A Wonderful Weekend

We had a very busy but fun weekend at the Egbert house!  Saturday the girls went over to Grammy’s to help cousin Sandy decorate the Christmas tree.  Although I am not sure how much “help” Haley was she certainly had a good time!  Ally stayed at Grammy’s and spent the night so she could attend a choir performance in the morning with Grammy & Papa.  Haley came home to a decorated house (Mom & Dad spent the day cooking, decorating & doing yard work) and took a nap before friend’s came over for a small housewarming party. We had four kids under the age of two over – Haley, Makenna, Lyric & Coco.  All the adults had fun playing with the babies and laughing at Haley & Makenna’s antics! They really have a blast playing together! After a nice evening with friends we went to bed so we could have another fun day of Christmas shopping with Auntie Shoe followed by a nice evening with Uncle enjoying the Festival of Lights at the Grotto.     Haley loved all the people and all the cool lights! She was running around touching all the lights and being generally sweet & cute like usual :)     Haley was exhausted so Dad picked her up and took her home while Ally & Mom had yummy dinner at Uncles.  It was a great way to cap off a really great weekend!

Up and running again!

So I FINALLY have all the things I need to start posting my blog again – camera battery, download cord & laptop – hurray!  Since my camera has not been working until recently I do not have too many photos to post but I do have a few good ones from the last couple of weeks :)  We have all been busy with various school and holiday related activities – I will go over some of the highlights…  A fantastic afternoon downtown with Uncle to see the Singing Christmas tree with Ally…  Two band concerts – one at Zoolights and Ally’s final performance at Alder Creek (she will start at her new school in January)… A meatloaf in true Grammy style in the shape of a house to honor our new home… And of course a not so successful trip with Haley to meet Santa (Haley not a big fan)… As you can see we have been busy but having lots of fun!  Haley is getting so big and learning new things every day!  Today she got a spoon out of the dishwasher and walked over and put it in the silverware drawer – Momma’s little helper!  She is so sweet and funny and brings us so much joy.  We are truly blessed this holiday season!

A New Home

So we have all began to settle in to the new house. Alex keeps walking around saying "I love this place" so that makes me happy :) Haley seems to be adjusting well and is certainly enjoying all the new things to explore and discover! She new house has a better floor plan that allows her more freedom which she of course loves! We have a lot more work to do but it is certainly coming along!

Moving

OK so things have been really crazy around here because we are moving :) We are all really excited but we have SO much to do! I can not believe that we have all this stuff! Man I don't even know how it happened! We moved in as a single couple and left married with kids so I guess I know what happened... Anyway I will update more once I get the family settled into the new place!

Volleyball & Chili's

Today we met Grammy at Alder Creek so she could attend one of Alex's volleyball games before the season ended. Alex was so excited that we were all there to cheer her on! She was especially excited because her team won! After the game we went with Grammy and had dinner at Chilis - yum! Haley had a great time eating and screaming (her new favorite attention getter - yikes!)

Playdate & Lunch With Grammy

Today was a VERY fun and long day for Miss Haley! We woke up bright and early to take Haley & Makenna over to a couple of Mom's friend's from high schools house to play with new baby friends! Lottie (8 months) is my friends Liz & Dan's baby girl and Owen (9 months?) & Liam (almost 3) are Tai & Blaine's boys. The kids all had a great time playing together. Owen was sleeping most of the time but the girls had a great time playing with Liam while Lottie sat and watched - with the sweetest smile the whole time!

She is such a happy baby! She really cracked me up! After some , good playing, Mom took the girls to Red Robin to meet Grammy for lunch.

The girls shared a grilled cheese sandwich with apple slices - Makenna stole my ranch to dip her grilled cheese AND apples in - she certainly is her Momma's child! Both girls were pooped after the big afternoon and passed out in the car before we even left the parking lot. After we got home (and Haley had a continuation of her nap) we all got ready for evening activities - Mom went to class and Dad & Haley went to Alex's volleyball game. They lost, but only by one point! All in all a pretty hectic but fun day!

Flu Shots & Volleyball

Today we had a nice relaxing day with Dad (no work because it is a bank holiday.) Dad, Mom & Haley went to the mall to play at the baby playground and get a yummy pretzel. Haley loved walking around and looking at the kids.

She loved climbing up and having Mom help her down the slide.

Every time she got to the bottom she squealed with delight and seemed so proud of herself. It was quite cute! After the playground we played a little bit on the coin operated train before heading home.

After lunch and a nap we got ready and headed to Alder Creek for Alex's volleyball game. (she is #22)

Haley had a good time running around with the other little kids at the game while Mom and Dad took turns watching her and watching the game.

