Happy new year!

I had all kinds of ideas for this post, but I thought I would keep it simple by posting some of my favorite pictures from the last year. I have had such a blast watching Hadley grow up and she has became such a joy over this past year. I can't wait to see what 2013 brings.

Last picture of 2011 and 2012

And if anyone wants to tell me of an awesome collage site, that would be awesome. 

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!

Man, Christmas was exhausting this year, but so much fun. We are spending today being lazy and babysitting Piper. I am still trying to recover from yesterday.
We were so blessed this year and Hadley had the best time. She really enjoyed opening her presents and did really well with being on the go constantly for the past 2 days. Her gifts included: table and chairs set, easel, drums, keyboard, art supplies, clothes, and more.
Adam and I also received some pretty good gifts. Adam got me a $100 gify card to Starbucks and some clothes. My MIL got me a new crockpot, iron, money, and more. My mom got me clothes and Toms. My sister got me some new warmers for my house! I was blessed with a lot of nice gifts.
I am so thankful that we got to come home early and spend all this time with family. It was the best Christmas so far and I can't wait for next year.

Visit with Santa

Our visit with Santa was a huge fail. She was terrified.
Piper loved him.
Maybe next year.

Christmas time

I wanted to do this post before we came home for Christmas, but Adam surprised me by getting to go on leave 5 days early. So, here we are in TN back with our family for Christmas and I'm so happy.
I haven't been this excited about Christmas in a long time. I know a lot of it has to do with Hadley getting older and getting excited about Christmas. We have spent the last 3 weeks doing crafts, making sugar cookies, and talking about Santa. I already have tons of ideas for next year and I can't wait because I know she will understand more then.

A horrible thing happened yesterday that has shook the whole world. My heart goes out to those parents and the family out the children and adults whose lives were lost during that shooting.

Today my heart is overwhelmed with love and fear for my child when she is no longer innocent to this world's ugly side. Today I am thankful that Hadley has no idea what happened and I held her tighter and just cried looking at her because I could not imagine losing my baby in that way, in any way. I want to do everything possible to keep you safe, but I know I can't do that forever. I can't keep you home and tucked safely in my arms forever. What you have to look forward to growing up scares me. I wish you had to know nothing about the ugly in this world.

Today my heart aches and I am thinking of all those affected from this horrible shooting.

Oh, sweet Hadley

My sweet girl, you are 27 months old. How did we get here so fast?

You are the most precious thing I could have ever asked for and I love you so much that I hope one day you have a little one that blesses you as much as you bless me.
Don't get me wrong. You aren't always so sweet. But, the sweet definitely outweighs the mean.
Terrible 2's is a real thing. You seem to be more whiney than usual when you don't get your way. You are always saying "c'mon mommy" over and over and over.  I am truly amazed at how smart you are. Sure, you don't know your ABC's yet, but you sure seem to know every word in existence and show that off constantly. You make me so proud. I was so worried that you wouldn't learn as much being only around me all the time, but you have definitely surprised me little girl.

So, for some stats. I don't know really know. If I had to guess you are 24ish lbs and 34 inches tall? I really have no idea. You are wearing 2t clothes and size 5 shoes. Size 4 diapers. Yes, you are still in diapers. We are really going to tackle that head on when we get back from Christmas in TN.

Likes: cuddling on the couch watching Little Einsteins or Mickey Mouse. Bella, her stuffed kitty. Obsessed with fruit snacks. Animals...really, this kid loves everything.

Dislikes: Being told no, or just not getting her way as usual.

Words: Like I said, too many to count. I feel like she knows every word.

Adam would kill me if he knew this picture was here, but it just melts my heart.

What else? Giving Hadley a sibling has been strong on my mind lately and it's something I really yearn for, but it would still be awhile before Adam even agreed to it. I have so many worries though for Hadley. I worry she won't have enough time and I have other selfish reasons why I'm scared to have another baby. I really enjoy how independent Hadley is and that she loves to lay around with me and cuddle. If I have another we probably won't have that cuddle time any more, and I can't focus all my time on just her. I just don't understand the balance I guess. Anybody else feel this way? Opinions on second children and welcome.