Ooopsy Daisy!

So, I've let yet another month slip by without posting. I hate when I do that! I could promise I will be better from here forth, but I don't want to lie... so I'll just promise to try harder!

Anyway, Nolan turned 7 months old last week. Pretty hard to believe we are yet another month closer to ONE YEAR OLD! I know I've said it time and time again, but I'd do anything to freeze time right here and now. I just love my little guy so much and all of the wonderful family and friends we are surrounded by!

Nolan went to the doc last week for a check-up due to a rash on his face. Doc believes the rash is due to heat and wasn't concerned in the least. He weighed in at 18lb 4oz and charmed the doc with his pretty smile! He just makes me so proud, can you tell!?

I can't say that too much has been going on of late. We have been trying like heck to stay cool... meaning lots of time inside and in Mom's pool. Nolan is a little fish and loves the water too.

Chris and I have been doing the South Beach Diet the past week and have one more week to go on Phase 1. I look forward to the return of some carbs... like fruit and yogurt! Mmmmm!!!

That's really about it! I will post some photos in the next couple days so you can see how big and adorable Nolan is... and see our new dining room set!!!

1/2 Birthday and Other Happenings

Yesterday was Nolan's half birthday! I still cannot believe he is six-months old! I know it sounds cliche, but time flies. Since this little guy made his arrival, it's like I'm living life in warp speed! I try to slow down to savor these days as much as possible though.


In honor of Nolan's big day, he ate in his high chair for the first time last night. He didn't seem to really mind it, and was very pleased when he got his birthday treat... his first taste of fruit! He gobbled down every last bite of the organic roasted pears, and looked around for more when the bowl was empty. I think it's safe to say he inherited Mommy's sweet tooth. Poor guy. Chris and I sang Happy Birthday to him and of course I took a million photos. He passed out from all the festivities in his high chair while we were cleaning up from dinner. Adorable!

In other news, Fourth of July weekend was a good one. Lots of time spent with family and friends. We celebrated at Brian Kilman's going away (to the Marines) party, then at my dad's family reunion, and then again at Mom and Aunt Sue's 4th of July BBQ. We also got to see Grandma Sandy (who is recovering really well from knee surgery), Maw Maw, and Chris's parents! We made our way down to the Landing to watch Blake's new band, Celebrity Mugshots, on Saturday too. It was a busy weekend, but very fun! Unfortunately, Chris and I managed to pick up the cold Nolan had last week, so we are suffering for our fun now. That's okay though, well worth it!

Going back a little farther, the weekend before last Chris, Nolan and I headed up to Chicago with Wendy in tow to celebrate Cory's graduation. We had such a nice time there! We got to meet a lot of Cory's lab friends and spend some time with everyone. Jake was up there too! Nolan was a great traveler once again. The only downside to the trip was my camera (and Steph's too) was lost/stolen/thrown away. I hated losing the camera (which Chris just got me at Christmas), but I hated even more losing the photos from Nolan's baptism. :( I was able to get some photos from other people, but it still stinks... a lot!

I think I'm caught up! I won't let things get this far behind again! Yeah, right. :)

Happy Everything!

Chris's first Father's Day!
Happy Belated Father's Day! And, Happy Baptism and Happy 24 weeks on the 24th, Nolan! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!!

Whew!!! Can you tell I've been living in a black hole at work the past couple weeks?!?

I didn't want to let Father's Day get too far away without giving a shout-out to Chris. He is such a wonderful daddy to Nolan! I could not ask for a better partner in parenthood. Nolan already adores his daddy and seems to think he is hilarious! It has been such a joy watching Chris become a doting daddy. So, forgive my tardiness... Happy First Father's Day Chris!

Chris and all our other favorite dads had to share their special day with Nolan this year as he was baptized on Sunday. I was so excited to see him in his little white bubble and knee socks (the lady on Etsy did such a fantastic job on it!) I was, however, terrified we were going to have a potty accident once he was dressed. We've had some major issues with leaky diapers lately, and I had a horrible vision of him messing all over himself, or worse... Pastor John!!! Fortunately, he was PERFECT and the diaper remained in tact. In fact, Nolan fell asleep at the start of church and slept through his entire baptism ceremony, the remainder of church, and photos afterward! WOW!!! That's a sound sleeper!!! We had 50 or so of our closest friends and family members over afterwards for a little luncheon. It was a fun (and exhausting) day. I love that many of my closest girls have babies right now, too. It is so fun to share this experience with them. Mommyhood is the best!!!

