Halloween on a school night is always very rushed. By the time homework gets done, dinner is finished and costumes are perfected...Scott and I are exhausted and there are already kids at the door. Ugh. So there aren't many pictures of Halloween this year.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Big sister sock puppet
Katie always manages to get lots of smiles from her little sister. This sock puppet episode was no exception...
http://youtu.be/uxHAs54KpG8
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Farewell to Sally Wally
On October 18, 2011, we had to say goodbye to our beloved friend and family member, Sally Wally.
Thanks for all the lessons you taught us along with all the good times, companionship, love, laughter, memories and slobbery kisses. We are very sad you had to leave us Sally and we miss you every single day. The house doesn't feel the same without you here. You were a damn good dog!
First Water Trail. Superstition Wilderness Area, Mesa, Arizona. February 2009.
6-months old - Baby bathtime
Natalie loves bath time and playing in the water. She loves the water on her face, splashing in the water and being in the tub.
http://youtu.be/u_SdVClv1kY
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Half Year Birthday!
"So mom told me today that I'm six-months old. I'm not sure what that means, but she sang me a different song this morning and then took my picture before changing my diaper.
I've recently started babbling lots of sounds and there are 2 specific sounds that I make that mom and dad get really excited about. One sounds like "mom-ma" and the other is "da da." They always smile when I make these noises, so I try to make them a lot.
I am starting to sit up on my own really well. I don't really topple over anymore unless I lean too far for a toy. And when I do topple over, I don't really care. I just start "baby snowplowing" to try to get the toy."
I've recently started babbling lots of sounds and there are 2 specific sounds that I make that mom and dad get really excited about. One sounds like "mom-ma" and the other is "da da." They always smile when I make these noises, so I try to make them a lot.
I am starting to sit up on my own really well. I don't really topple over anymore unless I lean too far for a toy. And when I do topple over, I don't really care. I just start "baby snowplowing" to try to get the toy."
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Natalie's First Hike
We took Natalie out to hike with Grandpa. She loved it. Now that the weather is cooler, we'll need to start planning more hikes with Natalie and eventually with Gus too.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Arrival of Augustus (Gus) Hayes
Upon our return from New York, we made a quick detour at the airport to the cargo area. Ever try to find the cargo area at your local airport?!?! What a nightmare. Anyway, we eventually found the cargo area and were able to pickup our newest addition to the family, the Yellow Lab formerly known as Tank.
Although it all appeared to Katie that we got lost, the arrival of Tank was well planned. Whit's Aunt Carol and Uncle Randy and their two labs, Jack and Zoe had a small first litter of pups in August. As I recall, Tank got his name because he was the firstborn pup and also the largest pup of the liter.
On the way home from the airport we contemplated what his new name should be. Eventually we settled on Gus as this was the name of the polar bear we met in the Central Park Zoo and also the name of the goofy fat mouse in Cinderella (duh...Gus Gus).
As soon as he entered our home, Sally began showing him the ropes. She showed him where the back doors were so he could wait to be let outside to go potty; she shared her bed with him; she sacrificed nearly all her toys for Gus to chew on and play with; and she helped him learn to sit. Nearly every time we told her to sit, he looked over at her and then imitated her. As such, Gus is now weakly trained to SIT on command. Gus spent nearly every minute of his first week at the Casa de Hayes chasing Sally and trying to play with her.
Although it all appeared to Katie that we got lost, the arrival of Tank was well planned. Whit's Aunt Carol and Uncle Randy and their two labs, Jack and Zoe had a small first litter of pups in August. As I recall, Tank got his name because he was the firstborn pup and also the largest pup of the liter.
On the way home from the airport we contemplated what his new name should be. Eventually we settled on Gus as this was the name of the polar bear we met in the Central Park Zoo and also the name of the goofy fat mouse in Cinderella (duh...Gus Gus).
