Christmas Photos & Superstition

I've come to terms with the fact that I will never be caught up on this blog.  I'm eternally behind.  I have an explanation for it though.  Henley has never been a good sleeper.  Especially for naps.  When she does take a nap I am walking on egg shells the whole time cause she is consistently unpredictable.  The past handful of times I have attempted to put together a post during her nap time, she will wake up within five minutes of me starting.  No joke.  So I know this is silly, but I haven't dared blog during the precious sleep time.  Whelp, tried it again today and...she woke up three min into uploading pictures.  The superstition lives on.

Anyway, quick post about some Christmas card pictures we had taken.  I wanted to go get them professionally taken for some unknown reason.  However when you try to schedule it on Dec 5 you quickly realize that everyone is full for the season and you have your sister-in-law take them on her couch.  We did them quickly after church one Sunday and there was truly no outfit planning, pose planning, background planning, etc.  We just winged it!  (Is that the proper way to use that phrase).  We definitely had some struggling moments.  Good thing the world has gone digital because we were able to take about 200 pics and find a couple of good ones.  

^^I'll say it...our bottom halves look gigantic in this photo.  Also, Rich's face...he would kill me for posting this.^^

 

^^She already has the duck face down. Selfies here we come.^^ 

 ^^And here was the winner.  Most natural one we could find.^^

Grateful for Surprises

I LOVE surprises.  Always have and always will.  Gifts, events, food - if it is a surprise it makes it about 10 times better.  I am a little picky so it isn't really fair when it comes to gift giving but I can't help it.  Richard was supposed to be home from his rotation in Indianapolis really late on Thanksgiving.  The plan was to meet him at his parent's house around 11:00 pm.  We hadn't seen each other since Sept and only two times total since May.  Basically I was dying for him to get home.  On the eve of Thanksgiving Sharice, Steve and I went to Tandoori Oven, which happens to be in gas station to get some delicious Indian food.  He called me a couple of times because he was supposedly driving to Des Moines.  We got home from dinner and were just hanging out as a fam and in walked Rich!  I was speechless and so happy.  He had told lie upon lie in order to make it a complete surprise, which I approve of.  It was the best gift anyone could have ever given me.  This Thanksgiving will go down in my best memories book.  

 

^^I'm not the only one who missed him.  She wouldn't stop kissing him and insisted on being held by "Dada" for the next 3+ days.  Below is one of my favorite pics ever.  You can see the love for him in her little face.^^

 ^^The Larsen's and Aunt Marla (my grandpa's sister who used to play pro softball.  She has looked the same since I was an infant.  I swear.)^^

 ^^My Grandma & Grandpa Bankhead.  They couldn't be cuter.^^

 ^^The goy-rls^^

 ^^Mastering the fish face for dad.^^

 ^^I finally invested in a carrier cause of a great black Friday deal.  Pretty sure I missed the boat to carry Henley in one.  She looks like a 1st grader in it and my back was breaking.^^

 

^^Hitting up the Aggie basketball game with Grandma and Grandpa.^^

 

Also, on Thanksgiving day we moved down to American Fork to live with his parents for a few months since Rich is working in Salt Lake.  Henley celebrated the move by waking up the first night at 3:00 am and not going back to bed until 7:30 am.  It was a bit of a rude awakening for Rich.  Is it terrible to say that I'm glad I didn't have to suffer alone?  So glad he is home.  We loved 2013 Thanksgiving!

I'm a Little Behind

Before the year ended I wanted to quickly post some old Halloween pics more for my sake than yours.  We had a fun friend Halloween bash and hope it becomes a yearly tradition.  I feel really lucky to have such a good group of friends from high school that still keep in touch. 

 ^^All of the kiddos.  Amber's little Lottie was all over Henley.  Hilarious.^^

You can't do Halloween without pumpkin carving.  Last year Henley slept through the entire thing.  This year was a little different.  Her favorite part was actually pushing and chasing a little pumpkin around on the ground. 

Every year the Hanks side of the family has a Halloween party and everyone including the adults dress up.  I have missed it for the past four years and was ecstatic to be able to attend this year.  As always, it didn't disappoint.  We played fruit basket, Halloween trivia, and some other lame games that somehow turn out gust busting and inappropriate.  

