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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Halloween With Ladybug & Elmo

We celebrated Halloween in style - with a ladybug and Elmo (or Melmo, if you're under 2).  Ryan, Paige, Charlie, Pete, Nancy, Mom and Dad came over for a chili feast and trick or treating.  The kids had a ball playing together!

Trick or treating was a wild success!  Charlie handled like a pro and reaped the delicious candy rewards.  Haley wasn't as confident in her new found begging skills, but loved watching the other kiddos.  Both Haley and Charlie received tons of compliments, as they were the cutest Elmo and Ladybug in town. 







Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Daddy Daughter Date

Fall Down Tree is an artist I discovered via a friend and think his work is just amazing.  Fun, creative and whimsical - perfect for a kid's room.  This picture is going to need to find a home in Haley's room and soon.  It's titled Daddy Daughter Date.  The baby girl monkey has a face just like Bug's, especially when she sees her daddy.  

Friday, October 29, 2010

The Wiggliest Witch






Our resident witch doesn't ride a broomstick, but instead carries toothbrushes.  She also bounces around the house so quickly Mama Witch cannot get a clear picture!

A Dentist's Dream


Double fisting the toothbrushes.  Clearly, we are big on dental hygiene in our house!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Haley's Big Girl Room

We're probably at least a year away from transitioning Haley to her Big Girl room, but I've already started scheming.  I find inspiration in a variety of places - namely the internet and magazines.  I'm a big believer in DIY, so there is plenty on our future To-Do list; including building some furniture. 

When Haley was born my office gifted us with a really awesome mini duvet from Land of Nod and it's the centerpiece for my room design.  I have no idea who in the office is responsible for selecting baby gifts, but they hit a home run - the colors are fantastic!

We already own the polka dot chair and mini toy box, both in a soft green.  The artwork is a combo of DIY and Etsy purchases.  I have a looooong list (and continuing to grow) of favorite Etsy vendors and could very easily plaster every wall in my home with unique, personalized art.  I adore the idea of a wall full of different pieces of artwork - needlepoint, photography, prints, etc.  Haley already has several pieces of art in her current room that will most definitely make the transition to her 'new' room. 

As for the furniture building - there is an amazing website (ana-white.com) with free carpentry plans.  The pieces are reproductions from Pottery Barn, West Elm and Crate and Barrel.  Even better, the plans are easy!  I think Karl and I can handle a bookshelf and a daybed...

Even though Haley is young, I don't want her room to feel too infantile.  I'm seeking the perfect mix of little girl and eclectic and unique and homey...something she can grow in to. 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Dinner With My Friend

While getting dinner ready the other night, Haley toddled off to her room.  A moment later she returned with Baby Huggums in her arms.  So, Baby Huggums joined us for dinner, but not dessert.  Haley's messy enough for one!                    



A Morning With Haley

Hello, Blog Readers - It's me Haley.  Mom's been slacking on the blog...again.  Ugh.  I'm taking over and wanted to show you some pictures of me and my cuteness. 

Mom dressed me (I look CUTE in black and red) and I'm heading downstairs to play with my toys.  I like to ease into my day with some moo juice, Handy Manny and toys before heading to daycare.
  
 Chillin' in my chair.  I like to climb off and on...and then jump into Mom or Dad's arms.  It's fun!

I'm standing on my chair and Mom's telling me something about putting my tushy down.  Not sure what that's about.  Standing on chairs and climbing things is my new passion.

Whatchu talkin' bout?  I'm calling Grammy and Boppa or maybe Charlie or maybe Australia.  I just like to push the buttons. 

That's all for now, but I'll be back later with more.  

Hugs,
Haley

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Make It Work!

Haley decided to channel Tim Gunn this morning and is Making It Work in a sassy new outfit from Aunt Keri.  She was feeling fierce in her sparkly grey top and houndstooth pants.  As soon as the camera came out she started to pose.  I can only imagine what this girl will be like at 16...yikes.


