Photo #9

Photo #9

Taken on June 9, 2010

Harper was 8 months and 2 days.

People are always asking/commenting/informing me about who Harper looks like.

Some say she looks like me.

(Well, she has my ears, no doubt.)

Other say she is Colt Jr.

(She definitely got his curls. :) I was hoping she would.)

To us, she just looks like Harper.

She is cuter than either of her parents will ever be.

In this photo, however, Harper is the spitting image of Colt.

And she is REALLY happy.

Photo #10

Photo #10

September 17, 2010

Harper at 11 months

Here is Harper trying on her birthday shoes.

Ballet flats are perfect for my little dancing girl.

I can't wait until she can take official dance classes.

I tried REALLY hard to post this on time.

I'm about 10 minutes late.

It was a crazy day.

Colt left town.

(I miss him... is it Sunday yet?)

I'm on full-time puppy duty.

Calli came over.

We made pinwheels and pom poms for Harper's party.

Then I had to catch up on Glee.

This week's episode was a waste of my time.

After my Glee disappointment, I watched the Sister Wives Premier.

I am amazed by the women on the show.

I'm also certain that they must have had siblings.

Polygamy is definitely not for only children like myself. 

I want my house/honey/kitchen/children all to myself.

I might be scarce for a few days.

I'm re-reading Harry Potter 6 and 7.

Photo #10

Photo #11

October 12, 2009

Harper at only 5 days old!

Here Harper is fresh out of her first bath at home.

Cute, I know.

Photo #11

Photo #11

July 21, 2010

Harper at 9 months

Here Harper is having a look at her first library books.

I have the 18 favorite photos in a folder.

I pick one randomly every day.

It's interesting that this is today's random photo.

I've just finished cleaning up Harper's books.

As I put them on the shelf, I was thinking:

It makes me so happy to see Harper looks at her books.

Remember how I really want her to love books?

(Read about it here.)

Sometimes, she brings me one and then climbs on my lap

and together we share a precious, precious moment. 

Happy Monday

Without so much as a warning to her mother, Harper decided to stop taking her afternoon nap. Surprisingly enough, I'm completely comfortable with this plan. No, I'm not crazy. Skipping the afternoon nap ensures that Harper will sleep in, which means that I can get up on my own and go through my morning routine (Hazel out, Tucker out, coffee, getting ready, etc.) in peace. Then, around 8:30, I hear a little voice and... Good morning, Harper!

This morning, I caught Harper singing in her crib.

She just started singing yesterday.

We were in the laundry room.

Harper was standing on her stool.

I was singing The Wizard and I.

She joined me.

It was MAGICAL.

We had such a great weekend. Harper got some pumpkins, I got my hair done (thanks, Whitney. I LOVE you) we spent time with friends, we went to the park and I started a new book. After 14 fictional books, I decided I needed something with depth. I requested Oneness With All Life by Eckhart Tolle from the library. It's giving me a lot to think about and reaffirming my dedication to living with an open mind and an open heart. I've only read about 20 pages (this one is meaty and requires more time than most) but already I feel a shift in my attitude. Hopefully you won't have to endure any of my complaint-filled posts for a while.

Anyhow, here are a few (of the 173) photos I took over the weekend. 

Happy Monday, my dear bloggy friends. 

It's going to be a great week, isn't it?
I have a feeling that my 100th post (and the giveaway) will come this week!

Once, again- no clothing. I'm still NOT embarrassed.

Her pumpkins made her feel like dancing.

I don't know how I did it.

Somehow, I managed to find the cutest dog ever.

Then, I had the cutest daughter ever.

Lucky me. 

Photo #12

Photo #12

Taken on January 3, 2010

Harper was just shy of 3 months

This was the first time Harper ever held a toy on her own.

I was beyond proud of her.

I was so proud, in fact, that I took her shopping and 

filled a basket with toys for her little hands to hold. 

