Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Baby yoga {August, 2014}


Like I mentioned before, Hayes is just so silly sometimes. This is him doing some baby yoga the other day. I'm not really sure where he gets this from, but I hope he always stays this silly! 

Sitting in a tray



I feel like some days we really see Hayes's goofy personality. He has such quirky little things that he loves to do. For example, he loves to sit in this tray and watch his movie "Fro!" aka Frozen. I am completely and utterly obsessed with this goof ball.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Days off

I'm not sure if its because I don't have all the time I want with Hayes or what, but my days off I feel like go way too quickly. I try to do as many fun things as we can, but also try to have time to just be home. I think it's because I really get how precious our time together is that it just breaks my heart to waste it. I don't think I would be this way if I was home every day with him. I don't know how I could really fully appreciate the time, because I wouldn't know what it was like to have to be away and miss it. You know? 

So, needless to say, my days off are some of the best ever. Fort building is becoming a fun new thing we do. Gator still isn't sure the whole point of it, and it kind of makes him nervous, but Hayes is all in. He loves it. He loves to crawl in and out of the fort and he thinks it is the CRAZIEST thing when I crawl in there. I am sure I look so crazy, but he loves it , and really, so do I. 

His other favorite thing, yelling and talking to the baby in the mirror, its hilarious. He also really likes to give him some pretty big smooches. I love to watch him stand in front of the mirror and yell away. He must think he has a really great friend in there. 

I am beyond grateful for the days that I get to be home with Hayes. I am also really grateful for my job and the time that I need to be away from him. It helps our family, and it helps me really appreciate my time with him, and for that I am really grateful. I love this little boy and watching him grow is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. He is truly heaven sent. 




Park playing

I am hoping that it is starting to cool off a bit so we can start walking again. The other day it had rained and so it did stay cool enough, long enough for us to go walking. We walked to a park and playing. Hayes is OBSESSED with stairs lately and literally spent the entire time crawling up and down these stairs. There were some other kids there playing that kind of headed over our direction and started playing. Hayes LOVED to watch them and squealed with delight every time they would come near him. They were good to watch out for him too. He got SOOOO dirty from all the wet grass, dirt, and dirty stairs. I can totally see why mom's have "play clothes" and "not play clothes" because had he been in some of his new jeans, I may have cried to see them so dirty. 

Our walks and time spent at the park and going to explore our area is some of my favorite ever. I never imagined it would be so fun. I love this time with him and taking him to the park is so much fun. He is starting to walk more and so the park is even better now. Every stage seems to bring new fun things and even more joy for both of us. I love watching him grow up and interact with other kids. It's amazing how much things change in such a short time. I honestly just sit and soak in this time the best I can, and pray that it slows down. This time is my life has got to be one of the most fulfilling times ever. The simplest things bring so much joy and happiness. Life is good.  





Trying to take pics

Like I mentioned before, taking pictures of this one is getting harder and harder. He is so funny about things and is really really getting good at temper tantrums, like really good. I feel like I have to document some of the real life "out takes" because I think they are funny. He is such a funny boy, kind of dramatic, but so funny. All the tantrums aside, he is the light of our whole family and brings me more happiness than I ever thought possible. Funny how that works. I am lucky to be this little dramatic angel's mother! 


Mornings

I don't know how I did mornings without this little angel before. They are seriously my favorite time of day. I love to take our time waking up and to just sit on the couch together and hang out. Hayes will actually sit there with me and its so fun. I feel like it's one of the only times that its just us, and we don't have to rush. His facial expressions could keep me laughing all day too! 

The Cabin (August 9, 2014)

We took a little family get-a-way to the cabin over the weekend. It was SO nice to get away and just relax. We took tons of really good food and just hung out, watched movies, went for some walks and just enjoyed ourselves. I really can't say it enough, it was so nice. 

The night was a little rough. Gator was SO scared because we could hear mice in the walls, and I was up for a few hours because they were so loud and gave me the creeps. Luckily we both finally feel asleep and it was ok from there. Hayes did really well and only had one night time freak out. I was worried he would get cold or scared, but he was all good. It never really got that cold at night. It's so fun to go up there and enjoy the cabin and spend some time out of the heat. Some of my best child hood memories are up there. I am excited to hopefully bring those same types of memories to Hayes. 









Blonde hair don't care

Seriously, where did this kid come from with his gold locks! He is seriously SO blonde! Its crazy. I was noticing the other day just how long his hair is getting and those little whispy curls at the bottom are the sweetest thing ever! I love it. I think he looks like a little teen heart throb with his slight curls in the back and side swept front. hahahaha. 

I think he's pretty dreamy at least! :) 


Eating a "ball"



After I took Hayes in for his 15 month check up, he got pretty sick from the shots. He had a really high fever, he wouldn't move his legs, and was pretty droopy. He wasn't really eating much or drinking. There was about 24 hours there that really scared me. The next after noon he started to seem more interested in food, and kept saying "ball". I wasn't sure if he wanted to play with a ball or not, but figured I would try this peach. I handed the whole thing to him and he was in absolute heaven! (Don't worry, I got the pit out). He literally ate the whole thing! I was so happy he was eating and I think he was so thrilled to get to actually eat a "ball" that we were both pretty satisfied after he was done. 

