Gracie's Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated sweet baby Gracie's birthday. She will be one on September 2nd, so she still has a couple of days before the real big day. She had no idea that all the people, presents and cake were for her. She was so sleepy, I tried to get her to take a nap before the guest started arriving, but she didn't want any part of that. I had several outfits already picked out last week, but on Saturday I decided she needed something pink to wear. I bought her a cute little pale pink jumper from Old Navy and white shirt. She was so adorable, I still love to kiss on those cheeks (she has the cutest cheeks).

Cute little birthday outfit:

the hair bow lasted about 2 seconds

She loved the cake. I'm sure it is one of the best things she has had to eat. Anything is better than formula and baby food. She didn't even really make that big of a mess, she barely got any on the high chair (I was very impressed). Maybe she is going to like to be clean like Mommy. She ate a good bit of the cake before she started gagging on it ( I guess she that meant she was full). Mimi and Pop brought the cakes (thanks). I couldn't wait to see them and they were even cuter than I thought they would be. Gracie had her own little cake and the big cake was the number one decorated in pink, purple, blue and butterflies. It was really one of the cutest cakes I have ever seen. There was NO cake left over it was so delicious. Everyone enjoyed it.

There was a great turn out for the party. I think just about everyone that was invited came. I was so glad to meet baby Eli (he is sooo cute) and to see Jay and Michelle. Michelle and I haven't spent much time together since High School, but maybe now the little ones can have play dates when Eli gets a little bigger (I'm not sure Gracie would be very nice right now). We were also so excited to see baby Katelyn (she is sooo cute too) and Clay and Alison. They live on the other side of the world. In fact when they got here Alison came through the door and said "Well we are here for Gracie's graduation." They gave her the sticky frog book (the tongue pulls out and then sticks back to the cover). It was a big hit, all of the kids loved it especially the big kids.




She also got some very special gifts, just like Hayden on her 1st bithday. Nana and Steve gave her a dozen of pink roses and are having a painting done from her one year pictures (just like Hayden's). It takes a while to get the picture because the lady that does it works full time and only does it on the side, but it is worth it because they turn out beautiful. Hayden's is hanging in our living room where everyone can see it when they come in. Aunt Kim gave her an inch of pearls (just like Hayden's). Kim wrote an amazing birthday card, that made me cry in front of everyone. The idea of the pearls is that Kim will give the girls an inch every year and by the time they graduate or get married (if their daddy ever lets them) they will have the most perfect, special necklace to wear. They will always know how special they are everytime they wear it. Mimi and Pop gave her a lion walking / riding toy. She really likes to try to walk with it, she just laughs and scrunches that nose up. Daddy, Mommy and Hayden gave her a little couch to sit on and a little Fisher Price Playhouse. Hayden helped us pick out our gifts and she has enjoyed them too! She also got lots of really cute clothes, now I am ready for cooler weather, so she can wear them all. Everyone gave such great gifts (thanks to everyone). We all want to thank everyone for coming and celebrating with us!

Taking it Easy:

Playhouse:

Beautiful Roses:

The LION:

Uncle Artie's Birthday

Yesterday was Artie's birthday, so Hayden made him her special cupcakes. She makes cupcakes for everyone on their birthday. Artie requested yellow cake and chocolate icing, so that is what she whipped up for him. She does an excellent job (she makes the best cupcakes ever). She cracks all the eggs, beats the eggs and mixes in the other ingredients all by herself. Hopefully she will be a better cook than her Mommy (Ha Ha!). Since her 2nd birthday, she is all about having birthday parties. She gets so excited and practices singing Happy Birthday, but when it is actually time to sing she gets all shy and waits on everyone else to start. She sure does sound beautiful though while she is making those cupcakes! She picked out a very silly birthday card at CVS, she was so proud of that card last night, she kept showing to everyone over and over again. I think Artie had a great birthday, or at least we hope he did!

Tomorrow is Gracie's birthday party, so we spent the day shopping and getting ready for the party. We picked out a couple of great presents for our precious girl and bought lots of balloons. Now all I have to do is finish cleaning (although I don't think I am ever done). Don't worry I will have a great post about her party later!!!

