May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!

~Highlights From 2009~

January

*Dan is employed by Gallatin County and becomes a "sworn officer"
*We got to see our baby via ultra-sound at the end of the month.
February:

*My "baby bump" makes its first appearance at 22 1/2 weeks
*Steeler's won the Super Bowl -- Yeah!

March:

*Baby bump continues to grow (26 weeks)
*I made a work trip to Minnesota for work

April:

*Baby Bump at 31 weeks
*Dan leaves for the academy for 12 weeks

May:

*Kailer entered our life on May 30th; 5 lbs. 8 oz. 19 1/2 inches long
Our life hasn't been the same since that miraculous day!

June:

*Dan graduates from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy!
*We get the opportunity to have lots of family visit during the month of June.

July:


*Kailer and Mommy take a road trip to Wyoming for the 4th of July holiday!

August:

*President Obama visits Belgrade, MT. Dan has a busy weekend on "Presidential Duty!"

September:

*Aunt Jamie and Grandma McGinty throw Kailer a shower over Labor Day weekend in Newcastle.

October:

*Kaler's 1st Halloween!

*Dan's 2009 Mule Deer

November:

*Kailer's 1st Thanksgiving (Spent in Newcastle)

December:

*Kailer's 1st Christmas!

Wishing you all happiness and good health in 2010 ~

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas To All!

It's officially over, Christmas has come and gone, and I am still trying to figure out how I got so lucky to have such a loving husband and a perfect child!?! I am one lucky lady, that's for sure.

Our Christmas was nice, though quiet. Dan got home on Christmas morning around 7 a.m. and decided to open gifts and spend a little bit of time as a family before he needed to head to bed. Kailer wasn't as "into" Christmas as I had thought; we kind of anticipated that he might really enjoy tearing the paper and putting it in his mouth. He didn't. In fact, he really wasn't too impressed with sitting on the floor with nothing to do .. UNTIL he opened his "Move and Crawl ball" from Aunt Jamie. After opening that he was happier and actually played with the ball all day long. Christmas was also marked the 1st time that Kailer really sat up, unsupported for an extended period of time! Now he's a busy boy sitting up, reaching for things and enjoying a different 'view' of the world. In truth, he's just growing up too fast!!

Yesterday I hit some after Christmas sales and picked up a few more toys for Kailer. He should be all set for awhile. Santa brought him a traveling DVD player for road trips; as a mommy who's done a lot of traveling with him by myself, I'm very grateful that Santa thought of such a great gift!

After a long and busy day, our little Christmas angel was tuckered out ... time for bed ... sweet dreams!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas....

...Happy Christmas Eve Everybody...

The Mayland Family is sending you warm Christmas thoughts from Montana and wishing we could be spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately Dan's work schedule dictated our Christmas this year and we are spending it at home. Thanks to some modern technology (Skype) we will be able to see some of our family "live" tomorrow via the World Wide Web.

We had a good day, despite the nagging feeling of loneliness in our hearts. We started out with a breakfast of homemade Egg Nog pancakes and bacon! Not only did Mom and Dad enjoy the pancakes, but so did Kailer. We had a busy morning of playing with Kailer and making him pose for lots and lots of pictures! I am wondering if some day he will look back at all of these pictures and think his parents were crazy?!

After three attempts at getting Kailer down for a nap (he didn't want anything to do with it!), Dan and I rolled our the sugar cookie dough and got to baking. After all, Santa needs cookies too!! Dan claims that he never made cookies as a child, so he was thrilled to get his hands on the assortment of shapes and he was like a kid in a candy store for the first time. We had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to the upcoming years when Kailer is just as eager to help. I did tell Dan, however, that he couldn't continue to eat the cookies as he was decorating them! ;) Dan informed me that Santa is Lactose Intolerant, so we will be leaving him Soy Milk - good thing he likes Soy, since that's all that we have in our fridge.

As part of an annual tradition for the past 20 years, we also watched (Well, I recited every line) Christmas Vacation! Such a classic show and a great way to spend part of the day snuggled together on the couch.

We then capped off the night by listening to "The Night Before Christmas," and then putting our angel to bed.

Now my little elf is snuggled in bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in his head! His Dadddy is at work and I'm baking a Black Forest pie for tomorrow. Dan and I are very excited for Kailer and his first Christmas!! We will post pictures and hopefully a video for you all to enjoy.

Again, we wish everyone a very happy holiday. Our hearts are lonely without you, but the joy of memories from the past keeps you all alive in our daily life.

God Bless you all.

Merry Christmas from our tiny little bum-bum!

W-Y-O ... Goooo Pokes!!

