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!!!

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!

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!

Four Months Old!!

May 21, 2008

Our little boy is growing by leaps and bounds. Today he turned four months old and also had his four month check-up at the doctor's office. He now weighs in at a whopping 15 pounds even. He did very good with receiving shots; the poor little thing. Mommy nursed him once everything was over and he was smiling again by the time we made it to the receptionist.

Sleeping "Handsome"

May 19, 2008

Hayden has started to break free from his nightly swaddle. At just over 17 weeks, he's let us know that it's time to put away the Miracle Blanket. The Miracle Blanket helped us to secure some good nights of sleep several weeks ago. Thanks to Heather's friend for recommending such a great help!

It's time Mommy... let me be free in this great big crib of mine!!

Mother's Day & Baptism

May 11, 2008

Today was a very special day. Not only was it Heather's first Mother's Day, but Hayden was baptized by his Grandpa Barnes. One year ago, on this same weekend, Heather found out she was pregnant. Needless to say it was a very special and emotional day.

Dennis was wonderful and surprised Heather with some special gifts. He left a little gift in Hayden's crib which she found first thing in the morning. The box contained a beautiful pair of "blue" diamond earings...to match the color of Hayden's eyes. He also created a special scrapbook with touching pictures of the three of us.

15 Weeks

May 6, 2008

I'm already 15 weeks old!! I'm getting the hang of this picture thing...Mommy makes me laugh now when she picks me up high!! I giggle such a happy little giggle!

Bath Time Fun

I'm finally getting the hang of this bathtime thing. Now I even take a bath with Mommy and I don't cry!

Daffodil Festival

April 26, 2008

Today Mommy, Daddy and I went to the Meriden Daffodil Festival. It was the 25th anniversary of the annual festival. It was pretty fun! We saw a parade (but I slept), I watched the animals at the petting zoo, and we all had our picture taken in the beautiful flowers. The weather was perfect.

Three Months!!

April 21, 2008

Today I turned three months old! I'm getting so big.

January Babies Galore!

April 17, 2008

Mom took me to meet lots of other January babies today. She made friends with the Mommies and I made friends with the other babies. There were five other babies that I got to meet. How fun!! I'm dressed in yellow.