The Stofle Family

Giveaway!!

2010-05-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

In the mood for a giveaway!?!? I saw this one on a friend's blog...and just had to share!
Check it out!

Giveaway

Hayden's 1st Trip to......

2010-03-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

....DISNEYLAND!!!!

For Christmas 2009, we decided to get Disneyland passes (and Josh's parents/my mom got passes, too)! On February 21, we finally took Hayden for the first time....and she LOVED it!! In order to not overwhelm her, we only went for a few hours. We really enjoyed experiencing Disneyland through Hayden's eyes....it makes it SO much fun!!!

When we first got there...she was in AWE!
Daddy, Hayden, and Mommy in front of the castle!

Grandma Fisher and Hayden...

Grandma Stofle and Hayden...

I L.O.V.E. this picture.....

Waiting in line for Small World...her first ride!

Hayden and Daddy watching the "choo-choo"

Waiting for the Jungle Cruise...

Having fun with her Grandmas on the Jungle Cruise!!

Wearing her Mickey Mouse ears....short lived....

Pretty little girl...

Mickey's ears are for chewing on, right?!?!

First picture with Mickey!!! Doesn't Hayden look thrilled!?!?

A FEW RANDOM THOUGHTS (ABOUT HAYDEN):

2010-03-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

So when we went for Hayden's 12 month well-check she was 90th percentile for weight and 95th percentile for height. She is now almost 16 months, and we aren't exactly sure what her weight/height are now (our pediatrician doesn't do 15 month well-checks), but we can tell she has gotten much taller, but probably hasn't gained a lot of weight. Granted, I always knew she would be a BIG girl seeing as I am 5'8" and Josh is 6'6"....but I never realized how much bigger she would be than SO many other kids her age! She is wearing 2t clothes, size 6-7 toddler shoes, but is still ONLY 16 months old! My mom always told me how people expected a lot more out of me because as a little girl, I was always in the 90th percentile (just like Hayden). I am beginning to realize that people are expecting the same thing from Hayden now! They are kinda shocked when she doesn't talk in full sentences or do things that a 2 year old would do....I love telling people that she is ONLY 16 months old....the look on their face is one to remember!

Hayden is a very social little girl....she says "Hi!" and waves to everyone...and I mean EVERYONE who walks by her in the grocery store, Target, the mall, a restaurant, or even just out on a walk! She greets all of our neighbors by waving at them from our driveway when we are out having our daily sidewalk chalk art time. It's great to have a such "non-shy" daughter....I was the opposite as a child, and have always hoped my kids would NEVER be that way!

Our other favorite conversation piece about Miss Hayden would be her hair. It is quite a piece of work. She doesn't have much....at all. What she does have is MOSTLY on the top, back of her head and is CURLY. If I just let it dry after a bath, it looks like she has a curly toupee on her head! I usually control this issue (yes, it is an issue) with a little "fountain" of a pony tail on top of her head or some cute little "twin palm" pigtails!! Hopefully the hair starts growing in soon......

Oh, and books. She loves books. Any book. Big, small, Mommy's, Grandma's, magazines, cards....if it has words, she loves it. She sits in the corner (where her book basket is) and reads by herself.....she sits in her chair and reads magazines by herself....she sits in her carseat and reads books by herself. Really the only time she wants to be read to is before a nap or bedtime. I love....I mean really LOVE.....listening to her reading the books outloud to herself. She has so much intonation in her voice...she even tracks words in the book with her finger. She points to animals and makes their corresponding sound....or says "dat?" if she wants to know what the picture is. She is one smart cookie.

Dancing is one of her favorite past times.....along with bouncing and hopping. Dancing for Hayden looks like an opera singer turning in circles....she holds one arm out straight, the other in front of her face, and spins. Bouncing for Hayden usually occurs in Mommy or Daddy's arms and just about rips your arm off....or it happens in the crib when she wakes up from a nap. Hopping is new for her.....she calls bunnies "hop hop"....and then proceeds to "hop" ONE leg up and down on the floor.....it's more like a ho-down then actual hopping. Needless to say......it's all really stinkin' cute!!!!!!!!

SO.....our (not so little) girl is growing up...she is sociable, tall, with a curly head of hair, very active, and SMART...and she has a Mommy and Daddy who love her SO much! She fills each and every day with joy, smiles, and hugs. Love you little monkey!!!!!

Valentine's Day "Photoshoot"

2010-03-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

On Valentine's Day, my Mom was nice enough to come over and babysit while Josh and I went out to dinner and a movie! We were super cheesy and actually saw VALENTINE'S DAY (the movie), which we thought was pretty cute! Then we went out to dinner at Carmelita's....the best Mexican restaurant on RSM Lake! It was nice to have some time with just the two of us....something we have realized more and more the past few weeks! So here are a few pictures of Miss Hayden in her little V-day outfit!

Daydreaming.......as usual.

"How big is Hayden?!?!" "SOOOOO BIG!!!!"

BEEEEEE Mine!!!

Just chillin' with the cupcake.....it had a stuffed doggy inside!

I just LOOOOOVE the cupcake!

CHRISTMAS! (finally)

2010-03-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009 was definitely one for the record books. Beginning the week before, Josh got the stomach flu, which Hayden and I got a couple of days later (3 days before Christmas), and proceeded to infect 13 out of the 15 people in my family in Palm Springs. We went to Josh's parents house for Christmas Eve, and enjoyed the time with the family! I tried to be energetic, and enjoy it as much as possible, eventhough I was still feeling SO sick! We woke up Christmas morning at our house, watched Hayden enjoy every second of opening her Christmas gifts from Santa, then packed up and headed to Palm Springs to spend Christmas Day with my family! It was exciting that 15 of my family members were able to be together for Christmas....but since pretty much everyone got the stomach flu....no one was hungry, no one was too cheery, and my grandpa and cousin were pretty much in bed all day Christmas Day. It was miserable and memorable all at the same time!

Overall, we had a very blessed Christmas with our families. We are lucky to have so many wonderful people in our lives!!

Here are just a few of the HUNDREDS of pictures we took this Christmas.....

Christmas Eve at The Stofle's.....

Christmas Morning at Home.....

Christmas Day in Palm Springs....

LAGGING!!!!

2010-02-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

So, I have been horrible about blogging lately....
This is NOT because I don't want to, or don't have anything to blog about...it is because my computer is seriously on its last leg. I can't download any pictures on it...can barely keep the internet working for more than 20 minutes...and am about ready to throw it out the window! Anyway, I have pictures from Christmas, and a few other things to post when I get my computer fixed....which will hopefully be SOON!

Santa!!!

2009-12-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

We took Hayden to see Santa today!

