Our Weekend So Far

Two trips to Maverick for frozen yogurt, four movies, one fishnet braid, some Chick-fil-A, a garage cleaning, and a playground visit- this is our weekend so far. Pretty low key, isn't it?

Hopefully we will turn our lameness around and do something fun this afternoon and tomorrow. We are thinking of taking Harper to her first movie at one point, and I'm sort of wanting to grab Kenzie (little sissy-in-law) and go to Liberty Park once this hot day cools off a bit. Who knows what we will wind up doing? Whatever it is, it will be great because we are great.

In the meantime, I must give you some sad news. Brace yourself, okay?

Harper has an owie (not sure on the spelling of that one, basically since it's not even a real word...).

She got it yesterday and hasn't stopped talking about it since. We made sure to clean and bandage it right away, just like Caillou's mom does. I'm not about to be upstaged by a Canadian cartoon character, you know.

Every time she notices it, Harper goes into drama mode and gets all "boo hoo hoo... my owie... my owie" on us. It's pretty cute, actually, mainly because her "owie" is a nothing more than a scratch about the size of an ant.  Her band aids are pretty cute, too. We've got Grandma Carrie to thank for those.

Um... Harper is the cutest.

So is Hazel. She had her vet checkup/shots yesterday and was not happy about it, even in the waiting room.

This is Hazel's, "Mom, I'm so mad at you that I'm not even sitting on your lap during the drive home today" look. She meant it, too. She rode in the backseat. 

Welcome New Faces... Let's Talk About Pickles and Boobs

There might be a few new visitors around here today. Welcome! Be sure to leave me a comment to say how you found Diligent Joy, what you think of it, and whether or not you plan to come back.

To get to know Diligent Joy a bit better, check out the About Us section that is on the right side bar. You can also read some of my favorite posts by clicking on the "Abby's Favorite Posts" category. Awesome? I thought so.

Today is the last Thursday that I get to be 27. Next Thursday, I'll turn 28! Can you believe it? I'm not really freaking out. I'm ready for it (I've had an entire year to prepare, after all). I think that, much like cheese and vintage furniture, I might just get better with age.

Plus, I made a decision about getting boobs. Guys, I'm going to do it. I'm not going to go all Coco on you or anything. I'm just going to go for a little more size and a lot more perk. I'm super excited. Now I just need to start researching doctors. If you are in the SLC/Provo/Orem area and have a suggestion (or the opposite... I must know of any and all horror stories so that I can avoid those "doctors" like the plague), e-mail me: missabbya@gmail.com.

Side note about me getting a boob job: whenever I want to buy something, Colt is just sort of so so and totally not excited (purses, clothes, pianos... he really could care less). When I bring up the idea of buying bigger/nicer boobs, he's really enthusiastic (and even uses !!! when he texts me about it). Are we surprised? Not at all.

On yet another side note, we need a better term for buying bigger/better/perkier boobs. I don't like "breast enhancement" (too serious and it sounds like something my mother would say) or "boob job" (too trashy/real housewifey). Suggestions?

As you may know, Thursday is my Friday. Awesome.

Harper and I have been celebrating our Friday with lots of snuggles and kisses. Harper has eaten exactly 2 Eggo Waffles and 3 Dill pickles today, so her kisses are pretty delightful right now. You know you love someone when their maple syrup/pickle juice kisses don't make you want to gag.

instagram Randomness

And now for some random instagram pics...

Harper's pajama pattern from yesterday reminds me of Lucky Charm's marshmallows... She loves to point out the different shapes to me whenever she wears them, "star, bow (for rainbow), flow (for flower), haaa (for heart)." 

We went to Colt's cousin's wedding last week. Daughter and hubby man looked equally cute in their fancy clothes.

Kaycie, the bride, looked pretty lovely herself. She actually (by complete coincidence) had the same wedding dress as me. She's a smart girl, that Kaycie- one with excellent taste, if I do say so myself. 

We tried the dog park again on Monday night and were happy to avoid any and all snippy ladies. Hazel did some avoiding of her own...

Now that I'm sleeping again (see previous post), I'm reading again too...

