Happy Mae

Addie tries out for Blue Man Group.

2009-04-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Childrens Musem with Hannah and Olivia

2009-03-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks Heather for the chance to make some new friends, I look forward to playing with them again.

Spring is here!

2009-03-17T20:08:00.001-07:00

Fall

2008-10-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Addie Mae and I had nasty colds this weekend. I could not stand missing out on the changing leaves and autumn sunshine, so Friday we took a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon for a walk. I love this time of year it's a sweet break from the oppresive heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter. I recommend that all of you take a minute to enjoy this magical time of year!

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."
-Emily Bronte

Improvised Gymnastics

2008-10-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Addie Mae has recently learned to somersault, it seems I could use some practice. Like most dads, I want nothing more than to impress my daughter on a daily basis, how else can I be sure to maintain my status as her number one man. To do so I thought I could put together a routine that would surely dazzle her mind, a somersault into handstand, using the wall as an anchor. I testify to the sound execution of my routine, the wall however could not absorb the magnificance of such a maneuver. However, I will say that Addie Mae was still quite impressed.

Lagoon

2008-09-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

Lagoon Day with Heidi, Daniel and my friend Noa. The space cruiser was a little fast for my liking, but I held it together. After all the excitement I was a bit tuckered.

Lake Mary

2008-09-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

This was our favortie hiking spot this summer. Not to long, sandy beaches, and fat chipmonks.

Utah State Fair

2008-09-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Deep fried Oreos covered in powdered sugar, cows, sheep, bunny rabbits, and a giant yellow slide!

A Bad Case of the Gimmie Gimmies

2008-09-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

With Independence comes Frustration
"The desire to explore the unknown can give you a major headache," says Sarah Hilton, mother of 15 month old Adeline Mae Sparks, "It's thrilling to be a part of someones new found freedom, but the none-stop whining can take its toll."

Yes, Siree I'm walking!

2008-08-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

A place to think

2008-07-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

Sometime you need a place to think.
Addie Mae has taken to hanging out in the cupboard we keep our pots and pans in; it reminds me of the little brother in "Christmas Story".

Zoo Redemption

2008-07-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

We made another trip to the Zoo today and I am glad to say it was much better than the last time. The animals for the most part were awake and we even caught the bird show which is really cool, a hawk flew right over the top of Shaun's head. WOW!

The Speedy Turtle

2008-07-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

Shaun and I have taken the week off of work and we are trying to do something fun with Addie every day. Monday we took her to Liberty park and after feeding the geese we put our fears aside and let her ride the attractions. They may have been a little dated ( I think I have seen a photo of my father in the Speedy Turtle circa 1956) but it runs like a champ and Addie had the best time!

4th of Julys

2008-07-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Addie Mae on her first 4th.

This year Addie brought more intensity to the holiday.
My sweet little girl did not enjoy the fire works. The screaming crackle was a bit to much for her.

12 month update

2008-06-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Dad keeps throwing out this rhetoric. He’ll say things like, “talk minus action equals zero young lady,” or, “you got to give the people what they want.” I can hardly take these remarks as words of encouragement; I’m the type of person who favors a gentle nudging when it comes to doing something. If you haven’t guessed already I’m referring to this little blog here, and the fact that I promised bi-annual updates to my friends and family. I could pinch myself for pledging my time to such a thing. I would you know. Pinch myself. But being only a week past my first birthday I’m still lacking the skill to form a proper pincer.

It’s not that I didn’t want to write you all. It’s just that lately I haven’t been at the top of my game. First of all my schedule was thrown off by a weekend get away to Southern Utah. Despite my disdain for the car seat I did remarkably well. I only insist that one of my parents share the back seat with me at all times, to keep the boredom bug from biting. This requires more than just sitting: funny faces must be made, books must be read, and my entire toy collection must be kept in constant rotation. I know it’s a little selfish on my part, but it benefits all parties involved, trust me. On Saturday May 10^th we hiked to calf-creek falls, it was quite the undertaking for my parents. For me, I sat comfortably in a pack taking in the sights and sounds. The beauty of that country is truly awe-inspiring. If any of you have spent time with me you know what I’m talking about. If my eye spies something I find to be curious two things take place: my index finger extends toward the location, and a vociferous, ‘AWE’ jumps from my mouth.

IT WAS A GREAT TRIP!

