Miss Independent

Kelly Clarkson may have written the song "Miss Independent," but Harper has claimed title has her own. Harper is determined to do some things without help. It started last week with apple sauce. Normally we feed her and she happily gobbles it up. However, that all changed - Harper demanded on having the spoon and didn't want help holding the container, getting sauce onto her spoon, or feeding herself. In fact, it was a battle to get the spoon away from her AFTER the apple sauce was all gone. In addition, she likes to have bigger pieces of food - she doesn't want her string cheese torn up; she wants the full stick. Slowly our little princess is becoming her own woman - I just hope she slows down and enjoys letting us take care of her (and let's use enjoy it for a while longer, too!)

Winter Storm Draco

We've been lucky with mild weather for the past year. Well, reality came back and slapped is in the face with Winter Storm Draco. We got around 12" of snow overnight - wet and heavy snow. We were really lucky to keep our power and spent the time bundled up inside watching movies and cuddling. We will have some cleanup to do later this winter - Draco split one of our trees in half and took down some large limbs on another three. The storm was full of firsts for Harper - it was her first big winter storm and first snow day home from school! Riley also enjoyed the snowfall and spent time racing around the yard and bounding through the piles. 2012 is definitely going to have a white Christmas!

Stairs

Harper accomplished something pretty big this week - she learned to crawl up stairs! Julie, from Heartland AEA, taught Harper to pull herself up onto the bottom stair around a month ago. Harper would often pull herself up to a standing position on the bottom stair, but wasn't interested in going up any higher. That changed this week and our little climber went all the way to the top on the first try. And then she did it again. And again. In total, I think she climbed the stairs six times that night. The look of pride on her face when she reached the top was priceless.

Out Like a Light

Every child falls asleep in their highchair. Harper finally did it for the first time - and we thought it was absolutely adorable. She zonked after devouring a plate of spaghetti. I can't blame her....who doesn't want a nap after eating pasta?

Visiting Santa in Iowa Falls

Harper and I made a special trip to see Santa Claus in Iowa Falls. Santa visits Main Street in Iowa Falls every weekend and has a special house set up to meet the local families. We went with Renee, Brody, Addison, Grandma Judy and Grandpa Dick to see Santa - it was a full house! The kids were all very polite. Addison asked for an iPad (Santa said that's a common request this year), Brody asked for a football, and Harper asked not to be touched by Santa. It was a fun trip and I hope to repeat it again in the future when Harper is a little more comfortable with large men with white beards.

No Shave November

Ross participated in "No Shave November "this year. That meant that my husband went from his typically smooth-faced handsome man to a rugged and fuzzy-faced man. Overall his appearance didn't bother us too much. The "highlight" (and I use that term ironically) was when Ross shaved his beard into a fu manchu. That is a look that should never be repeated. Ross even rocked the fu manchu at NCMIC's annual Holiday Party at Glen Oaks County Club (yes, being sarcastic again). We are happy that it's December and Ross is back to his normal self.

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!