As soon as he entered our home, Sally began showing him the ropes. She showed him where the back doors were so he could wait to be let outside to go potty; she shared her bed with him; she sacrificed nearly all her toys for Gus to chew on and play with; and she helped him learn to sit. Nearly every time we told her to sit, he looked over at her and then imitated her. As such, Gus is now weakly trained to SIT on command. Gus spent nearly every minute of his first week at the Casa de Hayes chasing Sally and trying to play with her.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
NYC meets Katie
For Katie's fall break, we decided to take her to visit Aunt Adrienne in New York. So Whit and Katie flew to New York on Thursday while Scott was at a work conference in California. The girls enjoyed a girls night and went out to dinner and then watched the 80's classic movie, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."
Friday morning the girls hit the streets and did a ton of walking. Katie was a super trooper and kept up all day. We just had to carry around a few extra apples and stop periodically for food to help her re-charge. We walked along the Highline, through the Chelsea Market and in and out of almost every "spinny" door in New York. We went up to the Top of the Rock for some spectacular views of the city. Scott arrived around 6 ... just in time to get the key to the apartment as we whisked off to see Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam theater. While the girls soaked up all the spoonfuls of sugar they could, Scott spent the evening touring the Chelsea bars with Adrienne's wonderful friend, Maria.
Saturday morning we were up early and on the first ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and then toured Ellis Island. Katie had a headset and listened to the narration for kids at her own pace. She learned a lot and was very patient with Scott and Adrienne (the two slowest museum tour guests ever). After lunch we headed back to town and walked around Battery Park, Ground Zero, through Wall Street (and the protests) and halfway across the Brooklyn Bridge. Again, Katie was a fantastic trooper. Our last stop of the day was the Tenament Museum, which was very interesting. The tour group was small and Katie was the only kid, so she got special treatment from the tour guide. She even jumped in and asked a few great questions (i.e. where did the people who lived here take a bath?!?!).
Sunday was a little more laid back. We slept in ... Katie until 9:30 and then headed to The Plaza Hotel and Central Park. The 3 of us planned a surprise trip to the Central Park Zoo to see their resident Polar Bear, Gus. After walking around the park for a while at a lazy pace, we ended up in the zoo and boy was Katie thrilled to see that there was a polar bear exhibit. After the zoo, we visited FAO Schwartz, Tiffany's and the St. Regis Hotel where the rude bartender promptly escorted us out of the bar as Katie was underage (duh). Sunday night ended with Thai food at Maria's and then "Honey I Shrunk The Kids" on the couch at Adrienne's wonderful apartment.
Thanks to Adrienne and her marvelous planning, we had a fantastic time and wish we could have stayed longer. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Click on the photo below to see all the photos at your own pace.
Friday morning the girls hit the streets and did a ton of walking. Katie was a super trooper and kept up all day. We just had to carry around a few extra apples and stop periodically for food to help her re-charge. We walked along the Highline, through the Chelsea Market and in and out of almost every "spinny" door in New York. We went up to the Top of the Rock for some spectacular views of the city. Scott arrived around 6 ... just in time to get the key to the apartment as we whisked off to see Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam theater. While the girls soaked up all the spoonfuls of sugar they could, Scott spent the evening touring the Chelsea bars with Adrienne's wonderful friend, Maria.
Saturday morning we were up early and on the first ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and then toured Ellis Island. Katie had a headset and listened to the narration for kids at her own pace. She learned a lot and was very patient with Scott and Adrienne (the two slowest museum tour guests ever). After lunch we headed back to town and walked around Battery Park, Ground Zero, through Wall Street (and the protests) and halfway across the Brooklyn Bridge. Again, Katie was a fantastic trooper. Our last stop of the day was the Tenament Museum, which was very interesting. The tour group was small and Katie was the only kid, so she got special treatment from the tour guide. She even jumped in and asked a few great questions (i.e. where did the people who lived here take a bath?!?!).
