Happy Birthday Hayden!

My first time decorating a cake. I even made the frosting myself. That's big for me:) It was however a box cake.

Hayden is his fathers son and loves sports.

Chocolate cake and formula yum, yum :)

Little boys = big messes

Yaaaahoooo!!! Bath time!!!

Hayden's big day was Thursday the 17th but we celebrated with a little cake and ice cream on Saturday with some friends and family. He is getting so big and always the life of any party:) He got a sports stand and play set from my sisters family which he absolutly LOVES. It came with a bat which he carries all over the apartment. Tyler called him a little cave man and it fits perfectly so stay out of his way :) Bret and Hayden enjoy playing basketball together now. We got him an alphabet train which helps teach colors, numbers, letters and singing. He likes to push it around and chew on the alphabet blocks. We have lots of learning and teaching ahead of us... Grandma Van Zanten got him some bath toys which he played with during his cake clean up in the tub. The Betzold's gave him a couple U of M bibs. Bret was really happy.
We even had Grandma and Grandpa Anderson visit via web cam. It was funny trying to get Hayden to hold still long enough for them to get a good video of him:) Tyler was great because he became their spokesman by narrating and moving the web cam so they could kinda see what was going on. Also on the guess arrivals were Grandpa and Grandma Gregory who came down from Grand Rapids. We haven't seen them in a few months so it was fun to have dinner and play together with Hayden.
Our Relief Society lesson on Sunday was really wonderful. Each of the sisters shared a heart felt Christmas thought and then we all sang a favorite hymn to follow each thought. The spirit was really strong and I shared how grateful I am for all my many blessing from the Lord. Just before I turned 1 was when my parents discovered I had Cystic Fibrosis. The prognosis was not good. Now here I am relatively healthy and wonderfully happy married to a special, understanding and caring man with a little one year old of my own. He is very healthy and very happy all the time. I will turn 30 the day after Christmas. For me 30 is truly a blessing and here's to at least 30 more :)))

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Hayden on the move!!!

For Thanksgiving this year Hayden decided to start walking all by himself. We try to get him to walk between the two of us but he is his own person with his own agenda and usually turns at the last minute for what ever toy of interest. Church today was fun with all the people, wide open spaces and stairs to climb :)

Hayden stayed a couple days with Grandma and Grandpa Gutgsell this last week so Bret and I could go to Nauvoo for a friends wedding. He learned a new laugh while there because my family is so wild and crazy with Uncle Darren and Aunt Marie to play with. Grandpa has a new little dancing buddy. :)
Here we are with lots of extended family for Thanksgiving and Hayden showing off his new skills.

On the move and going fast

Hayden has been cruising along furniture and holding hands to walk for a couple months now. I knew the day would come that he would just let go and walk but I didn't know it would be so soon! Sorry, I don't have a video yet but I will post it soon. He is also climbing stairs like a pro even though he has only been exposed to them 4 times!!!
He will be a year on Dec. 17th. I can't wait to see how he attacks his birthday cake:) I think we will just have a family and friends party at our place Saturday the 19th. Everyone is welcome just let me know so I can get enough cake and ice cream!!!
Bret got out all our Christmas decorations this morning and had to put the star on our tall tree before he went to work today. We were a bit concerned Hayden would not leave the tree alone but so far so good, he has not really gone for it yet! So the Holiday spirit is alive and well in our home Christmas music and all :)
WE LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!

Trick or Treat

Hayden has 4 teeth on top and 2 teeth on bottom with a handsome smile. He had long hair until I told Bret I wanted to trim it. Bret used the razor and you can see in the last picture that he took off about 2-3 inches :( At least it can grow back:)

Hayden was a very happy Tigger for Halloween and was the life of the Branch party!!!

I decided to accentuate my gray hair for the occasion. When Hayden 1st saw me with the wig he was so very confused. I wish I had gotten a picture of his expression.

Hayden's treat was his adventure in the bathroom while Bret was getting ready for Church. I leave them alone for 5 minutes and look what I get.

A couple of weeks ago Hayden found a big soft teddy bear. It is now his sleeping buddy. He gives him hugs and loves to chew on his furry hat. It's so funny because the bear is as big as Hayden and just as cuddly :)

Hello everyone

We are all doing well. I am just finishing with my last infection. (I thought it would never end fever and all) Unfortunately, I shared with Hayden and then Bret but its on its way out!!! To celebrate we went out as a family to the Airzoo. It was so much fun and free.

Maybe we are raising a pilot...

