The Six 4

staying home

2012-01-27T17:14:00.000-06:00

I was never a person who wanted to be a stay-at-home mommy, until Harper was born. Pretty sure I asked J to let me stay home once a week for 3 years. Sometimes more than that... moving on. When Carson was born, I was hoping that I wouldn't have to go back this time, and on January 5th, I turned in my notice! I love(d) my job and the people I worked with, but I love my girls more.

I have missed Harper for 3 1/2 years. She is now staying home with me and only going to preschool 2 days a week. I am loving it! Most days are pretty relaxed. We have days where we stay in our pj's all day. And somehow, I feel like I do more laundry than I did before I stayed home. I hardly wear makeup and never knew a shower would be so hard to come by! But I wouldn't trade it for the world. I get leisurely mornings with both of my smiling girls and don't have to rush to get anywhere. Thank you, darling J, for making my wish come true!

My loves on the couch one morning

How she spends most of her days - in a princess dress. One of the 7 she has. So cute I can hardly stand it.

She constantly has to be where her baby sister is.

This sweet girl started ballet this week! She was so excited about her "costume" that she had to put it on as soon as we got home. Little love.

Carson Justine

2011-11-10T18:37:00.003-06:00

I guess I took another blogging break. I was 9 months pregnant, y'all. And then this:

Wednesday, October 26, 2011.

My life was forever altered. Again.

Our second heartbeat, Carson, was born. Best. day. ever. #3. Only behind getting married to J and the birth of her big sister. Her big sister who adores her.

Adores her. But first, let me eat this brownie, mom. She's half Creel. She comes by it naturally.

Holding baby sister with Gigi.

At first, I thought it would be impossible to love another tiny human as much as I love Harper. God does amazing things, let me tell you. Carson is my reward. My reward, in spite of being worried how I was going to feel about her. That's grace, people. He changed my heart just as He did when Harps was born. And I will never be the same.

Now for the reasons behind both my girls' names. They both have a name from literature (*cough* nerd *cough*) and a special name. Harper Rebecca - Harper from Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, one of my favorite books. Rebecca is my mom's name. Carson Justine - Carson is a name J and I had talked about before we were even married. Harper was this close to being Carson. Until my J flipped a coin on my bed - while I was in labor. True story. So he hung on to Carson. Her middle name is her literature/special name. Ever read The Thornbirds? Justine is the name of one of the characters, and I always loved the name, even before J came into my life. Special because it's daddy's name too.

Harper's First Day of Preschool

2011-09-05T15:29:00.000-05:00

9/1/11

This sleepy-eyed girl had her first day of preschool on Thursday. She was so good-natured about letting me take her picture 15 minutes after she woke up... as long as she could hold 'her' camera! Such a big girl. Where has the time gone??

I know, I know, she is the cutest. thing. ever.

She even let me take a picture of her at school.

My cousin Michael came to stay with us on Friday night. He was barely in the door, and Harper said, "Michael, come to my room! I want to make you pretty." So he let her. What a good sport.

B holding her Kelton. Please keep this little guy in your prayers!

Sooooooo.

2011-08-27T15:51:00.001-05:00

I've been MIA. To say the least. Updating my blog has taken a serious backseat to my life. Or lack thereof. Is anyone going to read this anymore? Doubtful. But one can always hope. So, here's a glimpse what's been going on.

1. February 18th - Found out we were pregnant with Sixlet #2!
2. February 20th - got baptized with my husband at Willow Park Baptist Church. That's right - after 32 years as a Methodist, I joined a baptist church. And we LOVE it.
3. March 4th. HORRIBLE all day morning sickness started. And didn't stop until sometime in late April. Awesome. No, really. I wore those Sea Bands for my nausea for weeks, 24 hours a day. I had little scars. Kinda funny.
4. Learned that my sister was pregnant again in March. That's right, we did it again. And before you ask, "did you plan this?", rest assured we didn't. You can't plan that. But somehow, my sister and I did it. Twice. Her due date {was} November 6th. Mine, November 1st. I'll get into the was part in a bit.
5. May 8th - My precious girl turned 3. Hayden and Harper had a Toy Story 3 birthday party at our house May 7th. Have I mentioned how. much. I LOVE her? No words.

6. May 21st - Harper slept in her big girl bed for the first time. *sniff* Yes, she slept in a crib until she was 3. Don't be jealous. Or hateful. That quilt? My mom bought it at an antique store for me when I was little for my first big girl bed. It's special.

7. June 6th - Doris, my beloved caretaker of Harper since she was 12 weeks old, let me know that her last day would be July 8th. Cried for a couple weeks I'm pretty sure. Love you, D. Harper started at a private preschool on July 12th. I'm happy with our decision, but it was not made easily. Not an easy decision, trying to decide the right place for your baby. She still has her mornings where she is hesitant, but overall, she has adjusted extremely well. Still miss our Doris, though.

8. We found out my daddy is in a-fib. A cardioversion was attempted to shock his heart back into a normal rhythm, but it didn't work. Another cardioversion will be attempted at a later point, but for now, he is doing good. And other things have been going on. Please keep him in your prayers!

9. Okay, now for the was part. My beloved sister (who some may call my other half, and wouldn't be wrong) who was pregnant (yes, was) and due a week after me. Her water broke 6 weeks ago, when she was 23 weeks and 5 days pregnant. She was admitted to Baylor All Saints and has been on bed rest. Until this past Thursday. Got a message from my sister saying they might be having a baby. Without going into a ton of detail, B had to have an emergency c-section at 29 weeks and 4 days (here is her caring bridge site so you can go read all about it: www.caringbridge.org/visit/bsmith). Kelton Creel Smith was born at 11:16 am. 2 pounds, 9 ounces, 14.76 inches long. I got to see him last night. I am in love with him. He is tiny. He is working hard to breathe. But God has been watching over him and big things are in store for this little guy. Please keep Kelton, my sister, David, and Hayden in your prayers.

My sister and I last weekend at the hospital. You have NO idea how much fun the 2 of us have when we have a camera.

So that's where we are. I'm still pregnant. It's a blessing. Even though this heat is unholy. My feet? Swollen. But I'll spare you a picture of those. Here's my belly. A few weeks ago.

And here's my girl. Because you just have to see a couple pictures of Harper. Beautiful.

making my dream {almost} a reality.

2010-12-28T21:51:00.000-06:00

~~For the past year~~ ~~For the past couple of years~~ Since I can remember, I've wanted to take pictures. I remember finding an old camera of my grandparent's, the kind that used the flashes that you had to put on top and they spun around, and I wore that thing out. I got a pink LeClic camera when I was 9 (please, someone, tell me you remember those..!) and went through countless rolls of 110mm film. I progressed to asking for a 'black' (my word for more professional) camera when I was about 12. Justin got me my Canon for my birthday 2 years ago, and this is something that has been hanging around in my head since. No, I didn't go to school for photography. Yes, I still have a LONG way to go. But, I have to start somewhere. I have to start. Because this is something that I really, really want to do. And someday, hopefully in the not-so-distant future, I can say that I am a photographer.

So, with that being said, I've had a few practice sessions. A pregnant belly and a couple of family shoots. But last week, I had my first paid session! :D I took pictures of my dear friend Debi, her husband Tim (who I have known since I could breathe), and their precious little boy Layne. I am in the middle of starting a blog for my photos, but for now, they will be here. Here are a few of this precious family. More to come later...

take a guess...

2010-11-10T20:26:00.002-06:00

...as to what my favorite color is. These are just a few things around my house... :)

happy halloween!

2010-11-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

From the cutest Dorothy EVER!!

question is...

2010-11-06T14:26:00.000-05:00

Q: What happens when you give Harper an entire carton of blueberries, then leave her alone??
*
*
*
*
*
A: THIS.

At least she's creative...! :)

back in business. sort of.

2010-11-02T21:31:00.001-05:00

random thoughts...

1. Yes, I am a bad blogger. My computer was out of commission for a long time. She's as good as new now (can computers be gender specific?). But another part of that problem is that I don't want to sit down at the computer to blog. I am dead at the end of the day, and all I want to do after Harps goes down is be lazy on the couch.

2. Harper has now gone since last Thursday morning without a binky. BIG deal. I think I was as attached to those things as she was. It has been really easy, however. Maybe I should have addressed the issue a long time ago...? Oh well. I did it before she was 3. Leave me alone. I still have 2 in my purse. I look at them and want to give one to her... haaaaa.

3. Working on potty training. She does great for Doris. For me? Not so much. Only if she is in the mood. I'm picking my battles.

4. She is ALMOST 2 and a half years old. My joy. There are times when I get SO frustrated with that girl... she is so headstrong. Have NO clue where she gets that. But on the flip side of that, she is so incredibly loving, so funny, so spunky, so full of life. Love her. LOVE. We read to her every night before bed, and she has started reading to me. She has a couple of her favorites memorized, so she reads them. Aaaahhhh, my heart. Need to get that on video.

5. We had a great weekend this last weekend. Got to eat lunch on Saturday with Hayden and B, went shopping (by myself!) with Britt, had Britt and the fam over for dinner on Saturday night, church on Sunday, then trick-or-treating with the Smith's. Halloween was SO much fun this year! They totally got it. Hayden would even just walk right into the house as soon as a door opened and go straight for the candy. He's got a sweet tooth, bless his heart!

6. Yes, I have a ton of pictures to catch up on. I will get to that, hopefully in the next few days! Got Lightroom. So excited to start using it.