Whatever it takes, right?! 

Hayes and Stock

These two cousins are so fun. I don't know that Stock really gets that Hayes is a boy and in about 2 years they are probably going to have so much fun playing. Right now though, he is a really sweet "Older" cousin to Baby Hayes. Hayes is so funny and just will all of the sudden decide he is done doing something and will just fling his body around to get out of whatever he doesn't want. 

The other day we were at my mom's house and and Stock was being so sweet and talking to Hayes and put his arm around him. I tried to snap a few pictures, but in typical Hayesie fashion, he was moving and wiggling his way out before I got a really good one. That boy. 

Cousins really are the best! 



Monday, August 18, 2014

Sunrise (August 2, 2014)

The other week I was getting things ready to do a training run up on the marathon road. The weather was CRAZY, like literally thunder and lighting and crazy rain all night long. I didn't dare to go up on the road because I didn't want to get caught in all of that, so I ended up going a littler later and running around my house. I still got 9 miles in, and when I started going, this is what I saw! It was unreal. The photos literally don't do it justice. It was one of those things that you have to just be there to really appreciate it. I'm glad I got up and went running that morning. 



A balloon


When we were in SLC a couple of weeks ago, we went to Ali's baby shower. Wait, let me rephrase that, when we went to SLC for Ali's baby shower a couple of weeks ago, Hayes got to take home a balloon from the party. He was THRILLED! We had to drive up that day and between that and the party, Hayes was WORN OUT! The first pic is when we put him in the car, the second one is literally the next shot. He was EXHAUSTED, but he would not let that balloon go. It was really sweet. What a trooper he is! 

Strong shirt Hayes


Since I started making the shirts and things for Hayesie Daisy, I have tried to have Hayes be my model. Unfortuantely, that's not his career field of choice and as a result we have struggled, professionally. Our creative differences are making business life a little rocky. I think we should have some cute still shots with some smiles or something and he thinks we need action shots. I guess I should be flatter that he thinks I am a better photographer than I am, but nonetheless, the photos haven't really gone my way. These literally are my top three pics. I guess I'll have to stick to hanger pictures until Hayes can see things my way. :) 


Monday, August 11, 2014

15 Months

My goodness, this growing things is just getting out of control. Hayes is growing like a weed. We went to the doctor last week and Hayes is now weighing in just under 27 pounds (70 percentile)  and is measuring 30 and 1/2 inches (40 percentile) . I can't remember his head size, but I know it was the 90 percentile. He is healthy and for the most part pretty happy. He now has 12 teeth!! 4 of which are crazy molars and have been a really pain for him as they come in. He was pretty miserable for about a week because of those huge teeth.

The doctor checked his ears, I have been worried about them because he is always putting his fingers in his ears and itching one of them. He said they looked just fine, no sign of infection. I am now convinced he likes the way his voice changes when his ears are plugged ( he sticks his fingers in both ears and then talks and talks and talks). We also talked about his walking (or lack thereof) I have been worried because Hayes doesn't really seem super interested in walking. He pushes his shopping cart all around our house (and literally can run behind that thing) but doesn't really want to try to walk without it. He can go from sitting to standing, but movement seems too scary to him. The doctor said he's doing just fine. He said some of the "bigger boys" can sometimes struggle with walking, but that he was still right on track. It's hard for me to calm down about it, because I know most kids his age are walking, and running, and he really doesn't have a desire to at all. I have calmed down quite a bit since I talked to his doctor, but I still have some concerns.

Hayes had to get some shots at the last visit and he really had a hard time with them. He got a pretty high fever (102.5) and was pretty miserable for about a day and a half. I think it was shots and teeth combing, but he was one sad boy. He even cuddled with me while we was still awake (and that's saying something!)

The doctor said the next big things are more talking. I feel like Hayes talks SO much. He repeats almost everything I say and is always jabbering. His favorite things to say right now is "Go car go!" That means he wants to go in the car. He also tells be people to "Go!" all the time.

He knows what sounds the: dog, cow, duck, sheep, frog, horse, and pig say (the pig is WAY funny).

He is actually starting to be a better napper (knock on wood). He has been better to take a nap in his crib and sleep for about 2 hours. It has really made a huge difference in him and how much he can tolerate. He is MUCH happier after a good long nap, and a good lunch. He is a great eater and loves to eat oatmeal for breakfast, as long as I give him some fruit with it. He like pretty much everything we eat, and is really doing so well with self feeding.