After waiting for an hour in line with many other screaming and unruly children, we finally made it to the front of the line. I was ready for the cry-fest to begin! Hayden waved and waved at Santa, and he waved back and said "Merry Christmas!"...she waved some more. I sat her down on Santa's lap. Hayden looked at me like, "Mommy...who is this big hairy guy in red!?!?!" She stared at me and the camera girl with a look of terror, but didn't cry! I repeat...she DID NOT CRY!!!!

So here is the best picture we got.

You have to note that she is holding onto Santa's thumb......

Twin Palms and Blue

2009-12-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

Our first attempt at pigtails...or "Twin Palms" as Dannielle calls them!

This is what she does when I say "Ready...Set...GO!"

I love that you can see her molar!

"Hi!!"

Mommy....you make a better door than a window.

Mommy....I have sunglasses!

All smiles! I love her in shades of blue!

Giving Bruin "love"!

Our attempt at a pic in front of the Christmas tree.

Our Christmas Card!

2009-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

THIS CHRISTMAS...

2009-12-07T10:37:00.001-08:00

I know it's Christmas time, because as I am sitting here typing, I am listening to the rain outside, drinking my Starbucks Peppermint Mocha in a red holiday cup, looking at the stockings on the mantle, feeling the warmth from the fireplace, and looking at the lights on the Christmas tree and garland on the bannister.

This Christmas does feel different than any other before. This, I am sure, is for many reasons....

One reason being, this Christmas, I will be with my family on Christmas day, but for the first time (for me) it will be without my Grandma. It will be strange, uncomfortable, and maybe slightly less joyful. She always brought that special light and joy to our Christmas day.

Another reason would be that Hayden will be 13 months, and VERY much aware of Christmas (unlike last year when she was 5 weeks old and slept through Christmas morning). She already loves the Christmas tree, lights, and music. I can't wait to open gifts with her on Christmas morning!

The last reason would be our financial situation. I still don't have a job, am still getting unemployment, and am having to watch money pretty carefully. The holiday season is a difficult time of year when you are very financially strapped. Although, last night Josh and I were talking, and he brought up a very good point. When you don't have much money to spend, instead you spend the time enjoying the Christmas season with everyone you love. We aren't doing much shopping this year, as we decided to buy Disneyland passes for ourselves for Christmas this year. It's a big splurge, but will be well worth it for the next year. We got Hayden a few small things and one big gift, and are happy with that. We are happy with our life, no matter how complicated/broke/unsure things get.

So, this Christmas...

Instead of spending money, spend time.

This is what we will be doing!

Weekend in the desert...

2009-12-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend we were in Palm Desert decorating my grandparents house there for Christmas! My whole family will be spending Christmas there this year, so Mom, Josh, and I took it upon ourselves to get it all decorated! We also went to the Palm Springs Light Parade, which was actually quite cool (by cool I mean about 45 degrees), and definitely got us in the Christmas spirit!Riding on the Pooh Firetruck!
"No worries guys...I'll put out that fire!!"

"Now what?!?!"

Hayden in the lounge chair...circa 2009.

Mommy(Lauren) in the lounge chair....circa 1982.

One of the old firetrucks in the parade. Beautifully lit up!

One of the best in the parade...circus theme and Hayden LOVED IT!

Having so much fun at the parade...playing with a Uncle Darrell's beanie.

Hayden and Daddy watching the parade.

Hayden, Mommy, and Daddy!

Recent Happenings

2009-11-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hayden has been...........

climbing on toys at the park.

eating snacks on the slide with Mommy.

rubbing toast with strawberry jelly all over her face.

putting ice on her wounds.

standing on the chair even when Mommy and Daddy say to sit down.

cute.

getting a cut on her lip, bruise/scratch on her nose, and a bruise/scratches/goose egg on her forehead.

trying to watch cartoons around Mommy who won't stop taking pictures.

going to the park with Daddy.

learning to like milk.

working hard on the computer.

trying out new hairstyles.

helping Daddy barbecue.

playing with dog toys.

Today.

2009-11-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

It was a year ago on this day that my Grandma (Betty Jo Vogel) passed away. She was such an important person in my life and I miss her so much. I know that she is watching over Hayden from above.

Mom, Josh, Hayden, and I are going to what was Grandma's favorite restaurant in Newport Beach....Mi Casa! It seems like a very true way to remember my Grandma.

Grandma, you are missed and loved SO much! Thank you for all of the wonderful memories.

To read a previous blog I wrote about Grandma, go here.

Hayden's 1st Birthday Party!!!

2009-11-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, it was Hayden's 1st Birthday and her ladybug birthday party! We had SO much fun sharing this day with our friends and family. All of the time, effort, money, and stress definitely payed off! Hayden got some wonderful gifts....and was truly blessed to be surrounded by so many great people! Thanks to all who were involved! Enjoy the pictures!

The Invitation!

The party!

Friends & fam!!

Opening presents. She had SO much fun!!!

The Birthday Girl!!!

Food, decor, cake, etc.

My little ladybug is all grown up...

2009-11-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Hayden Jo,

Tomorrow is your 1st birthday. It is amazing to me how fast you have grown. You are no longer a newborn, infant, or baby....you are a little girl!! I will never forget the first time I saw your little face...eyes so swollen, chubby (but long) fingers, big cheeks, and beautiful little mouth. You looked just like your Daddy. It's amazing how fast you fall in love...I am sure the instant I saw you, you had me wrapped around your little finger (and your Daddy's, too)! I couldn't be any happier to have you in my life...to come into your room every morning and see you smiling at me through the crib slats....watching you clumsily toddle around the house....giving everything "love" (hugs)....making your cheesy faces for no apparent reason....crying each and every time I tell you "No"....nicely petting and loving on your Bubba and Boji....dragging your blankie around the house over your shoulder....playing peek-a-boo using your own hands....flirting with every person you see everywhere....waving at everything whether it be a birdie or a tree.....watching you run away from me or Daddy when we say "I'm gonna get you!"....and simply be there for each and every thing you learn, experience, and go through in your life. I'm very proud to be your Mommy and I want to thank you for making me a better person and the BEST reason in the world to wake up every morning! I love you Hayden Jo!

Happy 1st Birthday big girl!!!

(My little ladybug with her 1st ladybug!)

Sandwiches

2009-11-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, Hayden and I were eating lunch. She was sitting in her high chair eating grilled cheese w/ turkey and I was eating the same. The conversation went like this:

Hayden: "Mom"

Me: "Yes, Hayden"

Hayden: "Dat?" (Pointing at my sandwich with an inquisitive look on her face)

Me: "This is a sandwich. You are eating a sandwich, too!"

Hayden then looked at the food on her high chair tray.