7. Harps recently got put on her first antibiotic, for a cold that would not go away. I think she was sick for close to a month. Well, that first time on an antibiotic, and she got a rash. This was no ordinary rash, let me tell you. Head to toe, red, itchy, raised. She didn't look like Harper. It was so sad. The doc has also marked her chart as amoxicillin allergy. Sigh.

8. On Saturday, she was carrying her Bible around. I asked her what the Bible said, and she said, "Jesus!" So sweet.

9. A couple Harperisms:
   bebena: banana
   tattub: bathtub
She still says "hold you" when she wants to be held. When she's excited about something, we get an "oooooooooookayyyyyy!".

I will leave you with a picture of my loves - taken at the beach. Going to sit on the couch.

South Padre, September 2010

vocabulary.

2010-06-13T16:05:00.003-05:00

Seeing as how I have NOT documented any of my two-year-old's words, there is no time better than now. She honestly went from saying maybe 20 words to carrying on conversations. Her true talking started at about 21 months. I know you can't compare your child to everyone else's, but I was so worried! Obviously, over nothing. She Does. Not. Stop. :) In addition, Doris has 6 dogs. You can point to each of them, and she knows them by name, and by each of the 6 nicknames Doris has for them! So smart, that girl.

Harper's word: real word

lebidade: lemonade
gaga: balloon (this progressed from beyo - Hayden called them gaga's, so that became Harper's word. She knows when we say balloon what we are talking about, but she still uses gaga.)
tosciple: Popsicle (most recent.)
tith: kiss (she wants kisses on every owie, and will even do it herself)
B: as in Aunt Blair
Bity: as in Aunt Brittny
beata: button
night-night: bed
Lowy: Lilly
Please don't be offended by the next one - she does not hear this word from us or anyone else for that matter, but it is one of the funniest words so far - and she is NOT cussing!
Fucca: as in Doris's dog, Fresca. Gets me EVERY time. Especially when we are sitting at home, and she will out of the blue say, "good girl, Fucca."
holdya: hold me
waff: wasp. She walks around saying, "Mean waff." She has had experience with those little jerks.
mightna: Lightning McQueen
Iloyu: I love you

I know there are several more, but those are by far my favorite Harperisms! Something else funny, if I ask her where Hayley or Justin is, she knows our names! Love.

fort worth botanic gardens

2010-06-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

Back in April (yes, I know I am behind), my friend Kara invited Harper and I to go to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. Kara has a little girl named Natalie who is almost 3. It was so hot, but we had a lot of fun! That is, until Harper started picking blooms off of the rose bushes....

Coming soon: Harper turns 2 pics! Playing outside pics! And Lilly's first birthday!...

Easter

2010-04-24T22:01:00.001-05:00

We went to Abilene for Easter this year, and we had a great time! We went to Pioneer Drive for church (my uncle Steve plays in the orchestra and they have the BEST Easter service. Ever.) and then we went to Perini's and had lunch outside. It was soooo yummy. Eat their strawberry shortcake. The. Best. Strawberry Shortcake. Ever. They serve strawberries on a warm biscuit and then give you warmed cream to pour over it. My mouth just filled up with saliva.

Harper sat with us through church and she did so good! She moved between GiGi and Momma most of the time, but hey. During the music, she would clap and say, "yay!" and put her hands up in the air and dance. So stinkin' cute.

Walking with her Papa after church, holding her bunny from Grandmomma.

Talking to Gigi at Perini's.

My sweet cousin Michael

After church and lunch, Harper and Hayden got to hunt for Easter eggs. I had been looking forward to this, since it was Harper's first time! She had princess eggs and everything. Hayden had already got to hunt at the Smith's, so he caught on faster than Harps. It was so much fun watching them!

Ignore the binky.

Hayden and his daddy

This picture makes me laugh :)

bathtime with my babies

2010-04-20T21:17:00.000-05:00

My beauty

Love these two SO much.

My handsome boy

harper's first haircut

2010-04-20T20:45:00.000-05:00

Harper got her first haircut at 22 months from her sweet Uncle David! He cut off the mullet :) She now looks more like a little girl...!

Playin' with Uncle David.

a recent favorite

2010-04-19T19:44:00.000-05:00

{Blair & Hayden, 2/2010}

2 of my favorite people on a very short list.

what's your point?

2010-04-02T10:13:00.002-05:00

So... apparently I am a crappy not the best blogger. I love reading other blogs, but when it comes to updating mine, I add it to my list of things to do and it somehow becomes a chore and then I don't want to do it. But given my schedule during the week, I {hope} that I am forgiven. Besides, every time I sit down at the computer, I have a certain little person who wants to sit in my lap and push buttons. That or she is grabbing my hand just as I sit down, saying, "'mon, Momma." Just as she is now.

I have a ton of new pictures that I need to post. And I will. Just as soon as I can.

We're going to Abilene for the weekend. Hope everyone has a blessed Easter. He is Risen!

kelly moore bag pt. 2 | for erin

2010-01-31T20:27:00.001-06:00

This is for Erin - here you go lady! My fabulous pink Kelly Moore camera bag that Justin got for me. I love it!! and so does Harps - she carries it around saying, "puush" (Harpey for purse). I haven't put anything in it yet. But I will. As soon as my child gives it up. :) Erin, you should give in and get your gray one. After all, you did say your shootsac was flawed :D Everyone, go check out Erin's glorious work. I aspire to be like her... *sigh* Maybe one of these days.

My most recent Stokes purchase - a light blue metallic shabby end table. Loooooove it!

red river

2010-01-25T21:34:00.006-06:00

At the beginning of January, my parents took all of us to go skiing in Red River, NM. I haven't been skiing since 2003. 2 weeks before I met my honey to be exact. :) Anyways - it's like riding a bicycle. We all had so much fun... can't wait to go back. Can't wait to get those babies on skis! Here are a few of my favorite pics from our week that went by entirely too fast.

The guys picked Blair and I and the babies up in Santa Fe and we drove the rest of the way to Red River. My views from the backseat...

Last but not least, all the hairy men - Dave, J, Dad, Unca P.

2010 goals

2010-01-16T13:39:00.002-06:00

1. Blog more. The good and the bad. I stole this idea from Amber and I think it is such a good idea! I want to blog about the bad and frustrating stuff too - not just the good. Makes me more real I think. I read a lot of blogs, and sometimes I feel like I am the only one who gets frustrated with life or has a bad day, because all I read about is the positive stuff. So when I am frustrated with my darling husband (that almost NEVER happens...) or when he is frustrated with me (again, that almost NEVER happens...), when I am praying for patience with my 20-month old, when I need uplifting or prayers, you will (hopefully) read about it.

2. Tell my husband DAILY how much I love and appreciate him. I thank God for him and Harper everyday, but do I actually tell Justin that? I want him to know that my life wouldn't be the same without him. I want him to know that he was brought into my life for a reason. He made me believe in love again. Enough of the mushy.

3. Take more pictures. Impossible, right? But seeing as this is one of my biggest goals for this year (ahem... become a photographer), I need to constantly strive to get better! I ask God daily for the strength and perserverance to achieve this. Does anyone want pictures taken?? I need the practice :) Seriously.

4. Be a better wife/mom/sister/daughter/friend.

5. Workout he he

6. Cook more. On the weekends anyway.

7. Learn Photoshop.

I think that's a good start!

We got back from Red River last weekend, and I promise to have some pictures posted soon. I do have one prayer request - I have my first session tomorrow. I am nervous because I want to do a great job. Now I do need to tell you that it is for my sister-in-law Britt and her family, but it is my first official one! So, please pray for peace for me. And confidence.

P.S. Justin got me my pink Kelly Moore bag!!! Yay and yay.

kelly moore bag

2010-01-08T23:48:00.000-06:00

I am desperately wanting to turn my photography hobby into something a little more serious, and I am always looking at different photography blogs and sites for inspiration. I found this great lens bag that I am begging my husband for! (Please, Justin??) Very cool and stylish! It has different compartments for lenses (so far, I only have 2, but hey - I gotta start somewhere) or anything else someone could think of putting in there. Go check out her website here if you are in the market for a really cool bag! (Justin??)

blairisms

2010-01-08T23:28:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, to Mom: "Mom, don't forget I have your panties in my purse."

10 minutes ago, to Mom: "Pull my pants down, Mommy!" (Had to be there. But seriously, I peed a little.)

more pics

2009-12-20T21:52:00.000-06:00

The dancing queen at GiGi and Papa's - with her jewels and snow boots. Can you say precious??

Pictures of my Nana and Gran on my mom's vanity - just liked the pic.

GiGi and Papa walking with the babies.

workin' on my editing skills...

2009-12-20T16:38:00.001-06:00

A recent photo of my girl... I did some editing. I owe my newfound determination to Amber. Check out her site.. here. She recently took some pics of the Six 3 - can't wait to see them all. She just got her camera this summer and she is already doing such a great job with her photography, that she has inspired me to work on my skills, so that one day, I can say, "I am a photographer." Thanks Amber dahling.

today's blairism

2009-12-20T16:29:00.000-06:00

In a text from B today: "Sign said Dandy Western Wear. I saw Daddy Western Wear, and I thought huh, what's the difference between that and regular western wear?"

so glamorous

2009-11-21T21:49:00.001-06:00

Harps loves to play in my jewelry. I caught her one morning like this...

She thinks the bracelets need to be all the way up her arm.

eighteen months

2009-11-11T20:46:00.003-06:00

Our girl turned 18 months old on Sunday! She had her 18 month check up with the doctor on Monday, and here are her stats:

Height: 32 1/2 in (50-75th percentile)

Weight: 22.5 lbs (10-25th percentile)

Head: 18 in (25th percentile)

Here are some pictures of our 18-month-old last night...

