A Visit to Pennsylvania

Last week, Hadley and Mommy flew to Pennsylvania. It was a week full of family, friends, and fun! Although Hadley was certainly spoiled by all of the attention, Mommy was even more spoiled by the wonderful dinners, help with Hadley, and having a week free of cleaning and laundry! (Thank you MomMom!)

On Monday, Mommy and Hadley went to Mommy's work to put a few hours in before we left for vacation. We drove two long hours to Myrtle Beach, then flew to ABE. Hadley had tons of fun in the airport, and made a big scene on the plane, as usual. Luckily that flight is always filled with grandparents who are happy to help me entertain her.

On Tuesday, we visited PapaDon. We did lots of fun things, like playing with mommy's old toys and going to a playground. We both enjoyed being in weather that was below 95 degrees for a change. 

That afternoon, Mommy and Daddy's friend from high school, Courtney, came to visit with her two boys. Hadley and Lyam are only a few days apart in age, and had a blast playing together. 

On Wednesday morning, we visited Nonna and Madi. Hadley was all over Madi, and Madi was a wonderful helper. She took Hadley on the swing, played with her in the grass, and showed her all sorts of toys at Nonna's house.

That afternoon, we stopped by Aunt Erin and Uncle Adam's house. The kids had lots of fun running around the house and playing outside.

On Thursday, we went to the mall with PapaDon and Grandma. Mommy got to do a little shopping on her own. Hadley went to the pet shop and saw puppies and "meowses."

Then we went back to PapaDon's house and Hadley helped water the plants.

On Friday, Mommy left for a night to be with friends from college. Hadley had lots of fun while Mommy was gone. She went to a parade, visited family, and even got a new pair of sparkly shoes out of the experience after she lost her shoes at Celtic Fest  ;)

I got this picture of Hadley and Auntie Brynn enjoying the Celtic Fest Parade Saturday morning. 

Later that night, Hadley tried on BobBob's shoes while wearing her "Wee Little Trouble Maker" shirt that Auntie Brynn got for her at Celtic Fest. 

...and played 'Ring Around the Rosies' with MomMom...

She took a few short naps...but didn't want to sleep and miss out on the fun!

On Sunday we spent the day with Mema. We went to a playground, and Hadley had a great time playing with Mema's boxer, Kadie, all afternoon.

On the flight back, Hadley harassed the people behind us, played with toys that MomMom thoughtfully stashed in my carry-on, and scream-cried off and on.

When we got home, Bode and Sadie were thrilled to have their Mommy and little sister back. Bode ended his depression-induced hunger strike. Both dogs slowly began to come out of their depression and move around the house again. Daddy did a wonderful job taking care of the dogs in our absence, but it is so important for the dogs to have the whole "pack" home with them. 

Thank you to all our friends and family for a lovely week. 

We had a wonderful time and can't wait to visit again! 

Mama Bear Hadley

As many of you know, Hadley  is obsessed with baby dolls. She kisses them, feeds them bottles, and rocks them in her arms. It really is the sweetest thing to watch her be so nurturing.

Here she is reading to her babies....

...and pointing to pictures in her book saying, "What is that? Bear!" to teach her babies. 

She's also been very interested real babies. If there's another toddler her age or younger, she treats them like a baby...feeding them, crawling next to them giving moral support, and saying, "Ohhhh it's ok, baby! I know, baby!"

On Tuesday when I picked Hadley up from preschool, her teacher told me she had taken a boy in her class who cries the whole time under her wing. She feeds him at snack time, gives him his pacifier when he cries, and tells her teachers, "That's my baby!" The little boy's mom was so glad he has someone his age looking out for him in his class. 

In other preschool news, Hadley got her first "bad report" from her teachers yesterday. After school on Thursday, Hadley's teacher took me aside to tell me that Hadley had been riding the slide upside down, face-first into pile of dirt. Of course, being the ring leader that she is, she encouraged the other children to do it too. Her teacher was not very happy, and mommy was embarrassed.

