Hailey's Newest Talents

Just another lazy Sunday morning in Nashville. Hailey shows off her newest gifts on our bed.

She is so graceful isn't she?!

Her god given gymnastic talent was a suprise to all of us. Especially considering I can't even touch my toes.

And she LOVES to get her grove on...and "give her big fanny a slap!" I have no idea who teaches her these things :) What must they think of us at school?!

Joy Danielle Brady

My co-worker and good friend Dionne Brady, welcomed her first child about a month ago and Hailey and I were lucky enough to visit with them last week. Joy was by far the most beautiful newborn I have ever seen. Dionne delivered on the night shift (such a good night shift nurse), so we were blessed with the chance to be there for her delivery. I have to say, I am in awe of the process in every delivery I attend. Its amazing what we as women are capable of creating, we make life. Its awesome. But to be there with my friend, this woman I have watched carry her first child from beginning to end, it was a moment I will never forget. Dionne was incredible during her delivery, Joy came into the world as beautiful as a porcelain doll, and I got to be there to witness it all. I consider myself very lucky.

Hailey loved her. Couldn't get enough of reading her stories, singing her songs, and telling Dionne and I to be quiet because Baby Joy was sleeping. Gives me immense hope that she will be the fabulous big sister I know she wants to be!

Gammy & Grampy's Visit

We had a fabulous visit but I'm not feeling all that witty right now so I'll let the pictures do the talking :)

Prayer time is all that much more fun when everyone is involved.

Fun was had by all at Percy Priest Lake. No fish were harmed in the filming of this father-daughter moment.

Jack met the neighbors. He tinkled on her fence, she squatted back...a love affair is born.

Dog wrestling for our daily workout.

Hailey's own private Woodstock where the Cracker Jack was shared right out in the open.

Lots of kisses, plenty of BIG hugs, good food, great company, and all kinds of fun for all.

Father's Day

We spent Father's Day at Percy Priest Lake. It was perfect weather, primarily because we were able to find a spot in the shade and the water was cool! The beach we really like was full, but we found this spot right before the masses arrived and were able to have a great picnic and swim our little hearts out. My belly enjoyed hanging out in the sunshine and floating in the lake. I see a lot of lake visits in our future!Hailey decorated a special cookie cake for Jona at Publix for dessert. She especially enjoyed picking off the icing :)

Now, don't worry, I am fully aware that I hve skipped over their fabulously wonderful trip to New Orleans. This is partially due to the extreme jealousy I am still coming to terms with, and because I want Jona to decide what pics to post and what to say about them. I wasn't there after all...

We are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of Gammy, Grampy, and Jack (the dog). They are driving up from Uncle Chris's house today and should be here this evening. Hailey has been talking about it for weeks and has planned many fun filled activities for all of us, many of them including Jack either on the swing set or in the pool. We'll see how that goes. More pics to follow, I promise, but I'll leave you with this beauty...

Ahhhh, summer

It seems that our cool Spring weather has just about head on out of town. Of course, after being 95 on Tuesday it was 62 on Wednesday, but the chilly nights and need for long sleeves seem to be on the decline. So we brought out the pool, turned on the sprinkler, bought a grill and called it Summer! And we're loving it :)



I am now 25 weeks and although I am excited for summertime fun, I am dreading being as big as a house in August. I'm already almost the size I was when I delivered Hailey, in fact I have outgrown some of my maternity wear...I'm SURE they shrunk in the wash.

This morning the three of us attended a crawfish boil for Tulane Alumni. The crawfish were delicious, the keg was flowing (no, I did not partake), and the king cake was the perfect dessert. Hailey had a great time playing with new friends and we had fun reminiscing. Jona and Hailey leave this afternoon for a week in New Orleans with Grandma and Papa and the Lousiana clan. I am a little nervous about being away from them for a week, but I'm also incredibly excited about cleaning my house and having it stay that way for more than an hour! They better bring me back some etouffee and pralines!! I mean really, I've got 4 more months of growing to go and we want this boy to appreciate cajun cuisine :)

I'm a big kid now!

Yesterday marked another major milestone in my precious little peanut's life. Hailey Elizabeth Maupin graduated from crib (enclosed and trouble free) to big girl bed (FREEDOM- channel Braveheart here)! She was totally thrilled with the new addition to her already rather crowded and completely fun filled room. In fact, its all she can talk about.

First the crib came down. Hailey was so very, very helpful, using her own tools to be daddy's talented assistant.

Then the big girl bed assembly began. There was only minimal stress on dad's part, and luckily no swearing from either of them :)

The finished product is adorable and oh-so-big-girl. She loves it. And I am happy to report that she was exhausted enough on her first night in it that she knocked right out and didn't escape until morning. What a champ!

I do have to admit, that although I am excited to no longer have to lift her into a crib, I'm a little sad that she is THAT grown up. And I know the reality of it is that most kids her age have been in big beds for a while, my baby girl has loved her crib and I have loved having her in it. But, its time to prepare for the new addition. So the white crib (THANK YOU JOHNSONS!!!) is already in the attic and the new crib is in the office/spare room/nursery. Yep, there is lots and lots and lots to be done...

Springtime breezes make GREAT bubbles

Saturday was another glorious spring day here in Nashville. 70 degrees, sunny, and "super really windy," as Hailey described it. FANtastic bubble day. And a big shout out to Target for their $1 section filled with outdoor playthings. Gotta love a bargain :)