6 Month Babble

Well, Hayden is trying to talk yet again. His babbles are getting more creative, with little raspberries and other noises in the conversation. He always makes me laugh, except right now as he fights sleep. Like father like son.

Alleluia!

So, Hayden slept through the night last night. I'm talking non-stop from 8pm until I woke him up this morning. Which means I got a total of 7 hours non-stop sleep. WHoo hooo! Usually, he wakes up 2-3 times a night and I have to go in and pull him from the boards of his crib or just put his pacifier in. It never proves to be a restful night for any of us. When my alarm went off at 5, I woke up and thought, "I never got up last night....oh no, I hope he's ok". I ran to his room to hear him snoring away. I then laid back down in bed hoping I could fall back asleep, but no luck. I think it was a fluke and don't expect it to happen again until he's in high school. I kick myself though, if I knew he was going to do that, I would have gone to be earlier. The way it always goes right? The funny part is though I got 7 hours of solid sleep, I'm still exhausted, how is that?

Happy Birthday to my dearest friend Teresa. I hope you have a great birthday today and that you enjoy your girls weekend in GR. I know you'll have many smiles and laughter and I hope they continue through the next year. Love you!

Lovely Laughter

Well, in a few days, Hayden will be 6 months old. I'm not sure where the time has gone, but it's passing by too quickly. He's doing so well and growing by the minute. He's laughing and smiling constantly, which can make you smile on your darkest day. I went to his daycare today at lunch to visit him, which I do on most days. I appreciate those moments the most. He is always glad to see him and always happy to just look at me like I'm a long lost friend he has to study to never forget each feature. This makes you feel so amazing and so loved. How a 6 month old can do that to you with just his eyes, I'll never know. It's too bad we lose that as we get older.

Today I looked at him as I walked out the door and couldn't help but wonder, could I be a stay-at-home-mom? If I was, would I cherish each moment, or would it just become my job that I do because I have to? Would I really miss out on things at work or extra income or am I really missing out on watching my child grow and change? It's often a big struggle in our family as I am sure in most. It's not something that I take lightly either way. I think every working mother struggled with the guilt of leaving her child in order to go to work. I think you have to do what works for your family and just go through it. I miss him all the time and wish I could be home with him. Then I think of the day-in-day-out of a stay-at-home-mom and wonder if I could do that without feeling like I've lost a sense of myself. If I'd really be doing the best for him and for us. There are so many factors so many variables to consider. For now, I will remain at work and forever wonder if I'm doing the right thing. If you are now, or have, struggled with this, you know how I am feeling. Enjoy your day, cherish family moments and hope God will provide the right answer for you as I am.

Into The Wild..

Book & Music Review. I just got done reading Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer. It was really good and well written. They've just made a movie about it directed by Sean Penn, which I am DYING to see. Until then, I recommend the book, however it made me have strange dreams. It was a quick read that I couldn't put down. I highly recommend it. The music review is for the soundtrack for the movie. Typcially, I don't like soundtracks, but this one is songs by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam. He is playing all the instruments and I think a majority of the songs he wrote himself. I bought the entire CD, which is another rare thing for me. I love it and highly recommend you at least give it a listen to see how Vedders voice has stayed the same, but his age has brought him depth. Enjoy.

Happy New Year!

Well, the holidays are over and now we're in 2008. I have no idea where the time went! Our Christmas was good and nice to be surrounded by family. My parents were here for a week and it was nice to see them. They loved Hayden and were amazed at how far he's come from the last time they saw him. It was nice for Robert and I too. We actually went out twice without the baby. We went to dinner twice and saw a movie too! It was a good time for us to reconnect and have a breather. Six solid months without time alone, will wear on anyone.

Hayden is growing more every day. He's now sitting up almost on his own, teething and trying to stand. When you get him to stand up, he tries to jump up and down. All boy! It's a lot of fun and we're enjoying him very much.

I'm still driving my 2-door Honda. I love it and can't part with it yet. It's not easy getting Hayden in and out of the backseat, but when you don't know any other way, you just do it. I rolled over 100,000 yesterday and I smiled. A lot of great miles experienced in that car and I'll be sad to trade it in some day for a mini van. Oh now life changes.

I'm looking forward to this New Year. My friend Teresa is coming down in February for a long weekend with her new boyfriend. I'm looking forward to spending time with her and meeting the new guy. I'm heading to California for a week in February for a conference. I'm looking forward to the conference and getting back to my old stomping ground. It will be extremely hard to leave my boys, but I think it will be a great experience. Robert is nervous about keeping Hayden by himself, but I know he will do fine. Also, this year I am looking forward to watching Hayden grow more, go to the beach (and be able to drink a beer on the beach) and just enjoy my family. I wish you all health and happiness this year. I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Christmas is Coming, The Goose is Getting Fat....

Well, it's almost Christmas time. Thanks to all my family and friends who thought I should be reminded of snow by sending pictures of it this weekend. Sorry to say that we were in the 80s again and you all can keep the snow. We even went to the beach last weekend and didn't wear any coats. I love where we live. After getting our tree, I'm feeling a little bit more festive. Hard to believe that starting Friday, our house will be full of visitors! The year has gone by too quickly! We've had a great and exciting year and we're looking forward to 2008. I hope we slow down a little bit, but honestly with a baby who will too soon be a toddler, I doubt that will happen.

The company I work for was featured on Forbes again this year. This year, we've climbed the ranks by being #21 in the "200 best small companies" and #1 on the "under the radar" category. I'm not sure how 1500 employees and $211M makes us small, but whatever. It's always nice to see your companies name up in lights.

I hope everyone has a great and safe Christmas and New Year. Enjoy yourselves and your families. Write again in 2008.

Santa Update

Okay, when I'm wrong, I usually admit it. Santa wasn't that bad actually. We went to the small town that my brother-in-law lives at. Santa was a really nice (and not creepy) guy. He really looks like Santa and his beard was real and everything! Hayden did well and though he didn't smile, I can't wait to see Santa's face as Hayden had a hold of his beard! It had to hurt. ha ha. Santa asked what Hayden wanted for Christmas, I laughed and said a Mini-van and a new car seat. Santa laughed. Hopefully, we'll get the pictures back soon and I can upload them. Too funny.

Hayden started his new day care today. I went to check on him at lunch and he seemed very happy and content. After our visit, I put him in his bouncy seat next to a girl in his class. Hayden looked at the girl and got the biggest grin and started saying, "ah, goo". I cracked up and said Hayden at least wait until I leave the room before you flirt! He's great.

Have a great week.