Home Movies

Last week, Thatcher and I watched a movie together. Of course, it was Cars. Just wait until I get to pick it out! I wonder how Thatcher will like Princess and Fairy movies. Anyhow, I didn't really watch it, but it was fun having cheese puffs and a cup of water in front of the TV for a few minutes. By the way, I am REALLY in to having a cup of water these days. If I see mommy getting a cup for Thatcher, she better be getting one for me, too, or else. I also am totally in to talking on the phone. Oh, and walking...don't let me forget that. I took my first step on Friday. I'm still wobbly and don't go more than one step, but I'll get the hang of it real soon, I'm sure.

Nothin' for Christmas

If the song is true, I'm definitely "gettin' nothin' for Christmas." Mom says I am possessed by the ghost of Christmas Naughty. This morning, mom made a coconut cake to give to the Webers for Christmas. It was a triple-layer masterpiece. Just as she finished icing it and putting the coconut on, Hadley started complaining that it was time for her morning nap. Mom put the cake in the middle of the kitchen island out of my reach (or so she thought). Five minutes later, she came downstairs to this:

Can you see where I just dove in with both hands? Hands make great cake excavators. It's a wonder I'm still alive (but mom says there are no guarantees that I will be come Christmas morning).

PS - When she iced the second cake and had to leave the room, she put it on top of the china cabinet to be extra safe.

PPS - When I talked to Gran this afternoon, I told her, "Gran, come my house. Made you a cake. I ruined it."

Breakfast With Santa

No one ever told me how busy the Christmas season would be! A couple weeks ago, we went to the Club to have Breakfast with Santa. It was so much fun! We headed there right after church, so I was all dolled up in my Christmas finery. I'm glad Advent lasts awhile so I can wear all of my Christmas dresses. Anyhow, instead of the usual omelet bar and waffles, there was a breakfast buffet spread. I'm a pretty big carnivore, so mommy got me the closest thing to meat she could find: a plate of scrambled eggs. I just devoured them - two plates, to be precise!

The whole point of the Breakfast with Santa, of course, was to meet the big guy. You probably remember that Thatcher was not really a big fan of the man in red the first couple of times he met him, so mommy and daddy were a little nervous. I, on the other hand, thought he would be a great cuddler, so I snuggled right up. Maybe he'll remember how cuddly I am when he visits my house on Christmas Eve.

Things I Say in the Car

1. "Go, mom."
2. "Look, mom, ex-ca-ba-tor!"
3. "Fire Truck, mom!"
4. "Lellow light, slow down."
5. "Go, honey."
6. "Slow down, mom."
7. "Hadwee sweepin'."
8. "Need band-aid, mom."
9. "Go Tar(g)et, wook Thomas, not buy it."
10. "Dinky Doo Spe-al Milk, Waaaht Eee-aay-go, Feed Hadwee." (This translates into "Drink Dinky Doo Special Milk, Watch Diego, Feed Hadley," and it is what I say every time we get in the car after preschool.

Housework

Tonight as daddy was tucking me in, I heard the vacuum come on. I piped up and said, "Cleaning ladies are here!" Dad says that sometimes mommy actually runs the vacuum, but I'm not sure I believe him.

The Creation of a Monster

This is how it started. I got sick when Granddaddy came to visit. At first, mommy and daddy thought I might be teething, but they were wrong. I was just sick. The fever I was rocking meant the only thing I wanted to do was be held. Granddaddy was all too happy to oblige. We became real tight, Granddaddy and I. He's a total sucker and will hold me any time I crawl over to him and try to climb up his legs (which is pretty much anytime he wasn't already holding me).

By the time I reached Kentucky, I was feeling much better, but I had rather gotten used to this holding thing. Here I am using the "I'm not used to sleeping in a strange place, so will you please hold me, Gran" tactic. As you can see, it worked pretty well.

Here is the "Nana, you look like you're a little cold and could use a snuggle from me" ploy. I think she's got my number, but she didn't seem to mind too much.

Now, mommy and daddy are trying to "Ferberize" me, which consists of letting me soothe myself to sleep. It stinks. Mommy puts me in my bed while I'm groggy but makes me fall asleep on my own. She comes back in every 5-10 minutes to comfort me, but she WILL NOT pick me up, which really ticks me off. Last night, I lasted 30 minutes before nodding off on my own. Supposedly, it will take less time each day. I don't know if this Ferber guy realizes how stubborn I can be.

The Things I Say

Sometimes, when MOM asks me what I want for lunch, I tell her I want cookies. She looks at me like I've just told the biggest joke ever and says, "No way, man. You can't have cookies for lunch, you silly boy."

Now, whenever MOM tells me to do something I don't want to, I tell her ever so matter of factly, "No way."

Somehow, MOM and daddy don't think it's too funny.

