An Update -Finally

Harper- where in this world do I begin. It has been so long since I have written about you and our daily lives. We have been busy of course, but its honestly not a viable excuse. I have sat at my computer nearly a thousand times, but could never collect all the thoughts I wanted to share. You are 3 months and three weeks old now and are truly getting bigger by the minute. You have become so alert and so excited by things that it is truly an amazing sight. Today for instance I watched you select a toy, pick it up in your hands and place it in your mouth. It may seem trivial yes but it was such a cool sight to see. You have also started really recognizing people and their names. I can tell you that we are going to Nana's or Mawmaws or Pawpaw's and you give the same grin you do when you see the actually person. You also frown when I tell you were going to Wal-Mart, which of course I find hilarious. Your also "talking" so much now! Daddy and I were eating lunch a few weeks back and you babbled literally the 30 minutes it took us to eat. You just coo and smile and wave your arms around in excitement like your telling us such an important story. I can honestly say it amazes me how much you've grown already. We know your AT LEAST 14 pounds and 24 inches long. I carry you around like a sack of potato's most of the time because you are so curious and want to constantly look at the world rather than mommy's shirt.

Your first time on a swing. 3.4.13

Daddy on the other hand constantly holds you high in the air proclaiming your an airplane, he's silly you must know, but you always squeal in delight. While you normally downright hate tummy time you have began to tolerate it long enough to play. Currently your favorite toy is a brightly colored pink ball that rattles. You can easily grasp it in your hands (webbed ball) and you love sticking it up to your mouth and licking it, which I know is a new sensory skill your learning. You have also begun to sit up on your own -well for 30 seconds at least. But if your being held you insist on sitting upright, you downright refuse to lay down unless your extremely tired or feeding. Oh feeding, what a new little adventure that has become. You now take 6 ounces every 4 hours with about 2 to 4 tbsp of cereal ever feeding. We are also working on spoon feeding you which is quite a sight I must say, a messy one at that. But these are the moments your daddy and I live for. Now where to begin to catch you up on all the goings on. First your Nana recently returned home after over a month long stay with your aunt and cousin. Jaliyah was very sick and required a prolonged stay in the hospital, during which she had surgery. Thankfully now she is home and is doing much better. Praise God. You were quite mad at Nana when she returned home but thankfully now you are back to giving her your cheesy grins.

In my last post I talked about how daddy sold his truck so that we could pay of my car and trade for something bigger, just a few days after that post and several car lots later we found the vehicle we were looking for. We are now the proud owners of a 05 Chrysler Pacifica aka "the mom mobile". Your dad constantly teases me about my "van" to which I happily sock him in the arm - love punch I swear. To add to the vehicle related excitement your daddy also bought a motorcycle. I am still up in the air about this one but he rides well and is very careful, and that's all that I can ask for. Mommy also finally after 3 years upgraded my camera, to which I am so unbelievably thankful. My picture quality has improved an outstanding amount and I am now able to take better photos of you as well. Lastly on our spending spree ( over a nearly 2 month span mind you) we now have a new washer and dryer. My dryer died a slow and painful death and at the request of your daddy we bought a brand new set, well rent to own but regardless it is ours. Oh my I almost forgot we got a new computer yesterday after my "old faithful" standby that was Uncle Andy's attempted to die several times, in several different fashions and this was a definite no go considering I do all of my schooling online, and need a computer to edit. But enough of that... Finally after weeks of freezing weather ...

On March 4th it was actually warm enough to take the to the park and for a walk in your stroller for the first time. You LOVED it. You smiled the whole time we were gone and got pretty upset when we had to leave due to the wind picking up. We have been on several walks/ park trips since and you love it every time! I have been incredibly busy with photo shoots and school and you have been the utmost cooperative child. You may fuss at times but overall I couldn't be more blessed. You have now been to seven different sessions with me - that is more than daddy! As for school I just completed my first course as a college student. Exciting stuff I tell you. I am still wanting to see what my final grade will be and I am so anxious about it. I will be sure to post it later. Promise.

