2012 in review....so far

So I totally haven't written anything about how big my girl is or how much joy she's brought into our lives. I have been trying to keep a journal to Haley about her big moments, her firsts, and other special moments in the family. Hopefully I will stay up with it and be able to give it to her when she's older. I think that'd be a sweet moment for us.

Haley celebrated her first Christmas in December 2011. She was just starting to crawl and was more enthralled with the wrapping paper than the gifts!

Picking out our Christmas tree

                        

Our first Christmas 

                                                 

Let's recap 2012 so far, shall we?

New Years...No big deal. A wonderful night of fun and fondue with our good friends! Haley was too small to do anything spectacular.

January... I celebrated my 31st birthday. It's crazy to me how I am in my 30's but sometimes I still feel 17. Does that happen to anyone else?

The whole family (minus a few)

February....We took Haley on her first flight. She was such a trooper. No tears on a flight over 5 hours! We flew to Albuquerque to visit Dan's grandfather, who was diagnosed with Melanoma. The majority of the family was able to make it out and see him. I'm so glad we went when we did, because Granddad was still able to be up and around and be "himself."

   

Granddad and Atchie

Love at first sight

Did I mention Katie and John were expecting?

Dan took me to the Grand Canyon as a "surprise" for our 5th wedding anniversary. I say "surprise", because Dan is bad at surprises and likes to tell me things before they happen. He didn't say it outright, but I got about 10 hints, and let's face it...I'm not that stupid. :) It was wonderful! I'd never been before and it was definitely something to cross off my bucket list!

          

         

March....I spent two afternoons a week with one of my best friends after she had surgery. It was such a blessed time to be with her. I am happy to say she's recovered and is doing well.

April.... Haley took her first steps in my friend, Melody's, kitchen. Such a big girl!

Dan's grandfather went home to be with the Lord. We do miss him dearly, but are glad he is no longer suffering. 

My sister in law, Katie's, baby shower! Fun fun fun!

Our basement was under construction. Actually, it had been for over a year, but was nearing completion.

May.....Took a trip to Virginia Beach to see our good friend Aaron get married. 

Our nephew Sam was born on the 18th. He is such a handsome little man!

Haley turned ONE on the 28th. I still can't believe she's been here for over a year. She's so big, but still so small! 

June.....Haley's first birthday party (I'll write more on that another time. Seriously I will).

We went to three 1 year old's birthday parties in less than 10 days! Lots of babies, lots of friends.

Wilmington Italian and Greek festivals. Good food!

July.....A fun trip to the beach for a few days. Haley did so well!

August.....Well, here we are. Haley is talking and walking and keeping us busy! We have friends having babies and getting married. Life goes on and we are entrusting each day to the Lord. 

There you have it! The quickest update I can manage. I do plan to go into more detail on a few fun things!

Busy Bags are my new favorite!

I'm really bad at this. Keeping up with writing on here. I thought to myself, "Haley sleeps for at least an hour each day...I can get something written in that time period, right?" 
While that is true, there really are not enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done. Let alone to do what I'd like to do! Some me time, right?

Well tonight I had a little "me" time. I had the pleasure of getting together with some awesome ladies; some I knew and some I got to meet. We did a busy bag exchange. If you aren't familiar with busy bags, let me enlighten you. Because seriously, you NEED to be enlightened on this subject. Busy bags are, well, bags filled with fun, quiet activities for kids to do. Emphasis on quiet. The idea is that they have something to do without disturbing others around them (church, Dr.'s office, car rides). My friend Lori arranged it. We each focused on one theme(motor skills, matching, numbers, colors, letters) and provided a busy bag for each lady in attendance. So by making 11 of the same busy bag, then trading, we each made it home with 11 different bags of fun for our littles! Haley is a little small for some of them, but she'll grow into them. And now I have something for my older nephews and some other friends to do while they are here. My house will no longer be boring for kids older than 1! So thank you ladies, for all your sacrifice and time. Thank you Lori, for arranging this and hosting! I don't have any picture yet of these amazing bags, but I'll be sure to get some of Haley using them.