The Ballard Bunch

What a nice day! Beau blessed Hayden this morning in church and did a wonderful job. She looked so cute in the dress my mom made her (thank you so much!) and was so good during the blessing – no crying at all! Beau did a wonderful job and gave me lots of things to put in her scrapbook (if I’d ever start on it!!!). I was one proud wife/mama.

Afterwards we had a get-together at Beau’s grandparent’s house with friends and family. Because it was so early in the morning (10am) we decided to do breakfast foods and everything was so yummy! We had a few people bring breakfast casserole (hashbrowns, eggs, sausage & cheese), I bought a bunch of muffins and bagels, we had juice, chocolate milk, goodies – all the works! And, surprisingly enough, didn’t come home with too many leftovers.

It was great to see family and friends – we wish we could arrange get-togethers like that more often!

Here is a picture of our little family right before church today. I figured I had better get a good picture BEFORE so that I still had make up in place and Tatum was relatively put together.


This is the dress that my mom made for Hayden. The bottom is made out of the same material as my wedding dress and we found some embelished material to match for the top. It looked so cute on her and was still a little big, even though she is almost two months old! I should have taken a picture of her in her tights – they are so big on her and looked so funny, but she had to wear some because it was cold out. I need to find a place that makes good newborn tights – this 0-6 months business is a joke. Newborns and 6 month-olds are totally different sizes, sorry!


With the leftover material from Hayden’s dress, “mamaw” also made a dress for Tatum to wear to the blessing. It’s a perfect church dress and luckily I found a pink sweater to go with – it’s getting cold out now!


Karen, Connie and I haven’t had a chance to get all three of our girls together until today! Breanna, Lydia and Tatum were all born within four months of each other respectively (Tatum being the youngest). They all had fun playing on the trampoline outside at Beau’s grandparent’s house today. It’s fun to think that these three girls will grow up together like the three of us did – I hope they are as close and stay good friends! We tried, but had little luck getting pictures of all three looking at the camera at the same time. Picture these in action - they were crazy girls!







Lydia (Connie's)

Breanna (Karen's)

I know, I know. I suck at keeping this blog updated. But you try being the mom of two babies (really, who are we kidding - Tatum is 18 months old!) and now working basically full time from home! It's not you, baby, it's me. :)

Nothing much is new on our end. Beau and I are looking into finding a house and hopefully getting into one by Thanksgiving (that’s our personal goal, at least). We haven’t found what we’re looking for just yet, but I have a feeling it’ll be soon. I’m excited – we’ve totally outgrown this cute little house. I’m not a cluttery person, but you can’t help it in these close quarters. I’ll be happy to find a house that is bigger than 750 square feet (no joke!). We’ll be sure to keep all updated on the progress of our new family project.

Besides the house hunt, we’re all busy with work (Beau and myself) and playing lots (Tatum). The weather is starting to cool down again and we’re excited for fall. I’m thinking of taking the girls to Thanksgiving Point to visit the petting zoo before it gets too cold and we need to plan our annual visits to the pumpkin patch and Gardner Village to see the witches.

Last week Shanna and I decided to take Braeden, Tatum, Hayden and Baby Kehl to “Mickey Donalds” for some much needed play time. The kids were overflowing with energy and the weather had been so wishy-washy that the play place was the safest bet weather-wise. Plus, we could sit and talk without having to watch an entire park. Because the weather had been so cold for so long, McDonalds still had their heat running even though this particular day was about 80 degrees outside. As most of you moms know – the play place can get extra hot being all windows and whatnot. We were all miserable and one mom complained to the manager. He told her that he couldn’t touch the thermostat, but that he would try and see what he could do to alleviate the situation. A few minutes passed and then we see him come out and prop the emergency exit door open with a “caution: wet floors” cone tipped on it’s side. Luckily, I happened to be standing closest to the door while watching Tatum play on the toddler slide and could make sure no one went out the door. I figured, being a sane person, that he was coming right back – this surely couldn’t be his solution to the heat problem! After a few minutes and him not coming back, I took it upon myself to remove the cone and shut the door. All of the moms around us were thankful – we were all so freaked out that he’d just leave an open door at the play place area. Forget being hot, I’d rather bake than have any kid (especially my own, no offense) get hit by a car on 106th South and Redwood Road (two very busy streets). The mom that had complained wasn’t too happy with my decision asking if the manager had told me to remove that cone. I proceeded to inform her that he did not and that I didn’t care how hot she was, I wasn’t about to leave an open door for one or more of the 20 kids playing to discover. She wasn’t so keen on my thinking, but she’d have to get over it. Honestly, people surprise me! I hate the play place for two huge reasons – kids that are brats to other kids (especially bigger kids that shouldn’t be playing anyways) and parents that don’t give a damn. Sorry that you just drop your kid at McDonalds for fee day care, but I don’t see it as that. Especially now that I know doors are propped open – yikes!