Nolan after his baptism!

Next up, Happy 24-Week Birthday Nolan! We all know Chris's fave number is 24, so he thought it was pretty cool that Nolan's 24-week birthday fell on the 24th (and Chris's birthday). Yes, we are a little strange. :) It is so hard to believe Nolan is nearly 6 months old. I can't say it enough... time flies far too quickly. The past 24 weeks have been the best of my life!

And, last but HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CHRIS/DADDY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In honor of Chris turning 32 (WOW!), I thought I'd share with everyone 32 reasons Nolan and I think Chris is so great!
1. He wakes up every morning around 6am, prepares Nolan's bottle, and feeds him (often while I sleep)!
2. He doesn't mind changing diapers.
3. He always cleans up the doggy messes without too much whining.
4. He lets me talk him in to eating icecream OFTEN. :)
5. He always puts the toilet seat down.
6. He makes sure our yard looks fab all the time!
7. He irons his clothes every morning, and helps out with mine sometimes too.
8. He lets me wear his white undershirts to bed... which are so soft!
9. He burns DVDs for me... because for some reason I've never bothered to learn to do this myself.
10. He loves my family and fits in perfectly!
11. He fixes our cars whenever they need fixing (if he and Jacob can figure it out!)
12. He always makes our meals "pretty".
13. He always smells good.
14. He loves my friends as much as I do!
15. He is a great dog dad and loves his girls (even though he says he doesn't!)
16. He is a hard worker at work and home.
17. He is so talented... he built a built-in bookcase in Nolan's nursery and an awesome poker table most recently!
18. He loves The Notebook.
19. He lets me listen to anything I want when we are in the car.
20. He always gets out of bed to change the thermostat when I'm too hot/too cold.
21. He gets me water, pain meds, ice packs... anything I need when I have migraines.
22. He's naturally atheletic and enjoys being active.
23. He is a great travel companion.
24. He understands and even supports my love for Kenny Chesney! ;)
25. He watches 90210 with me... even though he pretends he doesn't like it.
26. He offers to paint my toenails for me.
27. He is the King of Spray Paint!
28. He sends me flowers.
29. He is best buds with my mom... who also happens to be my best bud!
30. He likes Taco Bell as much as me!
31. He loves being Daddy to Nolan- which makes me SO happy!
32. He has the biggest, kindest heart of anyone I've ever met and is never afraid to show his affection.

Happy 32nd Birthday, Christmas! We love you mucho!!!

A Trip to the Sunshine State

Look at our little beach dude!


Adding Nolan's hand print to his t-shirt... disaster!


First time touching the ocean!


Aunt Randee, Grandma Sandy, and Mom... pretty ladies!


Lookin' good in is shades on his 5-month birthday!


Ready for a swim!

On June 5th, which also happened to be my dear mom's birthday, we climbed into the family vans and headed south to the Sunshine State for the annual Harper Family Vacation. This one was extra special because it was Nolan's first vacation! I must say this kiddo was a superstar. He rode quietly in his car seat for the entire 12 hour drive! We stopped about three or four times for gas/food/diaper changes, but the rest of the time he just napped and played in his seat. He was great!!!

We arrived in Panama City Beach, Florida about 7pm and moved our luggage into the condos. There were 19 of us this year! Quite a group!!! Our condo housed Chris, Nolan, the parents, Grandma Sandy, and I. Once we got settled in and ate dinner it was time for bed. Nolan woke up that night around 3am, but quickly went back to sleep after a bottle.

The next morning we awoke to a beautiful beach and plenty of sunshine! The next several days were spent relaxing (and playing) in the pool and ocean, eating numerous fattening meals, shopping, and napping. Who could ask for a better vacation!? Chris and the boys also played golf three of the days too. One day the condo had t-shirt painting for the kiddos, so Chris made Nolan an adorable little t-shirt. We tried to add Nolan's hand print, but as you can imagine that turned into a big mess! We skipped the family miniature golf this year because of Baby Nolan, but we managed to find a wonderful little ice cream shop to fill the void while the others were golfing! I think it was a good trade-off! We also had a family photo made while we were there. The photographer did a nice job with the group. We all dressed in white and tan, and looked pretty good if I can say so myself!

