Friday, December 30, 2011

Christmas Recap

Harper went completely against her norm and slept in on Christmas morning. For me, it was pure torture as I was up and waiting for her around 6:30. Although it took every ounce of self control that I possess, I resisted the temptation to poke her awake. Like a good mother, I waited (camera in hand) patiently (sort of) for her to rise on her own. 

When she did wake up and come out, she was pretty quiet. She went straight for the new wand that was sticking out of her stocking. She was pretty shy as she looked through her sock (which had a wand, a toothbrush, new vitamins, bubble bath, a recorder, and some candy in it). Once she got to her presents, though, her sheepishness wore off and she was all hyped up and excited about Christmas. Santa brought Harper a little kitchen (when we move, she is getting a Pottery Barn kitchen but this one will entertain her until then), some dress-up dresses, princess figurines, play food, a tea set, a crown, a hairstyling kit, and some books. She loved everything and even asked for, "3 more presents?"when we were all finished. 

Her favorite presents were the princess figurines (told you so) and a set of velcro fruits and veggies that she can cut in half. She's been impressing everyone with her cutting skills since.

After breakfast, we got ready and headed to my in-law's for more presents (I've lost count of how many presents Harper opened this holiday season and truthfully, I'm glad... the total is probably a bit scary). We exchanged gifts with Calli, Kenzie, Cody, and Colt's parents. Everyone was aptly spoiled, even me. I got a new iPhone (good thing, too, since my 3GS was on its very last leg), Pureology, and a Kate Spade iPhone case (which is, in my opinion, the cutest case ever... see photos below). Colt's mom also treats each of us to a giant (literally) stocking of goodies (socks, pajamas, car stuff, Starbucks gift cards, house stuff, chap stick, and gum).

Colt's parents also made sure that Harper was well taken care of with lots of new clothes, a portable DVD player, and a set of princess shoes, which she absolutely loves. 

From Colt's parents house, we went to the Adams Family Christmas party. Colt's aunt and uncle have a lovely home (that I'm just a bit jeal of, by the way) in Millcreek and they are always wonderful hosts. His Aunt Jill makes the best artichoke dip I've ever had and I'm pretty sure I hate half of it by myself this year. We had appetizers, dinner, and another round of present opening. 

By the time we left for home, we were all tired (holidays really are exhausting aren't they?) and ready for bed. We were also thankful for such a wonderful Christmas with our family. Colt, Harper, and I... we are so blessed- so very blessed.  






Now both of my sis-in-laws have iPads. I'm a little jeal.

If I had my way, Harper would wear this sweater daily. It's so cute!
This is Harper's "you don't know it but I'm looking at you right now" face.
Great Grandma Adams gave her The Lion King. Harper was so excited. She kept yelling, "King! King!"
See? Total cuteness.
This pile- the whole thing- was for Harper.


In the Adams family, we have a word for food like this... "scrum-diddly- do-da-day."
Sleepyheads, obviously.


I'm going to take my Christmas decorations down today and pack Harper's Christmas toys/books away for the year. Tomorrow, Colt and I are heading to Park City for some New Years Eve fun (I'm so excited). I have one more 2011 post planned and it should be a good one. It's all about my favorite things/people/moments from the past year. 

Looking back, 2011 has been a pretty good year for us. When I think of how blessed I am, I am humbled. Life is not perfect but it's good. Life is beautiful and wonderful and exciting. Everyday (even the difficult ones) brings us a new opportunity to love and learn. 

I have high hopes, and a new theme, for 2012 and I can't wait to share it with you. 

Much love, my friends. Much love.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christmas Eve

In many ways, I like Christmas Eve almost more than I like Christmas Day. There is just something so magical about Christmas Eve- I love spending time with family and the excitement and anticipation always gets me and I can't help relishing in the wonder of the season. This year was especially exciting with Harper and all. I couldn't wait to go home and help Santa get things ready for her.

We celebrated Christmas Eve at Colt's mom's house. Colt's extended family was there and we had a great time with everyone (thanks to my creative mother-in-law, who went above and beyond to make sure that we had a fun party).

We sprinkled reindeer food, had an ugly sweater contest (I didn't participate), and exchanged white elephant gifts. We also played games, ate dinner, and opened presents (Colt's Grandparents spoiled me with a Barnes & Noble gift card... which I've already emptied, by the way).

We even had a little visit from Santa. St. Nick is still not Harper's favorite person- the poor girl wouldn't go near him and had nightmares all night long. He gave each child a present (Harper received a little set of Polly Pocket dolls), sat on Colt's lap (in an effort to cheer Harps up), and helped us sing Happy Birthday to Colt's Grandma Sharron, who turned 71 that day.













Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Little Hello

Friends! How was your Christmas? Ours was amazing (Harper is now beyond spoiled) and I can't wait to tell you all about it. I might be a minute though because there are photos to edit (I only took 589 over the weekend... no big deal), presents to put away (a ridiculous amount of presents), and family to visit (my parents are in town).

In the meantime, what was your favorite part of Christmas 2011? Mine was definitely Harper in all of her present-opening glory. She is just too cute for words, my loves... too cute for words.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Off To A Good Start

Christmas weekend is here (yay!) and so far, it's great. We spent a quiet night at home last night. Colt made sure to teach Harper the classiest way to eating ice cream (directly from the carton while wearing nothing but underwear and watching Gold Rush Alaska) and Tucker had fun with his new duck toy (he was a really good boy about his bath last night and so we gave him one of his presents early). After Harps went to bed, I wrapped presents and Colt and I watched Larry Crowne (awesome flick). Harper was so excited to see the presents this morning. She has barely taken her eyes (and hands) off of them since. 




