Roller Sk8ing

Joshua is so wonderfully random.  I asked him what he wanted for his birthday...He responded, "ummm, let me see, what do I want....a bookmark."  I told him that was perfect, I will get you a bookmark!  Is there anything else you want?  He replied, "ummm, let me see, what else do I want...roller skates."  Excellent!  Well, instead of roller skates, I thought it would be a nice treat for Ross and I to take just him to the rollerskating rink and teach him how to skate!  We had such a blast that day!  It brought back many elementary school day memories, that's for sure.  Don't you remember: hokey pokey...limbo...couple skate!   

He was so excited and eager to get out there.  

The first time all of our skates hit the hardwood floor, we were holding hands and looked like three little piggies on roller skates.  But it didn't take very long for the grove to come back...and Joshua was skating by himself!  

Joshua only took one hard fall that brought a few tears.  He did ask, "how do I stop?"  We told him at this stage in the game, it's easier to just run into something...like the wall or the bench.  :)  Well it's true...it's tough trying to us the little nob on the front!  Plus they had these great benches in the middle of the rink...for strategy talk and all...  

I am so proud of him!  He skated pretty much the whole time by himself.  I was a nervous nelly because I didn't want to break someone elses child, but he did awesome!  And the funniest thing was, every time he fell down he would throw his arm straight up in the air with a pointed finger and say "I'm Alright!"  It made me laugh every time! 



While we were skating, Hadley got to hang out with John, Laura, and Benjamin.  They went and enjoyed pizza and games at Chucky Cheese.  Hadley had so much fun!







Onions & Garlic

Hadley was super excited to get a package from Pop last week in the mail...it was onion and garlic bulbs!  We were so excited to plant them...water them...and now watch them grow!

Sometimes I just can't decide whether I like the picture better in color or black &white...so you get both.  :)



"Thank you Pop for my package!"  Love, Hadley

I love to feel like I have a "green thumb"...and Hadley loves to play in the dirt!  We make quite a pair!  

I get to have special moments with Hadley all day long...we are basically inseparable...by choice and necessity...BUT I love watching these two have their "special moments" together.  It makes my heart smile.  

Onion bulbs planted...Check.  Garlic bulbs planted...Check.  Hadley still playing in the dirt...Check.

Hadley: 20 Months

Hadley Joy, you are one sweet and sassy little girl.  Your personality is coming out in spades!  You are now 20 months old, and your zest for life and new things is refreshing. 

You can count to 10!  Seriously!  All by yourself too!  Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and all the new things you are learning.  You love to color.  (luckily we have had no "accidents" yet).  You also love stickers! 

You are getting a little bossy these days.  (I think you get that from your daddy...along with your loud voice :)  You tell Mommy and Daddy to "SIT DOWN"...and "SIT BACK"...and for some reason you say it in Russian accent.  Weird.  You are getting much better about saying please, though.  Good girl! 

Your favorite words right now are:  "Ow"..."Hurt"...and "Hot."  You are forming sentences which is awesome, and learning a lot of new words!  Examples:

I love you Mommy
I love you Dadda
Juicy Empty
Sandwich
Blueberries  (which you pronounce as "boobies")
Freak Out
     

You are recognizing emotions now.  You ask Mommy, "Fun?" because I always ask you if you are having fun. :)  I opened the garage door the other morning, and you said "scary."  While walking around the store, you recognize and say, "baby crying."  I'm so proud of you baby!  You have such a tender heart. 

My lovely assistant...

When we are walking around the store, Mommy and Daddy ask you to put your hand in your pocket...and it goes straight down your pants.  But you are obedient and that makes us so proud! 

You know there are certain things you are not suppose to touch.  So what do you do?  You touch them, pick them up, and then say "here go momma." and proceed to hand it to me.  You are too cute Miss Hadley! ...and a little mischievous.

My two favorite people...

You love to play outside.  You don't mind getting dirty.  You love to jump and do seat drops.  You love long walks around the block.  We love to giggle together!  I like to chase you, (where you can hear my feet patter on the floor behind you) and you just start squealing!!!  (B used to do the same thing when I chased her too :)

Hadley, you are a very passionate person.  You love strongly and deeply.  Mommy and Daddy love you so much.  You are a blessing to us!   

90 Minute Bike Ride

It's back to the grind...except for the fact I am really enjoying the "grind" this time.  After Hadley being sick, and me being sick, and then Hadley being sick again, our world kinda just stopped for a couple of weeks.  We had lots of pajama days to say the least.   We are all finally healthy and I am able to start back with my trainer.  

Have you ever had one of those dreams, where you are running away from something as fast. as. you. can!...and you aren't going anywhere?  Like your feet are just cemented to the floor!  Well, that is how I felt at my training session on Wednesday.  I had to hop from one foot to the other from side to side touching a cone with my inside hand/pulling it across my body.  That's they best I can describe it anyway.  One would think, "that looks pretty easy"...well, one would be wrong.  I had to do this for 1 1/2 minutes.  Again, one would think, "That's nothing!"...Again, one would be wrong.  In the normal world, 1 1/2 minutes is nothing...in the exercise world, it is a lifetime!  But in the end, I got a good workout and having my trainer there really is helpful for motivation to keep working at it. 

Also, I have started weight watchers again, after a short hiatus.  I love it basically because I can still EAT!...everything in moderation.  So far, I've lost 7lbs in 3 weeks.  I'm super pleased!  Ross is kinda doing it by default (because I cook the meals :) and he has lost weight too! 

I know I comment on the weather a lot, but it's just so wonderful.  It's almost like I can breath again! 

Tonight, we took our bikes out to Riverside and rode for 90 minutes!  We loved it!  As I was pedalling, and Hadley was in her bike trailer, I just thought how grateful I am.  I am so blessed by a wonderful husband who loves me and our daughter with a passion, and a beautiful, sweet, genuine, little girl who can't give enough hugs and kisses to her Mommy and Daddy.  I love my life! 

   

Enjoying Life

Just you, enjoying life the way you do.  Glasses in hand, ready to face the world.

Hadley, Sunshine, and Books

Hadley, you love to read books!  During the day, I always open the back door to let in as much natural light as possible.  Often times I find you sitting in the doorway intensely reading your books.  You make life so sweet. 

I'm A Sick...

This winter has been rough for Hadley when it comes to sickness.  Since January she has had three ear infections.  :(  I hate it when she doesn't feel good and there isn't anything I can do to make it go away right then.  So, I guess cuddling in Mommy and Daddy's bed watching Elmo Song will have to do...  :)