Sunday was a little more laid back. We slept in ... Katie until 9:30 and then headed to The Plaza Hotel and Central Park. The 3 of us planned a surprise trip to the Central Park Zoo to see their resident Polar Bear, Gus. After walking around the park for a while at a lazy pace, we ended up in the zoo and boy was Katie thrilled to see that there was a polar bear exhibit. After the zoo, we visited FAO Schwartz, Tiffany's and the St. Regis Hotel where the rude bartender promptly escorted us out of the bar as Katie was underage (duh). Sunday night ended with Thai food at Maria's and then "Honey I Shrunk The Kids" on the couch at Adrienne's wonderful apartment.
Thanks to Adrienne and her marvelous planning, we had a fantastic time and wish we could have stayed longer. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Click on the photo below to see all the photos at your own pace.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
5 months and 15 lbs
"Apparently it's that time again. Mommy woke me up this morning singing the Happy Birthday song. She opened the curtains, tossed Marty into my crib and took a few pictures before changing my diaper. I tried my best to smile, but I'm not always very happy in the morning until after I have my diaper changed and get some breakfast in my tummy. After all, I sleep for 12 hours at night. So mommy took some more pictures while I was happy after my bath tonight. Hope you don't mind my naked bottom.
Over the past month, I've started eating more and more interesting stuff. At first I started with rice cereal once a day, then I worked my way up to eating cereal 3 times a day. After I mastered cereal, mommy started to give me some orange mush that she kept calling Sweet Potatoes. I LOVED them. A few days later she switched from the orange mush to a green mush called Green Beans. They're not as good as sweet potatoes, but they're pretty good too. I still eat cereal three times a day but now also eat my veggies once a day at lunch time.
I've mastered the art of rolling over...from front to back and back to front. I can roll myself under the coffee table if I try hard enough. I like to do "baby skydiver" with my big sister. We both lay on our bellies and then throw our arms out and kick up our legs and my sister makes cool noises to simulate skydiving. But most recently, I've discovered our dog, Sally Wally. She is my best friend and touching her makes me giggle and squeal. I love her a lot...even though her breath is really bad. When I get really grumpy and mommy doesn't know what to do (this doesn't happen very often), mommy flies me around the house like an airplane and then she chases the dog with me in airplane mode. She gets close enough behind Sally that her tail tickles my nose and this makes me laugh a lot. Like I said, I love my doggie.
Well, that's about it. It's time for bed. Goodnight!"
Over the past month, I've started eating more and more interesting stuff. At first I started with rice cereal once a day, then I worked my way up to eating cereal 3 times a day. After I mastered cereal, mommy started to give me some orange mush that she kept calling Sweet Potatoes. I LOVED them. A few days later she switched from the orange mush to a green mush called Green Beans. They're not as good as sweet potatoes, but they're pretty good too. I still eat cereal three times a day but now also eat my veggies once a day at lunch time.
I've mastered the art of rolling over...from front to back and back to front. I can roll myself under the coffee table if I try hard enough. I like to do "baby skydiver" with my big sister. We both lay on our bellies and then throw our arms out and kick up our legs and my sister makes cool noises to simulate skydiving. But most recently, I've discovered our dog, Sally Wally. She is my best friend and touching her makes me giggle and squeal. I love her a lot...even though her breath is really bad. When I get really grumpy and mommy doesn't know what to do (this doesn't happen very often), mommy flies me around the house like an airplane and then she chases the dog with me in airplane mode. She gets close enough behind Sally that her tail tickles my nose and this makes me laugh a lot. Like I said, I love my doggie.
Well, that's about it. It's time for bed. Goodnight!"
Monday, August 29, 2011
Big sister
Despite the almost 10 year difference, Katie really seems to love spending time with Natalie!! She is very helpful in entertaining her when mom is making dinner, talking to her on long car trips, picking out clothes for her, dancing for her and reading books to her before bedtime. Katie likes to sit on the couch with Natalie on her lap like in the photo. They watch TV together or sometimes Katie tells Natalie stories.
