Our Little Missionary

Her heart may be tiny but it's brimming with love. She may just be the youngest member of the Methodist church to take lunch to the Wesley House. Hallie and Nanny were busy today doing their "mission work" as Nanny calls it. The hungry college students at Northwestern in Alva were in need of some good food and Hallie was up for the task. Even though I wasn't with the girls I was able to see a day full of pictures to give me a good idea of what went on. They set out around 10:00 this morning and I hear that my girl was either protesting the carseat or eating handfuls of Cheerios. Nothing new there! She only took a short thirty minute snooze but must've saved up enough energy to get to work once they arrived.

"One question. Can you take a binky to college?"

Nanny has been teaching Hallie how to manage a kitchen so she took charge once it was time to get started.....

"Here's a cup someone can use for their tea"

It didn't take long and she was done managing the kitchen. The Hallie that we know and love didn't fail to ask for a snack break amidst the work....

"I'm gonna need a little bit more food if you expect me to keep serving"

Nanny watched from across the room as Hal "visited" with some of the students. She said she laughed inside as she could just imagine the kinds of conversation Hal was having with these girls......

"So what's your major? I'm majoring in eating with a minor in sleeping."

They had served the lunch and met with the students so that only meant one thing. Time to clean up and load up....

"You don't seriously expect me to carry these out to the car do ya?"

She had other plans. I think she may have even changed her major from sleeping to playing today......

"This college thing seems super easy! They just get to eat and sit around and talk all day!"

Curiosity must've been getting the best of her so she struck of a conversation with another student to get the low down on college life.....

"So where do you keep your crib at?"

I think somebody was too excited to sleep today. Maybe she's too busy dreaming about her college life. Whatever the case may be, she was ready for bed very early tonight.....

"Mission work is exhausting!!!"

Later this evening Nanny was still laughing inside about all of the silly ways of Hal gal. They had a "great day" she said.

All joking aside, I am thrilled that Hallie can be involved in helping others even if she isn't aware of what she's doing.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

The Binky Thief

She comes in the evening when you aren't looking.

She has been known to wear a disguise to be incognito.

All I know is...you don't wanna mess with the binky thief....

Stealth moves

She intrudes in spaces that don't belong to her.

She scales the tallest crib railings.

She shows no shame.

And her name is Hallie Grace.

The little stinker seems to love playtime in her cousin Carmen's crib.

Probably because it gives her a greater potential to climb out of it on her own.

She hasn't tried this stunt yet.

But only because she's too busy hunting for binkies.

14 Fantastic Months

Dear funny girl,

Here I go again. Another love letter and another month has passed which means that you are just a little bit older. :/ On one hand this means we are inching closer to the talking phase (which I am oh so excited about) but on the other hand we are getting further and further away from those sweet baby moments. We've had a lot going on this past month but don't you worry...I've been keeping track of your every move. Here's a recap of your 13th month......

Let's get one thing straight. You still love food. I realize you are probably surprised by this. ;) You pulled one of your most impressive stunts this month. During your first week at Ms Paula's daycare you were in heaven. Not only because you had eleven new friends and playmates.....but you also got a second breakfast each morning. Your bonehead mama wasn't used to this organized daycare style and have been feeding your breakfast before going to the babysitter's since you were born. So I did just that whenever you started there. It wasn't until I heard her mention what you ate for breakfast that I realized you were eating double. Lol!! I got a huge laugh out of it because you obviously didn't protest or have any problems eating a second time each morning. That's the Hallie I know and love. You have expanded your diet this month and given your approval or disapproval for several new foods. Black beans, black-eyed peas, kiwi, cottage cheese, raspberries and too many other things to list. It still remains, you like just about everything. I recall writing a blog about your future occupation back when you were one month old. I jokingly stated that an option would be a professional eater who earned money participating in eating contests. Kobayoshi ain't got nothin' on you Hallie. I'm telling you girl, you can put away food faster than you can say "Nathan's hotdog eating contest." I wish I could get a video of you doing your speed eating but I haven't been able to catch one yet....usually because I'm too busy putting the food on your plate so that you will have something to eat...it disappears so quickly! Your dad and I can be found at many a mealtime laughing at your vacuuming method of eating. You got it from your mama....we can love food together!

"Bananas are good for the soul"

"Is anybody gonna finish this?"

