One Year Bloggiversary

Livin' On Hallie Time (LOHT) celebrated its first bloggiversary on August 27th this year....but I just now remembered today. A lil late but better late than never. What does one do to celebrate a bloggiversary you ask? Write a blog about it of course. I began this public journal of our lives when Hallie was four weeks old. I was apprehensive about starting one at first which might come as a suprise to most since I freely share nearly every detail of our lives at this point. I was hesitant about starting a blog because I thought I'd feel pressure to keep up with it as well as feeling that I wouldn't have anything to write about. Hallie has made sure that that wasn't a problem. ;) The blog is our photo album, scrapbook, journal, life story, etc. all in one. Simply put, I love to preserve memories. So much so that I get anxious when I don't have a camera within reach to document every moment of everything anywhere at anytime....you get my point. Although it may seem like I go overboard with the pictures (according to a certain cooperative husband), it is like a drug to me. Capturing every little moment.....ah, makes me so happy. Livin' On Hallie Time has been my saving grace over this past year. Never in a million years did I think that we would be living the year we just lived. When I read back it's unreal to think that we actually survived so many life altering events in such a short time.  I have developed a love affair with LOHT that I just can't explain. It's like my form of a hot bubble bath or a glass of wine....therapeutic and peaceful. Each post I get to share is like a little time capsule of Hallie's life that gets put onto paper.

Now that LOHT is a year old I've decided to make some changes. After doing plenty of blog stalking, I've decided that the asthetics of my blog are not up to par. I'm excited to say that I am going to be a student of photoshop. ;) I'm trying out a 30 day free trial version and plan to spruce up the pics you see on here. This should be fun so wish me luck!! Also, I plan to order a printed book of LOHT through Hallie's first year and every year after that as far as I'm concerned. At the rate that I've been scrapbooking, this will  be her only form of a scrapbook.

Here's a month by month look at my favorite blog topic....

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

12 Months

Here's to many more bloggable months! Thank you readers for keeping up with us...we love each of you!

The Chase for #8 Begins Now!

It's football time in OKLAHOMA!!!!!!!!

Saturday morning was just like any other Saturday morning. The "rooster" crowed at 7:30, we ate breakfast, went for a run and watched GAMEDAY. Ok, maybe it was a little different. Football had arrived! Lol, let's put it this way. I tried to watch GAMEDAY but wasn't too successful as I was trying my darnedest to get on the road before 10:00. After all, I was a little giddy about my plans for Saturday. I made my way to my friend Laura's house in Edmond after two unsuccessful attempts at leaving town....first I forgot my favorite sunglasses followed by my camera card. I kissed my babies goodbye and found myself in Edmond around 1:30. We didn't waste any time getting the afternoon started and headed for a little pampering. Pedicures were the perfect way to start football Saturday with one of my best friends. Twenty pretty toes later we were refreshed and ready to cheer on our team. We made our way into the land of crimson and cream around 3:30 and met Bailey and Spencer. It was my sister's first gameday experience (as well as Spencer's, but that's kind of a given considering they are a house divided like Riley and I) and we wanted to make sure she had a great time. We parked close to The Mont so that it wouldn't be far to walk since it was scorching hot outside. I had expected a long wait....but not a 90 minute wait. We happily hiked down to campus corner and found our way into burrito heaven at Chipotle. No skin off my back....I think I'd choose Chipotle over a swirl at The Mont anyday. Once we cooled off and ate we made our way to Louie's to find a spot at the bar. We were in search of the perfect margarita and they never disappoint us. 

We posted up at Louie's for about an hour and headed out to join the sea of crimson headed toward the stadium. We had to make one last stop to cool off though.....

So. Hot.

The two lovebirds sat in the section next to us and I hear that they both had a great night....now if only we can keep the conversion process going....Spencer should be a Sooner by Christmas time. Hahaha!

GAME TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just love that moment of excitement and anticipation when the pregame video starts and the crowd comes to their feet and you know pretty soon you are about to see some action. Love, love love it!!!

There was a moment of silence before the game for Austin. It was pretty strange not watching for him on the field this year and texting Whit when he would make a big play. You can almost feel the extra emotion that the players are playing with. #8 for #12 in 2012....

#12..Always in our hearts

What were my favorite people back home doing? Oh ya know, just a bit of brainwashing......

