Sweet Dreams

Like all parents, we cautiously watched Harper sleep as a newborn. Although unlikely, it was terrifying to think that something could happen in her crib. She didn't use bumpers, she was carefully swaddled and didn't have any toys or blankets in her crib.

Well, she's 19 months now...and let me be the first to admit that things have changed. Harper has always had a slight obsession with blankets. Specifically she likes blankets in her mouth and on her face. So, her normal sleeping position is sprawled out with a blanket on (or something loosely around) her face. We occasionally will try to move it and position it so it seems less....deadly. But, she immediately wakes up and wraps it back around her head. What a nut!

Okoboji with the Cousins

The 2013 Vacation Season has started!

We went with Renee and her kidsto Okoboji for a weekend. A big thank you to Ruthanne and Dennis for letting us use their condo. The condo is located at Bay Bridges Resort which has a fabulous indoor water-park great for all ages. The girls (Addison and Kaylee) loved running around all the different areas of the pool and even went down the giant tube slides. Brody mastered climbing the Jr slides. Even Harper got a few trips down the slide with her dad. In addition to the water-park, we also visited Arnolds Park. The girls rode tons of rides and we all went through the Mirror Maze. Harper and Ross went through the Fun House three times! The older kids had enough energy to return to the pool again that evening. I'm not sure how Renee kids up with those kids! The night was topped off with pizza and a movie back in the condo. It was a wonderful trip and we made some great memories!

18 months Old

I cannot believe that Harper is 18 months old! Our baby is very much a toddler now. Harper has become very independent and likes to do things herself (18 months going on 18 years old, I guess). Her typical day starts around 6 AM when she gets up for breakfast - typically toast and a fruit. After she gets dressed, she likes to watch Doc McStuffin or Timmy Time while we do "Beauty School." Harper is still in the toddler room at daycare - however, she will finally be moving up soon! She likes to visit her older friends in the next room sometimes and enjoys playing outside with them at school. She typically days a 2.5 hour nap at daycare (and a 20 min nap on the weekends). Supposedly she is a very good eater at school. Cheryl said it's common that Harper wants seconds - and that if she isn't fast enough, she will help herself to the other kid's food. If she really liked the meal, she will pick up her plate and lick it clean. After daycare, Harper LOVES to play outside. She has mastered climbing up her slides. Harper has also learned how to go down the stairs on the deck. When she isn't outside, she is playing with her toys (music table, dolls, balls) or chasing the dog and cat. Her vocabulary has flourished and she will repeat almost anything you say. However, she still get's confused about who is momma ....so Ross is frequently referred to as her momma. She gets a bedtime snack every night. She can eat more pears and peaches than an adult - she frequently eats 4 pear halves before bed. Around 8 pm, she grabs her blanket and strolls over to Ross so that she can cuddle and fall asleep on his shoulder. She's amazong and we love it!

Harper is now 31" tall and weighs 22 lbs and 8 oz (21%). She's a peanut with a lot of personality! :)

I'm Back!

Sorry for the break in blogging. Momma found out the hard way that Harper shouldn't be allowed to play with the camera while getting her diaper changed. One casual toss of the camera onto the hardwood,... and that was the end of photos. Luckily, I'm finally equipped with a new camera so let the blogging resume!

Chillaxing

After a hard day of playing, Harper likes to put her feet up and relax....and sometimes Riley just happens to be there to help. 

Soccer...Brrr

Grandma Judy, Buppa, Harper and I went this weekend to watch Sydney's soccer game. It was a double header so we got see twice the action this weekend! Sydney did a great job running up and down the field and had some strong kicks. Dave was the assistant coach - he says he yells a lot, but I don't think he is as scary as he thinks!. Stephanie and Reid spent the majority of the game in the car because it was COLD! Reid wasn't a fan of the chilly wind and I don't think Steph minded sitting in the car and watching the game from a distance. However, since we made the special trip, we were determined to watch the action up close so we bundled up with hats, mittens, heavy coats and blankets! It was worth it in the end to see Sydney in action.

She's going to be trouble...

Over Easter, we spent the night at Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Dennis' house. Harper was very interested in the large ficus tree in the living-room  Well, rather she was interested in the dirt in the ficus tree's pot. She took numerous handfuls of dirt from the pot. We kept correcting her and putting her in time out. However, she kept going back to the pot every few minutes and
taking another handful out of the pot.

Finally, after the 20th handful of dirt was grabbed, Grandpa Dennis tried to help us scold Harper. He got down next to her face and in jokingly started to scold her in a stern voice...."Harper, if you take one more handful of dirt out of that pot, I'm going to never..." Well, we don't know the ending of Dennis's threat because Harper cut him off...by leaving over and giving him a GIANT SMOOCH on the lips!!! It was ADORABLE. Grandpa Dennis couldn't even finish his sentence and walked away with a smile on his face.

If Harper continues using her charm to get out of trouble, I think we could have a long childhood!