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!

Halloween 2014

Sweet Halen girl- 

Halloween was so much fun this year! First, daddy picked out some awesome pumpkins! We carved a friendly Jack 'o Lantern just for your first Halloween. And we watched lots of silly Halloween movies that night like: Hocus Pocus, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Adams Family. 

You were a purple octopus...YaYa made your outfit and it really couldn't of been any cuter! It was mommy's vision and YaYa made it happen. I loved every single bit of it, and you had so much fun!

Luckily, Halloween was on a Friday this year AND mommy got off work early. So I quickly picked you up from Ms. Lyn's house and went home. We got our supplies and our costumes ready and went over to the Mobley's house. Mommy made witch finger cookies and caramel dipped grapes! Yum! 

We took pictures of you and Jaxon in pumpkins...so adorable! You kept trying to eat the pumpkin, silly girl. 

Then we got ready, ate some yummy foods and  hung out at the Mobley's. Eventually, we walked down to the middle of their cul-de-sac and ate chili, drank spiked apple cider and hung out by the bonfire.                                               

Then we took you two trick-or-treating in the next cul-de-sac over. It was so much fun! You two were just so cute. We put you in the wagon and then rang the doorbell at different houses, everyone thought you guys were adorable. 

PaPa & GiGi came to visit too! 

Then YaYa and Julie showed up!

Unfortunately, daddy had a football game and he was so sad not to be there. But, he was the first one to see his little girl dressed up as a purple octopus! 

Playing with Jaxon was really fun and cuddling by the fire was a perfect end to the night. 

Next year will be even better! Mommy is thinking a peacock costume would be the best for my lil walking machine! 

I love you Halen Rae Carol! 

Love always, 

Mommy 

Five little months sitting on a fence... our little pumpkin

Dear Halen,

You are in your fifth  month of life. On the day you turned five months you sat up!
Amazing timing you had my dear. This month is extra fun because fall has started. We love October, the weather starts to cool down and feel wonderful outside. Mommy loves to start baking and cooking with pumpkin. We've taken you to the park a few times by our house, you love the swings! You and I have started going on more walks outside.

You are doing so awesome in your swim classes! You are so strong, you splash like crazy, drenching your mama, you kick your little feet and like to say hi to the other kids in your class by grabbing their hands. Sweet girl.











We went to your first football game the other night, it was mommy's school versus daddy's school. Daddy's school won: Westwood. PaPa, GiGi, Crash, Dana, Daren, Piper, Rachel, Adam, Brooklyn, and YaYa all came to watch the game. We had so much fun together! You even nursed and fell asleep! Even with the band  playing and crowd cheering.

You are sitting up really well now and starting to grab things in
front of you, like, mommy and daddy's food and drinks. You are so ready to eat. Only one more weeks and we will introduce food into your diet. Mommy wants to keep you really healthy, I am thinking of starting with avocados, oatmeal, squash, pumpkin and bananas. I think you are going to love it! We've already tried putting you in your highchair and you do great in there.

Here you are with PaPa at your cousin Crash's 2nd birthday party! 

I am very excited for your first Halloween! You are going to be an octopus, mommy is going to make your costume. (I can do it!) We are going over to Miss Traci's house to play with Jaxon and trick-or-treat in their cul-de-sac. It'll be so much fun! I can't wait to take pictures with you all dressed up.

We are also going to a pumpkin patch this weekend, you are going to be so adorable in the pumpkins.

You are finally feeling better from being sick. OH mommy forgot to mention....you got your FIRST TOOTH!!! Daddy discovered it at the Curby's house. He got teary eyed...sad that his baby girl is growing up. What a huge milestone! And then we moved your pack n play into the Man Halen room to help transition you to your room. You had a few rough nights but then mommy discovered that you like sleeping on your belly. So alas, we all got sleep! Seven hours one night...mo
mmy woke up in a panic and went to make sure you were breathing. Then five hours last night, daddy checked on you that time.

We just love being a little family. So much fun. You are in one of the best stages of life. You smile, giggle, play, and snuggle with us. You have started reaching up for us and jump like crazy in your "Johnny jumper" so fun!

Here is when you come to visit me every so often to have lunch where mommy works! I love your visits, they brighten my day. 

We know each new month will bring fun milestones and memories we'll make with you, but sometimes we sure do wish we could freeze time. Hopefully we'll get some great family time this week together. Raykobrew is on Saturday, this will be your first appearance sans womb, it'll be fun to play with your best bud, Piper June. We had a great time at Raykobrew!

Here are a few other moments we captured of you this month:

Go Broncos!!!



With YaYa on mommy's birthday!

You were my birthday buddy! My 30th birthday was awesome because I had the greatest gift of all, my beautiful daughter.


My lil workout buddy!

Deborah captured this gorgeous picture of you at my 30th birthday party!

We went to Jennifer's baby shower for lil Robert Jr.! These friends I've had for 27 years. Mommy looks forward to seeing you make friends of this magnitude in your life.

We did the ALS walk on October 18th for your Grandma Carol! There was a great turn out and we raised a lot of money. This is a very important event for our family. Grandma Carol is so important to us and daddy and I want to raise you with wonderful memories of her.

Here's our team: Carol's Angels at the end of the ALS walk with your Uncle Matt, Uncle Chase, cousin Crash, DiDi, daddy and I.

 Sometimes mommy wears you when I am trying to clean up the house. You and I have one of the greatest bonds I could ever have hoped for.

 Daddy loves to wear you too! Here we were walking around the Domain.

You are finally able to fit into mommy's pink mocassins I wore when I was a baby. Gosh darn you are SO cute!!!!!

We love you Halen Rae Carol. You are mommy's favorite pumpkin and daddy's favorite muffin.

Love always,

Mommy