Thursday, December 18, 2008

Big ultrasound reveals...It's A ...

December 15, 2008

Dennis and I went for the 18 week level II ultrasound today. I still can't believe we're really having another little one! The technician was great and pointed out lots of features on the baby. She checked several times to reveal the gender, but the baby wasn't cooperating. The legs were criss-crossed for most of the exam. Dennis and I sqeezed each other's hand in anticipation.

I started to wonder if we'd have to wait until the birth! Finally the technician went in for another look and said "You're having a little girl!" I responded with "really, are you sure?!" She froze the image on the screen and there it was...those three little lines that show a girl's anatomy!

I immediately started to sob. Dennis held my hand tight and told me not to cry. I'm so excited that we'll have a boy and a girl! We couldn't be any more blessed!!

I'll add some ultrasound pictures once I get them scanned. :)

Ho Ho Ho!!

December 7, 2008
Another big day. Not only did Hayden get to "help" decorate the tree, but he also met Santa Claus!





















Hayden did pretty well in meeting Santa. He was just about due for a nap and seemed more interested in the big fan blowing, but he didn't cry! What an adorable little elf!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

December 6, 2008

Today we took Hayden to help pick out our Christmas tree.


















Daddy, I like this one!


Here comes the bump

November 30, 2008

At just over 16 weeks, my belly's just starting to appear. I'm still 9 pounds less than when I even got pregnant with Hayden. Yah me! I pulled out my old maternity clothes and started to rotate my "normal" clothes out of the closet. Here we go again!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Surprise!!!!

We recently found out that Hayden will have a little brother or sister in May 2009. Dennis and I are both shocked and excited over the news. We both agreed that we would have more than one child, so our minds and hearts are open to the new life that is being formed just for our family. After all, father time isn't exactly on our side when it comes to waiting much longer. ;)

Think of us often as we transition from first time parents to parents of a toddler and newborn next year! Yikes!!! Stay tuned for details...


Trick or Treat!

October 31, 2008

Here are a few pictures of Hayden on Halloween. We didn't take him trick or treating, but how can you resist dressing up such a cute little guy?



















Dennis got crafty and made some creative grave stones to adorn the front walkway. We overheard a few little children that were afraid of the monsters. Good work Hon!



















Dennis and Heather attended a costume party at their friend's house down their street. They were the milkman and the pregnant housewife. It felt like something right out of the movie Pleasantville. It's hard to see, but Heather has a wooden spoon and spatula in her apron (with some belly padding).






Photo Shoot

October 26, 2008

We met up with a professional photographer that Heather met at Bushnell Park for some family photos. Hayden was so wonderful considering he did not have his usual afternoon nap. What a beautiful looking family, eh?

We even took Hayden on his first ever merry-go-round ride. He did great!








Nine Months Old

October 21, 2008

My emotions get away from me when I think of how quickly time is passing us by. My little baby is nine months old today. He's changing so fast, so much and is soooo much fun to spend time with.

Hayden's now mostly on formula, but still getting some extra nutrients from Mommy. He's exploring finger foods, but doesn't seem to do very well at getting the pieces out of the palm of his hand. It's gonna be so fun to watch him start feeding himself soon. What a big boy!

Hayden's a big cousin!

October 6, 2008

Heather's sister Lori gave birth to their third baby, Christian Joseph on Sunday. Monday evening we took a trip to the hospital to meet the little peanut. Hayden was more interested in his big cousins. :)



Hayden's new red wagon

October 5, 2008

Grandma & Grandpa Labonte got Hayden a Radio Flyer push wagon. Daddy got it all put together and decided to give Hayden a ride. He wasn't too sure about sitting in that crazy thing.













Daddy, what did you do to me?

Eight Months

September 21, 2008

Where does the time go!?

September 11, 2008

Hayden just looked so cute in this outfit that I had to snap a picture on our way out the door. That smile is the sweetest!!




Hanging with Great-Gramma!

