Halle Brooks

So, I posted last week about deciding on a name, but not a spelling. Thanks to all of you who commented! Well, we did decide last week, but I failed to post it. Michael and I both agreed on "Halle," so that will be the spelling we'll use. Yeah! Another decision made! Now, if we can just get the boxes out of the nursery and get her room put together in the next 5 weeks . . .

She Has a Name!

Yeah!!! We have finally decided on a name for "Baby G." Her name will be Hallie Brooks. Brooks was my grandma's middle name and we just really like Hallie. I'm not 100% sure on the spelling... my first thought was "Hallie," but "Halle" is also an option. I'm sure some people will call her Hayley either way. So which spelling would be the most likely to be pronounced correctly?

Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas! Hayden understood what was going on this year and was really into Santa and how he brought presents on Christmas Eve. He was convinced Santa would wake him up to see him when he came to our house to deliver his presents!

Since Michael had to work on Christmas Eve, we weren't able to celebrate with his family at their house this year. Instead, they got to come on Christmas Day to celebrate with all of my family. We also decided to host our big Christmas lunch for all of my extended family at our house this year, so we had a great time with both families and got to stay here at home, which was nice for Hayden.

Hayden trying out his new tricycle

Opening presents from Santa

Checking out his stocking

And for what Hayden was waiting patiently for...a train table! He talked about it for at least a month before Christmas, and every time we would ask what he wanted Santa to bring, his answer never changed! It has already gotten many, many hours of play!!!

After checking out what Santa brought to our house Christmas morning, we went to Gramma and Grampa's house where Hayden got a kitchen and some "Cars" toys.

Then it was back to our house to start cooking for this crowd. With 20+ people who like to eat, we had a lot of food! Thanks to my parents, in-laws, and aunt and uncle, I definitely didn't have to cook the whole meal!

After most everyone was gone, Hayden got to check out his presents from Nanny and Pawpaw.


We finished the day with a homemade pizza supper at my aunt and uncle's house, then we all headed to the movies to see Bedtime Stories. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep, but Michael said it was a good one!

Hayden's First Gingerbread House

We decided to try making a gingerbread house with Hayden this year. He loved it! He was so meticulous as he put the candies on, and he enjoyed decorating the whole house. Of course, we helped a little, too!