When Natalie is extra fussy and nothing seems to calm her down (this is rare), Katie gets out her cello and plays for Natalie. It is like magic. Natalie instantly calms herself down and watches Katie play. Eventually she just starts kicking and waving her arms and talking while Katie plays. It is Katie's special trick and is so much fun to watch.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Mmmmmm, rice cereal
I had my 4 month checkup last week and she said I am a beautiful and healthy textbook baby. Mom thinks I am growing into a string bean like my dad. I measured 25" (85%) and weighed 13 lbs and 9 oz (50%).
While we were at the doctor, she gave mommy the OK to feed me some new food, so on Saturday evening I got to try some rice cereal with mommy and daddy. I loved it. I cried when daddy didn't get the spoon back in my mouth fast enough. I have no idea what was taking him so long in between "bites" but I wanted him to move a little faster. So in between bites I started sucking my thumb so I wouldn't cry. I was a little messy but I didn't really care because after cereal I got to take a bath and I really love bath time. My favorite part of bath time is when mom or dad pulls the plug and the water starts to drain out. This is when I like to kick my legs and wave my arms around a lot. Sometimes I even make myself giggle.
On Sunday morning, mommy fed me more cereal while I was still in my PJs. I still really liked it but mostly, I like the spoon. I took it away from mommy and chewed on it for a while. It didn't take my dog long to figure out where to hang out during all this fun. Now when mom puts me in my highchair, Sally-Wally comes over and sits right next to me hoping I'll drop the spoon or mom will accidentally knock the bowl of cereal off the highchair tray. She's a pretty smart dog. I love her.
Click below to check out pictures of my eating adventure...
While we were at the doctor, she gave mommy the OK to feed me some new food, so on Saturday evening I got to try some rice cereal with mommy and daddy. I loved it. I cried when daddy didn't get the spoon back in my mouth fast enough. I have no idea what was taking him so long in between "bites" but I wanted him to move a little faster. So in between bites I started sucking my thumb so I wouldn't cry. I was a little messy but I didn't really care because after cereal I got to take a bath and I really love bath time. My favorite part of bath time is when mom or dad pulls the plug and the water starts to drain out. This is when I like to kick my legs and wave my arms around a lot. Sometimes I even make myself giggle.
On Sunday morning, mommy fed me more cereal while I was still in my PJs. I still really liked it but mostly, I like the spoon. I took it away from mommy and chewed on it for a while. It didn't take my dog long to figure out where to hang out during all this fun. Now when mom puts me in my highchair, Sally-Wally comes over and sits right next to me hoping I'll drop the spoon or mom will accidentally knock the bowl of cereal off the highchair tray. She's a pretty smart dog. I love her.
Click below to check out pictures of my eating adventure...
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Rolling into 4 months
Apparently yesterday was my 4 month birthday. I had no idea, but mommy sang "Happy Birthday" to me when I woke up in addition to the "Good Morning to you" song that she and daddy normally sing in the morning. After I had breakfast and got a clean diaper, mommy laid me in my crib with Measurement Marty and took some pictures of me. When she was mostly done, I tried to eat him. I try to eat lots of things these days. It's fun.
Last week I started holding my own bottle when I eat and finally figured out how to get my arm (daddy called it my kickstand) out from underneath me when I roll over. Now I can roll from my back to my belly and then onto my back again if I want to. I like to roll onto my belly and then push myself up so I can look around. But after a while I get tired and then I cry. Sometimes I fall asleep when I'm on my tummy and I like that because it is different.
Here are some pictures of me and Marty. Check this album again later because mommy will continue to add pictures to this 4 month album until she makes a 5 month album for me.
Last week I started holding my own bottle when I eat and finally figured out how to get my arm (daddy called it my kickstand) out from underneath me when I roll over. Now I can roll from my back to my belly and then onto my back again if I want to. I like to roll onto my belly and then push myself up so I can look around. But after a while I get tired and then I cry. Sometimes I fall asleep when I'm on my tummy and I like that because it is different.
Here are some pictures of me and Marty. Check this album again later because mommy will continue to add pictures to this 4 month album until she makes a 5 month album for me.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
SURPRISE!
