Gingerbread House

I was not sure if Hayli would have the patience to work with a gingerbread house, but I bought the kit anyway so that Hayli could do a project with Grandpa and Tante. Hayli ended up loving putting the house together and decorating it. It was a lot of work, but the time spent together was priceless!

Merry Christmas!

We had a very great and blessed Christmas. We had a lot of fun with family. Grandpa, Mamo, and Tante flew from all across the globe to come and celebrate Christmas with us. Uncle Andy was missed! Oma was unable to be with us due to a family emergency. Hayli and Hana got more presents than either of them could have hoped for. Hayli enjoyed handing out each and every one of the presents (a big relief for Elisabeth -- this has been her duty for the past years). One of the funniest things that happened was that when Opa presented his and Oma's present to Hayli, she was so excited. She rode the little Jeep up and down the street. The only problem was that Hayli is too light for the car. It has a hard time going with such a light load. And when the Jeep stopped, Hayli explained to Daddy that the car had run out of gas! Too funny that she actually understands that gas is what makes automobiles go! What a smart cookie!

Hana is 9 months old!

Since last month, Hana has experienced many new things. One thing new is that she now has FOUR pearly white teeth for all to see. Teething this time around was hard on all of us! Hana hasn't gained much weight at all. Hana now weighs 22.2 pounds (10.07 kg) and is 29 inches (73.66 cm) tall. Hana is able to stay standing up when we put her at the couch! WOW... cruising days are coming soon!

John's Gym Party

Hayli was happy to go back to the gym for a birthday party. She really enjoyed it!!!

Hana is 8 months!

Hana turns 8 months today! What a big girl we have now! Hana is now 28.5 inches (72.39 cm) tall and 21.9 pounds (9.9336 kg). Two days ago, Hana cut her two top teeth. Now, there are 4 teeth! Hana does the army crawl really well. She is FAST!!! We put Hana in the walker whenever we are downstairs and she chases after Hayli. They play tag and it is one of the most heart-warming things! Since last month, we celebrated Halloween. The family dressed up as Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Hana was Baby Bear. So cute!!! We are introducing new foods to Hana on a regular basis. So far, she does not like peas or sweet potatoes.

Starfish!

Hayli graduated to a starfish in her swim class. I am so proud of her!!!

Happy Halloween

The whole family dressed up for Halloween. We were Goldilocks and the three bears. The kids were so cute! Hayli figured she was a bear princess. Makes sense though, doesn't it???

Carving Pumpkins

Nothing like waiting until last minute. What can I say? It is what we do at the Shaefer-Claycomb household!!! LOL

Hayli's favorite part of carving the pumpkins was pulling their tops off!

Hana's Crawling (well, inch worming anyway)

Here is the first step toward Hana being mobile. I don't know if I would call it crawling but she can definitely get to where she wants to go now!

Hana is 7 months!

Today Hana turns 7 months old! Time keeps passing me by. Hana is now 21.25 pounds (9.6388 kg) and measures 28 inches (71 cm) long. We are now trying many different solid foods. Hana decided she does NOT like peas. Must be a texture thing... She has begun to scoot herself across the floor. I think we will be crawling any day now. Hana has a great personality and I am so happy I get to see her grow!

Corn Maze

Today we went to the corn maze. Hayli loved the maze so much that we went twice this year.

Hayli took a while to understand the water pump...

Hayli loved her cow wagon, Bessie. She had to even say goodbye to Bessie before we left the farm. Hayli is so sweet!!!

Backfloat

Even though I am in the waiting room, I try to catch some good footage of Hayli swimming!Hayli is learning how to do the back float for her to catch a breath. She is doing really well.

Hayli still asks for the slide every once in a while. Miss Kayla does well by allowing the kids to do it.

Train Station -- Choo Choo

Today Hayli, Daddy, Hana, and I went to the train station. Hayli really enjoyed controlling the switches and watching the real trains pass by.

Water Fountains = Fun

Last night we drove to Tucson, AZ for some rest and relaxing. Hayli had a great time running through the water fountain!!!

Of course, there was swimming too. Hayli discovered that she can rotate in the water now! WOW!

Bowling

Today we went bowling with Hayli for the first time. I think it was actually the first time Conrad and I went bowling together too! Hayli loved it! It was a lot of fun.

How did the first ball do?

A split!!! What about the second one?

Well, Hayli loved just dropping the ball down the lane and finding it pop back up at the ball return.

More Peas Please

Today we introduced Hana to mush -- more specifically peas. We will be making our own food shortly. Hopefully that works out! Hana does not really know what to think about peas. It seems that she is so eager to try it and then does not know what to do with the texture. It is definitely different from her bottle!

