Aunt Hayley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I woke up early on Friday morning eager for Aunt Hayley's arrival. She was supposed to come into LA at 3:30 in the afternoon, but a hurricane caused her flight to get cancelled. Boy, was I mad! Luckily Aunt Hayley managed to get another flight out of St.Kitts (thanks to a friend of hers who was too hungover from the night before to fly). She called us when she made it to the states and we were glad she was back in the US in one piece. Some of her friends weren't so lucky; some were stuck in Puerto Rico for the whole weekend.

We had left the whole day open for Aunt Hayley, but with all the cancellations and delays we had an free day. Mom and I spent the morning playing in the yard together and in the afternoon she took me Hyatt to go for a swim. Mom's friend Julie was there and they hung out while I traipsed around the pool area. To mom's surprise I enjoyed the water and loved seeing all the big kids splashing around.

When we got home she let me sit and eat grapes form a big girl bowl all by myself. I did well for a while, but when I got full I tipped over the bowl and ran away laughing as they rolled all over the floor.


By night time Aunt Hayley still hadn't arrived and Mom said I had to wait one more whole day to see her because her flight wasn't arriving into LA until 2am. After I went to sleep Dad left to pick her up from the airport. When they got back to the house they woke me up to say hi but I was really sleepy and wasn't too playful.

The next morning was filled with fun! I woke Aunt Hayley up first thing so that I could give her a big hug! I was really happy to see Hollywood and I gave her hugs all morning. Although Holly was very submissive, Mom and Aunt Hayley could tell that she was very annoyed with me.

Aunt Hayley and Dad palyed with me all morning and swung me up and down. When I was upside down everyone got to see my mouthfull of teeth, including my 2 new mollars.

Later that morning we took the dogs on a walk to the beach and I fell asleep. As Mom and Aunt Hayley were heading back home they decided to stop at a garage sale and see if there were any baby stuff. To their surprise, and Mom's utter disbelief, they had the playhouse mom had been searching for. On Ebay she had found some for upwards of $200 plus shipping, and here was one right down the street!!! Without a second thought, she bought it and am I sure glad she did!

Hello Everyone!

Aunt Hayley and I had a great time playing in my house, and I know that I will have years of fun in it. It is a LOT more durable than the cardboard fort mom built me.

I sat and played in my new house for what seemed like hours, and even showed off some of my talents to Aunt Hayley by pointing out all the body parts on my toys. (Nose is my favorite, I love to show EVERYONE where their nose is- even strangers)



Later that night we drove down to San Diego to see the rest of the family. Aunt Hayley was craving sushi since there aren't many places to get good sushi on the island, so we went to a restaurant for dinner. As you already know I LOVE sushi, and did not complain about the choice of fare. This time Mom ordered me a Rainbow roll to go with my normal order, and boy did I enjoy the fish!! Hayley laughed at the mess I made...

She was really impressed when I showed her how I could use a straw

After dinner we went to Pa's house and fell asleep watching the Olympics. I love watching the gymnasts and can't wait to be able to do those things when I am real big! In the morning I woke up with a BIG smile and walked out into the living room to play with Pa.


I love being at Pa's house because there are so many fun things to play with. One of my favorites is Lil' Bush. When you push his buttons he says all sorts of "republicanisms". We have become good buddies and Rush would be proud!



After breakfast the whole family went down to see the horses. Aunt Hayley really missed Bugs a whole lot while she was away, and was eager to see him. She introduced me to him and he kept sniffing me. Each time he did he would blow air at my face and I would laugh.

Nay! (sp?)

After we became acquainted Aunt Hayley let me ride him. It was really neat being on the horse, and Bugs was really well behaved.

I was so excited to be on the horse like a big girl that I had to show everyone just how big I really am.



After we played with bugs we went and met all the other horses. I liked the one next to bugs the best. He was only 3 months old, and really liked giving me kisses.

Later that day we hung out at Pa's and spent time with the family. Lots of people came over to see Aunt Hayley, and I enjoyed spending time with everyone.

Dad helped me jump up and down on the trampoline like the gymnasts at the Olympics and I had a fun time. I have a lot of work to do if I want to compete one day...



Aunt Hayley's friend Andrea (Big A) came by to say Hi to Hayley and as Mom was taking pictures of them, she noticed something funny.

See if you can tell the difference between the two pictures...

Did you figure it out yet?

Look again and you will notice that when Andrea is standing she is over 3 inches taller than Aunt Hayley, yet when they are sitting Hayley is well over 3 inches taller than Andrea! (Andrea has long legs and a small torso while Hayley has short legs and a loooong torso)

We all laughed about that for hours, and began calling Aunt Hayley "girl with the abnormally LOOOONG torso." By the end of the night we were teasing her that if she married Micheal Phelps (the Olympic swimmer) that their kids would be torso's with feet.

