B - A - N - A - N - A - S

I guess you could call it Hallie's first real meal that wasn't out of a jar or container. And cheese puffs don't count. ;) She munched on some very mushy bananas and I fear that she will never eat anything else other than bananas again. They were a hit! She spent most of her time smashing them into the highchair and then shoving them up her nose or down her shirt...I guess not on purpose, but that is where they ended up.

I think freedom is the key. The last time I placed a banana in front of her little chompers she acted disgusted. I guess she just needed to get her grubby little feeders on it to enjoy!

"I hear it's better by the handful"

"But mom says 'small bites'...yeah, yeah, I hear ya"

"She didn't say anything about shoving it up my nose"

"Clean up on aisle 2"

"I think I got em all"

A Heavenly Birthday

I am not sure what happens on a birthday in heaven, but I have a picture in my mind. Almost too awesome to comprehend. Momma, today is your day. In heaven and on earth. To say that we miss you would not do this feeling justice. I guess I don't need to tell you how we celebrated today because I know you were right there with us. But I will write it down so that we can remember it. :) Our party down here didn't even compare to the party that God threw for you today. I know you felt more special than we could have ever made you feel and you felt better than any birthday that you spent here with us. But that didn't stop us from trying. :)

We gathered at the house and ate dinner and some of Bailey's yummy cake....

Yes mother, Bailey baked something!!!! And it tasted good! You would have been so proud of her. We watched as Dad obsessively filled balloons and recounted them to make sure we had the correct number. 53 to be exact! For each year of your precious life. As he would pop one we would laugh and watch as he hurriedly filled another and tied the string on. At one point I looked at my watch and jokingly reminded him it would be getting dark soon. But you know dad, he kept filling balloons. ;) We carefully tucked all 53 balloons in the back of Lana's truck and we were off to come and visit you. I made sure to dress your favorite baby in her finest party attire...polka dots seemed appropriate to celebrate your birthday! Trust me, she would have put a huge smile on your face! Heather joined us that night would have definitely had you laughing....

Aunt Alta joined in on the fun too.....oh yeah, and that rat dog of Aunt B's that kept you busy....

Can't forget Uncle Dave (little brother) and Aunt Lana (big sister)....Lisa stopped by to write you a message for the balloons as well...

And last but definitely not least, Dara made her way from Cherokee to give us some comic relief.....

She and Hallie hit it off as usual

We laughed, sang, cried, and finally let our balloons go on the count of three. I hope you enjoyed reading each message and your favorite comic strips that dad has been collecting for you. I'm sure you got a good laugh out of them but I have a feeling that God was a better sport about reading the ones you thought were funny and laughing along with you than I would have been. I bet you were showing off your signature laugh for everyone up there. Hope they covered their ears! ;) Just kidding, I would give anything to hear that laugh one more time. I wish there was enough helium in those balloons to bring me up for a visit.....

Dara tried :)

Gman made a special baby pink balloon for Hallie Grace to let go. She did a great job of holding on with a little help letting go.

What a sight to see!

A couple got stuck in the tree...so guess what dad did....of course he threw a rake fifteen feet up in the tree over and over until he finally gave up. That didn't deter your favorite brother from shaking the tree vigorously to try to free the balloons held hostage. No luck! I hope they didn't have notes in them!

I think it's safe to say that we started a tradition on your birthday.....

Spencer, Bailey, Alta, Dad, Me, David, Dara, Hallie, Riley, Lana

Of couse Gman had his handy watering can ready and Hallie wanted to lend a hand and give him the night off from watering the grass....

Momma, I wish I could have seen your face as you opened up your birthday gifts this year...I have a feeling that this year would have blown your socks off. Mr. Sam Bradford just got even cooler in my book after I read the special message that was sent to you my dear. My oh my, did you have some stellar work friends who wanted to get you something extra special for your birthday! So here's the deal. Your friends wrote a letter to the "Desk of Sam Bradford" requesting an autographed picture for your birthday. Instead they received a personalized Happy 53rd Birthday letter thanking you for your support.....

And then there's dads gift to you....WOW! I wish FedEx went up to heaven because you need to see this!!

Yeah, he did. :) I came across this old Facebook comment from dad about your obsession with Sam..."Luv ya Beb,even though you care more for Sam Bradford than me! Maybe when I build my abs up I can win you over again!"

