New Discoveries

At 16 months Hayden Ann can say her ABC's and 123's! Haha. I am just kidding but she sure is close! ;) She said A B C D E for the babysitter and she says 2 and 3. She can brush her teeth - with mommy going back over them of course. She can rock the baby and give the baby a paci or bottle. She can say many words: "bi-bu" Bible, "ight" - light, no, "um" - yum, hey, hel-lo, bye bye, "ni ni" - night night, "bat" -bath, dog, apple - plain as day, momma and dada, nana and paw paw, "sa-ra", shoe, "suice" - juice, all done, baby, ball, "sack" - snack, eat, amen, "peas" - please, "tank u" - thank you, "cuse u" - excuse you, "bess u"- bless you.
She can make the sound for dog, cow, duck, lizard, monkey, tiger. Working on train and many others. She has many gestures, many! She can do fishy kiss, blow a kiss, clap, shake head yes/no, signs please, thank you and all done. She can name almost all body parts from head to toe. Not quite go knees and elbows ;) She climbs on everything and is not afraid of a thing! She dances on command - anytime anywhere!

Oh let me keep thinking and adding to the list as we go. ;)

Oh Boy!

Was this Christmas wonderful or what? We had so much fun with our little toddler princess! We stayed at moms Christmas eve (after an eventful night at 3 different family gatherings) and Jeannie stayed too -- so my mom had all her girls home for Christmas morning. Justin and I got to play Santa and set up a few of Hayden's toys. We left a couple bigger gifts at home for later. Sara Jeannie and I satisfied mom and threw reindeer food out on the lawn and mom got some pictures. We then played Twister and Justin was in charge of directions. What a fantasy. *eye roll* We woke up Christmas morning and all walked down the stairs together (even Miss Hayden Bug) She ran to her toys just like she knew what this was all about. Sara was a little jealous that there was a baby taking her morning glory but she got over it quick! Mommy and Daddy did Christmas with Hayden and Santa even came to visit. Hayden is getting used to the fat man with a big beard b/c she didn't get nearly as scared as she had a few weeks ago seeing santa for the first time... and around 7:20 daddy set off to work. We had breakfast dinner with family and friends and played all morning. We enjoyed nap time and then set out for more Christmas with family. We headed to The Timmons Christmas that evening at 6pm. We ate dinner and exchanged gifts where Hayden got yet another baby doll. That is what she is totally into right now and I am sure that she will be for a long while. It is okay that she got 4 for Christmas because she plays with everyone of them. Now we can toss the other 2 that have made their monies worth. :) We were able to video tape Hayden's Christmas with our new camcorder! We will have these memories forever!

The day after Christmas I was blessed to be able to go shopping and hit the great bargin deals stores had. I have really needed some clothes since having a baby and losing weight. I was able to really put a dent in my closet - Thank God! My best deal was at Belks where I spent a total of $111 and saved $259! I thought that was pretty good!! I also got to get a few things for Christmas next year on the half off sales. Like my cheesy Christmas Villages that I totally wanted and Justin makes fun of me for it. They were originally $70 and I got a couple for $13! Hey! Can't beat that! It was so hard not to go buy Hayden something, just one thing (although she doesn't need ANYTHING) so I bought a couple books! You can never have too many of those! They make for such great gifts and kids love them - well, Hayden does right now at least and I will continue to encourage it. I got home yesterday and a wonderful lady I clean for had given me a Shark steam mop for Christmas! I was stoked. Never expected that at all but how wonderful! This is definately a good incentive for my business, along with my wonderful basket full of supplies from my in-laws. Is that silly I get so excited over cleaning products. Haha. I am so glad that I love to do it though. I get it from the best - my lovely clean mother ;).

