Ornament 2009

Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

This year Nana brought a snowman on a bell. Combining your father's love of snowmen and our devotion to the Polar Express theme. To hear you recount the Christmas story Nana told you in your own consolidated version was precious.

The magic, it's inside, and it comes down... put your head down and laugh.

Amazing.

A Very Merry...

DSC07939
Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

So far you have a very long, extended Christmas. Lucky kid that you are. So many people who love you. You've done so well with learning about opening presents and that it means lots of fun, exciting things for you. Still, your main concern is having us all together and sharing. Weather that means you lead us all hand in hand around the house or that you feed us all from your kitchen. When out and about dinning leading us all in raising our arms, clapping, cheering... whatever it may be everyone says "I see who runs the show". Happily we all do so though as we puff up our chests, oh-so-proud at how smart you are. Truly, this has been the best Christmas yet. Seeing you with snow, lights, Santa, decorations, helping with sugar cookies makes my heart so full of joy. This is the season for gratitude, family, home, festivities and I feel blessed to have you at the heart of it all.

Winter walk when we were excited to have snow... before the power loss! ;)

Winter walk when we were excited to have snow... before the power loss! ;)
Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

Oh sweet Haydin. Of course Dad and I were way more excited to see you in the snow than you were to be in it. It's too bad your winter hat didn't have a visor to keep it outta your face. That would have minimized some of the annoyance with it. You also were very tentative to walk on it. But Daddy made a sled to pull you around a bit and after the storm you and I had a fun time going for a walk in the melted tracks on the road. We spent most of the time cooped up at a friends and not playing outside since the joy of the storm was quickly gone after loosing power and having to get off the mountain. I'm sure next year it will be a big hit though.

Kiddos were too sleepy to do their part of the play. Had to stay wagon bound.

Kiddos were too sleepy to do their part of the play. Had to stay wagon bound.
Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

It was not what we expected but yet it was so great. You were too tired to be out there without the wagon or to do the songs you learned. It was wonderful to see the older kids and think of you singing like that in the future.

I'm hiding!

I'm hiding!
Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

I know this is something you'll never want to read about but I'm going to write about it anyway. You've just been weaned and our special moments of nutrition with nurture have ended. i was ready for it to happen, I'm just so physically tired of producing and waking so much in the night. Emotionally though it feels like I'm just an ordinary person now, nothing special. For the past 28 months my body has provided for you in such a way that no one else could. I prayed each time I held you in the quiet, don't let me forget this moment, sniffing your head, stroking your back, belly, legs, arms, marveling in your sweet independent-of-me thriving self. The weight of you in my arms changing, the silly and sweet things you would do in those moments, so many little things between you and I.

You already are sleeping longer and stronger. Ditto for me. I miss you though. Thanks for making the transition easy. You adapted so well. Not too many tears and kind understanding as we both sway, hum and pat each other's backs. The new routine of placing your sippy in a particular corner of your crib seems to be all you needed. That and Bear to cuddle.

Hanging Daddy's ornaments

Hanging Daddy's ornaments
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We went to the farmer's market as usual to get the tree. Uncle Christopher and Aunt Colleen met us there. We had a great time decorating it and you've done so well with the ornaments. Only one swing of the golf club to the tree. So far lots of oohhs and ahhhs about lights inside and out. We've already watched the Polar Express three times! Took you today to sit on Santa's lap... that did not go over well! What DID go over well was the little train you got to ride on. Oh my you could have ridden that forever! Your presents have been ordered and I can't wait to get them and personally check them out! Cook, cook, cook!

Signing bathtime

Signing bathtime
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Mr. Smartypants... that's you. Signing, speaking, just listening to what we say and responding in your own ways. Daddy came home the other night, played with you for a bit and looked at me in earnest saying "He's different today, he got smarter today, I can't explain it but what have you two been doing?" hehe....

You and me pal o' mine no one is the wiser of all our antics just the two of us are they?

The look of love and admiration

The look of love and admiration
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I'm so thankful for your Aunt Colleen. It's taken me awhile as a new Momma to leave you with others. I feel blessed she has always offered and been gracious when I haven't taken her up on it. It's never been about the person watching you, more that I'm not, and how silly it makes a Mom feel guilty to not be able to do it all or even to want a break. However, now that I've gotten past that and been open to involving family (because really that's so important to my heart that you have these great trusting relationships with the other people in your life that love you) it's felt so wonderful. The other day Daddy and I needed to run errands and Auntie was so nice to come over and spend time with you. I think her heart is just full of so much love... maybe more than she even realizes. I love seeing you two together though since it's evident you mean a lot to her. So... we are lucky to have family, eh?