Big Girl Bed Update- We Locked Our Toddler in Her Room and She Survived

Just a quick update on the big girl bed situation at our house... It's going really well.

The first night was rough. Harper was up and out of bed constantly. It was a nightmare (one in which nobody in our house was actually sleeping for), much like when she was climbing out of her crib all night long.

Since then, however, life has been good. We lock (don't even think about judging me) Harper's room when she goes to bed and unlock it before we turn in for the night. I know that many people will think this is poor parenting on our part. I don't care. Those people aren't raising a child as willful as Harper and they have probably never tried to run a daycare on no sleep, either. Locking her door was not a decision that I came to lightly. I read a lot and did quite a bit of thinking about it beforehand. In the end, it was something I was willing to try if it meant a good night's sleep for Harper and me. Remember that we'd been almost two weeks without Harper sleeping straight though the night. I was dead tired and so was Harper (even though she would never have admitted it for anything in the world). In order for either of us to keep functioning, we needed rest. We desperately needed rest.

The first time that we locked it, we heard her get up and try to come out. She didn't say anything. She just jiggled her doorknob and knocked lightly once or twice. She didn't cry. She didn't even act alarmed. Once she realized that the "I'm out of bed and I'm so damn cute that you can't get mad at me" game wasn't happening, she went straight back to bed and slept all night (insert Handel's Hallelujah Chorus here). It's been that way every single night since (double chorus). Nap time is equally wonderful and really, I feel like a person again. I'm no longer too tired to blog, read, clean, or take a shower. It's amazing. Absolutely amazing.

Harper is back to her happy Harper self as well. She has been sleeping 10-11 hours a night and taking 2-3 hour naps during the day. I think she is making up for lost time. She is really proud of her big girl bed and climbs into it willingly every night (she is definitely her daddy's daughter in this respect... Colt's absolute favorite time of day is "sleepy time").

I love sharing a story with Harper in her big girl bed. I love tucking her in. I love kissing her when she is sleeping. I love when she wakes up and runs into our room for a morning snuggle and some sour milky breath kisses (my favorite). Harper, as you already know, has the best bed head ever and I just love the way it smells in the morning- like the perfect combination of shampoo, fabric softener, and baby sweat.

Locking Harper's door was a good decision for us. She is certainly not traumatized. In fact, she is happier and healthier because of it. Seriously, an under-rested toddler is neither happy nor healthy. Harper had been 14 days without adequate rest. She was not herself mentally, emotionally, or physically. Something had to be done. We thought about a crib tent and even considered giving in and letting Harper sleep with us. In the end, neither of those options seemed right for us. Locking Harper's door seemed right for us.

As I read about this issue, I came across a lot of opinions and many of them were quite harsh. A lot of people are really quick to judge a parent's choice. What they fail to realize is that parenting isn't a science. It never has been and never will be. When it comes to raising a child, there isn't always a right or wrong answer.

Colt and I are first time parents and like many, we are doing the very best we can. We would never do anything to harm Harper, either emotionally or physically. We made this decision- the decision to lock her in her room- the same way that we've made all of our Harper related choices: with love. 

As it turns out, our loving choice was the right choice for us. Harper is sleeping. Colt and I are sleeping. Everyone is happy and I do believe that the Adams family deserves a gold star because we. are. awesome.

Some Wishes

My birthday is right around the corner and surprisingly, I'm excited. I don't have any plans yet but that doesn't mean anything. There is still time. I'd like very much to have a non-birthday, birthday party. I don't want presents or attention but I do want to have a little fun, a cookie, and a few drinks.

I'd also like unlimited Harper kisses.

If I did want presents, however, I'd probably wish for something along these lines...

That little old lady in my soul- well, she still wants this Petunia East/West shopper.

There are a lot of beauty benefits to sleeping on a satin pillowcase.

It's actually one of the easiest anti-aging methods around.

It's also great for your hair- a satin pillowcase helps it retain moisture.

I only have one right now. I'd really like a couple more.

I just love these. Love them.

(Chinese Laundry from Zappos)

My current pair of nude heels has about seen it's day.