Now we head into a new year... with lots of reminders of how important family and friends are to us. How blessed we truly are and how important every moment is. I am so excited to start off a new year with new goals and aspirations! Personally I would like to improve and learn so much more as in true appreciation and patience, learn to just say no and to turn the other cheek. I want to work on my relationship with my God and my husband to make them stronger. I am not going to let the small things get the best of me -- "and in the end they are all small things". Psyically I would like to help my family to be healthier. I will try harder to exercise. I am going to work on better management of our money and paying bills. All this comes down to ME, changing myself!! But I am motivated and excited about seeing these changes happen!

Deuteronomy 31:6 Amen!

Life is wonderful

and all the glory goes to God! Christmas is right around the corner and I am all in the holiday spirit this year! Thanksgiving was wonderful, as food and family is always a wonderful thing! I cannot wait to share the joy and peace of the holidays with my little Hayden. We have done really good this year with shopping and all. Almost done actually. Hayden is going to have a great Christmas! I can't wait to watch her eyes light up on Christmas morning. She may not quite understand yet but I know she will still feel the excitement. Justin has to work 1st shift on Christmas day so we are thinking that we may get her up before he goes to work so that he can be apart of her morning. He hates that he will not be able to watch her play all day but soon enough he will be on top of the ladder at work and he will not have to work Holidays like this. Soon enough! Hayden is really an amazing little girl. I need to put up pictures and give you her status... I will work on that shortly!

Catching Up

Catching up...

We celebrated Hayden's 1st birthday on Aug 29th 2009. She had many friends and family over. We had a slip n slide and baby pools. She had a blast and her friends did too! We had cake and Hayden dug into hers and made a beautiful mess. I have been waiting for that moment. :) And yes, she got a lot of toys which is now over-powering the living room! She barely plays with them... so then, "what does she do?" She walks from room to room over and over agian. Heehee. She just loves to walk. She is so funny and really building her own little personality. She is so smart too. She knows where her head is. She can squat when you say "down" and stand when you say "up". She can find her paci and milk. She tries to put the lids on all the tupperware when I am putting dishes away. She just cracks me up. I have been working a lot lately with my part time job and now the cleaning jobs have really picked up. It is very good but I hate it as well. I just don't like leaving before she is up, coming home just to get ready to leav for work again. Not all days are like that and it really makes me appreciate EVERY moment I am with her but those days that it does happen are no fun. I love what I do too so that makes it easier. Here is my vent: I really like my part time job and my boss has been asking me to get my license to sell Life Ins but I just don't think I am too motivated for that. I mean I want to if it is just to get it behind me to do it later but I don't know if I can devote myself to that right now. In a couple years I want to have another baby and be home for a while. I don't want to do this and it change my plans. I just don't know. I don't know that it is what I really wnat to do either. I would LOVE to be a lactation consultant. I would LOVE it! But you see that I have not done anything about that either. See, no motavation! But I have been motivated to do something... and that is to walk. I love walking and wish I could do it everyday. We try to get out and walk in the morning or if I am working we have been going that evening. It is wonderful and something I think Hayden enjoys too. I would really like to get back to the gym but hasn't happened yet. There is always an excuse.

My little sisters birthday is in an hour! WOW! I cannot believe she will be 20! Look out! I love my baby sister. She is my best friend. We are very different but so much alike. We always have a good time together and can always count on the other. I know that she would do anything for me and likewise. It is so good to have that best friend that you can go to for anything whether it is for a favor, a vent, or a good laugh. That is Sara. True friends are hard to find and should be treasured if found. I hope she knows that I treasure her friendship. I love all of my friends and I feel very blessed to have such great ones.

Life as we once knew it....

will never be the same again, no; it will only be better and better. As I sit and reminence over the past year I have come to realize that the small things in life are what mean the most. I look at things so differently, with a new approach. I cannot begin to describe what my life and the people in it mean to me. My family, friends, Church family... it is just so amazing. I am so glad that I am seeing these things now and not a few years down the road and regret not doing the little things. I love that I will look Hayden in the eyes and we will just admire each other. I love going in there after she has fallen asleep and picking her up just to cuddle for another minute. I love stopping everything around me and just focusing on a great hug from my husband, or the favorite toy Hayden is into, or having dinner with the family. Yeah, I may be exhausted, I may have my plate a little full and at times I may get frustrated but tomorrow is never guarenteed and yesterday has gone... today is a gift, which gives the name the present!

