So Big!

Hayden is getting "so big!" She pulls up on anything she can reach and is so proud of herself as she looks around and explores her new found view of things. Her continued curiosity is growing by the minute and she is getting into everything. Baby proofing has become a priority in our house and we are learning quickly how fast Hayden moves from one thing to the next. What a fun age!

Merry Christmas!

We celebrated Hayden's first Christmas in Atlanta with the Kremers and the Sindalls and Hayden loved every second of it! Her curiosity as she peeked at her gifts was hysterical and her unexpected excitement at the new toys was so fun to watch. We feel so very blessed to have spent the holidays with all of our family and every moment was very memorable. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Santa Claus

Hayden loved Santa Claus! She was in awe over his beard and glasses and could not stop looking at him. Thankfully, there were no tears and she smiled big for the camera!

Christmas Grillski

Some of our close friends came over to help us introduce Hayden to a favorite holiday tradition, Christmas Grillski! It's a favorite time of ours with good friends, great food and of course, Gary's favorite event, the white elephant gift exchange. This year the must have gift was a life size cardboard cutout of Gordon Ramsey. He was the hit of the party (minus Hayden that is!)!

Eight Months Old

It's hard to believe that Hayden is already eight months old! Her energy is endless and her smiles continue to melt our hearts. Hayden's curiosity is only beginning and she is getting into everything. She pulls up on anything she can reach including her crib and she recently started clapping her hands which makes me laugh out loud every single time. Hayden's laugh is infectious as is her hugs. Happy eight months sweetheart!

"No... I'm done"

December

Hayden is becoming tough to keep up with these days! Her coordination is kicking in and her combat crawl is becoming a full fledge crawl. She is also pulling herself up from a sitting position into a standing position and is starting to take little steps as she holds on to things. Every once in awhile she gets brave and waves with not one but two hands as she stands and leans herself up against the ottoman. Hayden is also learning to shake her head no... yep... she is becoming defiant at 7 1/2 months. Right now, it's really cute but I'm sure that will wear off!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful first Thanksgiving with Hayden. We were fortunate enough to spend the holiday with both our families. We visited Gary's parents in NC at their new cabin which Gary's Dad has been building for the last 15 months since his retirement. The cabin is beautiful and so peaceful. It's the perfect mountain home. We also visited my family in Knoxville and were able to catch up with some friends as well as spend some time with some new ones - I had the pleasure of meeting the Welch's newest family member, Pierce. Hayden also enjoyed our little play date - she was intrigued with Pierce and was dying to eat his little hands and feet! The holiday was short but very memorable. We feel very blessed to have our family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

7 Months Old

Hayden is all over the place and getting into anything and everything! Her favorite things include the speaker wires, Ryan Howard bobble head, our shoes and paper. Hayden is also saying more words including ma-ma and her two teeth are almost all the way in. She is still the little social butterfly at her school - according to her teachers, she's the little doorman - she greets everyone with a wave and says ba-ba when they get ready to leave. Hayden is growing fast and is starting to show her independence - she is now feeding herself her bottles and is so close to crawling. Gare and I can't believe how quickly time has gone but we continue to love every second with our little baby!