Friday, December 16, 2011

18 Month Check Up

I just wish I could bottle her up and keep her little forever. But, I know this idea is not possible. We went for her 18 month check up and she weighed 23 pounds 4 ounces (45%) and was 33 inches long (85%).
We have officially entered the terrible two's. And yes, they are terrible. She is a firm believer in testing limits! You tell her not to do something, and she does it with a smile on her face. She thinks that if she gives you that "I am so cute and sweet" look that she will not get in trouble. Well, I am past that...So past that! She will cause me to gray early! She is all over the place and into everything. She recently started watching Dora, and she screams her name if she sees her anywhere. The other day, we were in the grocery store and she saw Dora chicken noodle soup. She screamed so loudly, that she got herself two cans of chicken noodle soup! HA!
Her sleeping pattern has changed. And I must say, I am not a fan of it! She might be a night owl, and I am FAR from that! She has started going to sleep around 9 ish. She has began waking up in the middle of the night and wanting out of her crib. And usually wakes up around 6:30. She takes one -two hour nap a day (I sure miss those two- two hour naps a day!).
Her eating has not changed much. She is still a good eater, when she wants to be!

Loving the Park

Harper absolutely loves the park. She is such a dare devil! She insists going down the slide head first or tries to walk up the slide or she just tries to jump off everything! She loves being outside!







Thursday, August 11, 2011

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Family Beach Trip

We went to Gulf Shores the last part of July. Harper really enjoyed the beach this year. She loved the ocean and the sand. She would have stayed out there all day, but she loves her naps! She also enjoyed the pool. She is just happy being in water, of any kind!












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This Picture Says It All.....

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

April 27, 2011

I really do not like this day. It brings back horrible memories. Memories that will be with me. Memories that will be with my family. Forever.

It all started on the morning of April 27th. I was awaken by some storms that were passing through. My initial thought was, Wow I thought that it was suppose to be worse than this. Little did I know what the rest of the day had in store. I work for a local school system and I was like every other parent and co-worker. I was waiting on "the call". Finally, we received notice that we had a one hour delay. When I arrived at my school, we did not have power. I began hearing my co-workers talk about how this is going to be nothing like the storms that we are suppose to have later in the afternoon. For those who do not know me, I am scared to death of severe weather. Terrifies me. So of course, panic began to set in. We received word that we were going to dismiss students around 11:00. After we were released, I went and picked up Little Miss from the sitter.

I remember doing the things that I normally do on a typical afternoon. Laundry, picking up toys, and starting to decide what to cook for dinner. It was getting about time for Harper's nap. I decided I was going to take advantage of this and cuddle up with her.
I started watching James Spann and seeing the tornadoes that were being caught on Sky Cams. About that time, my dad called me from home. He was off work already and he was making sure I was watching the weather. We watched as these tornadoes were being captured on TV. Little did we know, these Sky Cams would save their lives.

It was then around 4:30 ish (I think) my Dad and I saw the tornado rip through Tuscaloosa. I could hear a slight panic in my Dad's voice. He said, "I got to let you go, We are going to get in the storm shelter". All of my family lived in the same neighborhood. My Grandmother had a storm shelter in her back yard that everyone went to. I have never known my parents to actually go in the storm shelter. We would go, but they would stay in my Grandmother's house. But, this time they went. And I thank God everyday that they did.

I watched on TV as the tornado continued its path. Not knowing its "true" path.
I then started packing Harper's diaper bag to wait out the storm in the basement. It was then that I received the call. The call that caused sheer panic. The call that would change the way I view family.

As I answered the phone, all I could hear was screaming. Very loud screaming. I couldnt make out much, but what I did make out was, " Its gone. Everything is gone." This was my Mom's view of the devastion as she came out of the storm shelter.


I remember thinking, "This can not be happening." I began to ask her questions. I guess it was the nurse in me. I asked her to look around and make sure everybody was there and OK. She said that everyone was in the storm shelter and that they had just gotten out. I knew at this point, I had to the be the strong one. And this was the hardest thing I had to do. She said that she had to go, she needed to walk home. To see if there was a home.


My Dad had already left to start his journey through the neighborhood. I remember trying to call him several times and it would ring and go to voicemail. I felt completely helpless. I needed to get to them. They have always been there for me, now it was my time to return the favor. My mom finally called me back, and said that they made it back to what was left of their home. Which was practically nothing. I then realized, this storm, this storm that just took out my home, my neighborhood, my town, was heading right towards me.


I told my mom that I had to go, we needed to get in the basement. I grabbed Harper's bag and went downstairs. This time, with a new perspective. As I was in the basement, my mom called me back. She had a girl with her that had a broken leg. They could not reach 911, so I am guessing I was next on the list. (To add some humor in this depressing story). I told Mom what to do and what to look for until EMS arrived. But, I had to go, this storm was coming our way.