Tell them to push the meeting til 3 o' clock

Tell them to push the meeting til 3 o' clock
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We don't want to forget your sign for drink/thirsty which is "mumb mumb" with your mouth open and closing and tongue flying in and out.

Poke!

Poke!
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I'm so excited your Auntie and Uncle are going to watch you tonight and Daddy and I are going out to play. I have no idea what we will do or where we will go but I know your U & A will have a blast with you and keep you safe, sound, happy.

Mr. Explorer...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We are hitting that phase of climbing (which thankfully you are a late bloomer on... well that and you listen to us very well regarding what you are and aren't allowed to do). Also the time of "let's see where Haydin can fit into". There is a lot more emotion from you. You definitely get frustrated when you have your mind set on something and it doesn't work out for one reason or another. Still, you are easily comforted and we just move onto something else.

Ho hum...

Content Momma

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You're sick, I'm sick, Daddy is hurt. It's been a long week. I can only imagine what it's like when there are more children involved and everyone gets super ill and life is more chaotic... Goddess forbid! I'm amazed I'm still here to tell you the truth with how I feel. I think I might take you to the pedis office tomorrow though I think you're fine... just an intense cold. Still, with all the crazy H1N1 drama, and knowing you've been around a family who's recently been a harbonger of it, might be a good idea to check things out. Gotta get work done now. I love you so and can't wait until we are all back to normal....

okay, well then it's on to full on weaning... so that's not gonna be a fun week either.

Content, both of us.

Content, both of us.
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

xoxo I'm so proud to be your Mother.

Oh when I make him laugh, it's the best

Oh when I make him laugh, it's the best
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Just a quick story of this morning. I come in and it's still relatively dark out (6:20 yuck). You had been calling to me "Mama, mama" to wake me up. I come in so softly "Morning sweetheart" and you are laying there patting your pillow like you do begging me to get in the crib and lay down with you. I'm just thankful our crib obliges. It's precious though. You snuggle into my neck, hold my face and/or ears and we have silent communion in the wee morning hours.

From Dad to Mom...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Last night I showed Daddy my trick for getting kisses from you (since you don't give as many as you used to). We make a really big deal out of it, get excited, throw our arms up and cheer.... you do also. So then we got later into the evening and I was doing dishes, Da in office. Before I knew it you came out, tugged on me, I bend down and received the sweetest kiss. Daddy slowly behind you, checking just big eyes and chuckling. "I can't believe he did it!" Da says, "I told him in the office, "here give this kiss to Mommy" and proceeded to kiss him". So you thought about the concept, you know to bring tangible things to either one of us and did the same with a kiss! You tend to amaze us on a daily basis.

You now...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You now say (most mainly when prompted)
Kitty
Momma
Dada
Puppy
Ball
Book
Bubbles
Bye-Bye
Bathtime
Car
Truck
Bat
Bus
Cook
Chop
Kick
Key
Kite
Pop
Jump
Pum kin
Shoes
Sock
Cof (coffee)
Cracker
Woo-woo (for train)
Cheers
Pap pap (paci)
Up



You sign for:
Drink
Eat
More
All done
Up
Milk
Bathtime
Draw/Color
Paci

Of course there really isn't much you don't understand. There are so many words you know, that list would be too long to relate, but we can tell you lots of things and you totally get it.

Halloween 2009 story...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Okay so this is gonna be long. We went as Wizard of Oz characters. The only downside of the day was that Daddy couldn't be with us. He was supposed to be the Scarecrow. Well we get to Grove Park Inn and suit you up. It was really great you didn't mind your big furry mane on your head. As soon as we get inside I had to run to the restroom. Upon coming out... well there was a great commotion outside the door and there are all these photographers snapping pics of my sweet babe who's studying a Christmas tree. My heart just bursts with pride. Little did I know what awaited us. As we head through the building everyone oohed and ahhed. Said "you guys are the best" and "you know you truly are the stars of the day". But of course!