Hana is 6 Months Old!

Hana is 6 months old today. She now weighs 19 pounds 1 ounce (8.65 kg) and measures 27.5 inches (69.9 cm) long. Hana sits on her own for extended periods of time. She is beginning to go through the motions of crawling -- so she may begin to do that any day now. Hana likes her Mum Mum snacks. I guess it is time to try something else! LOL!

Hana's personality is becoming more and more apparent. She is a comedian and has a gorgeous smile, but she does have a mean streak to her sometimes too.

Solids...

Well, Hana's doctor said it was time to introduce her to solids, so after a bad cereal experience, we were going to try rice rusks (Mum Mums). They were Hayli's favorite!!!

Flying High

For Conrad's birthday and Father's Day, the girls bought him a flight lesson. He was so excited. Today Conrad was able to fly the plane. The flight instructor let Conrad taxi, take off, fly and land the plane. I think Conrad's will to buy a plane and pilot it is even greater now than ever before!

Walker Walking!

WOW... walking in the walker already!!!

Fun!

Hayli had a great time with her cousins while they were here. She even did firecrackers with them. What fun!

Hana and her favorite chew toy! LOL

Rollie Pollie

Hana began to roll over today. How exciting!!!

Cousins!

Hayli loves spending time with her cousins Megan, Porter, and Jack! Hayli and Jack had a blast playing with the ball maze.

First Day of School

Today was Hayli's first day of school. Hayli was so excited to see her backpack.

I dropped her off at her new preschool and said goodbye. There was no crying or sniffles from the toddler.

When I came to pick Hayli up, she was running around catching bubbles. She is growing up too fast for mommy!

Welcome to Las Cruces McKeehan Family!

Today was the first full day that we were home. Hayli jumped right back into ther routine. Hayli had swim lessons today. Strange that Hayli did not care to do the class today though. Hopefully next time when Mia, Hayli's friend, is there it will go better!

As a surprise, we went to visit Oma, Opa, Aunt Candace, Megan, Porter, and Jack! The McKeehan's are here for another 5 days. Hayli was so happy to have a play buddy!

St. Louis Botanical Gardens

Grandpa, Moeke, and I decided it would be nice to go to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. We did not realize that the Botanical Gardens would have a whole area made just for kids. It was a lot of fun! We could have spent many more hours there!

Sharing Toys

Moeke, Grandpa, and I were taking turns unloading the car when we got back to Grandpa's house... I left Hayli with Hana for a minute and this is what I found when I got back!

Tante's House

Yesterday, Grandpa, Moeke, Mama, Hayli and Hana headed out of Virginia and headed toward Missouri. We were only gone one day when Hayli declared she wanted to go back to Tante's house! She also wanted to walk Vincent. What a sweet heart Hayli has!

Hana is 5 Months Old!!!

Today Hana turned 5 months old! What a change in our little baby! Hana now weighs 17 lbs 11.2 ounces (8 kg) and measures 25.5 inches (64.8 cm) long. She now sits alone for several seconds before falling over. Hana is also standing with the support of our fingers, and even moving her little legs like she is ready to walk already! We haven't really tried to give her foods yet, but cereal was NOT a hit with her. We will wait a little longer before we try again. Hana is quite the talker now. This is one thing that Hana and Hayli have in common!!! I see that Hana is going to be a smart cookie just like her sister. She observes EVERYTHING. I can't wait to see what Hana does next!

She's Married!

It's official... my baby sister is married. I wish Elisabeth and Andy all the best in the future!!!

After the kiss, my sweet Hayli ran up to Elisabeth and Andy and gave them a hug. This was completely a surprise, so I missed it with my camera. Thank goodness Mareli captured the precious moment!

Swimming

We do a lot of swimming here at Tante's house. Hayli enjoys the water, but mommy takes a minute to get used to the water's temperature. It amazes me how ready Hayli is to jump into the water -- no matter how cold it is.

Playstation Console

Tonight we went to a Sports Grill. Hayli was immediately attracted to the PlayStation consoles. She figured out how to unlatch them, but she thought the clicking sound they made was because they were printing paper. How funny! I think Hayli is computer smart like her Daddy!

ABC

Hayli is practicing her ABCs. It is just too cute not to share!

Hana Wants a Bottle

Hana is really growing into her personality. It is quite amazing to watch. You can really tell when she wants a bottle now... She will get all excited just at the sight of it!!!

Grandpa

Hayli found a new favorite thing to do indoors: play catch with Grandpa. Of course, this would be with her new Toodles pillow from Tante.

