Team Alix

20 Years Ago Today

2012-02-08T20:22:00.004-05:00

20 years ago today heaven gained a beautiful soul. I miss my friend and think of him so often. My memories of him are from my very early childhood and while there are probably only about two dozen or so that are still clear and detailed, he was one of the main ingredients that made my childhood magical and fun and taught me that friendships are blessings and last a lifetime and beyond.

June 30, 1981

A week or so ago I was looking for a Valentine's shirt for Harper and came across this one at Target.

wearing her Snoopy shirt today, February 8, 2012

My friend's family nickname was Snoopy, so I could not resist.

I love science and I don't really find much contradiction between it and Christianity. It merely explains how God did what he did. How His beautiful creation works the way it does. But there is so very much more to everything than just a bunch of molecules bumping around. On days like today, when memories of the sorrow that we all felt 20 years ago are fresh again I am glad to know that there's A Plan and A Purpose and A Promise for an eternity spent together. I feel so blessed that I got to be part of The Plan for Snoopy's short life on earth and that he was part of mine. My heart is eternally thankful.

I hope you know how many people are remembering you, my friend. New and old. We all love you so.

In Which I Hope & Pray The Whole Year Is Not Like This - Take 2

2012-02-06T20:41:00.010-05:00

So for days I have been trying to get myself to write Harper's birthday letter. Actually it's fair to say weeks, at this point, I think. She turned 15 months old twelve days ago. I've been wrestling with just writing it late, or combining it into her 16 month letter. I think, after counting it out on the calendar and then actually realizing it's been twelve days, that I'm just going to combine it with her 16 month letter.

And there it is: the first step to slacking off completely. At least I made it for 14 months on time.

Oh wait, I didn't. Her fourteen month letter was 8 days late, remember?

But I should put some sort of update on the good ole' family blog so that when I look back at this and wonder what happened, I'll remember:

December had it's ups (Christmas!! family time!! vacation!) and downs. Crappy miserable sad downs. And then it was behind us and I was ready for a new year and a fresh starts. Instead I got like my 4th bout of really bad asthma in as many months. Fed up, I went to the doctor's and she put me on the strong prescription. I could breath again the next day. Well enough that I got to enjoy sledding with my daughter for the very first time.

The next weekend began with Harper waking in the night screaming for no apparent reason and moments later, Rob was gifted with the stomach bug. After an hour of trying to get Harper back to sleep I had to let her cry it out a little even though it meant keeping her poor sick father awake. Saturday morning I took Harper to my mother's in an attempt to keep her from getting the tummy bug. It seemed like the right thing to do; protect the baby. And yet, I never really felt like I was doing the right thing because to me "taking the baby to Grandma's so she doesn't get the tummy bug" sounds a lot like "ditching your husband when he's sick". Doing the right thing felt a lot like guilt that day.

When we got home that night Rob was already on the mend and by Sunday morning he was doing much better. But Harper's eyes started gooping and I began to take notice of how often I was wiping them....though it didn't seem to be pink eye. Monday morning she awoke to her eye lids crusted shut and I called school and work to let them know we weren't coming. Rob almost made it out the door, but the tummy bug decided to take him down for one more day.

After a few hours Harper was bored and her eyes were completely clear so I took her to school. She fell asleep in the car and I questioned myself the whole way there: " shouldn't I have just put her down for a nap in her own bed and then I wouldn't have to wake her when we get to school in 20 minutes?" When we got there I woke her and took her in and the director told me she couldn't stay until I had a doctor's note saying it wasn't pink eye.

I went out to the car, made the doctor's appointment and then cried the whole way there because I felt like the worst mother in the world. She didn't get a good nap, I teased her with the idea of playing with her friends and I tried to drop her off at school when she wasn't well, only to have another adult have to point it out to me. Sometimes I feel like I do an okay job being a mother. And sometimes I know I fail miserably. And when I fail miserably I am my own worst critic and I heap the guilt on myself so badly that it's hard to breathe.

Turns out she didn't have pink eye. She had double ear infections. More guilt.

We all made it through the rest of the week okay. Rob was well enough to return to work Tuesday. I kept Harper home another day and we went back to work and school on Wednesday. On Saturday Rob went to Vermont for a bachelor party and Harper and I spent some time with Grandma.

Turns out Sunday it was my turn for the stomach bug. Grandma saved the day, coming to help care for Harper until Rob could get home from Vermont. He got home before noon and planned to take Harper to his mother's house to keep her from getting the bug, too. But when Harper woke from her nap she had a fever over 103, so those plans were scrapped and we all just gave in to the fact that we lost the battle and Rob gave up his Super Bowl pans to care for us.

Today is Monday. I called the doctor first thing this morning. I wanted them to check Harper's ears and make sure the fever wasn't related. She was stumbling all over the place and I wasn't sure if it was just because she felt terrible or if the medicine wasn't working and her balance was affected by the infection in her ears. I believe I made a better mothering choice today than last Monday.

This morning I got a text message letting me know that my mother is now suffering with the stomach bug. What an awful reward for saving us for the last 2 weekends. I feel awful knowing that we gave it to her while she was trying to help us. And since she watched Noah and Lainie last night, I now wait to hear if we passed it on their family, as well. More guilt.

The rest of February is looking really busy with no room for additional illness. I am choosing to believe that it is a good mother and a good wife and a good daughter and a good sister who prays for her family's health and not an act of selfish guilt.

It's not often that I complain here, in fact I think the last time I was anything but upbeat was around this general time last year. Once a year isn't bad, right?

If you're wondering how things are now, this should sum it up:

February 6, 2012 - as I write this now.

We are peaceful and content. We rest in the knowledge that God is in control and really, nothing permanent or life threatening has happened.

It just made us all feel really badly for a while.

Watermarks

2012-02-04T22:30:00.002-05:00

I have no training in photo editing. Nothing. Feeling my way through Photoshop Elements can be rather painful, actually. Most of the time I bumble around in there and try my best, happy with any result that is better than what I started with. I don't mind learning like that.

But then there are times when I want it to do a specific thing for me. And I sometimes have no idea where to even start. Or what half of the vernacular means. And then it is exceedingly frustrating.

I am thrilled that after an embarrassingly long time frustrating myself, I finally learned how to make the exact watermark I've wanted for my pictures. So I thought I'd show it to you with some of the most beautiful models available.

Thumper

Penny

Emmy - her eyes are gorgeous!

Harper's First: Sledding

2012-01-21T18:02:00.007-05:00

We finally got some snow today (this has been the weirdest winter!). Not a whole bunch, but it snowed most of the day and we ended up with a few inches of soft fluffy dry snow. On top of the inch or two we had gotten on Thursday. Enough for sledding and just the right amount for Harper to manage walking in it on her own.

January 21, 2012

She had been playing in the snow at school when they'd go out during the day, so we knew she'd be okay out there. (we're told she mimics the older kids who are trying to make snow angels by laying on her tummy and just wiggling her arms and legs)

We'd never even seen her in her snowsuit yet, and she'd never been sledding, so today was the perfect day for it.

We went over to my mom's house. It's not far from ours so we didn't have to worry about traveling on bad roads. She has a small hill in her yard that was just about the right size. Daddy and Harper went first.

She cries at the bottom for a moment, and Rob yells up that she got snow in her face.

But when we asked her if she wanted to go again she said yes. So then it was Mommy's and Harper's turn to go together.

We rode down in the same track that Daddy and Harper had made and we went pretty fast!

Fast enough that I got a little worried about the trees and brush ahead, and so I stuck my foot out to slow us down. It veered us off to the left.

And I know she looks pretty happy in that last picture, but the truth is that she's crying again. When I stuck my foot in the snow, I totally whitewashed her. (hanging my head in shame) Look at how much snow I cleaned off the sled - all of it landed there after hitting my sweet babe in the face. Ouch.

But she got right back on the sled for the ride up!

And when I asked her if she wanted to go again she said yes! I couldn't believe it after getting a face full of snow! So we set her up on the sled with Daddy and then she started crying. She was done. Two runs were enough for her so we put the sled away.

But she didn't want to go inside yet either, so we let her loose to explore on her own.

snotsicles

And then.... she she called it quits!

A Story In Pictures - Unit Blocks

2012-01-17T18:15:00.000-05:00

Her great grandfather Disbrow would love to see her building already.

Christmas Day Recap

2012-01-15T20:04:00.006-05:00

To keep with the theme of the last post, here you go:

Christmas Day. Three weeks late.

If you remember, we had been out celebrating with Rob's family on Christmas Eve. Even though we wrapped it up much earlier than we usually do, it was still a very late night for Harper. We debated letting her sleep in on Christmas morning, but then realized that she'd never nap in the afternoon, so we decided to get her up at normal time and hope she'd stick to her usual morning nap before we went to my mom's to celebrate with the whole family.

She looks a little surprised to be photographed so early.

We moved into the living room to see what Santa had brought her. For not wanting anything to do with Santa, she didn't have any problems accepting gifts from him!

Santa brough a Mr. Potato Head. And Mommy had fun with her camera (ooh! bokeh!)

I couldn't believe that Harper had not only the concept but the dexterity to do it mastered in no time.

And she even knew to try the glasses on herself!

And share them with her best friend :)

Santa also brought her an easel and some dry erase crayons.

The whole family was together to enjoy Christmas morning, even super-shy Emmy.

Soon enough Harper started to get sleepy and it was time for her nap. We washed the crayon off her face and tucked her in.

After a nap and a tubby, we headed to Grandma's house to celebrate.

Harper kept herself busy playing with the buckles on her booster seat while she waited for her cousins to arrive.

As soon as they got there she ~~helped Lainie out of her carseat~~ buckled Lainie in over and over again while she slept...

...and played cars with Noah.

We opened stockings,

loved on the little ones,

and exchanged gifts with one another.

(yes, Adam is blowing up a whoopie cushion!)

The toddlers were enjoying Grandpa's stories.

Harper gave Noah a bucket of bristle blocks fr Christmas and they busted into them.

It was Noah's idea to build some train tracks for Thomas.

Just as we had all predicted, there was too much excitement and fun for any one one other than Lainie to get a nap. So we tried to help the toddlers wind down and relax a little. Adam and Noah enjoyed a book together.

And Grandma read Harper's new book to her.

Sweet Lainie snuggled with her uncle.

It was so much fun to see Noah and Harper start to participate and understand what was happening. I can't wait until next year- they'll understand it that much more and Lainie will enjoy it, too! Harper didn't even make it to the end of Grandma's street before she had fallen asleep in the back seat of the car.We had a wonderful two days of celebrating with all of our family.

Christmas Eve Recap

2012-01-14T08:26:00.004-05:00

I think we can all agree now that I am not very good about blogging in real time. I'm always late. But I keep trying. I tell myself that's what really counts. But I know it only really counts if it gets done, so I keep trying even if it's late.

And now, on January 14, I present to you : Christmas Eve.

Three weeks late.

On Christmas Eve we celebrate with the Rob's family. Sometimes there is a lot of family there and sometimes it's just us and sometimes there are friends who drop in, too. It's always a good night. Always.

I'll have to warn you that the pictures I took (and the ones I didn't take, but found on my memory card!) are really Harper-centric. I know you've come to expect that around here, but I also don't want anyone feeling slighted if they did not appear - we love you all, but I think we were pretty excited about capturing someone's first Christmas that she participated in.

Harper got a tricycle. She insisted on being driven around the house.

She is obsessed. Obsessed.

She's also obsessed with Nana's tree. Nana's tree is out all year and decorated for every holiday/season. So far Harper has been pretty good about the decorations. But ever since we put our Christmas tree up at home and let her redecorate it whenever she wanted to and play with all the ornaments, she thought she could do the same thing to Nana's tree. She nearly pulled it completely over multiple times that night. Sorry Nana.

The Horans down in Virginia sent Harper this beautiful smocked dress for Christmas and the adorable shiny black shoes that she's wearing, too. It was so precious. And what a thoughtful gift!

Sharing an ornament she stole off the tree.

Riding her bike!!

See? I did get some pictures of people other than Harper!

Getting very sleepy....

...so we switched to PJs, pulled out the piggy-tails and helped others open their gifts.

Harper was so tired, but refused to give in. To keep herself going, she put on a dance show. The dinosaur she got as a gift and it played music. She'd climb up on the box (which contained my christmas present - thank you Secret Santa! Harper didn't break it by dancing on it all night!) And she put on a show for us!

Marching, dancing, wiggling. She's climb up on the box, do her thing, and then get down. Up. Down. Up. Down. Stumbling, tripping, exhausted, giddy.

And very much aware that she had an audience.

We were laughing so hard!

Harper had gotten that Jesus figurine as a gift from her daycare. She had been carrying him around for days, calling him "GEEE!" and then we realized he had some kind of sticky adhesive on the bottom. So we stuck him to her "dashboard".

The night ended much earlier than it used to. Babies do that to parties. But we also needed to make it home in time for Santa to come! Harper barely made it from Nana & Grandpa's house to the highway before she was sound asleep in the car.