Parents pointed us out to their kids and seriously every parent and grandparent just about leaned down to kiss you. Once we reached the great hall you were quite hot and sweaty so I went to get you a glass of water. We had to go right in front of the live band. We stop to give you a drink and what do you know but they start serenading us with "somewhere over the rainbow" and "follow the yellow brick road" then they get everyone to clap for us. Later we move on and are making people happy wherever we go. We are asked if we work for Grove Park and did they supply the costumes? Also, entire Japanese tour group seriously went gaga for all of us but mainly you. However, they approached us individually to have their photo taken with all of us. Then we went on the Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt through the Inn (actually only one stop but it allowed you to get candy in your bag). You wouldn't eat a lunch early and just at this time in front of your paparazzi you sign to me "eat" "hungry". What's a mom to do. So I let you taste your first candy, which I tell to the growing crowd enveloping you, this only seems to make them more excited and flashes burst!

Back in the car and on to your school. They have set each class up as a different game room. Of course you were to little to play any of the games and really didn't care. So we went and had a free family photo done and are excited to get that back in the mail. You were excited to see your teachers and ran right to Ms Paula.

We had so much fun and I must say it was my best Halloween yet as you definitely stood out in your most fantastic Lion costume. What a lucky boy to have a Nana who creates masterpieces and ladies with you willing to get all dressed up too. Your Auntie Colleen and Nana were so kind to help me make it a great day.

Other kids...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You sure enjoyed when Ben and Taylor were here to visit for the day. You think they are very neat. You led Taylor around the house by the hand to show her everything and the 3 of you had lots of fun outside on the deck with the little house and slide.

Pumpkins!

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You really are enjoying Halloween things. I made some construction paper spiders and bats which you think are fun. Pumpkins are great to bang on and then you got to see them all lit up and did an excited dance. Gonna dig out your costume from last year and see if it fits.

He loved wearing Mommy's old dolly blankie on his head the other day.

He loved wearing Mommy's old dolly blankie on his head the other day.
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Ah the fun things we play together and the silly things we come up with.

Thanks Haydin!

Thanks Haydin!
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Oh you love to help. Bringing me things all the time. Running little "errands" your Father instructs you on. And with cooking, common, there is no getting rid of you. In fact we just ordered a baby Ergo so that I can throw you on my back even quicker while cooking. Up down. Off on. Today while you were napping I made spiders, bats and pumpkins out of construction paper and put them in the windows. You were so surprised and love them tons! You run back and forth and point and do your best to say "Bat". Today was Daddy's birthday and you just thought the cake lit up with all the candles was "Ohhhhhhh". You even helped spit on the cake to put them out ;)

Hello handsome...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I really love our mornings together. Now you go bounding out of bed and run around the house while Dad and I cuddle a bit more. Then you come and pull my arm... mom get up! We do the same things each morning and each day its special and exciting. Each morning, exhausted, I'm so thankful to be with you.

This is how we help Mommy get dinner on the table

This is how we help Mommy get dinner on the table
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I don't ever want to forget how you tug on my earrings when you are sleepy or need to wind/calm down. How you run up behind me and want to ride on my back. That you like to show me things and you are so proud of yourself. The way you feed me bites of your food at the dinner table. Sometimes with a mouthful and food all over your face and hands you shout "Mam, Mam" over and over until I lean down to you. You reach out and grab both sides of my face and then pull me down to your face where you squish noses with me. Your head goes straight to my shoulder now when you know it's "sleepy time" " g'nigh, nigh time". You wave "nigh, nigh" to us as we leave.

Fall is upon us...

Think he couldn't look any sweeter
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Your father and I had so much fun with you out in the orchard down by Hendersonville. It's definitely something we will do again. You enjoyed learning to pull the apples off the tree, and were such a good helper you picked up all the apples on the ground you came across... even the yucky ones. You also were able to dodge under trees quite easily and escape, the branches were low and Mommy had to crawl under to catch you. It was a glorious and magical day.

Look... my gloves... they... are... neat.

Look... my gloves... they... are... neat.
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You... my son... are pretty neat. This morning there is a fall chill in the air and we run out to the deck to greet the sunshine climbing over the mountain. Your father says "too cold! don't we have a hat for this kid?" I run get this ensemble we were gifted from I-don't-know-where. While we don't want you wearing commercialized characters it still works to keep you toasty this morning. You are all too happy to have little mittens, you think they are so fun! You run around squealing and showing them off. I catch your tiny little arm in my hand as you go running past me. Pull you back, catch you in my arms. Crisp morning smells, the scent of you, my heart wide open and undone.

Say Cheese...

