putting on your swim suit and while naked you wiggle your bum bum and say, "I naked naked, I naked naked."
July 5, 2016: You say things backwards or just the back half of a phrase, for example, I'll say, "I love you Halen." And you respond with, "Too!"
August 9, 2016: You were upset by something and said, "I want my Kenzie." So so so sweet.
August 10, 2016: You wanted to hold Henley on the couch, I put her in your lap and you said, "Mommy, I lub her I lub her I lub her." My heart about melted.
August 10, 2016- When we do something you ask you've started saying, "Thank you so much!" It's quite cute.
August 13, 2016- You were hugging me and said, "Mommy you're my best friend me." My heart just swelled. I love being your best friend baby girl.
August 14, 2016- Lately you have been saying, "Mommy I neeeeeeed you!" Or "Daddy, I need you!" It's so sweet.
August 17, 2016: We're watching the Rio Olympics gymnastics floor routine and you were watching and Aly Raismann finished and you clap your hands and say, "Great Job, great job!" 😊 It was hilarious & so sweet.
September 1, 2016: We were discussing snack options, and I said, "Halen how about some cheese?" You responded with, "Okay I'll have some cheese." Then you paused for. moment and said, "Actually I want some raisins." I was shocked by your vocabulary! And
you used the word correctly! You're growing up so much!
September 14, 2016: We were getting ready for a bath and you found daddy's goggles and you called them, "Haggles." ☺️ Makes me think of Harry Potter.
September 16, 2016: We were getting you ready for pre-school and we put on your new Nike shoes and you said, "They have a swoosh!"
September 20, 2016: We were getting ready for bed and you started to sing, "I love my mommy, I love my daddy, I love my sister, I love my family!" You sang this over and over and over. So sweet and we love it!
October 2, 2016: As we were saying prayers you said, "Thank you for my books, thank you for my teddy bear, thank you for my tent, thank you for daddy, mommy, YaYa, papa, Crash, Henley, Uncke Chase, Uncle Matt, my mirror, thank you for Ms. Shannon, Ms. Laura, thank you for my bear." It was pretty adorable.
October 4, 2016: You learned a scripture at church with the sign language to go with it. You love saying it and doing the hand motions, "God (point overhead) made (pound your fists on top of each other) the world (make a big cure with your arms) and everything in it (reach send out wide)!" You're so proud when you say it! So so sweet!
October 28, 2016: You like to be carried lately and you'll say, "Daddy I want up here." So cute.
Thanksgiving day 2016: You and daddy were about to go outside and daddy had on his flip flops so you said, "Daddy I want to be like you and wear flop flops." It was so sweet!
November 25, 2016: Daddy gave you a mini pecan pie to eat and you didn't want it, you told daddy to eat it and when daddy did you said, "Daddy I smell your breath." You stuck your nose in daddy's mouth and then said, "Your pie in there." It was pretty funny.
December 11, 2016: We went to Great Wolf Lodge as a start to a new family winter tradition. And in the middle of the night you lost your num num and whispered to daddy, "Daddy, I don't know where is my num num is?" So sweet that you would whisper. 😍
December 16, 2016: Daddy didn't feel good and you said, "Daddy, want me to blow on your tummy?" Then you blew on daddy's tummy and asked, "Better?"'
Christmas morning 2016: We are all opening presents and you say, "I help you open your presents?"
January 8, 2017: Daddy was tucking you in and you said, "Daddy, I get you a pillow and it just be you & me, okay?"
January 11, 2017: When we come downstairs in the morning you watch a few episodes of tv while we all wake up. This morning you said, "I want to watch on the battery." (You were referring to the iPad. Pretty cute. ) ☺️
January 12, 2017: We were outside that morning and we could hear Cedar Park High School practicing and you said, "I hear daddy!" You associate whistles with daddy and his football.
January 17, 2017: We were getting ready for bed, you were cuddled with daddy and I said, "Daddy is my favorite." And you quickly added, "Daddy is my favorite too." And you snuggled closer. ❤️ Right after that daddy suggested you go peepee on the potty and watch, you said, "That sounds fine!" It was pretty funny. You sounded so grown up.