When we got home we put her to bed, filled her stocking, and set out her gifts. With a little help from a curious Thumper.

Baby Girl Cousins

2012-01-10T20:58:00.009-05:00

This past Saturday Sarah asked me if I would watch Lainie for a little while in the morning until Adam could come get her after Noah's soccer practice.

Would I?

I'd love to. I can't get enough of her!

I mean, how could you resist those eyes?

And those sweet little pudgy hands?

She's just gorgeous!

When Sarah dropped Lainie off, Harper was in her high chair eating breakfast. She was over that quick enough and she wanted to touch Lainie and say her name over and over and over again.

Nainie...

...Yainie...

....Dainie... she's working on it!

Harper was fascinated. She tried to rock Lainie, very much reminiscent of this video from last year. Actually a lot of our morning together reminded me of that whole post. She thinks she's being so gentle patting Lainie on the head, meanwhile I'm cringing and saving Lainie's poor eyes at the last second or catching Harper's "gentle" hand just before it lands on Lainie's soft spot with a slap.

But I also don't want to discourage her from loving on her cousin. I didn't grow up with a sister or a cousin close in age and right across town. These girls have a fabulous opportunity that I am slightly jealous of... but I am completely thrilled for them. And so I hope mornings like these will foster a special bond for them.

Even if it sometimes means that Harper smooshes your face cause laying right next to you still isn't close enough for her.

After all that tough lovin, Lainie was ready to be snuggled up safely in Uncle Rob's arms.

It was naptime for all the girls and Harper went upstairs to take hers while we got Lainie all to ourselves for a little bit.

Soon enough though, Adam and Noah showed up! Noah made a beeline to Harper's kitchen and let us know that he'd be "COOK-KIN!"

I cannot believe how tall he is getting.

Harper came down from her nap a little later, saw Rob holding Lainie and decided she wanted to. So Rob held Lainie out for Harper to hug.

and hug...

...until I am pretty sure Lainie had had enough.

But Harper wasn't done with her yet. She loved "holding" Lainie!

But Lainie, well... not so much.

And all Noah wanted was to hold Harper's hand, so they did.

And I think my heart nearly exploded.

Fourteen Months

2012-01-02T16:44:00.014-05:00

Dear Harper,

I am 8 days overdue for your birthday letter. What a bummer, especially since we've had almost the whole week off together and having lots of fun. Real life together will always trump letter writing and blogging, but I don't want to miss out on documenting our good times for you to look back on when you're all grown up.

This month we tried out size four diapers on you. And they leaked on you nearly every single time you peed! You poor thing; we'd get to the grocery store and take you out of your car seat only to find that your jeans were soaked. Or we'd get you out of bed in the morning and find that you had been sleeping in wet pajamas. It seems the leg holes were too big for you, so we put you back in size threes and you are doing just fine. You are starting to grow out of some of your clothes now too. We're going to have to start you in some of the 18-24 month clothes. You are just getting super tall and your pant legs are too short!

Your hair is starting to really grow in thicker and get much longer. At the nape of your neck it curls into ringlets - unless you've just woken up, and then it has also become long enough to give you some crazy bedhead and get tangled. I bought some de-tangling spray this month and you like to help me brush your hair... even if sometimes you use your toothbrush.

December 11 2011

You have also spent this month cutting all four of your 12 month molars. You poor thing, they are torturing you! This last one is almost through, so I guess I'll have to say it really happened in your 15th month, but the teething and pain were definitely this month. Each one, one at a time, has kept you up at night, required tylenol, caused a rash around your mouth from the insane amounts of drool and the incessant need for your binky for comfort, robbed you of your appetite and irritated your little bottom into a fierce diaper rash. I can't wait for these to be done so you can get a little relief. Oh, and we need a little relief, too. The whining is getting us. We can't blame you for being miserable, but you can't blame us for being tired of it; deal?

It is obvious that your receptive language is extensive - you understand nearly everything we are talking about, every thing we ask of you and now your expressive language skills are starting to take off this month, too. You have a number of words that you use frequently and sometimes you'll try a new one with a little encouragement ("Harper can you say ---?"). That one's always a crap shoot though - sometimes you'll try it with pride and sometimes the toddler in you gets the better of you and you simply won't try it just because we've asked you to. Then you just shake your head at us. You still sign for milk, but you've given up the others. Occasionally you will sign more, but usually now if you want more of something you say "please". Can't argue with that! I wish you'd use the sign or word for "help" though, did I mention the whining is wearing on us? Here are the words you have been using this month:
Mommy
Daddy
kitty (diddy)
Penny (eh-nny)
Buggy -our cat Thumper's nick name (Dougy)
juice (douce)
please (cheeeeese)
tree (teee)
lights (lye)
duckie
doggy
baby (this one also temporarily appears to be what you are calling your cousin Lainie and you pronounce it slowly and drawn out "bay-beee" while simultaneously sticking your finger in her eye/nose/cheek/ear and nodding)
cheese (sounds an awful lot like "please" but makes sense in context)
yes (ya, yep, yes)
Nana (nah - nah)
Grandma (guh-mee)
hi (you used to say it "hi-yeeee" but now it's regular "hi")
bye (when you said Hi as Hi-yeee, bye was pronounced as "hi". Since you've gotten "hi" down correctly, I haven't heard you use "bye", but you always wave!)
Jesus (Geee!!)

This month was full of Christmas celebrations and while you have made it very clear to us that you love opening presents, you've also made it clear that you very much dislike visiting Santa.

December 4 2011

And that was a shame because your Daddy was asked to play Santa at the Golf Course and you would have nothing to do with him! Once you warmed up a bit, the best you would do was wave from a safe distance.

December 18, 2011 - terrified of her own Daddy!

You have an insatiable curiosity for buckles, seat belts and zippers and your fine motor skills are blowing my mind.

Christmas Day 2011

You make it your mission to make sure Lainie is always strapped in safely.

Christmas Day 2011

And for Christmas Santa brought you a Mr. Potato Head and it took you about 2 minutes to figure out how to put his tongue where his ear should go. I can't believe you can do something so precise already and the amount of time you sit and concentrate on getting it right is well beyond your age.

Christmas Day 2011

Christmas has been a lot of fun with you this year. You loved putting up the tree and took ornaments off to play with every day. On the way home from school you would point out all the Christmas decorations you could see from your seat, yelling "teeee" or "lye". And when we got home and out of the car we had to talk about all of the neighbors trees and lights.

December 11 2011

We also have an angel decoration that is a music box. A little nativity scene goes around and she plays "Silent Night". She sat on a shelf that was out of your reach, but you'd ask for her by pointing and yelling "Geee!!!" That was what you called Baby Jesus this year. And then you'd put your arms up to be picked up. You would dance in our arms to the music until the cradle came into view and then you would point to baby Jesus and say "Geee!" with a big grin!

You are just starting to get into dramatic play. Sometimes you will ask for us to put your apron & chef's hat on you, but you are always working in your play kitchen. Santa brought you some pots and pans and you fill the pot up with all kinds of little toys and then stir it with the toy spatula.

Christmas Day 2011

You are a very loving "mother" to your dolls, and just the other night when you spent 2 hours awake for no apparent reason (teething?) you gulped down all but the last sip of milk in your cup and then tried to share it with Flat Kitty. You held her head carefully and then put the spout of your sippy cup to her little stitched-on mouth and said "mmmmmm". It was so precious that I momentarily forgot to be annoyed that we were not asleep at 3 am while you played with your lovey.

Christmas Day 2011

My darling, you are a busy and bright little girl. I am absolutely enjoying every moment of watching you grow up (except for the whining; can you give that a rest for a little bit and let me catch my breath?) I love seeing how uniquely different you are and what special talents and interests you have that are all your own. I love you baby, you are so special!

Love,
Mommy

2011 Year End Wrap Up

2011-12-31T17:33:00.033-05:00

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Working parenthood - what a trip!! I was on the other side of childcare for the first time and while I think it helped that I had the experience of being the care provider, I was definitely experiencing being the parent for the first time.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
We aren't really resolution kind of people and have never actually made them. But then again, maybe that's the problem. Setting goals is probably a good thing. This year I want to blog more often and that includes the sadly neglected Lou Lou's. And I really want to make sure that this is the year I capture the blog in book format for our family. We also made some personal financial and family goals and we'll see how it goes.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Steve & Sarah had baby Layla.
Pam & Kevin had baby Kole.

July 3 2011

Sarah & Adam had baby Lainie.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Rob lost his high school coach and also a family friend, Ricky Kazarian.

5. Did anyone close to you get engaged/married?
Stef and Marc got engaged!

November 24, 2007

Molly & Greg got married in August!

August 20, 2011

Erica & Dave got married in October!

August 20, 2011

Mike & Katie got engaged and will get married in Feb 2012!

6. Where did you vacation this year?
In April we enjoyed a long weekend in Maine to celebrate Rob's Father's birthday.

April 2 2011

I took a trip to Beaufort, South Carolina in August to attend Molly's wedding.

August 19, 2011

In September we spent some time on The Cape with Holly & Josh.

7. What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
October 26 2011 - Harper's first birthday!

October 31, 2011 - Lainie was born!

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

We both finally got new jobs! Rob got a job that suits him perfectly and makes him really happy. It was a great achievement because he was up against a poor economy and going after a job that meant completely changing industries. Not only did he get a fabulous job with a great company, but he is excelling and enjoying his work.

9. What was your biggest failure?
We didn't set goals last year like we said we would...

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Harper had a rough autumn - she had 2 ER visits and one resulted in an overnight stay at the hospital.

October 31, 2011

Rob re-injured his back in the spring and has been dealing with back and leg pain ever since. And because of a long and warm fall/early winter my allergies and asthma were really bothersome. But overall we've been very healthy and can't complain!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
The jogging stroller - a fabulous Cragslist find that is used often!

12. Where did most of your money go?
Harper's daycare; worth every penny as long as she's safe, thriving and happy there!

13. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
That's hard to say, right now I am really really really excited about my new 2012 planner that I just ordered. I'm such a nerd. We were really really really excited about a new niece, Lainie and thrilled that she is here and our family is growing!

Christmas Day 2011

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?
We've got nothing for this one....there really isn't anything that stands out.

15. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
A) happier, for sure!
B) fatter - although for the record, I did lose all of the baby weight and then some... I just found some of it again after I went back to work and sat on my rump all day.
C) richer and poorer. We both got new jobs this year, but we are also paying for daycare.

16. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Lots of things - for one, I wish I had blogged more often. I really had a difficult time trying to live life balanced with keeping a record so we could look back and remember all of it. In the end I more often chose to be present with my family in real time. But I do want to keep going with the blog as a way to give our child(ren?) the gift of our family history.

17. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Complaining and worrying. There were a lot of new challenges this year and sometimes we forgot to trust God completely and worried too much about how it would all happen. And of course it always turned out just fine.

18. How did you spend Christmas?
A few days before Christmas we got together at my mom's house to celebrate with Chelsey before she left to spend Christmas with her mother. We spent Christmas Eve with the Alixes. On Christmas morning Harper opened presents from Santa and then we spent the day with the Trussells in Grandma's new house.

Some fabulous highlights were Harper dancing the night away on a giant box and Noah and Harper enjoying Christmas together.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
We really love Modern Family. Hysterical!

20. What was the best book you read?
I'm embarrassed to say neither of us have read anything this year.

21. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I think our greatest musical discovery is the discovery that Harper LOVES music. We can use it in the car to change her mood and we can get her to dance for us any time. It will always get a smile out of her!

22. What did you want and get?
New jobs! I've been very happy where I've been working and my new job was really just a new position within the same company. A fantastic move and I am much happier where I am now. Rob needed a new job with a new company in a new industry that made him happy - and God provided better than we cold have hoped for in that regard. We are thrilled and Rob is happy about going to work again!

23. What did you want and not get?
I don't know. I feel really blessed this year. Which, of course, created some new challenges. But as I said before, we also learned to trust God in new ways. I don't usually focus on what we don't have, but what we do have - a happy marriage, a healthy family, a roof over our heads, steady work and safe and nurturing care for Harper when she's at school. Oh, and good health care. We used that more this year than we ever have before and I am very thankful for it!

24. What was your favorite film of 2011?
Harry Potter!! We even went to the theatre for that one!

25. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Laura turned 33. I took the day off of work and Mom and I took Harper to get her 6 month baby pictures. The whole family came over for dinner that evening and I got a new camera!

April 22, 2011

Rob turned 32 and to celebrate the family went up to Billy's Chowder House together.

Harper turned 1. On her actual birthday we took her to get her 1 year pictures done. The weekend before we celebrated with a party for friends and family.

October 22, 2011

26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I have no idea... I seriously have no regrets and am happy with where we are. Sure, I'd love to win the lottery....

27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?
Laura: struggling with a new shape, clothes for work that are also easy to care for and hide drool/grubby hand prints well (I definitely have shown up for work with spit up on my shoulder or jelly fingerprints on my pant legs). The goal is to feel put-together but not have to work too hard to get that way. I'm still working on it...

