Mommy and Me Monday

Hosted by Krystyn

redecorating part 2

I have been reorganizing some of Haley's shelves. And I added some photos of real animals to go above her book cases. These photographs are lovely and I think they are an effective way to tie together some of the various jungle themed prints in Haley's room. I also like that her alphabet is above her library.

Happy Birthday!

Happy 25th Birthday to the best of all the husbands!

Haley's first swim! and other little adventures

Since Zach and I just got a new job, we also got a jump in our income. So in addition to finally putting money back into savings, we are now able to afford a gym membership. I have been using guest passes and going with some friends on Sunday afternoons to work out and swim laps. I have also gone to a few classes.

I realize now how good I had it in college, when the classes and facilities were available to students at no additional charge. Why did I not take advantage of that gym more often.

It also made me realize how much more I push myself when I go workout in a class with friends. there's no pausing, and I have to push myself to keep up. I may be just a little bit competitive. ;) Also, lasses are fun, so they motivate me to go.

So, Zach went to check out the equipment and decided we would get a family membership. Then yesterday we dropped Haley off at the gym's childcare center, where she had a blast, and went to work out.

Tonight there was a family swim. We dressed Haley up in her little swimmers and headed to the pool. She had so much fun splashing around and flailing her arms and legs. But her favorite part was trying to eat the railing. I think we will definitely be frequenting the gym pool until the outdoor pool in town opens up for summer.

Haley's grandpa came with us too and he got a few great pictures of out little slippery fish. She kept sticking her face in the water and coming up stunned. It was adorable.

Today also had some other highlights.

We went to visit Haley's uncle Brennan who is through hiking the AT.

Haley had fun playing with Brennan and her Grandpa

But she loved Brennan's alarm clock most of all.

Since Haley has learned to stand herself up we had to lower her crib to it's lowest setting earlier this week. No more worrying about her toppling out.

She also rode in her old car seat for the last time today. Those little toes are really hanging over the edge. And the sun shade hits her in the head (although it probably doesn't help that it's broken). It's too bad that the limit for rear facing is one year, and not a certain height. According to the high chart at Target Haley is half way through the 12 month range.

Haley switched into her new convertible car seat. The Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite; or more affectionately known as the "Thorne Throne" (from 5 -100 pounds, can't go wrong with that. )

After installing the car seat we took the box up to the house, emptied her new balls, and let her go to town in her personal ball pit. She loved it!

as you can see her first Thorne Throne experience was pretty traumatic... she was pretty exhausted from such a long and exciting day.

Guess How Much I Love You

This instant classic was new to me just months ago. Boy was I missing out. The book was a gift for Haley that I received at a baby shower. It is the story of a father and son competing to show who loves the other more. Little Nutbrown Hare tries to show his infinite love in several finite was, always being affectionately outdone by his dad. This story is illustrated with clear and simple watercolors that bring the characters to life.

It is one of our cuddle time favorites that I'm sure I will read to Haley again and again. .

Guess How Much I Love You

by Sam McBratney, Illustrated by Anita Jeram Here Haley is reading it with her buddies Alyce and Drew when she was less than a week old.
There are some fun activities to do with this book. I also just learned that there is a whole series of books about the Nutbrown Hares. I can't wait to peruse them at a book store or check them out at our local library.
Other Titles:Colors EverywhereGuess How Much I love You: All Year RoundLet's Play in the SnowWhen I'm Bigand A Surprise for the Nutbrown Hares
I am linking to Feed Me Books Friday @ The Adventure of Motherhood

atlanta

Finally! Here are pictures from our week in Atlanta.

The trip down was a bit traumatic for Haley. This water bottle was her only comfort. (apparently having mommy in the back seat was not enough.

Checking out her meme

Aunt Christina fed her some peaches

And spent a lot of time playing with her.

Dressed for church on Sunday. The pajama and dress look is one of my personal favorites.

More peaches! Everyone gathered around to see her eat. It's amazing how much attention you can get for smearing food on our face when you're just a few months old.

Haley found a new friend!

Hanging out with Nana (my grandma)

I think Haley is a fan :)

Getting trained to low crawl by a real marine.

Working on her first painting. I think I see the words child prodigy in her future ;)

Hal luv Rob and Mag!

checking out the Olympics on her quilted living room floor.

Checking out the babies at babyland general. She blends right in!

Hanging out in the cabbage patch.

Watching the birth of a cabbage patch.

This ceremony of sorts was 30% Cute, 30% Ridiculous, 30% Hilarious, and 10% Weird

Haley loves her first dolls! Thanks Aunt Christina! Thanks Meme!

We went to Mrs. Joyce's house. Haley got a cute spring outfit, and some great bunny ears, and shades.

Mrs. Joyce is my godmother. kind of a third grandma. One of the most joyful and delightful ladies around. We used to love polishing silver at her house as kids.

Haley loves watching her singing and dancing clocks.

Then she got strapped into a portable booster seat for lunch.

We had a big dinner and several friends came to meet the bean. Drew and Leecee stayed the night. Haley loved watching Drew play his guitar and sing.

She also loved listening to stories from all of Ken's adventures. She got to hear about him eating ants and being on Jeopardy. Climbing to the base of everest and teaching me the fine art of the handshake.

We also had the chance to go see my friend perform in a sketch comedy show. It had me laughing over and over again. Especially when my wonderful husband was pulled on stage to dance. Haley was well behaved through out the entire show. She received several impressed compliments on our way to the car.