Now with all this food shoveling you would think that you had grown a lot this past month. Well, kinda. You grew up instead of out. Your feet grew too and you went up one shoe size. We had to retire a couple pairs of your tennis shoes. :( Only to be replaced by a couple of new pairs. :) You are wearing a wide range of sizes as far as clothes go. You can squeeze into 6-12 months sweaters, 9 months pajamas, 18 months outfits, 12 months pants, 2T dresses (what!?!). You are all over the board which suits me just fine because it means we get to use everything in your closet...it ALL seems to fit! You have begun wearing shoes on a more regular basis. Daycare calls for socks since you do so much running around...don't want you tripping all day. You got your first pair of Toms this month thanks to Aunt Ky! It won't be your last pair either...they are so cute! It's probably about time to start sorting through your clothes...out with the old and in with the new for fall!

It's been said before and I don't think it's going to ever change....you. are. silly. Getting more silly by the day. Especially when your dad is around. I live with a couple of silly fools! Whether you are learning funny faces or he's teaching you some ridiculous new skill, you guys always have me laughing. You can be found sticking your face up against the door glass, dribbling juice from your mouth and laughing about it, holding your cup upside down just to watch the milk drip out, standing up and face planting on the bed for fun, brushing your hair with your toothbrush, brushing your teeth with your hairbrush (that's a favorite) and so many other things that make me love you even more.

"I'm not gonna lie....I feel kind of exposed at the moment"

"Are these glasses a good look for me?"

That looks means trouble

Your motor skills are becoming more refined. We have noticed that you are able to play with your toys more appropriately and use your index finger to point to things and press your toys with greater accuracy. It's so amazing to watch you learn how to play. Your friends at daycare must be teaching you good things. I'm not sure who taught you how to drive though......

"I need some gas money!"

I have been so incredibly pleased with our switch to Ms Paula's daycare. It has been a blessing to us, our schedule and my sanity. It's a worry-free, stress free situation. Good things come to those who wait I guess? Well honey, we've been waiting and we've found a place to stay put. You get a good report everyday and sometimes you don't even want to leave when I pick you up. Break my heart, why dontcha!? You have huge goodbye kisses for her everyday and huge smiles each morning when I drop you off. That's not to say that there is no crying when I turn to leave. It's a toss-up....some mornings I can sneak out without a whimper and other mornings you are a little more fragile. But I hear that the crying lasts approximately two seconds and you are running around with your friends. Funny story from last week: Paula recalled your morning nap that you decided to randomly take in the middle of the playroom floor. Let it be documented here: Hallie's first voluntary nap outside of a caged area. "Caged" seems like a harsh term. Ok, I'll say "confined" space. She says you literally passed out on the floor mid-morning and took a quick snooze while others played. Silly girl.

You had a mean ol' sickness this month that left you down for the count for over a week. A constant fever and painful ears and throat. You had your mama a paranoid wreck! Thank goodness for Nanny who helped out so much when I couldn't stay home from work with my sick girl. I guess we still aren't out of the woods with the ear infection saga. We've cut back on the bike rides to avoid all of the wind in your ears. We also stopped our morning rides to stay out of the cooler morning temperatures. Speaking of cooler temps, you survived your first extreme heat wave. Go you!!! It was a beast of a summer!

You sleep like a pro. No changes, problems, worries to report in this department! PTL!!!!!!! All of this good sleep on your part has left you with extra energy to be momma's little helper.....

"Come on Emmi, let's get our chores done"

You don't walk. YOU RUN! Everywhere. On any surface. Even this horribly rough grass we have here at the rent house. I won't even walk on this crunchy stuff.....

The fall count has obviously increased and I can't say we've avoided boo boos this month. You got your first real boo boo this week. I have no story to tell because we have absolutely no idea how you acquired this lovely accessory. Mother of the year award right here!!! Even better is the fact that we have family pictures scheduled for Sunday this week. Here's a pic of your mystery boo boo......

Sassiness is in your blood. But you balance this trait out with plenty of lovey doveyness. You are by sweet baby girl. So many kisses handed out each day I can't even keep track. So many hugs that I probably have notches around my neck where you hang on. You have more love for your canine friends that I can even describe. They make you laugh for no reason. You love to cuddle with them on the bed each morning and pet their backs. I don't think they know how lucky they are to have a friend like you. So much love in that little body of yours.....

