I'm 2!

For the few weeks leading up to Hayden's 2nd Birthday we tried and tried to teach her how to say "I'm 2!", when asked how old she was. She never quite got it down but seeing how she's a little parrot these days she had no problem repeating us if we said it first. Adorable, either way. Today was her actual birthday and unfortunately I had to work. I got to tell her good morning and Happy Birthday when she first woke up. Her Daddy made her some extra special Birthday pancakes with whip cream and sprinkles for breakfast:

Isn't he the BEST?! I think so. I LOVE that guy!

We did all of the celebrating for her Birthday last Sunday. Fortunately, her party day landed on one of the most beautiful days so far this year. The turn out was fantastic and with all the sun we were able to break out the bounce house, squirt guns, bubbles, side walk chalk, hula hoops, jump ropes, a pinata, etc...It actually felt like summer. I don't think I've ever seen Hayden play that hard. It was SO fun to watch her with that many kids, laughing and playing. Here are just a few of the many, many photos taken that day.

Cousin Holland and Hayden

Chasing after Princess

Bubbles with Auntie "NoNo"

Big Wheel from Mommy and Daddy

Chris did all of the decorating (Hayden did the sprinkles)

Her face lit up when we sang her "Happy Birthday"

Blowing out her B-Day candle

And just to toot my own horn real quick, I made Hayden's cake this year. I took a shot at a rainbow cake I saw on Pinterest. I had very low expectations of my ability to pull it off so when I attempted the first round with just one box of cake and it turned out super thin, I wasn't too disappointed. I went back to the store and tried it with a double batch of cake mix and it totally worked! Everybody loved it! It's rare that I find things on Pinterest that I think I want to try that I ACTUALLY follow through with. I should do stuff like that more often. It was SUPER fun!

I can't believe my baby is 2! I can't believe I've been a Mom for 2 years!  I have learned more in the last 2 years about myself and what I am capable of than I had the entire 28 years of my life before Hayden was a part of it. It's amazing how much having a child turns your world up-side-down! It is the most challenging and gratifying work I have ever known. And I am grateful for EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT. Happy Birthday Hayden Marie. Mommy loves you with ALL that she is and ever will be. 

Mamma Bought A New Camera!

And by Mamma, I don't mean me. MY Momma bought a new camera. Which is quite alright with me because now I don't need to buy a new one. I'll get all kinds of wonderful pictures of Hayden without having to spend all that extra money.  She just bought it last week and we've already taken an insane amount of photos. It's such a fun little toy! We probably will eventually buy our own, but for now I am having copious amounts of fun playing with hers. Thanks Mom!

Long Time, No See

Has it really been that long since I've posted a blog?  It's been nearly 5 months! Many events and milestones have passed during that time and in the midst of those events I ALWAYS catch myself thinking, "I NEED to blog about this!" A few days pass and then weeks and then the post seems as though it's no longer relevant ...but, I know deep down if I don't get back on the "blogging wagon" I'm destined to regret not having it all documented somewhere. The truth is ALL those moments that make me think that are certainly worth making a  post about. Even if it's quick one with just a few words. Or even just a single photo. This blog is important and I need to start making it a priority again. Even if I only post a couple of times a month. I'm gonna try real hard to get back into the swing again.

Since my last post, we have polished up our credit and qualified for our first home loan. After much looking we have found a home. We're working on tying up all the loose ends now and hope to sit down and sign all of our closing paper work by next week. We are extremely excited and a little nervous. This is huge for us and we're stoked to be accomplishing a goal we've had for quite some time now. It feels really good.

Hayden is growing like a weed. She's sassy and silly and is starting to learn how to manipulate with increasing effectiveness. We are doing or best to establish her boundaries. She's a smart little cookie and surprises us daily with her antics, vocabulary and sense of humor. We've been working on potty training for a couple months. She has great control and pees on demand very consistantly put we're working on the whole her telling us when she needs to go. I'd say, considering she isn't quite 2 yet, we're making pretty good progress. I can't believe she's going to be 2 in just a couple of weeks!

Here's a few photos and a quick recap of the last 5 months:

We lost our dear sweet family dog, Smokie. We got her when she was just a pup when I was a junior in high school. It was very sad to see her go. But I take solace in the fact that she lived a long and very wonderful life. I'd say she had just about the best life any dog could ever ask for.

Hayden and Smokie

Hayden has been spending a good deal of time hanging out with her cousin Holland. They're quite funny to watch together (when they're not fighting over what toy belongs to whom). I'm very fortunate that my Sister-In-Law is willing to watch Hayden for me when Chris and I are working. Hayden loves her Auntie "NoNo" (Noelle), her Uncle "Eeeddie" (Eddie).

My Niece Holland and Hayden

Tubby time

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas. Being here on the holidays make me that much happier that we are back living in North Idaho. I LOVE being near my family. I LOVE sharing those moment with Chris, Hayden and I with everybody else.

Baking with Grandma

Aunt Deb, Dad, Aunt Julie and my Niece Halle Jean

Papa, Hayden & Holland

Christmas Morning

Decorating Cookies with Daddy

 For the record. Chris' son Gage is NOT a Bieber fan. But with his haircut at the time we always had our fun with it....

Gages stocking stuffers? Bieber stickers. AHAHA!

First time sledding

 Easter was a hit. Beautiful weather. The jumpy castle came out. And an Easter egg hunt.

The Bounce House at Mema & Papas

Dying Easter Eggs

Cousins!

Ah! Now that's better. I always feel good after blogging. It's relaxing, really. Life just gets so busy it's hard to find time to just sit down, have a glass of wine and reminisce.  That's really what this blog is all about for me. I forget that  after it's been neglected for a while. I'm getting back to it. See you soon!