I can't even handle the fact that we are going for Corbin's birthday party tomorrow.... the part I can't wrap my head around it that I will be taking my very own child to Chucky Cheese. Holy cow.

Outta my head and onto the "paper"...

Gosh,

There really is a lot to jot down lately. I feel as though I've been slacking. Your Father and I are sitting here on the couch and so we are going to collaborate on little, tiny things that we want to remember. So lately you are so astute... you love it when Daddy gives you long complicated tasks. Seriously, I don't know how you do it, seems you understand so much vocabulary. He'll say, Haydin, bring your truck over here and put the pool balls in it. No problem. Then days later, Daddy will mention, What's in your truck?... and you show this "light bulb ah-ha" moment and run to get the pool balls out. You are trying out so many new words too that of course only we can understand, but you are very consistent. Also, your sign language is really picking up. You enjoy being able to tell us certain things, that's obvious. All the time you do this "Muh Muh" thing that isn't "Ma Ma" but with an arm outstretched means you want something. When either of us obliges you just MUST come give us a kiss as a thankyou. You initiate it. It's so very thoughtful and welcomed... since we can never get enough kisses from you. You like to share food, drinks, sniffing of flowers, etc. with us. Any time one of us lays down on the floor to play with you, you hop right up and get a pillow and bring it to us putting it right at our heads. Sesame Street is the only tv you really watch and we put it on when you are overly cranky and it just fixes anything... so just just singing the song. You like music so much and we really must get you instruments. Right now you think it's cool that you can hear music from the little iPod headphones. Books are a great hit with you, especially when we get a big pile and you sit on the couch by one of us and just go through them all at your own pace. You are really starting to chow down on food this week, much to our happiness. You can plow off a whole container of Yo Soy yogurt or Soy Pudding in addition to eating a good meal... and that just blows my mind. Like I said your vocab is so good, when we are cooking in the kitchen together you make the same sounds and gestures every time you see steam. You know to pick up specks of food and put them in the trash. After each meal you run and get the broom to "help" clean up your mess. Nothing makes you happier than pots, pans, measuring cups, lids, spatulas... especially since you have a whole cupboard to yourself with these kind of things. You adore the remote that turns on the fan and lights in the living room and love that you can work it yourself. You say bye-bye so often right now, to everything that is finished, left behind, done with... but it's always in the right circumstance... it's neat to see you know all the different aspect/levels in which bye-bye is appropriate. You like to hand things back to us right now: if you are done with your drink, food, toy... you give it back to us, almost like you realize okay M & D will hold this and take care of it for me, keep track of it, until I need it the next time. Coloring has become fun for you too and I'm excited to go out and buy you finger paints soon. I think we will go to the newspaper printing place and get and "end roll" of their butcher paper to roll out on the floor like Mommy had when she was a girl and let you go at it with the art supplies. You are still my little baby Haydin, but more and more I'm missing you. Seems like you are growing so quick. I don't want to loose the "I need you Mommy" part. ~sigh~ You are just the greatest.

Me with shorter hair...

Me with shorter hair
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Thanks Mom for my first haircut! (Though Mommy misses my longer curls already). We had been so nervous about doing it. It definitely could have been a bit better but since it's wavy/curly it's kinda hard to tell how things will lay after the fact. But you did so good. I put you in your booster at the kitchen counter with some crayons and that's all it took.

Getting this messy is so much fun Mom and Dad!

Getting this messy is so much fun Mom and Dad!
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Your first chocolate soy pudding!

He loved knocking these together.

He loved knocking these together.
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Oh sweet child how great it was going blueberry picking with you this year. Daddy and I took you to our favorite spot, where we go for every anniversary. Where we went 2 days after we found out we were pregnant with you. You enjoyed the hike, helped pick blueberries, and loved being in the great wide open. At the end of the hike we not only got stuck in a rainstorm but got separated from Daddy at the end. So we hunkered down in the woods by the truck waiting for him while cuddled together amidst hail pounding down on us. You did really well through the whole thing. Daddy came bounding through the woods, we all clamored into the truck and wheezed and laughed!

Taking you to "playdates"

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I enjoy it very much (except when you get sick afterward). It's really neat to watch you grow and adapt with other children your age as well as how you watch and imitate the older kids. Daddy came with us to this event and enjoyed watching you run around with other kiddos too.

Sometimes, you just can't get enough banana in your mouth.