Hayden liked walking through the plains.

Hayden has 6 teeth now! That's right 2 on the bottom and 4 on top. The 4 on top all came in at the same time. He is such a good boy I only knew they were coming in because I could feel him trying to bit my finger. He just turned 10 months this last weekend. I can't believe time goes so quickly. He crawls every where and gets into as much as possible before I go to check up on him. Our apartment is mostly baby proofed so I let him explore. He loves to find new treasures and check himself out in the mirror. He usually comes when we call him. (just need to teach him how to bark :) He is the best baby ever!!! He pulls himself up to everything and cruises along all the furniture. Hayden is getting so fast he may run before the year is up :) He really likes to wrestle with daddy on the floor and gives a powerful body slam!
Bret is doing well. He is busy with classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday, works almost every day and somehow still finds time to study, play with Hayden and cuddle with me. I wish I could do more for him... He is the best!!!

Watch out world here I come!!!

I got a new hair style. Thanks Kari

A little visit with aunt Kari.

Hayden's Moving

We are so excited to see our little man out and about in our home. He has been walking with help for about a month now. He just skipped over crawling because he thought he was just too good for it. He cruses along the couch and dances when you hold his hands. We will post those movies latter. He also likes to roll from place to place until this week when he finally tried getting up on all 4s. Bret and I were both home and cheered him on. Before long he will be running!!!

The Rest of our Utah Trip

Bret reminded me yesterday that I still have not finished our Utah trip or posted new pictures of Hayden. So I informed him that he is just as capable yet has not posted anything either... :)

Anyway, we had a wonderful vacation in Utah and Idaho!!!! Here are some pictures a bit of our fun trip story.

Grandma with Ty and Hayden getting excited for the fireworks. Hayden ended up falling asleep in my arms latter and slept through all the show.
Jeff, Jackie and Ty hanging out before the 4th of July fireworks.
Grandma Colleen, Grandpa Wayne and Daisy smiling for the camera.



The annual Helpingstine BBQ on July 3rd, 2009.
Andrew and his son Johnathan, Dave, Trevor, Chris, Bret and our son Hayden
It was so fun to hang out with all the old group and the next generation.

Family outing to Shashone Falls near Twin Falls, Idaho. Grandpa Wayne and Hayden loved being with each other the whole vacation. They became great buddies.

Four generations of family love. Great Grandpa David Widmer, his daughter Grandma Colleen, her son Bret and his son Hayden. We had a fabulous time at the Widmer picnic in Ogden, Utah where Hayden and I were able to get to know more of Bret's fun loving family.

These are 3 of my great aunt's Sharlene, Kaye and Marva from Stockton Utah. They came up to meet Hayden and to hear how all the family in Michigan is doing. It was so very nice to see them and catch up on the Reynold's family.

Our final stop was a mini FTM Sisters reunion. Melissa, Me and Hayden, Amy, Julie and her son Heath, Kelly, and Linzi. It was really nice to see everyone and introduce the babies to eachother.

Melissa opened her families home to us that evening so we could rise early the next morning to fly home to Michigan. Thanks to everyone for your hospitality, love and friendship. You are always welcome to visit with us in Michigan.

