8 months

Here's a little about Ruby at 8 months -

Wakes up 2-3 times a night to eat. It is seriously driving me crazy, but I feel like I HAVE to feed her because of her weight. At the reunion and Lake Powell you slept great when you slept in the same bed as mom. But when you are in your crib or bassinet, it's another story. 

Rolls all over the place. You are following in your sisters foot steps. You have no desire to crawl but you will roll and move in circles. It's getting harder and harder to change your diaper. As soon as I lay you on your back you want to roll over onto your tummy. 

Eats a lot of baby food, but would rather eat table food. You have been eating lots of beans, yogurt, fruit (watermelon, grapes, pineapple) avocado and samples of whatever the family is eating. 

Mostly wearing size 3-6 month clothes and size 2 diapers. (Weighing in at 13.2 at our last appointment.)

Naps have started to get a little more consistent with one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It has been awesome having her nap around the same time as Olivia. 

She is definitely a momma's girl and wants to be held or be able to see me while playing. She loves to be around Olivia, and try to play with her. Mostly she is pulling Olivia's hair which makes Olivia quite upset. She gives big smiles to Dad, and all of her grandparents. 

Maui 2015

Bob's brother Brad is in DC for his summer internship. Bob's brother and parents started talking about going to visit him for Memorial Day Weekend. We jumped on board since that weekend would be our anniversary and we hadn't been on a kidless vacation since before Olivia. (Obviously we would've taken Ruby, but babies are lots easier than toddlers.) We got the days off from work and were getting ready to buy our flights when we realized Brad wasn't going to be in town that weekend. His internship had him going elsewhere. We had the days off but we weren't sure what we were going to do. The DC trip was already being put together last minute and then we didn't do anything for a few days after we reapplied we couldn't go.

On Wednesday May 13th, we decided we should go somewhere. We talked about going to Denver and then explored San Francisco. When Bob pulled up the Google Map of the US with prices for flights, he found that tickets to San Fran were $350 and flights to Hawaii were $450. I thought - for $100 more, thats a no brainer. I've always wanted to go to Kauai so we started talking about that option. Bob called his parents to see if they wanted to join us. They could get flights to Maui but for them it was not cheap to go to Kauai last minute. Bob called his boss and was able to get the whole week off instead of just the few we had originally asked for.

Early Saturday morning (3 days later) we left for Hawaii with both kids in tow. Since Bob's parents live in Washington, they don't get to see Olivia as often as we would like, so she got a grand vacation for being a 2 year old. The flights there weren't bad at all. I sat by a cute couple from West Jordan who were leaving their 4 kids home for 2 weeks. They were a little nervous, but when they heard Olivia have a melt down, I am sure they were glad they left them. Olivia full on cried/screamed/loudest fit ever for about 25 minutes. She fell asleep when we got on the second flight and when she woke up it was a nightmare. Mostly for Bob though, because I was nursing Ruby when it started and there wasn't anything I could do.

Mid Tantrum!

Seriously the happiest and easiest baby.

Loaded in the car with a suitcase on Bob and the stroller on me.

Lowell and Shannon were picking up their luggage when we got to the airport and helped us get all of ours. (Traveling with kids is crazy! 2 carseats, 1 double stroller, diaper bag, purse, carry on, large suitcase and Bob's golf clubs.) We barely squeezed all of our stuff and ourselves into the rental van and off we went. To Costco. My favorite place at home and in Hawaii. We grabbed some fruit, breakfast foods, the best bread (Maui Crunch) and some ribs, veggies, and potatoes for our Sunday meal.

Only Shannon can make a feast like this in Hawaii. This was my favorite meal of our trip. 

It felt so good to unpack and relax at our condo. The past few times we have gone, we have stayed on Wailea, at Ekahi Village. This time we decided to try something new and we rented a condo that was on the Wailea Blue golf course. I believe it was hole #9 that was right out our door. This was great for the men. They loved sitting out on the lanai and watching the golfers as they passed through. During the week they played that course a couple times and the Gold and Emerald courses there.

Bob and Lowell golfing the hole by our condo.