It's amazing the conversation you can have with an almost 1-year-old!!!

HAYDEN'S 1ST HALLOWEEN!

2009-11-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

Halloween day, Josh's parents, sister, and niece came over until early afternoon!
It was fun to watch Hayden and Elizabeth (our 5 month old niece) together.
It's great for Hayden to have a cousin so close in age!

Mommy...read me THIS book!

Jana (Wilma) and Elizabeth (Pebbles)

Mmmm....fist!

My mom w/ Elizabeth!

Me w/ Elizabeth and the little goofball Hayden in the background!

Uncle Josh and Elizabeth!

Uh oh! We caught a HAYDEN!

Halloween night, we started out with some pizza and yummy food with Frontier Street families! We love this neighborhood! Then, we took Hayden trick-or-treating for the first time! She had SO much fun walking up to the doors with Mommy, Daddy, or Grandma! She would even pick out a piece of candy from the candy bowls! We made it to about 10 houses...then came back home to pass out some candy ourselves. Hayden then wandered around the house and played with her candy! Overall, it was a wonderful Halloween! It's amazing how much more fun holidays become when you have a little one to enjoy them with!!

The little ladybug!!

Totally overwhelmed and amazed by all of the people and costumes!

The Bug Catcher, The Ladybug, and The Ladybug's Mommy!

Mommy, Daddy, and Hayden in front of the "Pirates of Frontier"!

Grandma and Hayden

Daddy and Hayden

Walking around in the street with everyone!

Mommy and Hayden

Hayden getting her 1st piece of candy from her friend Lucas!

Walking up to a door with Daddy!

Grandma, Mommy, and the little ladybug!

Bug Catcher and his catch!

Is this for me!?!?!

Carrying her candy around the house...

Attempting to share the candy with Bruin...

Eating her 1st piece of candy! Nerds!

Our pumpkins!!

The Day Before Halloween!

2009-11-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Studying Ford Magazine

Carrying the newspaper for Daddy

Big blue eyes!

Typical Hayden look

On the move!

Posing.

Mommy...these shoes are all shiny!

DAT

2009-10-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

For a while now, Hayden has been pointing and waving at EVERYTHING she sees. In the past couple of weeks, she has added the word "dat" to her pointing. We finally figured out that "dat" was "THAT" because when she points at things, we always say "THAT is a dog" or "What is THAT?" or "THAT is Emma". Apparently she has picked up on our constant saying of the word THAT and now says "dat" whenever she points at things! I love it...our little one is finally saying a word!

Oh, and I added a little section on the right side of the blog of "Hayden's Words". I stole this from my friend Sarah's blog. It's a great way for me (and everyone else) to keep up on the words Hayden is saying and when!!

Our little girl is growing up...

2009-10-26T15:40:00.001-07:00

It shocks me how quickly Hayden is growing. On October 10, she started walking! She walks A LOT now...and seems to love the freedom! Here are some recent pics and some of her walking. I wish I could figure out how to get videos on here...but I can't...so these will have to do!!

Hayden loves the new Halloween ABC book my Mom's friend Kay gave her!

Leaning against the couch, staring at the cover!

She loves to do the puzzle, but loves to walk on it and sit on it even more!

Mommy and Hayden (awful of me, but she looks too cute!)

My big girl in her little polo shirt, jeans, and Pumas!

On the MOVE!

She loves to be able to carry things around with her now!!

YAY!!!

Letting Bruin give her kisses...she loves her Bubba!

I love the "arms up" while she is walking!

Family resemblances...

2009-10-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

When a child is born, we often make "comparisons" to other family members. When Hayden was born, we said:

"Oh look...she has Josh's nose!"
"Awww...she has Mommy's mouth!"
"Look at her hair, it is red/blonde/brown (depending on the day/light/outfit)...it is the same color as Lauren's/Josh's when they were babies!"
"WOW...she looks EXACTLY like Mommy/Daddy (again depending on the day/light/outfit)!"

and most recently (and to me, most meaningful)

"Hayden looks a lot like your Grandma!" (Lauren's Grandma Vogel)

So, for a little background. In September 2007, my Grandma Vogel (my Mom's Mom) had what was believed to be a heart attack. Turns out it wasn't, but she did have a complete aortic valve failure and needed a "transplant". This was done, she was sent home to recover, and slowly her body rejected it. My Grandma was allergic to EVERYTHING...like seriously, if it was a medication, she was allergic to it. For example, she was allergic the sun and alcohol. The transplant valve they gave her was a pig valve. This is very common, but her body didn't like it. She returned to the hospital. After a long time in the hospital, very near death, her kidneys failed, she had a tracheotomy, she made an amazing recovery. The whole family had spent Christmas 2007 in the hospital with her...treasuring every second we had with her. She left The Mayo Clinic (in Rochester, MN) in (I believe) February 2008. She was getting kidney dialysis 3-4 times per week, taking tons of pills per week, needed around the clock care, and was just no longer the Grandma we remembered. She had her moments, where her wonderful sense of humor came out, she smiled, her eyes lit up, and she carried on the conversations I had always loved to have with my Grandma.

I went to Iowa to visit her over Easter 2008, when she was in a continued care home in Omaha, NE. The morning I left to visit her, I took a pregnancy test because my period was about 5 days late and Josh told me to take one just to be sure. As it turned out, I was pregnant. I told my mom, aunt, and cousin when I got there that I was pregnant, but did not tell my Grandparents because I just didn't think it was information that my Grandma could handle at the time, and she would worry about me every second of every day. It was hard to keep from her, but I knew it was for the best. When I was about 12 weeks along, and my Grandma was getting better and was back at home, I sent them a card with an ultrasound picture telling them that they were going to be Great-Grandparents again! They were SO excited...and shocked, as they had NEVER seen an ultrasound picture before! Such a cool experience for them.

Then, I went back to Iowa again for about 2 weeks in July 2008 to be in Okoboji with the whole family. Grandma was still getting dialysis 3 times per week and required around the clock care (my mom and aunt were doing this), but she was MUCH more herself again. It was amazing to "have my Grandma back". We were sitting on her bed one night, talking about my pregnancy, and how we were going to name the baby "Hayden Jo". See, my Grandma's name was "Betty Jo", and many people in my family (on my mom's side and dad's side) have the middle name "Jo". We thought it would be a great way to carry on a tradition. My Grandma was shocked that we would want to use "Jo" for a middle name, but she loved it. She then told me something that I will never forget. She said, "I only hope that I can live to see the day when "Little Missy" (something she always called her granddaughters) will run in the bedroom in the morning, jump on the bed, and say "Good Morning Grandma!" I got really teary-eyed at this point, and told her "I hope you do too, Grandma!" (I'm sure you can see where this story is going.) That summer was the last time I got to see my Grandma.

