Sunday, March 13, 2011

From Your Nose to Your Toes

Lately Hayley has been extremely sweet and lovey. She also is at a stage where she likes to repeat everything she hears. A few days ago I told her, "I love you to pieces!" Right away she said "I love you" in the cute little way she does and then added "pieces". I just about died.

Since then I could count on her to say it back to me when prompted and each time it just got more and more cute. Then tonight after dinner we were having a little family hug and she leaned back, looked at us and completely unprompted said, "I love you! Pieces!"

Right back at you, kid.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Happy Birthday, Princess

Dear Hayley,

Today you turned two. Two. Has it really only been 2 years since you made us a family? It's hard to imagine a time without you.

This past year has been nothing short of amazing. You learned sign language. You learned to walk. Then you learned to talk. It's staggering to think about all of the advancements you've made in twelve short months. Now you run around in circles for no reason other than you can. Now you talk nonstop (we stopped counting at about 85 words a few months ago) and we understand most of what you say. (Really need to work on that pronunciation, kid.) Now you use your imagination and love to spend your day doing pretend play. Now you love Beauty and the Beast, just like your Aunt Kati. Now you love to chase and be chased. Now you use your little finger to tap my nose while you say, "I love you." Now you know when something is funny and you laugh until your cute little face turns red. Now you love books and love even more when I tell you stories before bed (usually you request 2 stories: one about piggies and another about a princess).

I think a lot now about the relationship I want to have with you, now and forever. As much as I wish I could just stop time and keep you my sweet little girl forever, the truth is I'm so excited to see the person you grow to be. Something tells me you're going to be someone awfully special.

I've never been more proud in my life than when I hear you call for me, "Mama!" I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that when we're in public and you call for me I feel like I'm about to burst with pride. "That's right everyone. I'M the lucky person that gets to be the mother of this child", I think to myself. It makes my day when someone tells me they think you look like me. Cause, Hayley? You are the most gorgeous person I know. Hands down.

You melt my heart on a daily basis with your sweetness. I love to watch you shake and shush your dolls, just like Daddy taught you. I love how loving and careful you are while holding your baby cousin. Your little hugs and kisses are just too much to take. I don't know how there can be so much sweetness in one little person.

Two years ago I met you, my heart, my daughter. I can't wait to see what year three has in store.

I love you, Hayley. Happy birthday.

Love,
Mama

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!


And now we start counting down to the day we become parents of a 2 year old...

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas to all...

...and to all a good night!



Yes, that is me with Hayley and Santa Claus. It was the only way I could get her to go anywhere near old St. Nick this year. I may be smiling, but at that moment I was feeling the way Hayley looks. Even Father Christmas himself doesn't look very pleased. That may have had something to do with the fact that a 200+ lb. guy and his daughter were sitting on his left knee.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Happy Birthday, Ryder!

Ryder James Johnson
Born Monday, November 29 at 5:54a.m.
8lbs 4oz, 21.5 inches
Congratulations to Mom, Dad and Big Brother from the Tuttles