The pool was close to our condo, but it was up a few switchbacks. It took some serious strength to walk up it and push both of the girls in the stroller. We tried to make it to the pool every morning for a few hours. The men didn't want to stay as long as Shannon and I. A few times after feeding Ruby, Bob and Lowell would take the girls back to the condo while Shannon and I read, swam and enjoyed the sun. I read a few books while I was there and it was certainly heaven.

We had the pool to ourselves most days. If we saw anyone it was usually only 2-3 other people.

One of the books I read. 

Celebrating 6 years!!

We enjoyed a day in Lahaina and took a boat tour. It was fun to see some of the fish in the water and do something new. (Although we won't be doing it again, ha ha.) We went to a bakery that Bob's grandparents went to regularly when they would live in their condo a few months out of the year. And  finished off the day with pizza and Lahaina Pizza Co. (BJ's pizza) This is one of our favorite meals in Maui, we love the pizza and the pazookies.

Church is always fun in Maui, especially when most of Sunday School is made up of visitors. We bought some leis to wear, as is tradition when we go. Olivia looked so cute in hers. The only problem was Ruby. Whoever was holding her had to take theirs off or she attacked it. There were a lot of petals on the pew after Sacrament meeting. The sweet couple that I sat next to on the way to Hawaii was attending the same ward there in Kehei.

We had a great beach day and Olivia loved the sand. She didn't want to get close to the water. I think the sound of the waves scared her, because she loved swimming in the pool. Ruby played a little in the sand, but she fell asleep after I fed her. I brought my little pop up tent and she slept right there on the beach. Olivia and Bob dug and played together for over an hour. Bob helped Olivia dig a hole that he got in and then he tried to teach her to bury him.

We played lots of games of Rook, watched a few shows, ate way too many desserts and goodies, enjoyed the sun, read a few books, and enjoyed being with one another. The week seriously went by in a flash. I am so glad that we were able to throw the trip together so quickly and that Bob's parents were able to meet us there.

weight check @ 8 months

Today we ran over to the pediatricians office for another weight check. 2 weeks ago (when Ruby went up in percentile) they asked that I come back in 2-3 weeks, weird right? Anyway she was 12.14 and today she was 13.2. While I was waiting, I was planning it out in mind that I'd have to wean her and get her to take a bottle. (Assuming she wasn't getting enough or that my milk wasn't high calorie.) I thought for sure she hadn't gained enough. She went from .88 to .82%- so not a huge drop like I thought. They told me that her numbers looked great.

I would've weaned her in a heartbeat if that was what was needed. I love nursing, but her health is my main priority, not my feelings. I have been trying to feed her around 2 jars of baby food, and she sucks/chews on table food throughout the day in addition to nursing. I know I shouldn't have goals that I have no control over, but I'd love to see 14 pounds at her 9 month appointment.

splash pad flop

Yesterday we had planned to go to the Springville splash pad/river with Andrea and Jense. But after getting ready and almost loaded in the car, Olivia started throwing up. It's crazy because she was sick all day Monday and then was fine all day Tuesday. So it was quite the surprise. After she got out of the bath, she was feeling great and was sad when I told her we couldn't go.

So this morning I decided we would try it again since Olivia had been throw up free for almost 24 hours. We got our swimsuits on, sunscreen lathered, bags packed and down the street we went. I'm not sure what is the best way with 2 kids, but I unloaded without the stroller and we got to the splash pad and it was dry. (Insert sad face.) I saw the maintenance man come out of the building and told another Mom that they were fixing something and it most likely wouldn't be working today. So I am holding our bag, shade tent, and Ruby and have to tell Olivia that we need to go back to the car. She is upset and starts crying. I'm trying to think of something else when a lady comes over and invites us to some activities that are going on in the park.

The Provo Early Intervention Program was having a few activities in the park and then doing a tour of the Firehouse. It was just starting so there weren't too many people there. Olivia was in heaven. They had pools with water with a little fishing game, noodles, and cups. Then they had buckets of water with balloons. They had the kids grab a water balloon and transfer it to the color coordinating bucket. Olivia got to make a little boat and a glitter sensory bottle. By the time we finished the splash pad was working again so we went over to cool off. The water lasted about 30 minutes and then shut off, right as Ruby fell asleep in the tent. We waited another half hour for the water to turn back on before we left. We lucked out that we got to have a bunch of fun, even if the splash pad had a bunch of problems.

