Dress Factory

I am a huge fan of Etsy thanks to my sister.  She turned me on to it when we were looking for bedding for Hadley's nursery.  If you haven't checked it out it's a must.  I like to browse and look at what people have created and have always wanted to create those cute dresses for Hadley.  I like having a project and this would have a purpose...cute dresses for HG.   Thanks to my mom over Easter, she went to the fabric store and helped me pick out everything I needed to make a dress.  She was so patient with me considering I knew NOTHING about sewing, I mean I couldn't even sew on a button or iron very well (both things Josh  does around here).  After a few days mom and I had made the dress and it turned out really cute.  I thought sewing was going to be a lot easier than it was, but being a beginner I tend to take one step forward, rip a  seam, take another step forward, rip a seam, etc...you get the picture, I'm a really good seam ripper :)  Well, back to Etsy, I decided to purchase a pattern for a pillowcase dress. Everyone says that they are the easiest dress to sew, perfect since I'm sewing solo!  I went to Hobby Lobby and loaded up on fabric (of course it had to match the pink thread that was already on the machine since I didn't have a clue on how to change the thread) , scissors, pins, ribbon, etc.  I'm telling you, I'm completely starting from scratch other than the loaned sewing machine by my mom.  I read all the directions, cut my fabric and was so excited to get started until the instructions said to serge the bottom fabric on or if using a sewing machine do a french seam.  HUH?!  I think I sewed the fabric on and ripped it off 4 times, until I finally figured it out, or at least got it to look right.  Wahoo....I was on my way, the rest of the dress was a breeze.  I tried my finished product on HG and the armholes were too small....uggghh.  Here I go a ripping and cutting and re-sewing.  Needless to say I have learned so much and I like the challenge of figuring it out and having a fun finished product.  That night I was so excited I had finished it, I wanted to sew more, so I headed back to Hobby Lobby and got enough fabric for 3 more dresses.  You will see HG wearing pillowcase dresses probably every time you see her..hehe.  These are the two that I finished this weekend.  Notice the blue and brown, I tackled changing the thread and after I googled it I was ready for the color change :)

Look-a-like

Ever since Hadley has been born there has never been the question of who she looks like.  I guess I'm not one to really mind that she looks nothing like me.  In fact, I'm glad she looks like Josh since I think he's pretty darn cute :)   Recently Josh was in AK at his dad's and found this pic....HG is Josh made over:)

So, the next time you see us and you might feel a little bad about telling me she looks nothing like me, it's ok, I get the message loud and clear :)

Miss Shopper

It's a big day when you can ride in the shopping cart!  She likes the ride because she can see more of the action and that there are a lot of people to say 'hi' to.  I am also thrilled with her new ability, because going to the store is a lot easier and much more convenient not having to carry in the carrier.  We are now officially on the hunt for a new carseat :)

Whew!

It has been a whirlwind this week and I'm just now recovering.  There is a lot to catch up on, but I'll post all about it later.  For now, I just wanted to post these pics I took a few days ago.

6.5 months

We headed to the Dr. yesterday for HG's 6 mo checkup and shots.  It turned out that the appointment was right during her nap time and she was not too happy about it.  The only thing that seemed to help was the paper on the table.  That stuff is fascinating!
HG weighs 17lbs 12 oz and is 26.5 in long.  She is in the 75% on both height and weight.

Oh happy day

Friday we got to go outside and soak up the sun!!  

Spring Break!

This past week Hadley and I took a trip to Tulsa to hang out with my nieces and nephew.  My sister was on a trip to Mexico and since the kids had spring break this week I was able to keep them during the day while Jared was at work.  It was a great 3 days!  I managed to get a few pictures with my phone in between the chaos.

We started everyday with some Curious George cartoons.

Chole was 'singing' to Hadley

Not sure who had more fun?  They were great babysitters.

Hadley is as big as Kate, but Kate insisted on 'holding' her :)

Cole is soooo sweet to Hadley and he builds the best towers.

We dyed Easter eggs and this is Hadley watching the hunt from her stroller.

Girls on a walk while Cole hides easter eggs in the yard.

We were trying to get a group picture...

Yea, 4 kids = no make-up and a ponytail :)

Still not working :(

Cole decided he would take a picture of just the girls.  After he took this

he said 'Perfect! That was a great picture!'

It was a very busy 3 days, but I'm so thankful for the quality time I get to spend with my favorite kiddos, especially while they are young and still wanting to hang out with their aunt Meg.  

Veggie Day!

Today we started vegetables :)  She thinks they are pretty tasty, but her favorite part is the shiny spoon.  She has the most fun trying to grab the spoon than she does eating.  It stands to reason though because for the past couple of months she has loved watching us eat.  She looks at the spoon/fork and then we look at her and say yummmmmm, it totally cracks her up. Here are a couple of pics before we started eating.  Notice the toddler full body bib...talk about prepared :)

I didn't get any after pics, trust me it wasn't pretty:)

 

Swinging 6 months

Ok, totally cheesy title, but it made me chuckle :)  Hadley turned 6 mo yesterday and we celebrated by having lunch with some of our sweet friends from church Melanie and Emma.  Thanks girls for a fun time!   We then headed to pick out a new toy and to buy some baby food.  I haven't done baby food yet because our doctor said to wait until 6 mo and that was fine with me.  We did start cereal, but neither one of us are big fans.  I think its waaaay to messy and she thinks its not that tasty, so we I have put it off.  Maybe the carrots that I bought will be tastier and a little easier to eat.   We shall see.  Today it was so pretty outside I  thought it might be fun to head to the park and try out the swings.  Here is was she thought of that idea..
Not amused :(  The swing was a bit big and a little awkward.
Can you say sanitizer?  I was tempted to take the lysol can, but thought that would scream first time mom..so I settled for the more subtle choice of hand sanitizer.

Back home :)

It has been a great 6 mo.  with you Hadley Grace.  You are a very fun and happy baby.  You are starting to sit up and that excites you because anytime I lay you down you try to sit up on your own.  You are very nosey.  You like to know what everyone is doing and you always want to be a part of the action.  I'm not sure who you got that from :)  You are totally in love with dad.  He is by far your favorite person and he always makes you smile and laugh.  You still suck your thumb when you go to sleep and you have started sleeping with a sleeping buddy, AKA pinky the pig.  You love any toy that has music and sings.  Your exersaucer is one of your favorite past times and you will play in there while you watch your movies.  I'm excited to explore the outdoors with you.  Since you were born in the winter, these are your first experiences outdoors and I think you like it.  So, happy 1/2 birthday my baby girl.  We love you bunches!!  love, mom

Reading

Hadley likes her books!  We have several books that she likes, but at the top of her list is Shake it up Baby, Twinkle Little Star, and The 3 Little Kittens.  She likes to help turn the pages and she smiles when the mom of the three little kittens gets onto them for losing their mittens :)  Its funny how she instantly gets so excited the minute you pull out a book.