Speaking of Photo shoots you and I made our first long distance drive on March 16th, we traveled nearly to Memphis that day, but had so much fun in the process. The next weekend, March 22 we took our first real road trip. Poor daddy had to work so we endured off to Tennessee for a weekend full of photo shoots, family and friends. We stayed with these beautiful ladies right here.. & had a blast! It was yours & Laylahs very first sleepover. Precious! Amber and I got such a kick out of watching the two of you play...stare each other down.. and "talk". I hope that you two are as great of friends as aunt Amber and mommy are. I had so much fun taking pictures for Laylahs first Easter, and then getting some lifestyle portraits of them as well. Aunt Amber is a single mom, but I can honestly say I have never been more proud of her. She is one hell of good momma. I also got to see several friends I hadn't seen in years, because of the photo shoots. Which is also nice. We went lunch with aunt Melody right before heading home. She was sweet enough to run out in the pouring ran to get my car, so I wouldn't have to walk in it with you. That is a true friend right there and I love her dearly.

Other than all of the craziness and busy days we have been blessed to celebrate your first St. Patrick's Day and your first Easter. You wore the most adorable outfit for st patty's day, that some so longtime friends of mine had sent you. I swear I took a million pictures of you that day, sitting in your newly acquired bumbo that a sweet lady I had done a photography session for the weekend before gave us. (you love that thing by the way. You sit in on a top of a chair in the kitchen when I cook dinner. You sit in it on top of a lawn chair on our front porch. like I said, you love it.) Easter though was by far more fun. We went to breakfast then visited with Mawmaw and the spend the rest of the day with Nana, pop-rod, aunt Kelly and your uncles Jason and Jessie. Daddy made me so proud by posing in photos with us (he dislikes the camera) but he made me even more proud but taking some awesome photos...I am training him well haha. For now thought we are trying to get back into our routine as I have recently started a photography workshop course, onto of everything else. No matter what that at the end of the day everything your daddy and I do is for you. We love you unconditionally Harper!

Daddy and I (:

 

My favorite photo of us to-date. You look so precious for your first Easter, and I was so proud of you for sitting still long enough to take a picture with me. I love you!

You are truly a daddy's girl. He loves you SO much!

                     & last but certainly not least... Happy 6 months to this Beautiful little lady.
                                           Uncle James, Harper and I love you very much!

A day full of Love

                                                    Today is Valentines Day
                                              Even if you won't remember it ,
                            we wanted to make sure your 1st one was very special.

Our day started off with a little of this

(Which we sent to your Grand & Great Grandparents all 9 of them! )

We then got your dressed & ready for the day. Lets just say removing all that lipstick was a challenge!

We exchanged Valentines Gifts (:

Daddy sold his pick-up truck that he once loved so dearly, but don't worry it's a good thing. Since your wonderful daddy did so we were able to almost completely pay off mommy's car. Once my car is paid off we will be trading it for something bigger! Yay more room for all of us, which trust me little lady we desperatly need. After running to the bank and such the three of us went to have lunch. You slept peacefully while daddy & I ate mexican food ( his favorite...you'll learn this..oneday) We then ran to your Nana(ers) house, visted with her and exchanged Valentines gifts. She made your daddy and I these really neat gift baskets. She is really crafty, and always amazes us with what she can make. You  really do love her so much, you always make the sweetest faces to her ( : The rest of the day fell to our normal routine. Daddy went to work, you and I played, sang, danced (..ok maybe I danced but it made you smile, so that's all that matters) , read books, took a nap, took a bath and just enjoyed our day.

You also took a picture with me, which is becoming harder to do because you like to be a wiggle worm (:

That night you looked like this..



Your shirt & Mommy's chocolates came from Popaw!

                             If your wondering, no you do not sleep in bows,
                                      but I put them on in pictures,

 to hide the one little spot on your head that doesn't have much hair

because you look so darn cute in them

All in all we had a wonderful day, and considering how much you smiled I'd have to guess that you did too. We love you little lady. To the moon and back, and back again.

Love,
         Mommy

Gettin' so big ♥

Where Oh Where Did My Little Baby Go

Oh Where Oh Can She Be

                            Your a whopping TWO Months Old today
                                       & while it breaks my heart
              I couldn't be more proud of you & to be your Mommy (:

 You now weigh over 10 pounds ( 11.5 if I had to guess) & are most defiantly over 22 inches long. We go to the doctor on Monday, so I am sure we will get all of your stats then.

