Flex

I love this stage of Hallie's life. She's like a little puppy dog who is fun to teach tricks to. Don't even guess how we taught her this, you would want to know. Sorry it's so long, I get a little carried away with my home videos. Just watch the first 20 seconds or until you get bored.

Peeping Tom

As you can see, this is one of Hallie's favorite hiding spots. If someone is in the shower she likes to play in the water that is splashing against the shower wall, but sometimes she just likes to go in there and stand. Twice, I have been cooking in the kitchen thinking she was right behind me and turned around to find her gone. The first time I panicked especially when I checked all the rooms and couldn't find her because I didn't think to look behind the curtain. I'm just glad she prefers the shower over the toilet.

Milk & Eggs

So, I wish I could say that I got bored with a pen in my hand, but I can't. All of the blue marks on Hallie's back represents a prick she received for allergy testing this morning. I was hoping she would make it through without crying like she did her shots, but it was nap time and let us know. The nurse told me not to touch her back for 15 min and left me alone with this itchy little girl. The poor thing couldn't figure out how to scratch her own back, so instead she kept scratching her tummy and flapping her arms like wings. In the meantime her back was bright red with large raised dots so I could guess what was coming. So the good news is she is not allergic to EVERYTHING, but the bad news is she allergic to milk, eggs, fish, and berries. That stinks for her because what quality of life would it be without chocolate and icecream. It also stinks for me because he said as long as I am nursing I need to follow this same diet, and sadly I eat mostly processed foods which almost all contain milk and eggs. So for the next two months, I am going to have to suffer through. I just hope she grows out of these allergies as kids often do because it will be sad for her birthdays to come when she is the only one who can't eat cake. The nurse today suggested birthday jello, boooo.

Happy Birthday Mikayla!

Yesterday we had another birthday, and this time our daughter Mikayla turned 14. If you are family, I'm sure you are thinking that you can't believe she is so grown up, and if you have never met her I'm sure you are thinking that there is no way this beautiful girl is only 14. Most people guess that she is the oldest and is 16 or 17, which is probably scary for her dad.

Besides being beautiful, Mikayla is also a loving daughter and sister and loves to sing and act. This May she is playing the lead role of Susan in "The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe." You are very likely looking at a future American Idol winner as well. Anyways, she is such a good kid and we love her very much and miss her like crazy when she is not with us. Mikayla, thanks for being you.

Sundays Hurt

So why accidents always happen on Sundays, I don't know; but sure enough they do. It was on a Sunday that she fell head first out of her pack and play and it was yesterday (sunday) that she fell hitting her head on the side of a drawer. I will give her props that she is a tough kid because i don't even think she cried for 2 or 3 minutes but the bruise I'm guessing will last about a week.

After falling it almost immediately swelled in to a knot but thankfully that is almost gone. So I know this is the first of many and I might as well get used to it since she is trying to climb on everything. I'm just praying that she will stay away from the stairs.

Formal Apology

Like every bad and good (if there is such a thing) politician, I need to make a formal apology only this one is to my ten month old. She in no way is as naughty as I said in the previous blog, she is just very independent and strong willed. So in being a first time mom, I am going to give myself an out and try to not make the mistake of judging my kids or husband based on their moods. Along with those qualities she is also the funniest baby I have ever been around and loves to make mom and dad laugh. She is such a joy to have in my life and everyday gets sweeter. She is gaining more of a personality everyday and that is so fun to see. She loves giving wet kisses, books (which is just like me), and getting her back scratched (which is just like her dad). I am very blessed to have such a precious family.

Happy Easter

The first events of a child's life are more exciting for the parents (or maybe just the moms) than they are for the child itself. When we brought Hallie in with Korbin, Mikayla, and Brianna to discover what the Easter Bunny had left her, she was definitely more interested in what her siblings were doing rather than caring what was in her basket. I'm assuming her upcoming birthday will be about the same. I on the other hand had fun having an excuse to dress her up and take pictures. Mornings are especially fun because Brianna and Hallie are the only early birds so they sit on the couch together and watch tv, while mom and dad get a break. It's my favorite time of the week.

Our Korbin is 16!

Our Korbin turned 16 today. He is such an awesome kid. In school he is always the top of his class and even made a 31 (i think) on his pre ACT. At home, he has never been anything but loving and kind to his sisters and us. He honestly is a dream teenager. He is also very close to becoming an eagle scout, and upon accomplishing this he may then get his driving permit (which by the way i think is rediculous and if it were up to me he would have gotten them early this morning). If you have such a good kid, why not be eager to give him something that is a milestone for every teen, especially when he would get his eagle scout anyway. Ok, I am done with my rant. I just wanted to brag on my son whom i am very proud of and love so much.

She may look sweet. . .

Hallie Reese is my first so she is supposed to be a little spoiled right? Well, we passed a little a long time ago. At ten months old, she knows how to throw a tantrum by bashing her own head into whatever is nearby, usually the floor or the wall. At first I tried not to smile because it was almost cute, now it is rediculous. I had a big part in the spoiling, but I blame 4 people: Nana, Korbin, Mikayla, and Brianna. These certain individuals have given non stop undivided attention, affection, and have catered to her every whine and cry. Now she is officially spoiled rotten. Ok, maybe i am kind of exaggerating and we probably just had a bad day, but wow. I hope she gets a little less challenging the older she gets, but i wouldn't be on it.

We moved!!!

So let's get this started. I have been procrastinating for about 3 months now but i need to start somewhere. Well the best new thing with this family is that we moved, finally. We are still renting but in a much more comfotable house with enough rooms for everyone for the time being (if it's up to Brandon that would be a long, long time). I finally got to decorate a nursery for Hallie and all the kids got to set up there own room. The only downfall is that there is still enough closet space and no basement. All in all we are thrilled and love the change.