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!