Ornery written all over her ;)

Riley was less than thrilled to find out that his game was not being televised. I felt sort of bad sitting in the stands knowing that he was home very disappointed that he couldn't watch his pokes play. BUT in my defense....I tried for a month straight to talk him into going and the boy "didn't want to drive back that late from Stillwater." Next time I'm driving him there myself so that he will go! Lol! Despite having to listen to it on the radio and get ESPN updates, he and Hal had a great evening full of lots of smiles. I hear they spent some time on the patio sharing a cheeseburger that Riley grilled while she ran around burning some energy in her pjs. :)

While he put Hal to bed, I was busy cheering my team on up until the beginning of the fourth when we realized we were exhausted and wanted to get a jump on the traffic. I must say, this goes against everything I stand for. My usual rule goes a little something like this: a devoted fan stays for the entire game no matter the score. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! That's funny, Ashley. Here's my new rule: sleep deprived moms who are excited about getting lots of sleep can leave the game whenever they want. We met up with Bay and Spence and walked to the cars together, bid them farewell and headed back to Edmond. It was such a beautful night outside and the traffic really wasn't bad at all. We got back to Laura's around 11:30 and had plans to go bed. Yeah, sure! Instead we ended up baking cookie dough she had stored in her fridge, watching you tube videos and going through old, ridiculous facebook photo albums from grad school. After laughing so much that my face was hurting, I realized that it was 2 A.M!!! I cannot even remember the last time I voluntarily stayed up that late. But it was worth it! Lots of laughs! We woke up bright and early and put on our Sunday best (shorts and t-shirts) and headed for brunch at Cafe 501. We finally got to actually catch up on the past few months. I WILL NOT WAIT THAT LONG AGAIN TO SEE LAURA RAUH! There, I said it right there! More gameday fun to be had this season I'm sure. Soon little miss can be joining me in the stands....that is if Riley and I don't rip her arms off while fighting over who's taking her where on gameday. She's got a tough choice ahead of her....orange or red? Bullet or Boomer & Sooner? Stillwater or Norman?

Hal's First Date

What do we do on an 80 degree day?

Go to the park! Duh.

I'm sure every rational human being has been thinking the same thing I've been thinking for the past month...."wouldn't it be nice to go outside and do something fun?" This summer has been a total bummer as far as outdoor activities go. Except for the occasional early Saturday morning trip to the playground we haven't done much of anything outdoors. It even got too hot to swim! Is that even possible?! But alas, we have been blessed with beyond perfect weather today which is supposed to continue through the rest of the week. I've already got big plans conjured up for us. Get ready Hal, you are going to be worn out after I get done with you this week! Picnics, bike rides, hikes and lots of park fun are in our future.

I strapped in my partner and we jogged down to the playground at the school. The place was empty so I let Hallie have free reign and roam around. She sure fooled me before I unstrapped her...I thought she'd fallen asleep on me....

Pretending to be asleep?

"Nah, just kiddin' mom!"

Lots of smiles, giggles and kisses. My sweetie was FULL of glee today!!! She must be as happy as everyone else is about the beautiful weather. Smart girl! Oh, and did I mention goofy? And ornery????

That face means trouble

Little did she know that her very first date was about to come strolling around the corner any moment. Hal monkeyed around for quite awhile and surprised me by climbing up a rung on the ladder. Really girl?!?!?

Here's where things get exciting. Sssssh!! Don't tell her I told you BUT........

Hal got her first kiss tonight. EEEEEK! (hope he brushes!) Little miss must have a keen eye for cuties because she spotted the people approaching us before I did. She took off very quickly toward them and for good reason I guess. Well, I guess I should give Hal a little bit of credit for playing hard to get first. She bypassed the sweet boy and gave his grandmother a hug. Might I add that we did not know these people. Besides the obvious fact that they weren't kidnappers or axe murderers, it seemed that they were a nice couple taking their grandson to the park. The two munchkins gazed at eachother for quite some time before pointing to eachother and jabbering. Hal pointed to his nose and he to her leg. Guess he was diggin' those chubby thighs or something. They are eye catching I must say! He didn't waste any time and went right in for a big kiss on the lips. My immediate reaction was "woah!! I thought I didn't have to worry about this of 16 more years?!" I waited for her reaction to her first kiss (from an older man by the way) and wouldn't ya know it...that little toot started clapping. We couldn't help but get a big laugh out of the two tots. They were having the best time just jabbering away. I thought at that moment "man, if I'd have known she would be going on her first date I would have dressed her like a girl."

"That was ok, I just wish you'd have asked me first."