 ^^Flo-mingo^^

 ^^My dad always goes all out on his costumes.  The best so far has been "The Flasher".  Frightening, but well done.  This year he dressed up as a tornado.  As yes, those are panties attached to him.^^

 ^^Making soup/eating a pound of cheese on Hallo's Eve^^

 ^^Costume #2 - the Spider (Thanks Aunt Melinda for having two costumes that fit her).  Everyone thought she was a boy.  We went trick or treating at the mall along with every other person in Cache Valley. I think we left there with two pieces of candy.  Crappy candy.  Probably won't do that again.^^

 ^^Pumpkin walk first timer.  She loved it, except getting this Yoda picture taken.^^

 ^^She insisted on wearing this witch hat around for about two days.^^

 ^^It isn't a complete post without an adorable kid in a velour suit.  Not typically a fan of velour, but what's not to love about this!  Cheese!^^

When It Was Warm

A couple months back my dad had a summer work party we attended.  Free food and free entertainment...why wouldn't we go?  It was held at the Bear Bottoms place by Wellsville (I obviously don't know much about it).  However, I do know that they had two amazing man made water slides.  They were as dangerous as they come.  No restrictions, whatsoever.  It was fabulous.  I didn't get any pictures of the big one, but naturally I took Henley down the small one.  We don't want to raise a chicken.  She had no idea what was going on and seemed to enjoy it even though she looks frightened in these pictures.

My dad then took her on the same one which resulted in a lot more splashing and water in her face.  Surprisingly she didn't mind it. 

All in all, this was one of the more fun activities we participated in this summer.  I would recommend it.  Now we will have to somehow find the joy in winter.  I'm obviously in denial...

Who Doesn't Love a 1 Year Old?

If you are sick of hearing about my kid, I would suggest you skip this post.  Otherwise, read on!  We went and got her pictures taken the day before she turned 1 and I wanted to share a few/million.  Also, below is a list of things I want to remember about her at this age.  Thanks for reading!

1.  Two measly little bottom teeth.  Multiple times I thought new ones were going to punch through any day, but much to my dismay there was no explanation to that day's grumpiness.  The longer they stay in, the healthier?!  Right?!
2. Loves her binky.  We transitioned from letting her have it only when she is sleeping or a long car ride.  It wasn't too bad at first.  Since we went on vacation though she seems to always want it.
3. Favorite foods are raspberries, grapes and string cheese.  Options are a little limited with two teeth.  I am surprised what she can gum to death.  Costa Vida sweet pork, oh yes!!

 4.  Says "uh-oh" all day long because she thoroughly enjoys throwing things.  She also says momma and dadda, but we are still unsure if she associates those words with us.  Pretending to talk on the phone is her forte.  Lots and lots of jibberish.

5.  She loves blowing on food.  I will say "It's hot, just one second" and she will help me blow on it by sticking out her bottom lip and blowing the air up through her hair.  

6.  Clapping and fake laughing are perfected.  She always fake laughs when she hears laughter and even when she doesn't.  For example, in relief society a couple of weeks ago a sister was telling an emotional/spiritual story.  Tears and all. Henley just busts out this fake laugh and looks around to see if anyone wants to join.  Awkward?  Yes, but awesome at the same time?  Absolutely.

7.  Never been a sleeper and I am still in denial about it.  She started sleeping through the night at about 10 mths, which is great and I am really grateful for.  Sleeping through the night for her is anywhere from 8-9 hrs and then she is up and ready to play.  She takes two naps a day and they vary in time - - usually both less than and hour.  I still am perplexed at how I totally screwed up her sleeping skills.

8.  Climbing stairs is a frequent pastime.

9.  Still a book worm.  Best hobby in my opinion.

10.  Crawling like a champion, along with pulling herself up and cruising along furniture.  Walking is for the birds in her mind.  Why walk if I can crawl faster or mom can carry me?  It will be another couple of months.