On Friday, November 14, 2008, at 8:19 a.m., my daughter, Hayden Jo, was born. That afternoon, my Mom received a phone call from my aunt saying that they were taking Grandma off of dialysis, and she wouldn't live for more than a week. Can you imagine? One second, my mom is standing there enjoying and adoring her hours-old granddaughter, and the next second, she is being told that my Grandma would only live for maybe a week!?!?! It was awful. I was still so out it from 21 1/2 hours of labor, that I don't think I fully grasped the idea. I could see in my mom's eyes that she was struggling emotionally with the whole situation. I went home from the hospital on Sunday. Mom was getting phone calls from my aunt saying that Grandma wasn't doing great. Mom was struggling with staying with me to help with the new baby and going to be with her mom on her death bed. On Wednesday, Grandma was doing OK...but not great. We finally convinced Mom that she needed to go be with her Mom...Josh, Hayden, and I made a video to introduce Hayden to Grandma (and Grandpa) knowing that we wouldn't be able to travel back to Iowa with a newborn to say goodbye to my Grandma. Mom left my house that night to get packed and leave for Iowa Thursday morning. Thursday morning, early, we got the phone call that the inevitable had happened...Grandma passed away at about 7 a.m. on November 20, 2008. Just 6 days (almost to the hour) after my little Hayden was born. I didn't get to say goodbye. Hayden would never be able to run into Grandma's bedroom in the morning and say "Good Morning Grandma!" And even worse, my mom didn't get to be there and say goodbye to her Mom, as her flight didn't leave here until Thursday morning after my Grandma had passed.

I can't even begin to explain the emotions felt over the next week. I couldn't be there to say goodbye...to comfort my mom, my grandpa, my cousins, and the rest of the family. I couldn't be there for the funeral...to share stories with everyone like the rest of my cousins did. (Though, they showed a picture of me, Josh, and Hayden while my cousin Hannah read one of my favorite memories of my Grandma with everyone at the funeral.) I had to be home...to take care of my week old baby girl....feed her....love her....and be a mom. Everyone understood that it was impossible for me to be there...but deep down, I was heart broken. BUT, I had to remember...as one life enters the world, another leaves.

To this day, I miss my Grandma so much. I wish the circumstances could have been different. I wish I could have said goodbye. I wish I could have been there.

So, on November 14, 2009, Hayden Jo will be 1. On November 20, 2009, it will have been 1 year since my Grandma, Betty Jo Vogel, passed away. In the upcoming weeks, I will not only be celebrating the most beautiful girl's 1st year of life...I will be remembering the beautiful life that my Grandma lived. She was amazing.

As Hayden has gotten older, one of my favorite qualities of hers has started to show through even more. My daughter has the most beautiful blue eyes. My Grandma had the most beautiful blue eyes. They are the same color...same beautiful soul. So, every day, when I look into my little Hayden's eyes, I see my Grandma as well. It just couldn't get any better than that.

Grandpa and Grandma, Summer 2007.

Hayden, Fall 2009.

Pumpkin Patch!

2009-10-19T21:27:00.001-07:00

So, this weekend we finally went to the Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park. It was a beautiful day, so we definitely enjoyed ourselves! Hayden had a ton of fun with the pumpkins, walking around, and watching all of the people! And of course, I turned the whole thing into a photoshoot...I believe we took 211 pictures in 2 hours. Yeah....it takes A LOT of shots to get one good one of Hayden since she NEVER stops moving!!

Here are just a few of my favorites:

SO overwhelmed by all of the pumpkins!

Trying to pick them up!

A pumpkin among pumpkins...

Admiring the waterfall...

"Cheesy face"!

Hayden is the Good Witch.

"Hay"den. (I know, I'm not funny)

She is 2 1/2 feet tall!

Hayden and Mommy!

Hayden and Daddy!

Water Baby!

2009-10-08T15:39:00.001-07:00

I think the pictures speak for themselves....

New slide at Grandma's!

2009-10-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to my Mom's house for dinner. I made some yummy chili and of course the required corn bread! We had fun playing with Grandma's toys and Hayden FINALLY got to play on the slide Grandma has for her to play on when we are visiting! Hayden LOVED it...and kept coming back for more!!

Ready for this whole "slide" thing everyone keeps telling me is SO fun!

The teacher in me kept saying it is NOT okay to walk up the slide...she loved it though!

OK Grandma...I'm ready!

WEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

This weekend Hayden...

2009-10-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

went to the park with Daddy.

tried to steal things from Mommy's purse (again).

read MANY books.

played with my new walk/ride toy Grandma bought me.

drank water/juice from my new sippy cup obsessively...

with her legs nicely crossed like a big girl.

played ball with my neighbor friends Julia, Justin, and Kylie! (SO cute!)

and played with her "scary" pumpkin.

All the while, Mommy was doing lots of 1st birthday party planning and shopping with Grandma. Daddy was watching football. It was a very nice, COOL, and productive weekend!

Sneak Peak...

2009-10-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

...into Hayden's 1st Birthday!!!

1st Birthday Research....

2009-09-30T10:46:00.001-07:00

The other night...Hayden decided to help with the "1st Birthday Party" research. SO nice of her to help!

Hayden reading the 1st Birthday catalog.

Getting out of her seat old swing seat...headed to find some money to pay for this party.

Found some money...in Mom's purse of course!

NOW...after the camera (greedy little girl...)

Daddy won't let me have the camera...I whine...he STILL won't let me have the camera.

(That's when we know its bedtime...)

Ladybugs! Ladybugs! EVERYWHERE!!!

2009-09-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

SO, I gave in and bought an adorable little tutu outfit from Etsy for Hayden's 1st Birthday (which is fast approaching!) We are doing a ladybug theme and am looking everywhere for anything "ladybug" that would be cute for her party! If you see anything (online or in the stores) please let me know!!! Oh, and to follow the theme...she is going to be a ladybug for Halloween also!!

Where did I get this ladybug obsession you might ask!?!? WELL, the Baby Shower that my amazing sister-in-law, Jana, threw for me when I was pregnant with Hayden was a ladybug theme also! She saw the pictures I had registered for at Pottery Barn Kids that had ladybugs on them, and decided to do a ladybug/bug theme! She had the most amazing decorations, cake/cupcakes, and food!! The color scheme was all pink and green ladybug/bug stuff, so I wanted to celebrate Hayden turning 1 by carrying on the ladybug theme! Here are some pics from the shower (which was on September 27, 2008)...

My sis-in-law Jana and I with the ladybug cake, cupcakes, and chocolate dipped strawberries!