Some of you may be thinking, what a weird family, and you are right; we find humor in everything!!

When we weren't laughing about Aunt Hayley's torso I played ball with Jackson (yes he got to come out for the weekend as well.) I am strong enough to hold the chuck-it now and love that he follows me around when I have it!



All the action and heat were getting to us so we took a dip in the pool. Dad and I had fun swimming around, and I started to become more comfortable in the water.


Life was good. We were enjoying a nice Sunday in the pool when Mom decided it was time for me to go under the water. I guess Mom was to chicken to do it herself so she had Debbie dunk me.

As you can see I was a little shocked and scared, but after a while calmed down and realized that it isn't so bad going under the water. I am grateful that Debbie helped me learn how to hold my breath! When we got out of the water Aunt Hayley gave me lots of hugs and told me that she was proud of me for being such a brave girl!

I had a BIG day and was a little cranky as night approached. Mom made Aunt Liz and Uncle Ryan take a picture with me, but I didn't put forth my best smile. Mom says that I need to practice my "million dollar smile" before their wedding next year. I am so excited that Liz will become an "official" member of the family, cause I love her and Ryan lots.




Next I took a picture with my Uncle Brandon. He sure is a nice guy, and we get along well. Mom keeps telling me what a great cook he is, so I am waiting for him to come make me food because, as everyone knows, I LOVE to eat!!!

Before the Umbarger Family left we all got together for a great picture. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family.




The next day Aunt Hayley, Mom, and Grandma Schafer took me to the San Diego Zoo and since Hollywood is a service dog she got to come too!

The first thing we saw were the the flamingos. They were a really pretty pink color, but they weren't too exciting.


Aunt Hayley thought that I might have more fun in the Itty Bitty City, and boy was she right!

The first thing we did was pose for a picture- isn't it funny, I am a caterpillar, and Aunt Hayley is a butterfly!




The best part of Itty Bitty City was the petting zoo. There were lots of goats roaming round and I got to pet them. This one was my favorite, he just stood there and ate while I petted him.

Not only did I get to pet the animals, but I got to sit and pose on a hippo.

Mom and Aunt Hayley and I all sat on a turtle and took a picture. Grandma says that she has a picture of Mom and Aunt Hayley on that exact turtle from over 20 years ago.


On the way out of Itty Bitty City Aunt Hayley and I stopped and took another silly picture. This time I was an ant and Aunt Hayley was a fly!


Mom was eager to see the really BIG animals, so we started the trek across the Zoo. On the way we saw lots of neat things. Grandma and I watched all the fish swim around in the aquarium, and I was so enthralled I could have stayed there all day!


When we made it to the Pandas there was a 2 hour line that Mom did NOT want to wait in, so instead Aunt Hayley took me by the wall of painted pandas. This one in particular was quite odd; a little misshapen and created by someone whose art only a mother could love.



I quickly forgot about the pandas when I got to pose with a polar bear. Grandma and I thought he was really silly, and I even got to give him a hug.


We finally made it across the Zoo to the big animals and Mom got to see the Big Kitties (Tigers), and I thought they were really scary.

Mom dressed me up as a Big Kitty (we miss our Big Kitty) in one of the shops,

and I showed her my Big Kitty face: Grrrrrrrrrrrrr

After the tigers we went to see the Giraffes.

They were really interested in Hollywood and came really close to us. I got a good look at them and was even close enough to see the spit that hung out of their mouth's. It was kinda yucky...

The last animals I got to see were the elephants. They were really big and dirty, but I was getting tired, and was quickly losing interest.

Mom put me in the stroller to take a nap as we made the long trek back to the exit, but I had a hard time falling asleep because there was lots to look at.


Hollywood was a trooper as she got more exercise walking through the zoo in one day than she had in the last 6 months on the island.


After the long day at the Zoo we went back to Grandma Schafer's house to rest up for dinner at Great Grandma Jensen's.

That night I got to see my Great Grandma, and my cousins Jesselyn and Vaughn. Everyone was impressed with my walking "skills" and we had a fun time together. Mom insisted on taking some pictures of me with my family, but I wasn't in much of a "picture taking mood" after my long day.

I managed to crack a small smile for my picture with cousin vaughn,

but poor Jess had to deal with my whining...

It was great to see Grandma Jensen and play with all her stuffed toys!

So far Aunt Hayley and I have had LOTS of fun, and I am looking forward to another fun-filled week with her before she heads back to the Island.

