Drinking from a BIG girl cup...

Hailey has learned how to drink from a real cup! She's getting big so quickly... I can hardly keep up with her. Hope you like the picture: (I'll post it soon)

Off to Nursery...

Today we got to church and a little boy hit Hailey in the face several times before I realized it was happening. His Mom ran over and grabbed him, slapped his hand and told him "no." Hailey just looked at him with confusion, not sure what to do. I asked her if she was ok and told her he wasn't being nice. Then, I grabbed her little hand and we walked all the way around to the other side of the building. For the very first time, I took Hailey to Nursery! I started to sit her down to the table and before I could finish... she was leaned over giving GIANT hugs and a great big kiss to a little girl with down syndrome. Hailey doesn't do this to just any kid, but, she always has when she's seen this little girl. Sorry, I don't know her name yet. But, it was so sweet. Once Hailey sat down, she started to rattle off all kinds of baby jabber... talking to the little girl next to her. She was so happy and excited to be in nursery. I left her with a big Mama hug and kiss... left the room... and had to cross the hall. I went into the bathroom for just a quick second... my eyes had gotten all watery and silly me... I cried just a little. But, quickly I composed myself and peeked in on her once before going to Sunday school. She was adorable! So busy playing, sharing, and just being happy as can be. I peeked in on her again just before Relief Society and watched her from the hall for about one minute or so. The Nursery leader's little boy followed her every where she went. He took every toy out of her hand and tried to take anything she picked up. Every time he did this, she just gave him a look like he was nuts and without any hollering she moved onto a new toy. After a few times of this I think she got sick of it... pretty soon I heard her say "no," then it became "NO," and soon she was giving him the "stink eye look" and off to the other side of the room hollering "NO!" The leader (and mom of the boy) came over and took him out of the room. Hailey was back to her happy little self hopping across the room on her little tip toes.. doing that funny little run hop she loves to do and went back to playing. I'm so proud of her... I saw her sharing and being such a good girl. When I picked her up.. the leader said she kissed "Kennedy" several times during class... think we'll have to put a stop to that. I love her!!

Bye Grandpa Hurst.. we'll miss you very much!

This has been a difficult week/end so far. Grandpa Hurst passed on Saturday night. I'm very proud of my husband... he's handling it so well. Grandpa was ready and I think he helped the family get ready for his passing. Going to really MISS him.. he was a GREAT person and I enjoyed the visits I had with him. I'm SO happy Aaron (and Hay) had a chance to see him on Saturday. What a blessing to have that opportunity! I get teary thinking about Allana... Aaron told her the news last night and I know it's hitting her very hard :( What a sweetheart she is though.. she's concerned about the family.. asking how Uncle Randy is doing and just being her sweet little self. *If you're reading this Allana... just remember what Daddy told you :) Grandpa is happy now and with Grandma... and just think of all the happy times you had with Him.* Well, I need to go.. Hailey is throwing a fit and well.. I need to take care of her :) I haven't taken pictures lately.. so much going on. I will though this week.. promise!

New words...

Hailey's vocab is growing ;) She learned how to say "Jesus," "Woah, Pete" (Nana inspired that one), and "down..." she's grown a bunch! Not sure how tall she is... I'll check when we go to Wic next.

Hailey prays now...

Hailey's been so fun the past few weeks. She's learned how to pray. She folds her little arms, bows her head, closes her eyes (some peaking on occasion with faint little giggles) and she sometimes tries to say, "Amen." She's even said her own prayers with her toys. She's doing a lot more talking. Most of which we cannot understand. She has learned to count to 5... usually beginning with the number 2 and ending in "go." I think that was inspired by Sesame Street. Her eating has become a little picky... she's usually such a good eater. She now likes mashed potatoes. Until just recently, she would spit them out. She's really good at feeding herself breakfast cereal. She loves doing it all on her own! She hasn't used her potty much... tries about once a day or so... but not totally ready to potty train. She's getting close I think. She's quite the little smarty pants... when she doesn't want to be in her bed napping, I here "Mama, potty... potty" and she knows I will get super excited and rush her off to the potty and out of her bed... only to throw a fit when I say "okay, time to finish your nap." Hee hee! I haven't focused on it just yet. The weather has cooled down here. Today was only about 98 and it felt like heaven! Weird huh! We're plugging along searching for decent work and doing our best to get by. We miss home, "Boise," very much and hope to plan a visit sometime before Christmas if we can swing it. After Christmas, Hailey won't be free to fly anymore :( I haven't taken pictures the past week or two.. but don't worry.. I will be taking them again soon :) Love and Miss you all very much!!!