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!

Happy Halloween!

Last year we didn't do too much to celebrate Halloween. This year, Harper got dressed up and assisted us in passing out candy. She enjoyed seeing all of the kids in their outfits. However, she doesn't understand her costume and was anxious to take it off. It was a fun night and we are excited to tour the neighborhood next year!

We don't decorate much for Halloween - we didn't even carve pumpkins this year! However, we do have one of the spookiest houses on the block thanks to Riley! She is quarantined to the basement so she doesn't scare any of the small children. Riley can't miss any of the action and will poke her head through the cat door to watch the kids a the door and will sometimes bark - which will result in giggles or screams from the kids. Thanks, Riley, for providing the spooky atmosphere!

Finally, Harper did some creative art at daycare (with the help of her teachers) and brought home a ghost foot print - how cute!

Running

To entice Harper to walk, we've began playing a new game where she runs while we support her weight. She thinks it's a blast and her little legs go as fast as she can move them! Once she learns to walk, we might have a little track star!

Tub Time

It's time for another bath update! Harper is loving all of the new bathtub toys she got at her birthday - she happily splashes, chatters and plays in the water. Now that Harper is standing more often she wants to do it everywhere - including the tub. Here is our little girl showing off!

Busy Girl

Now that Harper is scooting, she is doing a lot of investigating around the house. Finally our house seems big to someone! She likes to get under the end tables and swing, scoot into the bathroom and kitchen and play with the plant. If she is super lucky, Riley will be chewing a bone and she will crawl over and give her hugs. Harper is definitely keeping Ross and I busy!

One Year Check Up

Harper finally had her one year check up with Dr. Peterson. She was happy to go to the doctor's office - Harper is always very friendly with the nurses and doctors. She enjoys showing off her smile and will let them listen to her heart and look at her eyes and ears without putting up a fight. Harper now weighs 19 lbs 12 oz (27%) and is 29" long (44%). The doctor was impressed with her fine motor and communication skills, but encouraged us to continue working hard on our little scooter's gross motor skills. She is hopeful that Harper will be pulling herself up and standing on her own in the near future. Unfortunately for Harper, the 1 year check up is a big one. In addition to her flu shot, Harper had four more shots and a finger prick. That is a lot of shots for a little girl but she only cried for a short time after some hugs and kisses from mom and dad.