Sometimes, you just can't get enough banana in your mouth.
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I sure do love seeing you as my little kid, growing form my little baby. You think it's so neat to copycat the big person things Momma and Dada do. When we give you the freedom of carrying and eating you OWN banana and the like... well you just act so proud!

This is how Haydin rocks out...

This is how Haydin rocks out...
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

well and you full out dance, nod your head, stomp your foot, while snapping all together. You know the words "music" and "dance" and tune right in when we mention it.

Oh so fun!

Oh so fun!
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

This is you the first day of pre-school. I left you in high spirits and picked you up in high spirits. I think it's going good... for all of two days. Excited to see how this next week goes. I know this is so good for you to have other adults creating structure in your life, kids to help you build and grow, a full and rich life. I feel blessed to realize that and happy to be excited about gifting you with that.

There are a so many times....

DSC06378
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

When you come up to me each day just to kiss me or hug me. I don't even have to do anything to illicit it. There are just times you want to convey your love for us and decide to do so. Heart-stopping.

Our family...

DSC06289
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

It was so much fun, the 3 of us, enjoying the beach through your eyes. You definitely loved the water, running straight out into it without comprehension that it was so huge and deep. The sand did bother you though. There were times, like eating, you just wanted it off you, all to no avail. Wash your hands and then, poof, you reach and touch something so fast and before I knew it your sandwich has sand in it, your chips, everything. You did NOT like the cold showers... but, common, who does? ;)

No one but me would know...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

your version of singing. I'm sure to anyone else it just sounds like more of your interesting dialogue or just noises. But Mommy knows that now you try to hum along with her, try and sing when she's singing. Ah what a duet we make.

I'm going to eat you!!!!!!!

I'm going to eat you!!!!!!!
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

New tastes. Adventurous outings. Summer is so much fun with you.

Baby boy...

Oh son. We are having the best time together lately... not that we haven't always. But this age is so great because your "turning wheels" are very apparent. You play by yourself and are actually acting things out, but then you also come to me to "check in", wanting to just give me a kiss or hug, just because you feel you need one. There are definitely games you enjoy playing, hide and seek, lately also throwing yourself on pillows and rolling around, you enjoy books so much too. But our days are long and full of so many precious moments. I can't say it enough times or express it properly, but each time I hold you in the calm and the chaos; each time I feel your body move to do it's own will the Creator is the most present. It's as if she is knelt down with us, entering into our embraces, keeping my senses on high alert, making me keener to take it all in. Helping me savor and store the look of sunshine on your peach-fuzz covered legs, the smell of your breath from a gapping slack-open mouth, the gold sparkle from your father within the deep blue from me in your shinning eyes, the grip of your hand seeking reassurance as it grasps my finger when we take a walk, the joy you exude when hearing and dancing to music.

Busy...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You are such a busy kiddo lately. Just going going going! We had a great trip to Ohio, the drive home was a bit much for you but we arrived in one piece. While in Ohio with your Nan and Pap, your Grandma had a mild heart attack and we got to briefly see her the say before they put a stint in. She's doing great now and very excited about the beach. It was so nice to see you running around the sideyard, playing on the porch, sleeping with me under my "home" roof. Such a marvelous feeling. Since then your molars are really coming through. In fact, one top set has peeked through slightly. But boy is it making you grouchy and very sad. Seriously, lots of tears, you are just needing to be held on my lap lots, with hugs a plenty. This week and the next will be a whilwind to get ready for vacation to Hatteras so it may be awhile before we log anything on here. Figure we will do your first hair cut after the beach, and hopefully the teeth issue will be done for a bit.... well until the canines are in. I just wish I could take away all the pain and discomfort honey. You are getting so great about sitting with your books and playing by yourself. I feel bad I'm on the computer so much working, not playing with you, but I know it's still better than never seeing you.

Missing Daddy Already....

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We are headed to Ohio this evening and are staying for our longest visit in awhile. I'm already very sad and lonely for your Father, though he's in the bedroom sleeping. I wish you a love like ours in your future son. A love you can be with day in and day out and still look at each other with so much love over the years. Someone who always brings out the best in you, inspires you, cares for your heart and mind, respects your core essence, strives to make you happy. And that you, in turn, are able to give that kind of love back. I don't think, in this short life, I can see, hear, touch your Father enough. It's like all of Creation was set in motion for us to exist together, and now, us to exist together as we are blessed with being your parents.

So much fun...

