26 Years Ago Today Our Soft Lamb Arrives

It is beyond my comprehension that 26 years have passed since our 'Haley Maley' entered our lives and changed our little family forever.  No longer did we have the needs of one child to look after but now two and we had no idea what type of challenges we would face with our dear little Haley.  Her birth should have been a clue, however, when Holly had a difficult labor and delivered Haley posterior which is to say that she was born upside down.  Her entry into this world was a bit of a shock to both Holly and myself.  We never anticipated that our new baby girl would look more like a 'Papoose' than a clone of her sister Danielle.  She was beautiful none the less with lots of dark, dark hair, olive colored skin and a bruise that covered almost her entire forehead.  Her birth must have been difficult on her as well but perhaps it was the tough beginning that gave her the strength and character that she would need to face and overcome challenges and develop her strong will and sense of independence that we see in her today.

Haley Larsen, Born Sept. 24, 1986

 As parents you never expect that your little ones should ever be put in harms way, but in those early months with Haley we learned to rely on God and our faith more than we ever had to before.  Shortly after her bruising resolved we noted a lump near her groin that would protrude when she cried.  Testing revealed that she had a herniated ovary that would require surgery.  It just seems like yesterday that we handed over our precious Haley to the nurse and then sat and waited and prayed in the waiting area as they performed the surgery.  Thankfully our prayers were answered and she has not had any further problems to this day.  We thought we were in the clear but Haley was not done testing us yet when she woke up one morning looking like the picture below:

Purpura

This is a rare condition that occurs as a result of an adverse reaction to a virus and is called 'Purpura'.  At the time we were shocked as you can imagine and again our faith was tested and she healed with no lingering effects.  When we came to Canada the doctor that evaluated Haley was surprised to hear that she had had this condition and told us how dangerous it was.  As young, poor student parents we truly were blessed with our children and their ability to overcome.  Our ride with Haley has been one of smiles, laughter, lots of hugs and kisses with some adversity thrown in to challenge the way.  Haley is our soft lamb, as a small child she loved to snuggle up with Holly or myself and just be held.  She enjoyed being with her siblings and playing for hours on end with Barbies and Dress Up.  My Mom loved having the girls visit her and she always made sure there were plenty of dress up clothes they could use to entertain them while there.  As well as brownies, cause Haley 'loves them'.

Dress Up at Grandma Lynn's

Haley was the most independent of our children from the very start and had a very unique, goofy personality and could make us laugh at the drop of a hat.  I used to love to come home from work and sit next to her at the dinner table knowing that she would lean her head over and want to 'bonk' it with mine - even before she could say 'bonk'.

'Bonk'

But that independent streak sometimes got her into trouble but she was never afraid to try new things or to test the laws of nature.  Like thinking to herself while standing on a ladder at the park, "I wonder what would happen if I let go?"  Well, ask her what does happen.  You crack your head open on the rocks below - blasted gravity.

Haley's Bath Belly

Danielle and Haley were the best of friends in those early years spending literaly every waking moment together and giving their mom a chance to get things done around the house.   Bath time was always an anticipated time of the day, mostly so Haley could see how much bath water she could drink with the result above.  I'm happy to report at least as far as I know that she no longer does this.

I Love You, I Love You, I Love You - and a pinch to be sure.

When our Kelsey came along, bath time continued to be a big part of the day but Haley was a bit unsure of having a little sister stealing a bit of her thunder and was not afraid to let her know it.  That didn't last long and all our girls were a delight to have running about our home, playing and laughing and filling our home with joy.  I would say of all our children, Haley was the one that perhaps was the most mischievous and interested in testing the boundaries of our discipline.  She wasn't afraid to try new things like what lotion would do for your hair.

Oh Yeah!

As I mentioned above, Haley has always had the gift to make us laugh - looking back over the years and the pictures we've collected I can't help but laugh at her silly grin, her playfulness with the camera and her fun personality.  It's kind of melancholy for her mom and I when we look at where the years have been and wishing we could turn back the hands of time and do it all over again.

Haley the Troll, Danielle the Concerned Older Sister

Haley's Joyful Punum

Haley's Infectious Smile with Danielle

Yup, Haley has created quite a ride for us throughout the years but that's why we love her so much.  I'm not quite sure how we got a daughter with liberal views coming from our home, but that is just one more way that she is unique and special in her own right.  She is generous and caring of others and I know one of her greatest joys is being a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews and I know they love to be with their Aunt Haley.  She is indeed our soft lamb and always will be with a tender heart and a bright outlook for the future.  Many have and will be blessed for having Haley play a part in their lives - that's why she is such an amazing teacher.  First of our children to graduate from university and we could not be more proud of our 'Haley Maley'.  So glad we got to share birthday cake with her yesterday and that she has brought a wonderful young man into our lives as well, Des West-Chow.  We look forward to their impending wedding and are anxious to see Haley deal with her own little crew.

Utah Trip with Annual Hat Trip to Smith & Edwards

Haley's Grad

Hawaii Trip

Haley and her niece, Lillian

Kindred Spirits, Cory and Haley Christmas 2011

 And yes, Haley is still scared of clowns, but we're not quite sure why, perhaps as a result of her dress up days but then again she should be more afraid of Snow White, after all she did have black/grey hair for a month after that Halloween experience.

Halloween Clown

Haley as Snow White

Haley still makes us laugh and she is and will always be our 'Soft Lamb' and that's the truth.  Love you Haley - Happy Birthday!

Haley and Des