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!!! 

Mommy's Birthday

Today is my 28th birthday.  That sounds young and old all at the same time.  Hailey is always so funny about my birthdays, it's like one of those things where she just can't believe that I have a birthday, kind of like you can't imagine your own parents being kids.  She is always so cute with it too.  Grandma always helps her pick out a basket of flowers of some sort for me.  This year Hailey was in charge of giving it to me since she's a big girl now! 

My mom told me that after she put Hailey to bed last night Hailey just giggled and said "I hope I can pull this off" what her and Grandma had put together.  ha! 

Hailey woke up early today, which is rare for her during the week and climbed in bed with me and we snuggled together.  I could tell she was being bashful and while I was doing my hair and make up I asked her if she was supposed to do something this morning.  Her eyes brightened and she said...you wanna see?!?!  So she took me to our patio and opened the door and there was the basket of flowers.  She was so proud.  Next she brought me a birthday card.  And I honestly think this was the best card I have ever received.  I love it!  Put me to tears right away.  It's amazing how much I love that little girl! 

Tonight we are going out to dinner and of course cake and ice cream!  Check out the pictures below of the card Hailey got me.  :o)

Easter 2011

This weekend was Easter and boy did Hailey make out on candy this year!  Friday at school they had their Easter party to which she had an egg hunt and walked away with a basket full of goodies.  Saturday evening we went to the Hartke Easter party and had another egg hunt and 2 more egg hunts on Sunday, one at home and another at Grandma's house. 

We had a great weekend with Family and enjoyed seeing everyone and catching up. See pictures below from our weekend.

Play Ball!!!

This year I put Hailey in Tball for the first time.  So far it's been going ok for her first time.  Playing tball is a lot differnt for Hailey compared to soccer or swimming where she is always busy.  Last night we had practice and we got our uniforms....Hailey was pretty excited about her baseball hat!  She is playing for McDonald's team this year and is #10!