She loves sitting up against something and playing...

Cereal with Daddy. Harper loves cereal, and loves whenever her daddy has some because he always shares with her. I don't think he has a choice :)

Precious.

In honor of my precious daughter being 18 months old, here are 18 things that I love about you, my darling girl. I love...

1. Finding toys in drawers, sippy cups in cabinets, my bracelets in the closet, etc.

2. Your hugs (love-love) and kisses (followed by a muah!).

3. Your dancing whenever you hear any kind of music - a toy, a commercial, a cell phone, anything. You love to dance in the car when I have the radio on and it is so cute. You also love to be held and danced with. I LOVE this!

4. How when you are about to get something that you really want like a sip of diet coke or a piece of chocolate, you pop that binky right out of your mouth and start giggling in a high-pitched voice.

5. How you love to wear our shoes. You come out of our closet (leaving something behind that you had previously been playing with) with a pair of shoes and want us to help you put them on. Daddy's boots and flip flops are the funniest.

6. How shoes and socks ALWAYS come off in the car, no matter how long or short the trip.

7. That you call out "Bye!" as I walk out the door after putting you to bed. It just makes me want to run back in there and scoop you up and love all over you again!

8. That you are so loving, and let us love all over you.

9. How you love to hold my hand in the car. The majority of the time, I am driving with one hand in the back seat holding your hand. I will treasure that sweetness forever.

10. How you say "Mmmm!" whenever you take a bite of something good. And it's not just the first bite - it is every bite.

11. Your giggles when I kiss all over your face, ears, and neck. Then in the middle of all this you put your hands around my head and pull my face to yours and just sit. Oh, my heart.

12. How you push the button on the DVD player that makes the tray come out, and you put a remote on it, then push the button to make it go back in, and you don't understand why the remote won't go in, too.

13. How whenever I am on my hands and knees doing something (usually cleaning your mess :) ), you come up behind me and hug me.

14. How you love to be chased. You'll start to run off, but you look back over your shoulder, letting me know to come chase you. This entertains you far longer than my lungs can stand, but I love it so much!

15. What Daddy loves about you: you make him happy.

16. I love that I will never forget the moment I saw your beautiful face for the first time. It will forever be one of my most treasured memories. You changed me in that instant.

17. How you have opened up my eyes to how much my Momma and Daddy love me, and why they would go to the ends of the Earth for me. Your Daddy and I will do the same for you...

18. And how you have opened up my eyes to how much our heavenly Father loves us. You are such a blessing to this family, and we are thankful everyday for you and grateful for this opportunity to be your parents. My heart is so full. We love you so much, Harper Rebecca!

halloween 2009

2009-11-08T11:20:00.001-06:00

I am pretty sure that B and I had the two cutest trick-or-treaters ever!! Justin and I took Harper over to Blair and David's and we went trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. The babies had the best time! And yes, they both got to eat a little something from their buckets. :) (Harper loves chocolate - she is my child, and Jim Creel's granddaughter. She never had a chance.) Harper loved going to each house and walking up the sidewalk - she would start squealing each time. They didn't quite understand about taking some candy. They both tried to take it out of their bucket and put it back. This year was so much fun because we got to take them out. Halloween is just going to get more fun the older they get, and I look forward to it so much!

Hayden standing at the window, watching big kids. So cute.

They didn't get to eat the candy, we just put it in their hands in an attempt to take their picture together. Still.

pumpkin patch

2009-11-07T22:38:00.003-06:00

Two weeks ago, we went and met David, Blair, Hayden, and my parents at a pumpkin patch in Colleyville. For us country folk livin' in Weatherford, that was quite a drive.

One attempt of taking a picture of Harper. This girl sit still? Are you crazy? Have you met her daddy?

My sissy. LOVE her.

Papa showing Harps some punkins. Love this picture of them.

The babies kissing each other. They love each other, it is so precious. But along with the kissing, they also bite (Harper), push (Hayden), and throw objects at the other with excessive force I might add (again, Hayden). When Harper has had enough, she usually unleashes an assault on Hayden (my terms). Blair likes to call this "Harper opening her bag of assaults." Might have peed a little when I heard her say that.

These two love their GiGi

Daddy and his girl, so sweet.

One of the first pictures of the three of us together in maybe a year. Seriously. Someone take some pictures of this family! :)

A side note - I went to an allergist for the first time in my life a few weeks ago. As it turns out, I am allergic to 90% of Earth, just as I suspected. The doctor took one look at my back and said, "Whoa." Then he proceeded to tell me that I am a poster child for allergy shots. And then he put me on the strongest allergy medication on the market, and I am now getting shots. My point is, is that I was at the aforementioned pumpkin patch. Outside. Hay. Usually a party for my little immunoglobulins (IgE's to be exact - I paid attention in Advanced Anatomy, people). However, due to my new wonder drugs, I did not sneeze once. Hallelujah.

Oh and and - the week before the allergy testing (not pleasant), I got sulfuric acid on my face at work (also not pleasant). 15 minutes in that stupid eyewash is also on my list of unpleasant experiences. As is my boss having to drive me to the doctor afterwards. *sigh*

walk for a cure

2009-10-31T11:43:00.003-05:00

Hayden and his wonderful Mommy and Daddy, and Blue of course.

Last Saturday was the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk for a Cure. It was such a beautiful day, perfect for walking 3.2 miles! :) My family and I participated wholeheartedly in an effort to raise money to hopefully one day find a cure for our little Hayden! Thank you so much my wonderful friends and family who donated to us. We appreciate every penny that we got! It just gets us that much closer to a cure.

The Six Family - is anyone surprised Miss Harps has a water bottle in her mouth?!

Our team - little but proud!

Aunt Brittny, Gabe, Uncle Justin, Aunt Hayley, Harper, Hayden's Mommy Blair, Hayden, Uncle Paul, Aunt Michelle, Micah, Makenna, Hayden's Daddy David, David's good friend Gabe, Papa and GiGi.

Until next year...

playin'

2009-10-30T22:13:00.004-05:00

I know it has been forever since I posted anything. I finally got a new memory card for my camera, and those things are not cheap, I tell ya. (Yes, all the pictures go to the computer but I am paranoid about the computer dying, so on the memory card they stay...)

This child LOVES water bottles.

She loves to get my cup in the bathroom, and then stand by the bathtub, turn on the (cold) water, fill up the cup, and drink away. This is a daily thing, and she always ends up soaking wet. And very proud of herself, I might add.

Pulled out her changing mat out of a diaper bag and proceeded to lay down on it with a diaper in hand!

Ah, these two. They are constantly fighting over toys, but this time, they both won. I think. I don't know, Hayden is the one riding the pink princess car... :)

Harper is almost 18 months old! I cannot believe it. I love, love, love this age. Some days I am ready for another one, but most days I am not. :) This one keeps me so busy and I just love it. Besides, I think she needs to be the Queen Bee of our little family for a while! (honestly don't think I could talk Justin into it anyway, ha ha) I've got more pictures to post, of our JDRF walk and a pumpkin patch that we went to on the other side of the metroplex, I swear. We live in Weatherford, people. Everywhere is far away. And tomorrow is Halloween! I will definitely be taking tons of pictures - Harper and Hayden are going to be so stinking cute. Stay tuned my loyal followers follower.

Blairisms, Part Deux

2009-09-14T15:53:00.001-05:00

A recent text from B: "David to Blair: 'If you would just sit down with me and a map for a minute I could blow your mind.'" (this for my directionally challenged sister)

I was going through my phone, and I save messages that I think are funny, and this is one more that I found...
If bugs are attracted to light, why don't they fly to the sun?

My mom came over last week to watch Harper for me on Wednesday. When I got home, she was telling me how she got up early so she could beat Harper up. Her words, not mine! Love you Momma.

Team Hayden!

2009-09-14T15:37:00.004-05:00

For those of you who don't know, my sweet nephew Hayden was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This has been a difficult time for my sister and her husband, as well as Hayden obviously! Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to learn about and cope with sweet Hayden's disease. For all the details, go read Blair's blog.

My family and I are walking in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walk in Fort Worth on October 24th. We would like to ask for donations for our walk for this great foundation. If you are interested in helping us out or walking with us on Team Hayden, please email me or Blair! We appreciate any help we get, and would love to have more walkers with us!

Hayden and Blair came over to play with us on Wednesday. I took Blair and the babies on a 4-wheeler ride, and I looked down at Hayden, and he had fallen asleep in my arms! Sweet baby.

Recent Blairisms

2009-09-02T18:58:00.004-05:00

We should probably call this 'Recent Blairisms, Part 1', because I can guarantee you that there is no end to the amazing things that come out of my darling sister's mouth. And by amazing, I mean freakin' hilarious, people. If you know my sister, then these comments or questions will come as no surprise. If you don't know her, then you are seriously missing out, because she is one of the funniest people I know!

1. Text from Blair while she was in Seattle: "So here's a question for ya... Do you have to drive through Canada to get to Alaska???"

2. Hanging out at my house one day: "Isn't it weird that we came from the same womb?"

3. And today, a text: "Definitely just learned what the saying '20 years his junior' means." David told her she should ask him more questions.

These are a couple from a while back that still make me laugh out loud:

4. "I love horse." (driving by horses and not thinking that the plural of horse is, in fact, horses)

5. "I just pulled out like 8 hair... (a couple of seconds later) ...s."

Stay tuned for more funny things by Blair, because I promise you, there will be more. I love you, I love you, I love you, my darling baby sister. You never cease to make me smile.

