Take a look back!

Christmas 2008 (7 months old)


Christmas 2009 (19 months old)


Christmas 2010 (2 yrs 7 months) (no picture with Santa this year, she was scared of the big ol guy, but she would take a picture with Santa's little helper)

Christmas 2010

What a wonderful Christmas we had! Lots of fun family time! It is so fun to see the holidays through your child's eyes! Laney had a great Christmas and was trying to really grasp what the season was all about.

Of course she was spoiled rotten by her grandparents. She got a swing set, huge trampoline and a kitchen.





Checking out what Santa brought her.. a Dora microphone and Dora dollhouse


Trying on her Princess dress up clothes.


Sweet kisses from cousin Parker


Laney wouldn't go near Santa this year but she made sure and yelled across the mall when we saw him. She would say "Santa, I want a Dora" as loud as she could. She wanted him to hear what she wanted but was scared to death to even come feet within him. Silly girl!

We are thinking that Kipton is coming early but looks like he didn't come during the holiday.. whew! I am getting really ready for his arrival. I am uncomfortable as ever but I am just so ready to meet him. Laney keeps telling him "Come out Tipton"! She is really ready to take on a Big sister role!

Elf on the Shelf

We bought an "Elf on the Shelf" for Laney this year and so far it has been a fun purchase. We got out the Elf on Thanksgiving Day and read the book that came along with him. It explained what he was in our house for. Pretty much he watches Laney and goes to report to Santa on how she behaved that day, then he returns the next morning and he always lands in a new spot. The first thing to do is give him a name. We asked Laney what she would like to call him and the only two things she kept saying were Jesus and Santa. Well of course those names were not going to work or else she would be really confused, so her dad came up with the name Ryko (a name he has always wanted to name a son... but I always thought it sounded like a dog name, so needless to say he thought this was his only chance to use that name :)) At first I wasn't so sure that Laney got it, but she is starting to understand and it is so fun to watch her wake u every morning and find "Ryko" in a different spot. She talks to him and tells him things to tell Santa. She usually says, "Ryko, I'm a good girl and I want pizza and a pillow pet".

We obviously know that Christmas is not about Santa and being good so you get presents but it is a fun tradition we decided to start with our family. We will defintley be teaching Laney what Christmas is all about and why we celebrate this very important season!

Oh so Thankful!

We have so many things to be thankful for this Holiday season! This Thanksgiving especially we tried to point out to Laney all the many things we are thankful for and all the things we should appreciate on a daily basis. With the busyness of life we sometimes find it hard to stop and remember what this season is all about.
I am thankful for God and the precious gift he gave us by sending his son to die on the cross for unworthy me. I find it amazing to watch God's plan in my life work itself out.
I am so thankful for God bringing Landon and I together nine years ago. I have had an amazing journey with him so far and I look forward to so many more.
I am so thankful that Landon is such a Godly influence in my life and such a wonderful provider for our family. I couldn't have asked for a better mate.
I am also thankful for our sweet little Laney. She is the sweetest, most loving little girl. I know God knew that I needed someone to give me endless hugs and kisses to get me through my days. She is so funny and smart and constantly has Landon and I laughing. Oh the things two year olds say :)
I am thankful for healthy little Kipton that is growing in my belly. What a awesome miracle. We can't wait to meet him, love on him, kiss him, hold him and have him join our family.
I am thankful for my precious mom. She means the world to me and would do anything for me. I am so blessed to have her in my life.
I am thankful for my wonderful family (I would list each of you individually but I think it would take way too long), but each and everyone of you play such a special role in my life and I am so blessed to have you all.
I am thankful that I get the opportunity to stay at home with Laney and soon Kipton. The time I get to spend with them is priceless.
I am thankful to be in Midland near all of our family. I am thankful to be apart of a great church plant, The Orchard and cannot wait to see the things God has planned for it.
I am thankful for a great church family.
I am thankful for so many other things but we will be here forever if I list them all.
I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I hope that you too can stop and remember all the things that you are thankful for and thank God for each one of them.

Kipton's Baby Shower!

We were so blessed this weekend with all of our family and friends coming together to celebrate little Kipton. He received so many great things and we really enjoyed time with each and every one of you. We feel so honored to have such great family and friends!

I was preparing Laney the whole week that Kipton was going to get presents on Saturday and that I needed her to help me open them. I was trying to also let her know that this was not her day but for her brother. She was so great at the shower. She kept telling everyone that it was Kipton's birthday. She even sang him a few Happy Birthday songs throughout the day. I couldn't have been any happier with how she is handling the change... and becoming a great big sister! Of course I had to pick a few things up for Laney to open so she felt special too... we got her a "Big Sister" book, James Avery earrings and my mom got her a Big Sister shirt and her first pair of heels (which somehow I haven't gotten a picture yet). I think she felt special too!

We are also very thankful for our sis in law, Jodi and my mom for throwing this great shower for us and making everything run perfectly. We could not say thank you enough!!!











Now we are just getting so ready and anxious to meet this precious little boy!!!