You have changed so much just in a months time. When you were a month old you looked like me, now at two months you are the spitting image of your daddy (Which I love) Your head full of hair is getting longer by the day, and is now reaching past your collar in the back. It's also begging to curl! (: You love to smile & you even have a little dimple on your right cheek. Right now your loving tummy time, being read too, music (classical, praise & worship, and country mostly), cuddling, riding in the car, & mimicking. You loves to stick your tongue out at us, and you think its so funny when we do it back. You are still taking 4 ounces every 3 to 4 hours and are sleeping around 4 hours at a time.

 We have had some big things going on in our household lately & I am so excited to share them with you. Mommy is now a college student, after years of wanting to go, I am finally able too. I am getting my degree in Business with a minor in Marketing with the hopes of growing my photography business. My hope is that I will be able to make a full-time career from my business (& allow you to be my little assistant). I am also planning to accelerate my education so I am able to finish faster, but as of right now I will graduate in March of 2017, you will be 4 years old then. I really want to complete my degree while you are still little so that it will have a greater impact on you, and our little family, but not effect your upbringing. We were able to go to Tennessee over this past weekend where I was able to share the good news with our family and friends. I also had two photo shoots which ended up being my first ones, other than your newborn pictures that I have done since November. After the shoots we enjoyed family time where you got to meet your Great Papaw & GiGi ( great granny) for the first time. You also got to meet Mommy's childhood neighbors Mrs. Geri & Matt, as well as my "Uncle" Rick and "cousin" Ricky. (While they may not be my real uncle and cousin, I have never known them as anything else & you sure did love them. ) You also got to meet Mommy's friends which I loved every second of.

Aunties: Melody, Amber (& Laylah) Drea and Alyssa.

These girls are some of my very best friends & it was so wonderful to be able to sit down together and eat dinner and visit. I have missed them all so much! It was also really fun to have daddy join us for dinner, he was such a good sport to hang out with 7 woman but we all had so much fun. You were fascinated by Laylah, and she was you. We haven't seen Laylah since she was 2, almost 3 months old, and haven't seen these girls since October at my TN baby shower.

Laylah kept putting her little arm around you! Best Friends already!

Aunt Amber showing what us Mommas do best, Multi-task!

Aunt Alyssa & Drea ( :

Aunt Melody ( :

Aunt Amber & Laylah. Its so hard to believe you girls are 4 months apart just like Amber & I are! But its so cool.

Aunt Amber nearly brought mommy to tears this weekend, I will become Laylah God-Mother at her Christianising very soon. Can you believe it? What an Honor! Love them, and all these girls.

One of my photo shoots this weekend was for another one of my favorite people, my old roommate Brooke.  Oh my goodness did Aunt Brooke ever love you. I hate to say I don't have an individual picture of the two of you, but here is one of the entire group after their glamour shots. Aunt Jessica thought you were pretty neat too ( :

Aunt Jessica (far left) Aunt Brooke (far right)

We also got to have breakfast on Sunday with Aunt Kayla, and Aunt Amber and Laylah, but you were a little fussy because you had been held by 16 people the day before and were sore! So we didn't get pictures, but after breakfast we went and visited with Ambers memaw and poppa, who have always been an extra set of grandparents for mommy. Everyone always talks about how wonderful you are!

LITTLE GIRL YOU ARE SO LOVED

We had such a busy but wonderful weekend! It's crazy to me that not only was this your first trip to TN but it was also your first multi state trip. On Friday you and I were in 3 states! AL, MS & TN! But you did fantastic and we were so proud.

         Daddy and I love you baby girl to the moon & back, and back again!

Time Well Spent

After my last post I made drafts of the other letters I had written with big plans of posting the series within days of each other; but other things intervened.

Harpers' MiMi & Great-Granny came to visit us the 19th thru the 21st of January and we had a wonderful time visiting and shopping about town. I noticed though something just didn't seem right with Harper, she began sleeping a lot, and within a few days we noticed a rattling in her chest. I kept praying it would just run its course, but it didn't, it only got worse. After consulting Harpers' Popaw, Great Mawmaw and Nana(ner) James and I knew we needed to see a doctor. The problem was though Harper no longer had a pediatrician; the one we had selected months before little misses arrival wouldn't accept our insurance and with fear it would be days before we could be seen by another pediatrician we opted to go to the emergency room.