Read This

2009-08-17T09:32:00.004-05:00

I just finished reading this book and I loved it. I borrowed it from Doris, and I am going to have to buy it. One of my favorite lines from the book: "Jesus sees our big hurts and our small hurts, and offers grace to heal them all." It is the sweetest story. Go read it!

Harper Around the House

2009-08-17T09:03:00.008-05:00

We have a very busy baby girl...

Playing peekaboo in the curtains...

...she likes to play in Mommy and Daddy's shower...

...she likes to play with her cups...

...and she loves Mommy's cotton balls! (What's really funny is I just now noticed that she has a binky in her mouth in 3 of those pics... ha!)

Eatin' breakfast. This girl LOVES cottage cheese. She puts it in her mouth by the fistful, because the spoon is not fast enough.

Around the House

2009-08-17T08:45:00.007-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, there was a really bad storm. So bad that Justin came and got me out of the shower so we could go in Harper's bathroom and wait it out. The winds were horrible obviously, since Harper's swingset was picked up and thrown and broken into several pieces. I am so sad! Hopefully we can get her something soon. She loved her slide.

My (early) birthday present from my parents - a buffet for our dining room. LOVE it. Mom found it at an antique store in Abilene. It's in my color :)

This coffee table was my parents for 15 years, then it became ours a few years ago. We finally decided to paint it...

Before...

Justin painting...

...and after, sanded. How did we do? Next project: painting the dining room chairs.

Playin' Outside

2009-07-06T14:26:00.007-05:00

Harper absolutely loves to be outside. It does not matter if it is 100 degrees and there is no breeze whatsoever. She will stand at the door and cry until we take her outside. This is the reason she is my little tan baby!

I was filling up her water table and she decided she wanted the water hose.

This past weekend at GiGi and Papa's

Blair and David's bassett hound Daphne - Harper loves her. Daphne is so calm and loving and lets Harper love all over her.

Drinking Momma's limeade after playing outside. Whenever Harper sees a drink with a straw in it, she thinks it's hers.

God Bless America!

2009-07-06T14:03:00.007-05:00

Justin and I went to Abilene to celebrate the Fourth of July with our families. Harper and Hayden got to be in the parade! The parade started at 9:45am and it was already so hot. We had so much fun though.

Babies waving

Hayden and his daddy

After the parade, there was a band playing patriotic music that we went and listened to. Harper loved it and was dancing in the street!

Our front porch part 2

2009-06-28T18:54:00.002-05:00

We painted our front door red a couple of weeks ago. I quite like it!

Birthday Pictures... Finally

2009-06-28T12:05:00.009-05:00

So... this has taken me a while, but in my defense, I didn't take the pictures at Harper and Hayden's birthday party. I finally got the CD from my sweet uncle who did take the wonderful pictures. (Thank you, Uncle Paul!)

Harper turned ONE on May 8th. I cannot believe our baby is one! Justin and I both took the day off to be with her. We took her to lunch at the Purple Cow with Blair and Hayden, where she got to eat purple vanilla ice cream for her birthday. Then we went and bought her a swing set! (not over-indulgent at all are we...)

The following weekend, we had Harper and Hayden's party at our house. The babies had so much fun and had so many people there to celebrate their first birthdays!

The ADORABLE cake

Oh, my heart. Words can't express how much we love you, baby girl.

Hayden's sweet cousin Makenna reading Harper's birthday card to her

Harper got a princess car from GiGi and Papa. She LOVES that thing! All the babies (yes, boys included) went crazy when we got it out.

Sweet Hayden turned one on May 12th. He quickly figured out his cake and went to town. He devoured that thing. He had blue icing up his nose and in his ears!

I love this age so much. I've told Justin that the next baby we have, I am putting in an order for a one-year-old. :) What Harper is up to: she isn't saying any words yet, but we know they're coming! She gives hugs and (open mouth) kisses. She will be playing and then she will just lay flat on the floor for no reason at all and just grin. She loves to be outside, regardless of the temperature (she's already tan - does that make me a bad mommy?!). She runs from us when she doesn't want to do something (take a bath, give up something that she isn't supposed to have). She eats anything and everything and is starting to experiment feeding herself with her spoon. She does NOT like it when I wrestle with Justin or Blair - she is very protective of Mommy! I think it scares her. She loves to shut doors. She especially loves to shut herself in a room and then cry really hard until you go and open the door for her, then she slams the door in your face. (What I have to look forward to...) We are having so much fun with her!

I will try to not be such a bad blogger anymore (sorry, Doris). I will try to post some more pictures soon...

Walking!

2009-04-28T08:32:00.002-05:00

Harper is now a walkin' girl! She took her first steps when she was 11 months and 4 days old, and she gets better everyday! Unless she is in a hurry, she walks. I am pretty sure that when I saw her walk for the first time I had tears in my eyes. They are so bittersweet, these milestones.

Harper will be one in a little over a week! Where has the time gone? I can't believe I am about to be the mother of a 1-year-old. She and Hayden will celebrate their first birthday together (what else?) at our house on the 16th. We are looking forward to the party!

I am taking Harps to the doctor this morning. She did not have a good weekend - she has been sick since Saturday, so keep her in your thoughts!

Happy, happy birthday, Daddy! We love you so much and we will see you this weekend.

What we've been up to...

2009-04-12T17:29:00.012-05:00

I am warning you, it has been a long time since my last post, so here are a TON of pictures to enjoy...

We painted (or Justin did, love you baby!) Harper's nursery the loveliest shade of robin's egg blue. I just love it! And that was the name of the color, by the way - robin's egg. :)

My little busybody playing in her dirty clothes. She was not content until everything was on the floor!

Playing underneath the dining table...

I like this picture because Harper won't smile if I am behind the camera, so I will move it to the side so I can make her smile. This is what happens when you don't look through the viewfinder!

My 11 month old beauty. My heart is so full.

She still only has the two bottom teeth, but her top left one is trying hard to come in! She is tentatively trying out the whole walking thing, but she is still not sure about it. She likes to do it holding on to our fingers.

The other night, she could not keep her eyes open while we were eating dinner. So sweet.

Gigi and Papa came to Fort Worth to hang out with us for Easter weekend. The babies love them so much!

Look at this beautiful girl! We went to the Botanic Gardens to let the babies play, and they loved it! The weather was just perfect. They crawled all over the place.

Hayden in his aviators :)

Harper was walking in circles pushing her stroller around.

Gigi and Papa and their grandbabies. Thank you for coming to see us! We love you.

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter. By the way, we missed you Grandmomma!

Our front porch.

2009-03-22T18:55:00.004-05:00

Check out Justin's porch rail! He did this today. I think he did such a good job. Just one of our many planned projects for our new house. Go hoob! Harper's room is next! :)

My girl is 10 months!

2009-03-21T10:27:00.006-05:00

I cannot believe Harper is already 10 months old! She is getting so big, she has so much personality and she is so much fun! I honestly don't know what Justin and I did without her. We love her so much! Harper had her 9 month check-up the day after she turned 10 months (we're a little bit behind). Here are her stats: Length - 29 1/4 inches (~80th percentile), Weight - 18 pounds 9 ounces (~30th percentile). Her growth is slowing down a bit, but her doc said she is right on track! Go Harper! Here are a few recent pics of our little blessing.

Playing in her toy bin - she crawled in herself and was quite content to play...

...and playing in her clean clothes. Again, crawled in there herself! Such a monkey.

She is in such a good mood in the mornings. I wish I could wake up like that :)

If ever the camera is out, then she is crawling towards it.

This is her 'raise the roof' pose.

Harper and Hayden playing with his carseat. They were laughing at each other and it was so cute to watch! Hayden thought she was so funny. They love each other!

She hates riding in her carseat, but play in it? Heck yeah!

Inspiration

2009-03-16T10:28:00.002-05:00

My sister found a blog that I think everyone should read - Bring the Rain. It has already brought me to tears this morning. This woman has such great unwavering faith in God, and I desperately want to follow in her footsteps. He is so much bigger than all of us. He is greater than our greatest problems. I recently finished reading The Shack. It is such a great book - about how our relationships with the Lord should be. I realized after reading it that my relationship with Him could be so much better than it is. My sister said this on her blog and I completely agree - having a baby has made me understand how much He loves us. He loves us no matter what, even when we fail Him.

I realize on a daily basis just how truly blessed I am. I won't bore anyone with the details, but before I met Justin I went through a really rough time in my life. I was delivered from a situation that not many people get out of, and I truly believe it was God's intervention in my life. My family welcomed me back with open arms. I met my future husband. We got married and now we have our beautiful Harper. I am where I am supposed to be. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Correction:

2009-02-25T19:47:00.000-06:00

Harper is getting both of her bottom teeth!

Good news!

2009-02-22T17:44:00.004-06:00

Harper's first tooth is starting to come in!! It is her bottom left one. We are so excited! Thought that girl would never have teeth. :) It only took 9 months and 2 weeks.

Hayden playing in Harper's exersaucer. Harper had to go and check on him.

Bath time with Harper and Hayden

Breakfast this morning.

Playing with Mommy's purse.

Harper's new trick! She has been pulling up on everything for a while now. Today she stood by herself twice! She would pull herself up and then let go and just stand there for several seconds! I barely missed her standing without help when I took the picture. I will get one!

The Dishwasher

2009-02-16T09:31:00.002-06:00

Harper absolutely loves to play in the dishwasher whenever we have it open. Her face lights up and she crawls faster whenever she sees it open! Ah, the simple joys. So here are a couple of pictures of her doing just that.

What's new.

2009-02-15T17:18:00.004-06:00

We actually went out. Alone. For the first time, I am pretty sure. We went to a wedding reception in Dallas, and my parents came over to watch Harper.