Friday, September 17, 2010

Random Cuteness

A few weekends ago we attended the Paola Roots Festival.  It's a long standing blues festival in Paola, on their town square.  It's family friendly and a good time!  Last year we took Haley when she was a wee nugget - just a few weeks old.  She snoozed the entire time, this year she wanted to dance!

I thought seriously about putting her on stage to impress the audience with her sweet moves and vocal stylings.  Karl said no. 



We've been working hard to teach Haley how to go down the steps.  She can motor up a flight of stairs without any hesitation, but going down was trickier.  It finally clicked and she can get up and down stairs and furniture like a champ.  It's entertaining to watch - she looks something like a crab.  Very cute!  

It's Genetic

Karl's greatest love in life (other than me and Haley) is the vacuum.  He genuinely enjoys vacuuming, which I find so weird.  I'm glad he likes the task, but why and how is beyond me.  It must be genetic because Haley shares his love of the vacuum.  The noise soothed her to sleep many nights.  She squeals with delight whenever Daddy vacuums.  And now, she hugs the vacuum.  What has the world come to?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Many Faces of Haley

Haley has recently adopted a very serious look, complete with wrinkled eyebrows.  It's what we refer to as her "don't mess with me" face.


Don't drink and drive.  Haley crumples into a ball whenever she snoozes in the car...it looks uncomfortable, but she's never minded.



Typical, happy baby girl.  (Totally agree with her shirt...her dad is totally awesome!)


Thursday, September 2, 2010

Life IS Good

The Bug has decided to start walking.  What?!  Who told her that she could use those chubby legs for anything other than letting Mama squeeze on them?  Video evidence of her new found mobility to come.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

KSquared in the Kitchen: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

I love each of the four seasons for their unique sense of style.

Spring breaths new life into everyone and everything - flowers, green grass, warming breezes are all welcome after a cold winter. Summer is full of adventure - backyard barbeques, long dusky evenings, kids playing outside and cicadas providing the soundtrack. Winter gives me a feeling of nostalgia - we slow down, burrow under quilts, snuggle in front of fires, spend time with our families and eat comforting foods. Fall...my personal favorite. Fall is the shy, modest sister. Spring, Summer and Winter are outgoing with their wild temperates and suprising storms. Fall is calm, she is soothing, she is predictable. Fall and I are good friends - she brings me crisp evenings, Halloween, hues of orange and deep reds. She encourages me to eat soup and wear my favorite worn out jeans. Most imporantly, Fall brings me apples fresh from the local orchard and pumpkins straight from the farm.

I love all things pumpkin. Sweet or savory, I do not discriminate. This recipe is as easy as it delicious. 

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

1 box spice cake mix
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1 bag mini chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350.  Mix the three ingredients and drop by the teaspoon on a lighly greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Makes approximately 42 cookies. 

Monday, August 30, 2010

A Case Of The Mondays

I'm having a case of the Mondays.  No particular reason...maybe a million inconveniences, but nothing terribly unusual.  I decided that whenever I was in a funk I should list 10 reasons that today is a good day.  Here we go...

1)  Sandwich with a homegrown tomato.  Yum.
2)  Getting to work to find a cute email from the husband
3)  Being married to The Husband
4)  Being mom to The Bug
5)  Two furry love balls - Barley & Chloe
6)  Newly improved vision (Lasik rocks!)
7)  Friends who understand life's frustrations
8)  Hugs (and free dinner) from Mom & Dad
9)  The knowledge that this too shall pass...whatever 'this' might be
10)  God's grace

Whew, that does help.  So does looking at cute pictures.  Muuuuuuch better!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Haley vs. Barley: Throwdown In The Octagon

This morning, Haley is sitting on my lap enjoying a bowl of Cheerios.  An all-American, classic breakfast. And, our new morning routine. 