Photo #13... A Day Late

I should have posted this yesterday but truthfully, I forgot. I didn't touch the computer once yesterday. I was busy with vet appointments, birthday celebrations, and a salon appointment (finally!) I generally try and avoid the computer on weekends. I'd much rather spend my time picking pumpkins with Hazel and watching Swamp People with Colt. Yes, I do in fact watch Swamp People. I LOVE it. Surprisingly enough, I also love Dual Survivor and Man vs. Wild. Don't tell Colt, but lately, I've even caught myself paying attention to college football. 

Photo #13

July 29, 2010

Harper at 9 1/2 months

There are many (countless, actually) reasons why having a little girl is fun.

Doll buying is one of those reasons.

I'm too old to play with dolls and not seem like a crazy person.

Having a daughter lets me enjoy girl toys all over again.

This is Harper the day we added Lola to our family.

Photo #14

Photo #14

Taken May 14, 2010

Harper was 7 Months

Harper was cutting her first teeth.

She wouldn't take a teething ring for more than a couple of minutes.

So we opted for something better- a frozen waffle.

Photo #15

Harper is finally feeling back to her spunky self. She's been dancing and playing non-stop. Here she is just this morning, reading and playing with her bags. Harper loves bags (further proof that she is in fact my baby and that we need not worry that she was switched at birth).

I'm starting to think I should be embarrassed about how many photos I post of Harper wearing no clothing. I'm not embarrassed, however. I mean, in the photos below she IS wearing a necklace. That has to count for something.

We celebrated the miracle of antibiotics this morning by dancing to Dolly Parton classics (Islands in the Stream, Here You Come Again, etc). It was great. Harper laughed and I enjoyed dancing with someone who has no idea what a terrible dancer I am (as opposed to Colt, who does know and reminds me often). I love that she is still too young to be embarrassed by her mother's lack of coordination.

We are breaking out of the house (FINALLY) tonight and going birthday present shopping with Colt. Harper's birthday books and outfits are already wrapped and ready to go but I've been waiting for Colt to do the toy shopping with us. I find myself wishing that Utah were home to more unique toy stores- ones that spark the imagination with carousels, candy counters, and play areas (thanks to Wal Mart, toy buying is now as exciting as shopping for butter or toilet paper). Toys R Us will just have to do for now.

Anyway, on to our Harper pic of the day...

Photo #15

Taken on December 21, 2009

Harper was 2 months old

Don't you just want to kiss those cheeks?

I do kiss them... about 500 times a day.

Aging

I was chatting with Kenzie (Colt's little sister) this morning and she pointed out that when Harper receives her wish letters, we will be old. Kenzie was amazed to think she will be 39. Imagine how I felt to think that I'll be (let me brace myself for it this time) 47. That's right. 47 years. 47 birthday candles.

Forty. Seven. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound any less "old" when spelled out.

I've actually had this on the brain lately. Not turning 47 in 18 years specifically, but the whole aging concept in general. Now I know myself. I know that I'm a perfectionist. I know that I'm incredibly (and often overly) self-critical. I know that wrinkles, gray hair, and the other changes that come with age aren't going to pass without notice on my part. In short, I'm going to experience numerous, possibly countless, breakdowns if I don't prepare myself now.

Fret not, my friends. I've got a plan. It includes 10 mini plans/goals that I intend to complete before I'm 30. No, I'm not sharing the list with you. Just know that some of the items would probably surprise you (like some elective surgery I plan to have... wink wink) and others would seem almost impossible considering how busy my life already is (I plan to revive an old study). Some are simple and some are costly (in time and currency). I've spent a lot of time formulating my freak-out avoidance list and I'm confident that I can see it completed in the next three years. Combine that with my resolve to NEVER wear sweater sets or listen to FM 100 and I should greet 30 (and 40) with relative calm. I'm excited to check each item off as I become a wiser, healthier, and hopefully happier (and yes, older) woman.

Photo #16

Photo #16

Taken on August 17, 2010

Harper was 10 months old

 I think I actually posted this not too long ago.

I took it around the time that Harper realized something important:

If you don't get your way, you cry.

If I remember correctly, she was throwing this tantrum because I put her down.

Harper is a strong willed girl.

This becomes more evident all the time.

As her personality develops, so does her determination.

It comes out and shocks me.