GiGi feeding Harper. That girl loves to eat.

After church one Sunday. How cute is she in her sweater dress and uggs??

She loves to look out the windows. (Ignore the nose prints courtesy of Scout.)

Today, in my lap. She has been sick, and we have had a rough couple of days. She had fallen asleep while I was nursing her, then she moved herself to her tummy and went back to sleep. So tired!

9 months old.

2009-01-18T17:33:00.001-06:00

Babies playing...

and what Harper will do when you leave her alone for 2 minutes!

Move over, Martha Stewart

2009-01-18T16:44:00.007-06:00

I am cooking today - really cooking, for the first time in I don't know how long. Since before Harper was born for sure. Really cooking - no bags or boxes involved! Shocking, indeed. Poor Justin. And in the middle of my dinner preparations and laundry and (sit down for this) - mopping (yes, I said mopping), I started thinking to myself about how little I actually did when Harper was first born. Again, poor Justin. I told Justin that I would start cooking on the weekends, because, well, let's be honest - we all know that it won't get done during the week. Need I remind anyone of my schedule?! So this weekend, I am back on the road to being a good wife... thank you Justin for putting up with me!

Just because...

2009-01-04T13:42:00.004-06:00

Just because you can't possibly see enough pictures of the babies...

Harper eating in her high chair from Grandmama for the first time!

Christmas

2009-01-04T12:14:00.008-06:00

Here are a few pictures from Harper's first Christmas...

Harper with her Gigi

Aunt Blair was playing with Harper, and Harper was laughing hysterically at her. It was so funny!

Watching Aunt/Mom B

She wasn't quite sure what to think of her presents... she really just wanted to crawl :)

Sweet picture of Hayden and David. Blair and David didn't get to Abilene until after 10, so we were opening Christmas presents late, and Hayden was so tired! He just laid his head on daddy and watched.

We drove into Abilene on Wednesday afternoon and spent the night with Momma Cherie. We woke up on Christmas morning and had breakfast and opened presents. We had Christmas dinner with my family at my aunt and uncle's house with everyone (minus David, Blair, and Hayden). Then when they finally got to Abilene, we opened presents with them Thursday night at mom and dad's. I think Justin and I had about 5 Christmases before we were through!

We had such a great Christmas. I know Harper doesn't understand yet, but she still made Christmas so much more fun! I am immensely blessed by my husband, our beautiful daughter, and our wonderful families. I hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful and blessed.

A Noble Attempt

2009-01-04T11:54:00.006-06:00

Blair and I bought the babies matching onesies that said 'Baby's 1st Christmas' on them. We had the genius idea to put them in their onesies and take pictures under the Christmas tree. Witness now our attempt at said idea... easier said than done.

Blair was holding Harper, and we counted to 3, and then Blair let go. Harper took off.

Still cute pictures, though!

Happy Anniversary

2008-12-28T19:27:00.006-06:00

December 29, 1973

December 29th makes 35 wonderful years! Happy anniversary to my sweet Momma and Daddy. Thank you so much for being such great role models and for loving each other the way you do. I hope the next 35 are even sweeter and more wonderful. I love you so incredibly much!

Harper Updates!

2008-12-24T13:30:00.007-06:00

Harper had her 6 month check up back in November right after we moved. She weighed 16.5 pounds (50th percentile) and was 27 inches long (90th percentile). That girl is long and lean, but I'm not surprised - her daddy and grandmama are both tall and slender. I'm jealous of those long legs!

We started feeding her baby food, and she likes it for the most part. She seems to like real food more - I think she has a texture issue. She has eaten (real) steamed carrots and green beans and loves them. She also gets puffs, cheerios, and bananas - she eats like such a little piggy! It just depends on her mood whether or not she will eat the baby food.

12/8/2008
Harper on her 7 month birthday, wearing her Christmas outfit from Gigi. That hat is hilarious.

Playing in her nursery

Smiling at her daddy. I swear no one can make her smile like he can :) Back when Justin and I were first dating, I once told him that I couldn't wait for him to have a daughter, because then he would understand the love a daughter has for her daddy. I think the feeling is mutual.

Yes, smiling at daddy.

Me and my girl, about to go Christmas shopping!

Okay. This is all she does. She turned 6 months on November 8th, and started crawling November 10th. That same week she started sitting up by herself. Sometime in the past few weeks, she started pulling herself up. And she doesn't stop! We can't leave her alone for 30 seconds, because she disappears. She crawls everywhere and pulls up on everything. Giving her a bath is even difficult, because she doesn't want to sit down. Full of energy, just like Justin!

One more thing - Harper started sleeping in her crib! Well, she starts out in there, anyway. (Baby steps, please!) I was getting no sleep so I had to start working on it. Each night she fusses less and less, and that makes it so much easier on mommy. It goes against every fiber in my being to let her cry, but she is doing great! So, gold star for me?

The Baptism

2008-12-21T19:21:00.006-06:00

Harper and Hayden were baptized together on November 16th. It was so sweet and wonderful to be able to dedicate them to the One who blessed us with these beautiful babies! The sweater that Harper is wearing over her dress is my mom's that was crocheted for her when she was a baby

When the pastor was walking the babies around the church, this is what Hayden decided to do - check out the ceiling. It was so funny! The entire congregation was laughing so hard that Dr. Bruster forgot what he was saying :)

My precious husband was also baptized. It was such a great day.

We're back!

2008-12-19T19:31:00.003-06:00

We moved into our new house on November 15th, and we just got our internet... I will post pictures this weekend! Also, Brittny and Manuel found out that they are having a girl! We are so excited for them!

Me? Fabulous??

2008-11-17T14:35:00.007-06:00

So my friend Tessa at Pardon Our Poo gave me this fabulous blog award, and of all the people she could have given it to, I was one of the lucky five! Thank you, dahling!

There are rules to receiving this award, and here they are:

1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous blogs in a post.

2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.

3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.

Instructions:

1. On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.

2. When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well.

3. To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" in your post as a picture so your winners can save it.

4. To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gadget.

5. Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog. Always one to follow the rules, here are my addictions and a list of blogs that rock!

My Five Fabulous Addictions:

1. My favorite people - Justin, Harper, and my sister Blair. These 3 make my life wonderful.

2. Taking pictures. Of Harper, of Justin, of anything.

3. Harper giggles. I swear, there is no joy like hearing your child laugh.

4. Shoes, pretty shoes. I don't get to wear nice shoes (or anything else for that matter) to work (I work in a lab), so sometimes I will put heels on at home and just walk around. Strange, I know. But I feel pretty :)

5. Brushing my teeth. I do it 3 and 4 times a day :)

I pass this award on to my 5 Fabulous Blog Buddies:

1. Brittny at The Sanchez Fantastic Four (and a half)

2. Megan at The Perkins Family

3. Adrienne at Reese Addison

4. Carolyn at The Petrenciks

5. Heather at The Hulsey Happenings

Another first...

2008-11-12T20:40:00.007-06:00

Harper got to try rice cereal for the first time last night, and she loved it! After I gave her the first bite, she was grabbing my hand and trying to get the spoon back in her mouth! She ate two small bowls of it, and I am sure she would have kept eating if I would have let her. She is going to be a big eater, just like her mommy :)

Smiling at her daddy - sweet messy face

She didn't seem to have any problems with eating off a spoon, only keeping the cereal in her mouth - it was everywhere!

She is getting really good at crawling, especially if she sees something she really wants, like a cell phone, remote, or the dog - not her boring toys, are you kidding?! She is also starting to push herself into a sitting position from her hands and knees. She is learning so much, so fast - too fast for this mommy :(

Hot dog!

2008-11-10T18:28:00.000-06:00

Harper is crawling!

Happy 6 Month Birthday, Harper!

2008-11-10T10:40:00.003-06:00

I can't believe we have had Harper for half a year now! The time has flown. She is changing so much and so fast - she is so much fun! I am pretty sure that she will be crawling within a week. I think that we are going to have to baby-proof the new house asap. :) She discovered something new to do with her voice - she likes to scream! I also am pretty sure that we are going to start trying baby food in the next week or so - Dr. Mercer told me I could practice with cereal before this next checkup (next Monday), but that hasn't happened yet... I think I've been postponing it.

Less than 1 day old. She has changed so much in 6 short months...

House Pics

2008-11-10T10:17:00.005-06:00

Harper playing at her first new house

I can't wait to take a bath in here!

Our New House

2008-11-10T09:58:00.004-06:00

I think we are finally closing this week, and we will get to move this weekend, thank you Jesus! I am so tired of sandwiches :)

Happy Halloween

2008-11-10T09:45:00.002-06:00

Who spends almost $40 on a halloween costume for their baby who will only wear it twice and not trick or treat? This mom did! Couldn't help myself...

Don't think she liked the thing around her face...

She was so funny and so adorable :) if I do say so myself!

(Insert mean face here)

2008-11-04T19:26:00.003-06:00

I am feeling a little resentful toward those people who have time to update their blogs. Harper had her 5 month birthday, she is on all fours and rocking, she is close to crawling, she is so close to sitting up on her own, she went to her first wedding (and looked beautiful!), she has worn an adorable Halloween costume, been to the zoo for the first time, and she will be 6 months old this Saturday, and I haven't documented any of it! One of these days, maybe. We are moving soon, but I don't know when we are closing. Take your time, bank people, please. I have all the time in the world. I love living among boxes. I love having my kitchen packed up so that all we can eat is sandwiches. Or out. So yes, I will post pictures. Sometime. Just something funny - whenever Harper is getting upset and wants to be picked up, she looks right into my eyes and makes such a pitiful face. It works everytime, I tell ya.