Me in front of the food table. The stuffed ladybug next to me was part of the "inspiration"!

OMG! Look at how huge I was at just over 7 months!!

Food table and just a small section of the clothesline of baby clothes in the backyard!

The tables.

The gifts! TOO MANY!

PEEK-A-BOO!!!

2009-09-21T15:56:00.001-07:00

Happy Girl!

2009-09-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

Our little Miss Hayden is very determined, almost to the point of being what I would consider bullheaded. So, I am having to tell her "No" much more often than I would like. She has even taken to throwing her 10 month old version of a tantrum! She throws her head back whether she is standing, sitting, or lying down, and starts to cry. I didn't realize this all started so early!!

Anyway, today Hayden was not throwing tantrums, in a very good mood, and looking especially cute, so I took a few pictures!

10 months old!

2009-09-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

So my little Hayden Jo is now 10 months old. I can't believe how quickly the last 10 months have flown by. It has been such an amazing adventure learning about everything it means to be a MOM and watching each of the new things Hayden learns and does every day! This has to be the best time of my life...being a Mommy and a wife!

Here are 10 things Hayden is doing at 10 months:

1. Eating tons of finger foods!

2. Saying "Dada" "Mama" and "Bubba" (for Bruin)!

3. Standing on her own for quite a while.

4. Pushing her high chair/stroller/a stool around the kitchen on her own.

5. Making adorable funny faces that totally warm my heart!

6. Picking out books she wants to read, handing them to me, and then crawling into my lap for me to read them to her.

7. Sleeping 10-11 hours a night! (YAY!)

8. LOVES swinging in the new little swing we bought for her!

9. Watches ENTIRE Baby Einstein videos from her bouncy and reaches out for the animals/characters on the TV and talks to them!

10. Manages to make our lives brighter and happier each and every day!

We love you Hayden Jo!

A new place for Hayden to play...

2009-09-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Yep...we discovered the fun the refrigerator can bring...and climbed up in it...and yelled at it...and tried to take out the milk...and juice...and pasta...

Little Miss Hayden is an adventurous one...

I'm baaaaack!!!!

2009-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

SO...it has been forever and a day (actually about 7 months) since I last posted a blog! Sorry for being such a slacker, but now I really do plan on being better about blogging more frequently! Life has had a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns in the past few months. It has been a real test of Josh's and my patience, marriage, and household in general. In order to explain what has been going on...I will give my "Top 20 list" of things that have been going on:

1. I (Lauren) lost my teaching job. I was pink-slipped, and not offered a job back this year.

2. I have applied to many schools and have not yet received anything positive from anywhere I applied.

3. I am having to learn how to be a big more careful when it comes to spending $$$, which is something I have been blessed enough in my entire life I have never had to worry about. THIS has been hard.

4. I had to apply for unemployment...which was a VERY humbling experience. But let me tell you, I could not be more grateful for those checks every other week right now.

5. Josh has been working his butt off trying to keep business up and money coming in...up at about 4 am every morning and home at about 4 pm every afternoon. That's a 12 hour work day.

6. Josh had to sell his old truck (2005 red F250, diesel, FX4). It was either get rid of it or pay $13,000 to get it fixed. He is now driving a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT (truck). It's a very nice truck, but just not the same as his old red firetruck that he loved so much.

7. My car has been in the shop 3 times this summer with a new radiator, fan, serpentine belt, other belts, tires, and the list goes on.... Thankfully I have an extended warantee which has made things much cheaper than they could have been.

8. At one point in the middle of the summer our kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom were OVERRUN by ants. Ugh. It had to have been the most disgusting experience I have ever had.

9. My mom was on vacation in Iowa (Okoboji, to be specific) for about 2 months. It sucked having her gone for so long! Hayden missed her Grandma!

10. On Monday, Mom broke her toe. She is now wearing some stupid shoe and using a cane! Not fun!

(Now for some positive things that have been happening...)

11. Since I did lose my job, I am now a temporary stay-at-home-mom...which is the most amazingly wonderful feeling in the world. I couldn't be happier to be at home with Hayden. She has been going through so many changes this summer, that I am so excited to have been there to experience every second of it!

12. Hayden started crawling just after she turned 7 months old! She hasn't stopped GOING since!

13. My Sister-in-Law Jana had her little girl, Elizabeth Cathleen Ainilian, on May 23!

14. Hayden got to experience her first 4th of July!

15. Hayden and I went to Lake Okoboji to spend some time with our family. She had her first trip in the boat...and loved it!!

16. Hayden is now eating tons of finger foods. In fact, she's getting to the point where she would MUCH prefer finger foods over her baby food. Some of her favorites are tofu, avocado, and Purely-O's (organic Cheerios).

17. Hayden got to take her first trip to the OC Fair. She LOVED looking at the animals!!

18. Hayden is standing up on her own. Not walking yet, but we're sure its coming pretty soon!!

19. Hayden is just so curious and LOVES to play Peek-a-Boo!!!

20. Most recently, Auntie Jana had a birthday, so Hayden and her cousin Elizabeth got to spend some time together! (Hayden is almost 10 months, Elizabeth 3 1/2 months)

We have loved every second of this summer and time spent with Hayden. I am having a hard time grasping the fact that she is almost 10 months old....which means she will be 1 year old in just a couple of months! Despite all of the hard times we have gone through, we're a very blessed and happy family! And again, I promise to try harder to keep up with blog posts!

March!?!?!

2009-03-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

Yeah...I'm having a hard time grasping the fact that it is March already! 2009 is going by VERY quickly! Here are the interesting things we have been up to for the past few weeks:

~Hayden has had some...well...to put it nicely....issues with dirty diapers. She went 2 weeks with only 2...yes 2...dirty diapers! After about 3 phone calls to the Dr.'s office, I finally gave in and used the old rectal thermometer trick to get things stimulated. It worked. Now we're having to give her equal parts prune juice and water to get things going every once in awhile. Poor thing. I think it is getting better now though...she's going on her own more often now!

~Hayden has been doing some cool new things: She is holding her head up at about a 90 degree angle when she's having tummy time, we think she weighs about 15.5 lbs....that will be comfirmed at her 4 month well-check on the 16th, she found her voice about 2 weeks ago...and NEVER stops using it, she's still not sleeping through the night....but isn't eating at night anymore, she is sitting in her Bumbo seat now for a little bit every day...she is just becoming such a big girl!

~We finally bought a video camera!! We really are in no place to be spending large amounts of money right now, but we decided that memories are more important than going broke. Right!?!?!

~I've been working. Trying to get everything done, and pump at recess/afterschool, and be a good/patient teacher, and get all of the assessments/report cards/conference stuff handled. I have come to realize that it is NOT easy to be a 1st grade teacher/Mom/Wife. Not easy at all.

