The Greatest Sound On Earth

Santa Baby

Santa made time in his very busy schedule yesterday to stop by and wish the kiddos at daycare a Merry Christmas.

Grammy was able to join in the fun!

Christmas Cookies

Chef-in-training Haley Lynn helped Mama make Christmas cookies this weekend. As a willing apprentice, she wanted to stir but instead "sang" me Christmas carols.

Dear Tenant of Yellow Nursery,

Please be aware of the noise level coming from your "apartment", especially at 3:30 am. Your growling*, squeaking and squawking although adorable are not appreciated at such an early hour. Despite the noise ordinance violation you must be complimented on the musicality of said noises.

Thank you,
Management (aka Mama)

p.s. Management appreciates the early morning smiles and cuddles.

*Haley actually growled, like a puppy.

Month 4

December 5, 2009

Dear Haley,

Exactly one year ago today I discovered you. I took one of several pregnancy tests that afternoon and with the development of that second pink line my heart swelled. I took the first test the afternoon of the 5th and waited until the morning of the 6th to tell your daddy. For a few hours the knowledge of your existence was mine. I waited until the next morning to tell Daddy for fear that I had dreamt it - I didn’t want to disappoint your dad or break my heart. But the next morning the test came back with the second pink line - bold and bright, and the most beautiful sight I had ever seen (until I laid eyes on you).

We celebrated Thanksgiving a few weeks ago (so much to be thankful for this year!) and you ‘helped’ me make pies for the celebration. I couldn’t help but think about my Gram and the pies she baked for the family - they were the things legends are made of. I have so many memories of time spent with her, ones that are so simple but so strong that they seem as though they happened only yesterday. Gram has been gone for many years and I still miss her very much. I so wish you two could have met and believe she smiles down upon you and would delight in her great-grandchildren. Gram was kind and loving; wise and strong; thoughtful and selfless; she possessed the absolute best qualities one could find in another person.

Grandmas are some of the most special people in the entire world and your own Grammy is no exception. I see so much of her mother in her - your Grammy is loving and kind; selfless and thoughtful; wise and strong. She’s also the most generous person I know - generous in the giving of her time, her talents and of herself. Your Grammy has doted on you since before you were born - you will have her unconditional love and support and friendship forever and ever.

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

Love,
Mama

4 Month Checkup

The ladybug's current fighting weight is 14 lbs 3 oz (60th percentile). She's exactly 24 inches long (30th percentile) and her head is 16 1/4" around (60th percentile). This tells us that we have a short, chunky little girl with a big noggin. More room for brains, we say.

Snoozer Bug

Halloween 2009

Overall, it appears that Halloween bored Haley. She slept through both her daycare party and the Manies Halloween party. Notice the chubby leg sticking out of her pumpkin costume - its delicious!

By coincidence both Charlie and Haley dressed up as ducks - we Manies' love our poultry!

And later the party got really wild...Charlie sported a wig of pink pigtails!

Month 3

November 5, 2009

Dear Haley,

This month your sweet personality has really started to shine. You coo and babble and squeal - all with either a gummy smile or pouty lip. Both are used liberally and with equal emphasis...like an exclamation point. Your smile takes up your entire face - wide and with an open mouth. Your pout goes from forehead to chin - your bottom lip curls down and your brow furrows. You’ve even started to use them in sequence; you squawk with a frown and when we come to you, you smile and wiggle. Sneaky little ladybug!

I came home from the grocery store one night and heard you ‘talking’ to your dad. When I walked up the stairs I was delighted to see that he had spread out a quilt on the kitchen floor and had you lying at his feet while he made dinner. I couldn’t have pictured a more perfect scene for this father and daughter duo. My heart skipped a beat watching my family, in that moment. I’ve watched other scenes of you two together and each time I thank God for putting both of you in my life.

Your dad is a special guy - don’t take that for granted. Remember this; especially as you turn into a teenager and think your dad is a huge dork (all teenage girls think their dad is a dork at some point in life). Before you were born I schemed up all kinds of Halloween costumes for you. Your dad acted like the Scrooge of Halloween and told me “she won’t know; she’ll be too little to dress up.” The week of Halloween arrives and your dad tells me he’s ordered you costume and “it’s awesome!” He picked out a duckling costume (with cape) and it was adorable. Coincidentally, your cousin Charlie was a duck too. We had our own little poultry farm!