My Aunt Adrienne and mommy had an idea: surprise Grandma Becky for her birthday in August. So they worked with Grandpa and made plans. Mommy and I flew to Nebraska on Friday and Grandpa and Adrienne picked us up at the airport. When we got home, Grandpa carried me in the house and told Grandma that the UPS man brought her a birthday package. When she saw me in Grandpa's arms...she screamed and it scared me. Then when she saw mommy and Adrienne, she screamed again. I think it was happy screaming, but it still scared me so I cried. Then everyone laughed and I laughed too.
Saturday afternoon I got to meet almost all the Nebraska Schwisow's. Lots of Grandma and Grandpa's friends were there too. I was held by lots of different people, but I didn't really seem to care. I just like attention.
Sunday afternoon we went for a car ride to Valley to meet the Poore family. My Great Aunt Holly and Great Uncle Roger drove down from Minnesota to surprise Grandma Becky for her birthday and so I got to meet them too.
It was a great weekend but I was very tired when I finally got home. And I missed my daddy a lot. I can't wait to go back again sometime and see everyone again.
Saturday afternoon I got to meet almost all the Nebraska Schwisow's. Lots of Grandma and Grandpa's friends were there too. I was held by lots of different people, but I didn't really seem to care. I just like attention.
Sunday afternoon we went for a car ride to Valley to meet the Poore family. My Great Aunt Holly and Great Uncle Roger drove down from Minnesota to surprise Grandma Becky for her birthday and so I got to meet them too.
It was a great weekend but I was very tired when I finally got home. And I missed my daddy a lot. I can't wait to go back again sometime and see everyone again.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Who do I look like?
During this process, she came across lots of old photos of daddy and herself that she scanned before their wedding. Sadly, there aren't a ton of baby photos. Or maybe there are but because we have a digital camera, it doesn't seem like there are a lot of photos by comparison.
Either way, momma can't decide who I look more like. So I figured I'd post some of the photos she found and let the readers decide.
She's not sure of the age of daddy in his picture, but mommy is 5 months old in her photo.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
3 months old....already????
Lots has happened in the past month. I met my Aunt Adrienne, I learned to swim in the pool, I am learning to talk more and smile more, I started going to "school", momma went back to work and some of my favorite jammies suddenly don't fit anymore. I can roll onto my side, but then I get stuck and it makes me upset. I can see much better these days and watch everything that is going on around me. I even like some of my toys now that I can hold onto them and listen to the sounds they make when I squeeze or shake them.
Mom and dad keep saying how much I'm growing and so last night daddy got on the scale at home with me and then did some math. Apparently I weigh almost 13.5lbs. Mom said I'll go back to the doctor soon for another checkup so we'll get a more accurate measurement then.
My first day of school was a little sad. When daddy handed me over to my teacher, I turned around and gave him my really really sad face (no crying) but it didn't work because he and mommy left me there anyway. Turns out, school isn't so bad...in fact, I think I love it! I am always very smiley and talkative with my friends and teachers and I do my best to play nicely with others. My crib at school is special - it is the one with the green flowery sheets. Mom brought them in from home so that my school crib would feel more like home. I like taking naps during the day again so it must be the magic trick. I got my first runny nose and cough, but momma said it was going to happen sooner or later. 2 days later, mom got the same runny nose and cough but she is all better now.
That's all for now...mom says I'm going to be late for school if we don't leave soon.
Mom and dad keep saying how much I'm growing and so last night daddy got on the scale at home with me and then did some math. Apparently I weigh almost 13.5lbs. Mom said I'll go back to the doctor soon for another checkup so we'll get a more accurate measurement then.
My first day of school was a little sad. When daddy handed me over to my teacher, I turned around and gave him my really really sad face (no crying) but it didn't work because he and mommy left me there anyway. Turns out, school isn't so bad...in fact, I think I love it! I am always very smiley and talkative with my friends and teachers and I do my best to play nicely with others. My crib at school is special - it is the one with the green flowery sheets. Mom brought them in from home so that my school crib would feel more like home. I like taking naps during the day again so it must be the magic trick. I got my first runny nose and cough, but momma said it was going to happen sooner or later. 2 days later, mom got the same runny nose and cough but she is all better now.