September 7, 2008

Today Hayden visited at Grandma & Grandpa Labonte's campsite. Great-Grandma was there and made him smile and giggle.


















Here's Hayden sitting like a big boy on the couch.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Say Ahhh!!

June 26, 2008















Tonight Hayden used his big high chair for the first time. He did very well sitting up on his own. The silly boy started sticking out his tongue mid-meal. We think he's doing it because he feels a tooth coming in. It's the funniest thing we've seen to date. He's so much fun!! Doesn't that cereal look tasty?! Say Ahhhh!!!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Mother's Love

June 2008

How can anyone possibly prepare you for how much you will love your child?! It's impossible. My heart grows warmer every day that I spend with my little boy. He is the most amazing thing in my world. Next to getting married (to an incredible man), giving birth was the best thing I've done with my life (thus far!).

I'm still struggling greatly with my return to work. Every day it's a race to get home. Time with Hayden is so precious. I usually return home from a long day away, only to find a very tired and cranky baby. Within 30 minutes, he's generally ready to have a nap and I have to force myself to put him in his crib. When he finally does wake again, it's time for dinner, bath and then to bed. It breaks my heart.



It's not fair! Two hours of awake time each day...that's all I get. I just want to spend time with my baby while he's awake and in good spirits. (Disclaimer - Babe, I know you have even less time with him, and it breaks my heart for you even more.)

I find myself in tears most evenings as I continue to struggle with the conflict between work and home. I don't understand the comments from people who say "it'll get easier" or "you'll get into a routine".

No, it's not getting easier; on the contrary, it's getting harder. The more Hayden grows and develops, the more I long to be a part of his day. I wish there were a way to continue in my career, but find the time during the day to spend with my child. Until then, I should just buy stock in the tissue company.

Beach Baby

June 8, 2008

Today was a very, very hot day. We took the boat out on the CT River again to enjoy the fresh air, cool breeze and water spray. We dropped anchor off of Haddam Island, waded onto the island, and spread out our picnic lunch.

Hayden did OK in the water, although he wasn't thoroughly excited. That may have been due to being nap time. Once we settled onto the beach and got him calm, he dozed off into a blissful sleep. Now if only Mom & Dad had packed some magazines to keep themselves entertained, it would have worked out great! Lesson learned for the next adventure!!






Biker Baby

June 7, 2008

Today Dennis and Heather went out for their first post-baby ride together. Grandma volunteered to watch Hayden for us! She's a trooper for putting in so many hours. After Dennis cleaned up the bikes, we decided to see how Hayden would fit. Here he is checking out Mom (red) and Dad's (silver) Ninjas!


Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Kitty Kitty

June 2, 2008

Hayden's starting to have interest in the kitties. Today Lacy cuddled up next to him and actually let him "pet" her. In the last picture you can see he got a handful of her ear. Poor Lacy!




Breaking in the hiking shoes

June 1, 2008

Today we attempted our first hike with Hayden. Our timing was off but we made the most of the short hike we had. Unfortunately Hayden was ready for a nap while Mommy & Daddy were ready for the trail.

Dennis nearly stumbled onto a huge (4 feet) black snake as he wandered down to the Connecticut River. He did a very fast jump back and managed to shoot a few pictures instead.

Hopefully our next hike will be better timed with no dangerous critters!!




Cereal Time!!

May 27, 2008

Today Hayden had his first experience with solid food. He learned quite quickly that the mushy stuff on the spoon was actually quite yummy! He's a very good eater and is getting the knack very easily!









Breaking in the new "Damn" boat

Memorial Day Weekend, 2008

We acquired Heather's parents old "damn" boat last year. After Dennis fixed it up, buffed her down, and installed the new fancy bimini top, we took her for the first offical trip down the Connecticut River. Dennis even christened the boat the "Heather Beth", after his amazing wife. ;) For an old girl (the boat, that is), she does pretty well.

Hayden did OK with his first ever boat trip. The poor little guy is so small in that great big life jacket. Hopefully he'll get used to it and find boating as much fun as Mommy and Daddy do!