One little boy, about five, took a fancy to Miss Haley. He followed her around telling everyone who would listen how cute she was. He delighted in putting her hood on her head and even walked with her with his hand on her little back. So cute. At one point he excitedly called his brother "Michael look at her! Isn't she cute? She can walk!" Michael was not quite as impressed but it was awfully cute! Before we left he told me "I really like Haley. She can walk but she isn't old enough to play with those big kids yet, right?" So funny! After the game Mom took Haley to Dr. Uncle's office to get her flu shot. It was nice to see Uncle again and we were in and out of the office so fast! It was funny because Haley got MUCH more upset about us laying her down on the table then she did about the actual shot itself - silly monkey! I love my girls!

All Bundled Up

It is definitely fall in the Great Northwest. Today was COLD. That did not stop us from bundling Haley up and going to the park. Haley looked SO cute in her little jacket all ready to go play with her sister!

Alex walked Haley down to Lent's park and let her run around for awhile. Haley had a lot of fun but I think the extra layers made moving around more difficult - she kept falling on her little bum :)

It did not seem to faze her much and she seemed to have a great time just toddling around and checking stuff out. It is so amazing to her grow every day and gain the courage to explore more and more of the world. Each day with my girls is truly a blessing!

A Fun Day

So I intended on taking photos for everyone (I know, I know ANOTHER excuse) but apparently my camera works better when I bring the battery and storage card...of well! Mom & Haley had a really fun morning today though - we went and played with babies! Mom & Haley headed over to Stacy & Steve's house today to visit their new bundle of joy Colleen Corinne Smith! She is so sweet and cute! Definitely has her Mommy's eyes and it looks like she has Daddy's eyes - she is sure to be a brilliant beauty with folks like hers! Lyric & Robyn also came by :) I love being able to see Lyric so much! He is as cute as ever and so alert! Haley liked pointing at the babies and wandering around trying to get into mischief. It was really fun to sit around with my girlfriends and our kids - such a change from just a few years ago! After a fun afternoon Mom & Haley headed home and BOTH took a nap before getting ready to go to Uncle's with Alex for Swedish Meatballs and stories from Africa! Dinner was great and RJ had some neat stories about his trip. Haley got a little cranky from her long day so we called it a night. I was really disappointed to not have my camera because Haley wore her SUPER cute U of O cheerleader outfit (for her favorite Uncle) and looked super adorable but I will get photos of her in it soon for everyone :)

Sorry for Slacking...

Sorry for slacking but a lot of forces have been working against successful blog posting...Grandpa Egbert was in a car crash. He needed stitches and spent several days in the hospital (and the truck is totalled) but he is OK and healing. He really banged himself up something awful though! Thank goodness he is OK! That along with meetings, classes, and volleyball games the family just has not had much time for too much fun stuff (other than enjoyin every single moment with the always endearing Miss Haley!) - Plus Haley's bruise (which is now almost gone) made Mom a little camera shy...oh well at least I am getting something on here now! Other than the hectic bustle that is life we have managed to have a few play dates, build an atom model, visit Grammy a few times, go to the movies and best of all find a new house to rent right next to Grammy! We will moving at the end of the month and I can not wait! The house is really nice and I could not have asked for a better location! We are all really excited!

My How The Time Flies!

Things have been so hectic lately! With Haley walking and definitely making herself heard the days get a little crazy - but in a good way :) Haley is really able to walk well now. She manuvers around things and can loves climbing up on things! Of course this new found mobility and her never ending curiosity and sense of adventure has led to a few little tumbles. She REALLY conked herself good a few days ago - it was not as much as how hard she fell but she knocked herself directly between her eyes with her sippy cup. Luckily the injury was not too bad BUT it LOOKED horrible! She looked like she had been in a UFC fight or something! Oh it was horrible! Her bruise did not seem to bother her much (she barely even cried when it happened) but man did it bother Mom! It is the most horrible feeling to see something like that on such a precious little face! Luckily it seems to be fading fast and I am sure that it will be gone quickly - the timing, however, could not have been worse because we were supposed to have family photos taken...that will have to wait a week or two :(

Volleyball Games

So Volleyball season has gotten into full swing! Alex is really enjoying it and seems to be getting better every day! Today was her second volleyball game. I spent the evening manning the snack station but Dad & Haley watched the game and got a few photos. Alex's team won and they are now 2-0!

Lyric Rylee Cooper

Robyn finally went into labor and Lyric Rylee was born on September 25, 2009 at 10:00 PM. He was 20 inches long and weighed 8 lbs 12 ounces.

Mom was able to meet Robyn and be one of the very first people to see and hold the little guy.

He is healthy and SO cute! He was so alert and looking around everywhere.