Like last week, I gave her a handful of crackers.

She wanted something else from the pantry.

She threw the crackers down and stomped on them. 

She is definitely my child. 

Photo #17

Photo #17

Taken on February 9, 2010

Harper was 4 months old

How adorable is that face?

It's weird to see Harper with hardly any hair.

This was just a few days before she started sitting up on her own.

I love this photo because Harper looks so happy.

18 Days/18 Photos

I had planned for a special blog entry on Harper's birthday. I was going to post my 5 favorite Harper pictures. Ha ha ha ha... I must have been in a moment of craziness when I imagined that I could ever narrow over 1500 (yes, I took 1500 photos of Harper this year) images down to just 5. I started working through them today and wound up with 18. There was no way I could choose among them. It's like asking me to pick a favorite book or song- impossible. I'm so grateful for digital photography. It sounds silly but I am truly happy that I've been able to capture so many cute/funny/silly/amazing/magical Harper moments. I have next to no photos of me as a baby/toddler/tween and I always wish I had more. I wish I had photos with my grandparents (I don't have one). I wish I had photos of the countless piano recitals/concerts I was in as a child and teen and I REALLY wish I had more photos with my parents (all four of them).

Anyhow, as it turns out, there are exactly 18 days left until Harper turns one. Serendipity? I think so. Therefore, every day until her birthday, I'll be posting one of my favorite photos of Harper (in a completely random order).

Photo #18

Taken on June 17, 2010

Harper was 8 months

What I love most about this picture is Harper's feet.

I'm a sucker for chubby baby feet. 

I'm especially fond of Harper's chubby baby feet.

(even if they are sometimes a little stinky...)

The Fair

I almost forgot to mention that we went to the State Fair last Thursday. Even though it's the same every year, (if, as an uneducated, non-farming city girl, you've seen one goat, you've seen them all, you know?) I really like the State Fair. It's a great excuse to wear my Miss Sixty boots and enjoy the fall weather. Besides, where else can Harper see livestock, eat corn dogs, and ride a carousel all in the same night?

One Quiet Weekend

Hello blogging friends.

How was your weekend?

Our was quiet... really quiet.

Harper has been on the sick side since Friday.

(Fever, runny nose, cough, watery eyes...)

She and I have been home since then.

Yes, that right.

We didn't leave the house once.

Weekends at home can get boring but we found plenty to do. 

Harper played, napped, played, and napped.

I read exactly 3 books.

(I was serious when I said we didn't go anywhere)

We watched movies... 

(Well, Harper watched movies)

Harper got a Barney DVD from the library.

She LOVES it.

She also loves the Backyardigans.

She used her suitcase as a stool so she could get even closer to them.

We played (with toys and non-toys alike)...

Harper can now open the sliding closet doors.

All she ever wants to do is try on our shoes.

Here she is with a mop in one hand and mascara in the other.

We did chores...

Harper loves to "clean."

Here she is with her rag and her phone...

I think she learned the wiping down and talking from me.

(I normally chat with my mom while I do chores)

Keep in mind that I do wear clothing when I clean.

I am just not as cute in my undies as Harper is in hers.

We snacked...

Harper tried Pizza Bagels this weekend.

She found them to be delicious.

We watched more movies...
(and Harper managed to get dressed at least once.
She has clothes, I promise... really cute clothes.
She is just so irresistible in her diaper...)

Harper got 101 Dalmations from the library.

We watched it together Sunday morning.

She really like all of the opportunities she had to use her favorite word...

"Dog!" (as she pointed to the television)

On a side note, it occurred to me the Cruella De'Ville is evil.

She is the most evil of all the evil characters.

Ursula, Scar, Malificent and the other villains were bad 

because they wanted power, money, or recognition.

Cruella was bad because she wanted a coat.

She wanted a coat made of puppy fur.

Killing puppies for a coat is pure evil, if you ask me.

In Case You Were Worried...

I've had a lot of inquiries about how Miss Hazel is faring with the new puppy.

I think it's quite obvious that she is doing just fine.

She is the smallest member of our household, but she is still the boss.