Kari's health update

Our vacation really was a lot more full and fun then just flying out to Utah. However, my health has been poor for a little while so I haven't had time to finish blogging our trip. My goal is to finish it up within the next two weeks...
The previous couple of years I have been on I.V. antibiotics at home or in the Hospital about every 3-4 months. When I was pregnant for Hayden my IV treatments were a bit more spaced out and my lung function stayed relatively good. So I am happy to say that my last antibiotic dose was right after Hayden was born and when it was done my lung function (FEV1) was about 77%. Having Hayden is such a blessing because I have been without antibiotics for about 6 months which is the longest time in a few years. He keeps me healthy by keeping me home where I can take better care of myself.
About 2 weeks before our vacation I had a scheduled CF appointment with Dr. Homnick. My cough and mucus production was increased so I knew I would be getting antibiotics. My FEV1 was about 64% so I began oral antibiotics. I went back 2 weeks later which was the day before we left for Utah. The meds were not working because my lung function had not gotten any better and all my symptoms were still increased. Dr. Homnick probably would have put me on IV's then but I told him I didn't want to take then on vacation with me. Our vacation was wonderful and just what we needed.
We flew home on Tuesday and were all really tired. Unfortunately, my symptoms got worse. That day and the next I coughed up blood with my mucus (never a good sign). I should have gone in immediately to start IV's but I didn't until the next Tuesday which is clinic day. My FEV1 was 58% and Dr. Marks admitted me to the Hospital. I told Dr. Marks that Hayden would have to stay in with me because I still nurse him and he thought that would not be a problem... So we got in and all settled and even slept through the night rather well. Everyone who saw him during our stay fell instantly in love. He is such a wonderful baby who seldom fusses and is always happy to share a big, warm smile. The first morning the charge nurse came in really early and said hospital policy states that Hayden could not stay with me alone in case my statues changes. (everyone besides him knew my statues would not change) I was kinda freaking out because I didn't want to burden other people to come and stay with us and Hayden couldn't go anywhere because he still gets nursed every 3-4 hours. It was all just a big mess and rather stressful, needless to say I did not get any rest because I had to find people to come and sit with us, I had to feed and entertain Hayden, the medical staff came in all the time, we were not at home, Bret had to hurry in everyday between work shifts, I didn't know how long I would have to stay in the Hospital with all this stress and no rest and to really compound things...I had just begun babysitting a little girl on Monday and now her dad had to quick find someone to replace me for possibly 2 weeks. It was a really big mess!!!
I think Dr. Marks got the idea because he let us go home on Friday afternoon. What a huge relief!!! I rested all weekend and went back to the CF clinic on Tuesday. My FEV1 was not any better but I was beginning to feel better so I stayed on IV's for another week. Bret helped watch the little girl all week and made sure I was doing all my breathing and IV treatments as well as taking care of Hayden. Life is so much easier at home. I go back into clinic tomorrow after 2 full weeks of IV antibiotics and hopefully my FEV1 will be back up in the 70's. I feel a lot better and look forward to another 6 months of no extra medications.

Leaving on a jet plane

We just returned home from a lovely trip to see LOTS of friends and family in Utah and Idaho. Hayden was a real prince even with all the traveling and messed up eat/sleep schedule. He smiled at everyone and really enjoyed all the attention he received.
Our journey began on Tuesday, June 30th. We drove to Detroit to stay overnight in a Best Western with a pool. The drive took about 2 hours but Hayden HATES his car seat so it seemed like about 5 hours. Bret and I realized how grateful we were for flying instead of driving out west. The hotel also had cable so Bret and Hayden watched ESPN together. A little father son bonding time. For dinner we went out to Chinese and it was really delicious. We don't go out to eat very much so it was a really nice treat. That night Bethany (my best gal pal from High School) and Eric came to say hello. It was a great treat since we haven't seen each other in over a year. We really enjoyed catching up on life and showing Hayden off. When we got back to our room it was still really hot so I had to go down to the front desk and request another room. The desk clerk was really nice but really busy even thought it was 11pm. She gladly gave us another room and 10% off our bill. No one slept very well because of the different environment and excitement to see Grandma and Grandpa Anderson.

Morning came early and Bret was raring to go. We made it to the Airport in plenty of time and Hayden just had to see everything. He is such a good little boy that at home he eats at 9 and 12 with a 2 hour nap in the middle. That day he ate at 7:30 and 12 with only one 20 minute snooze and no fussing. What a trooper he just wanted to check out the world. While we were waiting to board our Branch President Rand Johnson walked up. His aunt just passed away and so he was going out to the funeral on our same flight. As soon as Hayden saw him from his stroller he gave a huge hello smile. So on the flight Hayden started with Mommy and Daddy and ended with Pres. Johnson. We didn't know how he would take it but he was happy through the whole thing.

We landed, got our luggage and headed out to get our rental... 2009 Navy Blue, Jeep Commander with sun roof and remote car starter. NICE vacation vehicle. I could tell Bret missed his mom because he was really anxious. Hayden finally took a nap in the jeep and we got to Mom's around 7 pm. Hayden woke up just before the house and as soon as he saw Grandma he gave her a huge smile. Hayden instantly fell in love with Grandpa Wayne and Grandma Colleen.

Night Rider

The Sunday School President came over to our place last night so we could discuss new teachers for Sunday School. Oh, I had been released from Elders Quorum President around February and was called to be Sunday School First Counselor. He rode his speed bike over and I had to take it for a little spin. I told him that I would just take it around the apartment complex, but after I made the first turn through the complex I had to take it out for a longer ride. I didn't go far and didn't really dare open it up being my first time driving a speed bike, but it was still fun and cannot wait until I get my bike, which Kari says will be my graduation present. I am hoping that will stay true but I'm not sure right now whether I want to get a speed bike or a cruiser. Kari is telling me I have time to think.