Rob: Slacks and dress shirts but.... BUT!!!!! no more neckties everyday unless he's calling on a client. And he's psyched about that!

Harper: Super duper cute no matter what she's wearing. Definitely enjoying some hand me downs, but the overall goal is for her to enjoy being a kid and not worry about fussy clothes or not being allowed to get dirty.

28. What kept you sane?
Each other and Harper - she definitely has put a lot in perspective for us.

29. What political issue stirred you the most?
Inability to get things accomplished and blaming one another. You know; the usual.

30. Who did you miss?
I know we said this last year, but it has been especially true again this year. We miss our grandparents who were never able to meet Harper. It's an obvious hole when we realize she does something like one of them or looks like another one.

31. Who was the best new person you met?
Lainie wins this one. She's fabulous!

November 5 2011

32. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Just leap. It will be okay, you'll make it work. Stop holding yourself back.

Tis The Season

2011-12-07T20:22:00.016-05:00

Last week Rob was traveling for work. It was just me and Harper doing the regular Monday-Friday routine. But on Saturday morning when Harper woke up her Daddy was there and we crammed the weekend full of much needed family time!

December 3 2011

We had waited patiently for Daddy all week and now it was finally time to set up Christmas.

Oh that picture is so crazy -busy, but it's authentic. We pulled all the boxes up from the basement...

and then dug in and pulled each box apart. We made a colossal mess.

She helped a lot. I don't know how much help she'll be when it's time to take it all down and put it away, but as far as taking it all out goes, she was a huge help!

At one point we got talking about Harper seeing Santa and Rob went to get the family Santa suit to see how she did with it. She just saw Daddy wearing a red jacket so she wasn't nervous at all. So we figured we'd be fine. Ha. And that's a little foreshadowing for ya...

It might not be her first Christmas, but it was the first time my little girl helped me decorate the Christmas tree. I loved it.

No, we didn't get to put out half of the ornaments. And yes, the tree is really top heavy because we put the majority up high and out of her reach. But I just adore the way she decorates and redecorates our Christmas tree nearly every afternoon.

That bear she keeps going after was on our Christmas tree when I was a little girl.

I needed a picture of her in front of the tree for scale. She'll never be this little at Christmastime again and I don't wait to forget any of it.

Putting up the tree inside was actually pretty quick since we didn't put half of the ornaments on it. So we headed outside to do the trees in the front yard and hang the wreaths. As this blurry picture illustrates, Harper loves to be outside!

The tree in our front yard had gotten super tall in the last few years, but the freak snowstorm at Halloween broke it almost in half. Rob still needed the broom to get the lights to the top of the tree, but we only needed one strand this year. It's really kind of sad, I'm just so glad the poor tree didn't die.

That evening the living room felt like Christmas again. I love the tree all lit up at night. It feels magical again, the way I remember it as a kid.

After we had decorated outside, Harper took a nap and while she was sleeping I set up the other tree in the dining room for all of the Christmas Cards.

We had only gotten one so far, but it was Mom's. It got prime real estate on the front of the tree and I love this one so much I'll likely frame it so it can be part of our Christmas decorations every year.

On Sunday we headed to Rob's work Christmas party.

December 4 2011

They had a lovely afternoon put together for families: we brought a food donation for a needy family and they provided a magician, lunch, and Santa who passed out presents!

There were 80-something children there and Harper just jumped right in the mix. She had fun dancing with all of the kids and I really don't think she had any idea she was considerably smaller than everyone else!

While we waited in line to meet Santa we took some blurry pictures.

And then it was time.

We had talked to Harper about Santa. She had seen him come in. She had seen the other kids react to Santa with cheering and clapping. She even clapped, too!

And when we asked her if she wanted to take her picture with Santa, she nodded. So, we went for it.

She gave him a "who the @#%& are you?!" look and then this happened.

Needless to say, it did not go as well as last year.

The most social and friendly baby in the world wasn't having it!!! I am so glad we didn't wait 45 minutes in line at the mall and pay a small fortune!

Thirteen Months

2011-11-26T16:17:00.012-05:00

Dear Harper,

Last month we used some of your birthday money to buy you a big girl car seat- one that faces forward! I had taken it out of the car today to adjust the shoulder straps and you spent a good 20 minutes fastening the buckles together. You just knew they had to fit together and tried a few times without any luck. I showed you which two went together and you had it mastered a few short tries after that. From there you simply practiced and practiced putting them together.

November 5, 2011

You've had a wild month. Three days after your birthday you very quickly and without any warning came down with croup. We were visiting friends out of state and had to travel home in an early snowstorm. Even though we tried, as they recommend, to toggle you between the hot shower and the cold outside air, you continued to get worse throughout the night and by the next morning you were having trouble breathing. The storm had knocked the power out and so we took you to the Emergency Room, where they treated you unsuccessfully and sent you, by ambulance, to the ER at a bigger hospital. After a few hours in that ER you were admitted and spent one night.

We took this picture (with my phone) when we woke up in the hospital
because it was so nice to you were feeling much better.

Once you were released we had to spend the night at Nana and Grandpa's house because we had just gotten electricity back at our house, but didn't have any food and couldn't get any at the local stores. We also needed Nana's help because you were still too sick to go back to school but Mommy and Daddy couldn't miss any more work. I felt so tremendously guilty about not being there for you myself, but I know you had a wonderful time with your Nana that week and your Daddy and I will forever be grateful that she was there for you and that you were in such loving and capable hands.

I can't tell you how happy Daddy and I are that you are alright, because that was a very scary time for us. Now that we know how quickly and without warning croup can present itself, we have been a bit jumpy when you have a cough. It might take us a while to relax about you having just a common cold!

The day you were released from the hospital, your baby cousin Laine was born. She is one year and five days younger than you. Because you had been sick we had to wait almost a whole week before any of us could meet her. But we did and you love her! Any time we are together you hover over her and point your finger, saying "baby". Sometimes you try to pat her like she's one of the cats. It is usually met with a chorus of family saying "Gentle Harper!!" I hope that you two will be close always. I just love that you already have so many cousins! This month you said "Chelsey" and "Jack" for the first time.

Harper & Laine meet for the first time - November 5, 2011

That same day you even got your first taste of Halloween candy!

November 5, 2011

We took you to the playground a few times this month. Even though we had an early snowstorm, November has been unusually warm and so we've seized the opportunity to have some extra outside play time. The first playground we went to, I put you on the slide and Daddy caught you at the bottom. He said you were beaming on your way down and as soon as he caught you he asked if you liked it. You started signing "more" furiously! Last weekend you walked right up to a little boy who was just learning to stand. You stood about 5 inches from his face and studied him for a few seconds and then you put your arms on his shoulders and pushed him to the ground! I could have died from embarrassment - we apologized to his parents and hurried you to another part of the playground!

November 6, 2011

You got a hand-me-down farm from a friend and you absolutely love it. You put the farmer in and take him out of the tractor over and over and put the horse and the cow in their stalls again and again. You know all the buttons to push and doors to open to make the barnyard noises and are obsessed with opening the doors and pulling the gates apart.

November 12, 2011

You also love to peek through the openings - you like that you can see all the way through the windows and doorways.

November 5, 2011

I am amazed at how much you are already enjoying dramatic play. You got a play kitchen and a baby doll for your birthday and you totally understand how to play with them. You take your baby for walks and if I tell you she needs you, you will pick her up and hug her. Sometimes you bring her to me to hold and then you will go get your sippy cup and put it to her mouth.

October 23, 2011

In your kitchen you will bring me your apron, asking for me to put it on you. Then you grab either the tea cups or the measuring cups (that looks like pots) and a spatula and you'll put the spatula inside and stir. I even saw you put the spatula in upside down and then stop and correct yourself before you started stirring.

October 23, 2011

You have always had an uncanny sense of rhythm and a love of music. We try to foster it by exposing you to different types of music. When we switched you to your big girl car seat we tried to get wean you of your attachment to your binkie when in the car. One way that has really helped is that we started to play Christmas music. I had Straight No Chaser CDs in the car and started to play them for you. I don't know if it's the fact that their music is all a capella or what, but they work like a charm almost all the time. You are mesmerized and listen intently.

You also love to dance. You'll dance to commercials, to the Old McDonald song that plays with your farm, anything. Last Friday we introduced you to Harry Connick Jr.

November 18, 2011

We celebrated Thanksgiving at your Daddy's Auntie Anne's house. You had only been to her house once before and you were too small to remember, but you handled a house full of people very well! You barely ate anything all day (completely missing the point of the holiday, but we'll work on that!) But you warmed up to everyone very quickly and even spent the entire time after dinner playing with your cousins Jack, Rose and Cea.

Harper, my love, you are busy busy busy! Most days our house looks like this:

...but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love that you are healthy, that you are really engaged in your play and that you are happy.

I love you dear,
Love,
Mommy

Four

2011-11-24T08:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life.

Harper's First Birthday Party

2011-11-20T11:00:00.002-05:00

**A special thanks to Harper's Aunt Stefanie for the fabulous pictures!!**

The weekend before Harper's first birthday we celebrated with a party.

Nana bought her a new party dress

and she knew she looked good!

I had found a really cool idea on my new obsession, Pinterest, and used it for the "guest book".

I'm working on a collage wall for Harper's room, so I thought it would be a cool piece to add. I'll keep you posted on how it comes out... but don't hold your breath; I've been slow moving lately.

I did make Harper's smash cake and cupcakes, and I also made some playdough for party favors.

It was really a celebration. There were lots of hugs.

There was also one happy little birthday girl!

She adored having so many people around and was loving exploring what each of her guests were doing. Playing with chalk with the big girls was one of her favorite parts of the day.

When it came time for cake she loved being sung to but wasn't immediately sure of what to do with the cake.

She started off pinching each of the pink dots of frosting around the top of the cake. And then rubbed some in her hair!

Mommy helped her get a taste of cake and frosting in her mouth and she liked it and grabbed a hunk for herself. Once she understood what it was for she didn't waste any more time!

After cake was presents. She had a little help from Daddy and Mommy getting her started, but she quickly figured out what to do there, too.

After her party we went back to Nana & Grandpa's, figuring Harper was overtired and would nap upstairs while we got a little extra time to visit with out-of-town family. But she was all hyped up on cake and frosting and could hear people downstairs. She wouldn't go to sleep.

So we figured she'd definitely fall asleep in the car on the way home and so we brought her back downstairs to visit with family. On the way home she babbled and chattered the whole way home and never fell asleep.

So we went through our regular dinner/bathtub/bedtime routine and figured that would help her calm down from the day's fun and finally go to sleep. I even put her to bed almost an hour later than usual.

But the fun and the sugar were too much for her and we could hear her from the living room, jumping up and down in her crib and crying about being put to bed. She did not want her special day to end!

Thank you to all who celebrated Harper's birthday with us! We still cannot believe a year has gone by and what an amazing blessing the Lord has given us!

A House of Her Own

2011-11-10T20:00:00.003-05:00

When we got home from Erica's wedding we found a giant box on our front porch from Grandma Alice. The next morning, before we went to pick up Harper at Nana & Grandpa's house, we put her early birthday present together so she'd have it to come home to.

A gigantic playhouse made of foam sheets

with sweet little windowsills with flowers and lady bugs and ~~whales~~ snails.

She even got a new cat and a dog! ha ha...

Oh and a giant cathedral window and three dormered windows!

We drove down to Nana and Grandpa's and picked up our little Lovebug. So happy to see her! It was nice for Mommy & Daddy to have a night together, but she was missed and it felt really weird to wake up in the morning and she wasn't there.

When we got home she was a little unsure of the house at first and wouldn't go in it until she saw Rob go in. And then she was all about it!

Once she realized there were accessories she set to work redecorating and puttering her own touch on the place.

She loves it, thank you Grandma!

Erica's Wedding

2011-11-08T21:00:00.001-05:00

On October 8th Erica and Dave were married.

And I hardly have any pictures of the two of them from that day because I was so busy having fun! But here is a picture of the bride and groom from when we attended Molly's wedding back in August. They are so much fun together.

The morning of the wedding we met at Erica's to get our hair done. Cassie and I had been asked to do her cakes. I made the cupcakes with her grandmother's recipe that were going to be served to all the guests, and Cassie did the cake topper for the cupcake tower and the groom's cake.

When Rob dropped me off at Erica's he was going to take all the cakes to the reception site for us. Cassie added a few final touches on the trunk of her car before Rob took the cakes. Here is the groom's cake that she made: an absolute masterpiece!

After we had our hair and make up done we took a lovely limo to the Chocksett Inn and these gorgeous flowers were waiting for us.

Molly and I delivered a card to the groom and he sent one back with us and then Dave's parents gave us a box to delivery to Erica as well. There is a tradition with a blue handkerchief begin carried by the bride in their family and they wanted to make sure that Erica carried their family heirloom when she became a member of their family. She asked me to wrap it around her bouquet. It was gorgeous.

The beautiful bride and her mother.

At the reception we got to see the cupcake tower all put together.

