One Year: A Retrospective

Hadley's mom here. I cannot believe our little girl has been in our lives for a whole year already. It seems like she's always been here, and our family is more complete, happy, and adorable with her in it. One year ago, at 4:06pm on Dec. 5, this little bundle of love made her debut -- and it's been a joyride since then!  So grab beverage and snack, and get ready for a quick look back at Hadley's first year.

She still does this face from time
to time

"You lookin' at me??"

Very quickly, Hadley developed her personality: happy, always smiling, and quite the charmer. Her teen years are going to be rough....for her dad. 

"Rarrrr! I'm going to get you, Mommy!!"

Hadley's made some wonderful friends this year, but her very best is Hartley. These two have been buddies from the start, at just one month apart. Their parents like each other, too, which helps. 

Babies at Polo

Beach bums having a great time!

"It's OK friend. You eat the toast."

"I can't believe they made us dress up."

And, of course, she's made lots of friends. Including Loki....which was a slow and arduous process.

Hadley and her buddy Cooper

The "Crew"

"OMG!!! A BALL PIT!!!!!"

Ollie and Hadley... in matching Turkey Day attire

"It's OK Loki. I'll just lean here for a bit."

But no matter how many people love her, Hadley is the best thing to happen to us. She makes everything better. Because...seriously....those cheeks. 

"I'll open my presents in the pit. Thanks."

Hadley meets Santa!

This was an epic moment for Hadley. She met the big guy in charge of Christmas gifts - Sir Santa himself. While most kids are shy and/or traumatized by Santa, Hadley thought he was the cat's meow. She told him her wish list, smiled for pictures and enjoyed herself thoroughly.

Mostly, because....snow. Fake, Florida snow, but snow none the less. It was coming down from the top of the igloo, and she was 100% into it. She had a ball! It was such a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. Granted, we started a bit early this year, but she didn't mind. More time to celebrate!

Happy 11 Months!

Hadley turned 11 months on Thursday and WOAH - that was fast! This little girl cannot slow down or be stopped. Always moving, always running, and never a dull moment. Hadley loves to eat (anything, really), playing with her friends, following the dog around the house, and being silly. She isn't a fan of shoes (she prefers street feet) and definitely doesn't like being told no!

Baby on the move!

Just hanging out

"Mom - I'm not into this sticker thing anymore"

"Boo sticker - I'm done with you"

Happy Halloween 2015

Happy Halloween from Hadley! We had such a good time this Halloween. Hadley's best friend Hartley and her parents came to our house to trick-or-treat. Aunt Meg and Justin came too! It was such a great day - although Hadley and Hartley only lasted 20 minutes trick or treating. Their parents ate all the candy, while the kids got baths, in pjs, and went to bed. All in all, it was a perfect compromise!

The Aultmans! Hook, Tinkerbell, and Peter Pan

Team Safari! 2 Zookeepers and a monkey in a tutu

See? Hadley was happy at one point

"Who took my candy?!?!"

Fall in Florida

This past weekend, the family took a trip to our local farm to visit the "pumpkin patch" and see the animals in the petting zoo area. The notion of a pumpkin patch in Florida is a little silly - it's really just a bunch of shipped in pumpkins lined up for sale, but the intent was there. Also: Mom just told one of her college students that pumpkins actually grow on vines....and she genuinely didn't know that. So - score one for the Florida education system.

We went to the farm with our friends, the Aultmans, and their little girl Hartley. She's Hadley's best friend, and these two really like crawling all over each other/stealing each other's stuff. It works out well. It also lends itself to hilarious photo opportunities.

"Hey Mom - what are you doing?"

Hadley LOVED the petting zoo area, and she desperately wanted to touch/pet/grab all of the animals, especially the goats and horses. She also really liked the emu, much to Mom's dismay. Hopefully she doesn't like birds too much.

"Just one more inch, Dad, and then I can reach!"

Giggle-fest with Dad!

Dancing to the 50's cover band with Mom

After the farm, we decided that Sunday brunch was in order. The parents enjoyed mimosas and brunch delights. The girls enjoyed watching Daniel Tiger and stealing each other's pacifiers and bottles.

Happy Fall Fun everyone!