It was truly a fantastic moment! Momma was so happy and they looked so sweet together! We are happy to welcome Lyric to this world!

A Little Under the Weather

Today Mom woke up with a little head cold and a massively sore throat :( There went Haley & Mom's big plans to go see Stacy & Steve's new baby! We will have to wait until Monday now but can't risk spreading this around - I am already SO worried that the princess will catch it! So today was spent hanging out at the house and catching up on some rest (baby girl needed it too since she decided not to nap yesterday...) and playing on the floor together. Not too bad of a way to spend the day. Aunt Kate stopped by at lunchtime and brought Mom some food & orange juice (talk about a nice sister!) She also dropped off a birthday present for Alex (what a nice Aunt!) & got a chance to see Haley walking :)

Kisses from Makenna and My Baby Genius!

Today Makenna spent the day with Haley. They have learned how to give each other kisses and it is pretty darn cute! It is nice that Haley has such good friends to play with!

After Makenna went home, Grandma came over to see Haley and drop some stuff off. Haley had been playing with Grandma's keys and had left them on the floor by the ball pit but she had ended up playing on the floor by Mom & Grandma. When Grandma was ready to leave we were asking Haley where the keys were. I pointed over to the keys near the ball pit and said "Haley give Grandma her keys?" I repeated it several times and almost passed out when Haley walked over toward the ball pit and grabbed the keys (which were actually behind something so she had not been able to see the keys when I started asking her to get them) and wobbled back to Grandma.

I could not believe it! I was saying it but I did not think in a MILLION years that she would go get them! Genius baby I tell ya! Full of surprises!

Back To School Night

Today Robyn stopped by so I could see her again before Lyric is born. Today was her due date but no sign of the little guy yet! The doctor said that if he doesn't show up by next Tuesday she will schedule an c-section for next Wednesday. I am so excited and can not wait for Lyric to be born so I can meet him!

Tonight we met Alex after volleyball practice to attend Alder Creek Open House. Grandma was kind enough to watch Haley (which was good since I don't think Haley would have liked sitting in all the classrooms and listening to speeches...) so it was just Mom, Dad & Alex. We walked around to each of her classes and her teachers gave a little "presentation" about their expectations and current curriculum.

I won't say it was fabulous but I do love spending time with Alex so it was not half bad :) Alex had her friend Emily come over to spend the night (since Wednesday is late start) so we all headed home together after the event was done. Emily & Alex spent the rest of the night at the kitchen table doing homework and Dad, Mom & Haley called it an early night!

Loving to Walk

So Haley is all about walking now! She prefers walking to crawling - unless she wants to get somewhere fast (like if she notices a baby gate open) and then she is crawling as fast as she can! She is still a little hesitant but she is gaining confidence. I only could get a few steps on camera (and please excuse my laundry pile on the couch...) but here she is!

Wonderful Weekend

We had a nice relaxing weekend - a nice change from the usual hectic pace we run at. Alex had Emily over to spend the night on Friday. When they got ready on Saturday they hopped on the Max and went to Clackamas Town Center so Alex could spend her birthday gift certificate :) Mom, Dad & Haley stayed home to hang out and play. Haley is learning to climb on and off the couch. At this weeks early intervention session Nicole suggested taking one couch cushion off so that Haley had a spot that was lower to pull herself up on. Haley LOVES this! She is able to pull up onto the lower area and then get herself up on (or down from) the couch. She loves crawling up and on to Mom, or crawling over to the light switch and turning the lights on and off, or just climbing up and down over and over and over...who would know that the furniture would end up being her favorite toy? On Sunday we woke up early and the girls walked down to the Lents Farmers Market with Tank (Dad stayed to watch football) and got some fresh fruit & pastries for breakfast. Yummo! After we got home Haley took a quick nap before accompanying Mom & Grandma to the mall to exchange some items and to let Haley play on the baby playground. Haley loves the mall - she loves all the people and looking at all the stuff. She especially loves the playground with all the kids moving around. After a little time playing and going down the slide, Grandma took Haley over to the area with all the going operated "rides" - Haley had a blast!

She especially loved the train which sort of jerked back and forth but had all sorts of buttons to push and screens with lights.

The best part though was that it was big enough for one or two other kids to join her! Haley couldn't get enough of pushing the buttons and making cheesy grins at her new friends.

After all the excitement Haley was pooped so we headed home for dinner and nap (which ended up turning into bedtime since she was passed out!)

Friday Fun!

This morning started with Mom dropping Uncle RJ off at the airport so he can start his African safari adventure :) I can not wait for the pictures! Tank was also very excited because it meant that "cousin" Henry was coming for a visit! The boys played around together and now are both completely passed out :) In the afternoon Haley had her friend, Annie, come over to play. We set the slide up under the porch so that we might get a little use out of it when the rain starts. Annie & Haley had a fantastic time playing on it!

