Harper's First Beach Trip

We took Harper to the beach this last weekend. We drove over to Florence to go for a walk, and then out to lunch.

...What we didn't realize was that we were going to Florence on the same day a Harley Davidson Festival was being held there...

Anyways, Harper seemed to like the beach....until halfway down the beach, we realized that we didn't have his bottle with us. And of course, he got hungry...then pissed. We walked back to the car as quickly as you can while carrying a screaming baby, walking through the sand, and being out of shape. He was a happy boy once he got fed :)

First Laugh on First Mother's Day!!!

What a great present from Harper - his first giggle/laugh! We were all playing tennis, and Harper just thought that the tennis racket was about the funniest thing EVER! I can't stop watching this video...his giggle is infectious!!!




I had a great first Mother's Day :) Tuli's Dad took us all out to breakfast, we played some tennis with Max, and then we all had an excellent dinner at Alice's. Tuli got me a beautiful necklace, and Dave got me a really cool camera stand. I felt very special thanks to all of the people I heard from yesterday. I am very lucky!

I Am So Thankful

I am so thankful for Harper's health, my health, for a loving and supporting partner in Tuli, for mine and Tuli's families, for a baby that I can hold whenever I please.

These are things that I KNOW I take for granted. Recently, this has become even more obvious...

Two friends of mine have been going through extremely difficult situations.

One of my friends is struggling to regain custody of her child. She has been through MORE than her fair share of struggles, and my heart aches for her. The amount of strength she has is incredible. While I realize that there are laws in place to protect children, my friend's struggle has also made me realize just how flawed some of these laws are. I tell you about this friend so that you can keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Please keep her daughter in your prayers too. NOBODY deserves to be going through what she is...nobody. I can't wait for her to have her baby back.

Another one of my friends is having surgery on June 4th to remove a possibly-cancerous lump from her body. At such a young age, it is scary to think that cancer can happen to ANYONE. Again, the amount of strength she is showing is incredible. I admire her so much. I know she will be fine, but I ask again for your thoughts and prayers for this friend. I love her very much, and I believe that the more positive energy that surrounds her, the easier her surgery and recovery will be.

Up until this post, this blog has been dedicated to Harper - my pregnancy, birth and his life.

But these two friends are a part of Harper's life.

I believe that the internet can be used in a positive way, by spreading the word about those in need.

Please keep my friends in your thoughts and prayers. And be thankful for everything you have - your health, family, security and support.

I know that I need a reminder not to take these things for granted sometimes.

Grandpa Dave on Thursday, and Aunt Missy on Friday!!!

Harper is so excited to see both of you in only a few days! You live too far away!!!

Do You Know How Much I Love You?

Dear Harper,

Do you know how much I love you?

Do you know that you are the first thing I think about when I wake up?
Do you know that I love you more than iced vanilla lattes?
Do you know you are my favorite person in the WHOLE wide world?
Do you know I love you more than a Michael Franti concert?
Do you know that your smile makes any day better?
Do you know that being your mommy is what I was put on this earth to do?

Note to reader: I typed this whole blog one-handed, while feeding Harper with the other hand!

Our Almost-4-Month-Old-Doodle!

I think he looks like a "Who" from "Who-ville"!

I can't believe that Harper will be 4 months old on Wednesday. Time really has gone by so fast! It doesn't seem like that long ago that he hardly fit into any clothes...that we were finger-feeding him because he was so small...that he would sleep the majority of the day.

Harper and Grammie on her birthday

Now, at 4 months old, he is smiling all the time. He koohs and wiggles around when you change his diaper. He still LOVES naked time. I swear, he's going to be a little nudist when he can run around. He has really discovered his hands, fists, and most important - his thumbs. He told me that his thumbs taste like chocolate, and that's why he's munchin' on them all the time.

Harper and his Great G-pa Ken

We think he is starting to teethe now also. He seems fussier, but how we can REALLY tell is that his adorable face, and cute clothes are COVERED in drool. He's our little drool monkey. The teething tablets we have seem to help him, and he also likes those teething rings that we put in the fridge.

Harper helping Grandpa Jim schedule some appointments

I'm guessing he weighs around 14 pounds, although I will know exactly how much he weighs on Wednesday. His eyebrows are getting darker, and I can't believe how strong his legs are!

Harper enjoying his bottle with Quampa