Christmas 2020

Wow! What a crazy month it has been, on December 1st I gave the girls their Christmas pajamas, I seriously love that they are matching! Later that week Lexi wrote her first letter to Santa Clause and she was so excited to go mail it! We used our Church’s Light the World calendar to help spread some Christmas light to those around us, it was so fun having Lexi help this year!

Lexi had her first preschool virtual Christmas program, it was so cute! We made a gingerbread house with Justin’s parents, I hosted my first party at our new home, visited Santa at Cabelas and we ate way to many amazing holiday treats this month!

 With Covid-19 a lot of our normal Christmas traditions had to be postponed and we had to make new ones. Normally we would spend Christmas Eve with Justin’s extended family but after grandmas passing this year and the virus everyone decided to celebrate at their own homes. Even though I missed seeing everyone, it was kind of nice to have a more “relaxed” Christmas this year! 

On Christmas Eve we went to Justin’s parents and had a yummy ham dinner, played some fun games, Justin’s mom made the kids the cutest piñata and the kids did a live nativity, it was so cute! Lexi and Dillon played Mary and Joseph, she made a very cute Mary! Hailey enjoyed watching all the kids play and was such a happy baby all night! 

Christmas morning was a hit! Lexi asked Santa for a Jessie doll, bullseye and slinky from toy story. She was so excited to show Justin and I as she had gotten up to use the potty and went out and checked the tree before we all woke up! Haha. The excitement of Christmas through a child’s eyes is the best! Hailey wasn’t quite sure what to think about Christmas morning. Haha, she was given a unicorn that plays peek a boo and her face was priceless. But she was still our smiley happy girl despite the crazy. 

Christmas evening was spent at Matt and Hillary’s house and we had Italian food it was amazing! The kids had so much fun playing with their new toys and with each other. The adults enjoyed each other’s company and played games, we ate so much good food this weekend I was almost sick! 

Despite the crazy year 2020 has been, it still brought some amazing miracles. Obviously our sweet Hailey was the highlight of our year, but I think a close second was the quality family time we got to have together as our everyday normals were turned upside down. We look forward to 2021 and hope for more sense of normalcy and more joy as a family! We wish you all a Merry Christmas and here’s to a hope filled new year!! 

Hailey Jane: 5 Months

 12.25.20

Merry Christmas sweet baby!! I have been so excited for you to celebrate your first Christmas and today it’s here! We have had a busy month trying to feel the Christmas spirit with all the crazy virus stuff. I seriously never thought I’d still be writing about Covid-19 at the point, but sadly it’s here to stay for a bit more. Despite the virus we still made the most out of this Christmas! 

Today you are 5 months, you’ve tried rice cereal and oatmeal so far and you seem to like them equally. I only give you a little at night before bed and you’re doing so good eating from a spoon. You are still wearing size 2 diapers and 0-3 month clothing, although I think we’re ready to move you into 3-6 months. You are still our tiny girl! We don’t know for sure how much you weigh since you don’t have a dr appointment this month, but my guess is 12 lbs based on where you were last month. 

Hailey we sure love watching you learn and grow each month! You love watching your sister play and be crazy, it makes you giggle and it’s the cutest thing! We’re still working on rolling over, you’re getting better at being on your tummy and you lean to one side but not quite rolling yet.  I can’t wait to see how much you learn and grow in the upcoming month! 

Love you Hailey Janey! 

Hailey Jane: 4 months

 

Hailey girl you’re 4 whole months today! I can’t seem to wrap my head around it, time is such a thief. What a month we’ve had with you, you were blessed on the first, you started laughing this month, we moved into our new home and you will have your first Thanksgiving tomorrow. I love the holidays with you girls! 

You had your doctors appointment this morning and doctor said you’re doing great! You continue to grow at each appointment (at your own growth scale haha). This month you weigh 11.5 pounds and are 23 inches long, still our tiny girl but you have some pretty cute rolls! We love you so much and are so glad you’re part of our family! 

