the kiss

Here’s the beloved open mouth kiss that Hadleigh gives to Mama, at least 30 times a day.  First she grabs my face…then she leans in with her mouth open wide, and lastly she places her entire mouth over my lips and breathes.  It’s quite precious and quite hilarious at the same time.

nothing like a sweet baby kiss….

Eight Months of you…

Eight months of delightful you…what a gift.

And when I say delightful, you are truly a delight.  You are one of the most contented babies on the face of the earth and readily brighten the day of anyone that comes across your path.  You are adored by your brother and sister…and pretty much everyone else that knows you.

Strangers stop me in my tracks to tell me how beautiful you are. (You are continuing the tradition that your brother and sister began when they were “yittles” too.)  You smile for the camera – or a phone – it is quite hilarious….and you’ve developed a cute little giggle.  You enjoy being tickled and like to play peek-a-boo – you’ve even learned to pull the blanket off your head and squeal with anticipation.

This month you took 2 plane trips: one to Florida to see Grandmother, and one to Texas to see Uncle Bryan.  He spoiled you and you got soooo many kisses and cuddles.  (Even more because you didn’t feel well and we had to make our first visit to the ER with you…fever and a viral rash…turned into a double ear infection.)  But even then you were delightful and happy.

You got your first teeth this month – 2 cute little niblets on the bottom – and you love drinking anything from a straw.  You enjoy little bites of pancakes at times and get excited when mama gives you small chunks of mango, avocado and banana.

You do an adorable "HAPPY DANCE" when you are excited or are listening to music.  You sway from side to side; in a little movement at first, gradually getting larger and larger - like a pendulum.

 

8 months has flown by and I am trying my best to drink in every cuddle, every open mouthed kiss and every dreamy head.  We love you Hadleigh.

don’t forget!

Don’t forget to dye pasta for fun Art Projects after you color your Easter Eggs!

Fun kids “foto” shoot

I was having fun with the kids shooting Hadleigh’s 7 month birthday and everyone wanted in on the fun.  I posted some of these with her birthday check in, but wanted to share some of the other adorable shots….gratuitous cuteness – but hey, my blog.  my choice.  my pictures.

and my favorite shot…..

These guys bring sunshine to these cloudy winter days…thank you Lord for the blessing of my children.

Girls only!

We had the honor and privilege of flying to Florida to visit Grandmother in February – girls only, though!  Grandmom and the two little girls (and mama) ventured to the sunshine state to bask in the warmth and take in all the grandmother love that our hearts could manage!

Anna and Hadleigh waiting for our flight – of course, when at BWI, you have to get Jamba to fill your time.  And yes, that’s our 7 month old drinking from a straw.  She drinks from straws…not sippy cups…especially when it is a smoothie!

A short flight later and we had arrived in the sunshine state.  Everyone kept asking Anna if she was excited to see Mickey.  She kept saying, “I’m not coming to see Mickey, I’m coming to see my Grandmother!”

Grandmother lives right on the canal that leads to Lake Okeechobee.  The girls (and I) love sitting out back watching the birds, the fish and enjoying the quiet of the water lapping.  Later in the afternoon while Hadleigh was napping, Anna got out the sprinkler to cool off.  It was a DELIGHTFUL 87 degrees every day we were there.  Oh, bestill my weary winter soul (and skin).

2 of the days we had the opportunity to go swimming at the pool. 

And on Monday while we were there, we went to the beach!  It was Hadleigh’s first experience with sand and the ocean water, and she loved it.  She especially enjoyed sucking the salt water off her fingers. 

After a fun day at the beach, we went to a local seafood restaurant on the canal and stuffed ourselves full of fresh gulf shrimp and scallops.

One of our favorite treats was the FRESH orange juice every morning.  Anna loved helping Grandmother make this treat – and she loved drinking it even more.  I don’t think Grandmother knew one little girl could drink so much OJ!

A few times we did “face time” with Daddy on Grandmom’s iPad.  Anna’s delight was evident every time she could talk to Daddy and Hudson.

We had a wonderful trip – it was so incredible to get to spend some quality time with Grandmom and Grandmother…and to make some fabulous memories…