Time Flies

Where has the time gone? It seems like we have been running around for the last 2 months. I thought that I would get a lot accomplished with my sister here. I did get quite a lot done but not as much as I thought. These past 2 months flew by!
Saturday night we went to a housewarming party at my cousin's house. It was a great time. They have such a cute place. Before we headed home we stopped by Lisbon Sauerkraut days because Joey had to try out their brats and sauerkraut.
Sunday we went up Joey's parents house to hang out and visit our new niece. She is such a doll. I forgot how tiny they are when they are new! It is amazing, seeing her puts in perspective how much a baby grows in one year. Hayden did well with Joey and I holding the baby. No jealousy. We didn't think he would have a problem, but you never know. We were treated to a gourmet breakfast by Joey's brother. French toast, bacon, eggs. Mmmmmm. It was yummy!
Then it was in to the pool for everyone except me. I wanted to get some more time holding Sara. Joey mowed the lawn and we hung out for the rest of the afternoon/evening. Grandma and aunt Darliene even taught Hayden to do "SO BIG".
Then we headed home to pick Ingrid up from the airport. She got in at 9:00 pm.
Monday we ran some last minute errands to get Ingrid set for her trip back home. Mom and Raleigh came down and took us out for dinner. We went to the Brown Bottle in North Liberty. It was yummy. Not quite as yummy as the one in CF but good nonetheless.
When we got back from dinner Joey began the demolition for our new dishwasher. He had to knock the cabinets out next to the sink. He got everything knocked out and prepped for the instillation. He did a great job. Hmmmm now that I know he can do this stuff now I need to add more to his list. New kitchen floor, countertops, paint.
Tuesday Ingrid got up with Hayden and they played while I got some stuff done. She even gave him a bath. We dropped Ingrid off at the airport and said our goodbyes outside. It is sad to see her go! It was great having her here and I know Hayden is going to miss her a lot.
Tuesday night Joey picked up our dishwasher and got it installed. I am soooo proud of him. He was running the inaugural load by 9:30. I was amazed at how he got it in in so little time. Considering when we moved into this house we had minimal tools and never owned a home. He has learned a lot about plumbing and electrical in 2 years. I guess that is the benefit of owning a old house!
So needless to say we are both excited to have a dishwasher! I have been rearranging our kitchen because I lost 4 drawers due to the dishwasher.
Yesterday we had Kindermusik. Hayden is really enjoying his time there. I am as well.
Today we met some friends at the park. I have bunko tonight. As always I am looking forward to an evening out with the girls!
This weekend we are going to stick close to home. We have a birthday party Saturday night. Hayden's friend will is turning one.
Looking forward to the cooler weather forecasted for this weekend. I am ready to turn off the air and get this house aired out!

Running Around

Tuesday Ingrid and I got up at 4:45 to take her to the airport. She flew out to North Carolina to finally see her husband. Their first anniversary is on Sunday so they will get to spend it together. Well the first half anyway before she has to fly back here. She flies back to Germany on Wednesday. It will be sad to see her go but it makes it easier knowing we will see them in December.
Yesterday Hayden had his one year appointment. He weighed 21lb 14 and is 30inches. He is in the 40% for weight. He had to get 3 shots and a prick in the finger. He screamed for the shots but I think more for the fact that the nurse was holding him down. The finger prick wasn't much fun either. It took them a long time to get the tube filled with his blood.
We had pictures taken this morning at Ellis park. It was sooooo hot and muggy. I am not sure if any of the family pictures will turn out. I was soooo sweaty! Hayden was pretty somber for the event but I am sure she got a few good shots in there.
We just got home from playgroup. We had a fun time but an hour was about all we could last in this humidity. I just fed Hayden lunch and laid him down for his nap.
It has been a quiet few days here without Ingrid. looking forward to the weekend. Hopefully Joey doesn't have to much homework!