Dads are amazing, mine certainly is and I can already tell you love yours just as much as I love mine. I have vivid memories of ‘dates’ to Winstead’s with my dad when I was a little girl. Your daddy makes you smile the biggest and laugh the loudest. He sings you silly songs and dances with you through the kitchen. He splashes you in the tub and rubs your fuzzy head. He even picked your name - I was told that under no uncertain terms could we name our daughter anything other than Haley. Fortunately, I liked the name..and I, under no uncertain terms, love the girl it belongs to.

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

Love,
Mama

Happy Halloween!

Wonder Duck!

Technically, Haley is Ming Ming Duck from The Wonderpets. Karl picked out the costume and is VERY proud of himself. Prior to Haley's birth, Karl told me "don't dress her up, she won't even know it's Halloween." He was the Scrooge of Halloween. Then on the Wednesday before Halloween, Karl emails me a picture of the costume he's purchased. What? I had never heard of The Wonderpets (a tv show on Nick Jr.) and this is the description I received; "Ming Ming Duck is the Ameila Earhart of ducks." Well, if that didn't sell me...

Coincidentally, Charlie was also a duck. The Manies family likes their poultry! More pictures to come!

Tried Not To Be Scared...

of Haley's cuteness! She sported her skeleton onesie to daycare today and this afternoon will be a pumpkin. She has two (!) more costumes for tomorrow.

Cleaning House

I've decided to change the look of our blog. Enjoy!

Just Because

New photos of Ladybug...just because she's cute. Haley continues to grow like a weed and we continue to fall deeper in love with her.

Cousin Meagan gifted this adorable tutu number to Haley before she was born, and I have waited patiently for Bug to fit in it. That day finally arrived! However, she was less than thrilled with Mom's amateur photoshoot.


Karl wore the Baby Bjorn around the house one night and Haley loved it. I think Karl has a better appreciation of what it's like to be pregnant. Hauling petite Haley around made his back hurt after just 15 minutes.


A close up of our ridiculously, ridiculously good looking baby while in the Bjorn. She's modeling her Baby Bird face - almost as good as Blue Steel ala Zoolander.

2 Month Check Up

The littelest bug went in for her 2 month check up recently. She was a champ - putting on quite the show for the doctor and nurses. Lots of smiles and cooing. And then came the shots...oh boy. There is no way to adequately describe the horror that came over Haley's face. My heart broke a bit that day, but fortunately a bottle and plenty of cuddles cured Haley's ouchies. The Bug tipped the scales at 10.8 lbs; a gain of almost 3 pounds since birth!

Month 2

September 30, 2009

Dear Haley,

How is possible that you’re already two months old? I always though parents that said “time flies” were hokey. I’ve officially joined the hokey mom club because it seems as though time is racing by at warp speed. I have trouble remembering my life before you entered it; it seems as though you’ve always been a part of it.

You continue to grow sweeter each day and are starting to show more of your personality. Your first smiles lit up our world this month - gummy and beautiful. Your smile takes up your whole face from chin to brow; and recently you’ve added a squeal of delight to accompany. Such joy!

You’ve started to be aware of things around you - us, your puppies, and other children. We often wonder what you must think of this brave new world of yours. Each day your dad and I discover some new ability of yours and in typical new parent fashion believe you to be the most intelligent, most advanced, and most beautiful baby on the face of the earth.

You’ve started daycare and I have gone back to work. I dreaded this moment and you rewarded me with fewer middle of the night wake-up calls. Thank you! However groggy I may be in the morning, I secretly relish those hushed 1 am feedings. Just the two of us (with the occasional dog) snuggled together in your cozy cocoon of a room. The world is still asleep, but we’re tucked in under blankets and swaying in your rocking chair. Those are delicious moments I wouldn’t trade for anything.

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

Love,
Mama

Birthday Wishes

Haley wishes her Papa Manies a very happy birthday!