After the brazen kiss, Hal played coy while walking past him several times but not making eye contact. He, on the other hand, could not stop staring and pointing at her. Hal continued her monkey activities while he stared at her through the holes in the playgym. Don't let her act fool you though, she really seemed to like this fella.....

"I think he likes me, mom"

It was time for Hal to eat dinner and brush the boy germs off of her mouth before bedtime so we waved (numerous times) and said goodbye. As we walked away I hollered to the grandparents of this darling little boy..."he had the nerve to kiss her but he didn't even get her digits."

Next date I'll at least put a bow on her head...oh wait, there won't be a next until she is 25 (dad's rules) ;)

Football Friday

Football season is upon us. The Fannings have been busy getting geared up for a season of cheering. Just call us the A&M Aggies because we have been holding nightly cheering practices in our home to teach our littlest member how to properly cheer. She has thoroughly enjoyed it as it gives her an excuse to yell...as if she needed one. ;) We have been teaching her to raise her arms, clap and yell "GOOOOOO!" and "YAYYYY!" She has taken very well to it but the real test came Friday night. More about that later....

Not only have we been looking like complete morons during "cheer practice" each night, but Riley has also initiated an annual activity that he enjoys very much.....pretending that he is in the OSU marching band. Yes, each year he tries to perfect his strut and march whilst playing a pretend instrument. Last year it was the drums and flute, but this year it was something completely different....

Babies are so multi-purpose

Hal didn't seem to mind that she was being used as an instrument and played right along while chewing on her camera. Notice his serious expression. I'm telling you, he's intense when it comes to marching band practice. Did I mention that I love this guy? Oh and I can't forget to share the fact that my ears have been assaulted all week by being forced to listen to the OSU fight song. Just a side note: I'm not mean enough to Boomer Sooner in our house divided. ;)

One thing that we can agree on during football season.....we have one incredibly cute Boomer girl. Miss Hallie transformed into a Woodward Boomer right before our eyes on Friday night. Yes folks, I am officially a Woodwardite after going to the football game and dressing up my daughter. Nanny had the idea to make a game tutu for Hal, I found a fab bow and headband along with some sparkly shoes and TA DAH!!!!!

Cutest Boomer Girl I ever did see :)

"These shades have got to go"

Nanny and Papa brought over the tutu that she so magically whipped together Friday evening (see what I mean about the domestic goddess thing). It looked absolutely, positively adorable....

"Gold really is my color, isn't it?"

It was the season opener for the Boomers Friday night and they won. Hallie put her cheering skills to good use from the stands. I think Nanny and I were watching her more than we were keeping an eye on the game. She sat fairly still for an entire half. WOW!! Totally exceeded my expectations, girl! After eating enough goldfish to fill a pond she made some new friends below us. She must've been taking notes from dear ol' daddy because she grabbed the nearest "instrument" and went to work. She shook her cow bell with the best of 'em....

"Think they can hear me?"

We were laughing like crazy when Hal decided to start doing her cheering out of nowhere...either during a timeout or when the other team would be celebrating. ;) We're gonna need to work on that next...appropriate timing. She got some pipes on her because her hollering didn't end after a few seconds. Nope, she just kept on going. ;) Oh but it was so sweet seeing her clap and yell! By the end of the first half we had one tired Boomer girl on our hands.....

"Is this the way to the car?"

Until next game.....

For the Love of the Game

I've been polling my patients lately about which team they root for and whether or not they are a fan of the sport at all. General consensus has been this.....NOT fans of the sport at all. "Huh?", I ask. I get excited just saying the word football. It's makes my heart skip a beat sometimes when I stop and think about all of the things that football season means. I'll go into that later but back to the obvious......"HUH? You don't like football?" I almost feel defeated after getting a very simple "I don't watch football" answer....as if there is nothing left for us to talk about. Ok, I'm completely exaggerating...but seriously. It has left me wondering one thing all week long: do I take football too seriously?

I've had four days to ponder this and the answer is a resounding "NO" in my head. Football is woven into my DNA. There is a specific part of my brain that is set aside for remembering football related things. There is an entire section of my closet devoted to college football attire. I'm writing this blog while wearing my gameday pajamas. I have a lucky pair of gameday underwear that has served me well for over ten years (was that tmi? sorry....but NY&Co apparently makes long-lasting under garments).