January 23, 2017: You looked straight at daddy and said, "Daddy, that's diculous!" I think you'd heard mommy say ridiculous before... Haha. Then a few minutes later you said, "Daddy, that's funky." Haha! Mommy has to be careful what she says.
January 30, 2017: We want to the park after church and you were on the swing. You are learning to propel yourself and you'd say, "Back and foreth, back and foreth." Moving your legs to help push yourself on the swing. Just so cute.
February 13, 2017: We were up super early because you had a slight fever and I suggested we close our eyes, you said, "We just need to watch for a little bit while." So cute. So we snuggled and watched Goldie & Bear. ❤️
February 18, 2017: I was tucking you into bed and you wouldn't let me kiss you and I said, "Halen I made you, I made this bum bum and this tummy." And you quickly responded, "No mommy Jesus made my bum bum and my tummy." Touche Halen touche. You are so right baby girl. This made mommy laugh a humble laugh.
February 24, 2017: Daddy was making breakfast and you said, "Daddy, I want to be a daddy like you." So so sweet.
March 10, 2017: We were sitting on the back pot hearing dinner and daddy had Disney radio on. A song from Tangled came on, daddy said, "Halen one day we are going to dance to this song on your wedding day when you get married to your prince." And you said, "Daddy you are going to be my prince." And your daddy got years in his eyes. 😍
March 12, 2017: I was cooking chicken cacciatore and you sniffed the air and said, "Mmmmm I smell something. I want to to take a bite of it."
March 22, 2017: We were driving home from swim class and you said, "Jesus was talking to us." And daddy and I asked you to tell us more. You said, "Jesus had all the bread and all the fishes and he shared with all the people." Daddy and I stared at each other and were almost brought to tears by how profound what you said was. 😍
March 28, 2017: Your prayer tonight- "Thank you for Claire. Thank you for Uncle Matt. Thank you for Piper. Thank you for birthday cake. Thank you for Doc McStuffins. Thank you for mommy. Thank you for my daddy. Thank you for sister. Amen." I love hearing your little prayers. <3
April 10, 2017: We were hugging and you said, "Mommy you are my favorite. With sprinkles on top."
April 13, 2017: We have been working on you giving up your num num and before nap you asked for it and I said you were becoming a big girl and we were trying to no use it anymore. You responded with, "Mommy I don't want to be a big girl." Sweet girl. I know giving up things from being a baby can be hard, but we're so proud of you.
April 20, 2017: You have really loved your babies lately and you give th all sorts of fun names like, "Luce, and "Jensa" it's so sweet. To seeing you use your imagination, creativity and pretending.
May 1, 2017: We were doing bedtime stories in your room and daddy started singing Frozen with you. Daddy went to bad and as he left you put your mouth up to the doorknob, knocked on the door and said, "Do you wanna build a snowman, come on let's go and play. We used to best buddies but now we're not, I wish you would tell me why." It was the cutest thing ever. I wish I got it on video.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
You're TWO!
My darling Halen! Today you turned TWO. So hard for daddy and I to comprehend. Just yesterday, I delivered you at Downtown Seton hospital and held you for the first time. It's been an amazing two years watching you truly become your own person. What a difference a year has made. You are so strong, fiercely independent, determined, so kind, nurturing, smart and active. You keep daddy & I on our toes! You seem to understand so much now, we love our little conversations with you everyday.
You love your big girl bed, you still love your milk in a bottle and your treasured wubbanub (num num). You want to do everything yourself including put in your clothes, socks, and shoes. We love your words like "homin" for coming? And "I do it", "I luh yoo!" You love cuddling with us, which we cherish. We read books all the time and you've become great at brushing your teeth. You really love your friend Rachel Edson from daycare, you play with her all day everyday. You've gone potty on the potty a few times, but you're not quite ready to commit to being potty trained.