Halloween!

Here are a few pictures of the past Halloweens we have had we our sweet Laney. Every year just keeps getting better and better.

2008- Laney's first Halloween as a Lil Stinker- skunk


2009- Our precious little Lamb (she did not like this costume at all)


2010- Laney the LadyBug
She was all about "Trick or Treating" this year! She knew exactly what to say and was too cute when she did say it! She also had down "Happy Halloween"!


Hope everyone had a great Halloween also!

Kipton's nursery!

Here is a sneak peek at Kipton's nursery. I still have a few things as far as wall decor to buy and put up but it is all coming together as well as I could have hoped for.



The bedding that I got a great deal on :)




I feel so relieved to have the painting done and bedding in. For some reason I think this little guy might come sooner that what we think.. maybe for the reason that I feel so much bigger than I ever felt with Laney, or the fact that he is so low in my belly it looks like he could drop any second, or maybe just the fact that this pregnancy has flown by faster than I could ever have thought. I could be completely wrong but either way I am just happy to have a room almost ready for him for when he decides to make his entrance into this world.

28 weeks.. still have 12 weeks to go... with what feels like noooo more room to go


This was when I was 35 weeks pregnant with Laney.. 4 weeks before I had her.


Sweet baby Kipton,
We are so excited to meet you and for you to be apart of our lives. We thank God for you every day. Your big sister is getting super excited also and LOVES to play in your room with your toys already.
We love you!!
Mom and Dad

Fiddlesticks Farm!

We took Laney to Fiddlesticks Farm in Midland on Saturday. We went through the corn maize, went on a hayride, picked out a pumpkin, rode the cow train, saw the animals, and ate yummy greasy food. Overall we had a great day and glad that Laney enjoyed every minute of it.

Little bit of this and little bit of that

Our video camera has been in storage for a few months so we have missed several moments of Laney's... so we have tried to fit a few things into 3 minutes of video...(Laney's new dance moves she has learned in dance class, her talking to Jesus, and a few other things). She was being super goofy!!

23 weeks & 5 days

I am already 23 weeks and 5 days along.. can you believe it? I thought my pregnancy with Laney went fast but this one is going so much faster.


Laney has been so sweet during this pregnancy. Every single night she prays for her new little brother. I made the mistake of calling him "Kippy" instead of Kipton and little ears overheard....SO Landon made a big point for me not to call him that because it just isn't a guyish name I guess. Well Laney picked up on the name just from the one time I said it so I have to tell her.. no Daddy says don't say "Kippy" call him Kip. Laney can't say her C's or K's instead it comes out as a T....

so here is a daily prayer of Laney's:
Dear Gia (Jesus),
Thank you for Tippy..Daddy says no it's Tip. He a boy in mommy tummy,
Thank you for Mommy and Thank you for Daddy.
Amen.

(It is the sweetest thing ever)!!!

At 23 weeks:

Eating: Just about anything and everything.
Feeling: Great! Kipton is quite a busy lil guy. Constantly moving.
Clothes: Can't quite fit into many of them. I can still wear one pair of non-maternity pants and a few non-maternity shirts.
Total Weight gain: 18 (and I still have a while to go) yikes!
Cravings: The first trimester was anything salty or cheesy but lately I have wanted sweets, sweets and more sweets.
Size of Kip: 11 inches long and just over a pound

I am so very thankful for a wonderful pregnancy so far and I am excited to see how great Laney does with him, she will be a great big sister.. I just know it!

Sneak Peek!

After remodeling the kitchen (pics to come soon) we decided to tackle Laney's room. We got her a "big" girl bed, new bedding, new dresser (a hand me down), new pillows (Aunt Chelsea is in the process of making), fresh coat of paint and new room decor. Here are a few pictures of the process.

Before picture of Laney's room.. notice the nice ceiling fan :) That is the next on the list to purchase.


First night in her "big" girl bed with her new sheets and comforter... before the walls were painted.


New paint and wall decor


I still need to find a few things to make her room complete but it is coming together!

All about Laney!

I have felt so bad lately because we have been painting, unpacking and getting our new house just the way we want it so there has not been time for Laney to do the things she loves. All she has heard the past few weeks are don't touch, go sit, be careful and so forth. Landon happened to have a few days off so we took advantage to make special time for Laney (even though those two days would have been great to paint some more). We packed up the car and headed out with my mom to Abilene to visit my grandparents and go to the zoo. My grandparents, Aunt, Cousins and their kids all got to join us and we had a wonderful time. All the kids are real close in age and it makes running and playing so much fun. This was definitely the perfect age for the zoo. Laney knew all the animals and thought it was so cool to finally see them in "real life".

Here are just a few favorites pics from the weekend!











I am so glad we had this time to make it all about Laney for a few days :)

Dance was a Success!