 11.  Gets into everything and wants to be a part of everything I'm doing.  Empties drawers, laundry baskets, dishwasher, bags.  You name it.  She is on it. 
12.  Can already sniff out then I'm trying to eat something without her.  She will stare and stare at my mouth until I confess by chewing or show her what is in there.
13.  Two favorite times of day (for me).  Eating breakfast together - I will get a bowl of cereal and fruit and sit on the ground with my knees up.  She will hang on to my knees and wait for her bites and say "mmmmmmmm" the whole time.  Second favorite time of day is when she wants to cuddle after her afternoon nap.  What mom doesn't love cuddles?
14.  Terrific at blowing kisses.
15.  Love music and dancing with just about anyone.  If you really want her to like you, you will throw in a few good dips. 
16.  Very happy, friendly and full of spunk.

 First time with bubbles.  It was all about the squinting.

Happy First Birthday!  I'm sure year 2 will be just as fabulous!!

Michiana

This is a long post.  Brace yourself.  

Last month Richard was doing a rotation in South Bend, IN.  Before we left Iowa in May, we made a pact that no matter where he was or what was going on in Utah, we would be together for Henley's 1st birthday.  We made it happen --  Boo-yah!   Before we visited, I had no idea South Bend was soooo close to the border of Michigan.  The people Richard stayed with actually lived in Michiana, MI.  Get it -- Michiana.  On the actual birthday Henley woke up doing a new birthday trick...the fish face.  Probably learned that from her good friend Brianne.  

 

We hung out most of the day waiting for Richard to get off.  They let him go early (which I love them for) and we headed over to the fanciest restaurant in town, Five Guys.  It was delicious and we both ate our own weight in fries.  After dinner we played by the fountain for awhile.  She wanted to jump in, and I wanted to cave cause of her birthday, but for once I used my brain and thought about how terrible the aftermath would be.  We walked around the mall so I could see what stores they have (just in case we end up there) and Henley had an amazing time people watching.   

Then there was cake.  It started out with a little finger dip, and suddenly turned into a full on cake massacre.  She massaged the thing to death and got as much in her mouth as possible.  Almost looked like the boy on the movie Matilda.  You remember that one?  She was slightly cuter though. 

 Giving herself props for doing so well on cake eating.  Can you blame her?

After a quick bath, she opened a few gifts.  We let her stay up later than normal and then we kissed our 1 year old goodnight.  I am no different than any other mom out there when I say, the first year has flown by and I am a little sad to see the baby stage go.  I have to admit though, this 1st birthday thing gave me some stress.  I felt like I needed to do something grandiose.  Like, outta this world exciting.  With a theme.  And decorations.  A million gifts.  Tons of guests.  Ya know, sometimes Pintrest can make you feel like crap.  When it was all said and done, I was insanely glad we went the simple route.  It fits us better and she had a good ole time.  Also, if you are in the market for an amazing toy for a 1 year old, check out the V-Tech activity book that sings.  It has been dynamite. 

Back to Indiana.  While we were there we hit up a high school football game.  We heard the crowds were huge and it was kinda nuts.  Um...total lie.  There were maybe 150 people in the stands and that was pushing it.  We had more fun watching Henley cheer than we did watching the game. 

Richard swears she learned to love football in the womb.  I did fall asleep to a lot of games while I was pregnant...

Next up, Notre Dame!!  That campus is beautiful and humongous.  We got all stoked because we found two tickets on Craig's List for a home game.  When we went to pick them up and the guy asked if we had bought a ticket for Henley.  No, we hadn't.  He explained that every person, regardless of age has to have a ticket to get into the stadium!!  Excuse me!!  We were not about to pay $110 for her to sit on my lap the entire time.  It was pretty disappointing.  We still went to the campus on game day and saw all of the drunk tailgaters, "Touchdown Jesus" and the Grotto.   I couldn't believe how many people were there for the game.  It was a sight to see. 

The trip went way too fast and so did Henley's first year of life.  Can't believe we have a 1 year old.  (I will do a more detailed post on her later.)  Since we haven't been with Richard, I had forgotten what it was like to not be a single parent.  Gosh, I miss having him around.  We can't wait until we are back in the same state.  Only two more months!!