Picture Catch-up

Below are some recent fun pictures that I haven't shared yet. The little guy is growing so fast.

Wearing his new blue and white hat that I knitted for him:

Morning smiles:


Getting the three cousins together finally! Can you tell the age difference? Probably not!
Fun with cousins... Notice Emma giving Cooper a smack in the face!
Woohoo for Harper's "baby", his glow-worm-like seahorse:


He's in the phase where everything makes its way to his mouth:
S

Last day of 2008

This year has been full of surprises and wonderful times. Of course, the top of the list is welcoming Harper into this world. Seeing our perfect baby boy for the first time definitely is at the top of my memory list - right up there with our wedding day memories. This year also took us to Utah, which has been fun so far with Jeff's family. Harper loves all of the attention he's been getting. Everyone comments on his contagious smiles, often saying "He's the happiest baby I've ever seen" (though you can't tell by the second picture haha)! I couldn't resist posting my two favorite runner-up Christmas card pictures.



We had a wonderfully memorable Christmas at Jeff's parents' house. Harper sat on Santa's lap, when Mr. and Mrs. Clause came over to bring presents to all of the good children. Yeah Harper!! Since he was such a good boy, there were lots of presents under the tree for him. They should tie him over until his first birthday party.

I've gotten really behind in blogging. Between taking care of Harper, looking for child care arrangements for when I go back to work soon, and trying to find my Utah groove, I haven't had too much time to blog. I'll try to be better about it, but I make no promises - especially when I have to go back to work.

Jeff, Harper, the dogs, and I will be spending New Year's Eve at Jeff's parents' house. I can't help but remember that exactly one year ago from today, we were calling our families to tell them that we were expecting a baby in September (which turned out to be August)! This year has gone by so fast (but if you had asked me about pace when I was huge and pregnant, I would have had a different opinion). Here's to a great year behind us, and a great year to come. Happy New Year!

S

Snowy Utah

We made it! We are in Utah, and have settled in as best we can while only partially unpacked. We're endlessly thankful that Jeff's sister Emily and her family opened their home to us during this transition. We're also thankful to Jeff's entire family (and my mom!!) for helping with the entire move. The Gunnells are such wonderful people, and I feel fortunate that I am a part of their family.

Things are quite stressful (and disappointing) with selling the Seattle house, but I just keep telling myself that, "It's only money". With so much love all around us, we don't need anything else. I'm just thankful for what we have (which is indeed so much), and especially for our healthy baby boy.

I do admittedly have a few regrets about the move - especially that time flew by so quickly that we didn't have the chance to say some goodbyes that we would have liked to. That pretty much goes for all of our friends in Seattle. Okay, so I don't like goodbyes, but I wish we would have had time for some kind of adios. Heck, we hardly had enough time for a proper packing job. Things are so much more challenging with little Harper, though I wouldn't change that for anything.

Harper was such a good boy on the trip down here. He is growing so fast. I can hardly believe that he is almost four months old. I'm pretty sure he's starting to teethe, because he has been getting fussy now and then, and has been gnawing on his fingers like they're made of candy.

Moving here is admittedly a bit of a culture-shock compared to Seattle, but I am sure it will grow on me. I am already loving the snow (there are a few inches on the ground right now). Only time will tell what is in store for our little family - but I am sure it is only good things.

Last Days and Belly Laughs

Our last days in Seattle are upon us. Packing and preparing for the move has proved to be a huge challenge while taking care of Harper. I have been feeling overwhelmed with the never-ending to-do list and upcoming changes (including going back to work in January... which is a saddening topic for another day). My mom was a tremendous help, and I have no idea how we would have gotten things done without her! We're getting closer to being totally ready - hopefully we will be fully ready when it's time to go!

So with these stresses (including being a bit sad about leaving Seattle), I've felt a bit down... but that changed last night. Harper and I were playing together after he ate, and he was in a goofy, happy mood. After I gave him a little "bloop bloop" tickle on the tip of his button nose, he let out the most adorable laugh from the depths of his belly. As you've seen from the various pictures on the blog, he has a big, bright and contagious smile. We knew it was only a matter of time before he let out an equally vibrant laugh. I'm sure it sounds like a cliche, but it was like angels singing to my heart. He's a talkative and happy baby. We are so fortunate to have him in our lives. He gives meaning to life, and I am reminded that all of these changes are for him. The hardships we face pale in comparison to those that others go through. That little laugh set things right, and reminded me what the Thanksgiving holiday is all about. Enjoy the happy (somewhat blurry) picture below... note the drool streaming from his mouth. :)


S