Laney and I started our "Mommy and Me" dance class last Thursday and couldn't have made a better choice. I woke Laney up on Thursday telling her we were going to dance and that is what I heard about ALL day long... dance class dance class dance class. When we finally showed up that afternoon Laney was a little nervous. She hid behind me while the teacher, Miss Natalie was introducing herself to the class but by the middle of class she was laughing, giggling, dancing, twirling and even doing back bends. This class is not only a dance class but it is also gymnastics. This will be great for both of us and I cannot wait to see the things we learn and the new friends we will meet.

Busy lil Family!

Wow! So many changes in our lives lately. We closed on our house last Monday, August 30th and are so happy to have a house again. We have been super busy with painting, painting, and more painting. The house we bought is in great condition just needed lots and lots of paint in almost every room.. but has all new floors, windows, wood blinds and has great yards. We have completed the kitchen project finally (thanks to our family) :) painted the walls, cabinets and shutters and now it feels so fresh! Jerry has worked really hard at completely remodeling the master bathroom and now all we like is a new toilet and vanity. I will post pics soon of the remodel process.

We found out a few weeks ago that we are having a BOY!!! Little Kipton Wayne is just growing and growing. He is for sure a little boy.. no denying that. We have had 3 sonograms so far and let's just say this lil one is not shy. I am already 21 weeks.. half way through and I definitely think this pregnancy is flying by so much faster than the first pregnancy. He is one healthy little boy and Laney is getting so excited to have a brother to play toys with and love on.

His sweet little profile.. looks just like Landon to me :)


Showing us his boy parts.


Kipton's sweet little hand :)


Laney and I start Mommy and me dance classes tomorrow and I am so excited to see how it goes. Laney is a dancing machine and LOVES putting on her new dance outfit and prancing around the house, posing and dancing. I am sure she will have a great time.



We hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

Contract on a house!

We have been looking at houses online in Midland since we moved down here but knew that we wouldn't be able to put a contract on one until Landon had a steady job. We went out looking this past weekend and found the one that we love. We put a contract on it and they accepted. It was all a little sooner than what we were planning but the right house came along at a great deal and we had to jump on it. Luckily we know the previous owners and know that they took very good care of the house. So far the inspection went as well as we could of asked for, just a leak in the shower (which I was going to redo anyways) and we are praying that the rest of the process will be a breeze.



Laney has already picked out her room and has already told us that she has her own tree in the backyard. The room she wants has an airplane fan (which I was taking down) but she is dead set that it is her fan and tells everyone about the fan in her room...... oh great! I am hoping she forgets about the fan by the time we move in.



We are so grateful for both of our families for helping us through this time and letting us lounge around their houses. We are also so ready to get to nornal and get things out of storage!

We are back!

We have had some major changes in the Hayes household the past month, so sorry I haven't been able to keep up with the blog. We are now living in Midland (with all our family minus just a few) and have enjoyed time with each and every one of them. We were living in Tahoka since October and let's just say I am not a small town girl. We loved the people (most of them :)) but knew that God had other plans for us. I am so glad that when God is ready for you to move on he clearly tells you.. or he did us anyways. We are so grateful for our family and friends who have been there with us every step of the way. There has defintley been hard times through the tranisiton but honestly it just brings us to fully trust that God knows exactly where we need to be at the exact moment he wants us to be there.

We are already starting the second trimester and I cannot believe it. We were told the second pregnany goes by alot faster and boy were they right. Luckily I have felt great this pregnany.. I thought I had morning sickness but come to find out it was just a stomach bug that Laney passed to me :/ I haven't really been craving anything which is weird because with Laney I wanted a milkshake every day. I'm sure something will start to sound good eventually.

I have a few other post I will try to get posted... without our own computer right now and my camera cord that is in storage it makes it harder to post pictures and such.

Landon has started a new job and I know that things will be looking up from here :)

Bible story time

I couldn't help sharing this precious story with all of our family and friends....

Every night before bedtime Landon and I read a few bible stories to Laney and pray with her. We have been teaching her that Jesus lives in her heart, mommy's heart, daddy's heart and he also lives in the sky. We ask her every night where does Jesus live and she will tell us.. well a few nights ago this was how she responded:

Landon: Laney where does Jesus live?

Laney: In Laney's heart.

Landon: Where else does he live?

Laney: In Elmo's heart, Dora's heart and Ellie's heart (our dog).


How precious is that? She is really catching on and it blesses my heart so much.

She also prayed all by her self for the first time last week.... she said Dear Jesee, tank you. Amen.

Melts me!!

Laney's 2nd Birthday!

Laney had her 2nd Birthday party at the park in Midland and requested an Elmo party. I am not too big on the characters and such for parties but Landon reminded me that it was not my party but Laney's... so we made her day very special. She has talked about her "Elmo cake" for weeks. With all her family, friends and Elmo decor I think she had a great birthday. Three days before the party she came down with the stomach bug and had just gotten over it the day of her party.. so she wasn't fully her bubbly self but still had a good time.

Precious Birthday girl!


Laney blowing out her "2" candles


Laney's new Birthday ride


My precious family


Elmo cake and cupcakes



Thanks to all our family and friends for sharing this special day with us!