Month: February 2015

I’m thankful for….

simple celebrations

Hayden turns four today. Due to Andy’s work schedule we actually had her party with all her tiny friends a couple of weeks ago. She had a gymnastics party where they all got to run wild and jump in foam pits. Go down a giant blow up slide and jump their hearts out on tiny trampolines. All the while filling up on popcorn, cotton candy and cupcakes. It was fun, and hectic and a jam packed day.
So today we took it down a notch. We ate cupcakes for breakfast. Because, well, we can. You only turn four once.

We filled up lots of balloons and played all morning.

Even the tiniest of us enjoyed them. (no worries, all balloon activity was supervised)

Since today is all about her, Hayden picked out whatever she wanted to wear. She couldn’t quite decide on one look.

Her favorite cousins are coming over for a sleepover so I gathered up supplies for pizza and popcorn to go with our movies.

And while we wait for our party guests, Hayden is starting on her thank you cards for the gifts she already got. These are the cutest cards ever.

Big parties are exciting and memorable. But sometimes it’s the sweet and simple celebrations that take the cake.

Today, Hayden Evelee is officially a four year old.

She is all that is happy, sassy and energetic. She is wildly independent and makes me laugh each and every day.

She is the queen of dress up and most days I don’t even attempt to dress her because I know she’s just going to strip down and be a ladybug.

Or a princess.

Or perhaps a doctor.

She is willing and ready for any adventure. Be sure to leave her at least 10 minutes to prep though. She needs ample time to pack all the essentials in her pack back. Like one of my shoes, some fruit snacks, a few pieces of scrap wood, a couple socks that don’t match, a book, and a pair of broken sunglasses.

She became a big sister this year and is already a pro.

Her favorite season is summer, when she can run and play outside for endless hours.

She is silly and loves to tell jokes. Talks your ear off if you let her, and can come up with a pretty believable story. Or she might even fill you in on her favorite line from FRIENDS.. “Grandma’s chicken salad…” (said in a super creepy Joey voice)

She is an amazing eater. And I’m not saying that to toot my own horn. She eats sauerkraut you guys! She’ll fight you for the last pepper or broccoli stalk, and there isn’t a fruit she won’t eat. She prefers her eggs over easy, and is surprisingly good at eating sushi with chopsticks. Don’t get me wrong, she can down chocolate covered raisins like it’s nobody’s business. But she’s also been known to sneak into the kitchen when no one is watching and eat 3 bananas in a sitting. Or an entire apple. Seeds included. Oops. Nothing surprises me anymore with her. Not even when she tells me she finished her glass of milk. From dinner yesterday that got left out. Gross.

She can be sassy with the best of them and you better not call her anything but her name or she’ll be sure to let you know your incorrect.

She’s left handed and a wiz with a pair of scissors. Her drawings are hilarious, and if she’s lucky enough to be gifted play doh (play doh and I are no longer friends), she will create and build for days. Or for as long it lasts, which is approximately 2 1/2 days.

Currently her favorite movies are Mr. Peabody and Sherman and Paranorman. She loves Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom and watching You Tube videos of a lady opening easter eggs. It’s so weird but it keeps her busy so whatever.

She’s goofy and funny. Sweet and thoughtful. A lover and a fighter all rolled into one. Days when she’s not around are so boring and she keeps me on my toes in every way. Life with you around Hayden is simply the very best.

You, my beautiful baby boy, are six months old today.

It’s hard to imagine what life was like before you. You are sweet and loving. On most days you would rather snuggle up than be on your own. You are so curious about everything around you and I love to watch your fascination with whatever you get your little hands on.

Your smile and your laugh melts me instantly and whatever frustration I may have felt goes away without any hesitation.

Your sister is the only one that can make you stop crying without even trying. You simply smile in her very presence. You let her dress you up, smoosh you and startle you, and you never fuss.

I love your long eyelashes and golden hair. And your big blue eyes light up my whole world.

Your trying so hard to sit up and it’s hilarious to watch you do little bicycle kicks, like you truly believe your going to get somewhere. Your not a good night time sleeper, not even a little bit. But I forgive you, because you are so incredibly sweet during the day.

You still nurse like a champ and love any food we give you to try. Your already rolling and scooting around and getting into mischief, and enjoy annoying your sister by chewing on her socks or pulling her hair when she’s not paying attention.

Your little personality is really starting to develop and I’m over the moon to spend each and every moment with you. Reid Philip, thanks for letting me be your mama.

Thanks to random.org we have a winner for the giveaway. I gave each entry a number in order of when they came in and…. drumroll please……

Ellen!!! Hip hip hooray!! Your package is on the way sweet lady. Thanks to all of you lovely peeps that entered!