Christmas 2007

Our first Christmas with Hayden was a joy and a blessing! We all had a busy couple days doing last minute shopping and visiting family & friends. Hayden is a trooper. She travels really well and doesn't discriminate who holds her. She mostly sleeps through it anyway.

We finally put up our Christmas tree only a couple weeks ago. It was an effort but I felt that it was necessary if only for "memories" sake. I'm so glad we did. Doesn't our little baby package look so sweet under our tree?
The picture of the three of us Porter's was taken Christmas Eve at Nonnie & Papa's (Mindy's parents, Steve & Kathy). Their tree is HUGE and always looks so beautiful. Christmas Eve was spent at Nonnie & Papa's with Uncle Matt, Auntie Carol and cousins Madison & Camryn and neighbors, Ralph & Richard. It was a really nice evening. Hayden ate and fell asleep through the opening of presents but was wide awake and a little cranky when dinner was served. I think there was an eating race between Ken, Carol & my mom to relieve me and console Hayden. Nonnie won.
Papa was finally comfortable enough to hold Hayden for the first time after fighting a terrible cold for nearly a month.









Christmas morning at home was nice. We took our time opening up our gifts and holding & feeding Hayden. Then we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of sausage, egg & cheese burritos while Hayden enjoyed relaxing in her swing. We only have a couple years to sleep in on Christmas morning before Hayden wakes us up at the crack of dawn to see what Santa brought for her.

Auntie Kimberly sent Hayden a beautiful dress. Since it was a newborn size and a pretty dress and a special day, I hurried up and started a load of baby laundry so that Hayden could wear it out to visit friends & family. Doesn't she look so beautiful?
We headed out around 1:30pm to Uncle Matt's and Auntie Carol's. Lunch/Dinner was delicious but we had to hurry out again if we were gonna make all the stops we wanted to. Next we stopped in at Mike & Ardy Haines house where good friends, Terry & Kelly Cover were visiting for the holidays. We stayed a little longer than expected since Ken and Chance (a 7 yr. old) were having a Wii showdown.














Then we headed out again to visit with more McCormick's. We got to visit Uncle Curt, Aunt Debbie, cousins Kevin, Kiara & Keelan as well as Mommy's cousins Brad, Meghan, Mike, Melissa and Jennifer who was visiting from CA.

Hayden's Happy Place
It was a long long day and Hayden let us know by 9:00pm that SHE was ready to go. Just like her Momma!

We want to thank everyone for thinking of us this Christmas and for those of you who sent gifts for Hayden. She is a special little girl sent to us straight from angels and we couldn't be happier! We miss all of you who are far but know that we keep you close in our hearts. You are loved!

It's a GIRL! Hayden Kathleen Porter

Hayden Kathleen Porter was born November 26th, 2007 at 7:44pm. She weighed 6 lbs 9 oz and measured 20.5 inches long.





Attached are misc. pics taken over Hayden's first 4 weeks.
My doctor (pictured below with a crying baby) and his colleague had me admitted to the hospital a little early due to my high blood pressure. Hayden was doing just fine. It was me that they were worried about. Even though I felt fine, apparently, I wasn't. I was 37.5 weeks along. I was admitted the afternoon of Sunday the 25th and we were finally released to go home Wednesday evening the 28th. Our experience at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn was awesome. Our nurses were so great!

Tucker is still so very curious. All he wants to do is lick her face, ears and hands. I find myself getting frustrated with him and have to constantly push him away from her. Poor puppy. He was used to getting all the attention before the baby came along. He doesn't get up in the middle of the night anymore. He's getting used to her fussing but if she's mad and crying hard, he gets pretty upset. His sleeping habits have changed a bit. He rarely jumps in bed with us (cuz he did get yelled at once for almost jumping on the baby.)

Cali on the other hand, could care less about Hayden. Sometimes she'll sniff her if she's sitting in her bouncy chair. But she now has taken to jumping in bed with us a night and Tucker doesn't chase her away.

CEL Holiday Party

Cleveland Electric company holiday party at the Scottsdale Conference Resort

Dec. 15th, 2007

Ken & Mindy's first night away without the baby.

Seeing Grandma Shirley

Shirley Joan Hunter

February 6, 1929 - December 13, 2007

Mom & I decided to make a trip back to Illinois to see Grandma Shirley before Hayden was born. We flew out on September 28, 2007 and only stayed thru October 1st. While we were there we had 3 really great visits. She was alert and happy every day that we had come to see her. I believe that she did remember us.

We were grateful that we made the trip. None of us expected to loose her so soon.

Rest in Peace Grandma, I will miss you every day. Hug & Kiss Grandpa for me. I Love You!

Thank You to Uncle Mark for haulin Mom & I all around town while we were there.

We had a great time!