That same trip to McDonalds was a milestone for Tatum. She had watched as Braeden went into the boys bathroom and come back to play. A few minutes later I hear “Mom, Mom” and feel a tug on my shirt. She’s dragging me towards the bathrooms! I left Hayden with Shanna and followed her into a stall where she pulled her pants down and indicated that she wanted her diaper off, too. She sat on the toilet for a few minutes and then said, “done”. She didn’t actually go in the toilet, but it was great that she tried on her own. 18 months is early, but I’m willing to follow her lead! Now, at home, she’s taken to removing her diaper when it’s wet (and poopy for Beau the other day – haha) which tells me she knows when she needs to be changed. I’m considering starting the potty training bit, but not sure where to start. Moms of the blog – help! Where does one start?

On Saturday, for Beau’s birthday, we had a family BBQ at my in-law’s house. Beau’s dad had forgotten a part of his gift and asked if Shanna and I would run to Wal-Mart and pick it up for him. Seeing this as a quick break from the kids we agreed and left the kiddies with the dads. After shopping, we were in my car ready to back out of our parking space when a red truck pulls through to the spot next to us, narrowly missing the front end of my car. Shanna rolls down the window and shouts “Hey! How old are you?” because the driver could not have been – and I am not exaggerating – more than 12 years old! He hears Shan and bolts it into the store. It was crazy! So, being the narcs that we are, we called the police and reported the bugger. He could have hurt himself or someone else driving that truck – he could barely see over the steering wheel! 12 years old! I mean, come on, Karen and I were at least 15 when we “stole” my mom’s car to drive down and buy candy bars! :)

This Sunday we’ll be blessing Hayden at church. I’ve got some Cost-Co shopping to do this week to get food ready for afterwards. It should be a fun day – but the weekend will be a busy one! The Saturday before cousin Makayla is getting baptized, the 11th is Bunco (I’m in charge of dinner this month) and on the 12th are 2 month and 18 month appointments for Hayden and Tatum respectively.

Anyway, I hope all is well with you and yours! Please keep us updated on your goings on and we’ll try to be better at the same. Here are a couple of funny pictures of the girls to brighten your day. Loves!


Gassy Girl

I was so happy I caught this picture! Tatum was wanting to hold the baby so badly that I decided to prop her up on the couch with the Boppy pillow for support. I was in the kitchen for a second and heard Tatum giggling uncontrollably. I guess Hayden had a fit of gas and kept tooting on Tatum’s lap. It was so cute how funny she thought it was and equally as cute how unaware Hayden was.

Goofy Grin

Here is Hayden and her HUGE grin. We don't get to see it that much, being that she's only 7 weeks old and doesn't respond with smiles as much as she will in a couple of month's time. But there are days that she just grins - and her face looks so chubby and dimply when she does - you seriously can't help but laugh when you see it. She looks so much bigger in this picture than she really is! The kid is all cheeks (surprise, suprise) and hair and has tiny bird legs and arms.

When Tatum was first born, I got the bug to start making my own headbands and clips for her - the ones I was finding for sale were not all that cute and totally overpriced. This was one of my particular favorites, but it never looked quite right on her bald little infant head. I'm so glad that I didn't get rid of it! Come to find out, those "baby" headbands look really cute on a messy mop of blonde curly hair.


As you can see in these pictures, I either have to use distractions (the remote and the cord to my digital camera)


or the element of surprise (such pretty big blue eyes!) to get her to cooperate for photos these days!

Now I have a baby with a head full of brown curly hair - here's to hoping she keeps it so I can play and have a kid that kind of looks like she could be mine!

Maggi was kind enough to take pictures of Hayden when she was brand-brand new. Here are a few of my favorites (there are so many good ones!) I have to warn you, some of these may appear in the birth announcements I'll be sending out, so sorry to spoil the surprise you would have found in your mailbox sometime soon. How cute is my baby, I mean really? Madly in love, I tell you!