Hayden Under Caution

In Hayden's Preschool class they have a red light to follow rules. Green means that you are being good and can play, yellow means you are under caution and have to sit out for a minute and well red means you are in big trouble. Hayden informed me when I picked her up from school today that she made the yellow light. She acted like it was no big deal, which really surprises me. She is usually very shy and always listens to other people (just not Mommy). I asked her what she did and she says "I wasn't listening and I was talking." I think she was trying to tell Kierstin a secret during story time. At first I was really upset that she got in trouble. I guess it is true you never want to believe your child can do anything wrong. Mark told me I was being silly and to stop worrying about it, after all she is 3 and has only been in school for 2 weeks. I guess I hope she doesn't act like her Daddy did in school (HA HA), he says he was only bad in Elementary School. I will just have to ask Mimi and Pop about that! I on the other hand was always perfect and never got in trouble!

Hayden has been exhausted after school. Sometimes I think I picked up the wrong kid from Preschool. My sweet little girl is acting out every afternoon. I know it is because she is so tired . She doesn't want to take a nap until 5pm and I can't let her go to sleep that late and expect her to go to bed at 9pm. I hope that after another week we will be used to everything. This week has been very different. Gracie hasn't been her smiling self either. She is trying to cut another top tooth and has her first ear infection this week, she doesn't want to take a nap during the day and just crawls around crying for me. I took her to see Aunt Kim this morning and she prescribed her an antibiotic, at least she will be competely well by her birthday party this Sunday.

Well I guess that is it for today, once again Hayden wants to play her games. I think she only wants to use the computer when I am.

We Made It

Well we all made it through our first week of Preschool. Hayden has really enjoyed it, but she sure has been exhausted all week. Gracie has missed Hayden very much, she spent her mornings crawling around the house trying to find her. Gracie did enjoy some Mommy time, she got lots of loving this week (she is so rotten). I missed Hayden like crazy, but it was exciting sitting in the carpool line waiting for her to come out. She looked like such a big girl coming down the walkway with her book bag, lunch box, and that big happy smile to see Mommy and Gracie. I know she is growing up, it's just that she is growing up way too fast. They are both growing up way too fast. Gracie's 1st Birthday Party is next Sunday(WOW). I can't believe that my baby is turning 1, it seems like just yesterday that smiling baby was born.

I took Hayden to eat ice cream after school on Monday and Tuesday. I considered that her treat for going to school and not crying, so when I picked her up yesterday the first thing she said was "I want a chocolate ice cream cone." I told her we were going swimming with Kim instead, and of course the ice cream was no comparison. She was so tired when we got to Kim's, it was almost like she was too tired to swim. We ended up swimming for about an hour before the storms started passing through. Hayden wanted to go inside and play with Spooky, Squeaky, and Buddy. She gave all the animals and treat and ended up playing games on Kim's laptop (she loves to play on the computer). Mimi came for a visit when she got off work, and the girls were excited to see her but they were both so sleepy. Gracie started getting fussy and Hayden was actually ready to go (that is when you know she is tired). We left Kim's around 4:30 and both girls fell asleep and ended up sleeping until about 6:30. They didn't even wake up when I got them out of the car (that hardly ever happens). They woke up just in time to play with Daddy. They played for a couple of hours and we all went to bed early.

Gracie was ready to rise and shine around 7:30 this morning, but Hayden ended up sleeping until 9:15. She sat up in the bed and said "I want to watch my shows in the living room." She has really missed laying around in the mornings. She even told her Daddy last night she was glad she didn't have to go to school today.

Nana and Steve came to watch the girls this afternoon while Mommy got her hair done (YAY). Once again Gracie was a little stinker and wouldn't take a nap. I guess she just loves them so much, she doesn't want to miss anything. Hayden pretty much got to do whatever she wanted (thanks to Steve). It sounds like the girls had a great afternoon. Well I guess I am done, Hayden has informed me that it is time for her to play her games!

First Day of Preschool

Today was Hayden's 1st day of Preschool. She was so excited last night. She took a bubble bath and wore her new pajamas that Mimi bought her. She got in the bed at 7:45 to watch a movie and get ready to go to sleep. Mark and I were in the living room watching TV and checked on her at around 7:50 and she was already sound asleep.