This overflowing list of Sam comments on your Facebook may have prompted Dad's above comment:

• I did just vote for Sam Bradford to be Rookie of the Week.
• Just purchased a Rams t-shirt with Bradford on the back. I'll be the best dressed person watching football next Sunday.
• what a great anniversary gift. Larry got me a massage and Sam Bradford won a game for me. Couldn't get any better.
• Sam is my hero. His team won again today!!!
• At this time tomorrow night I will be watching Sam Bradford playing football!! I can't wait! 

Although I spend most of my time these days in a lovely state of denial there are those moments that really get to me. Most of all, I miss having you to talk to. For a couple weeks after you were gone, I picked up my phone to call you everyday. I want Hallie to know you...I mean really know you. Obviously I have a bazillion pictures of you and so many posts full of a grandmother's love on the blog, but I'm still not satisfied. I want Hallie to be able to understand just how much you loved her...and when she is my age, I want her to feel like she knew her grandmother. You know me momma, when something is bothering me I can't let it go until I come up with a solution. My solution: show her just how much you loved her.

Hallie girl, these are some of Grammy's numerous posts on Facebook about you...oh heck, almost all of her posts were about you.....

• Hallie came to see me today, so it has been a good day
• CMV making me very sick today. It better not ruin my plans to see Hallie this weekend or else.
• Going to Mustang today to see my favorite baby
• Got to see Hallie yesterday!!! I'm good for another week
• Getting excited! I get to see Hallie tomorrow.
• Spent the day with Hallie. It was great!!!!
• It is impossible for me to enter the baby section of a store without buying my baby Hallie something? This could get serious.
• Thank you Ashley. I love the picture of her here, but then again I love them all!!!
• I got to see Hallie yesterday and she was awake. She is such a cutie!!
• Much better day today. I got good news from my kidney doctor and I got to see my baby Hallie!!
• Had a great evening with Hallie. I do believe she likes me best!!
• This has got to be a better day. I get to see baby Hallie!!
• I got to see baby Hallie again last night. I'm so tired today I can't stand it. She is already wearing me out, but it's worth it.

I could go on and on....


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA!!! The imprint you left on this earth as a mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin is far-reaching and not to be forgotten. Don't be surprised if you get some more "packages" before 364 days have passed...this balloon stuff is the new UPS for heaven! Too bad I can't shove Hallie in a balloon :)

Did I Miss Something????

When did my baby get so big? My wake up call came this morning when I spotted a teeny, tiny cute little guy in the church nursery. He was two months old but seemed so itty bitty. I kept thinking "I don't remember Hallie being that small!" So for the rest of the day I was in awe of how big she has grown and all of her little personality that bubbles over. As she sat at lunch with the family and gummed on a lemon (and didn't even flinch, I might add) I couldn't believe my eyes. I had yet another wake up call this afternoon as I was sorting through her closet and dresser to downsize her overflowing, messy drawers. So many tiny outfits that I can't even remember her wearing...I found myself thinking "how on earth did this fit her?" Miss personality made sure to lend a hand to help organize clothes to give to her soon-to-be cousin Carmen Jo. Help isn't really the term I should use for the way she so graciously bowled through my lovely sorted piles on the floor...

"Carmen Jo is gonna look so cute in these jeans"

"This is fun! I love messes!"

Finally, my third wake up call for the day came as Hallie re-discovered a very special pal hanging out on the floor. I had dug out her lamb pillow from the closet to give to Aunt Katie for Carmen to enjoy....but someone had other plans....

"Hey, I remember you!! Where ya been all these months?!"

The hyperactive gal had a grand ol' time rolling around on her long lost favorite pillow. I really do mean that she had a grand ol' time...it was almost as if she'd uncovered a magical playland...in this case it was a cuddly pillow. ;) She couldn't get enough of it. So much for these lovely toys with lights and sounds...it just takes a pillow. Silly gal! Somewhere in all the fun she decided to take a short break and melt my heart.....

"Still comfy as ever"

 I thought I'd dig up a photo of her snuggled up in her lamb at two weeks old....

Nothing sweeter

She continued to show off her big girl ways by trying some apple juice for the first time. I watered it down pretty good...for the simple fact that I'm paranoid. I thought it might give her a tummy ache. The verdict is still out on whether she liked it or not.