~My job is SEVERELY in jeaopardy. I'm still considered "Temporary"....yes....after teaching for 3 years. That means I won't even get a pink slip. I will just be notified in May if I have a job or not. I'm guessing it will be the latter.

~Josh is working hard trying to keep business up. It's definitely more work for him being a Division Manager now and having to keep things going on his own. He's doing a great job though!

~We found out that my sister-in-law Jana (Josh's sister) is having a baby girl! She is due the 1st of June, but probably won't go that long due to complications. We're very excited that Hayden will have a little girl cousin only a few months younger than her!

~We've been enjoying watching all of the shows that are on TV right now....Lost, American Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race, House, Hell's Kitchen, America's Next Top Model, Celebrity Apprentice, etc. etc. etc....Here's the thing we've realized though...we just don't want to take the time to watch them! Josh says this makes him feel "old" since we used to come home and sit on the couch and get all excited about what shows were on TV that night. NOW, we come home and spend time with the baby. The TV is always on...with the shows we love to watch playing...but we're in the other room playing with Hayden and listening to the shows we used to love! Oh...how times have changed...

Hopefully everyone is doing well in these tough economic times. It is rough for us, so we know how rough it must be for everyone else! I'll continue to do my best keep this blog updated!

Hayden...3 1/2 months old!!

Happy Valentine's Day/Hayden's 3 Month Birthday!!!

2009-02-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hayden is 3 months old today!

She is just the happiest, most fun baby I could ask for! Her personality is developing so much every day...her smiles get bigger, her actions get more intentional, and she is getting so much bigger and stronger! We love our little Hayden Jo so much...and are SO happy her 3 month birthday falls on Valentine's Day! This year, we decided that we didn't want to go out to dinner or anything special for Valentine's Day...we just want to spend time with Hayden.

Happy 3 months and Happy 1st Valentine's Day little girl!

Back to work I went...

2009-02-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well...

This was my first week back to work. It seemed to go okay. I drop Hayden off at my neighbor Lori's house at about 6:30 am, and then head off to work. Josh has been getting home around 1:30-2:30 and I get home around 3:30...so at least she isn't there for too long. I'd say the most difficult thing is the look on Hayden's face when I hand her off to Lori in the morning. It's that look of..."Mommy...Where are you going???" I hate that part. But, it is very rewarding to come home and look in her face and say "Hi Baby Girl!" and I get a HUGE smile! I love that part. I cried every day I left her...most days at school...especially when people asked me about her. Oh well, it was a 4 day week, which was nice. This next week is a 4 day week as well. It's a good transition for me I think.

Anyway, here are some updated pictures from this past week. Enjoy!

I just got brave enough to pull out the Bumbo seat...she actually likes it!

She is now holding onto things, like her Lamby (as seen above)...and CHEWS on them!

Daddy and Hayden during story time. He's reading one of MY favorite books. SkippyJon Jones!

Look guys...I'm a big girl! I can hold my head up REALLY high!

One of my favorites...such an attitude look!

Another milestone for Hayden!

2009-02-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Hayden decided to FINALLY roll over from her belly to her back again! About 2 weeks ago, she randomly rolled over, but I wasn't able to get it on camera. Well, yesterday, while she was having some tummy time, I was smart enough to get the camera out and was able to take pictures and video her rolling over for me twice! I really wanted to post the video of her rolling over, but I can't figure out how to do it. Maybe if I can get Josh to show me how, I'll post it later! So, to tide you over, here are some pictures!

Happy little girl playing on the floor!

Bruin was overseeing playtime...

Hayden JUST about to roll over!

After I put her back on her belly...she was VERY proud of herself!

Look at how well she holds her head up!

The weekend...

2009-02-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a somewhat busy weekend...

Saturday, Josh's cousin Katy and her friend Ashley came to meet Hayden. She absolutely loved her! Then, my mom came over to spend the night...we watched some crappy TV, ate Zito's Pizza (YUMMY!!!), and played with Hayden!

Sunday, Mom and I went and got Coffee Bean, spent too much $$$ at Target, then came home to watch The Super Bowl and eat wings! We were all quite happy that the Steelers won!

Needless to say, I also spent the day thinking about the fact that at this time next week, I will be going back to work. This is a very depressing and heartbreaking thought for me. I know there is just no way possible that we could afford me staying home, but I can't help feeling really sad. I have a horrible fear of missing all of her "firsts," coming home and Hayden not wanting to come to me, and simply not being the one to raise my daughter. Hopefully some day I will be able to stay home with at least one of our kids...

Anyway, here are some pictures from this weekend:

Katy, Hayden, Josh, and me

Hayden with her 2nd cuz, Katy

Hayden sleeping on her Grandma with her shirt strings tangled in her hand

Apparently this is the comfy way to nap on Grandma!

Hayden and Daddy...sleeping.

Hayden can't take her eyes off of the Super Bowl to smile at the camera...

she LOVES to watch TV!

And yes...this is what Hayden does while watching TV. Drink beer.

Our Family Sticker

2009-01-29T14:04:00.001-08:00

Get your own Family Sticker Maker & MySpace Layouts.

High School Tag!

2009-01-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

Saw this on a friend's blog...Enjoy!

FILL this out about your high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be!! Re-post with the name of high school and graduating year.

Newport Harbor High School 1999

1. Did you marry someone from your high school? No!
2. Did you car pool to school? Not high school...I either got a ride from my mom, walked, or drove (after Sophomore year).
3. What kind of car did you have? '88 Jeep Cherokee...SO cool. Haha!
4. What kind of car do your drive now? 2004 GMC Envoy
5. It's Friday night...where are YOU (then)? Cheering at a football game...then home...then out to some party...and then the Taco Bell parking lot when the party got broken up. Wow...we were SO lame!
6. It's Friday night..where are you (now)? Hanging out and relaxing at home with my husband and daughter. It's all about family time now!
7. What kind of job did you have in high school? Many!! During a couple of summers I worked in my Dad's office as a secretary. That sucked. I also babysat here and there.
8. What do you do now? I teach 1st grade (for now...)
9. Were you a party animal? Well, I went to the parties, but generally played the roll of "Mom" and "Designated Driver" and took care of my friends.
10. Were you considered a flirt? Not really. I was kinda shy actually...
11. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope.
12. Did you get suspended/expelled? Nope.
13. Can you sing the fight song? what fight song? Oh geez...yes...one of the many perks of being a cheerleader...we learned a lot of that stuff!
14. Who was your favorite teacher? Mr. Naasz...Psychology and Sociology teacher. He was awesome!
15. Where did you sit during lunch? Haha...I believe it was called "Surfer's Alley"
16. What was your school's full name? Newport Harbor High School.
17. What was your school mascot? Sailor (or Tar...another word for a Sailor)
18. If you could go back and do it again, would you? NO! It was great while it lasted...now it's time to MOVE ON!
19. What do you remember most about graduation? Not being too thrilled with who I had to sit next to. Haha!
20. Who did you go to prom with Senior year? Tyler Caffey...boyfriend at the time.
21. Did you have fun at Prom? Sure. Honestly, I don't really remember too much about it, so it must not have been too eventful.
22. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with? Not really. I haven't seen/talked to him in YEARS.
23. Are you planning on going to your 10 and/or 20 year reunion? Not sure. I'm still deciding that.
24. Do you still talk to people from school? Only the select few who are really worth it. Like Sarah said, Facebook is amazing for keeping in touch with people whom you wouldn't otherwise be able to keep in touch with!