Baby Girl is enthusiastically munching on her breakfast cereal when Barley The Wonderhound approaches.  To Barley's delight, Haley's bowl of Cheerios is at snout level.  To Haley's chagrin, Barley attempts to snarf some Cheerios.  Not off the floor and not out of the bowl but off of the spoon.  (Full disclosure, our dogs are spoiled.  They were our first 'kids'.  We occassionally give our dogs people food, they are allowed on the downstairs couches, and they sleep in our bed.  But we have never, NEVER spoon fed either of the dogs.) 

I was trying to shoo Barley away while balancing Haley on my lap and a bowl of Cheerios in my hand.  Haley decided to take matters in to her own hands and took a few swings at Barley's snount.  He was not detered and came in again, goobery Basset Hound mouth dangerously close to her spoon.  I could forsee disaster.  Haley lunged towards him, and he retreated.  She took an extra big bite of Cheerios and said "mmmmmm", just to rub it in his face.  I think this is only round one of many more breakfast brawls to come.  The gauntlet has been thrown.

Haley - 1.  Barley - 0.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Cuteness Personified


Taken at the Overland Park Arboreteum, August 2010. 

Monday, August 23, 2010

Ever Had One Of Those Days?

Ever had one of those days (mornings, afternoons, evenings, anytimes) when you question your ability to be a good mom? Mine arrived this morning, neatly gift wrapped in the form of a newly minted one year old and a tantrum of epic proportions. Arched back, gritted teeth and wailing that sounded like it should come from a wild animal. I powered through and managed to get her dressed, fed and cleaned up all done with maximum effort. Back and forth this dance went, all morning long. Small hands came flying towards my face and hair. Body, willing itself from my arms. Sippy cup was chucked at me and my baby girl laid herself on the ground and cried for no apparant reason other than it was Monday morning.

Meanwhile, I'm breaking out in a sweat trying to remain calm on the outside. An internal dialogue sounded something like this, "You're an adult and she's a child. Keep it together. Don't lose it. This is normal, all kids do this. She's just a baby." Deep yoga breaths kept me going and before long, there was quiet. I look and see angry, fat tears rolling down her chubby cheeks. Her arms outstreched and her small body lunging towards me, accompanied by a plaintive "mama". I reached down and picked her up - she placed her head on my shoulder and sighed. It was over.

Maybe I'm not such a bad mom afterall.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Month 12


August 5, 2010

Dear Haley,

Happy, happy, happiest of birthdays! I am amazed that you’re one already - this first year has been incredible and amazing and completely wonderful - all because of you. You’re arrival on the scene has changed the dynamic of our family of 2 to a great big 3 (or 5 if you want to include the dogs). And you’ve changed our family in the best possible ways. Daddy and I are over the moon for you!

I have loved each stage, each month of your first year of life for different reasons. Each one has been my favorite. The whole first year is all about falling in love over and over again. The newness of having a baby (She’s ours! We made her!) is overwhelming. It’s like Christmas each and every day. Then bits and pieces of your personality start to peek through. Then the baby chub arrives. Soon we had smiles and chuckles. Then came mobility - first with rolling over and wiggling, then with scooting which turned into crawling. Now we’re standing up - you’re still thinking about taking those first steps. You’ve made noises from the beginning - squeaky at first, then a jazzy alto of babbles, now you’re full of chatter. Daddy and I love how expressive you are - already full of opinions on important matters like food and music.

I look back at pictures from August 5, 2009 and can still so vividly remember first meeting you. I remember hearing you cry and the wave of emotions that came over me. I knew I would love you from the start, but I was unprepared for the depth of that love. My heart beats for you little lady bug.

Thank you for making our first year together so memorable and so much fun. I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for us.

You are the sun, the moon and the stars in my sky.

Love,
Mama

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Happy Birthday To Me!