MOM says, "Say, 'no ma'am."

To which I reply, "No, man."

She doesn't know if I am mispronouncing "ma'am" (probably...hopefully) of if I'm blowing her off and saying, "no man." I'll never tell.

Off The Charts

I went to the doctor for my 9-month appointment last week. Apparently, I am living up to my nickname, "Tiny." Weighing in at less than 16 lbs., I have officially fallen off of the CDC growth chart for little girls. The nurse said she didn't think I'm "failure to thrive," rather that I'm just small (hence the nickname "Tiny"). That being said, she and mommy started brainstorming different ways to put some meat on my petite little bones. In addition to the usual fattening suspects (avocado, cheese, etc.) the nurse suggested mommy give me some meatloaf with cheddar cheese added into it. Upon hearing this, Gran chimed in that she bet I'd like meatballs. That night, mommy, daddy, Thatcher, and I went out to dinner at Pulcinella's. I gobbled up a jar of apricot banana oatmeal and seemed to be interested in something more, so mommy cut up some of Thatcher's meatball for me. I have one word for you: HEAVEN. Why have you people been holding out on me?

In other news, I'm standing on my own. I desperately want to walk but refuse to let anyone help me with it. I'll do it myself or not at all. Holding someone's hands is for babies.

Oh, I've also started clucking...or quacking...depending on the day.

The Trinity Revisited?

Yesterday morning, mommy and I were talking about all the things God made. She asked me who made the air. I told her, "Gaaaaaaaahd." She said, "That's right. Who made the trees?" I told her "Gaaaaaaaaahd...and Jesus Cwist." Mom was a little surprised at this (namely because she usually refers to him simply as "Jesus" when talking to me, rather than "Jesus Christ") but she said, "That's right, Thatcher, God and Jesus Christ made the trees." At which point, I chimed in, "and Thatcher Cwist!" Needless to say, we spent the next 10 minutes discussing why I am not, in fact, Christ as well.

Good Morning!

Big Wheel Keep on Turnin'....

Dallas Report

A few weeks ago, mommy and I went to Dallas so she could attend the MOPS Convention. I went so I wouldn't starve to death (yes, I am still nursing). Because mommy was going to be in meetings most of the time, Gran flew out to keep me company. We had loads of fun. She strolled me around the Gaylord Resort where we stayed. I kicked my feet up on the stroller bar and did my best to make Gran proud. She brought me a "Learning Purse" to play with and taught me how to play cards. She also let me spend a lot of time playing with the baby in the mirror, which (of course) I loved.



To put it mildly, I did not want to say goodbye when it was time to leave on Sunday.

I managed to recover when mommy told me I would have my own seat on the plane flying home (thanks to a relatively empty flight). Like mommy, give me a good stack of magazines and I'm happy.

For the record, I did wear more than one outfit during the four days we were in Texas. It just works out that my tulip threads are the ones that made the blog. Don't turn me in to the fashion police.

Punkin Bill

We went to Punkin Bill (Pumpkinville) last weekend. It was really windy and cold, so mommy and daddy took turns sitting in the car with Hadley while I made the most out of the Punkin experience. We fed deer, rode on a tractor, went on a hay ride, and had my face painted. Mommy was pretty excited that she could actually participate in some of the Punkin Bill activities with me (since she isn't pregnant like she was last year). She rode the big hay slide with me, took me on the big hay ride, and taught me how to climb up and slide down the inflatable fire truck slide. I still have a bit of a cold now from being out in the cold but it was worth it.

In other news, I have discovered Diego. When I come home from preschool, I want to "watch eee-ay-oo, mom." Oh, and I've also taken to calling mommy "mom." I usually do it when I want something ("Buy it, Mom") or need something ("NEED Starbucks, Mom") or when I'm saying no (NO, mom). MOM thinks I'm too young to be calling her "mom."

I've also had to ditch the naps. Whenever I take one, I refuse to go to sleep at night. I just sit in my rocking chair--where I would sleep if mom and daddy would let me--until I pass out (which sometimes isn't until 10:00). The other night, I actually fell asleep WHILE climbing into the chair.

I've also decided I like hats.

A Letter to My Aunt Sherri

Today, I received the following email from my Aunt Sherri:

Dear Hadley, I am so sorry you have peaked at six months old. You started out with such promise- always a delight to be with, took great pictures,we always looked forward to reading about your new adventures. Evidently your mother has left you in Kentucky because your last post, which was waaaaay over a month ago stated you would post again upon your return. I’m truly sorry she just brought Thatcher back- I know this because she has updated his blog. This will be the first of many opportunities you can use to say, “But it’s not fair, Thatcher got to!”

Anyway, I’m sorry you have become such a bore at such an early stage in life and that you have done nothing of interest in the last 6-7 weeks. Your poor parents must be too devastated to blog at all. I still love you and miss you though.