Back to normal...if only for a moment...

As the month of July came to an end the parties finally stopped and life began to return to normal.

I had my One year Check Up and the Doctor was SO proud of how I had grown. I weighed in just shy of 18 lbs. and measured 27 inches long. I FINALLY made it out of the 3-5th percentile and am in the 5-10th!!!! My BIG appetite is helping me to grow.

We stayed close to home the first week of August and enjoyed the great weather we've been having in California. Mom, Dad, and I took Magnum (Jackson's alter ego) to the beach to play. We call him Magnum when he plays ball at the beach because he takes on a new persona. Dad says it's kinda like Clark Kent and Superman, whoever they are.

I wasn't too sure about the cold sand when Mom and Dad first set me down. It felt gummy and unstable.

It took me a couple of minutes before I warmed up to the idea of venturing into the water

As you can see, being in the water made me feel a little uneasy...

Just when I was getting comfortable in the water, a wave came and knocked me into the water.

I was NOT happy. It was COLD!

After my run-in with the wave I took to the shore for some warming up. The warm sand felt lots better under my toes and I enjoyed the challenge of walking in it

On the whole I think I enjoyed my first REAL trip to the beach!

The next day mom and I enjoyed a relaxing walk up and down the sidewalks out front of my house. I learned to pick up the flowers and put them behind my ears. Mom says I look pretty.

The week was shaping up to be very relaxing until Mom got a phone call...

A woman from the Craft Faire/Farmer's Market called and said there had been a cancellation and Mom could get a booth at the next market (which happened to be 4 days away). Mom knew that she had to take the opportunity. That's when life got crazy. Mom was sewing like a MADWOMAN and we only left the house to go to the fabric store. I wasn't too excited about being put on the back burner until my Grandma Schafer showed up to help out! It was great. While Mom sewed I got to play with my favorite play mate. Mom spent her days making outfits while Grandma and I explored Huntington Beach. I love being with my Grandma cause she's FUNNY!

When Friday rolled around Mom was taking care of some odds and ends when Uncle Binky showed up to help take some pictures for Mom's flyers and posters.

While they were getting the camera focused and adjusted I played around with Binky's Rockstar Hat (my favorite drink brand)

Watch out America's next top model- here I come!!!

I had a lot of fun running around the yard modeling, until I realized that Models have to wear lots of outfits.

Mom and Binky couldn't really keep me still, but they managed to get a couple of shots

After a while I learned that posing for pictures is way more fun with props!



Modeling turned out to be harder than I would have thought, and I decided I was done half way through the outfits, but we managed to get the shot for the handout...





Binky is busy working on the website, but you can click on this link to check me out:

http://www.rockthecradleclothing.com/

The Market began early on Saturday morning, and around the house it was crazy. Mom and Dad left to set up the booth while Grandma and I ate breakfast. When I was full, changed, and dressed Grandma , Dad, and I rode our bikes down to see Mom and her booth. I was proud of all the hard work she did!!!

Dad and I stayed around to help her out, and I modeled my outfit up and down the runway (aisle).

All that work made me thirsty and Dad helped me drink out of my BIG GIRL water bottle.

Being the center of attention is exhausting and I started to get fussy and tired. Mom realized that she had no where for me to sleep, but after a few moments in thought she pulled her resources together and made me a bed of sweatshirts and sheets folded in a laundry basket. I guess there are benefits to being small...



The first day at the Market turned out to be really fun and I got to meet all sorts of people.

The next day was really hot and mom let me take off my onesie and just model my skirt. Mom said the stones on the ground would burn my feet so she made me wear sandals.

At first they were a little uncomfortable and hard to walk in,

but with each step I got more confident,

and soon I was off on my own.

Later that day one of Daddies friends from work came by to see me. Mom dressed him up in an adult tutu and he took my modeling job away.

All in all the Faire was a success and the hours and hours of hard work paid off in the end!

What we had hoped would be an easy going couple of weeks turned into a mad dash to get things done. I am so grateful that my Grandma Schafer came to stay with me while mom was busy, and so is Mom!

Now life has slowed down again, and we are preparing for Aunt Hayley and Hollywood's arrival. We pick them up from the airport on Friday and are SO EXCITED. She better rest up on the plane, cause I plan on showing her a good time...

The party never stops...

Now that I'm a WHOLE YEAR OLD I get to do some really neat stuff.

I no longer have to sit in the infant car seat- Mom says I have upgraded to first class! It is lots of fun facing forward and watching everything out the window. The best part is that mom can hand things to me (like food and toys) and keep me company. We sings songs and are very silly!!!