Hailey’s Blessing Day

 

Hailey Jane, today you were given the sweetest blessing from your dad. It was a beautiful blessing and day, the sun was shining and the temperature was so nice. You are so loved little girl, you were surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and of course your parents and adoring big sister. 

Because of the virus we decided to keep things small, we had people coming from out of town too so we didn’t want to risk spreading any unnecessary germs. You wore the same dress I did for my blessing day, your grandma Pope crocheted it 32 years ago and it looks just like it did in my pictures. You were a little fussy today but during the blessing you were quiet, everyone kept saying you knew it was your special day because  if we weren’t near you then you’d cry. We had such a great time celebrating our tiniest blessing! 

Halloween 2020

 Today was different than our traditional Halloween’s, not only were a lot of things cancelled due to Covid-19 but we laid Justin’s sweet grandma Ruth to rest today. She lived to be 101 years old and was such a sweet lady. She always made me feel loved and welcome and for that I’ll always love her! The service was beautiful and I know that she is in a better place, I am sure it was such a sweet reunion when she was able to be with her husband and loved ones again. 

After the services we went home and prepared for our Halloween plans. Aunt Emily, uncle Logan and uncle Brady came to visit since were blessing Hailey tomorrow (11/1). When they got here Logan, Justin, Brady and Lexi went for long board rides and then we got ready and went to Justin’s brothers house for a party. Justin took Lexi trick or treating and she had a blast. She ran from door to door and for so much candy! We played games ate great food and enjoyed each other’s company. What a great Halloween! 

Hailey Jane: 3 Months

 10.25.20 

Three months! I cannot believe you’ve been a part of our family for 3 months already. Time really is a thief, we’ve had such a fun month! You went with me, Lexi, aunt Dorothy and Mariah to the pumpkin patch. You met aunt Emily and uncle Logan for the first time over conference weekend, attended church for the first time and your first funeral for your great grandma Ruth. Last but not least your first Halloween! What a month, and the family holiday fun has just started! 

Well you’ve started to be a little picky in your eating, you used to nurse on both sides and for long periods of time but for a couple of weeks you only would eat on one side off and on for short periods of time. So I took you into the children’s clinic to make sure you were gaining weight, and luckily you were! You are 10 lbs. 2.5 oz and have the cutest rolls! You still have that head of beautiful red hair and are in size 1 diapers and  3 month clothes. 

We sure love you Hailey, you’re such a joy in our lives. We love watching you learn and grow each day, I especially enjoy your sweet coos and the special bond you have already with your sister Lexi! 

Pumpkin Patch & Halloween kick off 2020

 10.01.20

We took our annual family trip to Swore Farms to get our pumpkins, and boy was this one for the books. This year we went on opening day and they weren't quite set up so we took one of their wagons and hiked to the pumpkin patch. It wasn't a cool day mind you so we were hot and sweaty by the time we got there and then we had to pick the pumpkins off the vine. Haha! Even though it wasn't quite what we expected we still had a great time and enjoyed each others company. 

Later that night we had a visit from the Spooky Ooky Spider, he spun his web around Lexi's room to lead her to some fun Halloween surprises. He is a magical spider who visits our house until Halloween night to make sure the kids are well behaved. He left the girls pajamas and a couple of books for our Halloween collection. Sure love making memories with my sweet girls! 

Hailey Jane: 2 Months

 09/25/20

Hailey girl I can't believe we've already had you as part of our little family for two months, the time is just flying by! You are still the favorite in our family, haha your sister just adores you and loves to be around you each day. Every morning and night she makes sure to come and say good morning or goodnight to you, followed but lots of hugs and kisses. We've been trying to keep busy here by taking outings here and there. We've made it to friends houses, parks and visits to grandma and grandpas and or uncle Matt's on most of the weekends. Last weekend (9/20/20) we had a family BBQ with our extended family and it was so much fun! Most of the cousins we haven't seen since Christmas. 