Today you woke up to pink balloons everywhere and streamers hanging from your bedroom door! You played with mommy and daddy. Then you had sprinkle pancakes for breakfast. You opened DiDi & T's birthday gift of a handmade mermaid blanket and a book about a rainbow fish! You also opened YaYa's birthday present, she got you a matching bitterly lunchbox (to go with the backpack she got you last year), pink glittery jelly sandals, some bows, and a 2 year old figurine (that mommy had when she was little), YaYa also contributed to your college fund! For snack you had apple slices with peanut butter and chocolate trail mix. Then we painted turquoise nails in the backyard with Rachel, you and Ainsley. For lunch you had some fun cut outs of an H, a tulip and a heart with bread, cheese and yogurt. For snack you had blueberry trail mix cookies with your daycare friends. When daddy came home he brought your some gorgeous tulips! We played in the backyard with bubbles and mommy made homemade Mac n cheese for dinner. We opened presents too! You got a doctor kit, a play picnic basket, a new cup with a straw, some strawberry chapstick, giant chalk, dinosaur chopsticks, an ABC/shapes puzzle, and a butterfly kite. We then sang happy birthday to you and you instantly knew to blow out your candle! We ate yummy banana ice cream cake. Then snuggled with mommy and daddy before bed. I read you your personalized books from when you were born til now.
I hope you had a wonderful day tootie. We love you so much.
Love,
Mommy
You love your big girl bed, you still love your milk in a bottle and your treasured wubbanub (num num). You want to do everything yourself including put in your clothes, socks, and shoes. We love your words like "homin" for coming? And "I do it", "I luh yoo!" You love cuddling with us, which we cherish. We read books all the time and you've become great at brushing your teeth. You really love your friend Rachel Edson from daycare, you play with her all day everyday. You've gone potty on the potty a few times, but you're not quite ready to commit to being potty trained.
Today you woke up to pink balloons everywhere and streamers hanging from your bedroom door! You played with mommy and daddy. Then you had sprinkle pancakes for breakfast. You opened DiDi & T's birthday gift of a handmade mermaid blanket and a book about a rainbow fish! You also opened YaYa's birthday present, she got you a matching bitterly lunchbox (to go with the backpack she got you last year), pink glittery jelly sandals, some bows, and a 2 year old figurine (that mommy had when she was little), YaYa also contributed to your college fund! For snack you had apple slices with peanut butter and chocolate trail mix. Then we painted turquoise nails in the backyard with Rachel, you and Ainsley. For lunch you had some fun cut outs of an H, a tulip and a heart with bread, cheese and yogurt. For snack you had blueberry trail mix cookies with your daycare friends. When daddy came home he brought your some gorgeous tulips! We played in the backyard with bubbles and mommy made homemade Mac n cheese for dinner. We opened presents too! You got a doctor kit, a play picnic basket, a new cup with a straw, some strawberry chapstick, giant chalk, dinosaur chopsticks, an ABC/shapes puzzle, and a butterfly kite. We then sang happy birthday to you and you instantly knew to blow out your candle! We ate yummy banana ice cream cake. Then snuggled with mommy and daddy before bed. I read you your personalized books from when you were born til now.
I hope you had a wonderful day tootie. We love you so much.
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Potty Training
Hello my darling! We started our naked bootcamp potty training this weekend! It was the perfect weekend because we got a crazy spring snow storm! It started snowing Friday night and it's still snowing now on Sunday afternoon. We've gotten at least 11 inches.
I made you a Potty Chart with stickers and I put together a jar full of treats. We brought all your toys into the kitchen, along with blankets, I made snacks and had yummy foods in the house, we rented fun movies/shows and were ready for a fun weekend in the house.
You peed on the floor a few times and then Saturday evening you finally ran to the potty and PEED on the potty!!! Daddy and I were so proud! You got treats and added a sticker to your chart.
Then today you PEED on the potty almost right away! I was so proud of you!! So you got another treat and sticker for your chart. Daddy was so happy when he woke up and you showed him your sticker.
Now you're napping sweetly upstairs as daddy makes you a sledding ramp to play on after you wake up.