DSC05890
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We had such a great day at the park with Daddy and Uncle Craig. You really make us all so happy. As you lay in my lap each night I study you. Your body, inch by inch. Bless you. So many prayers. I say over your sweet body. After we come home from Ohio I'm going to start the process of helping you learn to fall asleep on your own. So while this will free up my time eventually I will also loose all the moments of holding you. That coupled with a slow weaning... well, I'm missing you already. I'm excited to go home and visit, but so lonely for your father. He just had 3 days off in a row and it was heaven. He's totally my foundation and best friend dear son. Your father keeps me going when I don't think I can manage. Your father was the first to teach me how to love completely and allow myself to be loved. Your father's gift to me, in my own personal growth are too numerous to count. Anyway, going to Ohio will have us apart for 4 days and that seems like way too long. No one really gets that about us... how we can miss each other so much and want to be together all the time... still. But that's just how we love each other. Not to mention you two will miss each other. But it's important for me to be there with my family. To see my friends. To sleep with you there in the summer where there is so much magic.

Great day!

So Daddy let me sleep in, took care of you all day today, I got lots of work done and felt soooo productive. Worked outside. Made great food. Both your Uncles are here. AND your Dad has the next two days off!!! Hooray!

Let's see, it's July, so here's an update:

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Well, you are not only quite the walker, but you are now trying to climb things. My head and heart reel. You have had many accidents, including at the sitter's house, so bad it scared her outta watching you! I'm certain if I had witnessed it I would feel the same way. I am surprised at how good I've been on letting you stay at someone else's house for several hours though. I do miss you tons but it's also very liberating. I know it's also good for you too. This week you finally fell asleep for the first time on you own. You were outside in you playpen after a very full day and all of a sudden no noise from Haydin. Course this was after your fall at the sitters and after a very traumatizing story from a friend about her child ending up unconscious. So I go running over to the playpen because it just felt strange. There you were flopped over you toys face down. I yelled "Haydin" and woke you so fast and scarred you so much! But oh my heart was racing! And the fact you had never done that before.... my goodness. But that does bring me to the other note that I'm going to try and slowly let you CIO and work on you putting yourself to sleep each time. It will be great for both of us. Your Uncle Craig is coming this week and then the following we are headed to Ohio to see your Nan and Pap. Uncle Christopher and Aunt Colleen are coming too. Then we have to plan for the beach after that and I'm soooo excited. We sure need a vacation as a family. We are getting odds n ends done around the house lately.... lots outside. Daddy and I both have the sunburns to prove it. Your sandbox and pool have proved great helpers, they keep you busy and allow me some time outside. Just got you a little plastic play place today from Freecycle. It's got a slide so that will be new fun for you! You are waving at everyone now. Let's see, oh, your Daddy and I notice that anything anyone shows you you imitate so well, like down to the tiniest detail. It really is uncanny. Oh, there is lots more to put on here but I'm soooo wiped out. Gonna go to bed sweet boy. I love you.

13 months...

Oh Haydin our days are so full of hussle bustle, busy bee activity lately. Your Momma is beat, and I know this is just the beginning. We have also had a friend over for these two weeks, Corbin, he's 7 right now and you truly love watching and following this big kid. You tend to get frusterated though since you want to communicate things to him but don't really know how. So you end up tugging, whining, hitting...and he doesn't think that's too much fun. We picked up your Uncle Chris from the airport this morning. He just got back from Montana. Your Da, you and I spent so much time outside the past two days you've really slept like a champ at night. So today after your morning nap, that is if you ever go down for one, we will have to get you boys outside and wear you out!! You are going to go spend the afternoon at a buddy's house this week for the first time for several hours. We'll see how your Momma deals with that;) It will be a first for us. Tomorrow a.m. will be the first time to leave you with your Uncle Christopher, hope he enjoys it!

I'm delirious with sleep depravation, again...

I don't think I ever posted the fact that you walk...

Maybe I did, but boy, sometimes now I have to chase you, Mr. SpeedyPants. We have a crazy schedule this week. Company again, another kid staying three days outta the week, so many places to be and things to accomplish. My oh my. Your ole Mamma is WORN out!!! Oh and you've got somesort of cold thing from the company the previous weekend. Ei-yi-yi. Anyway, you are such a trooper even when sick. Still so many smiles, hugs, kisses. Oh and Happy 13 mo. little one.

