With turning 1 comes....

front-facing car seats!! Oh how we've waited for the day...lol. Hadlee has always been awesome in the car, but the few times (very few!) that she's been out of her seat, she has LOVED seeing out the windows. So we wasted no time in getting an update. We've obviously only had it a week or two, but I strongly recommend the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 convertible seat! It is good from 20 to 100 pounds (nice on the pocketbook!), with a 5-point harness life up to 65 lbs., a regular seat booster, and a bottom-only booster up to 100 lbs. It's a new model, but I've read only good about it. The base is so compact that it will fit anywhere, and she sits up straight (which I think has got to be more comfy than your legs stuck up in the air. :)) My only concern was her head position when she was sleeping, but she slept in it today and looked quite comfortable. If we have problems later, I'll update, but so far I really like it!

A couple more nice features - the padding is awesome, and the hard plastic (or whatever it is) arm rests will be much easier to clean!

passes inspection :)

first ride - Taco Bell here we come. lol

Happy Birthday Princess!!

One year ago today Hadlee Ryann Arender entered our lives at 9:05 a.m. weighing in at a tiny 6 lbs. 9 oz.

she has since grown to fill our hearts and home in a way I never would have dreamed possible.

Daddy and Hadlee ready for church this morning

Mommy and Hadlee at Hadlee's party yesterday

Happy 1st birthday, baby girl!

We love you more than you'll ever know!

Hadlee's Princess Party

We had Hadlee's birthday party a day early since her birthday fell on Sunday. Timothy's parents came over along with Phil and Katrina (Timothy's sister) and their kids. Anthony (Timothy's brother), Adrian, Alexa, and Taylar (Adrian's niece) also came over for the party. We had a full house just with all of them, but my parents, Ryan (my brother) and Shelly (Ryan's girlfriend), Jordan (my brother), and my grandparents were also here. Hadlee wasn't too sure about all the people, but she enjoyed the gifts and cake. :)

Here's some glimpses of the day...

Hadlee on her "throne" and the table

the Birthday Girl!!

we opened presents first at Daddy's suggestion....a VERY good one considering what she did to her cake!!

Daddy's gift...he was SURE she needed some of those Schleich animal figurines. He wanted a bull and horses, but we settled for a puppy and a pony. I think he needs a boy....but no news yet! ;)

Hadlee's princess clock from Grandma and Grandpa Jackson

tea set!

part of Uncle Ryan and Shelly's gift - although I'm sure this was JUST from Uncle Ryan - children's acidophilus. :) (For those who don't know my brother, he's a health fanatic! He's constantly reading Hadlee's food labels, and making suggestions.)

her first car!

too much attention! she was getting embarrassed. lol

peeking out with a smile :)

the cake!

(Thanks, Mom!!)

she started very "princessy", but....

it got really messy! :)

"Wow, Mom...."

"...sugar makes my insides feel funny!"

"the girls" - Marissa, Taylar, and Kristen

Thanks to everyone who helped make Hadlee's day special!! Hadlee is playing with her new toys as I write. :) Ummm...you veteran mommies....how long does it take for batteries to run out?? J/k, but she did get a LOT of noisemakers!! :)

Happy Birthday, Hadlee!!!

Weekend at MO

Last weekend we went to MO for the annual peanut boil. Daddy and Hadlee sporting "their colors" :)
Gotta love those big eyes and long, curly eyelashes! :)
Ty (Hadlee's cousin) just a cheezin'!









Hadlee & Marissa (another cousin)





We also went to the Mennonite apple butter day Saturday. Timothy worked for some Mennonites for a few years, and he also went to their school for a little while. He has some really good friends there, and he was very excited to "show off" his little girl!
Can ya tell he's completely taken with her??

riding the train....

Reading to Gramma

Hadlee is not what I would call a "drama queen", but she is very expressive! (like her daddy...) Mom & Dad came over the other night after church so Dad could help Timothy with something. Mom was playing with Hadlee, and I was trying to stay out of sight with the camera. Take a look...

Hadlee's Mizzou Outfit

I know it's been a while....

Here are a few "catch ups"...

Hadlee's Mizzou cheerleading outfit ~ the pics aren't that great, but her outfit is adorable! :) Of course, Mommy wishes it were white and crimson (Go OU!!), but we have to keep Daddy happy.

lol...Hadlee's opinion of their latest games...