I got up this morning and got myself ready. Then I decided to get Gracie ready before I even woke Hayden up. It was kind of interesting because this is the first morning in a long time I had to be on a schedule. Hayden slept until 7:45 this morning when I finally told she had to get up and get ready to go to school, of course she sat right up and said "okay". She ate her famous breakfast (oatmeal) and watched a little bit of TV. She really likes to lay around in her PJ's in the mornings and watch her shows. After she was done eating I told her to come get dressed and she said "I'm still too tired, I just want to watch my show". I finally convinced her to get dressed and as soon as she started putting on her clothes, she got really excited and couldn't wait to get in the car. Once she was ready she said "Are you ready to take my picture?" I guess was taking too many pictures this morning (I couldn't help myself).

I kept trying not to cry all the way to the school. I kept telling her how much fun she was going to have. We got in the car pool line and I unbuckled her carseat and she crawled up front. When Mrs. Sue opened the door she gave Gracie and Mommy a really fast kiss and jumped right out. She made sure to lay TIRED in her carseat. Of course as soon as the door closed and I realized where she put TIRED I started crying, but I didn't cry very long (I was very proud of myself). I think her Daddy had a hard time today too! He really wanted to take her and pick her up today too, but he had to go to work. He works really hard to provide us with everything we have (thank you Daddy). He does get to have a Date with Daddy at Preschool at the end of September. He will definetly have the prettiest date! It was very hard, but she was so cute and she looked like such a big girl.

Gracie and I picked Hayden up at 1:00 this afternoon. Hayden and Kierstin came out holding hands and wearing their new hats they made. It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen. She had a wonderful day at preschool and of course she said the playground was the best part. She got in the car and picked up TIRED (you could see the love) and then told me she ate all of her sandwich and cupcakes for lunch. She even shared a cupcake with Kierstin, but tomorrow she wants to take a jelly sandwich without peanut butter just like Kierstin. I took her to get a chocolate ice cream cone after I picked her up and we sat outside and talked all about her big day. I surprised her after she finished her ice cream by telling her that we were going to go see Mimi (that brought a big smile). I know Mimi needed to see her today too!!! After we got home Nana came out to visit for a little while. I think she needed to see Hayden today too! She is a very loved girl. Today was a very important and special day for everyone that loves Hayden, and it was PERFECT!

Here are the pictures:

TIRED:

Look what she made:

School makes her sleepy:

Who's the Boss?

Chocolate Ice Cream Cone:
The Big Day:

Sleeping like an Angel:

Love that Smile

Meeting the Teacher

It was open house at the preschool from 10am - 11am for the BLUE class. She wore her blue crayon name tag today. She thought she was something else with her name tag on in the car. She has two wonderful teachers this year Mrs. Christie and Mrs. Sue. When we first went into the room Mrs. Christie told Hayden that she had been waiting all morning to meet her. After that the shyness started wearing off and Mrs. Christie took her around the classroom to show her where to put her book bag and lunch box every morning. She posted a picture of Hayden on all of her name tags to help her learn what her name looks like (I thought that was a really good idea). She did try to interact with the other kids. She helped a little boy put a puzzle together and helped Paxton cook in the kitchen. Mrs. Christie sat at the kitchen table and told Hayden and Paxton to cook her a pizza. I think Hayden was surprised to see the teacher playing (she had a really confused look on her face). Of course, when Kierstin walked into the room she was very excited, they started cooking in kitchen(apparently all kids really love to cook) and playing with the baby dolls. She still has a lot of opening up to do with the other kids but at least it was a start today. I'm sure in a couple of weeks she will get to know everybody. In fact she was having so much fun she didn't want to leave. She gave Mrs. Christie and Mrs. Sue a big hug before she left. The cutest part was that Hayden and Kierstin walked out of their classroom holding hands. I think they are going to have a great school year. Hopefully the open house today will make Monday a little less stressful on Mommy. I know I am still going to cry, but I am going to make myself wait until she gets out of the car. I don't want to scare and upset her too. I can't wait to hear all about her first day of school when I pick her up Monday afternoon.

Getting Ready for School

Hayden had to go to the dentist this morning to get her teeth cleaned. This is the 2nd time she has been, but she acts like such a big girl in there. She does everything they ask her to do without being scared or crying. The gloves they use at Dr. Proctor's office are flavored today they had on bubble gum flavor. The flouride treatment, toothpaste and dental floss were all strawberry flavored. I think I am going to start using a kid dentist too! They all told her today what a big girl she was to be 3 years old. I think they were expecting her to act out. After we left the dentist, Hayden and I went to buy all the party stuff for Gracie's birthday. I knew she would love that, she is really into birthday parties. She had fun at Party City picking out everything we needed (and a lot of stuff we didn't).