I got a job working at home! Tesla referred me to someone she knew that was looking for an Administrative Assistant/PR type person to work 20 hours from home. After a few phone interviews and lunch yesterday, I got it! I'll have to do some prioritizing to manage it with the girls at home, but I'm so excited! The money will certainly help - we need to get into a house bad! We're outgrowing this place and need one of our own. I start Monday and will hopefully get right into the swing of it all. :)

So my oldest and most stubborn child has been so funny lately! Three days in a row we've had three really funny instances. Here's the run down:

1) On Monday, after a particularly hairy afternoon with Tatum, I'd finally gotten her to sit on the couch with me to watch Blue's Clues while I fed the baby. My one saving grace was that she had her baby doll and was feeding her a bottle, too. After a few minutes I notice that she's mumbling and I look over to see her folding her arms and talking gibberish with her eyes closed. After about 20 seconds or so, she says "Amen" and looks up at me, very embarrassed that I'd caught her. The cute little bugger was saying a prayer! Who knows why or what it was about, but I laughed so hard. The sad thing is, I can't entirely say she learned that from us - we're not the best family at it lately with Beau's work schedule. However she learned, though, I was a very proud mamma.

2) Making me ALMOST as proud was funny thing #2. I splurged and bought the new Justin Timberlake CD (AMAZING!). For those of you that know me, you know he's my weakness, much to the dismay of my husband. Immediately following my purchase, I opened the CD and began listening to it. Song #2 is called "Sexy Back" and you may have heard it on the radio/TV, etc. recently. Anyway, good dance song - fun stuff. As I'm listening to it I look in my rear view mirror and see Tatum, eyes closed again, full on dancing to the beat in her car seat. Not just bobbing her head, mind you, but full on - arms out flailing - swaying to the music dancing. She was good! And to top it off, when the song was over she says, "Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom." (until I say, "What, Tate?") and then "Back." She wouldn't stop until I replayed the song. We listened and danced to that for 20 minutes in the car before we got to Shanna's house! I love this kid.

3) Last, but certainly not least, was my doing, really but it involved Tatum. We went to the hospital on Wednesday night to see Shanna, Travis and the new baby because Beau ended up having to work late the night before and hadn't seen Kehl yet. As we're getting ready to leave, I notice that I can't find my keys. Locked in the car. So Beau hitches a ride with Travis, who happened to be leaving to go home for the night anyway, and goes home to get his truck and truck keys (with the spare on them). After he leaves, I realize that not only is Tatum stinky, but I've neglected to also put diapers and wipes in my diaper bag. Hayden needed a change earlier in the day when Tate was napping, so I took the diaper bag diapers so as to not wake up Tatum getting the supplies from the girl's room. Bag of diapers on my bed, not my diaper bag. Cottonwood hospital is a good 20 minutes from our house, so we were in for a wait. If the poopy diaper had been Hayden, I could steal a newborn diaper from the baby cart in Shanna's room, but no one had any size 4 or 5's laying around. But they did have the mother pads and mesh underwear in the bathroom! Yep, we fixed Tatum right up by putting a big pad on her and tying the mesh panties on either side of her to keep things in place. Shanna's awesome nurse was my partner in crime. I'm sure the nurse's station had a good laugh watching Tatum walk out of the hospital in her t-shirt, crocs and grown up pad and panties. I was so flustered by the night's events that I forgot to take a picture. Trust me, though, it was amazingly funny.

A boy cousin has arrived! Kehlden Glen Doyle (Kehl for short - pronounced KELL) was born at approximately 2:45 this afternoon and weighed in at a surprisingly smallish 7lbs 10 oz and was 20 inches long. Shanna had gestational diabetes and they had predicted a larger baby. He's adorable and has reddish hair like his brother Braeden already! Shanna was a super trooper and is doing great. We're so excited that he's finally here!


This picture is right after he was born, thus the goopy eyes and white hands.


Here are the two newest grandbabies, side-by-side, in all their glory. They are exactly 1 month and 1 day apart and there is little more than a pound difference between them right now. You'd hardly know it, though, seeing how much bigger Hayden looks when comparing! We all really thought that they were closer in size than this, but it just goes to show how much difference a pound or two makes when they are this little!


Here are the cute baby faces. These two are going to be fast friends - Hayden quickly leaned her head in for a baby snuggle. It's going to be fun watching all of these cute babies grow up together!


I couldn't post without at least one brag picture of my own! Here is Hayden sleeping like a champ at the hospital. She was so good - especially considering we were there hours more than planned - they kept pushing Shanna's surgery back for other people. Tatum stayed at her great-aunt Melissa's house with Braeden and Shantell for the day. It was such a relief to not have to chase her around the hospital!

My dad came out to visit for a few days this past week and had so much fun with the girls. He especially enjoyed Tatum because they could play together more. She was her usually stand-off'ish self, but she really did warm up to him well! That is, until she got sick, and then it was crank city. Either way, it was great to see dad/grandpa and we hope he can come to visit again soon!

