Snow day!

Well, school was canceled for today, so I'm at home with my precious baby girl! Yay! The snow is pretty, but I think we're all starting to get a little cabin fever. Hannah hasn't left the house since Sunday...and even then, only to Gram and Pap's. We usually make it out to Target or the mall once a week, so I'm sure she's missed our adventures the last two weeks. I know I have!
We're doing really well with our napping, too! She's been taking both of her naps in her crib for the last four days! If by Saturday, we're still on a roll, I think I'll have Micah pack up the swing to free up some additional space in her room. Now that she's "on the move", we're going to need all of the space we can get!
In other "Hannah News", she has started to throw temper tantrums. They are horrible! If she throws something out of her reach, she wants me to get it for her. She simply will NOT lean over to get it. She looks at me, points to it and says "Eh"...as if to say, "Okay Ma, do your job!" It's hysterical! After a few seconds of me encouraging her to reach for her toy, (she really can do it, I'm not being mean!) she broke down. I tried picking her up to comfort her, but she looked right at me, opened her mouth as WIDE as it would go and screamed at me. It was the funniest thing I think she's done to date! How in the world are you supposed to correct a 10 month old's behavior?! I scooped her up and made her cuddle with me until she settled down. It worked...eventually. I had to distract her a bit by allowing her to peek out her bedroom window and watch Daddy shovel snow for the 18th time this week.
Hannah is usually happy and content. I know her teeth are still bothering her, and although she is napping in her crib, she isn't taking as long of naps. We've gone from two hours down to one to one and half. I'm sure the lack of sleep during the day is also contributing to her grouchiness. I was able to snap a few pictures this afternoon and they actually turned out okay! I thought I was getting really good with my new camera, but after the pictures I've taken the last few days, I'm starting to wonder how much I really know! I seriously think I need to take a class on photography. Now to find the time (and money) to do that!
Here are a few pictures from yesterday:
She had an "Alfalfa" look going on!



And a few from today:
She is able to stand at the ottoman by herself!

Mommy is close by, of course!

She noticed the camera...

...and wanted to touch it! I really need to get a UV filter to protect my lens from fingerprints!!



I'm thinking we'll attempt a birthday photo shoot this weekend. I have a few cute ideas, so I'm hoping Hannah's in a picture kind of mood!
;)

Short and Sweet

That's exactly what this post will be! Suffice it to say, we did in fact have school. There were 96 absentees, which is a lot for our little school. *Almost* every district in our county was closed today...and we were open. I had five students in total today, so it ended up being a relaxing day. We are supposedly getting 6-10 more inches by tomorrow night, but right now it's not doing anything exciting outside. Perhaps we'll be spared this time!
Well, I think Hannah is officially a "crib napper"! She took both naps in her crib today without a fight. I can't tell you how excited I am about this! The fact that she went right to sleep for my Mom today is great! She isn't quite as fussy either, so I'm hoping the worst of the teething pain is behind us for now.
After dinner, and before bath time, I got the bright idea to try on her bikini from this past summer. Mind you, she was two months old the last time she wore it...and it was huge on her. This time around, it was a bit snug. She wasn't too amused with playing dress-up tonight, so pardon the less-than-thrilled expression on her face!

Hannah-10 months old

...and 2 months old in Myrtle Beach last year...how time flies!!


These two pictures are random, but as I was looking through our vacation pictures, I couldn't help but not post these. They are my favorite! Look how much she's grown!

Micah had to get some kisses in before bedtime tonight. Hannah loves her Daddy!

;) Good night!

Ooooh, Monday...