Since I have become an excellent walker (and runner) Mom lets me walk from the car all the way into the house. I am really excited that I can do this on my own and do not want help!

I can climb the stairs and can even open and close the gate (once mom unlocks it)

I have also learned how to use a straw. I want to be a BIG girl SO bad that I decided I would rather use a straw than a sippy cup.

As you can see, it is more fun to play with a sippy cup than it is to drink from one. I like to suck in the water and then spit it back out. I have learned that it makes really funny noises and gets a laughing response from all my spectators.

Later on in the week my friend Logan came over for a pool party!!! We lounged in the pool together for a couple of hours while our Mommies hung out.

After our dip in the pool I showed Logan one of my new tricks.



Mom says it is not "lady-like" to do this and doesn't think its funny, but it sure feels good!


Saturday the 26th was Mommies Birthday. She got up early and Dad and I sent her to the spa. While she was gone we decorated the house, made signs, and drew pretty pictures on the sidewalk. We knew that she would appreciate all our hard work.

She was so surprised when she walked into the house that it made her tear up. I think she was very proud that Daddy and I did all that on our own.!

After she settled in we brought out her a special birthday breakfast made up of chocolate and peanut butter malt balls (her FAVORITE). I was very grateful when mom shared some with me.


After breakfast we opened all of Mom's birthday cards and presents. The whole family got her birthday cards- even Jax and 4th. Daddy got her the best gift of all, he bought her a really nice camera so she could take great pictures of ME!

After she washed my face and got me dressed for the day she used it for the first time. I must say, it takes some amazing pictures...


We spent the rest of the morning hanging out as a family and taking pictures. I think Mom had a lots of fun, but the day wasn't close to being over. Around lunch time Grandpa Schafer and Debbie came over and took us to lunch at Mom's favorite place- Chuck E Cheese!!! We ate lots of pizza, rode some rides, and got to play all sorts of games.

Here I am driving in the car with Chuck E Himself

Then I got to drive a train with Barney. Mom says all the little kids like him, but I'm not sure about that big purple dinosaur...

Ridin' in the redneck pickup truck was awesome. After all, Mom does say I need to get in touch with my roots...

Mom had me ride the carousel for Aunt Hayley, but I had to hold on real tight and it was kind of scary. I can't wait for the real thing when Aunt Hayley comes home!

Before we played the games, I went on one more ride. It was a Ferris Wheel for babies. I was more curious and scared than anything.

Mom was very disappointed that they didn't have her favorite game at Chuck E Cheese anymore. I guess gophers used to pop up out of holes and you would hit them on the head. They replaced the game with a friendlier version which mom took a liking to quickly. Ducks would float by and you would hit them and knock them down. I think she enjoyed it a little too much...

My favorite game was one where letter and numbers lit up. Mom said it was an educational game, whatever that means...

Pa's favorite game was Skeeball. He tried to show me how to play;

but I didn't quite get the hang of it...

I now know why Chuck E Cheese is one of Mommies favorite places- I can't wait to go back!

I was so exhausted from all the fun and excitement that I fell asleep in the car on the way home. When I woke up I was in the stroller at the batting cages. My goodness, I thought, the fun never ends!!!

Mom let me try on her helmet; it was a little big, but soon I'll be big enough to get one of my own.

That evening we finished off Mom's birthday celebration with a big chocolate cake. Mom says that this birthday was her bestest birthday ever!!!!!!!!!

The next morning I entertained myself with the balloon Debbie bought me at Chuck E Cheese

And just when I thought all of our celebrations were over Grandma Schafer showed up!!!!!!!!! I was so excited to see her. We took a long walk on the beach and watched all of the surfers at the US Open. We met up with some friends for lunch at the pier and I got to sit up at the table like a big girl.

Grandma ended up staying with us for 3 whole days. We had lots of fun together and took lots of walks up and down the sidewalks.

While she was here I got to experience my FIRST earthquake. According to the news it was a big one, but I don't see what the fuss is all about. Mom and I had to stand in the doorway until the shaking stopped, but after that things were right back to normal.

We had an exciting couple of days and I was really sad to see her go. I hope that she comes to stay with me again soon.

Our family has decided to take the next couple of weeks to relax and prepare for all the fun that will take place in the next month. We pick Aunt Hayley up from the airport in 2 weeks and can't wait to see her. She will only be in California for a short time, so we need to pack all sorts of fun into a couple of weeks. After Aunt Hayley goes back to the Island we will leave to go visit my family in Wisconsin. Mom and I will be staying with Grandma Frankwick for 10 whole days!!! Mom tells me that although we will be "taking it easy" we will still be doing all sorts of fun things. Check back soon for an inside on all the action.