Tucker will soon weigh more than me.

Harper will soon be a busy girl who realizes that friends are more fun than mom.

As for Hazel...

She will always be my baby.

Birthday Duds

Harper's birthday outfit...

and her birthday shoes...

She is working hard to break them in.

Nobody wants a birthday girl with new-shoe blisters, right?

A Boy's Party

Harper turns one three weeks from tomorrow. It's safe to say that we have got birthday parties on the brain around here. We are choosing and putting together invitations, decorations, presents, cupcakes, and other equally exciting party paraphernalia (most of it pink and sparkly). I even checked out several birthday-themed board books from the library, which might seem a little extreme but really, I don't want Harper going into her big day uneducated.

Anyway, we were lucky enough to be birthday party guests over the weekend. Harper's little friend, Kayden, turned one and we had a great time celebrating with him. Harper spent most of the party eating ice cream and trying to commandeer the other guest's pop cans. I actually think she may have gotten a small sip of Grape Soda. There goes my no-pop rule.

I found it funny to think of the differences between a boy's party and a girl's party. Keep in mind, I've never really been to a boy's birthday (unless you count Tyler Simpson's when I was in first grade. My only memory of that event, however, is how mortified I was to wear a glittery Minnie Mouse dress. Thanks, mom). Kayden's party was most definitely a mini-man's event: we ate wings and pizza, watched football, and celebrated over a Green Bay Packer's cake. It was great.

Party Girl... 

(note the television- I wasn't kidding about watching football)

Kayden, the Birthday Boy

(Wearing what? A football jersey, of course)

Isn't he ADORABLE?

I'm half tempted to kidnap him every time I see him.

(Another sure sign you are at a boy's party: most of the presents come with wheels.)

Harper was more than happy to test out several of Kayden's new toys.

Never Say Never

Forgive me for a minute while I eat my words. Several years ago, I left some pretty big parts of my life behind, one being the spiritual association I'd had with the Mormon church. At the time I was adamant that I'd never again be sucked into the security blanket of religion, especially one that claims so many small minded and unaccepting people as members. I walked away from everything even remotely spiritual in my life, believing that I'd fare better on my own. A busy and modern girl like myself was certainly better off without the hassle of religion, right? Let me remind you that was the same girl who was never having children, either.

Enter Harper.

Everything changes when you have a child. At least that is what happened for me. That busy and modern girl is still here. She just has more to live for now. Suddenly it's not so easy to write off the traditions I grew up with. I look at Harper and wonder what her life will be like. I think about the many things I want for her as she grows. This has been on my mind a lot lately since I've been writing the wish letter for her birthday time capsule. Do I want her life to ever be anything like mine as it is now? No. Not one bit. Do I want her to ever have to look in the mirror and question every part of her existence? No. Do I want her to become a cynical girl who doesn't believe in true love? No. Do I want her to sacrifice and settle for something that is always just short of happiness? No.

Basically, I want so much more for her than I've ever wanted for myself.

Today, I cleaned my bathroom. I put my music on shuffle and as I was wiping down my sink, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" came on. (Now keep in mind that while I've not attended church or done anything Mormon-related for years- unless eating funeral potatoes counts- I've maintained a love for church music. The musician in me has never been able to deny what my heart and mind have tried desperately to hide away. I always knew that if anything brought me back to spirituality, it would be music. The musical programs and experiences I had as a member of the church are still among my fondest memories at the piano.) Anyway, the lyrics of this specific song ("Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love...") hit my soul like a ton of bricks. I realized, without a doubt, that if any of the things I want for Harper are going go happen, I need to offer her more than a worldly experience. I need to help her know and love God and to know that she has a purpose greater than just one life upon this earth.

I don't really know what do no next. All I know is that I want Harper to be a girl who loves God in her own way yet respects that everyone has the right to do the same. I want her to be open-minded and caring towards all people and to be a girl who truly deserves the respect of those around her. I want her to become wise and educated, cultured and well-rounded. I want her to love animals and have respect for the miracle of life in every form. I want her to find balance and experience the inner peace that comes from avoiding the jealousy and judgement of others. I want her to find the person who makes her better in every way... the person who helps her reach her potential and makes her feel beautiful every day. All in all, I want her to feel beautiful (inside and out) every day.