The groom's cake on display:

This wedding was so much fun! Being a wedding for one of our best friends and the entire wedding party made up of the rest of them made for a super fun party. We goofed off all night long.

Ha ha!! There was a photo booth at the wedding with props. Rob helped himself to a mustache.

And Rob loved that he got to check out the Bruin's Stanley Cup ring! The DJ at the wedding is the DJ for the Bruins so he got a ring when they won the cup this year and was crazy enough to let it be passed around!

Could he smile any bigger? Here's the close up:

Noah's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-11-06T21:00:00.000-05:00

Back to catching up...

When I last left you I had spent the day with Chelsey painting her bedroom. That evening, after we cleaned ourselves up, we went to Noah's 2nd birthday party.

This little man was adorable and thoroughly enjoyed his party.

Harper and Uncle Eric

Harper and Uncle Ken

Harper loved playing with all of the kids there, but especially Noah.

He had a basketball themed party. If you know Noah, you know this was a perfect fit for him!

Enjoying his birthday song

Harper ran her Grandpa ragged... but of course he loved it!

Noah started receiving gifts that went with his other great love (besides basketball)...

..and then it was time for his big surprise.

I believe it was love at first sight.

Once you showed him how to make it go, he was off!!

Of course the deck was hardly a good choice for driving his tractor, so they moved him to the lawn.

What a great party- it was fun to celebrate Noah and see how much he enjoyed his friends and gifts. I cannot believe he is starting his third year now. Amazing how time flies!

Lovely Laine

2011-11-05T22:46:00.004-04:00

I am still so far behind, but I didn't want to miss posting this in real time-

Today we met little Laine York Trussell for the first time! She was born to Adam & Sarah on Halloween, but because Harper has been ill we had to wait to meet her little cousin.

To say that I am in love with her just doesn't do it justice. I am completely enamored. She is perfection.

Harper was curious and tried to be gentle

but of course we were right there helping her to really be gentle.

These sweet girls are exactly 1 year and 5 days apart.

I am going to love watching them grow up together and I hope they will be so close always.

And just look at the difference a year's worth of growing is!

Sarah & Adam, she is gorgeous and perfect! Noah is going to be the greatest big brother, I can't wait to see them together (he was napping).

She looks so much like her brother - I see his nose mouth and cheeks in that picture above.

Her tiny little features are exquisite.

Welcome to our crazy family, Laine; we are overjoyed to have you!

On The Eve of Your Very First Birthday

2011-10-25T20:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Sweet Harper Grace,

It is the eve of your very first birthday and I just put you to bed. You, being completely unaware, acted entirely normal but with the added bonus of an unexpected squeeze around the neck that filled my heart and made me stop where I was and soak it in.

I've been overly sentimental today, to the point of being a little weepy. And I feel foolish and frustrated about it. I don't want tomorrow to come because I don't want your babyhood to be really over. And yet I am enjoying watching you learn and grow and become a beautiful person completely independent of me. Motherhood is exquisite torture.

Every month I have written you a letter telling you all that you've done. I've jotted down when your teeth have come in and when you first sat up. When you took your first steps and called me "Mama" and took a bottle and tried different foods. Your first Christmas and first day of day care and even your first trip to the beach. But so far I haven't written to you about what you mean to me.

You are the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I have always longed for motherhood and, God willing, you'll hopefully have siblings someday; but you were the one who made my dream come true.

You are a miracle in every sense of the word. Never forget that you are uniquely made by God, Himself. Nothing about you is by accident or insignificant. He created your inmost being, He knit you together, He knows the number of hairs on your head! Everything about you is important and relevant and intentional. Sometimes in life you may feel sad or foolish or unimportant. Someday you may even wonder why you're stuck with your father and I for parents! But never forget that you are cherished by your Father in Heaven and your mother and father here on earth and that your life is purposeful and valuable.

You are a blessing to our family. Your father and I still can't believe you are ours because everything about you is just amazing. It is humbling to believe that we were given such a blessing as being your parents. You make life infinitely better for each of us individually and for the two of us together. And the same will be true if you end up with a team of siblings or it's just the three of us. You made us a family instead of just a couple.

You make life better. You have changed my perspective on nearly everything just because you are here. Because you are so valuable. You've opened my eyes and my heart to so many things. Because of you, I love deeper and I love better. And you have been the reason for some of the greatest joy in my life.

You have changed me forever, Harper. And for the better; for sure. I cannot wait to see how else you will change the world.

Sleep well, my love. Tomorrow starts a whole new year.

Love,
Mommy

photo credit: Stefanie Alix

Painting Chelsey's Bedroom

2011-10-20T21:45:00.001-04:00

The day we went to the concert for my Dad's birthday, my Mom closed on her new house. And the weekend that we went to the Cape, she and Eric and Chelsey moved in.

The next weekend (Sept 17th) Chelsey and I spent the morning painting her bedroom.

She already had a super cool zebra print blanket and some really cool ideas about some fun colors for the walls.

Let's get all the "before" pictures out of the way before we get to the good stuff. And just remember that the "after" pictures aren't styled .... in fact the walls were still wet and we couldn't even push the furniture back yet.

Chelsey's room gets lots of bright sunlight and so we decided we could be a little braver with color. She went for a super bright pink on three walls.

And on the fourth wall, she wanted black. But plain old black paint was kind of boring. So I suggested chalkboard paint, and it did not disappoint!

Ready for the big reveal?

See that narrow strip of chalkboard wall in the corner? Well, Chelsey had a great idea - we painted our hands pink and plastered our hand prints on the wall - we did this project together and left our mark.

What a super cool room!

Labor Day Weekend 2011

2011-10-19T20:54:00.005-04:00

Yes, I am now about 6 weeks behind, but I'm still plugging along!

For Labor Day weekend we took a little trip down to the Cape to visit Holly & Josh. We arrived Saturday night and visited Holly at work and then hung out at the house when she got home. The next morning we went to Rock Harbor to explore the beach!

The tide was out so we walked out for a ways.

haha! Harper's expression cracks me up!

Harper was content to be carried for a while...

..and so was Holly.

But then we dropped her in a tidal pool and that was it - she was ready to explore on her own!

ditched her hat...

Trying to walk with her kept going like this...

... until you had to just let go and let her enjoy the sand! How could you expect her to resist- it was the biggest sand box she'd ever seen?

ditched her skirt....

I love how happy she is!

And I love these three together. One of my new favorite pictures!

...and this one, too.

And this one. I love her.

ditched her shirt...

Of course we had to get another picture with this boat.

..it only looks like she ditched her diaper, but it's still there!

That night Holly & Josh had to work so we were on our own. Since Harper loved the beach so much, we took her back to the ocean.

This time we went to First Encounter Beach and there was a big group of people kite surfing.

We gave her all the time she wanted to explore the sand and the water.

But I think she liked playing with her dad the most.

Oh I love this next picture!

Did I mention she loved the beach?

She showed her Daddy the seaweed she found.

And then her daddy showed her the ocean

and they played in the waves together. She loved it.

And I loved it.

Dad's Birthday Concert - August 31, 2011

2011-10-02T08:27:00.003-04:00

Back in August I was telling my mother how much Harper enjoys music and that we had been looking for live music that would be kid friendly. We were remembering how, when Adam and I were kids, there were children's concerts at Fruitland's Museum. A few days later mom had done a little research and learned that there is a concert series and that there was a band playing the day after Dad's birthday that she thought he'd like. And of course, the venue was kid friendly. We thought it would be a different and fun way to celebrate Dad's birthday so we got tickets, packed a picnic dinner and headed to Fruitland's!

We really were this far back - we figured we'd keep away from the masses since there was no way to make sure the kids kept quiet. Or the adults - we enjoyed being with one another that night!

Poor little Noah & his brand new cast.

These two played together for a bit...

...but then it was time for presents and Noah wanted to help Grandpa with those...

... and the cupcakes!

More cupcakes!

We hope you had a fun birthday celebration, Dad!

Molly's Wedding Weekend - Reception

2011-10-02T07:52:00.003-04:00

After the ceremony we boarded the shuttle bus and headed to the reception site.

It was in a sweet little restaurant on the golf course

with dancing and live music out on the back patio.

We had a lovely meal and enjoyed visiting with Molly's fabulous mother.

Erica and Dave enjoyed a bicycle built for two, which was laying around on the grounds, begging for a ride.

And everyone enjoyed dancing, regardless of the South Carolina summer heat. The bride and groom even had the band play "Sweet Caroline" for the Boston crowd!

It was a fabulous wedding, a fabulous reception and an amazing weekend!

Molly's Wedding Weekend - Saturday Morning & Ceremony

2011-10-01T08:52:00.000-04:00

The wedding ceremony wasn't until the afternoon, so we had a low key morning. Some napped, others headed into town to explore a little.

We found a few funny and quirky little stores, but overall I think we wished for more.

We also found our way back to the water walk and even took a picture of the bar we visited the night before. Look, I didn't have to remember it's name!

When we got back to the house Cassie and I took a walk in the South Carolina heat to get some pictures of the Spanish Moss and see where our road lead to.

Turns out, it lead to this giant tree that was stretching across the road.

We got a picture of the front of our house (remember it was pouring when we first arrived) and then it was time to shower and get ready for the wedding!

Here is the beautiful bride coming down the aisle. She was escorted by her brother.

Molly and Greg exchanging vows

Greg's aunt officiated and she had the best facial expressions!

Presenting Mr & Mrs Myers!

Leading the way to the reception!

Molly's Wedding Weekend - Friday

2011-09-26T20:27:00.000-04:00

On Friday morning Mike, Jen and I went to the pool at the golf course. We hung out for a couple of hours and then Molly checked in to see if I were ready to help with her cupcakes. We set up a time to meet at Greg's Mom's house and headed over.

What a gorgeous home! I loved it! Plus it was busy with friends and family who were helping pull together the big event and the rehearsal dinner.

The cupcakes were already made so Jen & I set to work frosting and decorating and then helped with a bundt cake that had become stuck. Cassie Erica and Dave arrived from the airport in time to help decorate the bundt and transport all of the confections to the reception site.

When we all got back to the rental house, the cameras came out. The boys went to get some snacks and breakfast for the next day. They also grabbed some local treats we can't get at home. Yes, we can get the Landshark, but not the Sweet Water IPA and Yeungling (not pictured). That was the theme of the weekend : get it while you can!

Molly and Greg were such wonderful hosts - they had sent ahead to us a "Passport of Beaufort" which let us know what the happenings for the weekend were, as well as recommended some dinner places for Saturday night. The Bride and Groom had their rehearsal and family dinner and then headed into town to begin celebrating with their guests. We picked the restaurant where they were headed once they got into town, in hopes we'd get to visit for a little bit.

Of course now I can't remember the name of it because that's what happens when you wait a month+ to write down your adventures. But it was right on the water and had beautiful outdoor seating.

I do remember, however, that I enjoyed the most delicious mojito ever. It was fabulous! These two pretty ladies ordered some type of steak that came out cold and raw in the center. They had to send it back and felt terrible, but it really could not be eaten.

A few moments later the two of us, who had also ordered identical meals, hesitantly asked one another if their scallops were cooked. They were seared on the outside but completely raw inside. We hated doing it but called the waitress over again. The manager came and explained to us that sometimes it's okay to eat undercooked scallops, the same way that "you wouldn't want to do it all the time, but you can eat undercooked pork".

Um, no. It's never okay to eat undercooked pork and I'm pretty sure the same is true for scallops. The last thing we wanted was for the next day to be ruined with food poisoning. Generally I'm all for "when in Rome, do as the Roman's do"- I mean that's part of the adventure. But this was going too far. And besides there was wild boar sausage that was part of my meal and I tried that - I had already had a culinary adventure!

For some reason I didn't get any pictures of Dave or Mike at dinner, but they were there. And after we ate, so were Greg and Molly (come to think of it, I don't have any pictures of Greg that night either!)

But they were there to mingle, so after a short visit, we headed on down the water way to another little bar that I can't remember the name of, and drank a toast while Dave told us his favorite stories.

Back at the house that night we played pool

and tried to convince Erica that looking for alligators at night was a bad idea.

11 Months Old

2011-09-26T00:15:00.001-04:00

Dear Harper,

Today you are 11 months old. We are expecting the birthday party invitations that I ordered to arrive any day now and then we can send them to your guests. Yes, we have started planning your very first birthday. It is just amazing to me that it is time - a year has never gone by so fast in my entire life. And I've never enjoyed one so much either.

September 1o, 2011

This month you mastered walking and you will no longer crawl unless you have to. You do practice laps around the house....around and around and around. Usually you walk in a big circle from the living room through the dining room, through the kitchen, down the hall and back into the living room. But sometimes you just walk around the island in the kitchen or the dining room table or the coffee table. And sometimes you just walk in circles around the living room. Anything to keep moving, keep practicing. I can see that you are enjoying it, loving your freedom and that you are proud of yourself.