I realized this at the last minute last week as we were leaving for a wedding.

I really love nude colored heels, especially in the summer.

I appreciate the way that they make my little legs seem just a bit longer.
These BCBGeneration heels would be perfect.

I decided to go with the Begley for my next pair of Warby Parker glasses.

It is just such a comfy frame.

When Colty and I have movie night, comfy is what I want.

I also like gift cards, especially when they are of the Nordstrom or Barnes & Noble variety. 

Sans Ponytail

You may have found yourself wondering what Hazelnut looks like without her top knot.

Well, now you know.

A Few Things You Might Want To Know...

Here are a few things you might want to know about the Harmon Family Reunion that Harper and I were at over the weekend...

• I successfully made it through the weekend without once being made fun of for being a vegetarian (I did sort of get laughed at for driving a Subaru but I was expecting that... my family thinks I'm a dirty hippy, for sure). I had to be careful to make no announcements about it, however. When mealtime came around, I just tried to look busy- too busy for a hamburger, at least.
• Harper got incredibly dirty both days and looked pretty cute doing so. She was seriously dirty, but that is because she was having some serious fun.
• My dad loves Harper so much that he even rode a horse for her. I rode a horse, too, but I actually enjoyed it. Are you shocked? Don't be. I've ridden before. My birthfather is a cowboy. I'm not kidding. His business cards read "Cowboy Dave." No, that isn't a joke. One dad is a professional golfer, the other is a cowboy. It's no wonder that office work will never be for me.
• I got about a million kisses from my mini cousins (first cousins once removed, to be more specific). It's so nice to spend time with kids that aren't my responsibility. 
• Harper loves hotel rooms (and sleeps really well in them too, as it turns out). This was her first stay in one and she had a great time playing with the phone. It occurred to me that Harper has never really seen a real phone- you know, the type with buttons and chords and all of that out-of-date stuff? She loved our room phone so much that I think I'm going to have to get her an old school one just for play.
• Colt came for a little while. He still doesn't understand how one person (me) can have so many cousins/aunts/uncles. 

That's about it. I know that you probably aren't interested in every detail of my family reunion (and don't worry, I'm not interested in every detail of yours, either), so I'll spare you. It was a great time, that's for sure. I wish that I could spend more time my family and I'm sure Harper does, too. She had a plethora of adorable little playmates all weekend. My mom's family is big, loud, and fun. It was great to reconnect with everyone for a few days. It was especially great to get so much time with my parents. They are the best.

I'm not going to lie- she IS the cutest.

This is Harper's kind of dinner, that's for sure.

She didn't finish her hot dog right away.

She made sure to roll it around in the dirt a few times beforehand.

This cute little guy (my nephew/cousin- long story) thought he could eat a double.

It didn't happen.

How adorable is this?

Harp and I decided to go comfy by wearing our TOMS.

If hugs like this don't convince my parents to move here, nothing will.

I love Harper even when she is a little dirt ball.
By the time this was taken, she was all sorts of grimy.
Cheetos, candy, dirt, sunscreen, sweat, bug spray, and hot dog grease = a dirty (but happy) girl.

This is some serious adorableness right here...

Harps was so sleepy after the first day.

I let her sleep in her clothes- and her dirt.

I'm sure that my mother is still shaking her head.

Here is a sight I never thought I'd see.

My mom was wearing heels, just so you know.

She isn't taller than me.
(I think I look really weird here... like not very Abbyish. Still, I love my mama.)

My great-nephew, Cash, is the cutest little guy alive.

He is irresistible. Seriously, I melt over him.

We even got Colty on a horse- for a minute.

I could ride all day, even in a dress.

That's Cowboy Dave leading us, by the way.

Harper loved the horses and wasn't afraid at all.

That's my girl.

Harper also loves corn on the cob.

Thanks to everyone who kept giving it to her... thanks a lot.

Next time, you're on diaper duty.

Harper had some pretty important business on Saturday night.

This is probably my favorite photo from the weekend.

All of the kids moved their little chairs into this big tent and had a chill sesh. 

Seriously. So cute.