2 Months in the Life of Hayden

One month till take off

We are so excited to be visiting out west the first of July. We look forward to seeing as many friends and family as possible. We are flying in and out of Salt Lake City but will be staying with family in Twin Falls, Idaho. For everyone available we will be at the Helpingstine's BBQ on July 3 in Logan. We can't wait to introduce all the babies to each other.
We will be having lunch in Ogden on the 6th with family, then will be in SLC that eveinig with no solid plans. We would love to meet up or hand out with everyone interested so comment on the blog or give us a call or send us an e-mail if your available to say hello. Our trip is only one week so our flight home is on the morning of the 7th.
Hayden, Bret and I are really REALLY looking forward to this vacation and seeing all of you!!!

Holland Michigan Tulip Festival

We took a trip to Holland Michigan and had a wonderful time seeing the tulips and watching the performers. If your ever in Michigan the 1st week of May we highly recommend this splendid Festival. All the local children were in period clothing including little wooden shoes. All the clothing is hand made and must pass an inspection of authenticity in order to be warn during the town dances. Next year they are going to include a Kinder dance time for children 8-10yrs. We hope we can make it next year as well.
Hayden was so good just hanging out in his stroller all afternoon. He liked watching all the people pass and seeing all the bright colors. If you pay close attention you can see his hair is not what it used to be. We love our little man even with a bad comb over hair job.
We look forward to our visit to Utah and Idaho. Only a month and a half before we leave!!!

Family photos

This was Hayden's fist visit to the Chicago Temple.
Darren and Marie joined us for a great family trip.

Hayden thought it was really funny to take daddy's
side of the bed for a nap.

Hayden loves it when Bret reads to him.

Our little man.

Hayden's First Haircut

April 17th was Hayden's 4 month birthday. For his birthday we gave him his first haircut. We realized after it was done that we should have shown how long it was before we started, but you can kind of see how long it was at the beginning of the video. We were amazed at how good Hayden was during the haircut. We probably cut about 2 inches off the top and front. Some baby's don't grow any hair till they are 2 years old but not our Hayden.

It's amazing how genetics work!

Mommy

Daddy

Baby

A little update

Our first family portrait. Hayden was such a good little boy for all the pictures.

Hayden in his new blessing suit. He really is a Prince!

Don't mess with me I may look cute but I'm tough!

I know it's been a while... We are all doing great!!! Hayden is growing more every day. He is so wonderful and healthy. He is making so many noise's all the time. He likes to hum himself to sleep in his swing, it's so cute to watch and listen too. His neck is getting stronger everyday, he really likes to sit up and look at the world around him. He is so amazed with lights and faces. He is also learning how to satisfy himself with his fist or even his thumb when it separates from the rest of his hand.(He hasn't learned how to control anything yet) He is our little prince!! Bret blessed him on February 22 in our University Branch and it was truly inspiring. We are so very grateful for the Gospel and Eternal families.
Bret is nearly done with KVCC and will be attending Western Michigan University in the Fall. He will be continuing with his degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Math and Chemistry. I am so proud of all his hard work. I really love being a stay at home mommy!!! The house is usually clean, dinner is usually made and my guy's are great to me. We are really looking forward to visiting Utah and Idaho this July!!! Hayden is exited to meet all his family out there.

Cuddle Time

Mommy and me time

Always ready for sports.

I wonder how big can I make this thing.

Happy Family

Look matching hair!
I love my Daddy's cuddle's!!

A little family update

We are all doing wonderfully!!! Hayden is growing so big and so fast he is already over 9lb. His Hair is getting longer and more full everyday. We finally got all his medical tests back...he is only a carrier for Cystic Fibrosis!!!!! Which means no symptoms, no problems, no worries!!!!!!!!

Bret is busy working and went back to school the beginning of January. Sleep is a little challenging when Hayden wants to eat every 3 hours. But we are beginning to have hope... 2 nights ago he went almost 6 hours between feedings. (Hallelujah!!!!!)

I got Bret Pistons basketball tickets for Christmas. Gratefully, we have family close to the Palace. We were able to have our first night out on Friday the 30th. We knew Hayden was in good hands so we had a great time even though the Pistons lost to the Celtic's.

We are so happy to be his parents and hope ya'll are well.

Happy NewYear!

Merry Christmas to all from Santa Bear and his newest reindeer.

No gel required!! This cool style is all natural and designed by Daddy.

Just chillin' with my Dad!

Just 2 weeks and would you look at these gun's!!!