Annie liked climbing the stairs but Haley was of course more interested in climbing up the slide and then sitting on the top of the steps (much to Annie's chagrin.)

They seemed to work it out OK and spent an hour out on the porch playing. Alex is at the Putnam football game with Emily and Haley is fast asleep so off to do a few chores before bed! :)

The week so far...

The week has been pretty normal & busy :) We had Makenna over on Tuesday and that was fun. Haley really loves to play with her.

Makenna has apparently learned the word "no" because it echoed through the house the entire day :) Every time Haley got within a 5 foot radius of Makenna's doll, Makenna would run to it shouting "No! No! No!" It was kinda funny. Makenna also has learned to say Haley's name "Hey E" - which is really freaking cute!

On Tuesday we also had Early Intervention & a visit from the case worker before going to meet Grammy, Papa & Uncle at Black Bear (yum!) so Alex could celebrate with Uncle before he leaves to Africa (tomorrow!) Of course dinner was fantastic - it was Black Bear and we clearly had fabulous company. Haley was also able to showcase her walking skills for Uncle so that was neat! Then on Wednesday Mom's friend, David & his girlfriend Jessie, were in town visiting from China so they went out to lunch while Alex was in school and Haley played with Grandma. We went to the Kennedy School which is always fun! It is just fun to walk around and look at everything in that place. It was interesting to hear about how life is in China & just catch up - I have not seen David in a long time! After lunch Mom came home and we had a quiet evening at home. Haley was exhausted and ended up going to bed at 7:15 which meant for an early morning awakening, but it actually worked out because Dad was up to take Alex to her early morning volleyball practice so he kindly took Haley with them and let Mom sleep in - what a nice husband!

Just Another Manic Monday...

Today was another hectic day - lots of errands and things to get done, but I am happy to say all the things we wanted to accomplish today actually got done, hurray! Today was also the first day of Alex's volleyball practice. She really enjoyed it and is looking forward to the rest of the season. I am happy that she likes it (however since practice is at 7:45 tomorrow morning we will have to see how long the enthusiasm lasts!) Haley spent the day running errands with Mom and charming the socks off of everyone we encountered - like usual :) She continues to work on her new skill of walking and is improving quickly. She is still a little nervous but often gets the courage to make small jaunts from one item or person to another. Today she managed to take about twelve consecutive steps! She looks so cute and wobbly! She always gets a huge grin and seems very proud of herself (her Mama is proud too) when she walks - so cute. I am still trying to capture a video to share but she is still a little shy about her new found skill. She is such a sweet and happy baby, she brings so much happiness into all our lives :) Tomorrow is another big day with meetings and an early birthday dinner for Alex so this Momma is off to bed!

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Today we had a relaxing day of hanging around the house, watching football and getting some chores done. Mom & Dad made a huge dent in the ever growing pile of laundry. We had a big pile on the couch and were getting ready to fold it...

Tank was nowhere to be found- No, wait, there is the boy!

Too funny! Mom also managed to get a lot of photos uploaded on the computer and her blog updated - finally! All in all it was a great, and finally relaxing, way to spend a Sunday morning!

That Hair!

Everyday when I am out and about with Haley I always get stopped by at least one (usually a half dozen people) who want to look at Haley's hair. Everyone always thinks her fauxhawk is the cutest thing in the world...I tend to agree :)

And she is off!

Today started with a great accomplishment for Haley - her first few wobbly steps! She took the plunge and took three wobbly steps to get from Dada to Mama! What a big girl! She got the courage up to take a few more several times throughout today so it won't be too long until she will be walking all the time! I can't believe she is getting so big! After the big steps we all got ready for the days activities - Alex went over to Emily's and Roy, I and Haley all went to Rex Putnam to see Hayden's first football game.

He looked so cute all uniformed up and ready to play!

Hayden's team totally smoked the competition and the game ended in a 33-0 victory!

After the game we went home so Haley could nap and get ready to go to dinner & the mall with Grammy & Auntie Shoe. After such a full day Haley was wiped out - she fell asleep in the car and only woke up to make a few sleepy blinks at Dad before going to bed for the night. Such a sweet girl!

Alex is Back To School

Alex is finally back to school! She was pretty excited but a little nervous to get back in the swing of things. It was strange not having her around the house today...and slightly quieter :) Haley and Mom spent most of the day playing and waiting for sister to come home!

Both girls were so happy to see each other - what cute sisters!

I sure am one lucky Mom! After dinner Alex gave Haley a bath and was quite proud of the unicorn horn hairdo she gave the girl.

I must say it did look cute!