Daycare

Harper started daycare this week. Ross and I had researched and toured  numerous facilities when we were pregnant and finally decided on Loving Arms. The center is located at a Lutheran Church in Johnston - we liked the facility and were impressed by the director. In addition, many of the teachers have college degrees and some have MBAs in Education. Even knowing all these wonderful things about the center, it was still hard for us to take Harper to daycare for the first time.

Ross and I both went to drop her off in the first morning. I only cried a little as we were leaving - which I think is pretty impressive. (Don't ask me about later in the day when I picked her up - that's a whole different story!) Harper is one of six babies in the infant room - she typically is the first one to arrive and leave every day. According to the staff, Harper is doing well for her first week. She is having a hard time napping - probably because there is so much going on! But, short naps are also common at home so it's not out of the norm for her. Overall we are off to a great start - mom and dad are back to work and Harper is learning to charm her classmates and teachers!

Self Control

Because of Riley's numerous health conditions, she gets medication several times a day. Consequently, she gets treats several times a day. We will often hide her pill in peanut butter and give her a treat as a reward for getting an eye drop. She willing comes into the kitchen to get her medication since she knows there is a treat involved. This week she got a piece of leftover ham as a treat. Ross left some sitting on the edge of the counter for her next round of eye drops later that night. For about an hour, Riley paced between the living room and the kitchen - she knew the ham was waiting for her. 

Eventually I went and told Ross how impressed I was with Riley's self-control. It's not every dog that would leave the ham alone when she could easily grab it if she wanted! Afterwards I went into the kitchen for a glass of water and found the ham had disappeared from the counter. What a turd!

New High Chair

Harper received a highchair from Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Denny for Christmas. We immediately set it up so that Harper can hang out with us while we eat dinner. The first night she tested it out, it was a hit! She comfortably lounged while we ate and even played Ellie the Elephant. 

   

Growing Up

Harper is now 11 weeks old - she is learning and changing every day. She is becoming much more interested in toys - she recently began holding onto her ring rattle and grabbing Ellie the Elephant. Of course everything she grabs ended up going towards her mouth. She still doesn't understand exactly how to control her arms and hands - but somehow everything seems to drawn to her lips! In addition, she  has began sitting in her bumbo chair. It's very strange to see our little girl sitting all by herself. Her neck control is improving and she will look around the room.... and even try to watch tv! (little stinker.)

Cuddles

Sometimes, it's just nice to snuggle up with someone you love. Riley is always very gentle and loving with Harper. They will often share the couch - Harper plays and Riley will either sleep or supervise what is going on. One night, during playtime for Harper, Riley decided that she needed to snuggle up to her baby sister. Although Harper looks unsure in the photo, she just continued playing - kicking, swinging her arms and chattering - while Riley caught up on her sleep.

Back to the Grind

I finally went back to work on January 5th. I was very lucky to have spent more than 11 weeks at home with Harper. Part of me was ready to return to work and adult conversations, but another part (a bigger part) would have preferred to stay home with Harper indefinitely!

We were lucky that Grandma Judy was willing to come and watch Harper for my first days back.  Grandma was excited to spend some time with Harper, too, so it was a good deal for all of us! I thought I was going to be fine heading to work the first day since Grandma was here with Harper - but, when I picked her up out of her crib to kiss her goodbye, she gave me a sweet smile that said "I love you, Mommy!" and instantly tears began to roll down my face. It's hard to leave someone you love so much - even it's only for 8 hours! Harper was very well behaved for Grandma - she was happy and took longer naps than normal. The day passed fairly quickly for all of us and soon I was back home to snuggle with my baby.

Goodbye 2011

2011 has been an amazing year for our family. I completed my MBA, we added another bathroom in the basement, and took some memorable vacations with family and friends (our getaway to San Antonio, Texas, camping in Minnesota with cousins, visiting my parents in Wisconsin, the Perry family reunion at Lake Rathbun, Ross's boys trip to MO, and a trip to Chicago with the Langfalds). And, biggest and best of all, we had Harper.

Every year has challenges and adventures - but it will be hard to be more action packed than 2011 was for our family! It's fun to sit back and think remember how lucky we are - and even more fun to think about what fun lies ahead! Bring on 2012 - the Whittlesey family is ready!