 We went to the hospital on January 24th that Harper was born at, hoping to find out what was going on with our sweet girl. After X-Rays, multiple doctors, RSV test, Flu test, an IV (after 2 attempts) we were told we were being admitted. James and I didn't really understand at first what was going on, then an ER nurse told us our baby girl had RSV. My heart sank, the only thing I had ever read about it talked about how dangerous to infants it is, and at 5 weeks old we were so afraid of how her little immune system would handle it. Our little girl is a fighter though, hands down. Treatment would consist of Harper being in a croup tent, and breathing treatments multiple times a day.



Harper was to stay in the croup tent most of the day, and was to only come out for feedings, changes and quick play times. James had to leave for work right after they told us we would be admitted, and I was alone with HL for no more than an hour before Nana, Aunt Kelly & Uncle Jason came to sit with us. I have never been so thankful to see them. I was so scared, and so emotional about the entire situation; now I know there are millions of sweet babies that are so much worse then Harper ever was but it is so hard to see your child, a helpless baby be uncomfortable in any way. I seriously don't know how my sister-in-law dealt with our sweet niece being in the hospital so long, she's a hell of a strong woman, and that little girl is the Miracle that her name suggests.



Regardless though, this was my view while sitting at HL bedside. I felt weak for crying because I knew I needed to be strong for our princess, even with family around me I wanted my husband, and my daughter to be at home, far far away from the cold hospital.

Harper spent a lot of time holding my hand

          Playing with Popaw ( who stayed with us for hours on end. )

Being sang to, You Are My Sunshine, which is HLs new favorite song. Seriously I sang it over a hundred times. & being read too. (Since Harpers wonderful nana brought us some of our books from home, as well as new clothes for mommy [: & took care of Shorty for us.)

                             Cuddling with Mommy & Daddy.

   & after 4 days we began to see the smile return to our baby girls face.

The staff at the hospital was INCREDIBLE they were so helpful and so kind to us, even willing to give us a new room after the air conditioner went out in ours, with a shower in it.The new room was the only one in that wing with a shower, and they knew how desperately I wanted to take one, but just wouldn't leave our baby girl. Harpers Popaw, Nana, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncles Jason and Jessie and Aunt Kelly all kept us company during our stay, and while James had to continue to work. (We love yall!)

Love, Me

I have been on a cleaning kick the last few days and while demolishing straightening my house I found six letters, one I wrote before birth to Harper, one right after; another to myself before her birth, and once again right after; and one to James before Harper's arrival, and well you get the picture. The letters are all on the longer side ( go figure ) so I thought I would post the one today that I made to myself right before little misses arrival. It reads as follows.....