Okay - now your turn. What do you remember?

We took a trip...

2009-01-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

...to Iowa! We thought that since Hayden had her 2 month well-check and shots, it would be ok for her to fly! My Grandpa Vogel (Hayden's Great-Grandpa) is very lonely since my Grandma passed away on Nov. 20, and we though it would bring his spirits up a bit if he could meet and spend some time with Hayden! I have to tell you, it was the BEST idea! She is still young enough that she really slept through most of the flights...she didn't cry...she LOVED being carried around in the Baby Bjorn in the airport...she was SO interested in all of the sights and sounds...and got MANY compliments on how well she did! Hayden and her Great-Grandpa had some wonderful bonding time...he wanted to hold her the second we walked in the door. He would talk to her, play with her, and rock her to sleep. We even caught him lying on the floor with Hayden one night while we were cooking dinner...she was playing with his hair and holding on to one of his fingers! Keep in mind...he is 87 years old and can barely walk! It was quite interesting getting him off of the floor...

Anyway, we are very happy to have taken the trip. I could NEVER have done it without my mom and Josh with me. How do you breastfeed a baby in an airplane with people sitting RIGHT NEXT TO YOU!???!! Not quite sure how that is supposed to work...so luckily we survived!

Here are some pictures from our trip:

The cemetary where Grandma rests peacefully...her grave is on the far left/middle. She gets to see the sunrise every morning and has an AMAZING Iowa farm country view!

My new goal is to ACTUALLY BLOG!

2009-01-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

In a dress of MINE from when I was 6 months old!

Have a Beary Merry Christmas! (SUPER cheesy...but cute!)

Look at my dimple! (Yes...only ONE!)

My little chunk...at 11 weeks old!

My baby girl's beautiful blues!

Daddy playing...well...Daddy!

Hayden Jo taking one of her morning naps in her carseat after a trip to Starbucks!

If you ignore the red eyes...check out the red hair! (I think it's the lighting)

Chillin' with Grandma...

I have this all set up...and yet I NEVER use it! I should have been doing this for the past few months while I have been at home with Hayden, and not starting it up when I am going back to work in just over a week. Oh well, I guess it will be something I will have to do at night or on the weekends!

So, as for the Hayden updates...

She will be 11 weeks old tomorrow! I can't believe my little baby girl is seriously almost 3 months old! She is smiling all the time...cooing and "talking" whenever we talk to her...loves staring at herself in the mirror...plays on her playmat a TON...rolled over from her tummy to her back on Monday 1/25 (but hasn't done it since)...is in love with her "paci"...sleeps in her crib in her own room as of Friday 1/22...is growing out of all of her clothes...weighs about 14 lbs. and is about 25 in. long (according to measurements done by Mommy and Daddy)...is TEETHING (yes...at 11 weeks...I got my first teeth when I was 10 weeks old)...slept through Christmas morning...typically sleeps from 10-3, eats, then back to sleep til about 7 (though we have had a few nights where she slept for 6 or 7 hours straight!)...loves shoving her fists into her mouth...takes a bottle wonderfully (thank God since I have to go back to work in a week)...and is the most lovable and adorable little thing on the face of the Earth! Josh and I are so blessed to have such a wonderful and healthy baby girl...we simply have NO complaints!

Hayden is 3 weeks old!

2008-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

My sleeping baby girl

Smiling in her sleep. I love it!

She loves her fuzzy blanket!

This baby loves sleeping on her belly!

So yesterday, we had a 3 week check-up at the dcotor for Hayden. She has had to go more frequently than normal, since she has had some weight issues. We were very excited to find out that she is now 8 lbs. 13 oz., 22 in. long, and doing VERY well! The nurse made a comment that I must be making CREAM instead of milk! Haha! We really love our pediatrician...he really seems to love what he does...and even stopped in the middle of examining Hayden and just said "You are just too cute!" That made me happy since I know that it can be hard to find a good pediatrician. We now don't have to go back to the doctor until she is 2 months old! Yay! I am really surprised at how quickly she is growing up. I mean, she's only 3 weeks old, but it seems like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital. I'm hoping it all slows down a bit so I can REALLY enjoy each second.

Baby Hayden is here!!

2008-12-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

It's official! We're parents! Not that you care, but here's the story......

On November 13, I went to Fetal Diagnostics for an NST (Non Stress Test) at Hoag. My blood pressure was pretty high and a few other tests were elevated as well, so my Dr. decided it was time to induce me!! I was admitted to a LDR room...with the most INCREDIBLE view I might add! The started pushing the pitocin at about 12:30 pm...I continued to labor throughout a LONG LONG night. At about 1 am I couldn't handle the pain anymore and asked for an epidural...but naturally the Anesthesiologist was in an Emergency surgery and couldn't get to me for 2 hours. Let me repeat....2 HOURS!!!!!!! Finally, they checked me at 3 am...I was 5 cm and 90% effaced. I got my epidural and managed to get an hour or 2 sleep. At 6 am they woke me up to check me. I was 10 cm, 100% effaced, and -2 station. In other words....it was time to push! So, at 6:40 am I started pushing. The nurse was awesome and helped me push so it was most effective. Josh had one leg, Mom had the other...and together we got to work! Or so we though...I pushed until 7:15 am and was making awesome progress, when my nurse told me to lay on my side because her shift was over and it was time for a new nurse to come in. WHAT!?!?!?! In the middle of me pushing, you're going to STOP ME!!!!!! Yeah...needless to say, I wasn't happy. So, about 20 minutes later a new nurse came in. Naturally, it was the stupid nurse from hell that I had dreaded the entire time. She walks in, looks at me, and says ok...you can start pushing again. Josh gets my leg again, Mom gets the other, and the nurse is wandering around the room doing who-knows-what while Josh is counting and helping me push through the contractions. After pushing through 2 contractions, the nurse finally goes to where she's supposed to be and looks....and says "Wow...I guess you are ready...I should call the doctor...lay on your side while we wait for her to get here!" WHAT!?!?!?!?!! Once again, I'm in the middle of pushing and you're going to STOP ME!!!!! This time...I sat there for 35 minutes...panting through the contractions cause I wanted to push SO BADLY! Dr. Grouse finally got there...I pushed through 2 contractions, and low and behold....we had ourselves a baby girl at 8:19 am!! Only 20 1/2 hours of labor...and they gave me a baby girl. I feel so blessed.