I can't say it wasn't great to be home yesterday afternoon. Harper needed a nap and I needed a break from the sun. I love home and I'd missed our doggies a whole bunch. I just love love love coming home to Hazelnut because she almost bursts with excitement. She has given me oodles of kisses/snuggles since I walked in the door- and just so you know, there are no kisses like Grinch kisses. 

Word has it that my mom and I are in charge of the next Harmon Reunion. I just hope that the rest of my family is as excited as I am. Ya'll can be watching for your save-the-dates in the mail.

In the meantime there are some fun times coming up for us- a camp out with friends, my birthday (and thus, presents), the arrival of a new great-niece, Josh Groban, Tuacahn, and maybe even a Vegas trip with Colty. August is going to be a great month and you'd better believe that I'm excited. 

The Dog Park and Snippy Ladies Don't Mix

Harper, Hazel, and I joined Colt and Tucker at the dog park last night. Yes, believe it or not, all five of us fit in the Sub- barely. If we add another child to our family- be they human or of the furry sort- we are going to have to get a bigger car (it will still be a Subaru so don't worry).

It was an interesting evening. Hazel proved to be about as socially coordinated as her mama (that's me, by the way. i'm Hazel's mama. yep. we are THOSE kind of people). She spent most of the time walking around the very edge of the park, by herself.

Tucker, like his dad, is a social butterfly- always the center of attention. He had a great time playing with all of the dogs last night, at least until some snippy lady made a comment about him not being neutered (stupid lady didn't know that he is still a puppy) and made us feel like we had to leave. Some people are pretty sensitive about "fixed/unfixed" animals and I get that. I think that unless you are an experienced breeder, all household pets should be neutered/spayed. We wanted Tucker to get his full growth and so he isn't neutered- yet.

It really was just a matter of time until someone judged us for being such "irresponsible pet owners". Little do they know, we are responsible. Hazel is spayed and Tucker will be neutered by the end of the year. Pretentious people really bug me. It would sure be nice if people would THINK before they judge- and maybe even ask a question or two (this applies to all life situations, not just dog park happenings) before they make snide comments.

Anyway, we are off to my family reunion first thing tomorrow morning. It's going to be amazing, I just know it. Harper will be meeting the majority of the Harmon clan for the first time and I'm certain most of them will just die when they see how cute she is.

Have a fabulous weekend and be sure to eat yummy food, read good books, and snuggle cute people for me, okay?

Also, a rough version of the "blogs I like" page is up and ready for you. Check it out.

Housekeeping

A rough sort of version of the "About Us" section is up. Check it out and tell me what you think. 

I'm trying to make the blog more reader friendly. Let me know if you have any advice or requests.

Would anyone be interested in a Diligent Joy button?

Also, I'm looking for someone to help me fancy this place up a bit with a custom header and what not. Suggestions? 

xoxo!

English Chips and Some Pics

Good morning, my friends! My parents are in town and I couldn't be happier. We have a family reunion this weekend. It's going to be super fun. It's in Spanish Fork and I'm so excited because this weekend is Fiesta Days. I'm going to show Harper how to have some small town fun. We are going to eat greasy drive-up food and ride carnival rides and it's going to be awesome. 

I love living in SLC. Love it. That doesn't mean that I don't miss the pleasures of living in a small town. They include, but are not limited to, drive-up (in Payson, our greasy joint is Polar Queen but every small town has an equivalent) English Chips and drive-through gas stations. When I tell people up here about drive-through gas stations, they think I'm a weirdo (which I am, but not because I appreciate drive-through gas stations). They are obviously ignorant and just don't know how convenient it is to buy a pack of gum and a Diet Cherry Pepsi without having to get out of your car. Now that I'm a mom, I really miss the drive-through window at Crest on Main. 

Anyway, wish me luck as I start the process of printing my blog. I'm also going to do some Diligent Joy maintenance as well so watch for little changes here and there. 

I'll leave you with my most recent instagram pics. 

My girls waiting and watching for Grandma

A present from Grandpa Jack

(Harper calls it her "scoooo")

A shih tzu play date

A little Harper surprise

Morning face