We LOVE you muffin!!!! About 6 more weeks until your sister arrives. We have some exciting months ahead.
I made you a Potty Chart with stickers and I put together a jar full of treats. We brought all your toys into the kitchen, along with blankets, I made snacks and had yummy foods in the house, we rented fun movies/shows and were ready for a fun weekend in the house.
You peed on the floor a few times and then Saturday evening you finally ran to the potty and PEED on the potty!!! Daddy and I were so proud! You got treats and added a sticker to your chart.
Then today you PEED on the potty almost right away! I was so proud of you!! So you got another treat and sticker for your chart. Daddy was so happy when he woke up and you showed him your sticker.
Now you're napping sweetly upstairs as daddy makes you a sledding ramp to play on after you wake up.
We LOVE you muffin!!!! About 6 more weeks until your sister arrives. We have some exciting months ahead.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Austin trip
Hello darling! We went to Austin for spring break last week. Daddy and I were having our babymoon, before we become a family of four.
We spent the weekend at YaYa's house altogether, you loved being at YaYa's playing outside on the big slide. We took you to Central Market to play on the playground and chase the birdies. You got very upset at one bird for stealing your blueberry...you ran after the birdie and told him, "No!" It was very cute. You hung from the monkey bars, and enjoyed the Texas sun.We went over to the Curby's and got to see everyone, including Neicey and your Godmother, Enna. We played in the backyard, looked at Julie's garden, played with Penelope, the kitty, and ate yummy food.
On Monday morning mommy and daddy left to start our babymoon. You stayed with YaYa through Thursday morning. You went to Zilker Park, rode the Zilker Zephyr train with YaYa, picked up Crash and went to Julie's again. You read books together, played, went to story-time at the library, went strawberry picking at Sweet Berry Farms on Tuesday, went to Neicey's Tuesday night, swam in the hot tub, helped YaYa with errands. You had a blast spending quality time with your YaYa and cousin Crash.Then Thursday, YaYa brought you to our hotel downtown, we ate breakfast tacos together and we showed you our hotel. Then we met Papa, Gigi and Crash for lunch at Shady Grove. We all had a yummy lunch and played in the sun before Papa & Gigi took you both to the Thinkery museum. Then Papa took you back to his house in New Braunfels for a few days.
Daddy, YaYa, and I drove to Papa's house on Saturday morning to be with you for the day. You were napping when we arrived, but Papa and Gigi said you had such a fun time together. You played in the pool, went to the park, helped with errands. Spent awesome quality time with your Papa & Gigi. On Saturday, Crash, Uncle Chase and Jager arrived, then Crash's other cousins: Logan & Kennison arrived with their Nina. And Gigi's family arrived. We all ate yummy food, played outside, you got in the pool and we had a big Easter egg hunt. It was so fun watching you hunt for eggs this year, you were excited about the whole thing. It was a great day for family.
Sunday was Easter, you woke up and saw your Easter pail all filled up. So many awesome things: The Land Before Time movie, sidewalk chalk, jelly beans, bunny animal crackers, bunny gummy bears, a book about welcoming a new baby in the family, a book about Easter, all kinds of fun games and stuffed animals. Yaya, mommy, daddy and the Easter Bunny did a good job this year! But we made sure to remember Easter Sunday is about Jesus, he sacrificed his life for us and rose to show our sins would be forgiven. We are so thankful for his life, his sacrifice and his word. It's how we can enjoy all the beauty everyday.Then Uncle Matt came over, you played with him in the backyard, and we ate a yummy brunch. You were all dressed up in a beautiful Easter dress YaYa
bought you, along with adorable tights and white fancy shoes. Eventually, Uncle Chase, Crash and Jager arrived. You helped Crash open his Easter basket, and you kiddos played. We got some special family pictures before we had to head back to Colorado.
You were great in the car, we just love our little girl. Daddy and I loved trading off sitting in the ack seat by you so we could play, talk, and watch fun movies. We love you so much Halen. You
We want the next 8 weeks to be special since it will be our last time as a family of three. But being a family of four will be so wonderful, you are going to love having a little sister.