At 8:19 am on November 14, 2008 Hayden Jo Stofle was born. She weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. and was 20 1/2 in. long. She looks like her daddy...but has mommy's lips.

We were in the hospital until Sunday, November 16...when they (surprisingly) let us go home. I say surprisingly, because my blood pressures the night before we were supposed to go home were higher than they had ever been before. They let us go anyway...

It was a fantastic experience. I still can't believe that I pushed that little bundle of joy that I had been growing inside of me for 9 months out of me. She truly is a miracle. Below, I will post some pictures of Hayden Jo. Enjoy!!

Hayden just after she was born!

Happy Grandmas!

Happy Daddy!!

Pictures of ME over the last 6 months!

2008-11-12T11:59:00.001-08:00

8 months

7 1/2 months (at my baby shower)

7 months

6 1/2 months

Pictures of Hayden over the last 6 months!

2008-11-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hayden's face...too beautiful!

The 3D/4D ultrasound...at about 30 weeks!

Her foot....even that is cute to me!

This is Hayden at 28 weeks...look at those chubby cheeks!

I love this...legs crossed like a true lady and waving "Hi!"

Hayden Jo...at about 18.5 weeks!

We're BAAAACK!!!

2008-11-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

So, I discovered that the last time I had posted was when I was 12 weeks pregnant! Wow....how time flies...I am now 37 weeks 5 days pregnant! My pregnancy has been great...I was pretty miserable throught the 1st trimester, but not as bad as many people are...the 2nd trimester was a breeze, and we found out we are having a little GIRL (YAY!!!)...and the 3rd trimester brought me back to work and back to exhaustion, a sore back, and swollen feet/ankles. Our little girl, Hayden Jo, has been growing perfectly throughout the entire pregnancy. She has measured about 2 weeks ahead every time we had an ultrasound. This is totally to be expected since Josh is such a monster (he was about 10lbs. 9oz. and 24 in. when he was born!).

On October 30, a day before I was 36 weeks, I went to a regular doctor's appointment, and they discovered that my blood pressure was VERY high...like 158/98. They took it about 5 more times, and it only went down a little bit, so they sent me to Hoag for observation (SCARY!). I was admitted into a Labor and Delivery Room, put in a gown, hooked up to monitors for about 4 hours, diagnosed with mild preeclampsia, before they finally released me to go home to complete bed rest. I am pretty much allowed to go from bed, to couch, to bathroom, to shower, and up/down the stairs once a day. THAT'S IT! It was a scary realization while sitting in the hospital bed with talks of inducing me that night that I totally did not feel prepared. I had not washed all of her clothes, the bassinet and pack 'n play weren't put together, I didn't have her coming home outfit picked out, no bags packed for myself, and I guess just mentally I did NOT feel ready at just 36 weeks pregnant! Anyway, I'm now almost 38 weeks, and have been able to control my blood pressure and all other preeclampsia symptoms pretty well with bed rest. I go to fetal diagnostics at Hoag 2 times per week for an NST (Non-Stress Test) where they hook me up to fetal monitors and monitor Hayden's heart rate and my contractions for about an hour. They also do an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid level, and blood tests to see how my kidney and liver function are. It's a nerve wracking process to go through each time, as I'm afraid there's going to be something wrong every time I go in there. Luckily, everything has been okay.

So, at my doctor's appointment yesterday, which my wonderful mom and husband accompanied me to, I found out that they are most likely going to admit me and induce me tomorrow! Ahhh! I have some definite worries with being induced, especially since I am only 1 cm. dialated and 50% effaced right now. My doctor said it could potentially end up being a 2 day labor.....oh great. I guess the only thing I want at this point is for the health and well-being of my little girl to be perfect, and for myself to come out of this without any more complications. I am totally open to having a C-Section (which I think is a high possibility), which I have heard is good that I am so mentally prepared for that option.

Anyway, I just wanted to update...eventhough this is a ridiculously long post. I hope to become more consistent with the blog posts once Hayden is born so I can share pictures and keep everyone updated!

Please keep me, Josh, and baby Hayden in your prayers as we continue this journey.....

12th week!

2008-05-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am 12 weeks today!!

Josh and I got to go to our first consult with my OB today. It was great to finally meet the Dr. and RNP. I feel like they are going to be great match with me. Dr. Grouse seems like a very laid back person with a good sense of humor. She said we're probably looking at a C-Section due to the fact that Josh was 10 lb. 9 oz. and like 25 in. long when he was born at about 36 weeks! We also got to hear the babies heart beat again today....for all of about 5 seconds...and it sounded perfect! According to the RNP, the baby would NOT sit still. We kept hearing a "whoosh" sound, which meant the baby was moving around. She spent about 5 minutes running all over my belly trying to find where the heart beat was, and was only able to hear it in the background for about 2 seconds again. Anyway, once it comes time to be able to actually feel the baby moving, she said it is going to be a VERY active baby. Lucky me!

I am getting more and more excited now. It is all feeling a bit more real now...

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!

2008-05-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

I am 11 weeks today!!! Yay!!!

Updates

2008-05-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

So, today I got to tell everyone at work that I am pregnant! It was so great, after 6 weeks of keeping it a secret, to FINALLY get to share the exciting news with the rest of my co-workers. They were all very happy for me and for my mom (Grandma Fisher)!

Also, I am happy to say that I was finally able to find an OB to go to! My gynocologist referred me to an OB, but as it turns out, she is not accepting new patients. So, they referred me to someone in their same practice, but located in Irvine instead of Newport. Since I had 2 requirements (to deliver at Hoag Hospital and that they took Blue Cross PPO) I was afraid it would be really difficult to find a doctor. I am very happy that the doctor they referred me to in Irvine, Dr. Grouse, meets all of my requirements! I made an appointment for May 14th for Family History and May 28th for an actual exam with Dr. Grouse. I guess I am just excited that this is all moving along...and I really am pregnant! Ha ha! I'm so excited to be a mommy...

2008-05-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Since this our first blog...first post...I figured we should post our first picture of our first child!

This ultrasound is when I was 7 weeks 2 days!! I know...baby looks like a fish!!