That's all for now...mom says I'm going to be late for school if we don't leave soon.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Play Ball!
For Father's Day we promised Grandpa Larry we would take him to a D-Backs game on a weekend when we were all free. He cashed in on his tickets this past weekend on a Sunday afternoon game against the Dodgers.
Katie and Natalie both made it all the way through the game and we all had a great time. Go D-Backs!
Katie and Natalie both made it all the way through the game and we all had a great time. Go D-Backs!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Best of Both Worlds
This summer Katie signed up to take a two-week long Musical Theater Camp at the Chandler Center for the Arts. The result of the camp was a well produced play entitled "Best of Both Worlds" starring all the camp participants. After auditions on the first day, Katie was awarded the role of Snow White.
The play was wonderful and Katie did a fantastic job. After the play she was so exhausted that she turned down the opportunity to go out for ice cream and slept in until 8:30 the next morning. Now that's hard work!
The play was wonderful and Katie did a fantastic job. After the play she was so exhausted that she turned down the opportunity to go out for ice cream and slept in until 8:30 the next morning. Now that's hard work!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Fourth of July Weekend
So Aunt Adrienne came to visit for the Fourth of July weekend. We spent lots of time in the pool, lots of time playing legos and lots of time playing with Natalie. While Adrienne was in town, the Hayes family also celebrated Katie's upcoming 10th birthday.
Click on the picture to scroll through the photos on your own...
Click on the picture to scroll through the photos on your own...
Belated 2 month birthday
So I'm 2 months old now and I've been so busy learning new things that I have forgotten to blog. Whoops.
I've mastered the art of sucking my thumb, fingers or fist...whichever I'm in the mood for. I've been sleeping through the night for quite a while now and mommy and daddy really seem to love this. I am an eating machine and went to the doctor and I was 12 lbs, 5 oz and 23.5 inches tall/long. The doctor said I was very healthy and then some other lady stuck a whole bunch of needles in my leg. I cried but my mommy was there to make things better. The next day I got to meet my Aunt Adrienne from New York. She's fabulous!!! Mommy said she'd post pictures of the July 4th weekend events separately though so I wouldn't have to write as much.
I've mastered the art of sucking my thumb, fingers or fist...whichever I'm in the mood for. I've been sleeping through the night for quite a while now and mommy and daddy really seem to love this. I am an eating machine and went to the doctor and I was 12 lbs, 5 oz and 23.5 inches tall/long. The doctor said I was very healthy and then some other lady stuck a whole bunch of needles in my leg. I cried but my mommy was there to make things better. The next day I got to meet my Aunt Adrienne from New York. She's fabulous!!! Mommy said she'd post pictures of the July 4th weekend events separately though so I wouldn't have to write as much.
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| From 2 months |
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Summer Vacation, Daddy-Style
Despite having a newborn, we decided to take a family vacation while Whit was off work on maternity leave and Katie was out of school on summer break. So we shipped Sally-Wally off to Camp Gramma Judy, packed up the car and headed to Durango, Colorado.
Natalie was an angel in the car, crying only when her diaper was in need of replacement or when her ears needed to pop as we gained elevation. On top of that, she slept for almost 11 hours once we got to the house and laid her down. A+ for Natalie!
Daddy had many activities planned for Katie during our stay, including: mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing and other various treats. They tried something new each day and Katie even had time to play tennis on the private tennis court at the house.
It was a fantastic first family vacation for the 4 of us. Photos are below. Click to browse.
Natalie was an angel in the car, crying only when her diaper was in need of replacement or when her ears needed to pop as we gained elevation. On top of that, she slept for almost 11 hours once we got to the house and laid her down. A+ for Natalie!
Daddy had many activities planned for Katie during our stay, including: mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing and other various treats. They tried something new each day and Katie even had time to play tennis on the private tennis court at the house.
It was a fantastic first family vacation for the 4 of us. Photos are below. Click to browse.
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