Gracie stayed with Nana and Steve this morning. I think she was a little bit of a stinker, but they managed and enjoyed their time with her. When Hayden and I got back to Nana's house, Gracie was sound asleep in Steve's lap ( I think he was scared to move). She apparently fell asleep one time and they tried to move her and she woke up very angry!!! She was glad to see Hayden and Mommy when she woke up.

When we left Nana's, we went shopping with Mimi. Mimi bought Hayden some school clothes(thanks Mimi and Pop). They are all so cute. She will be one of the best dressed in the class (nothing but the best for our new preschooler). She is now all ready for school, I don't think I am quite as ready as she is, but I know it is time for her to interact with other kids and start learning new things. I know I am going to have a really hard time next Monday. The hardest part is because last year at the exact time is when we found out that Hayden was very sick. I still cry everytime I think about it, but at least this year she will be moving on to an exciting part of her life, the first of many school years. She is so smart and beautiful, and she knows that she can do anything that she puts her mind to. I know her teacher will think the same thing after she gets to know her. Mark and I thank God everyday for our two precious girls. We are truly blessed!

Picture Day

I took the girls for pictures today. Gracie is turning 1 and I wanted to send invitations for her birthday party like I did for Hayden's 1st Birthday (have to be fair). Gracie is definetly not as into taking pictures as Hayden has always been. Hayden has always took wonderful pictures and with Gracie it takes a lot to get her to smile. She has a beautiful smile until I sit her down to take the pictures and then she screams and crys (my Mom says that is what I used to do too). I think we still got some great pictures, but of course I always think that. Hayden had to take her school stuff to have a picture made, she is so excited about her Princess book bag and lunch box. They wore their outfits that Kim and Artie gave them last weekend. Hayden has already decided that is what she is wearing the 1st day of school.

So here are a lot of pictures: I had to do several post, it will only let me put 5 pictures at a time!

Picture Day...

Picture Day Cont.

Kisses and Giggles

Gracie is now giving kisses when you ask her for one. It is so funny. Sometimes she gives me kisses without even asking for one. It is those big open mouth kisses (the special first kisses). Last night she shared some good kisses with her Daddy when he got home from work, and of course Hayden gave her sweet kisses and Big Hugs, which always makes his day. What more could he ask for? After everyone got kisses Daddy started tickling Hayden so Gracie decided to help and then all of the sudden we heard Gracie making the tickle tickle sound (I'm sure everyone knows it). We all started laughing so she kept doing it and laughing (her famous laugh). It was such a fun evening watching Hayden and Gracie, Hayden kept hiding from Gracie and when Gracie would find her they would laugh so hard and loud. It is the best sound in the world. Mark even said last night that "he bets Hayden didn't have this much fun at one." I hope they will always be close.

Back Home

We got back home Saturday afternoon. I really wasn't ready to come back yet, but everyone had to go back to work. I was expecting to have an awful ride home with the girls, but they were both good. Gracie finally got a little fussy at the very end(at least it wasn't the whole ride).

We had the best time with the girls this year. Hayden enjoyed everything, especially spending lots of time with Grandmama, Kim, Mimi and Pop. She loved waking up in the mornings and running upstairs to greet Mimi and Pop, and she really enjoyed her bedtime stories every night with Pop. He would read her one book and she would be sound asleep in his lap (he didn't mind at all).

Gracie liked the sand the most, however the last day we were there she decided she wanted to crawl around in the water. It was really cute watching her get so excited about sand. I guess it time to introduce her to the sand box. I can't wait to see her at the beach next year.

Now it is back to our usual routine; we have washed clothes and cleaned the house. It just isn't as much fun!!!

Thank you Mimi and Pop for a great vacation. We can't wait until next year!!!

Pictures from Aunt Kim:

Hayden enjoying the water:

Making Snow Cones with Pop:

Little Cutie Pie:

She loves taking pictures:

All Grown up:

Favorite Pictures:

The most beautiful thing ever:

Mommy and Hayden:

The love of my life:

Family Portrait:

Clowning around:

Favorite Pictures Cont:

Relaxing on the beach:

I need another froot loop Mimi:

Grandmama and the girls:


Going for a crawl on the beach:

Going for a swim: