Embracing Summer

Well it is officially summertime. The first day of summer has come an gone and I dont wan't summer to come and go and miss out on all the fun. With that being said I want to do my best to soak up every minute of it so I am making it a point to do several things

-Getting up about 30 minutes before Harper wakes up to begin the day on the right foot-with a diet coke! Ha Ha no to water my plants, sit out on the front porch,give Wrigley some attention, make a list of what needs to be done. Since I started doing this I have seen a big difference and love it!

-Taking morning walks with Harper girl! Normally she naps on them and it is a great opportunity to get the good mood hormones going inside!

-Eating dinner outside on our deck. Sometimes it is to warm but when we can I like to take full advantage of it!

-I love hear the neighborhood kids outside playing and it reminds me of all the good times I had growing up soaking up every minute of summer OUTSIDE!

These are just a few but they are ways that I am embracing this season. I hoping that all my readers are having a wonderful summer.



Father's Day 2012

Yes I am this far behind on blogging that I am just blogging about Father's Day!!!!

Father's Day was alot of fun this year. The night before Father's Day we went out with some new friends and did a pub tour of local pubs which was alot of fun!
Sunday we had a great relaxing day filled with church, eating a lunch with the Turner's and then coming home for an afternoon nap! Harper wore one of her new outfits that is her dad's favorite and surprised him with a gift he has been wanting for a long time!

Baby Trend Expedition LX Jogger Stroller - Sonic

Joey really liked this one especially since months ago he pointed it out to be because he liked that there were speakers that you could hook your ipod up to while running!

Joe fatherhood is a natural thing for you and when it comes to changing a dirty diaper, picking out a girly outfit, or getting down on the floor playing with Harper you are a pro at it! You such unconditional love to Harper and continue to give of yourself even when you are tired or drained from a long day.

As your wife it is a true JOY to see you parent our daughter. I know how important it is to have a dad in one's life and Harper is surely blessed but beyond that I am blessed to have a husband that is the kind of father that you are.

Harper and I love you dearly don't ever forget it!

8 Months Old

Wow I cant believe sweet Harper girl is 8 Months Old!

I feel like time is flying by and I want to hit the imaginary slow down button but I cant find it.
Our girl is such a blessing and a complete treat to enjoy!

This picture wasn't easy to get because she was rolling all over, moving and trying to sit up! Her hair is getting so long in the front I have to put it up or it hangs in her eyes and mom and dad don't like that!

Weight: 19 pounds

Diaper Size: 4

Clothing Size: 9-12 months

Eating: Harper girl loves mealtime! She gets so excited when she sees anyone bringing her bottle or her food to the table. She loves her cereal in the morning, veggies at afternoon and then another serving at night. I tried making homemade baby food for Harper and she loved it but for me the time versus buying organic, I have decided to buy organic. I love Ella's kitchen and Earth's Best and Plum. They have great flavors and Harper loves the squeezable ability.

Sleeping: Harper has done a great job with sleep training and we have seen the rewards of sticking to the training and the program. When we do something different it takes her a day or two to get into the swing of things again. She takes a morning nap that last anywhere from 1 hour to 2. An afternoon nap that is usually later from 3-5. Harper heads to bed between 8:30-9 each night. Through sleep training she has found her routine at night in her crib. She snuggles around her rabbit and watches the light show on the ceiling and is usually asleep 5 minutes after she goes into her crib.

Achievements:
-Crawling-BACKWARDS she has mastered this for sure but going forward is still challenging her.

-She likes to stand up by herself  against the couch I like to stand behind her though just in case she decides to let go.

-Drinks out of her sippy cup

-Gives high 5's

-When she wakes up she pats you on the back when you pick her up from the crib.

-Loves being outside either at the pool or for a walk.

-Gets so excited when her daddy walks in the door and starts boucning up and down

-Gives kisses

-Growls

-She is on the verge on words we are pretty sure she is saying DADDA but she doesn't know who that means

• Harper fills our days with joy, laughter, sweet smells, stinky smells, bottle cleaning, toys on the floor, smiles, We are a small little family and love every inch of it!

A VERY Bad Reaction

Over a week ago I took Harper into the doctor because she had been having a problem, with her eye and had been pulling on her ears frequently. I had a feeling an ear infection was in the works and to my surprise when the doctor took a look he found out she had a double ear infection and an eye infection. He prescribed drops for her eyes and amoxicillen for her ear infection. Harper is a true trooper and sucks down her medicine like a champ. On the 7th day of treatment about 4 hours after I had given her the medicine I noticed very small red bumps on her arms. I was with my grandparents and we thought maybe it was a bit of heat rash. Later that day I laid her down for her nap and when she woke up I knew it WASNT heat rash it was getting WORSE and SPREADING. I called the doctor and they said I should stop treatment and monitor her. Harper is such a good girl she never fussed and went down like a sweetheart that night. The next morning when I heard her jabbering away I went in to get her and gasped!!

The rash had gotten so much worse over night and had spread like crazy even onto her sweet face

Even though she has this terrible rash she has been the sweetest, it ended up getting alot worse yesterday and we were seen by the doctor he prescribed some medicine and we have seen a big improvement!

Keeping the Blogroll FRESH

Well this week I have lots to say!!!

Harper turned 8 months old so her monthly update is on its way this week

Joe and I have been busy with various projects that I cant wait to show you!!

I have some great recipes, cleaning remedies and books that I have tried to share with you as well!

First up though I have some suggested blog reading! Looking for a new blog well I have some ideas for you!

http://www.fashioneda.com/
This fashion and style blog is from a good friend back in Chicago. She has great style and never ceases to amaze me with her posing ability. She is heading off to college soon in California to FIDM, yup the school that Lauren Conrad went to on the Hills make sure to check her out!

http://www.delightedmomma.com/
A fun, fresh, and enlightening look at motherhood!!!

and finally

http://shoptomkat.com/
Feel like planning a party? Need some inspiration? Need some supplies then this blog is for you. I highly recommend to check out the party themes great ideas!

Happy Reading!

Kentucky Derby

This post is long over due but better late than never!
My friend Frances and I were talking awhile back about how we both want to go to the Kentucky Derby someday. With her birthday right around the corner we decided to throw a Birthday/Kentucky Derby party at my house it was GREAT! Did I mention I love to ENTERTAIN!

(the picture above is of the entry way and bar area)
Color Theme: Pink and Green
Signature Drink of the Night: Dirty Shirley(a shirley temple with Vodka) and Derby Tea (a twist on ice tea with basil, oranges and BOURBON

(Easy way to add decor pictures on twine and the dining room table)
Menu: Antipasta Skewers
            Strawberry Bruschetta
            Southern Mini Cups
             Lemon Dill Shrimp
             Cheese and Crackers
             Fruit Salsa with cinnamon chips
            Mini Meatballs
            Cake Balls
            Lemon Squares



We did a really fun betting system that everyone got involved with and had loads of fun out on the deck and danced the night away in D-Port!

Back To Rockford We GO!!!

2 weeks ago we headed back to Rockford to attend a friend from my high school wedding. I was so looking forward to it becuase on Friday we were able to visit some friends of the family and my dear friend Lindsay was back in town from Cali. When we are together it is like no time has passed at all and we start laughing together right away!

This is after the wedding when we were getting ready to head down for the cocktail hour!

The night before we were able to visit our family friends the Murrays we had such a great time and here are a few pictures from that evening of Harper girl.

Isn't Harper girl getting big?? It is so true they grow up so very fast!

A Visit To Nana's

Good Morning Everyone,

It has been to long since I have blogged! I promise very soon you will be seeing more of me. For Memorial Day we headed to Albia to stay at Nana's house for the weekend. We got there on Friday and had a great visit with Nana and Mikey.

Saturday we soaked up some sun since it was nice and hot out!!!! Grilling out is a staple for Joey when he is back home and he did a great job with burgers and brats that night! It was so great because that night at church I got to finally meet a blogging buddy from Albia that I feel I know so well but haven't meet in person ever. Her name is Olivia and she is a sweetheart! Mimaw arrived on Saturday as well and enjoyed some her time with Harper girl as well!