Nolan really enjoyed spending time with all of the family. Since we got home he seems pretty bored with Chris and I! He's wondering where all of his fun cousins have gone. He spent at least half an hour every day in the swimming pool which he LOVED! He will be a great swimmer one day the way he kicks those legs in the water! We took him down to the beach for photos one morning, and while we were posing him he face planted right into the sand. It was ALL over his little face. He cried. Mommy cried. It was chaos! Luckily Chris got him to the outdoor showers and quickly got him cleaned off. He may never want to go to the beach again though!

On Saturday, June 12th we packed up the vans and headed back home. I was sad to end such a nice trip. Fortunately, Nolan made the drive home easy as pie again. He is such a trooper. I think he's going to be an avid traveler like his Mommy! I hope so anyway! We got in on Saturday around 9:30 or 10pm. It was nice to sleep in our own house, but I was sure missing the beach on Sunday morning!

Next up, Chicago for Cory's grad party!!! Can't wait!!!

And one last thing, Happy BELATED Birthday to my wonderful Mom!!! You are the best mom and friend a girl could ask for, and we all love you very much!!!


She's simply the best!

A Weekend of Firsts & Fun

What a fun weekend! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and our little guy was on his best behavior. We were able to get out and about quite a bit and enjoy the kick-off to summer. Nolan got to experience quite a few firsts this weekend too.

-He went on his first picnic where he got to meet Mo and Angie, Aunt Wendy's college roommates, and took his first nap under a tree!

-He went to his first parish picnic, Bonifest, and got to watch Mommy and Daddy stuff themselves with bbq and gyros. He was amazed by all of the people there. He sat in the Baby Bjorn and held tight to Mommy!

-Nolan also got to go swimming in Grandma's pool for the first time... and he LOVED it! We hoped he would like swimming since he enjoys baths so much but were worried the cold water would scare him. That was definitely not the case though! He really seemed to like it... and he looked adorable in his little tiny trunks and sun hat!

-He attended his first bbq! Sunday was Aunt Sue's Memorial Day BBQ and the weather was perfect. Nolan obviously didn't get to partake in the yummy food, but he did enjoy visiting with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was quite the little chatter box too. It seems he has discovered his voice!

Chris and I had a big weekend too. We officially became Godparents to Zoe on Sunday at her baptism. It was a nice ceremony and Z looked ADORABLE! She was a perfect little lady through the entire ceremony. Hopefully Nolan will be that good. We'll see! Curt and T had a really nice party afterwards at their house and we were able to visit with everyone. Nolan slept through the party, which allowed Mommy and Daddy to eat their food at a normal pace and visit a little bit.

I went to the Gypsy Caravan yesterday with Christie, Teresa, and Violet. It was pretty neat. I didn't buy anything... except a giant corndog... but it a good time. I got a little sunburned, but it felt great being outside. Violet was an angel all day. She has the tiniest voice I've ever heard!

It was a really nice weekend. We are really excited now for our trip to FL next Saturday! We have a lot to get accomplished this week though. Should be a busy one, but there's a great reward at the end of the week! I can't wait to have an entire week with Nolan... and of course the fact that we will be at the beach doesn't hurt either! :)

As you can see below, all of the fun made for a sleepy baby!

First Solid Foods!

Aside from a taste of applesauce last month when he had to get some Culterelle probiotics to ease an upset tummy, Nolan's only solid food experience has been a little bit of rice cereal over the past couple weeks. Overall, his response to the rice cereal has been less than enthusiastic. So, last night we added some organic sweet potatoes into the rice cereal to see if that would increase his interest a little. The result... not so much!!! He is just not having any of the spoon yet. His tongue is definitely in the way and it just makes him fussy when you try to fit it in his mouth. Not to mention he automatically spits everything out! I think we will take a hiatus from the solids and revisit this after our trip to Florida!!!

Happy Anniversary!!!

Happy 22nd Anniversary to two wonderful parents!!! I love you guys!

Out of Town Anxiety

How can I leave this face?!

Unfortunately I don't have a choice. :( I have to go to Houston next week for THREE days. This will not be my first overnight trip away from Nolan, but it WILL be my first time to go an ENTIRE day without seeing him. It is breaking my heart to think about it. He and I have been together since Day 1, so leaving him just breaks my heart. I wish I could pack him up and bring him along!

Mommy's Little Green Bean

Aunt Teresa, Uncle Curt, Aunt Steph, and Uncle Cory... Nolan has a question!