In an hour or so, we will be heading out to a Christmas Eve party with Colt's family and let me just say that it's a good thing we will be busy all day because I'm just about to burst with excitement over Harper's presents. Christmas really cannot come quickly enough. There is going to be some serious Harper happiness around here tomorrow morning. I can't wait.

I just want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Be safe. Be happy. Be joyful.

Much love!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Harper's First Christmas Gift, 2011

So, Harps received her first Christmas gift today (from her daycare BFF) and she had to open it right away.

I'm pretty sure her little life is complete now that she has a 12-inch Ariel doll that sings and has lots of pretty red hair for combing.
Harper is so crazy about this doll and I'm not going to pretend that I didn't cry when she opened it and squealed with utter delight (talk about ridiculous amounts of cuteness). She wanted to brush her hair right away (good thing she is getting a Princess hairstyling kit from Santa Claus). Then she wanted to watch the Little Mermaid, with her new doll sitting right next to her of course. Now they are taking a nap together. 

Everything about Christmas is so magical when you have a little Harper girl to share it with. Seeing her precious face light up over an Ariel doll beats any gift I've ever received- even my new camera. 

Don't get me wrong, my friends. I love that camera and it's awesome but really, nothing is quite as awesome as Harper and there is absolutely nothing more amazing than sharing these happy/beautiful/precious/perfect moments with my child. 

To the sweet people that gave Harper her new Ariel... thank you a million times over. You made her one happy girl.

Anyway, I've been looking through photos of Christmas past this morning and thought I'd share a couple of them with you. I can't believe that this will be Harper's third Christmas! Craziness, people. Total craziness.
Christmas 2009
Christmas 2010 (Harper's favorite present was her new toothbrush)


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Garbage Day Randomness

Maybe this Garbage Day Randomness will become a thing? I kind of like it. How about you?

Anyway...

***I want this shirt and I want it now (you can get yours here).


***I'm so excited for Christmas with my little Harper girl. We have finished shopping for her. We didn't overdo it. She is getting a few toys and books, some dress ups, and stocking stuffers. I felt like if we gave her too much all at once, she'd be overwhelmed so I opted for a handful of gifts that are totally Harperish. One of her gifts is a set of 10 little Disney Princesses. Harper is really into little figurines right now so she is going to love this. 




***I recently quit drinking energy drinks (farewell Rockstar Recovery). I'm hoping to help my body be a bit healthier (aka kidney stone free) so I've cut back on caffeine. It's been a bit of a struggle (okay... okay... it's been more than a bit of a struggle... it's been a big struggle... one that has required many naps and early bedtimes). I'm also trying to drink more water. Crystal Light has saved my life the past few weeks. There are so many wonderful flavors- Peach Tea and Sunrise Tangerine Strawberry are my favorites. 

***Someone recently asked me about my job. They wanted to know how long I plan on running a daycare out of my house. I love my job. It's perfect for right now but I don't see myself doing it for the long term. My plan is to start teaching (preferably junior high or high school English) when Harper goes to school. If, in the meantime, another little one comes into our lives, that plan will probably be put off a couple more years but like I've said before, we are totally undecided when it comes to more babies.

***Sometimes (quite a few times, actually), Harper has a timeout- a tutu timeout. Even with an angry Cheeto-smeared face, she's the cutest little person alive.
Traditional timeouts don't really work for Harper so I've actually been taking her tutu away as punishment for hitting or not sharing. It's working surprisingly well. Harper really loves that tutu.  

***Finally, if you want to know 13 of the world's best beauty tips, go here.

Oh and p.s. How cute is this little Grinch face? Seriously, what IS she thinking?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Beauty Aisle: Inspire Me

It's been a minute since the last Beauty Aisle post. I really want to do one today but need some inspiration. Leave me a comment with your questions or topic suggestions.

Much love,
Abby

Monday, December 19, 2011

Weekends- What's Not to Love?

I just love weekends. Really though, what's not to love? Quiet mornings with Harper, good food with family and friends, and late night snuggles with Colty (none of which happen during the week)- it's all good. 

On Friday night we went to Bucca di Beppo with Colt's family to celebrate Calli's graduation and I'm pretty sure we ordered half the menu. The food (bread, salad, cheesy bread, pasta, pizza) just kept coming and I was in carb heaven, for sure. I don't know why but I just can't seem to say no to bread, especially if/when it's covered in cheese. 

On Saturday, Colt went ice fishing while Harper and I headed downtown for brunch with my friend Niki and her new boyfriend. We ate at Oasis Cafe and it was so good (if you're a vegan or vegetarian in SLC and you haven't been to Oasis, you're definitely missing out). 

I took Harper to Liberty Park for some playtime on our way home from brunch (the park in December in Utah? Crazy, I know). Liberty Park is one of my favorite SLC spots and it was really quiet and peaceful on Saturday afternoon. Harper had so much fun running and playing. I think that even though it's winter, we need to spend more time outside. 

We came home for nap time and then headed out to a birthday party. Harper's little friend Brynlee turned two and we had so much fun celebrating with her. Harper, as you can imagine, was really helpful with the present opening and candy eating. 

After that, we picked up Colt and went out for some sushi to celebrate our friend Tyson's birthday. Harper joined us and had big fun pretending to be our waitress (a result, I assume, of taking her to three restaurants in two days). 

On Sunday, we went to Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. Harper rode the carousel twice and even met Santa... well, sort of. Harper looked at, and even considered, Santa (who, by the way, looks like he's barely legal... Botox maybe?) but wouldn't even offer him a high five once it was our turn. She buried her face in my neck (I will never be the type to place my screaming/scared child in Santa's lap... unless I decide that I want to traumatize them, that is) while we took a photo. Santa is coming to our Christmas Eve party so we'll see if she's warmed up by then.