First day of Soccer!

This past Saturday was the start of Hailey's first outdoor soccer season.  And somehow I am now coaching her team, never played soccer but oh well, I'm a sucker for volunteering when help is needed.  It was great though, we have a great group of kids on our team and Hailey had a blast.  It was hot out but thankfully not as hot as what it was earlier this month!  Afterwards Hailey, myself and her dad went out for lunch. 

Here's to a great season!  GOOOO WHITE TEAM!!!! 

Dog sitting and Reality setting in...she's not a baby anymore!

So this weekend we got a chance to dogsit my sister Kim's dog, Joey.  He was perfect and Hailey and I absolutely enjoyed him.  He is exactly the kind of dog I hope to get some day when the time is right.  Though our cat may object to a new furry family member, that will just have to be something she gets over.  Below is a picture of Hailey and Joey relaxing together...I think they got along pretty well don't you agree? 

Also this weekend, Hailey and I went to the park and for once it wasn't all crazy crowded and we actually got to enjoy it and I not being stressed out about loosing Hailey in the mass.  Hailey and I swung on the swings together for a while and I just really enjoyed that time with her.  I can't believe how big she is and how she's not a baby anymore but she is definitely a little girl!  Lately this has been hitting me in the face like crazy with getting a letter from her kindergarten teacher, Mrs Sofia, and her list of school supplies.  Talk about a wake up call on a Saturday morning that literally put me straight into tears and a huge knot in my stomach.  Hailey is ready for kindergarten but mom definitely isn't ready for her to be this old already.  As much as I try to deny it the evidence shows otherwise.  If you're family or close friends...grab tissues when you see the pictures of Hailey on the playground at the park, trust me you'll need them...that's what 4 years will do to you!  YIKES!  Ok now I'm crying...it can't be true!

Hailey and Joey napping





Summer of 2007 just barely able to go down the steps!

 



Here we are same spot 4 years later, and really too big to play on this anymore!!





4th of July weekend!

Over the 4th of July holiday weekend, I took Friday and Tuesday off around the holiday to make it an extra long weekend.  The down time was definitely needed for both Hailey and myself.  I was on no schedule at all this weekend was the only major thing on the agenda, we were going to sleep in, stay up late and enjoy as much time at the pool as possible. 

Friday we went to the pool and Hailey got to play with a few of her classmates that were there as well.  Saturday it ended up being rainy early afternoon but then got nice out so we hd a movie day and then that evening we went to Tracy and Chris' for a campfire, smores and sparklers!  We also took Hailey and Luke's picture together.  Hailey had a great time wih Tracy and Chris, we are definitely glad to have them close by again!  Sunday we churched it and then hit the pool!  It was a great day for the pool and again Hailey had about 4 friends there to keep her entertained.  She really amazes me how well she does in the pool despite only taking 1 swimming lesson so far.  Sunday night Hailey went to stay with Kim an Eric and Joey.  I was a little concerned I would get a call at 10pm saying Hailey was crying for me but she was a champ! 

Monday we didn't do a whole lot during the day but we went to the Troy fireworks on the levee again this year with Grandma, always a great time.  Last day on Tuesday we went to the library to get more books for the summer reading program Hailey is in and then finished the day at the pool.  Hailey was totally tuckered out after this weekend but we had a great time!!!  Oh I also got Hailey signed up for her fall soccer league in Tipp City, she is soooo excited!!! 

Here are some pictures from the weekend. 

making smores and Tracy and Chris'

Sparklers (or sprinkers as Hailey kept calling them!)

More sparklers while we waited for the fireworks to start

Hailey realized this weekend how many barbies she had! 

Luke and Hailey - 4th of July 2011

I love my Hailey Bug more than anything!

This week has probably been one of the most enjoyable weeks I've had with Hailey lately.   Even though we've been really working on her listening skills and making good choices with her friends lately this week has been awesome!  I so enjoy my time with her and just seeing how she sees the world, it's amazing. 

Being a single parent, though has it's definite moments of where I question my sanity, there are times where I am so thankful that I have her to myself.  Even though both Hailey and I drive each other nuts sometimes, we are VERY similar, our bond that we have is amazing.  One thing that I am very proud of and I hope I never loose this is, I KNOW my daughter.  I know what makes her tick and how she works.  She is not a machine with a manual and it isn't the same all the time.  She is not like anyone else...she is Hailey and that's perfect. 

Hailey is a child who has a very defiant side of her where you question where the attitude comes from but also a very soft hearted side where her feelings easily get hurt.  She is a very independent little girl in some areas but also insecure in others.  She may not always want to sit on mommy's lap anymore but she'll sit right next to me to the point that my elbows are stuck to my sides.  She is timid but man is she fearless as well.  Hailey knows no strangers but only friends.  No matter where we go she finds someone to play with.  Rarely is she shy but when she is it's just a few minutes of her hiding her face in my leg and then she's off and I don't see her the rest of the time.  I LOVE how she isn't afraid to really try anything.  She may be hesitant but she will try anything once.  This goes for food and any activity that I put Hailey around. 

One thing that I hope Hailey never doubts, is how much I love her and how proud of her I am.  Her life is not easy and she adjusts so well to things that as a child I would have been majorly stressed out over. 

Some of my favorite moments with Hailey is just seeing and being reminded by how much I effect her life.  For example, not a day goes by that Hailey doesn't hear from me that I love her and that I am proud of her and even though she has heard this every day of her life for over 5 years now, I LOVE the way her face lights up when I say that! 

I love waking her up in the morning and seeing how she is sleeping.  Typically all twirled up in her blankets and sometimes I'm not even sure where her head or feet are, but just to see that little face with the little nose and dark eye lashes so peaceful...wow that makes life so simple.  Or even the moments when I drop her off at daycare and I give her a hug and a kiss and tell her I love her and remind her to use her manners and walk away and she says to me "I love you Mommy"....that is what life is about. 

Even though someday I hope to find someone to get married to and to have that "normal" family life with...part of me isn't ready yet to give up the life I have with Hailey and how our life is just us.  Just last night Hailey climbed in bed with me, which she hasn't done in a while and I asked her if she was ok and she said yeah I just want to be close to you.  What a precious moment even though when I woke up I had no covers and hugging the edge of the bed while Hailey lay sideways twirled up in my blankets leaving me wondering how the heck does she do that?!  She is my girl...and even though we have our rough spots....I love and adore her more than anything.  It's so amazing to be a parent but to be a single parent is a whole new level and wow...I am truly blessed to be her mom! 

Hailey is now a BIG cousin!!!

My sister Tracy and her husband Chris had their first baby on May 26th, Luke Christopher.  That night I ran up to get Hailey and we went to the hospital to meet Luke for the first time.  Hailey is so excited to have a baby cousin and even though she tries to act like she's too cool she adores him and loves him more and more everytime she seems him.  Here are some pictures of my nephew and godson!!!

Hailey holding Luke for the 1st time!

Meeting Luke for the first time...so precious!!

Luke 2 weeks old!

Hailey's new Trick!

Hailey's latest trick...riding a bike without training wheels!  This past Sunday she came home from her dad's and told me to take the training wheels off her bike.  We practiced a little and then last night she was bound and determined to get it.  For more than 30 minutes she went up and down the sidewalk and she finally got it!!!  Can't believe she is this old already!  Way to go Hailey!!!!

Hailey's Playing Tball

This year Hailey's been playing tball.  It's been an experience because she's so used to playing soccer where she is always busy and she's constantly asking when the season is over so she can get her trophy.  Well last night she had her best night all season!  She hit the ball both times being pitched by the coach and she was named MVP of the game!!!  She was so proud of herself!!!