Hannah must have missed Micah today, because she was monstrously cranky all day until he came home. I guess after being snowed in together on Saturday, and Micah watching her Sunday while I worked, she wanted him home!
Although she was horribly cranky, I did manage to get her to take both naps in her crib! *breaks out in a thunderous applause*
I have to admit I was a little concerned we'd not be able to break her of taking naps in the swing. I wouldn't mind, but replacing three D batteries at least once a week was becoming both annoying and expensive. Plus, it won't be too long before she outgrows it. I could tell she was starting to have a hard time getting comfortable in there as well. When I'd strap her in and start to walk away, she'd tilt her head off to one side and squirm a bit to find a comfortable spot.
She wasn't too happy with me for the first nap, but I let her cry it out for five minutes, and that was all it took. She actually slept an hour and fifteen minutes for the first nap, and an hour and a half for the second...and she didn't make a peep!
This is an even greater success because I just know more teeth are ready to break through. Today at lunch, I gave her a Gerber biter biscuit, and she wailed with every bite. Eventually the pain subsided (after a dose of Motrin) and she started acting more like herself. She's still not completely up to par, as she spent a good part of the day with her little head on my shoulder. Although I know she was doing it because she was uncomfortable, it was the most precious thing. The more I "awwwed" at her, the more she'd do it...then look up at me and smile.
Other accomplishments this weekend included saying "Jesus"! It's a little botched and difficult to make out, but she's definitely saying it! My Dad had her looking at pictures yesterday, and they stumbled upon one my Mom took at the beach a few years ago. She had written "Jesus" in the sand and taken a picture. My Dad told Hannah what the picture said, and after a few prompts, she said it! I can't begin to try and spell what it sounds like from her, but it is so cute!
She is also walking with her walker...which I know is old news...but now we're able to let go and she isn't falling right over. This of course works best on the carpeting. It's not so safe on the hardwood or tile where she hits high speeds and wipes out. I snapped a few pictures tonight of the action. Unfortunately, they aren't the best quality pictures ever, and I'm not the best with photo editing just yet:

Daddy was following speedily behind to prevent a fall, so he's a little blurry.

Blurry but adorable!

This is the look of determination!

Daddy can always get her to smile! :)

I wasn't having much luck with picture quality without the flash.

Well, that's it for tonight! We're expecting roughly 6-10 more inches of snow (on top of the 21-22 inches that's already on the ground) tomorrow through Wednesday. I know I shouldn't say this, but I'm secretly hoping that school gets cancelled tomorrow or Thursday. It would be such a nice break for my Mom, and I'd love to have an extra day with Hannah this week. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens.
Have a great night!

*Snowed in!*

Well, it's official! We're snowed in! This morning when Micah went out to attempt to shovel the driveway, we had 21 to 22 inches of snow! Although it's beautiful outside, it was quite a pain! Micah spent around six hours shoveling our driveway, and shoveling our road to assist a few cars that were stuck. Our municipal has yet to touch our road and it is now 4:15 in the afternoon. Currently there is a truck stuck right in front of our house, but I have forbade Micah from helping. He truly needs a rest. He's been complaining about how sore he is from all of the shoveling.
Hannah and I have been taking it easy today, enjoying time inside. We did manage to take her outside for a few minutes this morning and got a few pictures (with our old point and shoot camera) of her in the snow:




Micah shoveled a path in the driveway, so we had Hannah stand in it to show just how much snow we got!

This is a poor representation of how hysterical this actually was. Patrick made a dash for the backyard as usual, but got stuck half way up the hill. He pretty much bounced up and down until he packed down the snow enough to move onward. He eventually got the hang of it and pranced all through the yard!

I got a few pictures looking out our windows as well:

Looking out the side window. The snow collected on our window sills...

Looking out the front window toward the road...

Front yard...


Micah shoveled our driveway and a portion of the road. This should give you a good idea of how much snow is on our road!

And, a post wouldn't be complete without a few cute pics of my Hannah girl! She was enjoying some time with Daddy after he was done "playing" in the snow:


I managed to sneak a good "tooth shot"! She has two on the bottom, and several more on their way!

Well, that's about it for now. It's only quarter to five in the afternoon, but I'm sure we'll keep busy watching cars get stuck on the road. While typing this post, two more were stuck...right in front of our house. You'd think the municipal would at least tryto get up here!
Have a great evening, and stay warm! :)

Where have all the diapers gone?!?

Well, the impending snow storm, the "nor-easter" has hit. Looking outside, all I can see is white. Which is what leads me to the title of my post..."Where have all the diapers gone? I restocked the diaper "holder" and realized I am down to one sleeve of diapers! I know we just bought some!
There will be no venturing out tonight, as I think we have about four inches of snow...and it is to continue falling until tomorrow afternoon. It should make for an interesting weekend.