Wow, tonight's New Mexico bowl game makes me wish that I was still a student at the 'ol U of W. The game was awesome and I've gained a new respect for the team and their outstanding freshman quarterback. I see potential for some great seasons ahead!

An update on Kailer - today he seems to be feeling a lot better!! Thank goodness. He's back to being his jumpy, Tigger self, laughing and overall just more content with life.

Dan had a very busy night and unfortunately instead of getting home at 7 a.m., he got home at 3:30 p.m. Needless to say he was one tired guy and he hit the sack not long after getting home. Thankfully he doesn't have to go in at 9 p.m. and instead he'll call in at 2 a.m. and see if he's needed. I sure hope he's able to get some rest and doesn't have to go in ... who in their right mind wants to get into a uniform and head out at 2 a.m. in the middle of winter? Not me!!

The weather was "nicer" here today and I bundled up Kailer, leashed up Mesa, and headed out for a walk. It's been way too long since we've been able to get out and get some air -- I think we all benefited from our adventure. It's amazing how fresh air can make everyone's mood better.

So that was our day. Hope that everyone had a good Saturday.

Go Pokes!!

Kailer's tummy time during the Cowboy's Game

Daddy Turns 3-0, Sign of the Times & Pink Stuff!

What a week we've had ....

Kailer wearing his Christmas outfit from Aunt Jamie on Daddy's birthday.

Monday was Dan's 30th Birthday. Unfortunately he had to work the night before, so he slept for a good portion of the day. We decided to have a "date" night (first one we've had since Kailer was born) and go to a movie and dinner. Our baby-sitter is awesome and was willing to watch Kailer into the evening for us. We went to an early movie ("Invictus" - a good show, slow at times, but still good) and then met a couple of friends for dinner. As we were sitting at the movie (it started at 4:15 p.m.) I looked around and said to Dan, "We must be getting old, everyone in here is gray haired!" I guess that's what we get for going to an early show on a Monday! We picked up Kailer by 8:15, got home and played with him for a bit, Dan opened his presents and we ate cake. I made Dan a strawberry cake with strawberry fruit filling and homemade butter cream frosting! IF I don't say so myself, it was delicious! Now, I just need to get some cake decorating tools so I'm not decorating my cakes with cookie icing ... it's hard to write with that stuff!

Overall I think Dan had a nice birthday and it was good for us to have some "us" time. Though I have to admit I missed Kailer terribly. It's not that we were even away from him that long, but I think part of it was the fact that it was night time and someone else was spending the evening with him, which is usually our family time. Now Dan is officially "old" ... ha, ha ... and I keep reminding him that I have 7 more years until I'm 30!!!

Wednesday took me to work at Micken Hearing for the day. Since June the current owners have been looking to sell their business. By noon I had been told that the new owners were would be taking over on January 1; which in turn means that after Monday I will no longer be employed there, or as they put it, "your contract of employment is terminated." Just another sign of the times; business isn't that busy and I'm just an 'extra mouth to feed'. Not a huge deal, it was only 1 day/week, but the extra cash did come in handy and helped fund my 401k and Kailer's 529 college plan.

And...last but not least, after a long, sleepless night and a tough morning with Kailer, I decided it was time to head into the pediatrician's office today. I had checked his ears yesterday and because he was so wiggly I wasn't able to see his eardrum, but my immittance testing indicated fluid in the right ear. So into the doctor's office we go. Sure enough, after I get a chance to look in there myself, I saw a bulging red eardrum as bright as Rudolph's nose. Honestly I think this is the same infection from November, that just wont clear itself. Time for the "pink stuff" (Amoxicillin). After waiting for an hour and a half for a prescription that was suppose to take 15 minutes to fill we finally get home. By the way, if someone (preferably a pharmacist) could enlighten me as to why it take so long to fill a prescription, I would greatly appreciate it!

So that has been our week and truthfully I'm glad it's come to an end. Next week is sure to be better, with a healthy kid and Santa coming down the chimney!

Meal Time and Play Time

Thanks to better trunk control, Kailer has been enjoying some time sitting up while playing. As you can see in the video it's crucial to give him multiple toys to entertain himself with, because his attention span is that of a small bug. (Dan says he gets that from me?!)

Kailer becoming more and more independent!

During dinner time the other night I left Kailer in his high chair for a second while I went to turn on my Christmas music. I had a thought in the back of my mind, that I probably shouldn't leave him alone ... and I was right! I no more than got out of the kitchen and I heard a "plunk!" I went in to find his cereal bowl on the floor and well, you can see from the pictures, the oatmeal and spoon landed on his lap. He is getting awfully quick and anything left on HIS food tray is apparently fair game now!!

Happy and Clean, pre-spillage!

Uh-oh, I'm in trouble now! It wasn't me Mom!