Let's give you something to talk about!! Still not a lot of talking going on but plenty of chatter and babbling to keep the noise level up in the house. You are still perfecting "dada", "mama" and "dog." You mouth things that you can't say yet...cutest thing ever. You mouth  words like "papa" and "bye" and "more please." We're ready to hear that little voice whenever you are ready to chat with us! I can just see that you have so many words right on the tip of your tongue just waiting to come out. It's so fun to watch you learn and understand more each day. You are very aware of routines and you know when our routines change. Each morning you walk into the bathroom and open the drawer to hunt for your toothbrush and toothpaste. You give your teeth three mediocre swipes and then tote these two items around the rest of the morning. After bathtime we go do your diapering, lotioning and dressing routine followed by your initiation of your hair-brushing routine. You know when meal time is approaching and I can find you waiting at your high chair pounding on the footrests telling me you are ready and willing to eat. You are also becoming more aware of what certain things mean. Such as walking toward the garage...you realize we are headed to the car and this doesn't always set well with you. Speaking of car troubles...oh my....I don't think this will ever change. I hate being in the car too, baby girl. Funny thing is I've only disliked being in the car for 14 months. Ironic, huh? ;)

I hope someday when you read this that you will understand just how much I love you. Everything about you. The way you smile. The way you wrinkle your nose when you laugh. The way your little teeth sparkle. The way you love your canine friends. The way you light up when your daddy walks in the room. The way you look at me like you can't live without me. The feeling is mutual. I can't live without you and I can't remember how I ever did.

I love you,

Mama

Reverting Back

Sweet baby girl, if I could turn you back into that floppy five month old in your jumper I'd do it in a hearbeat just to spend more time with you.

But until they come up with a time machine it looks like I'll have to settle for a 14 month old squeezed in her jumper.

Keep growing but just not too fast. Ok? Thanks.

Home Sweet Home

There's no place like home, there's no place like home. Maybe if I click my red heels together long enough I'll be teleported to Enid next time instead of having to drive the 90 minutes. It's not a long drive but sheesh it's boring. We made the trip to Enid on Friday to pick up Aunt B for our day at the fair. Despite eating all day long we were still up for some hamburgers at David and Lisa's house that night when we got back to Enid. We pulled up at their house around 7:00 and Hal got straight to doing what she does best. Searching for food.....

"Hey, where can I find the Teddy Grahams?"

Dara, David and Lisa were thrilled as usual to get their hands on Hal and brought about a million smiles out of her. Of course they had plenty of "nanas" on hand ready for the monkey. After dinner we plopped a sticky and tired baby into the bathtub for some playtime.....

"Do you think you can come live with us, Dara?"

She was pajama'd up and stayed awake long enough to go with the crew to Aunt B's house for another tour.

"Hey, y'all! I'm here!"

She had to check out all of the surfaces. Especially the guest bed since that's where she will be staying someday......

"I approve!"

Hunger struck again after checking out the house. Are you surprised?? Problem is that the new fridge was lacking the selection of food that she expected......

"Who can live like this!?!?"

After our main form of entertainment finally hit the hay around 9:00, we watched Bridesmaids and laughed til it hurt. That movie is too funny! Gman decided to join us around 10:00 and caught the last part of the movie. I decided to stay put Friday night as to avoid moving Hallie from her bed over to Gman's house. She slept perfectly and didn't ring the alarm until 8:00! What a nice treat!! The best part was listening to her rolling and squirming, chatting and gurgling for about thirty minutes before she stood up in her pack'n'play. Funny girl. Oh and the funniest part....when she tooted and started giggling afterward. Oh my, she is her dad's daughter. We walked into the living room to find Dara wide awake on the couch. Hallie was excited all over again to see her Auntie Doodoo. We dressed her in the onesie that Dara picked out for Hallie from her trip to the New Jersey boardwalk at the famous t-shirt store.

Future Guidette

Lisa cooked a yummy breakfast of sausage and eggs while Dara and I went for a run. We tried to take a quick walking break but we got caught by Uncle Dave looking out the door. He hollered "you better pick up the pace"...so we did. Kind of. Breakfast in our bellies, showered and dressed for gameday....we were ready to start crossing things off our list for the day. First on our list, visiting Auntie Heather at the store to pick up some shoes she set aside for me. As usual, she acted like she owned the place....

Heather had a full store to tend to so we left for the mall where we got plenty of "what a cute boy you have" comments. Hello people!! That's why I paired her jersey with a SKIRT!

My little "boy" wanted no part of shopping but instead tried to escape from each store like she was running for her life. She knows what she's doing too....she ran straight for this.....