September 18, 2011

You carry toys with you almost always. You grabbed a measuring cup with each hand and banged them together for about 3 days straight. You go into the tupperware cabinet and empty all the little tiny salad dressing containers and try to carry all of them at the same time (there are 6 or 8 maybe). Lately you've been carrying around a really large bouncy ball. You absolutely can't see where you are going, but it doesn't really matter because whatever you run into you bounce right off of and land on your tush. And then you get up and do it again. You keep going.

When you get an idea in your head you will not let it go until you are satisfied that you have explored every little thing about and can't learn anything more from it.

September 17, 2011

At Noah's birthday party you got in and out of his toy car and wagon over and over and over again. You'd open the door, climb in, shut the door. Then you'd open the door, climb out and shut the door.

September 17, 2011

Poor grandpa must have stood patiently with you for 40 minutes letting you explore and practice your new skills.

You are so very social and you love to be around other children, especially if they are busy. You want to be in the mix. You want to do what the big kids are doing. You want to ride in a wagon that a big kid is pulling.

September 17, 2011

And you love that Noah is running behind, jealous that you are getting a ride.

September 17, 2011

Now that you are a walker you are back to wearing shoes everyday. You couldn't be happier because shoes are one of your favorite things. It took you about half of a car trip to realize you could undo the velcro and get them off. But lucky for us you'd rather wear them! You are in a size four now - you grew 2 sizes over the summer!

September 17, 2011

You are starting to spit out real words now, too! Over Labor Day weekend we realized you had your own word for "dog". You also point to Penny and say "Ehhh-Eee" any time you see her (sounds like "Penny", but without the P and the N's). You know "Mama" and "Daddy" and you know when to use them.

September 17, 2011

You have also started giving hugs and Sweet Lord in Heaven!!! -it is one of life's greatest gifts. You love to be with us and you'll occasionally plop down in my lap to sit for a moment, but you aren't terribly snuggly. But when you wrap your little tiny arm around my neck and hold on tight I think I can physically feel my heart swelling. I just have to stop and take it in. They are so spontaneous and unpredictable so each one is completely worth savoring. They are becoming more frequent and I hope that continues.

September 10, 2011

You have 8 teeth now and the next ones you are due for are molars! I hope they aren't that difficult for you because some of these have been really uncomfortable for you. You are really right between a size 12 months and 12-18 months. Most of the 12 months you are outgrowing because they aren't long enough. But the 18 month clothes are too big for you. You wore a pair of 18 month jeans one day and we could not keep them up. You are tall, but you are thin and the waist size is still way too big. In fact there are still a few 6-9 month skirts/pants that fit you.

September 17, 2011 - watching football with Daddy

But I don't worry about you being slender - you eat a meal with such relish, as if there may never be another! You try new things and want to know what we're eating. You definitely have favorite foods but you rarely snub anything. We've always tried to expose you to good healthy foods, a variety of flavors and many different textures.

September 18, 2011

And as you are getting older and we expose you to a more varied diet you've started sampling from whatever is being served for dinner. Which means yes, you have had macaroni and cheese... but you've also had seasoned pork tenderloin- which I would say you liked better! You couldn't get enough of it. Last night you are the seasoned chicken and broccoli off of my alfredo pizza. And the night before that was meatloaf.

September 17, 2011

Not that you've every been a shy little girl, but your social side is in full bloom lately. You have a good understanding of some basic social interactions and will say "hi" and wave when we greet someone or if you see someone particularly interesting to you at the grocery store. And when we leave you always wave goodbye.

September 17, 2011 - practicing her conversation skills with her Great Uncle Ken

And I know that you love being with your friends during the school day because 2 weeks ago when you had to leave early you pitched a toddler-sized tantrum when we left school early. You wanted me to know you were not happy that you didn't get to stay for the whole day. You kicked and screamed and squirmed so badly I ended up carrying you to the car the way you'd tuck a football for safety when you're headed to end zone. I just didn't want to drop you! You are not shy about letting us know when you are unhappy lately. You are definitely transitioning into a toddler.

September 17, 2011

You live a large life, Harper Grace. Great big dramatic tears, an adult-sized appetite, a passion to keep up with the big kids and a determination to master walking and climbing. It's no wonder you are still such a good sleeper. You wear yourself out completely squeezing the most out of every day.

September 12, 2011

My Love, you have one more month to go until your big birthday. I hope you enjoy it and are ready to celebrate your year in a few short weeks. I know I am absolutely having the time of my life!

All of my love,
Mommy

Molly's Wedding Weekend - Thursday

2011-09-24T21:56:00.008-04:00

Back in August Molly & Greg got married in South Carolina. We all flew down and enjoyed a weekend we'll never forget. It was fabulous! This might take me a few posts, but I don't want to forget any of the details!

I flew down in Thursday August 18, from Boston to Atlanta to Savannah. I was a few hours ahead of Jen and Mike and waited for them in Savannah. They were kind enough to let me tag along in their rental car and we drove together to Beaufort.

The heavens opened and it absolutely poured buckets of rain down on us as we got into town. When we got into town we met Greg and Molly at the church, where they were finalizing plans, to get our keys to the rental house and follow them to the house.

Molly & Greg were so thoughtful - there were cold beers in the fridge waiting for us when we got there.

We were warned about the alligators in the pond out back ...

The house was gorgeous! Molly & Greg had secured rooms in various houses that were part of a golfing community and we were going to have this one all to ourselves.

front porch

just inside the door looking towards the back

the living room area

the room I shared with Cassie

Dave & Erica's room - what the heck is that "art" in the corner?

the back porch - pretend you can see the alligator pond back there!

standing in the back looking toward the front door/kitchen

That night Greg's family friends hosted a welcome party around the community pool.

There was live music...

and family and friends arriving from all over the US and Great Britain.

I was thrilled to be celebrating this beautiful lady. She's been my dear friend since we were four years old.

We were treated to the most amazing and delicious meal - pulled pork, cole slaw, cornbread and fried chicken that was TO. DIE. FOR.

The night was full of friends and food and celebration.

We had a fantastic time and definitely got the celebrating started for the weekend!

Another Month Gone By

2011-09-21T21:21:00.000-04:00

I've done it again. I've let practically an entire month go by without posting. Last year when I knew I was pregnant with Harper but wasn't ready to announce it yet I kind of stayed away from the blog for fear I'd just throw caution to the wind and blurt it out. But ever since then I haven't prioritized blogging as much. Maybe it's the fact that there is a little toddling 10 month old baby who keeps me busy... and a full time job and nurturing a marriage and having real life friends and all that other stuff. But that's the reason I blog to begin with - so that we have pictures and stories and memories of the good bad and ugly all written together in one place so we don't forget. I love the idea that I can turn all of this into a book and print it for Harper and her future-siblings to have a catalog of her family's life. That seems like an invaluable gift that we can give her and her future-siblings. And I love that in real time right now all of her family, no matter where they are in the world, can check in and see what she's up to. Not that it would ever be a substitute for spending quality time with one another in person, but I think utilizing this tool to keep in touch is a great blessing for a family.

So I have all these great and compelling reasons why I want to blog, but I seem to be too busy living our life to have enough time to blog about our life. That's a good and bad thing. I want to be out there in the real world enjoying the heck out of the ones I love, not just sitting at a computer all day at work and then come home and sit at a computer all night editing pictures and mustering up words and punctuation. So I cut myself some slack and said as long as I get all the pictures I want I don't have to post every night.... but then the pictures and the posts that I haven't blogged yet start to add up. And I am looking at multiple nights just to catch up.

So while you're waiting on a month's worth of posts - and lemme tell you, some big things happened in that month that I don't want to forget to post about - I thought I'd share our most recent Sunday afternoon. And then, little by little I'll try to get every little thing that I missed uploaded and written and edited and posted. Because as much as I don't want to forget some of the fantastic things we've done recently, I also don't want to get any farther behind. Life waits for no one and there are some more really awesome things coming up in the next month that I want to be ready to blog!

*------*------*

This past Sunday was Adam's birthday. We had spent the night before with him (Noah's 2nd birthday party - see I told you some good stuff happened this month!) and he had plans to help Sarah's sister move, so we didn't get to see him. I had been starting to plan Harper's birthday party and in creating her invitations realized I didn't have a recent picture that was just right for the card. I talked to Aunt Stefanie about taking some pictures, but the mood struck me to just get out there and enjoy the day with the three of us and if some good pictures came out of it, then great. The afternoon was gorgeous - crisp clear blue skies, cooler temps and the feeling of fall in the air.

We drove around to check out some local orchards and ended up at a farm stand in Harvard. There was a sign right out front for homemade cider donuts, so stopping there was going to be a win no matter what.

Plus there was live music on the front porch and Harper was mesmerized. At one point the guitarist (sitting) even yelled out "the baby's dancing!". We grabbed some donuts and headed out to find a picnic table.

These are my two favorite people in the world.

We found a table and Rob introduced Harper to The Apple Cider Donut.

I think you will see that to say she enjoyed them was an understatement.

This next picture cracks me up every time I look at it. I want to remember that she enjoyed it so much she just leaned right into the donut in Rob's hand and took a bite. Her first bite. Everything else we've ever given her we've broken off in safe bite-sized pieces. But this she wanted so badly she literally dove right into it!

After donuts we headed over to a small collection of pumpkins and let Harper explore.

Trying to pick this one up!

Heading over to check out the white ones

Next we headed over to the lookout by Fruitland's Museum. Rob had brought the tripod so we could all be in the picture together.

Harper and I did our best to entertain Daddy while he set everything up.

We got a few cute ones of us together. I like this one :)

And this fabulously silly one of Harper that we just love!

Bolton Fair 2011

2011-08-28T21:17:00.002-04:00

A few weekends ago we hit up the Bolton Fair.

Rob and I and Harper grabbed Chelsey and met up with Adam, Sarah and Noah.

We watched the horse pull contest.

And we fed camels.

And we took the kids around to see all the animals.

That one blurry piglet was so fast - you'd have thought it was a puppy the way it was darting around the pen and playing with it's litter mates.

Noah got brave and grabbed the horns on that goat.

And I see this smile every single day, but I'll never get sick of it.... especially with those 4 ridiculous teeth!

Look away for just a second, Uncle Ken. I know they aren't Deere's but there was no stopping Noah!

One of those moments where I love watching my brother as a father.

Noah stopped for a juice box break. I could not stand the faces he was making while he was working on that straw - so funny! He is adorable!

We found a stall that was selling hand made hair accessories and I just could not resist this pink puffy one!

I just love these two....

Noah was not a fan.

We walked over to the midway so Chelsey could get a hat made that she had seen earlier.

While they were working on her hat Sarah and Chelsey had a few games of ski ball.

And Noah narrated.

And Harper licked her toes. ?

Chelsey got her hat and decided it needed some glitter. She was totally right.

Glitter made all the difference.

Again, loving my brother as a father...

And that is my new favorite picture of Noah, so here it is again:

10 Months Old

2011-08-26T06:35:00.000-04:00

Dear Harper,

You are 10 months old and do you know what? You are one busy girl! I can hardly keep up with marking all your milestones in your baby book!

August 24, 2011

You've been cruising along the couch and the coffee table all month. You are no longer practicing, you know exactly what you are doing. Sometimes you get a little too confident and forget to pay attention. And that, my darling is how accidents happen. You had your first fat lip this month after your hand slid off of the coffee table because you were cruising along with a ball in your hand. You smacked your mouth and oh my goodness did you cry! It made my stomach churn to know you were hurting so badly. You happened to hit the exact spot on your gums where your top front tooth was (finally) starting to come through. Ouch! Needless to day, the next day I could tell that the tooth had cut the gums.

This past weekend I went away for a few nights for Molly's wedding. It was really difficult to be away, but while I was gone you and Daddy had a special weekend together and you spent some good time with Nana and Grandpa and Aunt Holly and Aunt Stefanie. They taught you to say "hi" and now you blurt it out, clear as a bell, at any chance you get. You say Hi to strangers in the store, to the cat when one walks by and to your friends at school. Sometimes you just practice saying it to yourself when we're in the car. I turn the radio off so that I can hear your sweet little voice .

Speaking of school- today they told me that while you were playing in the pool with a rubber duckie, you tried "duck" repeatedly. Getting out of the tub tonight you let me know how frustrated you were with me by whining "Mommmmaaaaa". And not long after that you tried to say "Penny". At the doctor's office we had an especially long wait and when the doctor came into the room you said perfectly clearly "all done".

You are eating like a champ - you'll try anything we put on your tray and rarely turn anything down. But you're also showing preferences for foods and for what order I offer them to you. Tonight for example you had a tray full of choices but whined until I gave you more blueberries. They are by far your most favorite.

And you finally decided to master the sippy cup. I've only been offering you one for about 4 months now! But you picked it up the other day and have it all figured out and you drag one with water in it around with you from dinner time until bed time.

You are still in 12 month clothes and I've had some trouble buying fall clothes for you because I just don't know if you'll still be 12 months or move up to 18. I think 12, but we'll see. Your feet have been growing like crazy this summer. I wonder if it's because you are bearing your weight on them so much more now? You have a pair of size 3 shoes which you have worn only a few times (it's summer, go barefoot!) but they are getting really snug, so we might be moving to a size 4 soon. You are still in a size 3 diaper.