Kailer making faces and noises at mommy; apparently he wasn't too worried about his mess!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

It's that time of year again ... when we head out into the Winter Wonderland to pick out the majestic symbol of Christmas ... the tree!! We started our adventure by driving around and just "peaking" at the lots of trees. The last time we got a tree in Montana, Dan made it easy and he just went to Albertson's and got one. Wow, I can't believe how many tree lots there are in this valley.

In an attempt to save time and running around, we go to talk to the guy who's in charge of the Kiwanis's tree lot in the Wal-mart parking lot (since we were there to do some shopping anyway). He proceeds to tells us that the trees are frozen (no kidding, it's only been below zero for a week!) but they should "open up" when they thaw. His selection in our price range looked worse than a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Of course for anywhere from $55 on up we could get a "plantation tree" which has been groomed with a perfect silhouette. Uh, no thanks.
Then I remember that I saw some trees in the parking lot of my office, so we head that direction. They had a great selection and now we had to choose the "perfect" one. Needless to say, sometimes we have difficulty making decisions, so I'm 'sneekee' enough that I tell Dan, "you go ahead and pick one out and I'll go in and pay." So I go in, see a bin with books (2 Baby Einstein books caught my eye), so I rummage through them and then pay. As I'm walking out I see Dan trying to load the tree into the truck by himself .... and just as he's lifting it up, the top snaps off! "Oh NO" ... our perfect tree is not so perfect. So we unload the tree and back to the selection process. After finally finding the "second best," we get it loaded and away we go ... sappy fingers and all!!

The next morning Dan and I bundle up and get ready to bring in our tree...what a magical moment! As Dan's tightening up the tree in the stand, I say to him, "I heard that you should cut about 1" off the bottom of the tree to give it a fresh stem." Yep.....down came the tree, out comes the saw and off comes 1" of the tree trunk.

At this point the tree isn't looking too hot, in fact, we're wondering if it will open up before 2010? But we fill 'er up with water and wait .... and wait ... and wait. Dan had to go to work that night, so he went to lie down for a bit and I left with Kailer to go to my office and do some work.

By the time I got home and Dan got up, our tree was "coming to life." It was time to decorate!

Kailer laid on the floor while I trimmed the tree .... he was interested in what I was doing, at first, but soon lost interest and went back to playing with his toys.

So here's our beautiful Christmas tree (they always look so much prettier in the dark when the "little lights are twinkling") ... dedicated to Kailer and his 1st Christmas!

Kailer in his "Cousin Eddie" hat - ready to pick out a tree!

Kailer Visits Santa!

December 9, 2009:

Kailer had a very busy day of being hauled in and out of stores in sub-zero temperaturees while his Mom and Dad busily got some Christmas shopping done. It was an exhausting day for all of us, but at the end of the day, a "surprise" was waiting for our little guy ..... He was going to meet Santa Claus!!

Dan had to get his patrol car, and take it home, so I headed to the mall with Kailer to meet the "big guy." We got there shortly after 3:30 p.m. (he was to make his appearance at 3:30) to find a fairly good-sized line. So I hurried into the line, took Kailer out of his car seat and there I stood: Kailer in one arm, holding his car seat with the other.

With great anticipation to see Santa (probably more anticipation on my part than Kailer's) it was OUR turn!! "Ho-Ho-Ho," greated Santa as I approached him holding Kailer. After getting Kailer situated on his lap (and handing him a candy cane out of Santa's basket), I stepped back so the little elf could do her job. I also brought along my camera so I could snap a few pictures for myself. Unfortunately, since I was preoccupied with my own camera, I didn't get a chance to entertain Kailer and make him smile, but I think the picture still turned out pretty cute.

"Merry Christmas!" Santa exclaimed after our photo shoot.

Kailer didn't even bat an eye at the idea of sitting on his lap. I didn't 'think' he would be afraid of Santa, but you just never know. Of course, we'll see what next year brings when he's older and more aware of his surroundings.

We've asked Kailer what he asked Santa for for Christmas, but he's not telling us! Guess we will all have to wait to see if Kailer's been a good boy this year or if he'll get a lump of coal!?!

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving 2009

This year for Thanksgiving, Kailer and I headed to Wyoming. Dan had to work and the weather was beautiful, so we hit the trails and headed out to see family. The day before leaving I took Kailer in for his 6 month check up. Weighing in at 14 lbs., 6 oz. my baby got his 3 booster shots, 2 flu shots and we were told that he had an ear infection in his right ear. Because he was basically non-symptomatic, we decided not to treat the infection with antibiotics. Not feeling completely "up to par" and being away from his own bed along with missing his daddy and puppy, it all took it's toll on Kailer at times, but overall he did quite well during our trip. It is definitely getting harder and harder to travel with him by myself. He doesn't sleep in the car as much as he did and he wants to "see" what's going on around him, not look at the back of the car seat.

