Thank You Everyone

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone for all the gifts you gave to Haley, Sean and I. I'm still trying to make room for all of Haley's toys, but that's ok. : ) We feel so loved and blessed to have so many special people in our lives. It was a wonderful Christmas, and I was glad we got to spend it with both of our families. I'll post some photos later. There's plenty!!

Merry Xmas

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A father and daughter love

There is this special time of day right around 5:20 or so that we hear the sound of the garage opening. Haley and I run towards the door, because we know (especially her) that in a matter of seconds daddy will be walking through those doors. As soon as she sees him her face lights up and she literally runs to him. He swoops her up in his arms and they embrace for a few seconds before she wants down. She wants down because she wants to play the game they play of "run away from daddy and have him chase me." I love that time of day, because seeing the two people I love most in the world so happy to be with one another means everything to me. I can't even describe how cute it is to see and hear the two of them together. I can only hope this bond they are forming now will last forever.

Holiday Fun

Haley and daddy were having some fun before bedtime.

Being a ham for the camera!

Over the weekend we went to Holiday in the park at Six Flags. It was a lot of fun. They have the whole park full of lights, tons of yummy food and drinks, kids singing Christmas carols and a neat light show with music. We went with my family so it was a really nice time for everyone.

Haley loves her mommy!

Aunt Sheena, Haley, and I.

new camera

Sorry it's been so long again since my last blog. We've been busy for one thing, and we haven't had a camera in a while for another. Most of you want pictures with this blog, so no new pics means no blog. : ) No need to worry though, Sean and I just invested in a very nice camera. I've been playing with it all day. There's a lot to learn, but I'm so excited to be able to take great pictures of Haley. She's so photogenic it's crazy!

Here is a preview of some of the pics we've taken so far. (we still have a long way to go!)

Birthday, Dr. Appointment, and more

Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. Between Sean and I getting sick, getting ready for a birthday party, and not having the Internet for almost a week it's been a little chaotic around here.
Where to start...

My little baby turned one!! We had Haley's birthday party on the 8th and it was a lot of fun. She is definitely a loved little girl. She got so much stuff! Were talking clothes, toys, jewelry, books, and some special items from her Grandma and Papa Cook. It meant so much to Sean and I that everyone came and enjoyed this special day with us. Even those who couldn't make it sent a little something for Haley, and that was very sweet as well. We feel truly blessed that so many of our friends and family members love Haley.

She did really well at her first real social event. She had taken a pretty good nap before the party started which I think helped a great deal. It was a pretty simple party, but fun none the less. She opened presents, (played with the bags not the toys), blew out the candles on her cake(with Sean and mine help of course), and dug into her cake getting pink and white icing everywhere!! Just the typical first birthday stuff.

Haley's actual birthday was on Tuesday the 11th. I just can't believe she is already a year old. Where did the time go? I still remember when she was a little 5lb 14oz baby. She was so tiny and beautiful. I used to stare at her for hours and think how perfect she is. I'm so grateful for her everyday and I love every minute I get to spend with her. I never thought I'd enjoy being a stay-at-home mom as much as I do. I feel so grateful to Sean everyday for allowing me to have all this time with Haley. It's been a blessing for sure.

Haley had her one year check-up on the 13th. Everything went great as usual. She's in the 5th percentile for her weight and height. It seems low, but the doctor assured me that she's just petite. She's the right weight for her height so their isn't anything to be alarmed about. Developmentally she is at an 18 month level which is great! They told me to go ahead and stop formula and start giving her milk. No more bottles as well. Well, after one day Haley was off the bottle and we haven't looked back. She loves drinking milk from her cup and doesn't seem to miss her bottle at all. I feel pretty dang lucky to have such an easy baby!

Not much else is going on. Just busy as usual. Enjoy the pictures!

First Halloween

Happy Halloween!!

Haley's outfit is a little big. That's why she's showing off her shoulder. It totally looks like she's posing in this pic!
Haley loves when daddy comes home to play!!
Playing in the front yard. She's become very independent with her walking.
"So cute it's scary" Ain't that the truth!!
"No more pictures, Mom!!"

Busy bees

Things are really busy right now!! Between wedding planning, birthday planning, and chasing after an active baby all day I barely have time to do anything. I'll try to write an update tomorrow or Saturday, but today here are a few pics to hold everyone over. Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!! Can't wait to show you all Haley's outfit!!

Saturday is Gameday!!

Hook 'em Horns!!!

Moms don't get sick days

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted anything. As soon as Sean got back Haley and I both got sick. (I still don't feel 100%, but think it's just allergies now!) Last Monday she woke-up sounding hoarse. So I instantly thought she had strep throat or RSV. Well, she didn't act "sick" so I just watched her all day to see if anything else was different. I didn't know if I should take her to the doctor for just a voice that sounded a little hoarse.