 I know this will not be the last time Mommy gets scolded for Hadley's antics...but I also have faith that one day Hadley will channel all of her energy and leadership skills into achieving great things! Regardless, I'm a proud mama and I love watching Hadley learn, grow, and of course, cause a little bit of mischief on the side ;)

Hadley's First Day of Preschool!

Today was Hadley's much-anticipated first day of preschool! She is going to school at our church, in a big building right next door to Mommy's new office. There are five boys and four girls in her class, and two teachers named Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Tetterton.

Over the weekend, Hadley put a tray on the couch and sat in it. She went sledding down the couch and crashed into the ottoman face first. So, we had a lovely swollen, black eye for her first day. This picture doesn't even do it justice...her left eye is so swollen and purple all over the lid.

I tried to get a good picture of Hadley this morning next to our "First Day of Preschool" sign, but she wasn't in the mood!

When we got to school, I managed to get a few pictures of her before I dropped her off!

 Here is a peek at their little schedule.

When I went to pick her up, the teachers brought the kids out one at a time. Each kid was crying and being carried. Finally, the last out the door was Hadley, trotting along holding the teacher's hand and smiling. Her teacher said she did great and was the only one who didn't cry! She said said Hadley "Rolled around, got into lots of different toys, and ate a TON of cheese at snack time." That sounds like our girl!

 Here is a picture her teacher texted to me of the class at snack time. If you can't find her in the little sea of blonde children, Hadley is in the upper-right corner of the table:

And the upper-left from this angle:

When we got home, I tried for one last picture in front of her sign. I'm so glad she had a great day, and I'm looking forward to all of the fun she will have this year!

Hadley Catches a Wave

Last weekend we did our usual Saturday of going to the beach. Hadley is such a water baby.When she's not in the water, she's chasing birds and making friends with dogs and kids. It's exhausting to keep up with her all day! Mommy and Daddy take turns chasing after Hadley and occasionally convince her to rest and have a snack.

Last week Daddy brought his childhood boogie board to the beach, and Hadley hopped right on! Look at that face! I think we might have a surfer girl on our hands in a few years.

She also wiped out a few times, but took it like a champ!

She finished off the afternoon with a nice nap in her stroller...twitching and smiling as she probably dreamed about swimming, sand castles, and living the "salt life!"

Finishing Up the Dog Days of Summer

As summer winds down, we are getting ready for all of the fun things to come this fall. Hadley is starting preschool next week. She will go two days a week for about 3 hours. That same week, Mommy will be starting a part-time job at our church. It's a flexible position, so while Hadley is having fun at preschool, mommy will be arranging the Baptisms, weddings, and doing some networking for the church. A lot of changes are coming, so I wanted to reflect on the last few weeks, and all of the fun things we've been doing!

In early August, Hadley had her first swim lessons. She was admitted to the 2-3 year old class, and she held her own! Moms and babies got in the water and practiced being submerged, floating on their backs, and life jacket safety. Hadley loved her lessons each morning...but the rain and 8am swim class made for some COLD water. Mommy was so glad to get out of the water after each lesson!

Hadley's swim lessons have really helped with her baths. She's much more tolerant of having her hair washed. And Bode, who is OBSESSED with having cold, fresh water now spends each day waiting at the bathtub for a cool sip of water.

Another thing we've done this summer is knock out some mommy-daughter dates. One day we got frozen yogurt. 

We also went on a lunch date to Panera...

We've been using the baby pool on extra hot days. Bode always invites himself in the pool to play and drink the cold water.

This weekend our neighbors set up a "Redneck Riviera" in their front yard with a baby pool, slip 'n' slide, and water toys. Hadley most enjoyed sitting in a bucket of water.

She found the boys' helmet and Jeep and got on board.

Here she is running along the Slip 'n' slide in the helmet....

And last but not least, trying on mommy's shoes and bra, and sporting her sunhat. She was not pleased with Mommy for taking this picture!

This crazy girl is ready to finish up summer and start her education! I'm so sad to see her grow up, but so excited for her to begin school!