A few weeks ago you had your 9 month well baby visit (about 10 days after your 9 month birthday). You were 29 inches long (89th percentile) and 20pounds (69th percentile). The doctor used some fabulous adjectives to describe you, but Mommy doesn't want to brag all over the internet.

But the biggest change for both of us is that you started formula this month. I just couldn't keep up with what you needed during the day and then after I got home from Molly's wedding you didn't want to nurse at night anymore. So we are down to once a day, in the morning. And the rest of the time you are drinking formula. It's bittersweet for me because I really wanted to get you to your first birthday, but then I always promised myself that you would lead the way on this and if you are done, then I guess I am too. Well, except for that once a day.

But the best part of this month happened this past Monday night (August 22,2011). You took four steps all by yourself and without holding on, from my arms to Daddy's. We screamed and whooped and hollered and you clapped for yourself and had the biggest smile. We made you do it a few more times (not a fluke!!) and now it is your favorite trick. You'll fall into one of our arms and expect us to right you and send you off to the other parent right away. And when you get into their arms you have a huge grin and look to us for more clapping and cheering. I hope we always do such a good job at cheering you on and that you never lose your excitement for trying something new, even if it's a little scary and the majority of the time you fall on your tush.

And here's a little bit of family trivia for you. The spot in the dining room where you took your first steps is the very same spot your father proposed to me almost 5 years ago. Amazing.

You have officially been here in our arms longer than I was pregnant with you. And now there are only two months to go until your big birthday. I am completely and utterly in awe.

Your doctor is right; you are perfect. And I love you tremendously.

Happy 10 month birthday, Harper Grace.

Love,
Mommy

Uncle Ken's Birthday

2011-08-24T20:41:00.006-04:00

Back at the beginning of the month we celebrated Uncle Ken's Birthday with a trip to The Farm; quite possibly my most favorite place on earth.

Ken's been working hard this summer on restoring some older John Deere's for Adam and Eric and Dad.

We didn't work the whole time though. There were lots of snuggles and visiting with family.

And Harper and I even got to take a little walk to get some new pictures of The Farm.

I love this one. The field is so beautiful at this time of year and the sky was so big and moody that day.

Noah is slightly obsessed with the tractors and will beg a ride from anyone. Grandpa was more than happy to oblige.

But soon the men had to go back to work; there were some chores for them that day. It was super hot and the little ones were not going to wait around for the men to finish their work. So Sarah and I took the kids to the beach.

All four grandkids are in this picture!!

yup, that's the fourth one on the left - Sarah's cute
little baby bump is just barely in the picture!

Noah suddenly realized we had forgotten something...

...so he ran up the beach and climbed on the table...

...and brought out the buckets!

As you can see here, Harper thought that Noah's bucket looked pretty good so she stole it when he wasn't looking!

But Noah doesn't miss a thing and he reclaimed his bucket!

We had a second one though, so there weren't any tears.

And here is where I apologize because it becomes a little Harper-heavy with the pictures. I am her Mom, after all.

And then my battery died.

I was so upset. Not more than 10 minutes later Grandpa, Ken, Eric and Adam showed up to get in the lake and cool off. And Adam and Eric were wrestling and throwing sand and the muck from the bottom of the lake at each other, as brothers do. How I wish there had still been some juice in that camera!

But the way I look at it is this: this is the only time these kids will be little and Baby Girl Trussell is still a precious bump and Chelsey isn't all grown up and sick of my camera in her face. But the big boys will throw sand at each other probably every year. And maybe next time Rob won't have to work on Ken's birthday weekend. I'll just take their pictures next time.

New England Aquarium

2011-08-02T21:14:00.008-04:00

We were on vacation last week and on Wednesday we went to the New England Aquarium. We drove into the city and then while Rob paid for admission, Harper and I started at the Harbor Seal exhibit. The Harbor Seals' exhibit is actually right outside of the aquarium; to the left of the entrance and right behind the admission booth.

You can actually stop by and visit them any time you want, you don't need a ticket to wander by their tank.

Harper was mesmerized.

And the seals put on quite a show. I think they like having an audience!

Once inside we visited the penguins first.

Harper was engaged right away. They sucked her in.

Almost any living creature gets her attention. Especially if it's one she's never seen before, and it's hopping down a rock into the pool and ~~swimming~~ flying underwater.

I've always loved the penguins, too. They are definitely a favorite at the aquarium.

While the penguin exhibit takes up most of the first floor, out of the middle of it rises the main attraction at the aquarium - the giant circular tank.

You can walk all the way around that ramp and peer inside the enormous tank. Or you can check out the other exhibits along the outside walls and walk the ramps from corner to corner. We went up the sides first and then came down the middle around the big tank.

Harper has always loved the fish tank at home, so we figured she'd enjoy these, too. And we were right!

The Aquarium is big on the school-field-trip circuit. Rob and I had each been multiple times before with our respective elementary schools... but I had forgotten this part until I looked down:

...all the black lights make your shoelaces glow in the dark!

She's still having fun!

Looking down on the penguins.

We started our descent around the ramp that encircles the big center tank.

sea turtle butt

At each window is a small ledge. We stood Harper on it and told her all about the sea life.

I love this turtle. It looks like he's waving to us!

Looking over the ramp at the penguins below.

And then it was time for a quick trip to the cafeteria for the little one's lunch.

After lunch we headed to the very top of the big round tank. We took the elevator as high as it would go, but then we had to carry Harper and her stroller up 2 flights of stairs...

...but it was worth it - it is gorgeous up there.

Next we headed to the basement and checked out all of the jellies.

She seemed to really like those.

And I really liked this tank - the colors were beautiful.

The last thing we did was go through the new sharks and rays exhibit. That was really cool, but I don't have any pictures because it was so crowded. You can check out the link (here) to see it explained on the aquarium's website.

Then we loaded Harper back in the stroller and walked around Faneuil Hall. She was asleep in mere moments and we had a nice meal while she napped before heading back home.

Father's Day

2011-07-30T20:00:00.000-04:00

I know it was over 2 months ago, but I wanted to share Rob's first Father's Day really special for him. As it was, I had to miss spending the day with him (we caught up that night, here), but I still wanted him to know that I remembered him and of course, appreciate him. Plus, there were going to be many many more Father's Days ahead, but only one first.

Back when Rob went to visit his sister Holly over Memorial Day Weekend my mother and I went down to The Camp (his favorite place) and took some pictures with Harper (his favorite girl). I put them all together in a frame, wrapped it and hung it on the wall. Here's the finished product:

Not the best picture of a picture, but you get the jist of it. I had Harper sit with the letters D, A and Y and then used the good pictures to spell "Daddy". I loved the idea because it shows the mannerisms that are unique to her personality and to her at that stage of her development (she was just 7 months old). I know you can't see each letter well, so here they are:

And just because it is the funniest picture, I thought I'd share an out-take. Harper was sitting on the table and my mom was sitting behind her. When I took Harper's picture, by chance they lined up perfectly and you can see my mom's hair as if it were Harper's. Here you go, have a good laugh:

Oh, it's only looking back 2 months but she looks so much smaller to me..... she's growing too fast!

Butterfly Place

2011-07-29T21:58:00.005-04:00

This week we've been on vacation. We've had some day trips and some afternoons relaxing on the couch. It has been wonderful. I'm still editing some pictures from Wednesday's trip to the New England Aquarium, but this morning we took Harper to The Butterfly Place in Westford MA.

It is a small unimpressive building from the outside, but once you enter the butterfly room it is just magical.

You make it just inside the door and then stop in your tracks. There are hundreds of butterflies flittering throughout a beautiful flower garden. I just loved it.

The only part I didn't care for was that it felt overcrowded. With people... not butterflies.

If you could be lucky enough to experience that room all by yourself, that would be the best way to enjoy it. It is magical.

The stroller made navigating the paths and the crowd difficult. Poor Harper couldn't really see anything but the back of the person's legs in front of her so Rob took Harper aside and let me enjoy the camera.

Then he played with the camera and I unbuckled Harper and walked her around. She was engaged right away once she was able to see what was going on.

She was twisting around in my arms trying to follow each butterfly as it went by. And when one flew right past her face and landed on my arm she was surprised and reached out to touch it.

The price of admission was a little more than we wanted to spend and I will definitely be back, but I don't think it'll happen until Harper is a bit older. I think we are very rapidly coming to the end of time that she will allow me to carry her through; as soon as she can walk on her own she'll likely not tolerate being carried. And that could spell trouble since you aren't supposed to touch the flowers or butterflies!

There were even a few birds in there!

All in all I completely enjoyed The Butterfly Place and will definitely be back. It might just be the perfect temporary solution to cabin fever in February. Especially if there aren't summer-vacation crowds!

When we left The Butterfly Place we called Stefanie to see if she could meet us for lunch at our favorite hot dog stand.

After lunch we ran an errand for Rob.

Harper and I waited in the car and kept ourselves busy.

Then we enjoyed a quick ice cream trip and then headed home and Harper passed out.

She was a real trooper being dragged all over today.

And just when we were almost home we got a message from Eric and Chelsey saying they had arrived and inviting us to dinner with them and Grandma! It was a really good, really long, really full day and we had a great time!

9 Months

2011-07-26T21:37:00.009-04:00

Dear Harper,

As I write to you now you are sound asleep. I just snuck into your room and took this picture of you.

July 26, 2011 - 9 months 5 hours 17 minutes old

Do you see the grey fabric under your chin? That's your Flat Kitty. Sometimes when you wake in the night you use her for a pillow and snuggle yourself back to sleep. You are adorable and resourceful.

This past month has been a whirlwind. No, literally- you are a whirlwind! You crawl, you pull yourself up on furniture, you are cruising along the couch and you know how to empty your toy box. You are the definition of the word "active" and Daddy and I are loving it!

July 25 2011

When will you walk? It must be soon because you are getting really brave about what you try (like standing at the kitchen table, reaching to the table top and then lifting your feet off the ground so that you are hanging by your fingertips!)

You also like to play games. Your favorite is when we crawl after you saying "I'm gonna get you!"

You giggle and crawl as fast as your little arms and legs will go. Sometimes you look back at us to see if we are chasing you!

When we finally catch you you dissolve into giggles. We don't even need to tickle you to get you going, but sometimes we do anyway. And then you get up and crawl away, looking over your shoulder; inviting us to play again.

You are talking now, too! It is fabulous, we love to hear your voice. You started saying "Mama" but quickly abandoned it in favor of your favorite and most frequently used word, "Daddy". Usually you accompany it with a wave:

You also use the word "hi" and you will wave goodbye when others say it. You'll shake your head "no". You haven't said the word, but you use it appropriately and you understand it when we say it to you. Sometimes when we tell you no, you even shake your head at us!

You feed yourself nearly every meal now and you are eating almost all solids. You started with some puffs because I knew they'd dissolve quickly in your mouth. But in the last month we've moved on to all sorts of things: blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, mango, cantaloupe, watermelon, banana, broccoli, zucchini, summer squash, cauliflower, asparagus, sweet potato, carrots, pasta, cream cheese on whole wheat bread, brown rice, cheese. You've even tried a nibble of vanilla ice cream and you love it. You will put any food that I put on your tray into your mouth and there have been very very few things that you've turned down. When you do, I offer then again in a few days and you usually accept them then. Aunt Sarah and your day care teachers have both said that they can't believe how much food you eat.

Today, for example, you ate oatmeal with banana and peaches for breakfast. For lunch you ate pasta, brown rice, zucchini and summer squash. For dinner you had 3 cheese tortellini, strawberries, blueberries, cheese and a yogurt. The yogurt is by far your favorite. You get excited when the fridge door opens and when I show you the yogurt you kick your legs and give me a huge smile.

You challenge me to find new things for you to try that you can eat with only 4 teeth. I want to expose you to many flavors and textures. Speaking of your four teeth, here they are:

Sorry for the mouth full of food, but I just love this picture. This is a pretty accurate portrayal of how you feel about our meals. Also your two new teeth on top are hysterical. You are "supposed" to get your two front teeth on the top after your two front teeth on the bottom, but you skipped those and got the two teeth next to them. They look like fangs, Little Halloween Baby!

Your hair is getting long enough for pony tails. They stick straight out of the top of your head and might be the cutest thing I have ever seen.

You are still in size 12 month clothes, size 3 diapers and you have finally outgrown your size 2 shoes. Shopping for size 3 shoes has taught me that you are obsessed with footwear. Obsessed.

We've been spending a lot of time at The Camp this summer and you have finally decided that you like the lake. Originally you were not a fan, which surprised us, given your bathtub antics.

not bad for an iphone photo!

Slowly you learned to put up with it and this past weekend I think it is safe to say that you enjoyed yourself. You'd eat lunch on the beach in your high chair and then we'd just walk you into the lake to clean you up.