Hailey you have such a sweet demeanor about you, we just love how easy going you are. You have really started to be more aware of your surroundings, and each day are more and more alert. We've seen some very cute smiles from you and you're talking more and more, I love hearing your little coos. You are growing so much lately, I think that is why you sometimes want to eat after 2-2.5 hours but most the time you can go 3-4 hours between each feeding. You have done a few weeks of sleeping 5-6 hours at night but lately you've reverted back to waking up every 4 hours to eat. You are wearing size 1 diapers and just about out of most your newborn outfits. 

We had your two month checkup today 9/30/20 the doctor said you are growing at your own curve haha which is so true for you and Lexi. He also said that you looked great and you are gaining weight still, which is awesome! You weigh 8 lbs 9.5 ounces and are 20 3/4 inches. We love you so much sweet Hailey! 

Lexi Anne: Pre-School- Year One

09/01/20 

My sweet Lexi girl, today is your very first day of Pre-School! When I first considered putting you in school this year I wasn't sure how you would respond, but since telling you that you would be going to school you have been so EXCITED! Your dad and I took you do to a little back to school shopping mainly because you needed new pants haha. The night before your first day we started a new tradition as a family, each year before you girls start a new school year we as a family will come up with a theme to work on throughout the year. This year I picked "Kindness Begins with Me" from the primary song. I figured that the world we live in now is getting harder and harder and less nice so I wanted to make sure to instill that in my kids. That night we did a little lesson on speaking kindly to people and enjoyed some of grandmas yummy  chocolate chip cookies. I got you some cute ABC pajamas that you were excited about and got your outfit and backpack laid out for the next day! 

On the morning of your first day we had mini muffins and milk for breakfast, you were so excited about your first day that you barely ate anything. You kept asking me every 5 minutes or so if it was time to go. :) You wore a cute pink jumper dress that our friend Ashely got for you, and I curled your hair all cute for pictures. I went a little all out and bought a fun Back to School box from a small business in Utah that had fun decorations and a tiny school bus that you loved! When we drove you to school I asked you what you were most excited for about Pre-school and you said "My teacher, Mrs. Karissa!" I am so glad you have such a great teacher! We took you inside and you were a little shy at first but you warmed right up! After school was over your dad and I picked you up and I asked you what your favorite thing about school was and you said "the roller coaster." I was so confused but luckily my friend is a teacher  there and she told me they had a fun car with a track in their backyard for kids to play on.  Haha that is so you, you really like cars! 

I can't wait to see how much you learn and grow this year baby girl! We love you so much, knowledge is power and I can't wait to watch you learn each year! 

      

      

Hailey Jane: 1 Month

 8.25.20

Hailey I can't believe you are already a month old, this month has brought on some crazy times and some fun times! We started off with you loosing way to much weight for my liking, you were born 5 lbs. 9 oz and when we left the hospital you were 4 lbs. 13 oz. at your first Dr appointment you hadn't gained much so we decided to put you on a supplement schedule to help you gain. It was a rough start, because you are considered a preemie baby it was hard to get you to wake up to eat and get you to eat the whole time. But with lots of persistence and trail and error we have figured that out. 

I am happy to report that by the time you went in for your 2 week check up you had gained weight you were 5 lbs. 7 oz and were almost back to your birth weight! The doctor told us to keep up our supplement routine and to continue bringing you in to get your weight checked. I took you in last Thursday (8.20.20) and I am thrilled to report you are now 6 lbs. 5 oz!! Hooray! 

Lexi absolutely adores you, she has to be right by your or in your face constantly. :) You have been practicing some tummy time, its never a favorite for you kids at the beginning but you are getting better each time. You have been more alert lately and love to watch your surroundings. We have had fun watching you observe things and can't wait for more fun milestones! You are currently wearing preemie and newborn clothes and have just moved out of preemie diapers to newborn. You are my first baby to fit into preemie things and its cute but also a little scary. 

This month has brought on lots of visitors, aunt Hillary and her family, the young women's presidency in our ward that I serve with, and lots of cherished friends! Because I got postpartum depression with your sister I have really made an effort to get us out of the house at least twice a week so that we can enjoy the sunshine and friends.

 Hailey you are such a joy to our family, we're so happy you are here with us and we can't wait to watch you continue to grow and learn in the coming months!