While he was here we decided to take the girls to the Hoggle Zoo. Tatum had never been and I knew she'd enjoy it - she's very into animals right now. Even though lots of attractions were closed, we got to spend a good hour and a half (just long enough, if you ask me) at the zoo. Plus, it was half price day so we all got in for $8 - can't beat that!

Tatum was so cute - everything that in any way resembled a horse was "Horsie!!!!", every bird was "Duckie!!!!!", monkeys were "Boots!!!!" and she loved the black bears - she just stood at the fence and growled at them. Despite being a little under the weather, she did not want to be in the stroller at all and guided us through the zoo like a champ. Hayden, of course, slept the whole time.

Here are a few pictures of our trip (sorry there aren't more - I suck at remembering to take pictures lately!!!)

Tatum and Grandpa looking at the Rhinos


She loved the elephants and this one was standing so funny. He was leaned up against the fence with his legs crossed like he was waiting for something to happen.


Tatum had the most fun with the bronze statue of the rhino for some reason. She kept knocking on it and laughing. I love this picture!


Here she is when she caught a glimpse of the bears in the distance. She ran right over when she saw them!


Here's a sample of the "Horsies" that she loved so much. We're going to have to work on the more exotic animals now! She's a pro at Kitties, Puppies, Cows, Ducks, Bears and Horsies.

I haven't posted in a few days, so I apologize once again. My dad is in town visiting, that combined with a few other goings on have made for a busy week! I'll have to take some pictures of the girls with Grandpa Olson tomorrow at the zoo and post them for you after we get back!

Not much else is going on here. I have had a few phone interviews for a work-at-home job opportunity with a PR firm in Utah County. My friend Tesla does freelance work for them and mentioned that they were looking for someone to help with the administrative side of things from home 20 hours a week or so. Right up my alley! I'll keep you all posted with how things go, but I do have a lunch meeting with the owner this week, so hopefully that's a good sign! Good wishes, please - the money would help a ton!

Now, for a few pictures of the sistas...


This picture is a couple of weeks old, but I had to put it up for Aunt Breena. It's such a cute picture of all three girls, even if Tatum is a nudist! Lately, she hates having clothes on. Do all kids go through this stage?


Tatum had just woken up from a nap and Hayden and I went in to check on her. Hayden was asleep in my arms and Tatum kept asking for her, "Baby? Sis?" So, I laid them down together and had to take a few pictures. This is one of Tatum starting to pucker up.


And this one is the kiss. She sure loves Hayden - I'm so happy that she's not jealous or weird! Notice the jean skirt! I found that the 12 month jeans she'd outgrown were worn in the knees from when she was still crawling and so I made some skirts like I make for the grown up girlies. She looks so dang cute in it!

Ahhhhh! A quiet moment in the Ballard home is a very nice thing! Beau and Hayden are asleep on the couch and Tatum is down for a nap in her room. I was able to shower, blow dry (and style!) my hair, take longer than 3 minutes to put on my make up and I still have time to post a quick blog! It's funny the small things you learn to appreciate when you have two small kids.

Everything here is great! Today Beau went and registered both of our cars (a little overdue), I picked up my new glasses (two pair for $69, baby!) and we'll be headed to Shanna's house for game night in a little while. It will be nice to hang out with grown up people while the kids play in the basement and go as crazy as they want to (within reason, of course). If I can get some laundry tackled before we head out, I'll feel like I got some good things done today. It helps that Beau has Monday off for Labor Day, too - I always get more done when he's here. One of us to work on a chore, the other to entertain the girls. We go back and forth like that most weekends!

Have I told anyone how addicted I am to Big Brother this summer? I almost always watch it, but I'm battling an oncoming depression when it ends for the season! I know it's trashy, but it's such a fun show to watch. And I never thought, me of all people, would be rooting for the skanky blonde with big boobies to win! Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays are spoken for in our house. Hey, at least it's a show Beau and I actually agree on, right? I just realized that football season starts soon - back to the two TVs. I wonder how that'll work out with Dora on one and football on the other? I'm going to have to find some other hobbies around the house, I fear!

I've got to remember to have Beau talk to Bishop Goffin tomorrow to see what day we can bless Hayden. Once I get that date solidified, I can finish up her announcements and get those out to you all! Her dress turned out so cute - my mom is amazing! She even had enough to make a dress for Tatum out of the same material - it's beautiful!

I guess I should wake Hayden up to eat. I swear, that child would sleep the entire day away if I let her. I wish I could sleep like that! She's such a good baby, though, when she is awake she just looks around and coo's at us all - not much of a crier. Tatum is still being great with her, but now we're working on getting her to stop screaming to get our attention. Happy, sad, bored, mad - everything is accompanied with a scream for some reason. Super Nanny?

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.