The Ballard Bunch

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.

It seems that summertime negates a lot of family get togethers and this year is no exception!

We just got home from Beau's Aunt Lynnette and Uncle Gordy's house for a Ballard Family BBQ and had a great time! Cousins Dustin (and wife Margaret and daughter Maleha) and Casey (and wife Candice and son Caleb) were all in from out of state for the week so it was a great opportunity to get everyone together. Maleha will be 2 in October and Caleb is a week older than Tate so they all had a great time playing! Aunt Lynnette had her wading pool and slide out for the kiddies and they spent a good amount of time staying cool in the pool.

Here is a picture of our brave little babe that loved the slide into the pool (I'm thinking a wading pool would be a good addition to our yard for the rest of the summer)! I didn't get a good picture, but we all got a good laugh at how full of water Tatum's diaper was after swimming for so long. We didn't plan on swimming so I hadn't packed a suit or swim diaper for her. We were able to borrow a suit from Maleha, but the diaper was a lost cause. She looked so funny waddling around with a "J Lo Booty".

Besides swimming, the kids played on the baby bikes and playground. Tate especially enjoyed the "Barney Rubble" car. She couldn't get enough of Aunt Brie driving her around the yard.

Everyone else there had newborns (3 in June and another born in January) and another three of us are pregnant expecting within the next few weeks. Needless to say, next time we all get together there will be lots of babies running around! We had a lot of fun catching up with everyone and can't wait to all get together again soon (probably Christmas, realistically).

Tomorrow is Pioneer Day so Beau has a long weekend (yay!) to spend with the girls! :) We'll be going to his parent's house for the annual 24th BBQ and swim party (see, we have a lot of those lately!) so tomorrow should be fun. And we're all looking forward to Grandma Tammy's firework display to close the evening (let's keep our fingers crossed that no one gets injured in the process - haha). I'll be sure and post pictures when I get the chance.

I can not sleep anymore. I don't know if it's the anticipation of the new baby or the extreme levels of discomfort I'm experiencing while trying to sleep these days (probably a combination of both, really), but here I am! Beau left for work at 5:30 this morning and I never really got back to sleep after that.

Smart mom that I am, I went in to check on Tatum when I woke up and found her in the following position:

She must have either fallen asleep that way after us leaving her in there alone to go to sleep last night or moved in the middle of the night without a sound. Either way, I thought I'd be nice and move her to her bed - then I'd have some time to shower and get ready before she woke up. As I'm typing this she's next to me trying to climb into her high chair and waiting for Elmo to start on the early morning Sesame Street. Moving her wasn't my best idea, but she looked so uncomfortable!

I'm not sure what we're doing today, but I need to get out of the house for a bit if at all possible. I do need to buy some fireworks for the 24th of July - maybe I can talk Shanna into a drive to Evanston to buy the good ones! (haha) Just thinking of that drive with all three kids makes me tired. I think everyone will just have to be happy with the fireworks we can find locally - I saw a good pack at Harmon's yesterday that we could split the cost of. The outlet stores would be fun - maybe we'll do that today. It's good walking at the least.

Hope you all have a great day!