We are planning Hayden's first birthday party and I am getting so excited! We are having it here at the house with a little blow up pool and pizza and it will be a ladybug theme. The stuff is so cute. I can't believe she is almost 1 year old! Ya'll, if you don't already know, this little girl holds my heart. Her smile will light up any room. Even her cries are cute ;) She babbles all the time now and she eats everything, boy can she eat. lol. She loves playing with other kids. And she doesn't have seperation anxiety! I am so thankful for that! For the other people who watch her more so than for me... it is probably because we have been so okay with leaving her with others from the beginning. I am taking in every moment and milestone with her and not rushing to have another one anytime soon... one day, 3 years is good. Then she can be more self sufficient and "help" mommy out and I can put her in a 3 half day daycare so that I will have one on one time with the new baby. I think that is very important. I am kinda scared to have 2. I guess it would come to me just as it did with one, huh? One day, one day!

It is amazing

how quick this little girl is growing! All in the past week she has clapped her hands, finally, she has taken her first step (only one) and she puts her hand to her mouth and says "ah ah ah ah" heehee... I just love it! I enjoy everyday, every moment, every milestone! I can't get enough. She is such a great baby and such a joy. I went in her room the other night just to get her out and snuggle up with her for a little bit. I could talk for hours about my little ladybug!

First day of summer at the pool

We had a great day at the pool. Hayden enjoyed her blow up pool and toys that her Nanna got for her and eventually got in the big pool with mommy. She splashed and laughed and wore herself out! I will upload the pictures soon, they are too cute! It is so nice to have the in-laws and a pool right up the road from us! I am looking forward to this summer. Justin is working a lot so he missed out today, BUMMER! I am already getting excited about planning Hayden's 1st birthday! I cannot get over the fact that it is 3 months away! She just does not seem to be close to a year! I surely am taking in each and every day! We played together this evening and I would laugh and get her laughing so hard that she would snort. It was so cute, it would make me laugh harder which meant she would laugh even harder. I can't say it enough, I just love her so much! I just want to go get her out of her crib and cuddle. I don't do that a lot though because it is taking chances of her not going back to sleep AND the fact that I just do not sleep well with her beside me. Her schedule is so wonderful -- I think I am really getting the hang of this! (and that does NOT mean I am ready for another one, not yet!) I want to enjoy my Hayden time and then we will talk of another baby. Ideally, I would like them to be 3 years apart. I figure that Hayden would be a little more self sufficient, she would be out of diapers, understand that mommy is pregnant, and she would maybe be going to a pre-K of some sort so I would get 1 on 1 time with baby #2. That would be very important to me. Oh and I would like for the economy to be a little better off. Of course! Well just wanted to share our dayh of Fun in the Sun.... I will add the pictures later! Good Night!

Bittersweet Ending

I just wanted to share that today was the first day of the end of breastfeeding. It is such a bittersweet ending. We have made it 9 months and I could not be happier or more proud of myself for doing such a good job with it. It was a rough start and we made it through it. We have been slowly weaning for a month now and was down to 1 morning feeding. Well, Hayden stayed with my mom last night so I knew that I wouldn't bf her today which meant I was done. (we had been down to 1 morning feeding for a while and I just had not stopped yet, so it was time) I do not know why I am so emotional about it because I am excited to have my body back and a baby not being attached to my breasts but at the same time it almost feels like she "doesn't need me anymore." Not like that because I know she needs me but it is like I am not her source of survival for food anymore. I know that there will be another one in the future to breastfeed so I will be okay but I just wanted to share and say thank you to all who have supported me through this. I know that I did the best thing for my daughter (and for me) that I could have ever done!