It might be hard to see in that picture, but your little hand turned up in a wave is your new gesture. You use it all the time; sometimes it's wave and sometimes it's a question. It is always adorable though and one of the little unique personality traits that are yours - we are really enjoying learning who you are.

I know there are a million other little things that I am forgetting. Oh, like the morning at the grocery store a few weeks ago when you insisted on being carried instead of riding in the cart. Every person you saw you waved to and said "hi!"

This past month has been so full and so wonderful. I'm loving every second of you. And now, my love, we'll start the countdown to your first birthday. Three months to go, I'd better start thinking about your party!

I love you Harper. I sure hope you are enjoying us as much as we are enjoying you!

Love, "Mama"...... come on, I know you can say it!!

A Story In Pictures - May 28, 2011

2011-06-29T10:18:00.002-04:00

Harper's first finger painting experience.

Father's Day

2011-06-28T10:44:00.001-04:00

Last weekend was Father's Day. I had spent the day with the girls, treating Molly (the bride!) to her spa day. Harper and Rob had gone down to The Camp.

But that evening we met up for dinner. We were celebrating Father's Day and getting the whole family together for the first time since Eric and Chelsey arrived for their week's visit.

We met at a kid-friendly family favorite; Kimball's. Noah went straight for the John Deere:

And Grandma sent me after them, "Ooh! Who has a camera? Go get that picture!"

And then he spotted a red one...

he was in heaven!

It's not often that we can all be together because people live in different places and we all lead busy and full lives. But we had a great time together as a family. Relaxing, joking and laughing together.

I mean really laughing....

...as this little guy enjoyed every

last drop

of his ice cream cone!

A Story In Pictures - June 25 2011

2011-06-27T11:19:00.001-04:00

Enjoying a teething biscuit.... thoroughly.

... and then she enjoyed a bath!

8 Months Old

2011-06-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Eighth Month, Baby!

What a month you've had! You have mastered crawling and now you are quick and purposeful with your new skill. As soon as I am done writing this letter to you I am ordering you some baby gates for the bottom of the staircase and the bathroom where the litter box is.

June 14, 2011

You're also pulling yourself up onto things. Tonight you pulled yourself up on my leg and then let go! And you stood all by yourself for about 10 seconds! You were so pleased with yourself. Daddy and I have each placed our bets on when you walk... but I think that based on tonight's development we will both be wrong. You are going to master that skill earlier than either of us are ready for!

May 28, 2011

You love to stand or walk any chance you get. If someone holds out their hands for you you will grab hold, pull yourself up to a standing position and then take some steps. On Friday you had me walk you from Sarah's kitchen table, up the step and into the living room so you could hold on to the couch! The sweetest part was that Noah insisted on helping you walk and ~~tried to drag you~~ held your hand the whole way there. Next month I anticipate some major developments in your mobility. I have a feeling that someday when you ask me if you crawled my answer will be "yes, but only for a few weeks".

June 4, 2011

At dinner time I've been starting to give you some more solids with textures. You started with some little pasta and I'm pleased to announce that you are very obviously of the Trussell family - you have taken to both the little soup stars and the couscous right away. You do not care for cottage cheese, but you absolutely love watermelon. I thought you would, since you made me eat it in embarrassingly large quantities last summer!

June 25, 2011

Just this week you've started waving to us, but the most wonderful and rewarding thing this month has been that you started to use your sign language! We have been using signs for "milk", "eat", "all done" and "cat" for about 2 months now. I know you know what they mean because if I sign "milk" to you or ask you if you want to eat (while signing it) you always react.

June 20, 2011

A few weekends ago when we were at The Camp you were sitting with Stefanie and starting to get fussy. I asked you if you wanted milk and you started signing "milk" back to me!! And then a week or so ago when you were nursing, you stopped and looked up at me and then signed "milk" about 4 different times. It is amazing to see you put those thoughts together and then communicate to me that you want something or that you understand what I'm telling you. I just love it.

May 29, 2011

You have moved into the size 12 month clothes and while I thought they were going to be too big for you, you promptly had a growth spurt and they fit fine! We teased that you were like a goldfish and would grow into whatever size we gave you! You still wear a size 3 diaper, but you can no longer wear your size 2 shoes. I saved the little ballerina bear Robeez because I could not bar to part with them.

May 28, 2011

I love you so very very much and am enjoying watching you grow so thoroughly.

May 28, 2011

Happy 8 month birthday, My Love!
Love, Mommy

Girl Cousins

2011-06-25T09:55:00.005-04:00

Chelsey and Eric are visiting for the week.

June 20, 2011

On Monday evening Chelsey hung out with us and was a huge help at the grocery store.

Then she helped watch and feed Harper while I unpacked the bags and put the groceries away. They were enjoying some girl cousin bonding time!

As you can see, sweet potatoes are always a hit. But then I asked Chelsey fed Harper some cottage cheese for the first time. I thought she'd like it since she loved yogurt so much. But I was wrong. Very wrong.

This picture almost makes me feel guilty - it looks
as though she's thinking,"why would they
do such a terrible thing to me?"

This one's blurry because I caught her just as a full body shudder began to take over...

And I may have felt badly about that first picture,
but this one just makes me laugh every time I see it!

She was such a good sport for trying a few bites of the cottage cheese that we quickly switched her over to her favorite; vanilla yogurt.

But that's not all. The Girl Cousins got some fabulous news on Wednesday. Adam and Sarah had their ultrasound and learned that their new baby, due in November, is a GIRL!!!

We couldn't be more excited and can't wait to meet Baby GIRL Trussell later this fall!

She's Got It!!

2011-06-21T13:15:00.000-04:00

***I've been sitting on this post for days because I've had some trouble with the video uploading. Rather than argue with Blogger, I'm just going to publish this so that too much time doesn't go by - originally written June 14, 2011***

I'll apologize right off the bat for my annoying voice - otherwise, enjoy her little victory with us!

June 14 2011

So she's crawling more and more but still using the old break dancing move "The Worm" (can you tell I'm a child of the 80's?) to get places when she wants to get there faster or if she is frustrated with crawling. I was going to stop the video nearer the beginning) just after she crawled) but I couldn't resist watching her check out the difference between the carpet and linoleum.

She is so happy to be moving around now!

Takin A Tubby

2011-06-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

This little girl loves the bathtub.

And now that it's summer we indulge her love of water every single night. She's covered in sweat and sunscreen and filthy with fun by the end of the day. The fact that she is grubby is a good thing, I believe. It means she was busy and engaged and having a fabulous time.

On Thursday she came home covered in grape jelly. She was exploring it as during sensory play.

June 8 2011

So after dinner on Thursday night we filled up the tub. She loves to watch the tub fill and gets really excited - flapping her arms and kicking her legs.

And then when you finally get her in the tub, she kicks and kicks and soaks the bathroom with water.

You don't actually get to bathe her for quite some time because she's having so much fun splashing and she literally can't hold still long enough to get clean!

And no, she doesn't wear a bikini in the tub, but she does wear a Photoshopped one when her bathtub antics are displayed on the internet. Look how innocent and trusting those eyes are - I have to protect her modesty.

She's just starting to be interested in toys floating and filling and dumping cups. Mostly she just wants to squirm and splash. I love tubby time because I love how much she enjoys the water.

Cantaloupe

2011-06-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

well,

June 7 2011

I think she likes it!

A Trip To The Lake

2011-06-10T22:57:00.005-04:00

We went to The Camp last weekend and we added the next generation to a family tradition.

June 5 2011

There's a new baby swing.

And another baby who loves it!

I just love how she is holding the ropes.

We also went over to the beach side of the house and checked out the sand.

Her little tootsies were happy in the new texture of the sand

and she was happy for quite some time with a shovel and pail.

Picnic Lunch

2011-06-04T22:56:00.002-04:00

For years Rob and I have had a soft spot for hot dog joints. We decided to try a lunch truck today and while it was certainly excellent, the real highlight was having a picnic with my two favorite people.

I'm sure you take one look at the two of them and understand just how I feel.

Yes, I let Harper sit on the table. And I'm okay with that.

After saying that she doesn't seem to care for green vegetables, doesn't she just make a liar out of me and fall in love with spinach of all things? She tried asparagus this week and loves that, too.

She wears her lunch well, doesn't she?

Tornado Warning 2011

2011-06-02T21:53:00.006-04:00

Yesterday evening we rode out a severe thunderstorm warning, tornado watch and tornado warning. It was absolutely nothing compared to the Springfield/West Springfield area, Monson, Sturbridge and other areas that were hit with actual tornados.

While we are exceedingly thankful that our families were not harmed in any way, Rob's uncle Mike and my dad's cousin Lois each will be living with the aftermath of these tornados within their community.

We had one thunderstorm roll through around 5ish, it was barely anything. According to the radars, it looked like it was all over. So we headed to Target to get some supplies and grab some dinner. When we returned home my Dad called us to let us know there was a dangerous storm headed straight to us. We turned on the television and within minutes were headed to the basement.

With three grumpy cats, a diaper bag, and our dinner.

We set ourselves up in front of the TV and watched the sky change.

It was very odd. At one point Rob had to run upstairs to grab the phone numbers of his employees and he said the sky looking out the front of the house was the strangest color. I snuck a peek too and agreed. It was glowing green and eery. It was both calm and full of energy at the same time.

Around this time we noticed that the worst was coming according to the news. Can you see the TV in the picture below? That giant rainbow blob is basically the size of the whole of central Massachusetts.

At this point we decided not to go near the windows and door at all. Look at the color of the sky in this picture. Creepy! And the pictures do not even do it justice, it was ethereal and other-worldly. Supernatural.

A closer look... with my camera zoomed... there was no way I was getting near that door.

We kept Harper entertained with silly little things. Singing, toys, and her cat in her crate. I think we were keeping Penny entertained, too. None of the cats were fans of what was going on.

And just as suddenly it was over. And that was just as odd. Everything was fine. Go back upstairs and put the baby to bed.

Just like normal.

It seemed so odd to just put Harper to bed in her own room and then to go to bed ourselves in a separate room after not letting her move farther than arms' reach from either of us for the last 4+ hours.

The devastation this morning was just awful. We didn't have any near our house or work, but the images on TV were unbelievable. As someone said on the newscast "this sort of thing isn't supposed to happen in Massachusetts".

Molly's Bridal Shower

2011-05-29T09:32:00.007-04:00

Yesterday Harper and I got all dressed up and went to Molly's bridal shower. It's a darn good thing that Harper is so social and good-natured because she got passed around and doted on yesterday!

May 28 2011

Someone else got a new camera, too!

Mom painted Molly's house as a gift to her. She loved it!

Molly had lots of gorgeous gift and many close and special family and friends there.

...who all happened to blink or look away when I took this picture... darn.

And Harper did a decent job of keeping herself busy while the grown ups watched Molly open her presents.

Sometimes she roped others in to keep herself entertained.

Once people started leaving just us girls went outside to get some group pictures. Which weren't taken with my camera, but that's okay because I got all the candids and goofy pictures. Much more fun :)

not sure what to make of the double-zerbert!

She got passed around some out there, too.

Lots of serious faces because she had just woken up. I have no idea how she did it and I never expected it, but she napped in her stroller during brunch!

Have I ever mentioned just how special and invaluable these girls are? They are my dearest friends and have loved me through all of my ups and downs. To see them love on my daughter makes my heart feel full in a way I've never experienced until now.

The last time Molly saw Harper was the day after Christmas. San Francisco is just too far away.

Harper has an obsession with jewelry - at this party everyone who held her had a necklace. She was in heaven! And on another note, doesn't Erica look a bit like Kate Middleton in this picture?

My new favorite picture of the bride:

I hope you had a wonderful day Molls- we adore you and enjoyed celebrating with you yesterday!

New Camera!

2011-05-27T22:37:00.002-04:00

Maybe you noticed with Harper's 7 Month letter, but I got a new camera! And I have been having lots of fun learning how to use it. I am simultaneously relieved that cameras are digital now so that I can just delete all my goofs instead of having to develop film and thrilled with so many new features. Look what I happened to catch today:

Technically I believe this was mid-yawn- however, I am very aware that it looks like she's laughing at me! And she'd have good reason, I deleted the majority of the pictures I took today!

7 Months Old

2011-05-26T07:30:00.002-04:00

Dearest Little Lovebug,

You are seven months old today and I have so enjoyed this past month! You have been extremely busy and are doing so much. And it all came about so quickly that you decided it was time to move.

And I do mean move. About halfway through the month you decided that all that rolling that I was encouraging you to do was worth it. You squirm and wriggle and roll and scooch and kick and push and wave your arms and legs. Gone are the days of setting you on a quilt on the floor and going to do the dishes. You will roll and squirm and wiggle until you have found your way off the quilt and into another room. Or I'll have to rescue you from having one foot stuck under the couch, angering you because it has impeded your flip from your tummy to your back. Or I watch with a cringe as you bang your head on the exersaucer because you haven't yet learned to look where you're going. You have gone from being a stationary sitter about 10 days ago to learning how to get up on all fours and rock back and forth!