Birthday Party

Hayden had a wonderful 1st birthday party. We had a lot of friends and family there. It was nice to have everyone help celebrate his birthday who are important to us and Hayden. He is such a lucky little guy!
We had fun despite the weather! Luckily we rented a shelter. Hayden had a John Deere/farm themed party. I had so much fun putting it all together! We had Maid-Rites, pasta salad, fruit, veggies, chips. For dessert we had a John Deere cake, cupcakes, and scotcharoos!
Even though it rained the kids still took advantage of the splashpad. Between the rain and the splashpad they were soaked! They had a great time.
As alway, I wished we had more time to hang out with everyone. I was running around like crazy so I didn't get to chat with everyone I would of liked to.
Hayden enjoyed his cake. He didn't make to much of a mess. I am grateful he kept it out of his hair (against aunt Becky's wishes). He did however get a little teary eyed when everyone was singing happy birthday to him. It must be because he sees me getting weepy every time I have to tell someone he is one now! Maybe I am giving him a complex.
Hayden crashed for about an hour when we got home and I had a lot of picking up and organizing to do. Joey had a lot of homework. I can not wait until he is done with school! The poor guy has been working on homework every waking minute he is home. Hayden and I miss him!
After Hayden woke up Ingrid, Joey, and Hayden went to Coldstone for some birthday ice cream. I stayed home because I was pooped and didn't want any more sugar!
All in all we had a great time and we are so blessed to have such great friends and family! We could truly fell the love and support over the past year and yesterday! It was just one of those happy days!
Tonight Ingrid watched Hayden. Joey and I went to see Transformers and out for dinner. It was nice to do something alone.

Hayden's Birthday Day

WOO HOO I am one!

Today we ran our final errands for the party Saturday. I must admit I have loved every minute getting ready for this party!
For Hayden's birthday meal we had chicken marinated in garlic teriyaki sauce and veggies. mmmmmm. Ingrid and I figured since he can't tell us what he wants for his birthday dinner we would make something we like.
After dinner we gave Hayden a cupcake. When I was trying to put his party hat on I snapped him with it so we got off to a bad start. Then we got him settled down and sang Happy Birthday and he started crying again. He wanted out of the high chair because he had enough! He ended up finishing the cupcake on my lap.
It was a great day and we are looking forward to celebrating with family and friends tomorrow!
I am absolutely amazed how fast this last year flew by! I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us.

Happy First Birthday Hayden!

Hayden Has a New Cousin!

Sara Joy was born last night. at 11:43 She weighed 7lb.13oz. and was 20 1/2 inches. We can't wait to meet her!

I'm Finished!

Daddy put Hayden in the sink for some reason. Hayden loved it!

Daddy let Hayden feed himself spaghetti

Ahhhhh. I finally finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! It was a great book. Unfortunately I forgot most of what happened in the last book so Friday on our ride to Minneapolis I read/skimmed the Half Blood Prince and on our way home I read/skimmed the other half before I started the Deathly Hallows. So in every waking minute (sleeping minute for Hayden) I have been reading since Sunday. I am pretty proud of myself considering I haven't finished a book since Hayden was born. Now I proved to myself I can still read even though he is around! So now I need to get at it.
Hayden and Joey had a busy weekend together. They did a lot of driving around and exploring.
I had a great weekend with my Mom and sister. Friday we drove to Albertville. We checked into the hotel, grabbed a bite to eat, shopped a little, and then went back to the hotel to relax. We had a nice quiet evening and it was great to spend a little alone time with them.
Saturday we got up, grabbed some breakfast, and hit the huge outlet mall. Then at noon we met Andrew's mom and niece for lunch. It was so nice for me to meet some of Andrew's family. His mom is great! After lunch Ingrid left with Andrew's mom and niece and mom and I hit another store and then we headed home.
Yesterday we went with our neighbor to a house down the street that the country club bought and is going to tear down. Someone she knows let us in to look and see if we wanted anything for our home before they tore it down. They knew I am looking for old doors to replace the few hollow 70's doors they they put in our house. We did find one door that worked. I can put it on our front closet. It is a start anyway. They removed 4 original doors for some reason and left the rest! So one down and 3 to go. Joey and our neighbor had to go back to get the door and the stuff she wanted after dark! I am glad that no one called the police. I bet they looked suspicious climbing around there in the dark taking things out. We really wanted the tops of the steps but they didn't have enough time to take them out.
We have a busy rest of the week. Kindermusik, playgroup, and getting ready for Hayden's party! We are excited to have our friends and family around to help celebrate! I can't believe my baby is going to be one! SOB SOB!

One of Those Moments

We had "one of those moments" last night. Joey and I gave Hayden a bath. We then read some books and played in his room. When it was bedtime we laid him in his crib and he snuggled right in with his blankies and animals. I said "nite nite" and Hayden stuck his hand up and waved and Joey and me. Joey and I both looked at each other with a huge smile and shook out heads. It was one of those moments that brings tears to your eyes and you just sit in awe at the way this little person can bring so much joy to your life! Hayden has forever changed us and our family! How blessed we are~