What else has our big girl been up to this weekend? She spent lots of time on Saturday with momma at the walking trails while dad did some Kiwanis activities. By Kiwanis activities, I mean that he was picking up trash on the side of the road. Guess what color he wore??? Yes, he sported a lovely orange color. My husband, the convict. In all seriousness, I'm very proud of him for getting involved in the community. We took advantage of a sleepy girl and napped right along with her. Those great afternoon naps always end much too soon. We spent the evening with Nanny and Papa at the cruise in so that the boys could get their muscle car fix for the week. Riley got to show off his work in progress...the Mustang is still slowly coming along. It won't be long until we are taking the pony for a cruise (without it overheating or spurting out antifreeze). Hallie spent some time behind the wheel of Papa's stang and munched on some fries during dinner....

"I can't find the keys"

"Guess they don't trust me yet....pssh"

Molding her into a car-lovin' tomboy already

"Yum, salt. How come nobody told me about this stuff earlier?"

We finished off the evening with a trip to check out some crafts and baby goodies with Nanny and Katie at the expo. This whole keeping you up late thing has been backfiring in our faces and last night wasn't a different story. My theory is that you are dealing with separation anxiety...at least that's what Google told me. ;) Thank you Google for not helping me out at all. The only solution I can come up with for separation anxiety is having the tot sleep in bed with us and that ain't happenin'. Maybe when our king size bed makes its way back to us...but that would mean we had sold our home and bought a home...ok, don't get me started on that monster. Lol. Needless to say, we are rather exhausted come morning time due to her recent nighttime parties. Hence the naps on Saturday and Sunday for mom and dad. Naps= heaven!

Sunday. We enjoyed a wonderful and very fitting message at church. I think Hallie is quickly getting in touch with her spiritual side...she frequently spends time with both hands raised high looking to the sky as if to say "PTL!" Hallie and I went to check out cousin Carmen's nursery to see the "before" status as Katie is excited to get started on decorating and painting what will soon be a gorgeous baby room. Hallie and I dragged Riley to check out more baby items and crafts so that we could snag some more bows...Riley's comment was "yeah, like bows is something we really needed more of." One for every outfit my dear. :) Hallie finished off the day hanging out with Aunt Katie and Uncle Luke....lots of smiles, giggles, crawling and happy screams. Oh and I can't forget her incessant desire to crawl over to the treadmill while I'm running on it...makes for a very consistent workout let me tell ya. I wouldn't have it any other way...she definitely makes everything a little bit more interesting!

"I'm here for the party!"

Well there you have it folks...our weekend in a nutshell. Hallie and I's first weekend in six weeks that we were both home with Riley....inching our way back to normal one week at a time. 

Thanks be to God.  

 

Tales of a Teething Tot

This week can be summed up in one word. DISTRACTION. Probably the only way our wee one made it through each day with these little toofers slowly making their way into place. Her bottom right front tooth has snuck up and is trailing shortly behind her bottom left front tooth. We have been reaching deep into the entertainment bag to keep her busy and take her attention away from the obvious pain....and I think we've been doing a fairly good job. But by the looks of this first photo, I'd say she has been overdosing on infant Tylenol....

"Is there something on my face?"

Without further ado, I would like to present my "Guide to Teething Management."

• Provide your baby with good reading material. An intense reading sesh will thwart any tooth pain...

"Nothin' like a good book to curl up with. Now where's my cup of coffee?"

• Give them an outlet to express their musical talents.... 

"Teeth, schmeeth!? I love this toy!"

• Cups. Plenty of cups to chew on....

• Get your baby a part-time job. They will be too busy to fuss about their teeth...

"He better pay good..."

• Be sure to work on their interview skills and dress them well. Confidence is key for the interview process. And tell them not to worry about being young...ageism is a thing of the past....

"Is diaper chaning in my contract?"

• Make sure they get lots and lots of love and hugs....

"Aunt Deedee, I will be honest with you. I'm lovin' the attention. Hehe"

• New food. Especially if you have a food-lovin', chubby baby like I do.... 

"Don't judge...it's low calorie"

"What's that saying? An apple a day keeps the tooth pain away??"

• Play hide and seek.....

"They'll never notice me here" ;)

• Take your baby shopping or have a baby fashion show. Hey, it works for grown women...so why not for babies??

"Sportin' my dress and boots!"

• Encourage them to use electronic devices to access Babybook (the infant counterpart to Facebook)..

"OMG, I can't believe she posted that on here!!!! Some babies have no shame."

• Provide a calm, peaceful area for them to meditate...

 

"Papa, you shouldn't have! I can't believe you built this pond just for me?!"