Love, Aunt Sherri

I hope you don't mind if I reply via my blog.

Dear Aunt Sherri:

I am so sorry that I haven't been able to blog lately. You've met my brother, Thatcher, right? He leaves me precious little time to do anything I want to do. When I'm not trying to keep up with him, I've been busy...

Eating. Clearly, self-feeding is not a good idea just yet.

Trying to eat shoes. I love the things. I'll even crawl under the ottoman to get ones that daddy has tried to hide from me.

Keeping Winston and W away from my Cheerios. That's a full time job.

Trying to convince Daddy that I'm old enough for beer.

Humoring Thatcher's request for mommy to "take picture."

Standing. I sometimes forget that I can't do this without holding on to something and it really ticks me off.

Having fun with Nana who is in town for a visit.

I'll try to do better about blogging. September was a busy month for us, but things are settling down now. Then again, mommy and I are jetting off to Dallas in the morning to meet Gran for a girls weekend at the MOPS convention. What can I say, I'm a girl on the move; but I love and miss you lots, too.

Love, Hadley

Granddaddy & Papa on Parade

Right after I came back from Kentucky, Granddaddy came for a visit. We had a big time - when he wasn't trying to teach Thatcher disgusting things like the UGA fight song. He brought me a stuffed animal, UGA, which mommy quickly stole away and put in Winston and W's toy box. Poor Granddaddy, he's become a die hard Georgia fan in his old age. Bless his heart. I love him anyway, though.






It was right around this time that I decided to start boycotting food. I was not having ANYTHING to do with it. Perhaps it had something to do with that "Bulldog" shirt I had to look at while he was trying to feed me. Seriously, that's enough to make anyone lose her appetite.


On the other hand, I was TOTALLY into the Elmo balloon he bought Thatcher. That thing rocked, and I played with it for days.

Right after Granddaddy left, Gran and Papa came in town to keep Thatcher and me while mommy and daddy had a seriously big night out on the town. Gran and Thatcher had a football party, but I was too mesmerized by Papa's chest hair to join them. He's a good snuggler, too. I can't believe I'm letting you see this photo!!!

Belated Kentucky Report

Okay, okay, I haven't blogged since right before I left for Kentucky. Man, there is a lot to catch up on, so just bear with me. Our trip to visit Nana and Papa in Kentucky was eventful to say the least. Thatcher was a complete nightmare to travel with, so I had to put on my serious angel face for mommy. That's how it works, right? One of us is rotten and the other acts like an angel to garner favor? Sure, I pee-peed all over mommy while she was changing my diaper on the plane, but other than that, mommy says I was a dream traveler...unlike my brother.

After 12 hours of travel, we finally made it to Nana and Papa's house, and we had a blast. How can you not when you visit grandparents? Nana and mommy took us to Dinosaur World where I pooped all over myself only to discover mommy had accidentally left my wipes at home. Have you ever had your bottom cleaned in the "bathroom" of Dinosaur World? I don't recommend it. To say it is prehistoric, is pretty much a dead-on description. I really preferred going shopping in Bowling Green where I hit up the Gymboree sale and scored my Halloween costume. You'll have to check back in a few weeks to see it!

Papa unfortunately had to work a lot while we were visiting, but I did manage to squeeze in some serious snuggle time.

Nana, on the other hand, couldn't get away from me if she tried!

Here I am with my great-nanny Thompson.

Daddy joined us mid-trip. Good thing, too, because I had missed waking him up at night.

Special Milk

I like to have "spe(ck)le milk" when I am done with a day at preschool. Today, I told mommy I wanted special milk as we were leaving school. She told me she would make me some when we got home. I told her, "No, Starbucks."

Preschool Report

I started preschool the Wednesday after Labor Day. I am going to Sterling Park Baptist's "Mother's Day Out" program. Lots of mommy's friends sent their kids there, and they all turned out okay, so we thought we'd give it a whirl. I go every Wednesday and Friday from 9:30-1:30. My teachers are Mrs. Lisa and Mrs. Valerie. I like them a lot and I don't think it is just because they set out cars for me every time I come to class.

I was really excited to start school. The morning of the first day, I ran laps upstairs because I was so excited. As you know, I love to "go, go, go." Plus, I got to carry the new Lightning McQueen backpack Nana bought me, and heaven knows I just love that thing. When mommy and daddy took me to my class, it was pretty uneventful. Some of the kids were all about the drama, but not me. I waved goodbye and never looked back.

The second day was even better. Mommy came a couple minutes early to pick me up and you'll never guess who was with her! Gan (Gran) and Papa! I was so surprised. They came for a long visit and we had a football party! Gan brought homemade chex mix and rice krispies treats and my stomach only knows what else. It was madness. Absolute madness.