Uncle Mark-o and Aunt Jamie made it to Wyoming as well, so not only was Kailer spoiled by his Grandparents, but those two did a pretty good job of keeping him entertained as well. He's one lucky little boy to have such a loving family!

Kailer enjoying Thanksgiving Day sweet potatoes made by Grandma!

The day after Thanksgiving we braved the crowds and hit Rapid City for Black Friday. All I can say, is that it's a good thing Kailer was with us or nobody would have gotten anything. I came home with a sack as big as Santa's filled with presents for our little bug. I think somebody is going to be a little spoiled this Christmas!

Kailer in Cabela's on Black Friday ... the first time he actually sat in a cart.

On Saturday we went and spent the day at Grandpa Perino's. Again, Kailer was a trooper for a full day of having to entertain the adults. :)

Kailer, Great-Grandpa and Grandpa

But the fun wasn't over yet. On Saturday night Allison Farella brought up her 2-month old, Carter, to meet Kailer. Kailer was totally into Carter, wanting to hold his hand and give him kisses. I was surprised to see a 6 month old so in-tune to another little person. It was neat to see and it made me a proud momma to see my little boy being so loving. I think these two will definitely be play-mates and I look forward to the next time Kailer and Carter get to "play" together.

Kailer and Carter

So after a busy 4 days of being taken here and there, in and out of the car and passed from person to person we headed home on Sunday. Kailer was glad to be home, see his daddy and puppy and sleep in his own bed. However, we desperately miss seeing family and look forward to the next time we get to see them.

I don't know "for sure," but I think that Kailer might be asking God if these two ladies are ever going to leave him alone?!?! The answer: "NO"! :)

Kailer enjoying a relaxing bath before bed on our last night in Wyoming

(This is as "relaxed" as Kailer gets - he's always a wiggle worm!)

Jump-a-roo!!

Kailer's newest fascination is his jumper that is we got for him last week. He's always kicking, moving, "dancing," etc. so we thought he might enjoy a bouncer. We were right - he LOVES it!

I think his Aunt Jamie better be prepared on Wednesday when she sees him; he's likely to have created some new dance moves that he'll want her to learn. :) But we know she's up for the challenge and if I'm not careful she may just teach him the crocodile crawl!!

Baby Houdini

I'm finding that my life with a 5 1/2 month old isn't as easy as it used to be. There was a time when I could put Kailer in his swing, turn on an Einstein video grab a quick shower, start a load of laundry or wash dishes. However, recently things have changed.
In an attempt to keep my Type A personality in check, I am constantly trying to juggle taking care of Kailer, work, cleaning, cooking and organization. Not having everything "in order" can make me feel anxious - though I have to admit, I've started to let things slide. The most important thing to me now is my family and if that means a little dust on the coffee table "until tomorrow," then so be it.
During one of my Type A moments a couple of weeks ago, I decided that I was going to put Kailer in his swing for a moment while I swapped out the laundry. So I sat him in his swing and went into the laundry room. As I was putting the clothes into the dryer, I hear a faint little "plump" from the living room. Knowing that Kailer was in there by himself, I quickly went to see what had happened .... and there on the floor, holding onto the seat of his swing is Mr. Kailer - smiling! I quickly go to him and ask him, "are you okay?" He smiles and cooes ... I take that as a "yes." We've been having 'problems' with Kailer and his swing for awhile now. Even when he is buckled in, he finds a way to monkey himself sideways, so he gets stuck. OR he will sit up in his swing, hold onto the bottom, so his weight is uneven, the swing is barely moving (we're probably lucky we haven't burnt out the motor yet) and then because he doesn't have full trunk control yet, he'll get too far forward and once again get stuck. I tell ya - he's such a boy and it's no wonder he had a bruise on his shin!!

"What Mom, me? No I'm not getting into trouble."

Since putting Kailer in the swing without adult supervision is no longer acceptable, I thought I would put him on the floor of his bedroom on his playmat while I blow-dried my hair. He should be safe there .. and for the most part he was. Kailer is not big into rolling, he can do it (we've seen him) but he doesn't do it frequently. So I figure he's safe on the floor, no sharp objects are near, nothing to fall of off, I'm good for 10 minutes.

This is Kailer on his mat when I first put him down.

This is where I found Kailer 10 minutes later!!

This child has ways of getting around that amaze me. He literally would have had to of "backed" off the mat and then turned and moved toward his closet. Again, he was happy when I found him and not too concerned about the fact that he had moved.

So as our lives continue to evolve with our munchkin, everyday I ask myself, "what's next?"