Hazel's Big Announcement

For those of you who haven't already heard, Hazel has something to say...

We are expecting this happy event to occur in September, within a few days of Hazel's new cousin joining the family as well. Hazel thinks there's a lot to look forward to in September; a new cousin and a new sister!

Ed. Note: We don't know it's going to be a little sister, we just hope so.

Spring Break in Disney - Part 2

Hazel LOVED the huge dalmations at our resort. This was always a stop on our way to the pool.

What can I say, she was born a water baby and she will always be one. It must be in her genes.

Playing at the pool may have been one of Hazel's favorite things about Disney.

She learned so much just from watching the big kids play in the pool.

I just think her little bathing suit is so cute!

Hazel is getting ready for another day in the parks.

You may notice that we are on our way INTO the park and she is already asleep!

She woke up in time for Daddy's favorite ride, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. (We rode this one twice on this trip.)

And she stayed awake long enough to watch the Wishes fireworks show.

This was the last day of our trip, and Hazel was pretty much done riding in the stroller. She was insistent that she be allowed to walk on her own.

Standing in line for the Toy Story ride. It's actually a blessing to have a sleeping toddler when you're standing in line for 45 minutes.

We switched off holding her when our arms and backs got too tired.

Final word: Hazel might not have always liked riding in the stroller, but more than once, I wished someone would push me around in a giant-mommy-sized stroller.

Spring Break in Disney - Part 1

Since this semester has been so crazy busy, we decided that a family vacation was in order for spring break. So we loaded up the Hazelnut and headed down to Orlando for a visit with Mickey Mouse. We really enjoyed having some family-time together and took the opportunity to visit with some friends in the area at the same time.

Hazel's babydoll went with us, and she does everything that Hazel does. (Pictured here: if Hazel's thirsty, so is "Baby.")

Hazel takes after her momma. She loves to plan! Here she is planning our route through the Magic Kingdom.

Hazel discovered that she loves Winnie the Pooh. (And mom and dad discovered not to wheel the stroller too close to the plush animals in the gift shop or she'll grab hold and we'll go home with a new friend.)

We spent some time with Glenn's college buddy, Andrew, who fell in love with Hazel. But really, who hasn't?

Here's the story behind this one. We arrived on Sunday. By Tuesday, we realized that Hazel was sick and in need of a doctor. We suspected an ear infection. After spending four hours at the Urgent Care Clinic, Hazel was diagnosed with an ear infection in her right ear and bronchiolitis. She was prescribed antibiotics for the ear infection and an inhaler for the bronchiolitis. (This is something she's had before, so we're familiar with the inhaler treatments.) After we got back to the hotel, my college roommate, Laura, brought over another new friend (this time, Mickey Mouse) for the patient. Hazel was very appreciative.

Because we had to give Hazel her inhaler treatments every four hours, we became very familiar with the baby care centers in each park. They were a nice place to get away from the crowds, and private enough that we could administer the inhaler away from prying eyes. In addition, they were air conditioned and had lots of fun toys for Hazel to play with.

Hazel's favorite attraction, by far, was the Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot. She could spend all day looking at the "Sssh" (translation: "Fish") and looking for Nemo.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

It has been a while, and for that we apologize. It has been a busy month, but not all that exciting. Megan and I are still trying to find a balance with school, work, and a certain Miss Hazel. But, for her adoring fans, we have managed to capture a few pictures...

A big grin with her hat

Showing off one of her many fancy hairdos

Her artistic pose

Rockin' the sproutie outies

Hazel still loves bath time...

But, sometimes, she has other plans...

And she is faster than she looks...

But the lure of the bath keeps her coming back.

Snow Day

A quick word about the lack of posts lately. Glenn finished his Masters in August and took a semester off before starting to work on his second Masters (an MBA this time). Between my classes, his classes, diving season, work, and Hazel's schedule, there are literally several days a week when Glenn gets up in the morning and comes home at night without ever seeing Hazel awake. We have both agreed that we've overextended ourselves this semester, but we intend to take it easier after the semester is over.

That being said, last evening a blessed event occurred. It SNOWED! It snowed so much that virtually everything was closed, canceled or shut down and we were given the opportunity to spend all day as a family playing in the snow. It was exactly what we needed and we all feel that we've been given a chance to recharge our batteries. We also took some great pictures, so allow me to present: Hazel's First Snow Day: A photographic series.

Hazel ventures out into a winter wonderland.

Our neighbors loaned us snow pants and boots, since we were woefully unprepared for a day full of snowy goodness.

The boots were a little big; combined with her first attempts at walking in snow, it resulted in a few face-plants.

She quickly got the hang of it though.

She even tried tasting the snow. Well, come on, who hasn't really?

We got 11.5 inches. Hazel wasn't real keen on walking where the snow hadn't been cleared.

But Glenn borrowed a saucer from our neighbors and Hazel loved riding around the neighborhood on that. (Again, we were woefully unprepared for this snow.)

This was, by far, Hazel's favorite part of the day.

I think this speaks for itself.

And everyone heads inside with rosy cheeks for some macaroni and cheese and a nap.