Thanksgiving 2012

This year we had a two-day celebration with our families. The Thanksgiving celebrations kicked off at the Whittlesey household where Ross's grandparents and aunt & uncle were visiting. Harper was happy to see everyone ....and everyone was happy to see Harper! We spent the day relaxing and talking before devouring a delicious meal. (Thanks, Linda! Mmmm) Harper got to spend some time with her great grandparents again this year - which is an extra special treat for all of them. She also tried out the piano for the first time - of course, I think she is a natural. ;)

Next, we were off to spend time with Grandma & Grandpa Thompson. Harper happily strolled around their house and squealed at the dogs (Beau & Stella). Grandma Ruth put in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and she happily watched the movie. I guess there is a reason it's a classic - it draws the attention of the young and old. After some cuddles, we headed home to sleep in our own beds.

The next day we were off to celebrate with the Connell and Harper clan! Grandma Judy and Grandma Dick outdid themselves and served a huge meal - Grandma Kastel would be proud! Uncle John (Dick's brother) even made the trip from Wisconsin to celebrate with the family - an extra special treat.  The kids played and played. It was a cozy and relaxing day. After a weekend of amazing meals, I hope Harper doesn't come to expect pie with every meal!  It's exciting to think that Christmas will be here in a month and it will be time to celebrate again!

Princess & the Pea

Harper has a unique way of eating peas. As you can imagine, they can be tricky to pick up for a kiddo. Although she has very good fine motor skills and can grasp a pea in between two fingers, Harper has found a new method - poking them with her finger! She pops the pea so it sticks to her fingertip and then gobbles it up. She's entertaining to watch. :)

Growing Up Fast

Our little angel has been a busy girl....she's had lots of accomplishments in the last week. Harper said "Momma" for the first time. That one is my favorite. :) She also says "Hi!" to almost everyone she sees....such a friendly kiddo. Harper also has begun using her walker alone (once we set her into standing position) and pulling herself into a standing position! In addition, Harper also tried coloring a few times. She spends a lot of time moving the crayons from one side of her tray to the other, but occasionally she will put  the crayon to paper and make dots or a line. It won't be long until she needs her first coloring book!

Harper's First Toothbrush

Harper admires our Sonicare toothbrush every morning. She will "ooooh" if you walk into the living room while brushing your teeth. If we let her touch the vibrating bottom, she squeals in excitement. Since Harper now has ten (Yes, you read it right - 10!!!) teeth, we decided it was time for her to have her own toothbrush. Because she is sooo enamored with our brush, we ordered her an electric toothbrush of her own. (They make everything for kids now). Harper was so happy to have her new toothbrush & gum massager  that she spent 10 minutes cleaning up her mouth. She is going to have the cleanest mouth at daycare!

Cousins

We got the cameras back out at the Wii party to capture Harper & Reid hanging out. The cousins are so adorable together. They are very different - Reid is easy going and constantly on the move; Harper is more difficult to please (we still lover her!) and easily contained to a small area. Even though they have different personalities, they very much love to play with one another. They took turns playing with toys and chasing each other around the room.  They shared a bowl of puffs. Harper showed Reid how to remove the floor vent, Reid showed Harper how to look into the kitchen. Harper, who usually sticks to a strict bedtime of 8 pm, stayed until 10 playing with Reid's toys! I think she outlasted Reid AND Sydney! It was fun to see them hanging out and we look forward to watching them play together during the holidays.

Harper's One Year Photos

We went back to ML Photography for Harper's pictures - and, like usual, Missie did an awesome job! Harper is pretty shy around new people so it was hard to get her to crack a full smile. However, with the help of some blocks and LOTS of funny noises from Mom, Dad and Missie, Harper gave a few grins. Missie even gave Harper a beautiful rainbow birthday cake with sprinkles.  But, it turns out that Harper isn't much of a cake person and only tried a few nibbles. It was a fun day for our family and we have BEAUTIFUL pictures to remember it.

Sweet Music

 Ross got out his guitar this weekend for an impromptu concert for our family. Harper enjoyed listening him to play. However, after a few minutes, she wanted in on the guitar action. She happily strummed the guitar with her dad. It is really fun to watch her learn. Ross frequently says, "I can't wait until she can sing along with me." Although he has to wait, I'm sure the time will be here before we know it.

Puppy Love

Harper is smitten with Riley (and Grady, too). She will follow the pets around the house begging for their attention. Riley (who is usually the one begging for attention) handles her affection well and will put with with gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) pats, ear tugs and hugs from Harper. She will even let her steal her bone. In turn, Harper tries to be nice to Riley. When she finds one of Riley toys, she will hold it up and call for Riley to come over and take it - what good teamwork!