My love bug is getting into everything now... She can pull up to standing just about anywhere and she crawls like a bear all over the place. We are weaning her now from breastfeeding and it is going well, slowly but surely. She is eating more finger foods, like bite size fruits and veggies. It is a good thing too because I do not have to spoon feed her every bite. We can eat at the same time and enjoy it. I just love this ball of joy! I realize now after all the playdates with babies of the same age that Hayden is VERY high strug... "noooo, you don't say!" haha Ryland and Will are both so layed back and easy going and Hayden is here and there and annoyed and bored... and it keeps on going. So yeah, I have to say my job with her is 24/7 and just because I am home, don't expect my house to look remotely clean! Speaking of a job, I am getting on... I need money - don't we all :P I am wanting something part time so that I am not always away from Hayden but something close by so it will be worth the money I would be making. It will all work out - I trust my God!

Rejuvinated

7 months and I am getting the hang of things. We decided to stick with CIO (crying it out) to teach and train Hayden to self soothe herself to sleep and sleep throught the night. It is going great. It is definately not for everyone, as we tried it a while back and I could not stick with it, but it is worth giving it several tries. And you know... a couple nights of crying and 10-20 mins checking on her, knowing it is leading to the future nights of a full sleep is definately worth it! You just have to prepare yourself for it mentally and stick with it. Giving in will only confuse the baby and it will be worse! I am so glad that I have learned these things and that I have had people supporting me. Justin's help has been so helpful as well. It is nice to have someone walking right beside you and you can both encourage each other. Justin and I just sat in the back vanity area and tried not to listen to the cries! Check the clock and peek in on her... give her a pacifier and pat her belly and walk back out. Re-assure her it is okay and eventually the dry, fed, tired baby will learn to get herself to sleep.

I was not against co-sleeping and did it for the first few months occasionally but it is a bad habit to break if you do not plan to do it for years or at least have your mind set to it. It was actually helpful and easier to co-sleep to an extent in the beginning when she woke to nurse 2-4 times at night but now she is able to sleep throught the night yet she was still waking 2 times, then three and I was not going to let it get to anymore... and it was not to eat but just for the boob! Sorry, I am not a pacifier and it was only draining me. I would not feel like myself all day and if I didn't get a nap... phew! My day was gone! Now, though, I have more confidence and I am having a better nights rest and happier throughout the day. So is Hayden. She is also learning self confidence and independence as well. If you question this method please read about it... www.babycenter.com/0_the-ferber-method-demystified_7755.bc

So... other news, she is eating solids 3x a day. She LOVES yogurt the most. I make her babyfood, just not the rice cereal or yogurt. I like knowing it is all natural and it saves money. It is so easy at that. Just steam or bake, puree, and freeze in an ice cube tray. Put the cubes in labeled baggies and take out how ever many they will eat. So simple and the most natural! Don't get me wrong I am not an organic person myself but her nutrition this early on is very important to me... and why not? - I am a stay at home mom- she is my number one priority and this is my job. How about she is getting on her hands and knees and rocking... she will be crawling before I know it - then walking! OOOhhhh! She can even hold on to something and stand for periods of time! I just love her. I am so excited to see her grow and mature but it is going so fast! It will be time for another one before we know it! lol but lets wait on that thought another year or two. Okay so time to add a few pictures, wish I knew how to get them all over the page but I don't. We took her to the park the other day and she loved it! She got in the baby swing and just smiled and laughed! :)

2009 SNOW!

March 1 2009 We got SNOW! Justin and I played in it, threw snowballs and built our snow family. We had so much fun! Today I got Hayden out in it and took some pictures. She was just wondering why she was out in such cold and what were these cold white snowballs beside her? haha. She is just so precious and just to think next year she will be running around playing in it! How exciting! We made snow cream and of course it was sooo good. Snow is nice every once in a while but now that we got it I am ready for the beautiful WARM Spring! I hope we stay clear from the flu and we all stay healthy!... Next week is Spring forward so turn your clocks!! Can you believe it? Hayden is babbling, sitting up momentarily and rolling everywhere! We are enjoying EVERY milestone! She has cut 2 teeth now on the bottom and getting back to her good sleep habits - THANKFULLY!

