Learning tower

Through another blog I discovered an item called a "Learning Tower". They make them for children 18 months to 6 years. It safely elevates your child in the kitchen and beyond. I found that they cost around $200, a bit to much for our budget. I went to craigslist for the hunt and was able to get one for $100, the going rate.  Im able to place Hadley on the tower for a short period of time until she is a bit older.  I can't wait till Hadley can stand on her own at the kitchen counter and do crafts while I prep and teach her about food.  Here she is doing a little coloring.

Out at the field with Daddy

We all headed to the field to watch Daddy fly one of his fancy planes. Hadley had fun running around and watching as they flew by.

Reading before bed

Reading is a big party of Hadley's routine to get ready for bed.  She takes a bath, we put her PJ's on, maybe have some silly time,  read and cuddle,  then brush her teeth,  have a bottle and down for bed.  She starts to get ready for bed an hour before and we spend the majority of that time reading.  Her favorite books are her prayer books. 

It is her prayer books that she is reading during this video

Our new dog walker and house keeper

Recently there has been talk around the house about getting someone to come help me with the house cleaning. We found the perfect person.  Little did we know she was right under our nose the whole time.  She doesn't mind Dash and even likes to take him for walks... Hehe.

We have a composter

I always wanted a composter but didn't want the large expensive ones they sell. So I did some research and settled on a 18 gallon plastic tub that I would convert into one.  I always feel horrible throwing egg shells, coffee grounds, fruit and veggies into the trash when they can be repurposed into fuel for our plants.

Hadley and I made a trip to Lowes where we purchased this 18 gallon container for $7

Drilled some holes on the top and the sides,

added some dirt we had,

 added some food byproducts

 and some newspaper.

I make sure it stays moist enough and toss around the contents every couple of days. We will probably have to make another so that when this one is full and still decomposing we can repurpose more of our trash. One day I hope to have a garden and this will be a good starting point for Hadley and I. There is another plus, its a good science experiment for Hadley.

The New Year

We are half way through January and yet my post's are just catching up.  Hadley is growing by leaps and bounds, so much so that I can't seem to keep up with her. Everyday she does something new and I have to document it.  The New Year so far has been very good to us, then again we are always very blessed. We had a visit from Aunt Valerie and Aunt Martha earlier in the month. Hadley really liked Aunt Valerie's dog Shira and gave her kisses.  Also this month Hadley has started putting on Mom and Dad's shoes,  can say "Dash", "boom boom", "jump" and "uh-oh",  waves,  cut some new upper molars,  likes movie musicals and received her first rolling backpack for travel.  Whew, I think we're all caught up.

So proud of herself for putting on Mommies running shoes

Amazing her focus on the movie and her little foot tapping to the music

Zoo lights

Hadley had a pretty good Christmas this year, Train Park lights, JW Marriott to see 1500 pound gingerbread house, Dessert Ridge snow fall,  unexpected visit with Santa, and the Zoo Lights. She is a wee bit little for all these things but has two very excited parents that want to show her the awe and wonder of Christmas. We consider it a trial run for next year.  Anyway, Hadley, Martin and  a couple of  his buddies with their children walked the lights at the zoo while my mom and I went on our own. Had a great time all bundled up, taking in the lights while sipping on some very yummy hot chocolate.