happy halloween!

When planning the kids' costumes I knew I wanted to do something as a theme for the two of them.  Asher is still young enough that he'll let me pick his costume (yay!) and Hadley obviously didn't care.  It ended up being a harder than I thought...

Ideas from the short list:

Peter Pan & Tinkerbell (rejected because I think we'll have a LOT of princess years in our future - no need to jump the gun)
Fireman & Dalmatian
Cow & Piggy

I still think any of these would have been darling, but ultimately decided to go with something a little more tongue-in-cheek.

You guys.  They have the need.  The need for speed.

Happy Halloween from Maverick and Goose!

(who refused to give me a decent picture together, but anyway.)

Babies dressed as farm animals is maybe the cutest thing ever so when I thinking of character pairs and realized that Goose could be a literal translation I jumped at it.

Except - well, did you know they don't sell goose costumes commercially?

Ducks, yes!  

Chickens, yes!  

Geese, nope.  

I looked high and low and Google let me down.  I was already committed to this idea so I did the next best thing and made Hadley's costume.  I bought the hat on Etsy but made the rest!  It turned out great but, honestly, costume design is NOT my thing.  Next year I'm buying costumes all the way.

We had a little neighborhood Halloween party on Sunday and the kids were a hit!

I'm sort of a celebrity now too.

But it was really Maverick who worked the crowd.

He also loved the decorate-your-own-cookie station.

and the bobbing donuts.  But he just couldn't not use his hands - ha!

Tonight we're going trick or treating and I can't wait to raid the candy after the kiddos go to bed.  (bwahaha - scary, right?)

Hope you all have fun too!

hadley's first year

To celebrate and remember Hadley's first year I made a little video from my favorite pictures of her.  I'm sure only her grandparents are interested in this, but if you have 5 minutes and want to see a year of Haddie then here you go!  :-)

The song I used is one of my favorites - "A Mother's Prayer" by Keith and Kristyn Getty.

I pray your little frame grows strong and that faith takes hold while you are young.  

This is my prayer for you.

.....

 May you trust Him 'til the end.

May you trust Him in the end.

.....

Oh may His light fill all you are,

and the jewel of wisdom crown your heart

.....

Father hear my ceaseless prayer,

oh keep her in Your care.

hadley fern {twelve months}

Hadley Fern, you are ONE year old!

Where has the year gone sweet girl?  Has it really been 365 days since you joined the world?  I'm grateful for every single one of them!

Hadley, you've been happy Hadley since the day you were born and continue to light up our days.  Everyone who meets you comments on how much you smile and laugh.  You go with the flow and are such an easy baby.

Asher is your favorite person.  You follow him everywhere and I can tell you're itching to get walking so you can keep up more easily.

Speaking of walking, you aren't quite there yet.  You crawl up on your knees and are lightening quick. If it stands still you pull up to standing, but haven't balanced on your own two feet yet.

Haddie boo, you l-o-v-e food.  Seriously, you don't joke about meal time and will try anything we offer.  The only thing you haven't cared for is pasta.  I'm guessing that's because it takes too long to chew and you're a big fan of speed eating.  ha!  Here's hoping you keep enjoying a wide variety of food and don't take after Mr Picky Eater big brother.

You are still exclusively breastfed and I'm so happy that we've had an easy 12 months of nursing.  There have been virtually no bumps in our road (except for your dairy allergy...) and it's been wonderful.  I'm not sure when we'll stop nursing but there's no rush from me.

This month you decided that only having 2 teeth was for babies and popped through 3 more bringing you to 5 total.  I don't have your weight and height stats from the doctor yet (you go next week) but I'll update once I do.

Hadley, you're a wonderful sleeper.  You take 2 naps a day and sleep from 7p-7a at night.  No complaints from me!

You have started playing with toys more - rather than just chewing on them.  I love seeing you giggle and hug your baby doll and can practically hear your little mind working as you unstack blocks.  We're entering a fun and important time of learning for you.

At 12 months, Hadley...

weighs
is   inches tall
wears size 3 diapers
wears size 9 mo onesies, 12 mo pants, and 12 mo jammies
loves baths, Asher, and all food that comes her way
never cries when I leave her in the church nursery
has 5 teeth
smiles at everyone

Hadley Fern, your daddy and I are so very glad that God chose us to be your family.  Every day you teach us something new and bless us with your happy self.  This first year has been hard in some ways but wonderful in many others.  We can't wait to see what year two brings!  We love you darling.

growing up, up, up

Hadley's birthday party is on Saturday.  This Saturday.  2 days from now.

wahhhhh.

I'm in total denial that she's about to turn ONE in three days.  This year has gone by in a flash and I've loved every minute with my sweet lady.  When I was thinking of a theme for her party I kept coming up empty because nothing seemed quite right.  All I could think was "I can't believe I'm planning her party already.  Where did this year go?"  And there it was, her theme.

Hadley's first year went Up, Up, & Away!

In getting ready for the party I took some pictures of my baby girl in her "hot air balloon".

She was such a trooper and it actually worked out well to have her in the basket because she couldn't crawl off.  ha!

Drew thought we were crazy for hauling this basket of balloons to the woods, but I appreciate how he goes along with my silly ideas.  We both love having these fun photos later.

I'm so excited about this hot air balloon party!  I'll have lots of pictures of the details after the party!

little slugger

Asher has been loving baseball lately!  He hits off his tee like a pro.  In fact he keeps launching them over the fence so he's been swung around 90 degrees to try and keep the baseballs in our yard.  ha!

Drew and I pitch to him and he is really getting the eye-hand coordination of hitting down!

We are loving this cooler weather for playing outside!

stop. drop. roll.

Last week was fire safety week at school and Asher came home telling me how he will call 9-1-1 if there's an emergency and how he can stop, drop, and roll.  I remember learning stop, drop, and roll as a kid - why mess with a classic?  ha!  After all that fire safety training at school Asher was thrilled when we told him it was fire station open house on Sunday!

Last year I was about to pop so it was fun to bring Hadley along this time.

First stop was the ambulance...until Ash spotted the helicopter and wouldn't stop pointing at it.  Think we might have hurt the feelings of the EMTs giving ambulance tours.  Sorry 'bout that.

After waiting in a very sloooow line Ash got to sit in the helicopter and talk to the pilot.

All that flying took it out of him and buddy needed a snow cone to recoup.

Blue mouth complete and we were ready to head into the fire station!  I love these (what are they called?  face cutout boards??) but Asher either didn't get it or wasn't in the mood because he kept standing really far back.  This kid - he's a trip.

      

We finally got out to see the trucks and Asher hopped right on board and explored each one.  I remember him being so hesitant and nervous last year.  It's amazing how he's grown and matured this year.  He's so much more confident and independent!

I'm also amazed at how shiny they keep these trucks.  Hi, Hadley!

We saved the best for last and saw "Sparky" the mascot as we were heading out.  Asher about died.  He LOVES characters - doesn't matter who they are or whether he knows them or not.  Any big animal is a winner to him.  Ash ran right up to him, gave a big high five and hug and scooted back grinning from ear to ear.

This might be the best "real" smile I've ever captured.  He is such a sweetheart and I love how he loves these mascots.

Happy Friday, friends!