I had some special friends that helped me through the next couple of hours. One message I received was, "Its going to be OK". Then I thought, You know what, it will be OK. I remember holding Harper tight against me. Praying. All we were doing was praying. I knew first hand the destruction and devastion that this storm had. And all I could do was pray.

After we received the "All Clear" from James, we went back upstairs. I was texting family and friends to let them know that we were all ok and to let them know about my parents. I must say, I am one lucky girl. I have some pretty amazing friends. Friends that really care. Friends that are there. And I thank them for that.

I finally got to talk to my Dad. His words to me was "You have to come get us". I knew that this was one time that I could not do what my Dad needed me to do. There were mutiple tornadoes that afternoon, and we could not get in. I saw on Facebook that they were opening up a shelter at the local High School. I told Dad that somehow they needed to make it to the High School. Luckily, one of the neighbors still had his truck. He took Mom and Dad to the Shelter were a family friend took them to my Sister's house.

They were safe. Everyone was safe. I thank God daily for that. I also know that the Storm Shelter saved lives that afternoon. I truly believe that it would have been a lot worse if they didnt go.

On a brighter note, my parents just moved into a new home. A home that is closer to me. I really enjoy just jumping on the interstate and being at their house in 30 minutes! And I am pretty sure that they like having Harper closer! I am just thankful my story had a happy ending.

Monday, July 25, 2011

15 Month Check Up

We went for Harper's 15 month check up last week. She did somewhat ok. Key word somewhat. She did great with the finger prick and even did great with the shots (minimal crying!) But, we have started tantrums. Fun stuff, I tell ya'. And of course decided to throw one as I am talking to the doctor. An all out fit. Luckily pediatricians are very understanding! HA!
Anyways, she is growing so much! She weighed 22 lbs. and 9 oz. (40 %) and was 32 1/2 inches long (97%). Tall and skinny.
She is still doing great with eating and sleeping. She is very independant when it comes to eating. Wants to do it all by herself! She is just so messy! As far as sleeping goes, she still naps twice a day and sleeps all night. She has a mouth full of teeth, with a total of 12!
Harper and I have really enjoyed our Summer. I am worried about how she will do when school starts back. I have my fingers crossed!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Happy Fourth of July!!!



Harper's One Year Pictures

We had Harper's One Year pictures done at Morris Avenue. I love them! They turned out so good!!




Wednesday, April 20, 2011

First Trip To The Zoo










12 Month Check Up

Let me start by saying, I can not believe that Little Miss is already a year old. This has been the best year!
At her check-up, she weighed 21 pounds and 12 ounces (60%) and was 31 inches long (97%). She is pulling up now and gets so excited about it! She pulls up, then starts clapping! She started taking a few steps, but would not do it on her own. She now has figured out the crawling thing. So she prefers to crawl everywhere. Better late than never, I guess!!
She is loving table food. She likes broccoli, green beans, black eyed peas, lima beans, and carrots. I have started giving her whole milk, and she is just not really interested it in right now. So, I am having to do half and half. She is still loving her grits and oatmeal for breakfast. I have started giving her gold fish and animal crackers, when her daddy is not around. He gets so nervous!
She is still sleeping good. She goes down to sleep around 8:30 and usually sleeps through the night. She usually wakes up around 6:45. She is still taking two naps a day, around two hours each, the girl needs her sleep!

More Birthday Party Pictures












Happy Birthday Harper!!!

We had Harper's First Birthday Party on April 9th at our house. We had our family and friends there to celebrate Little Miss turning one! We grilled hotdogs and lots of goodies. We decided to do cupcakes, which turned out delicious! We also had a moonwalk for all the kids there, and I think everyone enjoyed that! Harper even got to jump/crawl around in it!



Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Spaghetti Time!!!


Enjoying her Grits


11 Months Old

I can not believe my baby is about to be a year old. Where has this year went to?! She is getting so big and does the funniest things! She now has 6 teeth. (Four on top and two on bottom). She is starting to crawl better and is attempting to pull up on things. We have introduced her to "big girl" food and of course she is loving it!

She is definitely her Momma's child!!!


Sunday, February 6, 2011

Bath Time Fun



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9 Months Old

I can not believe that is Harper is 9 months old! She is growing up so fast. On her check up, she weighed 20 lbs and 4 oz (75%) and was 29 1/2 inches long (95%). Her bottom two teeth have came in, and I am just thankful that we survived it! On top of teething she had RSV. So needless to say, she was not a happy baby! She still is not crawling, but she rolls to get where she wants to go! She is walking in her walker. She is all over the place in it! We have started her on Stage 3 foods. This picture was taken with her first attempt at Stage 3. We are better at it now. It just took some getting use to the texture. She does not really have a favorite, she likes them all! She is such a blessing and we just love her so much!
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Family Pictues




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Santa Came!!!

Santa came to visit Harper. She must have been a good girl!!

She preferred the wrapping paper and the boxes over the presents!


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