Okay, I ate my words - sort of... leave it to the power of music to interrupt my to-do list with these big ideas. Thanks for letting me share my afternoon bathroom-cleaning thoughts with you.

At the Playground

Harper, Hazel and I went on a long walk last Friday. 

We wound up at the playground. 

Harper loved it.

She played in the bark.

She picked flowers.

She climbed stairs and went rock hunting.

She got all sorts of dirty.

I lost count of how many times she went down the slide. 

It Just Gets Better...

Sweaters, changing leaves, fireplaces, Thanksgiving, warm food, and comfy blankets- there are certainly plenty of reasons to love fall. Last night, I discovered another....

Footie Pajamas!

How DELICIOUS is she in this snuggly little number?

(REALLY delicious considering that she was fresh out of the bath!)

Happy Weekend everyone.

I hope that you have someone cute to snuggle with this fall.

Keepsakes for Today and Thoughts for Another Time

I'm feeling rather melancholy today, for a number of reasons:

Harper is officially 11 months old.

I am feeling completely inadequate/unimportant/unattractive in the girlfriend department.

(I'll do you a favor and spare you the dramatic details)

I miss my parents.

I had to put more of Harper's clothes away this afternoon.

I hate packing up her cute little outfits.

I know that she will never be small enough to wear them again.

That makes me wonder if someday I'll have another baby to fill them.

That train of thought is just not one I'm willing to follow right now.

(Once again, dramatic details... blah blah)

I've been thinking about Christianne a lot lately.

I can't help but wonder how she felt when she put my baby clothes away.
Now there is a dangerous train of thought.

Insert Self-Given Pep-Talk Here:
Breathe and be happy in this moment of growth, no matter how uncomfortable it is.
Diligent joy, Abby. Diligent joy.

Anyway, as part of Harper's birthday celebration, we are putting together a time capsule/wish box. I'm including some of her baby items and a few other special surprises (among them will be my October 2010 Glamour and a mix CD so she will know just how OLD her mom really is). We are also having the special people in her life write their hopes/wishes for her future. Hopefully she will have at least 10 heartfelt letters waiting for her as she grows. Harper will receive the box as a gift on her 18th birthday.

I started my "wish" letter months ago and am just now putting the final touches on it. I was gathering items for her box today while simultaneously packing up her summer clothes and shoes. Combine this activity with the fact that she is 11 months today and you have a near emotional disaster. Don't think I didn't cry. I did. I cried a lot. Then I decided that I needed a little piece of Harper's time capsule for myself. I ventured downstairs to her box of newborn clothing and found the perfect keepsake: a pink and white striped nightgown with a little lamb on the front. It doesn't look like anything too special but it was the first thing I ever dressed Harper in. She wore it while we were still in the hospital and for many months after we went home. It is now safely stored in one of my dresser drawers, ready to be pulled out whenever I feel the need to remember my baby. I snuggled it close to my heart before putting it there. The great part is that it still smells a little like her.

Here is Harper wearing my "keepsake" nightgown.

She was only 1 week old in this photo.

My precious, precious baby... 

100th Blog Post Giveaway

This is my 75th blog post. When I entered the blogging world at the beginning of this year, I had no idea what I was in for. I've fallen in love with blogging. It's like a whole new world for me. I've stumbled upon some really amazing blogs (and am always looking for more so send them my way). Logging into blogger every day is so exciting. I always walk away from my computer inspired and uplifted, ready to be a better woman. I'm so amazed by how creative/ambitious/hard working/artistic/loving/devoted so many women are. Thanks for letting me in for a peek at your wonderful lives.

To celebrate my 100th blog post, (which should come sometime in September depending on how much I have to say) I'll be doing my first giveaway! I'm so excited. The actual prize is a secret... not to be revealed until the 100th post. It will include 5 of my very favorite things.

If you want to enter, leave a comment on this post with your name and a little something about yourself.

Much love bloggers!