May 25 2011

And while you are doing all of this you are narrating your expedition at the top of your lungs! You've always talked to us but lately it has become all the time and with all your voice! You've thrown some consonants in the mix now, too. Two popular phrases last week were "Ah - dah-dah-dah-dah" and "Ah-la-la-bla-la". You even let us join in on the fun and you seem to understand that we are playing a game. When you yell "Aaaahhhhh" I yell it with you, at the same time and with the same tone and pitch. You get this twinkle in your eye and stop. So I stop. Then you start again and so do it. I know you understand that it is a game because you will differ how long you hold the note and watch me the whole time to make sure we are yelling together!

You're also learning Peek-a-boo. We started during diaper changes. You'd hold the clean diaper over your face, then I'd say "Where's Harper?". When you'd pull the diaper away from your face I'd say "Peek!" and you'd smile. It was really the first game you played. And the first time you've played intentionally with another person. Now you've added in another element. Last night we were playing across the room. I hid my face behind your high chair and I'd pop my face out and say "Peek!". Sometimes I'd go left or right or straight up and every time you knew it was coming and was trying to anticipate which direction I'd choose. You are learning object permanence, My Love - that I still exist even though you can't see me for a moment. And the next step after that is separation anxiety, so we'll keep an eye out for that next month.

But that's not all! You popped through your first 2 teeth this month, too!

You didn't end up getting your eye tooth first, but the classic and adorable two front teeth on the bottom. In exploring those new teeth with your tongue you figured out how to blow raspberries. It is the cutest, funniest, drooliest thing ever.

And you are growing a ton of new hair!

We had your 6 month well visit and you are 27 inches long and almost 18 pounds! You are in the 95th percentile for height and 75th for weight. The doctor called you long and lean!

We added a jogging stroller to the arsenal and you've been enjoying long walks with me and Daddy in the evenings. You try so hard to take in every new thing you are seeing, but ultimately the fresh air and gentle ride put you to sleep.

You're still in 6-9 months clothes, but they are all fleece and wintery stuff. There are 12 month clothes ready for you for the summer and it's gotten warmer so you might be in those before you are "ready"! You're still in a size 3 diaper and your shoes are still the same tiny size (2). You are drinking three 5 ounce bottles per day when you are at daycare/Sarah's house and eat an enormous meal at lunch and dinner time. And in the evenings you continue to explore a sippy cup with water in it. Your bedtime is usually around 8:30 but lately you've been desperate to go to bed as early as 7:15 because you've completely worn yourself out with all of your moving!

We love you, Baby Girl. And we cannot wait to see you crawl- I just know it's coming in the next few weeks!

All of my love,
Mommy

PS- I almost forgot to say that you have chosen a "lovey". You have this adorable kitty with just a stuffed head. The rest of its body doesn't have stuffing so it is like a blanket. You adore it- I have never seen you react to something like you do to this kitty. Your face lights up the moment you see her, you grab her by the ears and kiss her face. When you are sleepy and snuggly you play with the little tag on her body and while you are asleep she is grasped tightly in one of your hands. Until you are old enough to name it for yourself, we have been calling her Flat Kitty. It is so precious to see your affection for her; Daddy and I love to watch you when you get to see Flat Kitty at night, it melts our hearts!

The Sippy Cup

2011-05-18T21:36:00.005-04:00

Harper is still using bottles and will probably continue to for a while still.

April 30, 2011

But it was definitely time to introduce her to the sippy cup.

The handles seemed obvious to her, but beyond that she needed a little encouragement.

I mean, the girl puts everything in her mouth, but this she was a little apprehensive about.

And while she eventually explored it with her mouth,

she mostly just slides it over to one side and gnaws on it.

But she'll get it!

I Told You....

2011-05-18T21:31:00.003-04:00

that

April 30, 2011

she

looks

great

in

purple!

6 Months Old

2011-04-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Dear Tiny Baby Harper,

It's here.

Your SIX month birthday.

It has fallen on a Tuesday, just like the day you were born.

October 26, 2010 - minutes old

And since you were born exactly on your due date, I've been counting your Tuesdays for 64 weeks.

April 17, 2011

This last month has started to make you seem like a big girl. Infancy is gone and now you are an older baby. Even the books use older-baby words; instead saying that you are starting solids, they refer to it as weaning. Can't they call it something else so that it doesn't make me sad?

November 17, 2010

I have so very much enjoyed the first 6 months of your life and while I am thrilled to see what comes next, I do need a moment to feel nostalgic about this sweet time in your life being over. In no other 6 month period will so much change and those changes matter so much. I'm loving every second of it, feeling entirely immersed and yet, I feel like we're barely hanging on to a train that's barreling on ahead. It's all I can do to take it all in; I don't want to miss any of it.

This month you have mastered amazing things.
Rolling over? CHECK!
Sitting unassisted? CHECK!
Chowing down 2 meals a day? CHECK!
Bedtime routine and putting yourself to sleep? CHECK!
Using a highchair when we are at restaurants? CHECK!

January 26, 2011

You're also working on cutting some teeth... sigh. It appears as though, bucking tradition, you will be getting one of your bottom canine teeth first. Poor thing, those are supposed to be really painful... and they're also supposed to be the last teeth you get. So, my little Halloween baby, you may just have a snaggletooth vampire fang for a while. I can't wait for the darn thing to pop through and give us you some relief - but I also can't wait to see your silly grin with one pearly white fang!

April 10, 2011

You've graduated from the plastic newborn tub, to bathing in the kitchen sink, to bathing in the real tub. The real tub is your favorite because I lay you on your back and you just kick your legs and slap the water with your hands until you and I, the walls and the floor are soaked and you have scared the bejeezus out of the cat. It takes forever to actually wash you because you won't stop moving, but I don't care because you are enjoying yourself and it is so worth it to me that you love the water. I can't wait to take you to The Camp this summer or into the pool at Sarah & Adam's.

April 17, 2011
Why, yes I did Photoshop a bikini onto Harper in this picture.
She will be raised with modesty; and besides, she looks good in purple.

Speaking of taking you places, you have become a little traveler and it turns out you are pretty easygoing about it. We went to Maine for a long weekend to celebrate your Grandpa Alix's birthday. You were content for nearly the whole trip (one little meltdown, but who could blame you? It was a lot to take in!). You do your best to stay up past your bedtime when we stay out too late with you - and you are an angel, to boot. You just get quiet and snuggly. Who can resist that?

April 3, 2011

And I think you are going to enjoy our Adventure Sundays- Daddy got a back pack to carry you in and to say you love it is a huge understatement.

April 10, 2011

So far you are in the same size clothes (6-9 months), same size shoes (2) and you could still be in the same size diaper (2-3) but we ran out so we just bumped you up to the size 3's we had on hand. You are still taking a 6 ounce bottle or nursing every 3 hours, but now you have also added in 2 rather large meals; one at lunch and one at dinnertime. Your 6 month well-baby visit is on May 2nd so we'll get to find out how tall you are and what you weigh. I can't wait.

April 8, 2011

Well, My Love - here's to the second half of your first year: I know it will be filled with many many more wonderful moments and so many "firsts". I can't wait to experience them with you, even if it does mean we'll eventually wean you completely and you will learn to crawl away from me! I know too, that it will mean hearing you say "mama" and "dada" for the first time and that you'll surely be crawling (and walking!) to me for hugs and kisses, too. It's so bittersweet to watch you grow up. It's hard because of how fast it goes by and that I'll never get the time back. But it is only sad because it is the most wonderful experience I've ever had and I am loving every second of life because you're in it.

I can't wait to see what the next month/year/10 years brings. I am so blessed and thankful to be your Mom and you to be my daughter.

I love you so very very very much.

Happy Half Birthday, Baby.

Love,
Mommy

Analytics

2011-04-24T22:03:00.007-04:00

I rarely check my analytics on the blog, but sometimes I check in just to see how it is that people find my blog or what posts I've written are the most popular. I never think to do it because honestly, I use the blog just as a tool to keep track of our life and I'm pretty sure my audience is really just our family. But then I read something about search optimization or something else and I remember that Google is tracking all these funny stats for me and I check them out.

Here are some things that tickled me when I read them today:

After the U.S., The Netherlands ranks second as the biggest readers of Team Alix. I don't know a soul there and I have no idea how they found me.
My most popular post is Chocolate Peanut Butter Birthday Cake. I think that's pretty random considering this isn't my baking blog.
speaking of my other blog, I looked at its analytics, too and I had a huge spike in traffic yesterday. Turns out someone in Turkey had seen the bird mobile I made for Harper's room (people in Turkey are checking out Harper's room! I bet you never though that would happen when you were helping me select sticks, MaryBeth?!)and sent her readers to check it out. I had to copy the words in her post and put them into google translater and they still don't make sense, but I like her little hearts- they make me feel like it's a good review.

"You know this kind of ornaments called mobile blogs Turkish for his very stylish writer, or come on DIY, DIY, this' Mobile karşılığıdoğrusu difficult, ceiling ornaments, songs, pendant ih i think this stuff will remain mobile, but there are similar studies very stylish. Especially here, very elegant combination of dry branches and birds. Birds such as pink and white painted branches branch décor can try to create color harmony. Erected here to see how the construction of this mobile is for the birds you ♥ ♥ Let me at this place. ♥ I also have the following model"

the site that refers the most people to mine is my friend Sam's family blog - I hope that means that Sam's friends are visiting and not that Sam spends all day pinging my blog over and over- ha!! just teasing Sam! But I thought I'd say hello to some new friends who visit from the Florest Family's blog- won't you please leave a comment to say hello so that I can meet you?
The second most referrals is coming from my friend Marissa's old blog. If you think of it, will you please pray for her family? They have had a hospital stay and some scary times with their newest addition, as well as some big changes in family dynamics. Her old blog is the one driving all the traffic here, but she doesn't write there anymore, so feel free to visit her on her new blog instead (here). And if you are stopping by from Marissa's blog- won't you leave a comment to introduce yourself?

Who knew all this was going on? I'm kind of tickled that I've reached Turkey!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

Have a wonderful Easter!

Boing Boing Boing!!

She Loves to Eat

2011-04-21T21:04:00.004-04:00

In case there were any worries, I am happy to report that the Trussell/Alix genetic combo has given Harper an exemplary advantage in the "eating" category.

April 11 2011

This girl loves her food.

And so far mealtime has been really enjoyable.

So far there hasn't ever been a time when I've had to sneak a spoonful in or beg her to take one more bite.

So far I have actually not met her standards for speed-of-delivery... she let's me know I am moving too slowly in between bites.

And she even wears her meals well! We love these pictures for their authenticity

and because of the fabulous faces she makes!

So far the only thing she's not a fan of is rice cereal and pureed bananas. Can't really blame her on those. But the list of foods she loves is longer and tastier: sweet potato, pears, avocado, oatmeal, summer squash, carrots, mango, peaches, apples and oatmeal (the last 2, incidentally, is what she's wearing in these photos!)

But that's not all....

She also has an appetite for toes, apparently!

Two Weekends Ago

2011-04-20T20:56:00.003-04:00

Lately I've been terrible about keeping up to date with the blog. I have no idea why. Sometimes I feel like there is nothing worth saying... except that the whole point of this thing is to catalog the everyday stuff so we can look back on it later. If I only waited for the big things to talk about, I'd be missing the whole point.

And then there are times when there is so much going on I don't know where to start. I think I got caught somewhere in between those two... with a side of full-time-job, tiny-fabulous-baby and spending-quality-time-with-my-husband.

On Saturday we went to Miss Olivia's first birthday party! I made her birthday cake- it was the least I could do since she's shared all of her hand-me-downs with Harper. We had some fun pictures with all of our little girls together, but I won't share them here because I won't share pictures of other's children without their permission and I forgot to ask!

BUT... that morning, before we went to Olivia's party, Harper finally rolled over in front of me. I could hardly believe it- she had done it one morning and we found her in her crib on her tummy, and just a few days earlier she did it at day care. I was beginning to feel pretty upset about missing it. And then she did it. And Rob missed it. So I rolled her back onto her back and then grabbed the video camera. And she did it again so we could show Daddy!!

Has she done it since? Nope.

The next morning Rob was doing the dishes and someone refused to be put down. So he wore her and she was content. Really content.

Later that morning I went to Pam's baby shower and I brought Harper with me. She did really well and enjoyed wearing Olivia's hand me downs and snuggling with her Mommy.

The weather was gorgeous, so when we got home we went for a hike.

Does she look like she was running a low fever and was miserable because she's teething?

How 'bout now?

Totally miserable, right?

What a funny face that one is! (above). We attached some toys so that she would have something to do, but

actually she held on to them but loved the walk and was very aware that there were things to see.

Plus, she got to spend some quality time seeing things from Daddy's perspective.

And I got to hang out with my two favorite people.

Just Because....

2011-04-14T21:21:00.002-04:00

....I love her little round Buddha belly.

...she's getting strong and more inquisitive every day.

...she is so happy it's contageous.

...she makes the best faces.

...this might be my new favorite picture.

...that smile melts my heart!