Ghosts

Tonight, Hayli and Grandpa played hide and seek. Hayli hid in the bedroom under our white comforter. When Grandpa waked in the room, Hayli moved so Grandpa said "No Hayli in here, only a ghost...". I am not sure that Hayli even knows what a ghost is, but it made a real impact on her since she continuously told us during dinner that there was "no ghost only Hayli". LOL

Playground

Today we found the playground near Elisabeth's apartment. It was really hot, but Hayli seemed to enjoy it anyway.

Dolphin Fun

Today we went to Sea World in San Diego. I thought for sure that Hayli would LOVE all the sea animals, but I think they were just a little too big in real life for her. Hayli did feed the dolphins, but could not be convinced that it was okay to touch them. Maybe next time...

San Diego Zoo

Today we went to the San Diego Zoo. It was a big group that went: Oma, Opa, Teri, Tyler, Kyle, Riley Jo, Conrad, Hayli, Hana, and me. It was a lot of fun. Hayli really enjoyed seeing all the animals. At the end of the day, we asked Hayli what was her favorite part. "JUMPING!!!" Go figure! LOL

Craziest

Tonight we had dinner with Conrad's cousin, Teri, and her family. The fried ice cream was super yummy! The funniest part was when we told Hayli she was crazy. Her response was "Daddy is the craziest EVER!"

San Diego Wild Animal Park

On Tuesday we began our drive to San Diego. We arrived early afternoon on Wednesday and met up with Conrad's cousin Teri and her family. The family vacation started with a trip to Legoland, which was enjoyed by all.

Today, we went to the Wild Animal Park. Hayli was so excited to see all the animals. We are having such a good time visiting with family!

Last Open Gym

Since Hayli will be going to school in the mornings beginning in September, today was her last official open gym. Regardless, I am sure that Hayli will make it to open gym again. Hayli sure did have a good time today. After open gym, we are heading out to California... what a busy day!

Back Float

Today Hayli surprised me by doing a back float all on her own! WOW! She is definitely our little swimmer. This was Hayli's last swimming class for the summer. =( Who knows what she will be doing next!

Hayli's 1st Movie Theater Experience

Today was Hayli's first movie experience. We went to the free (yes, free) kids' movie this week at the movie theater. We watched The Chipmunks 2. Hayli had a great time!!!

Hana's 4 Month Appointment

Today was Hana's 4 month appointment. Hana now weighs 16 pounds 4 ounces (7.35 kg). This means that she is in the 95th percentile in weight now. This also means that Hana weighs two pounds exactly (1 kg) more than Hayli did at her 4 month appointment! We have some big babies! Hana measures 25 inches (63.5 centimeters) long, which puts her in the 75th percentile still on height. Hana is one inch (2.5 centimeters) shorter than Hayli was at this age. Dr. Settles is not worried about Hana's jump in weight because she is sleeping 7-8 hours at a time at night. I guess it is normal for babies who eat a lot before they go to bed to jump up in their weight. My personal opinion is that Hayli spit up so much of her expensive formula that she just didn't take in as many calories as Hana does. Hana is a GOOD eater!

Dr. Settles checked Hana's hip -- all looked good. Hana left a present for mama to take care of before we left the doctor's office (thanks Hana!).

Hana sits really well for her age... she even stood up for the doctor. This made Dr. Settles (and mama) very happy!

After listening to Hana's lungs, Dr. Settles was concerned about Hana's respiratory system. Another close listen, and we were on a breathing treatment. (YUCK) Hana didn't get her shots because of her condition, and so we will be back next week for those. Hana does not like the breathing treatment at all -- which makes mama very sad to have to listen to her cry during the whole process!

Walking Beam

Hayli did the walking beam on her own today. Of course, when I recorded her, Hayli didn't have the softest of landings. Normally though, Hayli does a great jump off!

Swings with Beth

Hayli really does not like the swings normally. For some reason, today Hayli decided to go swing with Beth. Hayli must really trust Beth. We are really going to miss Beth when she leaves today. =0(

Thanks for coming to visit us Beth! We will miss you!!!

Swimming at East Mesa Swimming Pool

Hayli got a lot of swim practice in today. We had so much fun with Beth.

Do the Hula

Beth tried to teach Hayli how to hula hoop. Hayli could not get the hang of it, so she took Beth's hula hoop and ran with it. Hayli knows how to make me laugh!!!

Learning to Play

Hana's world is growing larger every day. She is starting to show interest in her toys...

Dancin' at Open Gym

Hayli cracks me up! She loves to dance so much, but when there is a huge mirror involved -- Hayli loves it even more!

