Just like old times

Today my mom watched the baby all morning and into the afternoon. We went to the Newport Beach temple for a 7:00am session and returned home for a brief respite. Later, we went to the movies to see Transformers. Finally, Chris took me out to lunch at one of our favorite restaurants when we lived here-- El Pollo Inka (Perivian Food).

It was so nice to be on such a long date. In fact, it was just like old times. But we still totally missed Hallie and couldn't wait to see her again.

When Grayson met Hallie

Laura babysat Hal for us last Saturday so that we could go to the temple. Hallie got to meet the Fischer's new kitty, Grayson. Hallie started off scared but gradually became so exuberant she ended up scaring the cat!

Here are some more pictures my professional photographer Laura took. Okay so she is not really a professional-- she is a pediatric Nurse Practioner. But she has the skills to be professional.

This will change your life

This video was taken by my dad. He and Mom watched Hallie while Chris and I went on a date. Apparently the baby started to giggle when Mom moved her head and her hair bounced back and forth. Mom repeated the movement and it sent Hallie into a fit of laughter. Dad thought it wouldn't last long so he didn't run for the camera, but when she was still lauging several minutes later he started taping.

Hallie loves when Grandma shakes her head around. When I tried to do it she just gave me a blank stare and looked back at my Mom for real entertainment. Sometimes she looks at Grandma and bounces her own head up and down to induce Grandma to do it again.

I didn't know this video existed until the following day when my dad asked me to look at a file on his computer. When it pulled up I laughed so hard I was crying. It still cracks me up everytime.

Glad for Granddads

One of the joys of parenthood is relishing how other people find as much happiness in your children as you do. Case in point-- her grandpas. Grandpa Skaggs and "Hallie Cat" are inseperable. He has a special song for her. When I carry her around the house she looks around each room for him (beaming with anticipation). When she finally spots him she claps her hands together (which really is more of a fingertip clap than a palm clap). While I work during the weekdays he will take care of her for up to an hour-- watering the garden with her, watching nature programs with her on his lap, and cooking while she bounces alongside in her jumper toy.


There is no denying that Grandpa Wynn and Hallie have a special connection. They spend much of their time outside enjoying simple pleasures like leaves. Grandpa worried that she might be hesitant to let her hold him. However, not only is she peaceful but happy. They could probably spend hours together on walks or playing with Hallie's toys.

I am so happy that my parents let us stay. It is so neat that Hallie can get to know all her family and friends in California better. Other people that she knows and remembers are my brother Dan, her great-grandma Skaggs, my Mom (my how she loves her jewelry), and her "Auntie" Laura (my best friend from high school).

Mommy-Daughter Moments

NOTE: The internet connection is so strong tonight that I can post pictures without problem. Therefore, I am taking advantage of it to barrage you with all the updates possible.





Although I love Hal's face in the first picture, the second picture is particularly special to me because it reminds me of how she shows affection-- since she hasn't learned how to kiss yet she rubs her face next to mine. Can you see how she loves me in that picture? I can-- and I can't get enough of it.

The last picture posted shows Hallie with her tongue out a little. She woke up Saturday and discovered she has a tongue. Now she loves to stuff it out of her mouth (knocking her bottom lip in the process). She seems to perform it in repetitions of four or five and repeat at least a dozen times per day.

Water Baby

Here is beauty captured in a few snapshots...




This is one of the first times Hallie experimented with water outside of the bath tub.

I will cherish these pictures forever. They represent such a precious time in her life. I can't help but write a letter to our sweet daughter:

Dear Hallie,

I am so proud of you. You have such a zest for life. You wake up happy and go to sleep content. You aren't afraid to show emotion; it bursts from you through your squeals and your flapping arms like an eager eagle on first flight. When we sang hymns in church on Sunday you had to join in. You looked up at your daddy, pulled your pacifier out of your mouth, and began to mouth your own words. While I held you on my lap, I could feel your little body buzz as sound reverberated out your tummy onto my arm. You are so close to crawling. We practiced this evening and I squealed just like you when I saw you push "two scoots" toward Grandma's dangling necklace. You bring Daddy and I so much joy, Hallie. We love you and we know you love us. Thank you for joining our family. Thank you for honoring us with your sweet spirit. We can't wait to watch you grow more.

Love, Mommy

Thanks for indulging me by reading my letter to my sweet baby. I am sure you all understand my gushing.

You all deserve more pictures...

More pics from our Saturday at the Aquarium...



I will simply add that we love our life and we love our baby. She is happy nearly all the time.

Aquarium of the Pacific

We are having such a fun time here in California. Hallie is flourishing. She knows how to clap her hands and can stand holding on to the couch or coffee table without any assistance (for about 5-10 seconds). She usually eats 3-4 tubs of baby food per sitting and is rapidly gaining weight. Her hair seems to grow half an inch everyday. Hallie loves having extra people around-- I have learned what a social baby she is. She is beside herself when there are more than two people present; there is so much to do that she doesn't know what to do.

We love the fresh options of things to do. Yesterday we went to the Aquarium of the Pacific. We were happy someone had provided us with free tickets because the crowds were almost too overwhelming to enjoy anything. I can't believe we are in July already!