Monkey Business

One of Justin's parents favorite stories to tell about his childhood is about the time they came into the kitchen to find a toddler-sized Justin (maybe about 3 or 4) up on top of the refrigerator. Justin also tells stories of how he climbed light poles in high school. Now he runs the ladder as a firefighter. I was warned often to look out when we got around to having children.

Turns out, the monkey gene runs in the family.
We are in sooo much trouble.

Yup, this last one was not staged at all. I looked over and she had conveniently pulled the drawers out like stairs and proceeded to climb up them. And like any good mother, I took a few pictures before I took her down.

At one year old, we are definitely in for a long journey of monkey business to come.

Hailey Turns One

The day has finally come. Our little girl is one year old. So many changes come with being one. The car seat turns around to face forward. Babycenter updates quit sending "your baby this week" and start sending "your toddler this week". Hailey started standing on her own. She got a little attitude. She started growing her one-year molars. And of course, she had a rockin' party.

Hailey did a wonderful job posing for the camera. She did at one point get side tracked with all the lovely presents under the tree..all of which were for her birthday.

As guests were starting to arrive, Hailey decided to put on a show. She goes through this short period of shyness when new people enter the scene. For this shy bout she spread out on the floor and put on a little show for us.

Too much, too much. I need a break. If I put my head down then I can't see them and they can't see me.

This is the glorious scene of the party in full swing. We had 35 people in our living area. It was a comfy, cozy, loud and crazy good time. It was an amazing privilege to have so many friends and family in our home to help us celebrate our daughter's birthday. It really meant a lot to me that so many people have become attached to our family. It warms my heart that our little one is so loved. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Hailey is not the baby anymore. She has a new found fascination with babies. Here she is loving on baby Charlie.

Party Time!!!

Hailey was so confused with the singing of the birthday song. It looked like she couldn't figure out why everyone was looking at her. Then she wanted to join in,
so she started clapping along with everyone.

Hmmm....

Maybe just a sample...

Starting to dig in...

The sweetness made her thirsty. But her hands were so covered in frosting that she couldn't hold on to her cup. Mama had to help. It was comical watching her try to pick up her cup.

Now she finally reached the cake part!

That's my girl! Her initials don't spell HAM for nothing. Every time I look at this picture it reminds me of the Christmas Story when the little boy is snorting and eating right off his plate.

Present time, YAY!

Hailey's friend Ashley (7 weeks older) is an experienced present-opener and was willing to show Hailey how it was done. She happened to sit on a bow just the right way. This was not a planted bow, it came to rest where it is naturally.

This was the hit of the party. Everyone stopped what they were doing to pay attention to Elmo. A huge thanks to the wonderful women I work with for the coolest toy ever.

We were all enchanted by Elmo

Kailyn snuggling with her mama

Chad and Hailey taking turns on the Tiger

Once more...thank you to all our friends and family for helping celebrate Hailey's 1st birthday and making it a truely memorable day. We feel so blessed to have all of you in our lives.

Thanksgiving Day Dump

We greeted Hailey's first Thanksgiving (and official last FIRST holiday) with a good foot of snow. Perfect opportunity to go sledding. She LOVED it! She sat still and quiet as a mouse through the whole ride. Minus the few rally sessions that dad took her on. It was a short ride down the road to Grandma Mel's for Thanksgiving lunch, but it was definitly worth the walk.

Check out that Dump. Almost as tall as Hailey!

We finished the day with fabulous dinner at my mom's house, as well as another Hailey-trick. She stood in front of Great-Grandma Bino for 20 seconds! Her longest time to date.
I know she'll be running before I know it.

Halloween

I know, I know...these are very tardy. But I felt I could not skip holidays.
I am forgoing many other fun pictures to get to Hailey's birthday party.

Tasty Treats (She didn't really eat it.)

One of her many costume changes.

The Loot

Jammies

It's That Time.....

Hailey Austin is turning 1 year old!
on December 10th

Here it is....

...the picture that comes along that makes me realize my little girl is growing up.

It brings a happy little tear to my eye that she's not a helpless little baby anymore. They all say that they grow up too fast. And here we are counting down to Hailey's first birthday...
...less than a month away.

I feel so blessed that I was able to spend all that time with her; that my work allowed me to bring her along so I never missed a moment.