It is dark when I leave my house in the morning. It is dark when I get home. (Insert sad face here) Have I mentioned that I am so tired?

And I don't want to get political, but I am very stressed out about this election. God is in control, I have to remember that!

5 pounds, really?!

2008-10-03T20:02:00.003-05:00

Thought I was doing pretty good, you know? I mean, weight-wise, I am pretty hard on myself, but being that I had a baby almost 5 months ago, I feel like I look alright! Well, this morning at work, I made a comment to a couple of people that I work with that I could stand to lose a few inches. (They were talking about how yoga helped them) One guy said, "you don't have any to lose! In fact, you could probably gain 10 or 15 pounds." Then the guy whose desk is next to mine looked me up and down, and then said, "Honestly, I'd say you could lose about 5 pounds." No joke. He wasn't being mean, and I think it was kind of funny. But it's one thing to think these things about yourself. And another to have someone tell you to your face! For the record, I've lost all of my pregnancy weight!

Happy Birthday, Gigi!

2008-10-03T19:40:00.004-05:00

I love you, Momma, but somehow all of the pictures of are the babies....:) Hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Harper and sweet Michael

Look at the smile on Hayden's face!

Recent Pictures

2008-10-03T19:09:00.003-05:00

I can never get her smiling this big - Justin took this one!

Loves of my life

Not bad for an amateur, huh?!

Wednesday.

2008-10-01T21:08:00.002-05:00

Harper is a mover, I tell ya. Definitely rolling in every direction. Sometimes she likes to do a 360, and that's funny to watch. Will post new pictures this weekend when I have time. So tired!

We're rollin'!

2008-09-23T18:59:00.002-05:00

Harper is officially rolling over! Not from her back to her tummy, but from her tummy to her back! So she is still quite content on her back, thank you.

4 Months Old! Who is 30??

2008-09-20T17:07:00.006-05:00

Harper turned 4 months old while we were at the beach! I just can't believe it- the time has really flown. She had her 4 month check-up yesterday at the doctor. She was 14 pounds, 7 ounces (75th percentile) and 25 3/4 inches long (95th percentile). She got her shots and did really well! So did Mommy - she didn't even cry. :) She also found out that she can make a new noise - we say it sounds like a velociraptor (sp?). It is so stinkin' funny! She loves to suck on her fingers (her index fingers to be exact), she loves to play with her feet, and she is so smiley, especially when she is waking up. She hides her face in my shoulder whenever she is smiling at her daddy. So sweet! She really is just a happy baby and Justin and I are so blessed. I am blessed to have both of them. I was watching him hold her last night and he would close his eyes and hug her. I love him.

Look what I caught!

She scooted herself to the end of her activity mat and started sucking on one of the bars. Mom, Blair, and I thought it was hilarious! She scoots herself everywhere - on her back of course. We left her for a few minutes the other day and came back to find her bottom half underneath the couch!

This occupied the cousins for all of 1 minute. Hayden is officially heavier AND longer than Harper!

And finally, some sad news. I had to tell my 20's goodbye yesterday. Please pray for me as I try to get through this difficult time. :) As my dad says, "It beats the alternative!" I feel extremely blessed to be where I am and wouldn't have it any other way, even if I can't be 20-something anymore. I don't feel 30...

Justin got me my digital SLR. I am so stinkin' excited, I can't sit still! Look out National Geographic, here I come...

South Padre, Baby

2008-09-18T20:56:00.006-05:00

Loaded up and ready to go! And look, Harper is smiling. In her car seat. Who would've thought?!

A girl behind us offered to take this picture for us after watching us trying to do it ourselves and then laughing at what we took. Harper got upset right after, can't you tell?! But then she went to sleep. They both did really well on the plane, and I am sure it wasn't just the mommies who were thankful.

First morning in Padre

First time to put her feet in the ocean! I think I was more excited about it than she was.

Cool dude. Hayden's shades cracked everyone up.

The first time the 3 of us have been in a picture together since Harper was a week old!

What a beauty.

Sacked out on the beach! The perfect place to take a nap. I think the heat took it out of her because she slept so much during the day, and then kept mommy and daddy awake until close to midnight every night. It has been hard trying to get back on a schedule this week!

Besides our vacation, nothing much to blog about. Hayden is rolling over, and Harper is taking her time. She is quite content on her back, thank you.

Harper will have a new cousin next May! Aunt Britt is pregnant with their third (wow) and we are so happy and excited for them! Think pink - Harper needs a girl cousin!

Sara Lou, Happy 30th birthday! I love and miss you.

Friday!

2008-09-05T09:36:00.001-05:00

We're going to the beach today!!

Happy 61st Anniversary to Nana and Gran yesterday. Love you dearly.

I am amazed by how much hair is coming out of my head... I'm gonna run out!

Blair and Hayden came to visit!

2008-09-01T19:18:00.004-05:00

Thursday morning, this is how my mom found Harper in her cradle! (Umm, yes, she still sleeps in a cradle. In our room. Leave me alone.)

Hayden and Blair came over to hang out with us today! Harper and Hayden hanging out in her crib (see, I put her in there sometimes :) )

"Harper, check out my new kicks Gigi bought me!"

Sweet cheeks!

2008-08-30T22:32:00.003-05:00

August 20, 2008
Miss Doris took this adorable picture of my baby!

Sick baby and other stuff.

2008-08-20T20:00:00.003-05:00

Passed out in her car seat (rare) but she was exhausted from not sleeping for days!

Precious baby!

I want to train for a marathon. How do I go about doing that? And yes, I am serious.

Harper was sick last week. I didn't think I was going to have to deal with a sick baby at 3 months. She had a cold and it was awful for all of us. She couldn't breathe out of her nose and the only thing we could do for her was put saline in her nose and suck everything out with a bulb syringe. She couldn't sleep due to not being able to breathe poor baby (and poor Mommy). My mom stayed up with us until 1 Friday morning. But, praise the Lord, she is better! I took her to the doctor on Friday and she was 24 1/2 inches long and 12 pounds 14 ounces. My girl's getting big!

Everything is going great with us! My family is going to the beach in 2 weeks and I can't wait. Both Harper and Hayden are getting to go to the beach for the first time, and they will both turn 4 months old while we are there! They also get to meet their cousin Avery for the first time.

Answered Prayer

2008-08-12T19:14:00.003-05:00

Last Wednesday was Harper's last day at daycare, praise Jesus! I found something better for her - or something better found us! Her name is Doris and she found my blog on the Perkins Family blog (a friend of Brittny and Justin) and offered her care. Harper went to her yesterday for the first day and I just love her. I feel so much more at peace about leaving Harper during the day now. Thank you Doris and thank you Megan! I am so much happier!

Our baby girl is now 3 months old, can you believe it? She just continues to grow and change everyday. She is such a chatterbox and it is so cute. And she loves sucking on her fists! Justin and I continue to be blessed by our little Harper.

Playing on her Baby Einstein mat. She loves that thing (thank you Gigi and Papa)!

12 Weeks!

2008-08-03T11:34:00.005-05:00

I have officially made it through 2 weeks of work! Harper made it through her first week (2 days really) at daycare (or I did). Leaving her the first day was really hard - I started crying before I even got out the door. In my defense, it was because of the 2 mothers asking me, "Is today your first day? Is she your first? Oh, I cried for the first 2 weeks!" Thanks a lot. I was doing okay until you said that. I probably would have made it to the car at least! Oh well. Such is life. I did go on my lunch break and nurse her, so that made it easier. She may not be at this daycare much longer though! I am hoping that something better is going to come through.

Harper was 12 weeks old this past Thursday! She is so aware of everything around her, and it is amazing to see her grow and change everyday. She is on the verge of giggling. She is also almost on a schedule, praise Jesus! She is typically asleep between 10 and 11, and most of the time she will sleep all night! That is so great for me because I am getting up at 5 am. She also does this funny thing with her tongue - she plays with it and it looks like she is chewing gum. So cute!

I have learned a couple more things since becoming a mommy:
1. I now understand why my mom wouldn't let me listen to Madonna when I was 7 or Vanilla Ice (just to name a couple) when I was 12. She wanted me to have positive role models. Thank you, Mom.
2. I now understand why mom and dad didn't appreciate me listening to Guns'n'Roses, especially on Sunday morning. That's just funny. I listened to GNR.
3. And finally, I understand why mom didn't speak to me for a week when she found out I had gotten a tattoo. I wouldn't want Harper to put anything on that beautiful skin! If I could do it over again, I wouldn't.

I wore non-maternity jeans on Friday!

I was folding clothes yesterday and I propped her up on the pillows on our bed. Justin walked in and thought it was funny. She was smiling at him - she loves her daddy. If he is talking and I am holding her, she will just stare at him and smile so big!

Daddy holding his girl.

Exhausted.

2008-07-26T13:43:00.003-05:00

Physically and emotionally. Thank you so much for all your support and prayers for me this week. I definitely needed it, and still do. It was so hard! Monday wasn't too bad because I only had to work until noon. Tuesday, however, was awful. As soon as I was done nursing her and set her down in her bouncer, I started crying and I think I cried until I left work. And then to top that off, the girl who was supposed to be watching Harper for me called me Tuesday evening and backed out. So now I have to find a daycare in a hurry. Anyone have any suggestions for daycare in Fort Worth?? I've looked at La Petite Academy and I guess that is where she is going to go unless I find something I like better. So anyway - Mom keeps telling me that this is harder on me and that I am the only one suffering this much. That makes me feel a little better but I still wish I was the one with her during the day because I feel like I am going to miss so much! I am going to continue to pray that God opens a door for us and I can stay home one of these days. I do like my job and the people I work with, I just love my baby more! I REALLY don't want to take her to daycare.

