Baby Owen

I hope my sister Michelle doesn't mind that I post a picture of her adorable little boy.  I officially became an aunt (on my side of the family) July 11th.  Owen Randy Oldham weighed 9 lbs 1 oz and was 22 inches long!!!  How my tiny little sister carried and delivered a baby that large is beyond me!!!  I am so excited that Hayden and I get to go meet this little guy next week and spend a whole week with them. 

It is always exciting when a baby is born and I love all my nieces and nephews on the Pratt side, but there is something more special when it's your own sister having a baby.  I'm so glad we get to share in motherhood together now.

"What's Your Name?"

This is Hayden's favorite question to answer to which she responds, "Hay Praa..." It is too cute and we need to get it on video!  She is also becoming quite the singer lately.  She makes anything and everything (hairbrushes, kitchen spoons, phone chargers, jump robe, bathtub faucet) into a microphone, closes her eyes and belts out her best vibrato.  This is also something we need to capture so we'll always remember.  

Jesus

I had to go to another ward today so it was Paul's first time alone with Hayden at church.  I was a little nervous for them both, so I sent them with plenty of snacks and books!  Well, Paul did have to take Hayden out in the hall and she walked out, pointed to a picture on the wall and said, "Jesus!"  The missionaries in the hall were very impressed.  How amazing that she already recognizes pictures and says His name! 

The Big Screen

In the summer they have free movies at one of the local movie theaters here.  I thought this would be a great first movie for Hayden because if she didn't do well, I could take her out and not worry about how much we paid to see the movie!  The movie was "Marmaduke" definitely not the best movie, but Hayden loved watching to dogs and she did so great!  The last 15 minutes she was kind of over the movie, but this gave me great hope that we can take her to fun movies when they come to the theatre! 

All Dolled Up

Hayden got a package from Grandma Anne yesterday with some clothes and a pair of shoes for an early  birthday present.  Did I socialize Hayden to love clothes and shoes, or is it innately a girl thing?  Hayden looked through the package and pulled each article of clothing out saying "oh cute" to each one and then when she found the shoes she immediately had to have them on.  Now Hayden seems to L.O.V.E shoes and most especially prefers wearing them when she is only in her diaper!  All of Paul's brothers seem to love shoes, so this must be her Pratt genes coming out!  She also likes to wear my shoes, and even Paul's given the chance!

 This is one of the cute outfits that Hayden got.  Her outfit wasn't complete until she had 2 of my bracelets on and a necklace!

 wearing my shoes

Hayden does have another side to her though.  Anytime I open the door to the garage I hear her scurrying to get through to Paul's tools.  One day she got a Philips screw driver and was working on her fridge!

 

4th of July

We had a pretty good 4th of July this year.  We made a yummy breakfast: buttermilk pancakes, eggs and bacon, but it was a sad beginning of the day for me.  I was missing family and wishing we lived closer so we could celebrate the holidays together.  Anyway, I got out of my slump and Paul and I decided to try a bike ride with Hayden on the Silver Comet Trail.  The last time we went it was a bit of a disaster.  Paul pulled the trailer and Hayden literally screamed for an hour and then fell asleep right when our ride ended.  Everyone gave Paul terrible looks and Hayden clearly was not enjoying herself.  We haven't dared go since this incident, but I thought she might be happier if I pulled her and if we bribed her with a sucker.  Paul was so excited to try this arrangement as he has not ridden his bike without lugging 50+ pounds behind him in two years.  

Hayden definitely fought the trailer at first, but once she saw that I was right with her and pulling her she calmed down pretty quickly.  I got a great workout pulling her and it was a good way to start off the 4th. 

Our neighborhood is really into the 4th of July and they throw a big party every year.  So after Hayden's nap we went to our neighbors house to swim and eat barbecue.  They had a live band and soft serve ice cream and they went to Tennessee and spent about $2,000 on illegal fireworks!!!  Sadly it rained so they didn't shoot as many off as they had hoped too.  We watched from our garage with our next door neighbors: Loraine, Phil and their son Alex (who is so cute with Hayden).  Hayden did so good during the fireworks.  She was pretty cautious at first, but once she realized they were safe she was running around and talking up a storm.  Our neighbors had us over for dessert after and Hayden loved exploring their house.  She even let Loraine hold her and walk her around the house for a tour.

Hayden's cute outfit bought by my friend Mari Olsen for my baby shower.  I never thought it would fit!
Hayden making her daily phone calls on Paul's old ipod.   

 Swimming in our neighbors pool, a bit awkward since none of the neighbors we know were actually there!

watching the fireworks!

Hayden's laugh, animal noises & body parts

Paul and I finally pulled out the camera one day when Hayden was in a performing mood.  Her hair is crazy because it was right after her nap!  The video is a little slow in the beginning but then picks up.  Pay special attention to what a doggy says.  Some of you may think it's ruff ruff, but according to Hayden (since she was about a year old) it says, "sh sh, sh sh"

Goodbyes

Saturday night we had the Sanders over one last time before Susannah and Payton move back to Colorado Springs for their next Air Force Assignment.  Even though Susannah and I were an hour away from each other while they were here, it was comforting knowing she was in the same general area.  We had such a fun dinner with them and as always, Jason brought all his energy and enthusiasm which made it a great night. 

Hayden is probably going to miss Susannah more than me!  She gave her a goodbye hug and would not let go.  She wrapped her arms all the way around her neck and rested her head on Susannah's shoulder.  Paul said, "Hayden go get mom," and she looked at me and went right back to hugging Susannah.  I don't think she has ever done that!  I finally pulled her away and she cried as they drove away.  I think Susannah will always hold a special place in Hayden's heart!