Better Late Than Never - Letter to Haley: Month One

I decided to write a letter to Haley each month of her life. I want to document the minutiae of her life, to savor each moment. I hesitated to post my letters, but decided to share them with whomever may read this site. I wrote this letter several weeks ago...

*************************************************************************************

September 10, 2009

Dear Haley,

You have already been in our lives for one whole month. To me, you have been in my life for more than 10 months, but I am getting to know you in a whole new fashion. You are the sweetest girl one could ever imagine. Your dad and I anticipated sleepless nights spent rocking a fussy baby, and yet you have been an easy going baby from the start. We were concerned about how the dogs would react to having a new (noisy) person in the house and they couldn't have surprised us more. Barley and Chloe love you! Chloe has taken the role of protector, while Barley has taken the role of babysitter (he wants to be near you and/or sniffing you).

We've learned that you love to be held - it almost instantaneously calms you down. We've learned that you are a noisy girl - you love to 'talk' to us in your sweet voice. We've learned that you like to be cozy and snuggled - you curl yourself into a ball when you sleep. We've learned that you don't mind loud noises - especially ones coming from your puppy dogs. We've learned that our hearts grew 10,000 fold with your arrival into the world.

I was so nervous to meet you once the big day finally arrived. Once we arrived at the hospital time couldn't move fast enough. I wanted to know what (who) you looked like. I had spent 39 long weeks getting to know you - you liked to kick and move and often had the hiccups - I simply couldn't wait any longer to meet you. I heard one of the doctors exclaim "she's perfect!" and the tears started rolling down my cheeks. They held you up so I could see you and couldn't agree more - you were (are) indeed perfect. Then I heard you cry and knew that you were healthy, that my prayers had been answered. (Actually, my prayers had been answered the day I found out I was pregnant.)

I have so enjoyed being at home with you these last few weeks and wish we could be together like this forever. I feel as though I've gotten to know not only you, but myself too. Thank you for opening my heart up - I love you and your dad more than I thought possible. You are the sun and moon and stars in my sky.

Love,
Mama

First Day

Look who's ready for her first day of daycare! She flashed this adorable half smile (which is something her father does) as we packed her into the car seat. I have no doubt she's having a blast; we can't wait to hear all about her day.

Busy Bee

Haley's been a busy girl the last few weeks. She changes every day - it's hard to believe that she's 7 weeks old already. Where has the time gone?

Here she is snoozing with Daddy on a Saturday morning. I'm not sure who makes more noise - Daddy snoring or Haley with her funny snorts and snuffles.

Modeling one of her many cute outfits. She's ridiculously, ridiculously

good looking (name that movie).

Here she is being a happy girl.

Haley starts daycare on Monday while I head back to work. I have the feeling that Mommy will be the one with tears in her eyes while Haley enjoys meeting her new friends.

Very Happy Girl

Just in time for me to return to work the girl decides to become even cuter. She cracked these smiles while Barley was kissing her toes.

Crazy Baby

Enough said...

Firsts

Haley continues to grow like a weed - she's already 5 weeks old! The little lady has had a plethora of visitors, which means Mom and Dad have had lots of much appreciated help.

We've enjoyed the nice weather and have taken Haley to a variety of spots though the KC area. She visited the Overland Park Arboretum and Deanna Rose Farmstead all in one weekend. Although she slept though both visits, we think she really enjoyed the outdoors :O) We discovered that she's quite a shopper too. Target, Sam's Club and Oak Park Mall have all been graced with Haley's presence as well. I've found that no matter where we go people comment on Haley's cuteness...not that I'm biased, but I couldn't agree more!

I took Haley to get some newborn pictures taken. Things started off well, but quickly went south...she became very angry (see picture). We managed to snap a few cute photos, although a bit Glamour Shot-esqe.

Uncle Ryan, Aunt Paige and Cousin Charlie paid a visit to Casa Schweigel. Charlie is such a big boy - he's sitting up and eating baby food! I keep telling him that he needs to teach Haley his tricks, but he didn't seem particularly interested in anything other than eating and making lots of noise.

Karl and I enjoyed our first date night sans baby last weekend. We enjoyed an uninterrupted and delicious dinner at Taste, but we quickly missed Haley. Karl and I are totally smitten with our little girl. We can't imagine our lives without her.

