Daddy's Birthday Week

Dear Kids, 

Man, I am not doing a great job at posting consistently. It's been kind of a crazy week at the Havlir household mostly good, but some bad too. 

A few days ago, we got some good storm systems pass through, which cooled us down a bit. We took advantage of this by going on a short family bike ride. Nathan is still a bit nervous when riding the bike, but you are starting to regain your confidence back. 

Hailey, you are pretty indifferent while riding in the back and Hannah, you pretty much love doing anything that involves be not in the house. 

Hannah, your sense of style has been quite interesting. You've really enjoyed designing dresses with tulle and wearing them around the house all day. It's quite adorable. 

 Another adorable thing is how much of a messy eater you still are. It doesn't matter what you are eating, it could be ice cream, cherries, or chocolate chips, but without a doubt, you will somehow always get food all over your mouth. I have no idea how it happens, but I look over and see this:

And while we are on the topic of eating, lets check out Hailey's acrobatic skills of balancing on the edge of the high chair. So far you have not fallen, but we have lowered the high chair to the lowest position and leaned it against the wall just to be safe. You've been staying put lately, so I think the risky, sit on the edge of your seat (literally) was just a phase. 

This past Saturday we went to Home Depot to participate in their monthly build (and to buy Daddy's birthday present). So every time you participate, you earn a pin to put on your apron and we just found out that once you reach 10, 25, and 50 projects, you get a special pin. Nathan had 13, so he was able to get a 10 project pin, but Hannah, you were 1 project short. Next time. 

 This past Sunday was Daddy's birthday. We made him a cake, his favorite dinner, and had a small family birthday party.

 The two older kids are really getting to enjoy Hailey and Hailey just adores you big kids. Currently, I think Hailey likes Nathan a bit better because he's had more practice with understanding when babies don't like something. Hannah is still figuring that out.

 Hailey remains very social and is still not shy to strangers.

 On Tuesday, we took advantage of the cooler weather and visited the Nature Center. It's been awhile since we've been and I think now that you all are older, you definitely appreciate it and get more out of the experience. I think this is a place we will visit more often.

 Hailey, you got to experience sand for the first time sitting up. Last time we were in a sandy spot, you were still too young to even care to explore.

 For the first time, you guys went wading in the little creek. At the beginning, both of you were very timid, afraid to slip into the cool running water, but once you got your footing, Nathan was even running up and down the creek.

 We briefly looked at some animals before we had to head home for the day.

 Hailey spent time in the stroller and took a short nap in the carrier. We've been trying to make naps a priority for you so I think you are starting to develop a good sleep schedule. It's still not perfect and shifts from day to day, but you are sleeping an average of a little less than 13 hours each day. It's not the 14-15 hours that the books recommend, but you are happy and meeting your milestones, so that'll be it for now.

 On Thursday, we visited California Pizza Kitchen for their make your own pizza and Kitchen tour experience. It was quite crazy because across the restaurant, Build a bear was holding a special event, which was quite crazy, but at least our group got our own little section of the restaurant, so at least our crazy was contained a bit.

 It was pretty neat to go visit the kitchen. I was surprised at how small the space back there was.

 That evening, we realized that Hannah was starting to get sick. Hailey seemed to have it too (it ended up being loose stools due to teething) and on top of everything, Daddy got sick with flu-like symptoms as well. It was kind of a crazy evening. Hannah, you were soiling your pants every 10 minutes, and after an afternoon of using the bathroom, your bottom was raw and painful. Hailey's bottom was in a similar state. It seemed like all I was doing was cleaning up messes.

I needed to get you all bathed and Hailey did not want to be put down. So at one point, I was holding Hailey in my left arm, while Hannah, you were sitting on the potty, hugging the right side of my body. The feeling of "woe is me" starts to creep in. But then Hannah toots and this causes Hailey to let out a huge belly giggle. We all look at each other and started to laugh. This was the toot that saved my sanity.

The next day, Hannah, you were just cranky and tired. At one point, I found you in our bedroom, lying on top of a pair of Daddy's pants, with the laundry basket on top of you. You actually fell asleep in that position. You must have been so tired.

 Nathan is at lesson 80 out of 100 of reading lessons. You really enjoy these lessons and you are so motivated by being able to read. Every night, you ask if we can complete a lesson. Sometimes we just don't have time, and you get so disappointed. You love "-ing" words for some reason and you tell me each time we come across one. I've really enjoyed our time together and I'm so glad that I get to share this gift of reading with you.

Well, that's about it. It's been a crazy, adventurous week. I'm praying that everyone starts to feel better soon. Until next week,
Love,
Mommy