I'm one today! I'm pretty excited about this milestone -I heard something about eating cake and getting presents. Sign me up! Mama said I have three parties; one at daycare, a mini party tonight and a BIG party on Saturday. Yahoo!


p.s. Happy Birthday to Barley the Wonderhound! He's 4 years young.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Months 10 & 11


July 5, 2010

Dear Haley,

Consider this letter a combo of months 10 and 11. These last few months have been melancholy for me - your baby-ness is starting to soften at the edges and bits of your little girl self is starting to appear. I’m aghast that you’ll be one in a few short weeks.

You make Daddy and I laugh; you have conversations with us (yourself, anyone that will listen) but said in babbles of m, g, d, l and b sounds. You show such emotion, such expression - there are a lot of things you want to tell us. We can’t wait to hear all the stories you’re going to share with us. In the meantime we’re hanging on to every bit of your baby girl blabber.

In the last few weeks you’ve started pulling up and it’s clear you have no fear. You are ready to move on to the next thing - you so want to be racing around with other kids. I watched as you pulled yourself into a standing position, so proud, and let your hands go but for a split second. A moment later you so very gently sat yourself down. You are daring and delicate all at the same time.

You are a social butterfly! Taking you shopping is an adventure - your squeaks and screeches (I think you’re saying ‘hi’) can be heard throughout the store. You flash a smile of pure joy, showing off your 8 teeth and furiously waving your chubby hand back and forth. Meanwhile, your plump legs are kicking back and forth. I dare anyone to try and not smile when you wave at them.

I’m working on your first birthday party. I want so much for you Bug, most of which can’t be purchased in a toy store. More than anything else, I want you to know how much I love you.

You are the sun, the moon and stars in my sky.

Love,
Mama

Morning Routine

The morning routine in the Schweigel House is funny business. Karl leaves for work at o'dark thirty so I get to wrangle Bug before we pack up for daycare. It's chaotic to say the least - crazy baby + two crazy hounds = instanity. My coffee consumption has decreased significantly, all the running around replaces caffiene.

A glimpse into our morning...

Settling in for some moo juice and PBS kids. Nothing beats a relaxing morning!

Doll? Check. Bottle? Check. I'm a big girl!
Rawr! I'm coming to get you! Wait, where's my bottle? And doll? Why are there dogs licking me...make them stop!!

Dressed and parked in the highchair. Mom's dancing and singing while she makes her lunch...she's weird.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Late, Late For A Very Important Date (or Blog Post)

Hi, Folks - It's Haley here. I do not know what my mom's deal is...she hasn't posted anything since Mother's Day! Not a single cute picture of me or descriptions of all the cute things I'm doing and working on. Nada, nothing, zip. I feel jipped. Let me fill you in...

The biggest news is that I have been on the move in the last few weeks. Literally! I can crawl with the best of them. To put a cherry on top, I can even pull up by myself! I've explored the stairs and really like to race to the top (the dog bowl sits up there - so fun!).

Mom has failed to detail my vocal stylings. I love, love, love to talk! To anyone...about anything! I have a lot to say and people need to listen up! Not only do I have a lot to say, but I've decided to be the princess of the waving comittee. If I wave at you (and I will) I expect to you to wave back. Some people in the grocery store (usually the dudes) do not wave back and it makes me screech and squeal loudly. I will get your attention!

I've sprouted several more teeth...growing those is no fun, but I like to eat all kinds of grown up foods. My favorites are mushrooms and cheese and fruit.

Charlie and I have gone swimming several times - we really like to splash! Charlie likes to try to dunk me. But, he gives really good hugs which makes up for the attempted drownings.

I helped Dad, Papa and Grandpa celebrate Father's Day. Mom helped me pick out a tree for Dad. It's really pretty and planted in our backyard.

That's all the news from my corner of the world. I'll make sure Mom gets back to blogging about me.

Love,
Haley

Monday, May 10, 2010

Mother's Day

My first official Mother's Day (last year Haley resided in my tummy) was wonderful! We watched Charlie get baptised and enjoyed a lovely brunch with the Manies and Geiger families. Haley thoroughly enjoyed her time in childcare at church. We heard she bopped and danced to music and even tried her hand at the guitar.