The Business of Being Born

Haley is one week old today! Karl and I are settling in to parenthood...with lots of diapers, feedings and sleepless nights (and days). And more love for our little girl than we ever could have imagined.

A few pictures from the 7 days...fresh from the oven to today. (Headband is compliments of cousin Meagan)

She's Here!

Karl and I are happy to announce the arrival of our daughter, Haley Lynn Schweigel. She arrived on Wednesday, August 5th at 12:29 pm. Haley weighed in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and is 19 inches long. She's gorgeous and healthy with a head of dark hair and chubby cheeks.

We want to thank each and everyone of our family members and friends. Karl, Haley and I have been overwhelmed with your love and support.

Here She Comes!

We've hit week 39 and as of tomorrow our little girl will no longer be compared to fruits or veggies. Our c-section is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon and we couldn't be more excited. I'm dying to know what Haley looks like and if she really does have hair (the ultrasound tech thinks she might, but I'm skeptical).

Our trusty internet sources tell us that Haley is the size of a mini watermelon. I believe it...it looks like I swallowed a mini watermelon. Check out that belly! It's encroaching my desk space.






Pictures of Haley will be posted. We can't wait for everyone to meet her!

Life Can Be Suprising

Life in the Schweigel/Manies household has been a whirlwind the last few weeks. We have to give a shout out to The Big Man Upstairs because he has blessed us beyond words.

A few weeks ago Karl was given the unfortunate news of an immediate lay off from PKD...it was unexpected to say the least. However, Karl hit the ground running and two days later landed a job. I am SO very proud of him for taking this in stride and with such a positive attitude. He started his new job this Monday and seems to be settling in nicely.

As of yesterday, we have a full-term baby! This means Haley could arrive safely on the scene at any time. In fact, we know she'll be in our arms two weeks from today! Apparently, Haley is too comfy in her current breech position to turn herself around. So, we're scheduled for a c-section on August 5th. It's simultaneously amazing and terrifying to know her birthday...definitely more on the amazing side. Karl and I can't believe we'll be holding our girl in 15 days.

At 37 weeks she should measure 19 inches from heel to head (about as long as a stalk of Swiss Chard) and weigh approximately 6 1/2 lbs. However, we know from our last ultrasound that Haley may be topping the charts at just over 7 lbs...I've started referring to her as the Butterball Baby.

Less Than A Month

We've hit 36 weeks, which means Haley will be considered full-term as of next Tuesday. Where have the last 8 months gone?! Our trusty internet sources tell us that Haley is the size of a Crenshaw Melon (never heard of this) - she should be weighing almost 6 pounds and is approximately 18 1/2 inches long.

I had the first of my weekly doctor's appointments on Monday and Dr. Newby wasn't able to tell if Haley had flipped head down, so she ordered a sonogram. As it turns out the little stinker is in what they call a Frank Breech position...she's tucked in there like a yogi.

We also discovered that Haley is a bit of a chunk for her age - she's weighing in at approximately 6 lbs 12 oz. If she were to gain the approximate 1/2 lb per week, we could be looking at a BIG girl. The most surprisingly finding was that Haley has some hair...who would have thought? I have been convinced this entire time that she would be a baldy.

Last Saturday I was treated to the most amazing baby shower EVER! Aunt Cyndi (aka Mabel Stewart, Martha's much more friendly and non-convict cousin) and Meg hostessed a family baby shower for Haley and me. The ladies made the day so incredibly special and memorable - everything from the food to the decorations were fantastic. Haley certainly was showered with gifts and Meg is determined to make Haley a girly girl. There is the sweetest tutu hanging in the nursery - I can't wait to see Haley in it! I'll post pics from the party soon!

You've Got To Be Kidding?!

We are down to 5 weeks until Haley is on the scene...that is unbelievable to Karl and me. We think we're ready (is anyone really ready for their 1st kid?) and continue to watch the days fly by.

Our trusty internet sources tell us that Haley is weighing in at 5 1/4 lbs and is approximately 18 inches long. She is comparable to the heft of a honeydew melon. (Side note: where in the world do you find a 5 lb honeydew melon? Not in any grocery stores around Olathe.)