This is my favorite picture, I love how this water balloon was so big and Olivia is using all of her strength to walk it across. 

Ruby the snack theif

We had our first real experience where Ruby was picking on Olivia. {Besides the fact that Ruby pulls Olivia's hair whenever she is in reach. She loves Olivia so much that she just wants to grab onto her all of the time.}

We went to the river/splash pad on Springville Main. How we got there is another story in it's self. (Bob had the day off, I said let's get out and do something. The new Springville Reservoir had just opened so we loaded up the car, got the girls in their suits and lathered in sunscreen. We started driving and I put the address I had found into my phone and it wouldn't pull up. I tried our car's gps and it wouldn't pull it up either. And by that point, I looked back and Olivia had fallen asleep in the car. So we went home. We tried to lay Olivia down in bed, but she was already awake and she wanted to go swimming. So we loaded everyone back into the car and we went to the river.)

We played for almost two hours and it past time for lunch and naps. Olivia didn't want to leave and threw a fit. She was crying in the car and wanted a snack so Bob opened up a fruit leather and passed it back to her. She continued crying the whole way home and I could hear the word snack - but just assumed she was mad that it was a fruit leather and not something better.

When we got home and I started to unbuckle Ruby I noticed that she had Olivia's fruit leather in hand. Her little face was priceless. She was so happy that she had gotten that snack. Poor Livy.

the barfs

Poor Olivia woke up last night around 1 AM throwing up. I quickly changed out her sheets, put her in new pajamas, got her a bowl and put her back to bed. Bob got up with her the next 2 times around 4 and 6. When I got up with her around 9 I told her that she needed to try and throw up in the bowl so it wouldn't be so messy. She looked at me in pure exhaustion and said, "No way Jose!" Bob and I both died laughing. She is such a parrot and it's so funny when she decides to use the new phrases that she hears.

She spent the rest of the day on the couch watching movie after movie, with a few naps in-between, taking baths, and throwing up almost every 2 hours.

In all seriousness, how do you get a 2 year old to embrace the bowl? 

art city balloon festival

Andrea works for Clyde Company and every year she helps put together the Balloon Festival. We woke the kids up early and drove to the school where it took place. We grabbed some juice and donuts before we went looking for my parents who were going to take a ride in the balloon. It was fun to see them help get the balloon ready, and then take off. We sat and watched some of the other balloons take off and kept looking in the sky for Mama Sue and Papa Blaine.

Before we left, the kids played on the playground together. Mostly Jensen and Olivia hogged the slide.

Olivia 2.5

Olivia wakes up around 8 and promptly asks for breakfast and a show. We make her go potty and then she is off to play until breakfast is ready. She likes cereal, strawberry yogurt, pancakes, Mickey Mouse Waffles or cinnamon sugar toast - not toasted. "I want cinnamon sugar bread mom, don't put it in the toaster." She currently drinks a cup of 2% milk and water throughout the day.

Her morning ritual includes watching a show or two on the Disney channel. Her favorites are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sophia the 1st. She'll watch Doc McStuffins but doesn't care for Jake and the Pirates.

She is on a puzzle kick and can't get enough of them. She has a book of Frozen puzzles, her ABC puzzle and a Mickey Mouse puzzle that she does numerous times a day. While in Hawaii we stopped at Savers to grab some books and activities and found a life size Doc McStuffins puzzle for her. She also is back in a baby phase. She has been carrying her baby around the last few days taking care of her. mostly mimicking me taking care of Ruby.

Lately with Ruby now sitting up and playing with her toys, I will find Olivia playing next to her. Olivia will talk to her, and always tries to make her happy when she starts crying. When Ruby is in the jumperoo, Olivia will stand in front of Ruby and play with her. She is getting better at sharing her toys and her princesses with Ruby.

If the weather is nice we try to get out of the house and go to the park. Olivia loves to climb, go down the slides, and swing. She is getting more adventurous every time we go. It has been rainy on and off everyday this month. Olivia will say, "Mom, can we go to the park tomorrow?" I'll reply - if it's not raining. "Ooo K Mom. If it's not raining we will go to the park." Her little OK is seriously the cutest thing ever.

