The Ballard Bunch

Hayden is not a baby to be swaddled. She loves sleeping free. My mom says I slept the same way - maybe this kid will take after me afterall!

This post is strictly for the enjoyment of my brothers, Steve and Jeff. I apologize to those of you that don't remember the reference I am about to make!

This morning, as I was changing Tatum's diaper I had a major flashback of watching the movie "Labyrinth" as kids and had to laugh out loud. Something about Tate's pajamas and messy bed head hair reminded me of the baby from the movie. Here are pictures to show you what I mean. It's not an exact match, but I still found it pretty amusing. (Ignore the fact that Tate is a girl and the missing baby, Toby, is a boy). Am I officially a nerd now?

I'm so sorry that I haven't kept up with posting this week! I'm settling into my new-and-improved busier life of a mom with two kids. It's been going really well, with a few minor glitches here and there.

Tatum came down with a stomach flu on Tuesday morning, so for the last two days we've been battling the barfs and clinginess. She's so funny when she's sick - she'll go to bed without hassle, sit on the couch without chaos and snuggle with me all day long if I asked her to. I think she's feeling better this morning, though because she's in the living room watching Backyardigans and trying to "share" her toast and Pedialyte with her baby doll. I'm just hoping she keeps it down - I've had enough throw up to last me two lifetimes. Damn, it's gross.

Hayden is doing great! She has her two week check-up tomorrow (she'll be three weeks old on Friday) which means shots (I hate that part something fierce!). She's growing so much and already looks so much different than when she was first born. Maggi took pictures of her on Sunday (thanks Mag!!!) for baby announcements so I'll post some of those as soon as I get the disk from her. I told my mom yesterday that keeping a second child documented is a lot more work than the first. I was constantly taking pictures of Tatum at this age, but somehow the day gets past me before I realize that I've forgotten to do the same for Hayden. I need to make a more concentrated effort - this kid is gorgeous and it needs to be documented! :)

I'm recovering well from the Mastitis - that was a lovely occurrence, let me tell you. The antibiotics prescribed by my doctor helped leaps and bounds, though. I wouldn't wish that on anyone - the fever alone was enough to drive a girl crazy. And then having to pump/breastfeed on top of the pain? Get out. But, we're on the up and up so no complaints! Now I have a day filled with a possible trip to the DMV ahead of me to get both cars registered (why do they always fall at the same time, it seems?) and a visit to Grandma Tammy who is recovering from major leg surgery (plates, screws - you name it). If I forego the DMV, we could stay in our jammies all day long! Hmmmmm....

Hayden Ruth Ballard
8 lbs 10 oz - 19 inches


Hopsital Photo - Beau says she looks Asian in this picture. Tatum looked just like this - I think the fat little cheeks make it hard for their little eyes to open for awhile! :)


Hospital Photo - I love this one because she looks so much like Tatum did.


Hospital Photo - She's cute in pink!


Daddy and Hayden - August 11, 2006


Finally Home! Mommy, Tatum and Hayden. Tate is already getting pretty good at saying the baby's name.

For those of you interested, the pictures taken at the hospital of the baby will be available to view soon after she's born (at least within a couple of days, I'm told).

Here is the URL in case you want to take a look before I am able to send out pictures on my own:

http://www.stmarkshospital.com/

When you access the above web page, there is a link to "Web Babies" near the top of the page that will direct you to the day she is born (probably the 11th, unless I'm in for real torture here). I'll also be sending pictures when I'm able, but this should tide you over.

Wish me luck!!!!!

I went to the doctor today and I am dilated to a 3! If all goes as planned, I will be admitted to the hospital tomorrow night and induced first thing Friday morning. That is, unless I go on my own before that. Either way, the next post will be with big news! So ready...

Sorry for the post overloads today - this is it, I promise! Some of you have already seen this picture, but it's so funny that I had to post it on our family blog.

Tatum, as of late, has been finding herself in jams. She'll turn her shopping cart upside down and try and sit on it, only to get stuck. You've seen her in her toy box on numerous occasions. This picture is the latest and greatest.

For some reason or another, she loves playing with the pitcher I keep under the sink with the other mixing bowls, etc. The other day I could hear her crying in the kitchen and went in to see what was the matter. This is how I found her, propped up against the wall with both feet stuck inside the pitcher. She wasn't too happy about it, but I made her wait in that position so that I could take a picture - after all, what are moms for, right? Her face says it all, "Mom, take your stupid picture already and get me out of here!" When I picked her up, the pitcher came with her - we had to pull them apart on the bed!

Tatum enjoying her new favorite snack, yogurt. As you can see, she's a girl who likes to do it herself!


I found this pair of tights with an attached tutu in a box that was in storage and thought it would be fun to play dress up. She refused to take it off until almost bed time and that was only because I bribed her with a bath. She is such a girl.

Here is a picture of my photographer for the day, Shantell. As you can tell, she's really shy and reserved! :) She wanted to borrow my camera after this picture and got some really great shots of the entire family. And, of course, wanted plenty taken of her as well.


This is Tate's newest strange face. I love it! She also does fishy lips now, but I couldn't get her to hold it long enough for a picture. Why are babies so cute in their swimming suits? If only life were that easy for us grown up girls...


Here is Tatum watching fireworks in the backyard. You can tell how much sun she got that day by her pink little cheeks. I had put her in her pajamas before they started since she fell asleep on the 4th. This year, no such luck - she was wide awake...with lots of ooooo'ing and ahhhhh'ing.


The diva herself the morning after. She LOVES sunglasses - any she can get her hands on. I loved this pose because it is so Tatum.