Weekly doctor appointments start next week. Dr. Newby thinks Haley has flipped around, but will be able to give me a more definitive answer at next week's appointment. Fingers are crossed that Babycakes is head down.

At 34 weeks we're still in the tropical fruit section of our pregnancy. Haley is weighing in at approximately 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. She is comparable to a cantaloupe...I'm not sure I've ever seen a cantaloupe that big before.

Haley and I received a clean bill of health at our doctor's appointment earlier this week. I asked Dr. Newby if she guesstimates the weight of her patients babies. She thinks that I'm on track to deliver an 8 pounder...wow! Of course, the doctor was quick to say that her estimation is just that...and I shouldn't get too hung up on the size. Karl and I continue to be thankful for a healthy pregnancy.

Haley and I have had two baby showers in just 5 days time! The first was thrown by my best friend Stacey and her mom Kathy. To say Haley and I were spoiled would be an understatement. Everything from the decor to the food was amazing - Stacey and Kathy put so much work into everything. Haley and I had a great time! I continue to believe Karl's nesting instinct is stronger than mine. After I showed him all of our loot he immediately wanted to wash all the clothes and put together those items requiring assembly.

The second was hosted by several co-workers. I was treated to lunch at Grand Street Cafe and again, was spoiled rotten.

It's amazing to know how many people are excited to meet Haley. Karl and I are incredibly blessed to have such amazing friends, family and co-workers.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

At 33 weeks Haley weighs in at over 4 pounds and is more than 17 inches in length. She is the approximate heft of a pineapple. When I read that all I could think of was SpongeBob Square Pants and his house in Bikini Bottom.

We're continuing to count down the weeks until Haley's arrival - t-minus 7 and counting! I think Karl's nesting instinct is stronger than mine. Last night he bought and assembled shelves for her closet. He's such a good dad! For Father's Day, Haley gave Karl a cute I Love Daddy bib...that will come in handy for all those late night feedings he'll tackle:O) Barley and Chloe made him a special breakfast, with my assistance. We all love him so much!

Last weekend we attended our birthing class, which was a giant disappointment to say the least. Karl and I both think that the instructor could make for a great Saturday Night Live skit. We learned that Karl's biggest and most important job as a labor coach is to have the car gassed up and ready to go. That was her biggest piece of advice...and sadly we paid $65 for that bit of knowledge. Fortunately, I've been doing a lot of reading and Karl has been absorbing my random bits of knowledge I read aloud to him. Also, my best friend Stacey and sister-in-law Paige have been valuable resources of baby knowledge - they graciously answer all of my (ridiculous) questions.

I have to give a special shout out to Karl. He suprised me last night with a new wardrobe of maternity clothes. For a guy that claims to hate shopping, he picked out a bunch of really cute things. Thanks Babes, you're the greatest!

32 Weeks

Haley has grown into a jicama at week 32 (another very random veggie reference). She weighs 3 3/4 pounds and is approximately 16 3/4 inches long. Our trusty internet resources tell us that at this gestational age babies have toenails and may be sporting some hair on their noggin.

Our latest doctor's appointment went off without a hitch. Everything looks great on both the mom and baby fronts.

We want to wish Paige a belated Happy Birthday! Barley, Chloe, Karl, Haley and I are wishing her another fantastic year and all the chocolate she can handle.

Wow!

Karl and I were spoiled rotten for our anniversary. Mom and Dad generously gave us a dinner out - yum! Pete and Nancy surprised us with a digital video camera. I told Karl to be on his best behavior - I can get video evidence and post it on the web! (I really want to capture his bed-hogging, which he vehemently denies.)

I gave Karl a hardwood floor vacuum. I don't know if I've ever seen him so excited over a gift (who gets excited over a vacuum?). Karl's folks recently showed me some video of Karl as a little one and there was an extended portion of the video showing Karl "playing" with a broom and vacuum. Seeing that explained SO much to me.

Karl surprised me by removing the carpet from our stairs and refinishing them. For an uber pregnant wife with a serious nesting instinct, this is an amazing gift.

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