Haven's 1st Birthday

I really can't believe that Haven is 1 already!  It seems like just yesterday I was pregnant with her and then bringing her home.  She is the best little baby - easy, adjustable and loved by the whole family.  I will tell you though, the adjustment to 3 kids has been the hardest, BY FAR!  And, I'm literally working 1/2 as much as I was before I got pregnant with her - I have no idea how I would have survived if I hadn't gone part time at work.  It seems like when she was first born, it was REALLY hard for the first 6 months.  Then, overnight, it got easy and I felt like we were back into a groove.  I could go places with all 3 kids and not have major anxiety.  It was so nice!  Then, just a few months later, Haven decided to start walking at 11 months - we were back at square 1!  I couldn't do anything unless Haven was sleeping.  Someone always needed something and I was being pulled in 3 different directions (4 if I was actually trying to do laundry/cook/clean) and couldn't make anyone happy.  In the last few weeks, it feels like we are getting back into a groove and things are getting "normal" again, or we are just adjusting to our new "normal" - it's probably a combination of the 2, right?

Anyway, we had Haven's 1st Birthday party here at the house.  We are so grateful to those who joined Haven's special day - she had a great time and I loved being able to see her so stinking happy!


We had our 2 usual little helpers to open the gifts ..

Haven quickly got the idea of opening the gifts (and of course Carter had to join in the fun!)

My little fashionishta 

Happy 1st Birthday Haven!!

Of course, Haven tried to grab the plate.  To date, we have only given her food on a plate ONCE - she picked up the plate and threw all of the food on the floor.  No more plates for this baby!

Tiny pieces one at a time - this is going to take FOREVER!

The helpers are back!

Aww - she loved it!

Until next year!

July Catch Up

Emery is the best little mama and is always helping out with Haven.  At times, she can be "too much" of a helper and I have to remind her that I am the mama and that this isn't my first rodeo haha.  Regardless, she is a huge help to both Ivan and I and Haven loves her big sister to pieces!

So, I've turned a tad bit crunchy as the years have gone by.  I put an amber necklace on Haven right after Christmas to help her with teething.  She hasn't had much pain or really any fevers and she's got a mouthful of teeth (8 or so!) so I'm not about to take the necklace off to see if it's the necklace or coincidence.  

Early in July, Haven started having random puking.  We first chalked it up to a mild case of reflux and guess what, hazlewood is recommended to naturally help with reflux!  So, necklace #2 went on.  

Auntie Silv hosted a BBQ and fireworks for 4th of July!  Unlce D and Haven hanging out.

We also celebrated Grandma Lola's birthday - Haven loved the ice cream cake and may have just helped herself to more

Love these guys so much!

I'll take a pic of my girls anytime I can get it.  (This pic totally shows Paisley's silly personality and I love it!)

Paisley has been a little bit of a handful - she's spunky and fun, but has a strong personality and little to no patience (not that any of the females in the house have any patience - poor Ivan).  On this particular night, Ivan was out and I was on my own.  Paisley was OUT OF CONTROL so I sent her to bed early.  She ended up falling asleep on her bedroom floor.  

Aww - Haven ended up being #1 with the stomach flu - it sucked!

7/11 - Free Slurpee's at 7/11 Day!

Quick trip to the Children's Museum

Emery is obsessed with watching makeup tutorials on YouTube.  She finally convinced me to let her give me a makeover.  During the makeover, she kept explaining what she was doing, "contouring your nose, accentuating your naturally arched eyebrows".  She loved it and was so proud!

Annual camping trip - Haven LOVED being in the woods and getting DIRTY!

Somehow, Paisley doesn't really look like she's camping  

Testing out the tent!

The gang of kids!

Silly face pic!

On the way home - they were exhausted!

Aww, Papa is the best to cuddle with and sleep with

After Haven's 1 yr well baby visit - notice the sticker on her bicep?  Compliments of Paisley :)

Haven wants to be just like the big girls and do everything they do.  If we don't shut the bathroom door, she finds her way in and onto the stool - and tries to brush her teeth, wash her hands, you name it!

Selfie time!

I wonder where they get it from???

Again - the next 2 totally show Paisley's personality!

And another month has passed and we have all survived it!