Walk the walk...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We have been getting our evening walk in each day and I really look forward to it. Great way to wind down. This is the first time we put your snack tray on, you put your sippy in the cup holder without ever being shown that is where it goes, things like that make me wonder where you get that kind of idea/thought from? I love seeing your reactions as we walk when the wind blows, or it starts sprinkling, birds flying in front of you, or Kitty Tucker ambles alongside you and listens to you call his name a zillion times.

Oh Snap!

DSC05220
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

So everyone I know says it's more than a bit odd....
You are 1 and can snap your fingers.
Hmmmm

Our childhoods entwine...

New play world
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I downloaded Fantasia today. I forgot how amazing it is. I also had no idea how much it affected my spirituality at such a young age. My reverence of nature. You don't normally watch tv but I can see letting you watch this until your hearts content!

Things I think...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

So this picture of you is cute, and the time we had playing at our friend's house was fun. But the reason I'm writing this is about the doll you are holding. Barbie. Ah, it takes me back. Anyway, it did make me really excited to realize I still can and will buy you a couple dolls, if you want them that is. I find nothing wrong with that and know you will just use them to act out and model what you see at home, as all kids do regardless of gender. They are good imagination tools. Not to mention, I think more boys should play with dolls and get to have these mini "roll models" to act out the new generation of men that are there fathers: cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the babies at home same as mom does. So I guess a Barbie and Ken are on the "to buy" list down the road. It's just refreshing to know that the circle you travel in it will be not only accepted, but nurtured, you learning how to care for your "babies" as they often become.

It's just the perfect size for a Haydin!

It's just the perfect size for a Haydin!
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Into things, up on things, opening, closing, exploring, all while walking around. You are gonna have the jump on me soon. Oh and the past couple days you will just come up to me and give hugs and kisses. Makes my heart just explode.

Burning up...

You've had quite the fever the past 2 days, talk about a miserable experience for all three of us. I'm proud of how I dealt with it, very level-headed, though I must admit there were times I was a bit panicky. Guess this is all practice before you actually get "sick" sometime. I know it could have been much worse and is bound to happen at some point. You and I have been sleeping in the blue room together, which actually has given me more sleep funny enough. You've been great about taking your Motrin. Even this a.m. all bleary-eyed and trying so hard to fall back asleep we walk into the bathroom and grab all the stuff, head back into the blue room, I sit you upright on the bed, you are yawning and fussing, I measure out the Motrin and bring it to your mouth. So sweetly you just open up, I think maybe now knowing it will help this strange feeling you've been feeling, so hot and sweaty, and then I turn out the lights, we curl right back up to one another and poof, off to dreamland. The reason I started typing this morning is I just put you down for your a.m. nap and come back out to glance at the living room... It took me a moment to register how different it is. Never in my past would I have thought I could manage allowing the scatter of Cheerios that is all over the place, pots and pans from the kitchen, every kind of toy imaginable to just BE, you know, stay there all day. Such a flurry and scattering of little boy all over my big girl world. 

Momma watch my brain zoom...

I am pretty amazed by you. In just the past couple days your walking has really taken off. Not only that Haydin, you are SO smart! Today you opened the drawers in the kitchen where I keep the pots, you are always seeing me cook. So you take out a pot lid and walk over to the stove where I was cooking (funny thing is I was using a pot w/o a lid) and you reach waaaaay up, standing on tippy-toes and try and get the pot lid up there. Caught you walking today kicking your ball as we have practiced while I hold your hands and lead you around, so you just remember these things. One day last week the pillows were off the couch and I lay on them and cuddled them saying "aw how nice and cozy". So every day since you pull the pillows off the couch and cuddle up to them, falling on top of them laughing, as if this is the most fun thing ever, just because your Mommy did it. I showed you how to brush my hair awhile ago, once, now it can be weeks and when you find your little, mini-brush you come right over to me and brush my bangs as I showed you that one day. Today I set a basket of laundry in the living room to come and fold, ran around the house doing odds and ends. I came back to find you had pulled out the specific cleaning rag I use for the floors and you were scrubbing back and forth as I do when I hand wipe the floors. Crawled forward, did a different section, and on and on. I think sometimes I can just see the rapid fire of synapsis of thoughts going through your head. All those neurons growing and forming new connections, with re-enforcement from me they build on one another, you keep learning. I could go on and on. You are learning at a fast rate from here on out. Love you baby boy. 

Oh, I am one lucky Momma. Look at that face.

Oh, I am one lucky Momma. Look at that face.
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Could you be any cuter? You always know when to smile by the little red light on the camera.