My Little Girl

When we first found out that we were going to be having a little girl I cried. Not exactly the reaction that you would expect, believe me I know. But all I could think about was that I didn't know how to french braid hair, and I never liked playing with dolls or having tea parties. Not to mention that the thought of her being a cheerleader made my stomach turn. Not that there is anything wrong with cheer leading or playing with dolls, it was just that I knew nothing about those things. Growing up I was the definition of a tomboy. I loved being outside and playing any and every sport. Alli often became annoyed with me that I would rather play fort with my older brother than play "house" with her. Looking back I am pretty sure she was always thinking, "what a waste of a good sister". So when we found out we were pregnant I just assumed that God would only give me boys. It made plenty of sense to me. So when we were told that our Shaun Carter Hays (our boy name) was really our Lillian Anne Hays I was shocked! I made it my goal to embrace pink and everything girl.

Over the past 18 months I have tried hard not to project myself onto Lillian. To allow her to discover the person that she is without steering her in the direction that I am familiar and most comfortable with. So far she seems to have the perfect balance between girlie girl and tomboy. She loves her doll, but can spot a ball from across the room. She is always playing rough with Shaun, but is incredibly nurturing and loving to Eli. The other night when Shaun and I went to check on her, we found our little girl curled up with her doll. It was the sweetest thing, and it made me feel like I might just be a "girl mom" after all. And I am still working on the whole french braiding thing. Hopefully I will have it figured out by the time she is ten.

Lunch With Daddy

Shaun went to visit Lillian at school yesterday and eat lunch with her. She was so excited, but was a little confused at what he was doing there. It was a very special treat and I know that Lillian enjoyed spending that time with her Daddy.

Lillian's friend Reagen brought cupcake for her birthday.

Can We Really Get Rid Of This Dog?

At least once a day either Shaun or I will say, "we are getting rid of the dog this weekend!". Now that might make us sound like bad pet owners, and we probably are, but we will never actually be able to get rid of Moxie because Lillian loves her too much! Poor Moxie probably wants to find a new home sometimes just to get away from Lillian's constant "affection". This weekend Lillian was especially fond of her four legged friend, and sweet Moxie was so tolerant of our grabby toddler.

telling Moxie "NO" when she tried to get up.

Just A Few Pictures I Wanted To Share...

eating lunch with Grammy





@ the library

"reading" in the car...

she was very serious about it.

Johnny and Emily Babysit

Last weekend when we went to Nashville Johnny and Emily were sweet enough to watch Lillian while Shaun and I went out to dinner. They were thoughtful enough to take a bunch of pictures to document their babysitting adventure. These were some of my favorites.

A Visit With Uncle Johnny and Aunt Emily

I am so late on this post, but this week has just been so busy. But I guess it is better late than never- right? Anyway, last Thursday we decided at the last minute to take an impromptu visit to Nashville to see my brother Johnny and his wife Emily. The weather was so nice that we just couldn't stay inside. So Johnny and Emily took us to this we went to this great park/gardens called Cheekwood; it was AMAZING!! And Lillian had a great time running all over the place and playing in the leaves.

But I am pretty sure that Lillian's favorite part of the entire trip was playing/attacking Johnny and Emily's dog Hogan. This was no surprise to Shaun and I; Lillian loves dogs! Oh, and Johnny and Emily watched Lillian on Saturday night while Shaun and I went out to dinner for a couple hours( I will blog those pics at a later time). I was so worried because they had never watched her, but Johnny didn't let her get two feet away from him and Emily is a natural mommy. They will be such great parents one day...hopefully one day soon( hint, hint you guys)! It was a wonderful trip and I cannot wait to go back a visit soon.

*warning: a lot of pictures to follow...

Lillian and Hogan

the Cheeckwood House-was amazing!

Uncle Johnny and Aunt Emily

Johnny insisted that Lillian take a picture with this statue.

I was taking this picture and Lillian started tapping on the rock for me to sit next to her...

so of course I did.

Lillian is obsessed with water. Shaun had to hold her dress to keep her from diving in.

Johnny chasing down Lillian before she threw herself in the fountain.

he got to her just in time.

playing in the leaves

Lillian just wanted Shaun and Johnny to swing her