In the weeks that followed our return to the city I had some trouble sleeping. I don’t really know why. I think I might have been a little stressed out by the idea of turning one. To have an actual numerical value assigned to my age. There is a lot of responsibility wrapped up in that milestone: the pressure to walk, learn to say a few words, handle a sippy cup. For about a week and half there I just couldn’t get comfortable. I tossed and turned waking up every couple hours for a bite to eat. My parents looked on the bright side, they hoped my new appetite might get me to the coveted 20 lb marker, at which point I could sit forward facing in my car seat, have a view of the open road, maybe allow mom to sit shotgun. But it was not to be. I weighed in last Friday at a mere 18.5 lbs; it seems I’m destined to stare at the synthetic grey upholstery of the back seat, as for my parents, they will continue conversing as though in the cockpit of a fighter-jet, dad keeping us on coarse while mom scopes the target. So goes life I guess.

Fortunate for us all my erratic sleep pattern seemed to right itself before my party. Oh what a grand affair it turned out to be. Thirty people showed up to shower me with smiles and gifts. Mom went above and beyond the call of duty. She made enough Brisket to feed an insurgency, and painstakingly decorated the most fantastic cupcakes. Thanks to the generosity of so many friends my library has expanded to include some very fine volumes, and I’m fairly confident I won’t have to buy any clothes until Kindergarten. Thanks to my Great Grandpa Hilton I’m rolling through the avenues in a pretty sweet ride, who knew the man had such great taste in cars. My mom gave me the best gift of all though, a summer membership to the Little Gym. If there was ever any doubt among you as to my future star status, I ask that you catch one of my workouts. I am a fast and eager learner, the first to accept any challenge the instructor gives to the class. You just might see me at the Summer Games of 2024.

In closing I am happy to be here with you all. I love learning about this world and look forward to exploring it with more evermore independence. God bless you all, and until next time, Addie Mae.

Addie Mae and Grandpa Hilton

2008-06-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Zoo

2008-06-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

We learned something new as parents last Friday... animals at the zoo are a bit sluggish during the hottest part of the day. The big cats are snoozing, the bears are moping in the shade, and the monkeys aren't monkeying around. It seems that only the Giraffe was excited to see us.
Sorry Addie we will do better next time.
.

Addie Mae's First Birthday!

2008-06-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who made Addie Mae's first birthday so special.

Our trip to Torrey, Utah.

2008-05-12T10:50:00.001-07:00

The Addie and Daddy Band

2008-04-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

This is the much anticipated first release of the Addie and Daddy Band. They have plans for a West Coast tour this summer.....stay tuned for a schedule of dates and venues.

Meeting the Sazamas'

2008-04-25T21:52:00.001-07:00

The day that Noa came to play!

2008-04-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

Was also the day we had to let our kitties go. It has be been very hard and I still miss them but I am so grateful that Noa was here. She is so sweet it made it impossible to be sad. Thanks Noa

A CRIMINAL?

2008-04-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

It was hardly a crime of passion. I mean really, I doubt if I’ve played with the thing twice since I took it. But never-the-less I broke the law. And after weeks of guilt I’m ready to come clean about the whole sloppy affair. Now, before any of you go running for the phone to dial the authorities let’s take a moment to examine the details of the crime. Now I know I am youthful to say the least, but I’ve caught enough episodes of Law & Order to know that the question of intent plays a large role in determining ones guilt. So let me replay the events for you as I see them.

It was a warm Monday afternoon when my Mother and I entered the store. The thought of Shoplifting couldn’t have been farther from my mind. I think it relevant to say that at the time I was barley seven months old. The world is nothing more to me than a bedazzling array of new and interesting things. Something as simple as going to the grocery store sends me into a state-of- mind equal to what Mr. Bush might call, ‘Shock and Awe.’ I’m not kidding. The hum of fluorescent lamps, the bustling people, coupon dispensers, sale displays, I could go on and on.

On the day in question the grocery store proved no different for me, each aisle we shuffled along was an avenue of absolute wonderment. I cooed and cawed in marvel at jars of spaghetti sauce and boxes of detergent. We had just finished with one of the aisles when we encountered it, a wire carousel playing host to a variety of finger puppets. Admittedly I found these items intriguing, but I didn’t reach for one. In all honesty I was using the time afforded to circle the row as a chance to catch my breath, to regroup. But there it was, the elephant in the room, the finger puppet display. My Mom paused to consider it and so I did the same, but please bear in mind that my hands held tightly to her beaded necklace. It wasn’t until I heard her encouraging words, urging me to take one that I reached out and grabbed it. Now this wasn’t your average dollar store finger puppet, this was the read deal. In the great state of Minnesota, a skilled artisan had taken great care to assemble from polyester fibers, the perfect image of a dragon. The price tag a paltry $8.99.

The point I’m making is that the intent was entirely my Mother’s. If anything I’m guilty of obeying her commands. And so I reached out my paw and took the dragon from its perch. My excuse, I’m a baby! You could hand me a scorpion and I’d gladly accept it. I have no grasp of etiquette, I know not the social boundary I crossed. And so when it was later discovered that I still held tight to the puppet despite being a block from home, I ask you, am I to blame? Is my conscience to continue pinching at my soul? Am I not worthy of vindication?

