Past Few Weeks in a Nutshell

Mark and I have been furiously working on the yard. Maybe you have noticed the giant burnt patch of grass thanks to our sweet Brady "watering" the grass. We decided to splurge and do some landscaping. Neither of us have experience in this area but we figured we are fairly educated people. So we managed to put in edging, stone, and 5 plants without too much trouble. (Pictures will be posted later.) Due to a certain 3 month old most of our project happened at 11 p.m. It was a lot fun (most of the time) and occasionally stressful...and did I mention expensive. But we are so happy to have made so much progress and hopefully our neighbors won't want to kick us out of the neighborhood anymore (just kidding)!

At the end of May my parents swung by our home on their way back from my cousin's graduation in Colorado. It's slightly out of the way but the temptation is so great with a grandson waiting for them. It was an unexpected trip and we were so EXCITED to have them. While they were here they of course spoiled their grandson and enjoyed watching their grandpuppy at the dog park. Dad helped with some grass planting. And Mom was here to help me through my return to work/withdrawal from my sweet baby. She worked really hard to get him to take a bottle while I was away. Hayden apparently will only accept his Nuby bottle while sitting in his bouncy seat. Silly Boy! It is a huge relief to have him eating when I am gone!

I also celebrated my 25th birthday...basically my life is a quarter over now. sigh! Oh well, I don't feel too sad about it! :) It was really nice to have my parents around to help us celebrate this milestone. I got cards, ice cream cake, brownies, roses, a rosebush, a cushion for my rocking chair, a new outfit, caribou gift card and some money! Thank you all! I also got to go shopping at the mall of america with my mom. Oh sweet mall how I have missed you. (I missed shopping with you too, mom!)

In Hayden news: He has greatly progressed in his ability to grab toys, cashews, fingers, hair, etc. His eye hand coordination is excellent! He also rolled from his tummy to his back, giggled, and sucked his toe. He loves to kick his legs constantly and prefers to be upright so he can see everything. He is starting to get into the "frustrated because I can't move" stage. He often sees toys and such that he wants but just can't reach. He loves to wake up squealing and blowing raspberries while filling his diaper with his daily explosive diaper. Yep daily! He recognizes mom and dad, and cries when strangers hold him. He loves to be outside whether we are going on a walk, rocking in the wicker chair, watching daddy play softball, or going to the dog park. Speaking of dog.... He can't get enough of watching Brady and gets a huge smile when Brady nibbles his toes or lick his face. I on the other hand could do with out the dog kisses all over my baby. It is such a joy to watch him grow and explore the world. And isn't he just so gosh darn cute?!