Man, Am I Far Behind or What?

Okay, okay, so it just hit me that I haven't blogged since right before I left for Kentucky. Man, there is a lot to catch up on, so just bear with me. Our trip to visit Nana and Papa in Kentucky was eventful to say the least. I woke up in a bear of mood that morning and screamed for 80% of the Washington-Chicago flight. I didn't want the new "surprises" mommy had bought to occupy me on the plane. I didn't want anything (mommy, on the other hand, knew exactly what she wanted...a drink). One of the ladies on the flight actually had the nerve to ask mommy if I liked to scream/squeal like that all the time. You would have thought that was the straw that put the icing on the camel's back (as Granddaddy likes to say), but the adventure was just beginning. Moments later, Hadley pee-peed all over mommy while she was changing her diaper. When mommy (in her pee-pee sprinkled shorts), Hadley (in her freshly changed outfit), and I (in my foul mood) finally landed in Chicago, we headed to McDonalds to pick up a "chee-burger" and "fin fies" for me before heading to one of the airport restaurants so mommy could have at least a partially liquid lunch. Unfortunately, the hostess told us we couldn't eat there because I had McDonalds with me. Indeed, it was going to be a long layover before we could catch our flight to Louisville. After almost four excruciating hours, we at long last boarded our plane...only to discover the plane was leaking jet fuel and that we would be waiting (read: delayed) until the mechanics could clear us for takeoff. It was just plain awful. After waiting another hour to take off (for a 40-minute flight), I finally deboarded the plane and ran joyfully into Nana's arms as soon as I saw her at the airport in Louisville. Seeing her there made it all worth it. This, I might add, is why Granddaddy says, "We don't do layovers." Mommy now says he is absolutely right. For those of you who are curious, it ended up taking 12 hours door to door. Whew.

Once at Nana and Papa's house, I had a blast. How can you not when you visit grandparents? Nana took me to Dinosaur World where I got to go on a dinosaur walk and see all kinds of humongous dinosaurs. We went shopping in Bowling Green where I got to ride all kinds of rides and get my Thomas fix by playing with the trains at Barnes and Noble. I especially had fun running down the halls at Papa's office.

On Saturday, Nana's family came over for a big reunion. My extended cousins, Carter, Ella Ann, and Seth, were there. We laid claim to the table on the deck and noshed on hot dogs (a first for me) and Capri Suns (another first).

Nana had bought this cool swimming pool for us to play in, but everyone would run away when I got in. Apparently, they didn't like being splashed or having water poured on them. Seth braved it for a little while, but you will note that you can't see his face in the photo.

This may look like a jump rope to you, but it is really a microphone. At least, that's what I say it is. I sang and orated into it all week.

Of course, you can't have vacation without golf. At least that is what daddy says. Here I am working on my swing.

Captions to Follow

To Tide You Over...

I'm going to Kentucky in a couple hours, so I won't be able to blog until I get back. In the mean time, here are some photos to pacify the out of town family who has been clamoring for them:

I took my first bath in the big tub yesterday!

Thatcher joined me!

It was a lot of fun...until he started pouring water all over my head (and then the bathroom floor, but that's another story altogether).
Bed Head

The Caboose

Here I am with one of my many potty charts. I got "Tah-as Ickers" (Thomas Stickers) every time I went on the potty; but I mastered it so quickly that mommy eventually had to ditch that idea. I could wallpaper my room in potty-earned stickers.

Check out my big-boy pants (and my sticker chart). I am still seriously proud of those "Tah-as Ickers."
That train has been riding my butt all day.

Bon Appetit

Urgh. I am SO the second child. I started solids more than a week ago and my lazy typist has barely had time in her schedule to take some dictation for my blog. I'm only six months old. It's not as though I can type myself. Anyway, back to my eating. On 29 July, mommy decided that it was time I expanded my menu beyond breastmilk. Because I have the attention span of a gnat (I only nurse for eight minutes--if mommy is lucky enough for me to go that long), mommy thought I might be interested in other eating vehicles. Frankly, I think she and daddy are just desperately trying anything to get me to sleep through the night. If I hear ONE MORE TIME that Thatcher slept through the night at 10 weeks, I think I'll scream; but I digress. The food was fine. Truthfully, the best part about it initially was just seeing how much of it I can blow/raspberry out onto mommy, my outfit, anything within a two-foot radius. I'm warming up to it, though, which is a good thing because I am just so dang tiny. I don't even weigh 14 lbs. This is seriously problematic. Do you know how many darling outfits that are just waiting for me to hit the 17 lb. mark? Maybe I'll be able to fit into some of my six-month dresses in a month or so....

Much like mommy decades ago, I want to do it myself!

Thatcher keeping me company while he waits for breakfast