"Ah man, I almost had it!"

Gman was awake and ready for some Hallie time after we were done shopping. She made her mark on his house very quickly. Magazines strewn about, Wii remotes spread throughout the room and dog food dumped out. About the time we had cleaned up her trail of mess it was time for a nap. Lisa, Dara and I left on our shopping mission after Hallie went down for a snooze. Hobby Lobby here we come!!! Our mission: to decorate Gman's living room. He is in need of decor to match his new wood floors and furniture. And he needed a woman's opinion of course. Dara texted and wandered around while Lisa and I chose piece after piece and ended up in the check out lane with two carts. After all, we were three chicks with a man's credit card who gave us a very generous budget to work with. I, for one, was in HEAVEN!! I just hope mom was looking down and approving of our choices for her living room. Gman was back at home spending some playtime with his favorite little girl. He proudly proclaimed that he changed his first Hallie diaper. Go Gman go!!! She learned a lot while hanging with Gman. For instance....

How to climb up the slide

Still learning how to turn around once at the top

Aunt B stopped by during a break from cleaning and unpacking her house. Happy baby was loving all of the attention....

Gman went and came up with the best idea of the day. Swimming in a bucket. What's more fun than that?!?!

"Nothing!"

She thought she was hot stuff in that bucket splashin' around and trying to eat the water....

The irony of it all was the giant warning sign and picture of a baby swimming in a bucket on the side of the container.

"Warning, Schmorning! This is fun!!"

I had to skip out on the bucket o' fun and get ready with BFF Heather for a night of wedding fun. I was Heather's "plus one" for her friend Tyree's wedding. I must say that my wedding date was looking smokin'....

The wedding was beautiful and elegant. Tasteful and perfect. We spent the reception in front of the tv so I could keep my eyes on the OU game. Not a good start to the game. If there was one plus to the Sooners less than mediocre start was that it kept me from eating the huge pile of yummy food in front of me. I saw a lot of familiar faces and one very beautiful face in particular made my night. We got to visit with Sara who I hadn't seen since a friend's wedding three years ago. I wonder what wedding I'll get to see her at next? On our way home I got this text from Aunt B. Melted my heart......

The angry face tells me he's watching the game

Gman gave his babysitting report and I listened with a huge smile on my face. He bragged about his diaper change count and how much fun they'd had swinging, splashing and reading. He had to give me an account of all the cute things she did. What a good Gman! He survived his first solo babysitting experience. I know that Grammy was keeping a close eye on them. ;) Heather, Dad and I hung out for awhile before she left for home. Aunt B and Spencer showed up shortly after to hang out. It was nice to kick back on the couch and just laugh with some of my favorite people. I love being home!!!!!!!!!!

I crashed in Aunt B's room with Hallie Saturday night and woke up bright and early with my rooster raring to go. She was in need of milk....and stupid mommy had forgotten to grab more milk the night before. Oops!! I tried to tide her over with water but she is no dummy. Gman was out the door in no time to pick up milk for his little girl. He was a hero in her books as he came through the door with jug of milk! We said adios to a very sad Gman about 9:00 Sunday morning. We didn't make it back in time for church but Riley was a good boy and got up for early service and was home when we pulled up. We spent another Sunday doing what else but WORKING in the garage and hauling and unloading boxes from our storage shed. I could be heard several times asking when we will get to spend a Sunday doing what it was meant for: resting. I won't hold my breath. :)

I LOVE LUCY

Lucy may be big, hairy and slobbery....but that doesn't mean anything to her pal Hal. Doesn't this picture just make you turn to mush.....

"I love Lucy and I don't care who knows it!"

Lucy has been known to seek belly rubs and hugs often. She knows exactly who to hunt down for some lovin'.....

"Now I can't hug both of you at the same time...you'll have to wait in line"

Despite her promises, she didn't seem to distribute her hugs evenly. More hugs for Lucy....

And even more hugs.....

"I just need a pillow made of your fur"

Can't do all of that hugging without checking her tags.....

"Just checkin' to see if your rabies vaccine is up-to-date"

Emmi got zero hugs and only had one thing to say: "Lucy, you got some splainin' to do!!!"

