Trying to take a picture of my 18 month old.

I’m sure my phone will be ringing off the hook with parents from all over the world wanting me to photograph their toddlers   You know, since I did such a good job with my own toddler.  This age is fun, isn’t it?

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Ya know what’s really weird?  A couple of weeks ago, maybe a couple of months ago at the most, I brought home this little, teeny, tiny baby.  And now today- she’s 18 months old.  Whoever is playing tricks on me by speeding the time up really should stop.

So, here I am doing another update (every 3 months now, instead of every month) to tell you what Hailey has been up to.   And can I just say- I love this age.  I have had a lot of fun with Hailey ever since she was born, but this stage she is in now is so much fun. 

Hailey does lots of cute things now and keeps me smiling and laughing everyday with her little sense of humor.  She loves to laugh and she loves trying to find ways to make us laugh.  Hailey loves to read books and loves to have anyone read to her.  She will sit for pretty lengthy time periods to listen to as many stories as I will read her.  Hailey enjoys doing art activities and I try to do several with her each week.  She has also figured out how to climb up on all of the furniture- so she keeps me on my toes as I am constantly trying to catch her.  Hailey is doing a lot more talking and she tries to say anything we ask her to try.  She is just starting to put three words together to say little sentences.  Some of the most common ones she says are “Look-it-dat” (look at that), ”I clow dow” (I close door), “Dare ya go” (there you go). 

So, there is a little update about what Hailey has been up to.  And here are some pictures I took of her today. 

Hailey is 18 months old!  She is doing her usual pose with Tigger.  You can see Hailey posing with Tigger during our previous monthly photo shoots by clicking here.

We had some beautiful weather today, so we Rich got some yard work done while Hailey and I played.

Hailey helping pick up the leaves that Rich had raked up.

Putting the leaves in the garbage bag was so much fun (for Hailey). 

And then it was time to come inside for lunch and a nap.  As you can see Hailey did not want to come in. 

This age is so much fun, tantrums and all, I just wish it wasn’t going by so fast.

I am happily living my dream right now.  Ever since I can remember I have wanted to one day have a baby and to be able to stay home with my baby.  So, being a stay at home mom to Hailey is a dream come true. 

Of course when I was dreaming of being a stay at home mom I never realized how much work it would be.  That picture over there on the left?  No- my closet didn’t throw up.  And no, I didn’t just return from a trip that required lots of clothes.  That’s just the clean laundry I have been avoiding.  I don’t know why I hate folding laundry so much.  But, I always put it off until it piles to the ceiling. 

For some reason before I was actually a stay at home mom I had these visions of my baby sitting quietly and playing while I worked on my scrapbooking and cross stitching.  Of course, reality set in very soon after I brought my little bundle home from the hospital and I’ve learned that being a stay at home mom is the hardest job I’ve ever had. 

I have a shirt that perfectly describes my life.  I would model it for you because I love it so much, but that will have to wait until I reach my goal weight.  But, this picture over here on the right- that is what is on my shirt that I got from LTDChix.  The laundry shirt is perfect for me.  But there are lots of other choices and I’m sure you can find one that would describe your life.  LTDChix has choices for working moms, minivan driving moms, moms who cook, moms who clean, and so much more.  I personally love my shirt- it’s the perfect choice for me as it seems my piles of laundry are never done.

But while being a mom is the hardest job I’ve ever had, it’s also the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.  The smiles and giggles and hugs and kisses that I get from Hailey make it all well worth it.  So, even though my life isn’t exactly as I dreamed it would be, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Just a few pictures of my little sweetie.  She loves to smile and laugh and I wanted to share a few of those moments with you.  I sure do love her little smile. 

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