I must say that getting this out makes me feel so much better. I think I could sleep through the night but I don’t want to screw up my parent’s schedule. As far as other things go. I’m nearing my first birthday and the buzz around town is that it should be a pretty good party. If you’re reading this blog you better be there. So yeah, in other news, I pulled myself up today and I’m now playing ball, nothing serious, just rolling it back and fourth with mom and dad. Thanks Daisy.

Take Care Everyone! Until next time!

Happy Mae

More Tunnel Photos

2008-03-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Tunnel O' Fun

2008-03-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

My parents gave this tunnel to Addie for Christmas and now that she is "crawling" she loves it. I am amazed at how quickly she learns new things. On Easter I realized that she was sitting her self up and I couldn't remember if I seen her do it before (Shaun and Daisy both had) and not notice or if it really was the first time. I had no idea I could be so proud of another person's accomplishments, I think it's one of the best parts of motherhood.

2008-03-26T20:04:00.001-07:00

Easter message from Great Grandpa Hank-
"Happy Easter, Happy Easter to everyone! The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior... is GREAT!"

Biannual update

2008-03-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Hello family and freinds, this is the officaial first installment of what I hope to be a recurring update. Subjects will vary from likes to dislikes, important events, and my general impressions of babyhood.
As many of you know I celebrated six months on this planet last Saturday, December 8th. The day mattered little to me but the milestone delighted my parents immensely. Dad had to work but mom had the day off, and in honor of the occasion took me shopping with Uncle Sean. She bought me a book about an itsy-bitsy spider and some nifty socks. The book about the spider is a good read but it left me a bit confused. The spider in the story is charming and freindly and my parents speak warmly of him, but the spider in my bedroom the other night sent them both into a full-blown conniption. Mom shrieked and gathered me up protectively while dad set about hunting the thing with a paper-towel. He cursed repeatedly until he found the spider and squished the life from it. Apparently you can only trust spiders that have books written about them.
As for the socks mom purchased they too are very nice, they are brightly colored and striped and I long for the chance to taste them, but they're in the laundry.

Recently I started up on solid foods; my mom feeds me spoonfuls of apple and banana mush while I kick excitedly in my highchair. And this is great! Variety is the spice of life right? But just once I would like to be granted carte blanche to devour an article of my clothing. If such an opportunity was presented to me I would gobble up one of my new socks with utter abandon.
This brings me to my next point. Lacking the strength to fend my parents off from an object of my wanting is beyond vexing. One case in point occurred on the very Saturday marking my six months in the world. My parents brought a tree into the house. At first I was suspicious of the idea, but when they started to hang lights on the thing I became an instant fan. Who wouldn't be? Initially my parents included me in the fun. Cradled in their arms they proceeded to dangle extravagent objects in my face. Reflecting bulbs of red and green, small woven animals suspended by strings. I was going mad with desire, but every time I wrapped my fingers around one of these items it was yanked from my grasp and hung mockingly on the tree. Why must they be so cruel? I have asked them this question on numerous occasions but they've never offered an explanation. They only smile and make cooing noises. Parents!
Now that I seem to be ranting let's continue with the theme: Things My Parents Do To Annoy Me. My dad seems to think I enjoy hanging upside down and being swung back and forth like a pendulum. I have puked on him twice but the activity still continues. I am also praying he breaks down and buys himself some Chap Stick. Being kissed by the man is like having pummice stone scraped along your cheek.
Mom is great for the most part, a real trooper. She has taken up an intense dietary routine in an effort to regulate my bowels. Go Mom! However she does perform these bizzare rituals on me every morning and night. Once naked I am thoroughly rubbed down in some kind of oily goo; a strange solution is then shot up my nose, and then out comes the apparatus. This thing is plugged into my nostrils and made to suck out my insides. Although it doesn't really hurt the process can be very traumatic first thing in the morning.
All in All I'm enjoying life. My parents and my dear Aunt Daisy look after my every need. If I'm hungry I'm fed. If I'm cold I'm cuddled. It is great to be young and irresistable. I've been up to the mountains a few times and even caught a baseball game with my close friends. I'm finding I like sports quite a lot and I wish mom would let dad and I watch more Jazz games. Maybe she'll read this and consider my request. Well I better get moving; Elmo's World is about to start. I wish you all the best and until next time keep my adorable self foremost in your thoughts.

Our hair had a party last night!

2008-03-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Captured by toys

2008-03-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

digging for records

2008-03-22T20:47:00.000-07:00

Dad thinks it is so cute when I flip through his records. I wonder what he will think when I try to eat one?