Swimming

Hayli is totally our little fishy. It was after this lesson that the teacher told me that Hayli is progressing so quickly that we need to move to the next step. Which is??? Mommy not getting any where near the pool. Miss Kayla said it was for Hayli's separation anxiety, but I think it is mine she is worried about! Oh, I don't know if I can do this! =/

Okay, Hayli, you need to lift your head above the water and BREATHE!

Rings, rings, and more rings...

Happy 4th of July!

We enjoyed our 4th of July at Oma's and Opa's house. It was a nice evening spent with Opa, Oma, Grandma, April, Chris, and our little family. This year is the first year Hayli enjoyed some of the festivities. She danced, and used some of the sparklers and poppers. Hayli even liked the big boom fireworks. What a difference a year makes!

Push Up

I was finally able to get video of Hana's ability to push herself up while she is on her belly! Sounds like a small accomplishment, but this is the stepping stone to rolling over! So exciting!

Lift Off!

Hana can now lift herself up. She did it for the first time while I was in class. Dada caught this photo for me though!

Cooing

Last night Hana started to coo for Daddy. It is cutest thing! What a big girl. She is going to be a talker for sure!

Playing with Daddy

Hayli is definitely my child. When she laughs too hard, she starts to snort. Watch and listen as she plays with daddy!

Hana is 3 Months Old!

Today Hana turned 3 months old! How time flies!

Hana can now lift her head and move it side to side while she is laying on her tummy. She likes to sit up, but still needs the aid of pillows to do so. Hana took a hard fall this month that mommy will probably never forgive herself for. Hana, however, seems to have fully recovered. Hana is starting to like bath time a little more. We practice holding the baby items that everyone so graciously sent to us for her birth. We are waiting for her to actually hold and rattle the items but we are getting there. Hana smiles a lot now, but definitely lets us know when she isn't happy too. Hana is working on sleeping through the night, but isn't quite there yet! Hana has a real love for her big sister Hayli and loves getting kisses from her.

Today, Hana weighed in at 13 pounds 13.5 ounces (6.279 kg). She is also 24.5 inches (62 cm) long.

Sleepy Head @ Open Gym

Hayli went swimming this morning, and to my surprise Hayli wanted to go to Open Gym still! I think swimming wore her out though! What do you think?

So You Think You Can Dance

While my favorite dancer danced, Hayli decided she was going to dance too. I wonder if she can be on their next season. She probably doesn't have the technical skills yet. LOL!

We Can't Say She Isn't Ours

Hayli is definitely a Shaefer-Claycomb!!!

My New Favorite Photo

This is my new favorite photo of Hayli.

What a Little Mermaid!

NMSU Duck Pond

I am so glad I found this mommy group. They have some of the insider info on things to do in Las Cruces with kiddos. Hayli really enjoyed the duck pond at NMSU. That is until one of the ducks thought her finger was the bread...

Hayli was a real smarty pants afterwards.

Cooking

Hayli loves to help out. Here Hayli is learning how to cook asparagus. What a quick learner!

Very Active

Today we went to open gym. Since we don't have Kindermusik anymore, we fill our Thursday slot with open gym. Hayli likes to do new things with obstacles she already knows!

Thank goodness for Miss Tori, the gym goddess.

Running, running, running...

Nothing Better In The World

... than saying goodnight to my two beautiful angels... Love you!

Feeling Better

Hayli suffered from heat exhaustion from our visit to White Sands. After a couple of days of rest, Hayli seems to be doing much better! Hayli added a new dimension to the obstacle course.

There was the ol' favorite trampoline (of course), and Hayli being her bossy self! LOL

The kids made a slide out of the mats!

Bob & Karen's Visit

SATURDAY
Bob, Karen, and the girls were in town this weekend. It was fun seeing them again! We went to Red Lobster to celebrate.
(clockwise: Karen, Nichole, Bob, Grandma, Natalie, Conrad, Opa, Oma, & Hayli)

Hana relaxing!
Yummy Mac-N-Cheese!
After dinner, it was Christmas in June from Oma! Oh my!!! Swim cover, swim suit, drinking cup, and flip flops for Hayli.
T-shirt for Dada.
Bracelet for Hana.
A very surprised mama got a great purse!!!
SUNDAY
This morning we met up with the gang and went to White Sands National Park. Hayli insisted that she needed "the green one" from the gift shop. Here she is with her newly acquired sled!
Natalie with Hana
Grandma hanging out and watching everyone sled down the dunes.

Dada with Hana staying in the shade!

After we gave up at White Sands (because the temperature was in the triple digits already), we all went to Chili's.
Oma, Opa, Bob, Grandma, Karen, Nichole, and Natalie (clockwise)