You can have all the strength that God has to give.

2008-07-19T16:10:00.002-05:00

My mom has this hanging over her kitchen window, and I keep saying it to myself. I am going to need every ounce of strength that He can give me, because I go back to work Monday. I am in physical pain. Cherie is coming to watch Harper Monday through Wednesday, and my mom will have her on Thursday and Friday. I asked Cherie to come and help me for the first week because honestly, I don't think I could leave Harper. This will help make my transition a little easier. A little. I don't know how I am going to get out the door or how I am going to make it through work. I was not prepared for this. I was never one of those people who said that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mommy. But now this precious baby is in our lives and it is ripping my heart out to leave her. Physical pain. So please, please pray for me.

2 Month Check-up

2008-07-14T14:25:00.002-05:00

Today Harper had her 2 month check-up. I was dreading this appointment because I knew she was going to be given lots of shots, so Justin came with me for support! I gave her tylenol before we left to ease some of her pain, but most of it came out of her mouth. She got her shots and started crying of course and I was holding her hands and talking to her and crying as well and Justin was behind me rubbing my back and telling Harper and I it was okay. How sad are we?! She stopped crying a couple of minutes later and was asleep before we left the doctor's office. I think it hurt me worse than it did Harper! She got 4 shots and 1 oral vaccine. She is 23 1/2 inches long (90th percentile) and is 11 pounds 10 ounces (40th percentile). She is long and skinny! The doctor also told me that she needs to be sleeping in her crib now (ummm, yeah, okay) and that I need to let her cry so she can learn to sleep on her own. She hasn't heard my child cry obviously. I really don't know how that is going to be accomplished! She'll lay in her crib and watch her mobile, but after about the 3rd or 4th time of winding it up, she's done and wants to be picked up.

As for the bottle situation - she still won't take one. Justin, my mom, and I have all tried, but that girl knows what she wants and it isn't a bottle! I spoke to a lactation consultant and she suggested I try a medicine cup. I did order a special (expensive) bottle that resembles a breast more than anything else, so I am going to try that and pray that she likes it. Otherwise, it is going to be a medicine cup or dropper, and I feel sorry for her nanny!

She had some tummy time this morning. She is holding her head up so well!

2 Months Old

2008-07-08T22:24:00.003-05:00

Harper is 2 months old today! I cannot believe it. We have her 2 month check-up next Monday, and I am anxious to see how big she is getting. Even though I am with her everyday I can see she is growing, and she is growing out of a lot of her newborn outfits. That makes me so sad! I know a growing baby is a good thing:), but I still want her to fit in her tiny clothes! She still isn't sleeping regularly, and she is definitely not eating on a schedule. Only when she wants! As far as bottles go, still only 2 in over 2 weeks. I go back to work on the 21st, and I am hoping she starts liking bottles before then. Here are a few recent pics, and I will post more when I have them.

She found her thumb one day and went back to sleep! I keep trying to get her to do it again, but she hasn't yet.

In her fourth of July outfit Aunt Brittny gave her. So cute!

I finally caught a cute smile!

Bottle Woes

2008-06-29T15:09:00.003-05:00

So now I am trying to introduce the bottle to Harper since I do have to go back to work (boo) eventually (stretching that out for as long as possible). I didn't try the bottle until she was 6 weeks old, and I didn't know that I should have a couple of weeks before. She has only taken 2 bottles out of 5 or 6 that we have tried to give her, and this is very frustrating. I know I have to keep trying, but she is stubborn like her Mommy and Daddy, and she knows what she likes! Some days she gets angry and cries, and other days she just kind of plays with it but won't really latch on. Mom and Blair tell me to keep trying, and I will, but I am getting stressed! What if she absolutely won't?!

6 Weeks Old

2008-06-24T19:51:00.006-05:00

Harper and Hayden are now both 6 weeks old! Harper will actually be 7 weeks old this week - the time has flown! I am going to have to go back to work in a couple of weeks and I am absolutely dreading it. Blair and I went home last weekend while we still have some time off. She goes back the same time I do and she is feeling the same way. We know we have to go but that doesn't make it any easier!

Harper is smiling so much now! I love it. She is the happiest right when she wakes up. She will smile at us and at other times it is at the couch or a candle or something we can't see. It is so funny! She is so much fun and we just love her so much!

Look at that adorable baby bottom!

I've started laying her down on her tummy after she falls asleep on me - she doesn't wake up as easily.

Blair and I went to get our hair done, so we left Mom with both babies. In the couple of hours we were gone, I think we called home about 3 times to check on them! So far, I think that is the longest we have been away from them, but then again, we are the food supply!

She is so cute when she sleeps with her mouth open :)

I know the picture is blurry, but we were trying to compare the sizes of their feet. Harper's is the longer one! She is going to be tall like her daddy, I just know it.

Harper looks so much like me at this age in this picture.

Blair came over last week, and since Harper hates the car seat, I left her at home with Hayden and Blair to run a few errands. When I got back, this is how I found them. Blair was walking them and they both fell asleep facing each other. How sweet!

Hayden sleeps so funny on his Mommy - he folds himself in half!

Pretty girl

5 Weeks Old!

2008-06-12T16:05:00.002-05:00

Harper is now 5 weeks old - I can't believe it! She is smiling more and starting to "talk", and it is the sweetest sound. Quite different from the banshee scream that she has when she is mad (usually when she is in her car seat, which is why I hardly go anywhere). She had her one-month check-up yesterday. She weighs 10 pounds, 2 ounces, and is 23 inches long. The doctor thinks she was measured wrong in the hospital since she is so long! She is in the 95th percentile for her length and the 85th for her weight. She is doing great! I am dreading the next appointment though. She will get a bunch of vaccinations and I am going to be just as upset as she will be.

Looking at her Great-Granddaddy - she loves faces

Harper and Hayden

Mimi holding Harper - she had her foot in Mimi's pocket

Looking at her Papa

Hayden, the chunky monkey. He is 1month old!

Harper and Grandma

Blair wanted me to take a picture of her baby legs:) Blair and I had gone up to Mom's office to hang out and show off babies. At one point, I had to change Harper's diaper, so I laid her down on her pad on the floor. I took off her dirty diaper but she wasn't done, and she pooped on the carpet! It was really funny:)

Recent Pictures

2008-06-02T13:14:00.003-05:00

Harper is now 3 1/2 weeks old! I can't believe how fast it is going. She is changing everyday. She is starting to smile a little bit - I am eager for her to start smiling at us for real! I truly see God's grace.

Hayden chilling out on his Momma's lap. He makes the funniest noises. As of today, he is 3 weeks old!

After 3 weeks, she finally lost her umbilical cord! She's not attached anymore, as Blair says. I was starting to get a little worried about it, since Hayden lost his days ago. And plus, that thing was starting to stink! :) Now she's got a cute little belly button!

She sleeps so peacefully on my chest. If I put her down, she wakes up so fast. That's why I hate to put her down! That and the fact that I just love to hold her. She won't be this tiny and cuddly forever, so I want to soak up every second of it and enjoy it while I can.

I dressed her cute yesterday - it didn't last for long though (use your imagination!).

Beautiful Angel Babe

Blair was trying to get Harper and Hayden to hold hands. That obviously didn't work out :) Those arms just have a mind of their own! We went to Blair and David's on Saturday to cook out. Sure enough, just as the steaks were ready, both babies wanted to eat. Harper waited until I was done, but Blair had to go feed Hayden. Isn't that how it always goes?!

She was sleeping, but while I was talking to her, she would start to smile. So sweet!

Looking over Mommy's shoulder at Daddy.

Things I've learned about mommyhood so far:
1. Never assume she has finished pooping.
2. It really is a satisfying thing, getting a burp out of your child.
3. I don't miss the sleep that I miss out on.
4. That my heart could grow this much, or break at the sound of her cries.
5. I can just look at her and cry. Hormones, I'm sure! Just when exactly do they start to level out?!
6. Our lives were incomplete without Harper.

So I need advice or words of wisdom. Those of you who are working moms, how did you do it? Not the balancing of everything, but the actual going back to work. I am dreading that day more than anything. I've cried several times about this (and am now to be honest) and begged Justin to let me stay at home. How in the world am I supposed to leave my child with someone else? What if she starts to think that someone else is her mommy? I never in my life thought it would be this hard. I would give my right arm to be able to stay with her. What could I possibly do from home to make money so that bills would be paid and I could stay at home with Harper?

Babies!

2008-05-20T18:47:00.000-05:00

Our beautiful Harper

I can't believe that we have our babies now! We were pregnant for 9 months, and then all of the sudden we aren't anymore. It's still surreal. Blair misses being pregnant, and I do a little, but now we have these beautiful babies! I thank God everyday for Harper.

This is her favorite place to sleep - on our chests. We are definitely already trained :)

So sweet! I just loved this picture of Blair.

Uncle Justin holding his nephew Hayden for the first time

My aunt and uncle brought my grandparents over this past weekend to meet their first great-grandchildren for the first time.

Best buddies, and they don't even know it yet!

4 generations.

Harper is now 12 days old! Other than the fact that nothing gets done at our house because we have a baby who loves to be held (or maybe I just don't want to put her down!), we are great. Harper sleeps for a few hours at a time at night, so I am not too sleep-deprived! She is just such a blessing. I got to assist God in a miracle! She makes a lot of cute noises in her sleep, and even smiles and laughs, and Cherie told me that it is because angels are talking to her, and I believe it! Aren't babies the closest things to heaven?