Tuesday morning I woke-up with a sore throat, headache, runny nose...etc and my body just ached all over. Haley had a little runny nose and seemed real tired all day. I decided I'd go ahead and take her to the doctor. I just wanted to be safe rather than sorry. The doctor said she had a cold, and it just has to run it's course basically. He said it should last about 7 days. If a fever is present and she gets worse around the 7th day then bring her back in. He just recommended we keep lots of fluids in her so she stays hydrated. ( Oh, I didn't mention all her poopy diapers she had been having!) We stopped at CVS on the way home and stocked up on Gatorade, ginger ale, tissues, throat lozenges, jello, and popsicles. : )

The next few days I felt pretty yucky. I couldn't just stay in bed all day, though. I had to take care of an active little baby who wasn't acting sick at all. She wanted to play and climb on everything. I would just lay in her play room with my pillow and blanket while she played. She of course thought it was fun to climb on mommy, though! When Sean got home each day I was so relieved. Thank goodness he was back home or I would've been soooo miserable. We were supposed to go to Houston last weekend, but since we were sick we didn't think it'd be a good idea. I know Sean's parents were real bummed. Luckily Haley's 1st birthday is coming up soon so they'll get to come to town for that. I know they are really missing her.

Not much going on this week. Haley is walking a lot more. She loves to crawl up and down the stairs. (Which means Sean and I are going up and down stairs too!) She is talking a lot lately, and some of it is actually making sense. She says bye-bye, hi, dada and mama(sometimes it's just dad and mom), ba ba for bottle, and it sounds like she says ball. It's such a fun time right now. She's learning so much and imitating everything we do. She is just such a happy little girl!!

New picture I love!!

I took this picture of Haley today, and I absolutely adore it! She just looks so sweet. I love having a little girl so much. She is such a joy each and everyday. I love that she is so affectionate lately. When I get her out of her crib and she gives me a big hug, well it just melts my heart. being a mom is more amazing than I ever thought. I feel so lucky each and everyday to have a happy and healthy little girl.

Bye-Bye Great Grandparents!

My grandparents left today(Haley's great grandparents), and I was a little bummed. It was so nice to have them here and help out with Haley. The time really flew by!! I feel like Sean just left. (He doesn't feel that way, though. He's ready to be home). He gets in Friday at 8:00 p.m. and he's not going to believe how big she has gotten. She has started doing so many cute things lately. I'm really enjoying playing with her, and seeing what new things she's going to do each day.

Things Haley's doing:

• Walking by herself. She can take about 6 or 7 steps before she grabs for something to hold onto or falls on her bottom.
• She can stand-up without pulling up on anything. She just did this today for the first time. She sticks her little butt in the air and when she's balanced she just stands on up. It's so cute!!
• Claps her hands
• Waves bye-bye and it sounds like she says it too. Someone will say it and she'll repeat it.
• Started giving hugs. She started hugging her new stuffed animal(Chilly Willy, a penguin), and then I noticed she started hugging all her stuffed animals. I got her out of bed yesterday and she gave me a big hug. It was so sweet. I loved it!
• She can kind of give kisses. She basically opens her mouth and puts it on mine. It's pretty funny!
  
• She is babbling a lot!! I think she likes the sound of her own voice, because she is always talking.
• She climbs the stairs. She's really quick at it too!

I'm sure I've forgot somethings, but I'll remember them later. She is just so active lately it's hard to keep track of all the cute things she does. I really can't turn my head for a second before she's into something she shouldn't be. My mom keeps telling me it'll only get worse! : )

Haley walked!!

My sweet little baby took her first few steps the other day. Sean and I both knew it was going to happen as soon as he left. She has taken up to 5 in a row so far. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen. She goes so slow and does a little side shuffle to get to a wall. I can't believe how fast they grow-up. She's such an amazing and fun little girl, and I'm truly blessed each and every day.

My grandparents have been here since Wednesday and it's been so great. It's been nice to relax a little during the day. Haley is definitely getting spoiled, though. : ) (My Granny says it's OK of course!) It's nice to have the extra help and I think it helps Haley not miss her Daddy too much. I think she does, though. I've noticed little things here and there that make me wonder if she knows he's gone. She walks around saying dada all day, and when the phone rings she gets excited and says dada. It's cute!

I tried to get pics of her standing today, but she wasn't to cooperative. I'll put more up later. She loves to clap now so I have a few pics of that.

Eating and getting into stuff. What she does best!!