A Fair to Remember

Hallie had her first Great State Fair of Oklahoma experience this Friday. Aunt B, Hallie and I had a perfect girl's day together. We left Woodward early Friday morning and picked up Aunt B in Enid. We were so excited to go take a peek at her and Uncle Spencer's new house. My sister bought a house???? Geez, this makes me feel old. She lives very close to dad so she will be closeby and able to keep an eye on him ;)

Casa de Miller

The soon-to-be Miller Family

After we took the grand tour it was time to hit the road. After all, some little girl was ready to get to the fair which I'd been telling her about for days. We left Enid with a clean, dry and happy baby. We pulled into the fair park with a sticky, juice-covered anxious baby. I'm not sure if I'd rather her be able to holler "are we there yet?" or keep on with the squirmy whining. Hmmm. She fought sleep the entire trip but was in good spirits when I let her loose before we changed her outfit....

"The juice is so good it makes my mouth water mom"

We loaded up a freshly dressed babe in her stroller and made our way to the entrance. First things first.....we decided to walk around and scope out the food. That was all I'd been able to think about all week long. I had planned out a menu in my head and had been training my mind and body to be able to eat all of it. ;) I'll tell you one thing that wasn't on that list.....

You have got to be kidding.

Hal and Aunt B had one thing on their minds. Root beer!!!

"Child proof caps aint got nothin' on me"

We made our way all around the fair for a good thirty minutes without Hallie making a peep. She must've been in a trance after watching all the carnies go by. And the mullets. It could've been the mullets too. I was so proud of my girl for enjoying herself and being content.

Momma's girl for the day

Ok, so we'd done plenty of walking and I wasn't willing to wait any longer for some fair food. After much deliberation and discussion, we decided on two jumbo corndogs and some lemonade.....

Hal approved of both choices....

Of course I wasn't just going to feed my child fair food. Sounds like child abuse to me. I mean after all, I have the ability to willingly throw back twenty pounds of fried goodness and calories. She doesn't know any better....

"Somehow this banana doesn't taste so good watching mom eat her corndog"

Next up....more eating. My belly was empty from a skipped breakfast and hadn't even been touched by that corndog. I'm a pig, what can I say!? Fried mac & cheese was on my list of must haves so I gave it a try......

FAVORITE!

She must've been dreaming of all the food she would love to have because once she passed out for a nap she didn't move a muscle and looked oh so peaceful as we shopped and wandered some more....

Cotton Candy dreams

We did PLENTY of shopping and much more than I'd planned on. Aunt B kept reminding me that I had already filled up the bottom of the stroller. That should've been a good indication to stop shopping! So what to do, what to do? Hmmm. EAT!!!

Favorite from last year: chocolate-covered cheesecake

Little miss fair queen started rustling around just as we were nearing the animal exhibit building. Perfect timing girl!!! She was in awe of the animals being so close up. She stood at the pig's cage forever and wouldn't follow as we walked away. Those black sparkly shoes were planted by those pigs. I'm sure if Aunt B had her way, they would've stolen those sweet babies and ran away.

Future FFAer?

Bunny was nice and gentle enough to let a one year old attempt to pet him. I was surprised when I had to reach her hand out for her. Normally she would've been grabbing for it and yanking on the bunny's fur or patting him.

Bunny love

I've gotta give the girl credit for deciding to do her business in the animal building.....masks the smell.....

"Nobody will ever know"

Our pig adventures weren't over once we left the ag building. Nope, the pig races had just got underway right outside. Hallie watched in a trance as the little piglets made their way around the track to get to the oreo prize. Aunt B stood there contemplating how she could steal one and take it home with us.

The smallest and newest piggy showed us a very special trick. He had learned to dive into the water tank. So cute!!! This is when Aunt B completely lost control. ;)

 Pig races left us with an appetite and only one way to fill it.......

Sneaky, sneaky

Ok, let me rephrase that. It left me wanting more food but not having nearly enough room in my already full belly to fit an entire funnel cake. That's why I had to have help.....

Aunt B got a red velvet funnel cake with drizzled cream cheese frosting on top and I got a traditional one which Hal seemed to enjoy. Small pieces only with no sugar on top....I was wanting to avoid any disagreeances with her belly. She didn't seem to be bothered by any of our adventures that day as she pranced around on top of the table. My next caption is probably borderline offensive but I can't resist.

"If I dance around this pole here do you think I'll fit in better with the fair crowd?"

We had a fabulous, wonderful, fun-filled day with Aunt B and we were so thankful that she was able to go with us! We will have to make a tradition out of it!

"And maybe next year they will let me eat what I want?!"