Now that Ash has gone back to school, Hayes is going to my friend/neighbor's house on Wednesdays when I work. I really had A LOT of anxiety about him going somewhere, just because the last time was so hard for both of us. At his old babysitter's house he would CRY and CRY and CRY when I left him, and would just be so unhappy there. He didn't like going. I was worried about him going with someone new because I feel like that is so traumatic for him, and I hated doing it. Well, last week was his first time going. We went over for a little while a few days before for him to play. I stayed the whole time and he just got use to things. So, when I dropped him off on Wednesday, he went right to my friend, got on the ground and started playing with her girls. He was happy and didn't cry one bit. She said he did really well and even took an hour nap. What a huge relief! Sam picked him up and said that when he got there he was just playing with blocks, and still pretty happy. I know that things probably won't always go that smooth, but if for the most part he is happy to go there, it will make working so much easier! I am so grateful for my friend for helping me and providing him with good care. Its amazing how much easier things are when you know your child his cared for and happy. I will obviously continue to watch things, but so far, so good.

Hayes loves: to watch Tarzan and Frozen, to say the sounds of letters (he doesn't know them all, but he's getting pretty good at them), cookies, grapes, oatmeal, Gator, Dad, going for walks, playing at the park, playing in the dirt, water, packing and un packing, climbing, music, Story Bots, getting his own drink at Swig (water of course), when dad comes home, the cabin, climbing stairs, his shopping cart, trying to play in the bathroom, baths, the trash truck, other kids, and letter cookies.

Hayes doesn't like: when we take away things, when we shut doors, taking naps, getting buckled in his car seat or high chair, reading stories for too long, when things are out of reach, and putting shoes on.

Overall, he is a happy healthy boy that loves to be outside and exploring, loves music, and is really loved by his whole family.





15 months

Dear Hayes:
You are just so funny lately. You love to be silly and play games. Lately, when I get you out of your bed in the morning, you hand me your blanket and the reach for me to pick you up. You love when we immediately go into the living room and watch part of something (Frozen, Tarzan, Letter Factory), its like you want to take another minute to wake up. I love this time with you, and I can totally relate to wanting to have a slow morning waking up. You are just like me in that way.

Everyday it seems like you are growing bigger and stronger and learning new things. You love to examine things and to try to pull things apart. You are so interested in small details of things. You especially love to examine your food. You stick your pointer finger into everything and then it can go into your mouth. I gave you an olive the other day and it rocked your world because it stayed on your finger.

You love to go up to the mountain and to be outside. This heat and and this summer has been kind of hard for that. We don't really have much time to be outside, unless we are swimming. The other day it was much cooler and we could actually go walk to the park. I don't know who was happier about it, me, you or Gator. You found some stairs and the park and went up and down a million times, it was hard to leave.

Your blonde hair still gets a million comments. I have started to notice some really cute curls at the back and I LOVE IT! You have such fair skin and light hair it funny the reactions you get from people, especially when your dad has you. You look so much like him, but he is so dark and you are so light. Stock says "Kacee, Hayes looks just like Sam, but with yellow hair", and he's exactly right.

There aren't many things I can't bribe you to do with a cookie. You call them "Coook coook". You have the start of a pretty epic temper tantrum. I am learning to carry cookies with me everywhere to avoid the wrath of that tantrum. Also, I am learning not to try to run errands anywhere near nap time. It's just easier for us both. You are my favorite shopping buddy, walking buddy, and the only person I want to spend my whole day with. You bring so much happiness and light into my life and our family. I love watching you grow and I literally thank Heavenly Father every night for sending you to me.

Love Mom

Sunday, August 10, 2014

My new car {July 4, 2014}

So after a month of pulling my hair out with insurance companies, my car was officially totaled. I absolutely HATE car shopping, so I was not looking forward to this part of things. Luckily, LaVon, a family friend, is still selling cars (he sold me my Honda) and found us a good deal on a new car. We got it that day, and we cross our fingers every day that we made the right choice.

I think it is such a cute car ( but we all know looks are one tiny piece of a car). But, here it is! So far, we really like it. Sometimes when I get in it, I think this was exactly the car I wanted when I was shopping before I bought my Honda. It's black and sleek and gets great gas mileage. Overall, I give it a thumbs up!




I'm a slacker

I have tried to do monthly posts about Hayes, but I have really slacked off. I like having a documentation of what he's doing at points and things he likes or doesn't like. Its fun to look back and see how much things change, or how much he stays the same (like he still LOVES avocados). I also really love to write him a letter and just makes sure I am documenting how much I love him and love being his mama. Well, I'm not sure how to remedy my slacking, but I'm trying to figure out how I can document things but not be so tied to a specific monthly post. (any suggestions?) I am thinking about posting after his check ups, I think those are every three months for the next little while and maybe that would be a good time to sit down and makes sure I document his stats and his milestones. We'll see I guess.


Hayesie and his remotes

Hayes LOVES remotes. Whenever he finds one he points it at the TV and starts jabbering away, I'm sure telling us what he wants to watch. He knows the difference between ones that work and ones that don't. We have some old ones we put in his toy bins, and he really doesn't want to play with them much, but the ones that actually control the TV are so fun. He gets so excited when he finds one of the working ones on the ground because he knows we don't let him play with them. His facial expressions are so funny and I love his reactions to things. He is such a character. He keeps me laughing and on my toes all day long!