Baby Hayden

2008-05-15T10:23:00.000-05:00

My sister and David welcomed their baby boy Hayden Blair into the world shortly after midnight on May 12. Our babies are 4 days apart, how cool is that?! Pictures to follow - I have just been a little busy! We are all doing good!

Happy Birthday, Harper!

2008-05-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

Hello world!

On Thursday, May 8, 2008, the world became a better place. Harper Rebecca Six was born! We went to the hospital at 6 that morning, and at 5:56pm, we had our baby girl. She is so beautiful! She weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. She is such a blessing and we already can't imagine our lives without her.

Justin holding his baby girl. Such an amazing feeling, holding her for the first time. I was completely amazed when I first saw her - no one can prepare you for the emotions you feel, looking at your child's face for the first time, holding her for the first time. A gift from God.

Blair, Justin, and I before the fun began!

Look how sweet.

She really is so beautiful! We were waiting to go home from the hospital.

Proud Daddy
I love watching him with her. We both love to just sit and hold her.

She fell asleep on Papa this afternoon while I was getting ready. I used to sleep on him the same way.

I am completely blown away by how much I love my daughter. I went through something that I never thought I was capable of, and I would go through it again in a heartbeat for her. Justin and I are so in love with her, and we are completely in awe of the fact that she is ours. She has been born into a family that already loves her so much. She is a blessing from heaven above.

We have a lot more pictures that I will post later, but I just wanted to give everyone a glimpse of my baby girl!

Sixlet's making a move!

2008-05-07T15:17:00.000-05:00

Just to let everyone know who doesn't already - we are going to the hospital in the morning to have this baby! I was at 3cm this morning and my doctor said she could induce tomorrow if I wanted. She also told Blair that she would induce her too, but Blair said that she didn't want to send our mom to an early grave! Anyway, please keep Justin, Sixlet, & I and our families in your prayers. She is coming tomorrow!

Justin's Cruiser

2008-05-06T18:44:00.001-05:00

Justin wanted me to show you this picture of his beloved 1982 Land Cruiser that we took when we went to go take pictures on Sunday. It's the official off-road vehicle of the family- woo hoo!

39 Weeks and Oh-So-Cute Pictures

2008-05-06T18:17:00.000-05:00

Blair and I are both 39 weeks this week, and we both see Dr. Robbins tomorrow morning. Today was my last day at work praise the Lord! I am so tired and was so ready to be done. I didn't want to work at all this week, but this way I will have more time to spend at home with the baby. On Sunday afternoon, we had Brittny take some pictures of us to remember our bellies - look at the size of them!! (the bellies, not the beautiful glowing girls ;) ) Blair's moves up and down when she laughs - it's really funny. Maybe mine does too, but Blair's is funnier. :) So, we could be having babies at any time now... just how do you wrap your head around that?? I am about to be responsible for another person's life - my child. When did I turn into an adult? I said a while back that the closer that I got to my due date, the longer it seemed to take. However, now that baby day is right around the corner, I can't help but wonder where the 9 months have gone.

Who ever thought that my sister and I would be having babies at the exact same time?!

David and Blair

What a cute couple!

Quick Update

2008-04-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

This is going to be short because this girl is sooooo tired. We went to our childbirth class tonight and we were shown a video of a birth. Yes, I grew up with a momma who was a labor and delivery nurse. I looked at all her books. I even got to go to work with her and see babies being born. However, now that it is me that is about to have a baby, something is different. I am completely terrified. Had we been shown the video at the end of class, I would have been in tears by the time Justin and I got to the car. But she showed the video at the very beginning - I had to hold it together (I wanted to run - no kidding). I know that this is a normal emotion, but still... terrified. Isn't the woman supposed to be the confident one going into this?!

I went to Dr. Robbins yesterday, and there was no change - but Sixlet could possibly be here next week...

Prayers Needed

2008-04-27T13:44:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, my sister and I are due a day apart. Blair has been contracting quite a bit more than me, so Smithlet could be here a lot sooner than we think. Please keep Blair, David, and their baby boy in your prayers! We are almost there!

"I hate Thursdays, they're teasers."

2008-04-24T18:42:00.000-05:00

That's what Justin said to me this morning when he got up, and it made me laugh. We are both so tired. This week at work I went to 4 10-hour days, so I am getting up an hour earlier. It's worth it to have the 3 day weekends, and will be especially after the baby comes. I went to the doctor yesterday and was a little disappointed to learn that I haven't changed from last week. That's okay though, because our due date is only 2 1/2 weeks away! Everything else was good though, and my weight had even gone down 4 pounds. Gotta love that fluid retention. Justin and I are ready to go - bags are packed. The closer we get, the more anxious I get. Come on, Sixlet!

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

2008-04-24T18:34:00.000-05:00

This is for Justin. We have now been married for 2 years and been together for over 5. I look at you and still get butterflies. I still look at you and see the person that I fell in love with almost immediately. I would have married you in the first week if you would have asked. I am so completely happy, and somewhat in awe of the fact that we are starting a family together. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I love you so much!

Nothing Much

2008-04-17T18:17:00.000-05:00

I had another checkup with Dr. Robbins on Tuesday - I started my weekly appointments this week. 36 weeks and counting! She said I am 1-2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. Yay me! Let's hope this keeps up. She told me that we could have a baby a week earlier than our May 14 due date! I really hope so. Please keep us in your prayers! Last night Blair, David, Justin, and I had our first lamaze/childbirth class. Nothing too exciting, but I think it will get better. The last class is on May 14 (yeah...so Blair and I procrastinated a little bit...) so let's hope that we all get some good info before our babies come! (Or those of us who aren't labor and delivery nurses, anyway!) Something pointless - last night when J and I got home, I had elephant ankles. No kidding. I am so tired. And ready.

Her Nursery!

2008-04-12T19:55:00.001-05:00

Mom and Dad came over for the day to work on the baby's nursery. Brittny and Cherie also came and helped. Cherie also gave us our pack and play (thank you dahling)! I love how everything turned out! So cute, even if I do say so myself.

There is a picture of my Nana holding me when I was a baby on the shelf

The cradle that Sixlet will sleep in when we bring her home! Mom made the sheets and bumper pad for it.

Momma and Brittny replacing hardware on the dresser. The crib and dresser are what my parents bought before they had me. My sister and I slept in it, my cousins slept in it, and their cousins slept in it. My mom and I were out in the garage sanding them to weather them, and they look so good! If you don't know me very well, I love all things vintage, so the more shabby chic, the better!

My Aunt Kara made both Blair and I a diaper cake for our shower, and since I don't have a changing pad for the top of the dresser yet, I decided to leave it. I think it is so cute!

Brittny and Cherie gave us the bedding for the crib, and I absolutely love it.

This was my antique pink dresser that I had before Justin and I got married. He thought he had gotten rid it, poor thing! I think Mom got to have it for about a year. Just perfect for a baby girl's room (I thought it was perfect for a 27 year old's room, too :) )

We ordered this chair from Kid's Village in Abilene, and it is so comfortable. I wanted something that could also be used for a boy if that is what we have next time. It is over-sized for my tall honey, so he will want to rock our baby in it too!

So now that her nursery and our guest bedroom are done (yay!) we are almost done with getting ready for the baby. All we need to do is pack our bags and get the car seat in the car. I guess we need to get the car seat in the car - don't we? I don't know when we should do that. I will be 36 weeks this week, and I am sooooooo ready. I am not sleeping because I am so uncomfortable. I know when she comes I still won't be sleeping, but at least I will be more comfortable! My doctor's appointment was Thursday, and I was told to back off the sodium because I am swelling. And oh, am I swelling. My feet are horribly swollen, especially after being on them all day, and I am seeing it in my hands and face, too. I know this is all part of it and our beautiful baby is going to be worth it all!

Our Shower!

2008-04-09T20:29:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was our baby shower. Blair and I had a joint shower hosted by my wonderful Aunt Kara, my wonderful sister-in-law Brittny, and a mom of one of Blair's good friends. We got so many nice gifts! I am still trying to sort through everything. Our little Sixlet is going to be the best dressed baby, I tell you! My darling Nana was even there - that made my day. Kara's house was so full that Blair and I got soooo hot. Kara had to turn the a/c down below 70 and had both fans in her living room going. Everyone else was freezing, but the pregnant girls felt much better! Brittny and I - I had just opened her gift. She gave me so many cute outfits, and she made both Blair and I thank you notes to match our handmade invitations. Think I cried a little! I love her. That's my beautiful Nana sitting next to her.

Cannot wait to see our baby in this dress from my momma!

Of course, Blair and I were the first ones in line to eat. In our defense, we were told to!
Justin's Aunt Fay made this quilt for Sixlet - isn't it cute? I love it. She also made us one for our wedding present - she is so talented!

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and I will let everyone know how it goes. It's my last 2 week appointment. Next week I start going once a week. We are getting so close. 5 weeks to go. Just let that sink in for a minute, because I still can't believe that it is getting so close. I am so excited! And terrified. Justin and I brought home all of the furniture when we came home on Sunday. My parents are coming over on Saturday to help us decorate her nursery! It's going to be so pretty. I will post pictures when it is done. We also bought a bed for the guest bedroom. Just in time! After all, I have a feeling that grandparents are going to want to come and see baby Sixlet! They may not have a choice. I would actually like my parents and Cherie to move in. Please?!

Please start praying for us! I am getting so nervous. Pray for a safe and non-traumatic labor and delivery for the baby and I. And also keep my precious husband in your prayers.