Naked Baby Jamboree

Every night, after his bath, Hayden plays naked on the floor of his bedroom. We put him on towels while he plays with his toys and tells us all his thoughts on life. This "naked baby jamboree" (as Shane has called it) has become a big part of his bedtime routine. Life is good when you are 7.5 months and naked...

We Love You, Daddy!

Shane has gone to Colorado to visit his sister. I wanted to post these pictures that were taken this afternoon just for Shane. We love you and miss you.

Pooping Face

OK, so I am probably violating some mother-child code of ethics with this post; however, I could not resist putting this on here. When I snapped this picture, the sun was in my eyes and I did not know what picture I would get as a result....you have to admit, it's pretty cute!!

P.S. Sorry Hayden. Mummy loves you!!

Getting Ready To Crawl

Hayden is thiiiiiiiiis close to being able to crawl. He pushes up on all fours and rocks before collapsing back down onto his belly. I cannot believe our baby is going to be mobile very, very soon.

Mum and dad, you better make sure that house of yours in baby proof before we get there next month!!! :)

Playing In The January Sunshine

Hayden, Boone and I took a walk around town this afternoon. The sky was blue and the sunshine warm. Hayden fell asleep while Boone and I enjoyed being warmed by the mid-afternoon sun. When we got back to the house, we played in the front garden watching Shane and Mike work in the garage. It felt really good to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.

Hats Are For Chewing.

Today, Mike found out first hand what Hayden thinks of baseball caps. They are to help with the pain of teething.

Grandparents Arrived!

Mike and Shirley arrived safe and sound from Colorado on Monday evening. Hayden spent the day yesterday with Kaila so that Shirley and Mike could settle in and relax from their two days of travel. I took today off of work so that Hayden could spend the day getting used to having his grandparents here...I am hoping that Mike and Shirley can babysit a couple of days while I am at work! I would feel as though I am taking advantage of them; however, I know that they came here to visit with Hayden (rather than Shane, me or the dog!), so I don't feel too bad!!

Hayden is either teething or having mild stomach pains or both as he has not been quite himself today. He has still been happy and smiley; but, a little more fussy than usual. He has not slept well today and has not eaten well either. Hopefully he will be feeling better tomorrow with a good night of sleep behind him. Regardless of not feeling quite himself, Mike and Shirley have had a great day playing with Hayden and have even taken him on a couple of walks.

I made a roast leg of lamb for dinner tonight as I know it is one of Shirley's favourite meals and even Mike enjoyed it...he had to admit it was much better than he remembered! Success!

Awaiting the Arrival of the Grandparents

Hayden, Boone and I took a walk yesterday and today. It was nice to get out and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather we have been having lately. Shane has been working in his shop all weekend...coming in for food and beer!...Oh, and the occasional nap!!
Here are some pictures of Hayden playing in his bouncer this afternoon. He just woke up from a two hour nap and is feeling much happier as a result.

Shane's parents are on their way out to visit. I just spoke with them as they crossed from Utah to Nevada. I am excited to have them here so they can spend time with Hayden. He is so much fun these days and I know they will have a great time playing with him.

Time For Your Morning Close-Up

Saturday mornings are the best. Hanging out in bed, all of us staying in our PJs and getting ready to take the first nap of the day!!

Why Hayden, What Big, Blue Eyes You Have.

All the better to see you with, my dear.

If You're Happy And You Know It....

....rub your belly!!

Hard Time Getting To Sleep

For some reason (probably due to being over-tired), Hayden had a hard time getting settled tonight. So after listening to him toss and turn for a while, I went in to investigate. I was greeted with giggles, snarfing and growling. Yup, tired but not sleepy. So I brought him out to the couch for 15 minutes where he laid on me and flirted with his daddy. After meeting his cuteness quota for the today, he went straight to sleep when I tried again.

Sweet dreams Hayden!

A Walk Along Sacramento River

This afternoon, Shane was eager to get out of the house and out of Burney (and all it's frozen snow). Boone has not had a good run in a while and so we decided to head down to Redding to take a walk along Sacramento River. We parked at Turtle Bay and crossed the sundial bridge. We walked around the wide, open park-like area (which was thankfully paved, so we could take the stroller with us). Boone had a fantastic time swimming and chasing sticks. Hayden even seemed to enjoy the fresh air. It was nice to spend some time as a family.

Meeting Maddie

Today, I got to meet Maddie in up close...well, as up close as Skype will let you get (unfortunately, Hayden was sleeping so he did not get to meet her). She is beautiful and sleepy. She looks like a little dolly in Adam's big, brick laying hands; yet, he is so gentle with her. Both Adam and Carly look happy. Neither Adam nor Carly can take their eyes off of Maddie...it is just as it should be.

Adam & Carly and Jamie got lap tops from my parents recently...I am so, so excited because they are both going to get set up with Skype. This means I will have more contact with my brother and sister than I have ever had in the over 11 years I have been in the States. Technology is really helping me stay close to my family.

Stayed Home With Dad

I went to work today and left all the boys at home. It was a tight contest between Shane and Hayden as to who looked more exhausted when I got home! Shane had done a great job around the house...he has put away the Christmas tree and most of the the Christmas decorations as well as doing all the dishes. That was a nice treat to come home to.

When I got home, Shane and I played fetch and wrestle with the dog while Hayden provided a running commentary with lots of "Oohs" and "Aahs" and other Hayden vocabulary that I could not even begin to spell! Hayden loves watching the dog run and fetch - it always makes him giggle.

I am hoping to meet Maddie on the web-cam tomorrow! I am so excited. I cannot wait to introduce Hayden to his brand new baby cousin! Oh, and talking of introducing Hayden to Maddie...Shane and I went and got Hayden his passport yesterday! How many 7 month old babies do you know that have their passports already?!! Hayden was very good and his passport picture even came out pretty good! Of course, he is well practiced in front of a camera these days!

Eating A Baby Rusk Biscuit

Here is Hayden with the first food he has fed himself. It is one of those Baby Rice Rusk biscuits...the kind that dissolves as soon as it touches anything moist - no choking hazards here! He seemed relatively impressed with it - although, as with everything else, he took it in his stride and I was the more excited one!

Happy New Year everyone - hope 2009 has plenty of good in store for you!