Thursday, January 28, 2010

The More Awake Time, The Better the Night Time

We've discovered that the more awake time she has, the better the night time goes (duh!). So, we've found some creative ways to keep Ari awake as much as possible. Things like dancing the YMCA (her, not us), bath time, tickling her belly, changing her diaper/clothes, sponge baths and just talking to her really close!

Happy (late post) Birthday Daddy! I had fun celebrating with you. I enjoyed sleeping in and cuddling while watching movies!

Look! I found my fingers... they taste yummy.

Here I am, chilling in my warm, cozy bath. I can just sit here for hours (well, until the water gets cold!)


Friday, January 22, 2010

So pretty... and a little silly...



I couldn't resist this last picture... she's been doing this right when she falls asleep; the REM sleep... but I happened to capture this moment... hilarious!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Whats in a name...


When Dan and I were dating, we talked about our family. Yes, it's not healthy to do this but we did it anyway... I'd suggest to wait until at least engagement; but that is not the point. We agreed on a lot of things but I like gender-neutral names for babies; Dan, not so much. We had a large stack of boy names that we liked so when we found out we were having a girl, we were stuck!
Elaine was my middle name and I still really like it, but for some reason, we didn't love it for our first born... It was just ill-fitting for us right now, maybe another girl along the way? Taylor was ALWAYS in our top, for a boy and a girl. Obviously, Taylor is where our paths were crossed and God put us together. We fell in love with each other and that community. Taylor holds a deep place in our heart. Our lives would not be the same if it weren't for Taylor. However, for a name, we valued a deep meaning and Taylor, as a word, lacks a substantive meaning for us... it means 'a tailor'. Yeah, kinda boring.
Mid pregnancy, I was reading Charlotte Parent magazine and came across an article by Gregory Keer. It was entitled, The Lion Sleeps Tonight. (read it here). Set as a letter to his third son, he explained his wife's birth and his time holding his son before bed. He explains why they chose the name Ari for their son. In my pregnancy-hormone-induced state, I cried while reading this article. The name, which he states means lion, left a strong impact on my heart. (Note his brother's names are Benjamin and Jacob, both in our top 5 boy names!)
The author states, "It is our hope you will grow strong and pounce on every opportunity to do well for yourself and others." The same hope lives in Dan and I for our Ari. Upon more research, we find that Ari comes from the [Hebrew] Bible name, Arieh. It occurs once in the Bible and refers to a guard in Israel. The word (as a noun) means Lion and it is featured Biblically as the proverbial ferocious animal and a metaphor for the destructive power of God. Clearly, a powerful name for such a wonderful, beautiful little girl.
Dan and I talked about the meaning of the lion and we discussed the many personality differences between the two of us. According to Wikipedia, male lions sleep up to 20 hours a day. If our Ari is the sleepy, chilled out and cuddly lion, she'll be taking after Dan. If she's the ferocious go-getter hunter type, she'll be like me. Ha, this makes us laugh. But in seriousness, our little lioness is a Child of God created and formed in His image. Regardless of her personality, she will be loved and protected by Him.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Firsts of Many!

My first intellectual conversation. It lasted .5 seconds.

My first walk in the January heat wave!! I loved my sling, close to mommy!

My first time meeting Grandpa, Bill! I gave him birthday smiles!

My first time meeting Grandma, Barb. We hung out every night so Daddy and Mommy could sleep! Girls night!

My first foot massage from Panda.

My first time meeting Zach & Allie, my favorite cousins! We had a blast!!

My first encounter with Bauer. He was very curious but now he knows his place!

My first bath... I didnt enjoy it!

My first time out to eat!

My first outside feeding by Grammy and Grandpa! Love these two!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Faces

It's been fun watching Ari's various faces over the past few days since being home. She is so tiny, but is full of expression and curiosity! Often after eating, she'll silently look around and stare at us with those big, dark blue eyes! She yawns, smiles, sneezes, sleeps and grabs onto our fingers with her tiny hands. What a fun and beautiful baby!




Disclaimer: this is Dan's arm, not something else! :)

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Conversations about our daughter...


Jenny: Look at how the marks on her face are almost gone; she's a fast healer.
Dan: Yeah, she's like Wolverine.


(Yes, the Xmen character has a superpower where his skin and wounds heal themselves rapidly).

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Happy Birthday, from Ari

"Wish you could be here, Grandma! I'm glad we share the same birthday week! I look forward to many more birthday seasons together! I send you many newborn cuddles and kisses."

Love,
Ari


Friday, January 1, 2010

Ari Taylor

Whew, what a night. After being induced Tuesday afternoon, we finally delivered on Friday morning! Ari Taylor Haller was born at 3:05 am on January 1st, 2010. (01-01-10...cool, huh?) Ari was the first baby born in Huntersville, and almost in Charlotte, too!

She weighs 6 lbs, 15 oz. and is 20 inches long. She has a little mouth, perfect little nose, and a Haller sleeping habit (all the time...at least for now!) We know everyone just wants to see pictures, so here they are