Halloween and 8 months old

Helaina's First Halloween! Helaina's great-grandmother, Sitty Salwa, took a pair of Randy's scrubs and made a doctor's outfit just for Helaina. We added a stethoscope and scrub cap (actually it is mom's shower cap) and presto...Dr. Helaina Freij is ready to trick-or-treat. It was a little windy, but we took her to the neighboring houses in our subdivision. At one of the homes, she even picked her own candy from the bowl. What was Helaina's first pick from the bowl? It was a package of starburst...thanks Helaina, we love starburst in our home! Mom and Helaina with her pumpkin candy holder

Helaina with our fall decor

Lindsey, Alexis, Mom, Dad and Helaina

We don't even know this boy, but he still made our blog. The mall had trick or treating for kids on Saturday afternoon. We spotted this boy in his homemade Kentucky Fried Kitchen costume and couldn't resist a photo opp.

My aunt Vicki and cousins, Alexis and Lindsey, traveled from Valpo to visit for the weekend. On Friday we took Helaina to our community pool. She started swim lessons last week and just loves being in the water.

Friday evening we had a sleep over with Randy's cousins Emann and Rana. We watched scary movies and had our fill of popcorn. Saturday evening we visited haunted houses in the area. Next year we look forward to Helaina being able to enjoy the festivities just as much as mom and dad!

Fall Fun

Today Helaina did something she's never done before...fall asleep in her jumper. It was about 5 minutes before 9 am which is the the time she takes her first nap of the day . Looks like she knew it was nap time and wasn't waiting for us to put her to bed. This afternoon, we went to Wilson's Barn in Livonia. It's a great place for families and kids. They have pony rides, a pumpkin patch, crafts, story time, hay rides, and a small petting zoo. It's hard to believe that next year Helaina will be old enough to enjoy all of the activities.

This past weekend, we've been toughing out the eruption of Helaina's top right central incisor. This will be her fourth tooth in 2 weeks. She does pretty well for most of the day but is definitely a little more "sensitive" than normal. We're keeping our fingers crossed and sending our prayers to the big man above that our family stays sick free! All we've been hearing about is sick kids and adults everywhere...and it's only October!

Welcome Alina Sophia

Another beautiful baby is born! Our good friends Mark, Christina and Isabella Khoury welcomed their new daughter on Tuesday evening, October 20 at 10:45 pm. Alina Sophia Khoury weighed in at 5 lbs 14 oz and was 21 inches long. She came 3 weeks early but is a healthy baby. We had the opportunity to visit them at the hospital yesterday evening. We're so happy for Helaina to have yet another future playmate!

Teething

This picture is worth a chuckle! When Helaina has a bowel movement...it's no small feat!

In other news, Helaina got her first, second, and third teeth all THIS WEEK! Her 2 lower central incisors and 1 of the upper central incisors has broken through the gums. She's been a trooper through it all. Hardly any symptoms...just an increase in saliva and constant gnawing on her fingers and toys. Time is passing so quickly, and we are enjoying every moment!

Welcome Keegan Thomas

We'd like to wish a warm CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin Kati and her husband Chris. Today they welcomed their second son, Keegan Thomas Kerr. Kati and Keegan are doing well. Thinking of my aunt Linda and uncle Thom...I'm sure they are counting the minutes till they can make the trip from Valpo to Virginia to see meet their newest grandson.

Congratulations Megan and Alex!

Another great weekend! Helaina and I traveled back to Valpo to celebrate the wedding of my cousin Megan. Unfortunately, Randy was not able to come with us due to his work schedule.(Why must the Wings play hockey on the weekends?!?)
I've realized that when I attend weddings, I never capture a photo of the bride and groom together. Soo..here are a few from the evening. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hood...best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!

My aunt Vicki (my mom's sister) and my aunt Karen (mother of the bride and married to my dad's brother) Both my aunts, but on different sides of my family and been best friends for over 40 years (just a quick example of how small my town really is)

Megan and Uncle John breaking it down during the father daughter dance

Miss Helaina and me before we left for the wedding. She has been clapping for a couple weeks now and is becoming quite the poser for the camera.

Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Walter with Helaina. Great Grandma is almost fully recovered from her pacemaker procedure. She's finally able to drive and resume her daily activities as normal. Hopefully at this time next year, Helaina will be old enough to ride in the tractor with Great-Grandpa while he harvests the crops.
The next picture should come with a caution label. Maybe something like this:

Warning: The image you are about to view may be disturbing and contains graphic content!

Look a little closer at Helaina's feet. Yes, those are 2 smelly turds on her feet and on my mom's finger. We pulled off her overnight diaper without realizing she had left us a present. Miraculously it didn't smear, but ended up on her feet. I thinks she's smiling because she knows she just played a good trick on her momma and grandmother.

As I retold all the events of the weekend to Randy, I am reminded of how much God continues to bestow his blessing upon us. Helaina travels so well and continues to adapt to all situations and new experiences. I'm thankful for a loving family and friends who make us feel so special when we visit and treat Helaina like she is a little princess. Randy and I are proud parents, and we thank you for letting us share our daughter with you.

Helaina's Gifts from Ramallah

Helaina received some very special gifts this week...just in time for the crisp fall weather. The gifts traveled a very long distance to reach our precious Helaina. Randy's family is from Ramallah, Palestine, a city about 10 miles north of Jerusalem. Halo Ibrahim (Randy's mom's brother) and Auntie Marlain (his wife) live in Ramallah and continue to watch Helaina grow through pictures and posts on the blog. This post is especially for Halo and Auntie. Auntie Marlain hand made 2 coats and hats and booties and sent them to Livonia for Helaina to enjoy. They fit perfectly and are sure to keep her warm in this cool Michigan weather.

I think this may be her favorite...the facial expression says it all!

THANK YOU THANK YOU HALO AND AUNTIE! LOVE, Helaina