Love you my muffin,
MamaSunday, March 6, 2016
Big Girl Bed
Daddy went out and bought you your big girl bed today! You've been out of your crib since you were 16 months old, for six months you slept on your crib mattress on the floor. But we decided it was finally time, for you to have your own big girl bed.We decided on a white trundle bed, it has drawers below you and we can add a mattress for future sleepovers.
Daddy brought it home on Thursday night and immediately started putting it together, you wanted to help with every step. You would hand daddy his tools and sit in his lap to observe his work. It took him two nights to finish. Then I bought you sheets and on Saturday night we made your new bed and we were so excited to show you. We brought you upstairs and showed you your new BIG GIRL bed with excitement and your response was, "No." And you walked into our room. I coerced you back into your room, we got in jammies, read books and I snuggled with you until you fell asleep.
Then you woke around 1:00 a.m. and I went back into your room to snuggle with you, you woke again at 2:30 a.m. and I wearily went into your room for more snuggles. But THEN after that you stayed in your room for the REST of the night! I think we are making big steps sweet girl.At times it is very hard for mommy to watch you grow up. I still cannot wrap my mind around you being 22 months old... two short months away from turning TWO. But, I know with each new month, each new milestone, comes new joy and memories.
I love you so my darling Halen girl.
Love,
Mommy
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Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Sisters
Oh my darling Halen! Today daddy and I found out we were bringing a baby sister into your world. We were elated. Daddy had tears streaming down his face, he has always wanted to be surrounded by girls and now The Lord is making daddy's dream come true.
Your sister, Henley Charlevoix, is going to look up to you like no one else. She will want to be near you all the time, play with you, and mostly love you. Be patient with her, and teach her well. You are her biggest role model. And God knew you could handle that job, which is why he made you a big sister. Ultimately, Henley will be your best friend for life. She will always be there. Please treat that relationship with tenderness and put it at the top of your priorities. I, as your mom, am beyond excited to give you a baby sister.
I am enjoying these last few months of you as my baby, and with our family of three. I watch you grow and learn and opevery motion blows me away. You have started to say "I love you", but your version sounds like, "Iluhyoo" and daddy and I love it! You are so nurturing and want to mother all the kids in our in-home daycare. You try to our diapers your stuffed animals and try to take care of everyone. I absolutely adore being your mommy. It's the best part of my life. Thank you for bringing me such great joy and happiness. You give me glimpses of what Heaven will be like one day. I will dearly miss you as a baby, but I know wonderful moments and beautiful conversations are ahead.
Iluhyoo baby girl.
Love,
Mommy
Monday, January 4, 2016
My growing baby girl
I have been having these moments of panic, when I realize you are growing up. One episode kicked in Halloween night, I cried myself to sleep just thinking of you growing up. I know it's inevitable, and you're growing up beautifully, but I so love my baby Halen girl. I love your cuddles, your sweet little toes, you're kisses, how you just want mommy sometimes. Hearing you learn to talk and say, "I love you." Watching you play and learn life. I will miss your sweet little self, but I know there is an amazing Halen yet to come. Thank you for loving me so much and always making me feel like the best mom in the world. It's hard to believe you are 20 months old. Four months away from being two. Five months away from being a big sister. So much will change, and it will all be wonderful. I will miss our family of three, of you being my baby girl. But I'm so proud of the toddler you are becoming. So strong, so sure, so determined, and smart. You pooped on the potty the other night, daddy and I were so proud. You're the best thing I've ever done.
I love you more than every Rocky Mountain pine tree and every grain of sand on the Sleeping Bear Dunes. You're my darling, forever. And no matter how old you are, you're always be my baby girl.
Love,
Your Mommy
I love you more than every Rocky Mountain pine tree and every grain of sand on the Sleeping Bear Dunes. You're my darling, forever. And no matter how old you are, you're always be my baby girl.
Love,
Your Mommy
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