About an hour into the snow storm...looking out the front window.
Since we are pretty much snowed in, we enjoyed a quiet night at home. Hannah played in the dining room while I cleaned up from dinner and made dessert.


Not sure what this look is for...possibly the "get that camera out of my face" look?!


Patrick felt left out and decided to join in on the fun!

Micah taught Hannah how to bang on pots and pans...

Patrick has the right idea!

After several "laps" around the dining room table with her activity walker, it was time to wind down for bed. Micah showed Hannah all of the snow outside...



So now that Hannah is in bed, Micah and I are going to enjoy our "snowed in" night with a game of Scrabble and some popcorn. Stay warm and safe!

We're half way there...

It's Wednesday! Halfway through the work week...and almost to the weekend! Can you tell I live for the weekends? I work this Sunday, but it will still be nice to "sleep in" with Micah on Saturday and spend the day as a family!
Today was my day off and I had many plans: clean the house, vacuum, sweep, wash clothes, clean bathrooms, etc. However, Hannah was in a very disgruntled mood all day, so about 1/3 of the above list actually was accomplished.
It must be her teeth. She is happy one minute and crying the next. I know I held her for hours today, and she wasn't a cuddly baby!
On a good note, she started to "walk" a little better with her push toy. *pics to come!* She gets going so fast that she ends up face-planting. Walking while holding our hands works much better!
I've posted some pictures from the last few days below...enjoy!


Cheesin' in her walker


Just for the record, I was watching VERY closely! She was only playing with the balloon while I shot a few pictures...and then I deflated it.


One of the few smiles I got out of her today...less than a minute later, she was less than thrilled...

My poor Hanni...don't worry, I scooped her up and cuddled with her right after I snapped the picture.
Bedtime came promptly at 8:00. Micah helped get her into "bedtime mode" with a story...

Have a fantastic evening!

So thankful.

So I just finished watching the Duggars. This episode was all about little Josie's unexpected early arrival. Unfortunately, our DVR didn't tape the episode on Sunday, so we had to wait until tonight to watch it.
The show was so touching. Baby Josie was born at just about 25 weeks gestation...weighing in at 1 lb 6 oz. Micah and I sat and cried. She is so tiny and helpless, and yet Jim Bob and Michelle thank God for her. Would I be able to thank God in that situation? I would hope so.
Over the last few days, I've tried to step back and look at everything we have. Our health, our beautiful daughter who is nothing short of perfect in every way, our home, our jobs, and knowing Jesus as our personal Savior. There is nothing more I could ask for. Things can be tough for us. It never seems as though there is enough time in the day or money in the bank. I am a self-proclaimed pessimist, but over the last few days, I know I need to change my way of thinking.
I need to praise God in EVERY situation, good or bad. I need to thank Him when we are all well and when everything looks bright and things are going my way. I also need to praise Him when we are sick, if the dog throws up, if Hannah doesn't sleep well and is fussy. No matter what is happening or what today has been like, or what tomorrow brings, He is the same. Yesterday, today, and always.
He has everything under control and He holds it all in His hands. He cares about what I care about.
After watching the Duggars tonight, I realize I need to thank Him for what I have. They are so thankful that their teeny, tiny baby is alive. My baby was born full term despite what the doctors had predicted. I thank God for His mercy in that situation.
I absolutely adore my daughter. She is my whole world. There is nothing she could ever do to make me stop loving her. There is nothing she could ever say to make me turn my back on her. I will never stop loving her. How much more does our Heavenly Father love us? I know it has been said a thousand times, but really, think about it!
There is a song called "How He Loves Us". I remember singing it in church and looking down at Hannah sleeping in my arms and thinking, He loves me more than I could ever love her. Wow. WOW!
I am posting a few of the lyrics below to sum up my post:

He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane I am a tree
bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me

And Oh! How He loves us so, oh how He loves us, how He loves us so
Yeah He loves us, Oh how He loves us, Oh how He loves!

So we are His portion and He is our prize drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes, if grace is an ocean we're all sinking! So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest! I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way that He loves us!

Have a great night! :O)