We've been parents for half a year! ;)

And Hayden has cut her first tooth! OH MY! She has been fighting sleep, cranky, and refusing to eat lately and now we know why! I tried to take a picture... maybe you can see it! She is growing so quickly! Not quite crawling yet, who knows, she may never crawl. She is trying to sit up on her own but she hasn't figured it out. We are trying cloth diapers on her little tush! They are a little aggrivating because I am new at it... but hey I am not giving up yet! I love how eco friendly they are... how much better they are for their bottom, and in the long run they save tons of money! Justin was not too for it at first but he has been somewhat supportive lately. I just wish everyone was more supportive towards them. They are not "too much work" and I will do what is best for my family! :) I am also trying to get in better shape and that is tough right now. P90X is kicking my butt! But I can't wait to look "good" again! I'm sticking to it! BRING IT!

Our Valentines

So our Valentines has already been truly special! We celebrated it early because Justin will be working on the actual day. Now, Justin usually does not like holidays but he went far beyond what I could have asked for... not only did I get some beautiful Tulips and the sweetest card ever but he even got Hayden a First Valeantines card, 2 books, and a baby doll... THEN took us on a picnic in Glencairen Gardens.

We had such a good time and the weather was perfect. We layed out a blanket and had sub sandwiches, took pictures, and just enjoyed our special family time. I could not have asked for a better time! He is such a sweet husband and such a wonderful daddy to Hayden. I love my family! Of course, I have to share the pictures, well, some!

Another month goes by...

My Hayden is growing so fast! I am waiting for the day she gets up and starts walking and getting into everything! I love being able to stay at home with her and watch every milestone! I also, however, enjoy working on Tuesday evenings to keep my head straight! I love what I do and that they have a nursery there if I need to bring Hayden. She is doing great with her solid foods and getting her tummy time. So far she loves sweet potatoes!

She loves baths, that is for sure - it is her fun time! We will put her on her tummy in the tub with a rolled up towel and she will just kick and play with toys! It is so cute!
She usually sleeps great through the night, sometimes getting up around 4am, but that is still a good schedule to me - it isn't every 2 hours thankfully! She is still nursing which I do enjoy and plan to keep it up for a while longer! I would like to continue to 9 mos unless she disagrees of course. Luckily she has yet to be sick! I really don't know what I will do when she does. I guess just be there and comfort her :/

Oh, so I think I am going to take her to the Library on Monday mornings. A fellow mommy on YCM told me that they have a time where they read and blow bubbles and etc. so I think she would have fun and it would be getting her out, around other people, and it is free! I also want to take her to the theatre in downtown York. I think that she would do great in there and they have a balcony, I can feed her... we will see I guess. So, FYI-yourk county mommies (YCM) is an online network for mommies in the area and they have great support forums and great advice. I have also been to several playdates and met some good friends... We took this pic earlier today - sooo cute.

Bowater is currently doing shut downs/lay offs so Justin has been home more - well until now that he is back working 16hr days!!!! That is tough but I am so thankful that we are blessed with that job still. And for me to have the ability to stay home and raise our little girl and know and trust we will be okay with Justin supporting us is absolutely reassuring and rewarding! Over all, we sure put our trust in God! Oh btw, today is his b-day -BIG 25! LOWER INS. BABY!

Once apon a time...

...there was a young girl who met a young boy and they fell in love. That is how our story begins.
So a little background, Justin and I met in 2005 at a rodeo through my best friend of 8+ years and now is my sister in law who married Eric, Justin's brother. (cute, huh?) Justin and I dated, went seperate ways, and after some time tried it again. 3 months later we were engaged and head over heels for each other. July 29, 2006, 7 months following, we were introduced as Mr and Mrs Justin Timmons as we had made our commitment to each other for the rest of our lives. Who knew it would be this good! December 07 we were estatic to find out we had a little one on the way. Aug 29th 2008 5:53am, Our beautiful daughter Hayden Ann was born - 7 lbs 14 oz PERFECT!