Karl, Haley and I headed to the Schweigel house late in the afternoon. The gals were treated to an awesome dinner prepared by Chef Karl and Chef Pete. It was yummy! Haley even got in on the action and went crazy with a roll (she growled when we tried to take it away - yikes).

Thank you sweet Haley Bug for making the day so special. I'm so glad I get to be your mommy.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Month 9

May 5, 2010

Dear Haley,

At 9 months old you’ve officially been on the ‘outside’ longer than you were on the ‘inside.’ It seems like such an impossibility you’re closing the gap on one year of age.

You are starting to assert so much independence - wanting to feed yourself, wanting to hold your bottle, wanting to scoot about and explore. On one hand, I adore watching you discover your world and testing its limits. On the other hand, it pangs my heart just the tiniest bit, I know that these milestones are just the beginning.

You’re on the verge of crawling - you can scoot yourself in a circle and backwards, like a little crab. You’ve mastered the front half, pushing up with your arms. The back end needs a bit of work, you kick your chubby legs with all your might - you remind me of a little fish.

You recognize Daddy and me and quickly get upset when we leave the room. You reach for us - arms outstretched wide and grunt, asking to be picked up and held. We adore this and know you won’t always feel so strongly about wanting our presence.

You’re a chatterbox. You wake up talking to your dolls and yourself and go to bed the same way. Each morning you chat with the dogs while enjoying breakfast and then continue to conversation with me on the way to daycare. Your voice goes between raspy and deep (like a jazz singer) to high and squeeky. Either way, it’s music to my ears.

You’re a little daredevil; Daddy has already declared that you’ll love rollercoasters. You squeal with delight when he tosses you high in the air or flies you around like an airplane. I think you love it because you know he’ll always catch you safely.

Your hair has started to sprout, but the sides stick up and out. It reminds me of dandelion fluff and fuzzy ducklings. I love to smell your head - the perfect combination of baby shampoo, lotion and pure sweet baby girl.

You’ve become a mini gourmet, shunning my homemade baby food for bites of whatever Daddy and I are eating. You’re a voracious eater - there isn’t anything you haven’t liked. Although you are Daddy’s mini-me in the looks department, you have inherited my sweet tooth. Small tastes of popsicles and ice cream elicit mmmmmmmmms and you open your mouth wide, baby bird style, for more.

I’m so excited to see what this summer brings; chubby baby thighs sticking out of your two-piece, popsicles running down your chin, trips to the zoo to see the animals, backyard barbeques with your first taste of smores, baby piggies in the grass, and lots of trips to the park. You’re such a fun, happy little girl Haley and I love each and every moment spent with you. Thanks for picking me to be your mom, I am so lucky.

You are the sun, the moon and the stars in my sky.

Love always,
Mama

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Zoom!

Our sweet girl is nine months old today. She's officially been on the outside longer than she was on the inside.

Her picture is blurry...she's so wiggly these days. But, it's also appropriate because I swear, yesterday I was still pregnant with her. These days are zooming by all too quickly.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Shirt Says It All


Slippery Fish

Haley has graduated from the tub seat and now takes 'big girl' baths. For months I've lamented about the lack of splashing in the tub. I regret saying that. Haley can and loves to splash - she's soaked me, the dogs and the bathroom walls. We can't wait to take her to the pool this summer, she's a water loving baby!



p.s. Our tub is quite clean and doesn't have a yellow tinge to it. Our camera leaves something to be desired.

Breakfast For Dinner

I had a craving for breakfast for dinner last night, so waffles were made. Haley enjoyed her first waffle and an egg yolk veggie omelet (it looked and smelled tasty!). She LOVED the waffle...fistfulls in the mouth at a time, syrup in the hair. Unlike her daddy, she clearly loves breakfast foods. Yum!


What's the big deal about waffles? Sounds weird.

Mmmmm, these are good!

More waffles! Faster!