The thought of a season full of possibilities, a clean slate, new shiny helmets, fresh uniforms, preseason polls, Corso & Herbstreet, SoonerVision, Campus Corner, Louie’s, crimson and cream, the visor, high fives and yelling at the top of your lungs, gameday traditions, good friends and memories to be made. Football gets the blood pumping and the heart racing. The word football usually makes me think of cooler weather...however, that is so not the case this year. We may be watching the Big 12 Championship wearing flip-flops and tank tops instead of Uggs and a winter coat. Either way...because it doesn't matter the weather...drizzly freezing rain, downpours, well below freezing temperatures and of course 100+ degree weather.....fans weather is all for the game.

100+ temps

Freezing.

Cold.

Downpour

And then every now and again, you get that perfect weather kinda day.....

Why do I love college football so much? I can't do this question justice with words. So I'll leave you with a picture.....

Are there more important things in life? Yeah. But just not on Saturdays.;)

The Lap Effect

I've said it before and I'll say it again.....that little girl climbing in your lap triggers an immediate response. And if you are my sister or I then that response is to cry. ;)

Aunt B and Uncle S came for a quick visit this Thursday night to pick up Chigger and Lizzy from doggy daycare. I made sure to keep Hal awake long enough for her to spend some playtime with them (as Aunt B had adamantly requested). The girl was in super spirits all evening as she showed off her new space, her room, her toys and her books of course. Aunt B found a spot on Hal's puzzle play mat and Hal found her way right into her lap with a book....

Aunt B had the same reaction I have everytime she does this and we both looked at eachother, teared up and then laughed because we couldn't stop the tears from coming. It's just too stinkin' cute....

As bedtime approached, Hal settled in on the chair in Aunt B's lap with her milk and her nursery rhymes....

In case she wasn't already, it's safe to say that Hal has Aunt B wrapped a little tighter around her finger now. Look out! Hallie could be coming to a lap near you with her book and that "read to me" face. ;)

"Hallie Days"

Nanny has been referring to Thursday and Friday as her "Hallie days" for as long as the munchkin has been around. They have formed quite a bond during their two days a week together...I'd venture to say that Nanny might be one of Hal's best friends. They keep quite busy and usually end up doing things that make my life a whole lot easier. There are many reasons why "Hallie days" are some of my favorite days of the week. First of all, there is no dressing, rushing around or feeding on these mornings. Nanny comes to us. They eat breakfast and take off shortly after for a long bike ride. Nanny must have some magical power I don't because she seems to keep her happy on the bike for longer than I can....I hear they sing songs. I've tried that but I guess my voice is not as pleasant to hear. ;) Another reason these days are great is because I get pictures of my girl all throughout the day. It keeps me chugging along during the day and gives me these little bursts of happiness. So what are these things that I mentioned they do that make my life a lot easier? Well, to begin with.......

Taking the dogs to the vet. I guess it's important to make vet appointments at a time that you can actually take them. Turns out I kinda double booked myself. Good thing Nanny and Hal had it covered and volunteered to take them for me. She also must have some magical powers that keep them from going crazy. She sent me this pic of them sitting (which is a miracle in itself) with their leashes lying on the ground (unheard of)....

Come to find out they were too busy watching Hallie weigh on the animal scale to cause a scene.....

"Can we take it again with my clothes off?

Hal spent her time in the waiting room selecting the finest of products for her canine friends....

"Nanny, let's get these for those mutts"

She of course got in some playing time while the pups were in the back getting their shots (she must've not wanted any part of that)....

"I know how shots can be...those poors guys"

These gals don't stop at caring for the canines. Nope, they also help me keep house. And by help I mean keep house for me. Rewind to the other day when I made it clear that my home managing skills were not the greatest. Hallie is a quick teach and has been putting the duster to good use....

Dusting her head off?

Gotta keep those magazines dust free

And of course we have to clean the binkies

It doesn't end there. They go shopping and pick up things I am lacking in the kitchen (like waxed paper). Hallie usually starts out really good, completely occupied and happy.....

"Shopping. What a great idea Nanny."

And then turns into a ravenous beast ready to get out of the cart.....

"FOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!"

Nanny loves "Hallie days".....

.......I love "Hallie days".....

.....and Hallie loves "Hallie days."

It's not just Nanny's love and attention that has her lovin' Thursday and Friday. Don't let that smile fool ya. Wanna know what she likes the most???

"Mom, how come you don't cook for me everyday like Nanny, huh?"

Thank you Nanny for giving us your days and your love. We couldn't survive the week without you!