"He's perfect!"

I took Nolan to the pediatrician yesterday for his four-month check-up and shots. Dr. McReady checked him out and asked me loads of questions before giving his diagnosis... "He's perfect!" she exclaimed. Music to Mommy's ears! Not only is he "perfect," he's also getting BIG! At four months and few days, Nolan weighed in at 13lb 14.5oz (75th percentile), was 24 inches tall (50th percentile), and has a head circumference of 16in (50th percentile). She said he is growing right on target and looks very healthy! We had no doubts that was the case given his appetite lately.

The doc also told us it is now time to start introducing some solid foods into Nolan's life. We are starting with rice cereal, which we tried out last night. Nolan was not such a big fan, but I think that had more to do with his dislike of the spoon! We will try again this evening though and see if it goes down a little easier for him. In two more weeks, we get to start giving him veggies! I plan to make all of his food in the food processor, so I guess it is time to get started. It's so hard to believe we are already to this point. I wish I could freeze time!

Nolan was such a good boy for the doctor. He smiled at her and gave her some great coos and laughs. He showed off during the tummy time and even blew some spit bubbles just for her! He also had a potty accident as Mommy was changing his diaper right on the examining table... but we'll forget about that part! :)

When it was time for his shots Nolan put on a brave face... until he felt the needles. Then, he screamed until Mommy was able to pick him up. He was settled in about 30 seconds though and ready to take a nap! After all, it is pretty exhausting being "perfect!"

My First Mother's Day

Sunday was my first Mother's Day as a real mommy (not just a dog mommy), and it was a very nice day. It started out with Chris bringing me coffee and a very pretty fruit plate to bed. Nolan joined us and he gave me my presents... a box of Jellybath (a new product I've been dying to try) and an adorable silver necklace with Nolan's name on it! They both got me very sweet cards too. After we got moving, we had a yummy (fattening) breakfast at Cracker Barrel followed by a great massage with Mom at Massage Envy. Then we headed to Chris's family party to visit with his mom, grandma, and aunt. On our way home we stopped by my Aunt Randee's house to see her and Grandma Sandy. We were exhausted when we finally got home, but I made sure to take some photos of Nolan for his four-month birthday and of course some Mommy and Nolan pics for Mother's Day! It was a busy day!!!

I can't put into words how blessed I am. I have the absolute best mom in this world. She is such a beautiful strong woman, and I look up to her so much. She has been by my side from day one, and knows me better than anyone else. Being her daughter is such a privilege. Now that I get the great joy of being mommy to Nolan, I get to see my mom be "Grandma" too. She fills that role with as much love and grace as she has as "Mom." Nolan is a lucky little boy to have her in his life. I know he will figure that out on his own though.

So, Ma Harper/Granny Mocha, thanks for being the best Mom and Grandma. You make our world such a beautiful happy place. We love you with all our hearts.

Four Months Old Already!

Well it doesn't seem possible, but today Nolan is FOUR MONTHS OLD! Where oh where has the time gone? It seems just yesterday Chris and I were in the hospital holding this tiny bundle wondering how in the world we were going to take care of him properly! My we've come a long way in four months... and so has our precious little boy! In fact, here are a few things Nolan has learned during his four months of life (outside of Mommy's belly):

1. His neck is strong and holds his head up with no trouble now. It is nice to carry him around without fear he is going to flop his neck back!

2. Nolan rolled over from tummy to back three times this week! He HATES tummy time, so the motivation is pretty strong!

3. He responds to Mommy when I call his name from across the room.

4. Giggle, giggle, cackle, cackle!!! That's all Nolan does when he sees his Granny. He is in love with her, and I don't blame him she is pretty great! :)

5. He definitely has developed his "social smile" for just about anyone who smiles at him. Let me tell you, it melts my heart when I see it too!

6. Though it doesn't happen every time, Nolan can remove and replace his binky all on his own now. Most of time when his binky falls though, he prefers to just stuff his thumb (or entire hand) into his mouth.

7. He LOVES soft textured fabrics and his crinkle-sounding toys.

8. Our future soccer star can't seem to stop kicking his little chubby legs.

9. Did I mention CHUBBY legs? That boy has really filled out over the past month. He was a little on the skinny side, but no longer! He seems to have rubber bands wrapped around his wrists and thighs these days! LOVE IT!