What to Expect:

• Do NOT expect sleep. Prepare to be a zombie like you were when your baby first came home from the hospital. Unexpected screams will be heard through the house every two to three hours. Sometimes these screams will subside within minutes or, like last night, they will last for 60 minutes straight. 
• Don't waste your money on lovely teething rings. Vibrating or not, your baby will not appreciate what they have to offer. 
• Traveling will no longer be a peaceful experience. No more Ms. Nice Girl. Hopping from the front to the back seat has become a habit to soothe her.
• The teething cry is just sad. That's all.
• Carry your rag in hand to clean up slobber messes left and right.
• Not all is bad though...your baby will be an even bigger cuddle bug. :) No more squirmy wormy in my arms...now she loves being hugged and held tight and whispered to.

I realize that some of you are reading my take on teething and saying "my baby wasn't like that at all." Well, to that I respond "I'm jealous." In the big scheme of things, she is doing quite well with the teething process, but I just wish it could be pain free and pleasant for her. Not gonna happen, I realize. Tylenol and teething gel don't seem to be doing the trick so I turned to Facebook for some advice. I was surprised to get tons of input and plenty of helpful suggestions. Lots of options to try. At first I thought the easy fix would be these magical teething tablets...that is until dental expert Aunt B rained on my parade and warned me that they have been recalled for possible poisoning. I'll take screaming anyday! Thanks Aunt B! Next we tried new foods with different textures. First baby puff snacks and then apples. They were both received very well. Hearing her teeth crunch on an apple slice was too darling. I know, it doesn't take much to get me excited. :)

My best advice...stay busy! Hallie has been making a daily trip with me to the office after I pick her up from the babysitter's house. She helps me with paperwork and flashes smiles to everyone throughout the office. My office happens to be right across the street from the hospital so we took a short hike to go surprise dad...and to drag him home from work. We spent the early part of Friday evening at great grandma's house for some therapy and some Hallie time with Aunt Deedee, grandpa and grandma. She was more than entertaining and showed off her silly side. I am reminded every week just how precious this time is that I get to share Hallie with my grandparents. :) We ended the week with dinner at Nanny and Papa's house and Papa did a splendid job of keeping our girl awake til 9 pm!

Since mornings are usually the time of day that she shines, I decided to provide her with the ultimate distraction...outdoors time. So we laced up her walking kicks and we were ready to go. I should have known by taking one look at her that she was exhausted. Teething + exhaustion = speed walking to get back to the car. All wasn't lost, but she was rather high maintenance for what was meant to be a relaxing stroll on a beautiful Saturday morning.

We started off rather happy for being tired....

Although the sunglasses were not welcome on her face, she politely removed them and settled for kicking back and throwing back a nice big bottle....

"This is how I roll"

Somewhere mid-walk she decided that this wasn't something she had signed up for. After much screaming and squirming I realized that we had lost a shoe so we backtracked to hunt it down....

Bingo!

The princess must have wanted some major attention because she calmed down after a little chatting session with momma while kicking back in the shade....

"Wrapped around my little finger..."

I think she finally realized the beauty of the morning and decided to stop screaming and smell the roses...or the pine trees in this case....

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.

Song of Solomon 4:7

Something to Scream About

Lately, and I have no idea why, Hallie has showing off her lungs by screaming for fun. I'm pretty sure our neighbors are one scream fest away from calling DHS. Oddly enough, her favorite place to have these screaming matches is in her favorite place...the bathtub. I will come clean and admit that I may be egging this on a little bit...simply because it's good entertainment....

So just in case you didn't know, screaming is fun while eating, getting dressed, playing, riding in the car, and while bathing. So pretty much all the time. ;) If you don't believe me, check this face out....

"All the cool kids are doing it!"

Yes, I should put an end to this. If not she may just be "that kid" in school someday. Is it ok to say the words screaming and angel in the same sentence? Well either way, I LOVE my screaming angel. ;)

I think the stinker just loves to make noise. Whether it be banging on her high chair demanding food, splashing water out of her tub, crinkling paper, tapping on her xylophone, slapping her legs or hitting anything that could potentially make noise. I think she's been spending too much time with her Aunt B who is known for her high decibel level!

I love to see her face when she realizes she has found a new form of "entertainment." I guess when you are eight months old it's the little things in life.....

Make yourself be heard!

Livin' on the Edge

No real excitement with this video, but I did enjoy watching her discover how to crawl up a step and teeter there for awhile. Poor girl was drawn toward the sunlight when her dad opened the front door...she must be tired of living in this cave too. :)

The step was a SUCCESS with a little help from momma. Way to go baby!