She still naps everyday, although it has been a little trickier lately. She goes down around 1:00-2:00 and sleeps anywhere from 1-3 hours. Since she can open her door and she is potty trained, she uses it to her advantage. I'll put her in her bed, "Mom can you read me a little book?" and after a story I shut the door and minutes later I'll see her door opening. Usually with the excuse that she needs to go to the bathroom. And she says, "Just a pee Mom, not a poop."

Her current favorite movies are The Aristocats and The Princess and the Frog (which she calles Tiana and the Frog).

She has a Rapuzel dress and Elsa pajama dress that she wants to wear all of the time. When I can't stand it on her anymore I put it in the wash. Until I am ready to see it again I tell her it's getting washed. She would live in them if I let her.

She had a month where she cried overtime we took her to nursery. Bob and I had to stay with her for the first 5-10 minutes and then we could leave her. We bribed her with some Frozen puzzles and since then, she has done great and goes in without crying. (It's crazy for me to think that in 6 months she will be going to primary!)

When we go to my parents house she wants to spend all of her time jumping on the tramp. It is one of her favorite things to do.

"Oh no Mom, what's gonna happen?" Said while watching TV or a movie that she has already seen.

"Get it big Mom" She doesn't like her sandwiches to be cut in half or her cup to be filled halfway.

"Oh, that's not bad" Said when something is bad. Still a little confused on this saying.

"Let's go to Hawi." I love how she said Hawaii, and she asks to go back like it's just down the street.

"No!" Said way to much.

"Thank you Momma" "Thank you Dada" Have been said a lot more lately. Melts me every time.

"I need a snack from the pantry." Said all day everyday.

"Put some in my hand." When I am cooking she wants to eat some of the ingredients, usually cheese.

"I'm sorry, it was my fault."

"I won't do it ever ever again."

Oatmeal = Oatmilk
Rootbeer = Rootbeard
Exercise = Nexercise

porch sitting

Lately when we have been going downstairs to visit, we will find Grandpa outside on the patio. The last time we went down, Grandma was outside too so we joined them. I love my grandparents backyard. Last year Grandpa got a fan set up that the hose can be hooked up to and it turns it into a mister. It is one of his favorite things and makes sitting outside in the heat, enjoyable.

pincher fingers

This last week Ruby has been working hard at using her fingers to grab her snacks. She has pretty much mastered it and has been loving feeding herself puffs and yogurt bites.

Hales Family Reunion

Our reunion this year, was held in Herriman, Utah. My Dad was in charge and after many family meetings we planned out a bunch of fun things to do here in Utah. Bob was able to come up and spend a day and night before he had to go back to work.

Some of the highlights included:

- 50 family members staying in the same house
- Watching videos made by each family
- Making Pepsi runs for Grandpa
- Lunch in the park and bocce ball competitions
- Talent show
- Baby picture contest
- Temple Square & Meet the Mormons
- Boondocks (toe injury)
- Matching family shirts & family numbers
- Playing games and catching up

People always say, "Oh you're going to a family reunion" like it's a bad thing. Our family reunions are always the highlight of my summer and I'm so glad we got to spend a few days together. For the shirts, we ironed on the number that that person came into the family on the sleeve of each shirt. I was #18 and Ruby was #56. My two cousins are having babies this summer and they will be #58 and #59. It's so fun to see our family grow.

Olivia playing during family pictures.

All in white for pictures.

I really wanted a picture of Bob eating his birthday cake. (I was nursing during the song and candle blow out.) This was all he would give me. 

Olivia loved playing with her cousins Addy and Noelle.

The boys were watching one of the NBA finals games.

Trying to figure out sleeping arrangements was pretty funny. 

Sleeping in bed with this cutie and she doesn't wake up. Why is that??

Jense was awake bright and early.

Sleeping during lunch at the park.

Olivia was VERY timid at the splash pad.

Red face after playing basketball. Bob & Brent vs. Jaxon & Nathaniel.

Gotta keep a close eye on the grandparents. (They are always in between naps.)

Playing games with Mom's cousins. 

My Dad brought his popcorn machine for movie night.

Happy girl at Temple Square.

Exploring with Grandma Sue.

Scared and crying at the top of the play place at Boondocks.

A little happier now that Mom is with her. 

Picture of the November 14th birthday girls. Grandma Vonne, Mia, & Olivia