10. Mmmmm... MILK!!! Nolan is an eating machine these days. He DEMANDS his bottle of milk every two to three hours. You better have it ready to go when he wants it or look out! Thankfully, he will start getting rice cereal after his next doc visit on Wednesday, so that should hopefully curb his appetite a bit. He's a growin' boy!!!

11. We are so lucky that Nolan is a great sleeper. Once we place him in the swaddle, he sleeps through the night every night. We are so fortunate that he's been a sleeping champ since he brought him home.

12. Hair today, gone tomorrow! What happened to those beautiful locks Nolan used to sport?! They are a thing of the past these days as Nolan has a bald ring that wraps around the back of his head from one ear to the other. The hair on top has thinned quite a bit too. No more faux-hawk until the next round of hair grows in!

13. Nolan's eyes have almost made the full transition to brown just like Mommy's eyes! Thank goodness he got SOMETHING of mine! :)

14. He has almost outgrown all of his 0-3month clothing. As I cleaned out his closet and put the things that no longer fit away... I definitely got a little choked up! These days he's mainly wearing 3-6month clothing... which thanks to several shopping sprees he has plenty of!

As you can see, we've had a great time getting to know our little man over these four months. Since his arrival everything in life is just a little sweeter. We are blessed beyond measure!

Feliz Cumpleanos Poppy!

Nolan put on his favorite Cubs onesie in honor of his Poppy's birthday!

Earaches are NO FUN!

I had to take our little man to the doctor this morning. He spent the past couple days sneezing and coughing, so we were on the look out for another ear infection. Sure enough yesterday he spent the day with his Grandma fussing and tugging on his left ear. We were sure it was another ear infection, so I took off work this morning and got him the doctor. Fortunately, the doc checked him out and said his ears look good. He did comment on the size of his tiny ear canals and said the problem is likely allergies (due to the season) and any time he gets any nasal congestion it will probably cause some discomfort in his little ears. So... we are very happy he is infection free, but still sad that the little guy has any pain whatsoever!

We also learned today that our little man is not so little anymore! He weighed 13lbs 11oz! He has almost doubled in size since birth! Now that is quite an accomplishment!!! He is also teething which explains the constant drool. The doctor said this is common from 3 to 4 months of age, but he probably won't actually cut any teeth until he about 6 months of age. So, we've still got some time hopefully! Speaking of time... has anyone figured out how we can slow it down a little?? Since Nolan arrived it seems to be passing so quickly!

Our Pride and Joy

Our lives have changed quite a bit since that last post! Nolan arrived on January 7, 2010 at around 6:30pm (in the midst of snowstorm naturally!) From that moment our lives were forever transformed!

I was fortunate enough to spend three months at home with him, and Chris was able to be with us for three weeks as well. It was such a special time for us to bond and get to experience parenthood together. Overall, the sleeplessness wasn't so bad. Nolan enjoys his sleep like his daddy does! We are very lucky!

The weeks at home passed so quickly! We had visitors nearly every day, which made each day so fun! Nolan is very loved, and no one can get enough of him (especially his very proud grandparents!!) That makes his mommy and daddy so happy too! We had lots of help with meals from our wonderful family and friends. We still are overwhelmed by the kindness we received.

Nolan turned three months old this week and I can tell you my love for him grows more and more with each passing day. It's hard to imagine you could love someone you've only known for three months as much as I love that little guy. I'm pretty sure his daddy feels the same!

He has really developed a personality in the past few weeks. He loves smiling and cooing, especially at his mommy (which makes me SO happy!) :) He also loves kicking his legs around and "batting" at his toys. Just this week he has discovered how fun it is to pull my hair. His neck is really strong too. He doesn't love tummy time, but we try to sneak it in there anyway.

Unfortunately, I had to take him the doctor Monday when his grandma/nanny noticed his eye was running a lot along with some nasal congestion he has had for awhile. Dr. McReady said he has an ear infection in his right ear... which nearly broke my heart! He is getting Amoxicillin (which he loves) and ear drops (which he hates)! He still seems to be a little under the weather as he's been somewhat irritable and restless at night. I hope it clears up very soon. Seeing him suffer is awful.

Overall, I just can't express how privileged I feel to watch this little person grow and learn. There truly is no greater gift. As I sing to him each night, he is my sunshine. :) I never knew how much motherhood would suit me, but I'm so glad I got to find out!