Hey you,

        Yeah you the one who is probably back into our pre-pregnacy skinny jeans, happily trotting around holding our adorable ( I already know she will be ) little lady. Do you remember what it felt like to be THIS BIG? Beached whale is the term I like to refer to the most. Ok, Ok I may be exaggerating just a bit, but the waddling has gotten a little old. I may sound like I am complaining but believe me when I say I wouldn't have it any other way, constant back ache and all. I hope to look back at this letter, and laugh because I didn't realize just how easy I had it, but I wanted to write to myself, and as a reference for Harper when shes 50 about just what it felt like being pregnant. Like I said 50 ( yes daddy and I up-ed the dating age limit! )
         Oh the glory days of morning sickness, 4 months in my case! and strange cravings of pickles & ice cream (not together thank goodness) have only become a sweet memory. I remember the day we found out we were expecting like it was yesterday, the overwhelming gush of love,happiness and fear that struck me all in one whirlwind moment. I still look back and wish I had taken a picture of my pregnancy tests, but the memory is enough for me. The day we found out I was around 4 to 5 weeks along, and I swear the morning sickness didn't start till I saw those 2 little pink lines. I prayed to the porcelain god every day, and quite often. Mexican food became my worst enemy, along with almost anything with any real flavor or spiciness to it. I have lived off of fruits and vegetables and now as we are only 2 weeks away from Harper's due date am I able to eat some of my favorite foods again. I really didn't show any signs of being pregnant before we got the positive results, other than the fact that I wanted to sleep so much more( not to sure why we didn't pick up on that?) I'm not going to say that I at least did suspect it, but was to nervous to confirm it.
        Pregnancy has been a challenge for me more physically than anything, my small frame has led to lots of pain and caused me to carry very low making it hard to sleep, walk or even use the restroom without pain, but God I know it'll all be worth it when I hold my baby girl for the first time. James has had to rescue my out of the tub, out of the floor and out of our bed more times than I would like to admit but I'm so thankful hes so patient with me and doesn't get frustrated that I do have to depend on him so often. I think if my labor has been as hard physically as my pregnancy has that ill be in labor for a half a day or more, but only time will tell.
         Everyone tells me all the time to rest as much as I can because I'll never sleep again, well I barely sleep now anyways so it will be an easy transition ha ha. I have been trying to take it easy lately though and relax and read instead of being super mommy to be and wonder wife fighters of grime and dust and defenders of organization! God I hope Harper thinks I'm as funny as James does, but I highly doubt I will be so lucky! Now as we prepare for Harper's arrival I realize I'm nervous. not scared but anxious. Will I be a good mom? Will I be able to keep up with my wifely duties, make my husband happy, and care for a newborn? How in the hell do I know if I'm ready for this?! Can't I just cross my legs real tight and wait a little longer? ( Ok, just kidding.. Harper needs to be evicted soon :] ) I know my worries are normal, but in invalid. I will be a good mom, because I will try and that's the best thing I can do. & I will learn to balance the juggling act of adding a bundle of joy to the mix, somehow but I will manage. & Yes I am ready for this, God would not be allowing me such a precious gift If I weren't. Now I do have nightmares from time to time that something will go wrong and that Harper wont make it, and that's honestly been a huge source of anxiety my entire pregnancy but I know that I have to leave all my fears and worries in Gods hands, and follow the plan that he has for us. I can not wait till the big day comes and I'm able to hold our baby girl for the first time.
        The anticipation of our new life is killing me, but I know that as my life, as well as James is about to change forever and ready or not here it come. Remember the pain is only temporary, the reward will be worth every ounce of it. & Remember to pray and be thankful that day, and not stress of the little things.

P.S. & kiss that hot husband of ours a few times too & try not to break his hand!!

                                                                                 Love,
                                                                                     Me

Oh Baby! ( :

Holy Moly where has the time gone? Your already a month old! So whats our little lady up too these days? Harper is now taking a 4 oz bottle every 3 hours or so & sleeps 3-4 hours at a time at night. She weights over 8 lbs, and is over 20 inches long; & has grown so much since we've been home shes almost completely outgrown her newborn clothing (in length!) Harper almost always has a smile on her face (unless hungry) and loves to make noises & funny faces at James & I. She likes bath time, tummy time, hanging out in her bouncy seat, snuggling,music and taking naps on mommy & daddys bed; dislikes diaper changes, waiting on her bottle, and hiccups (which she has alot!) We have such a happy & loving little lady and can't believe she is already a month old! We love you Harper!

Starting the year off right ♥

2013 is already off to a good start (: On the first day of the new year we went and visited with your grandma & grandpa to eat lots of yummy cabbage, black eyed peas,succotash & cornbread (Gotta love southern cooking!) While we were there we weighted you, and I weighted myself for the first time since before you were born. You weighted 7 lbs 3 oz & have gained 1 lb since we left the hospital. We also measured you,& your now 20 inches long with a growth of 2 inches! I am one VERY proud momma! All the semi sleepless nights, & 2.5-3 hour feedings are so worth it! As for me I have lost 15 pounds (: I still have a lot left to lose and still have some swelling I hope goes away soon but I am very happy.

(Us on January 1st at Grandmas) You lost your umbilical cord 1/3/13 & I couldn't be happier. I knew it would be happening soon and am very thankful it has. Your enjoying tummy time & diaper changes so much more now too! This also means that you will be able to have your first real bath any day now! & I am super excited about it!! You also went to visit the doctors office for the first time the other day, mommy had an appointment & you slept the whole time we were there. After giving birth I began to have horrible migraines and alot of pain in my back, which we believed to be spinal headaches, after our appointment yesterday we were relieved to know that I actually just have a bruised bone in my back from the epidural. Dr W popped my neck & back and I am already feeling a little better, but I go back to the doctor the 23rd of this month so hopefully by then all the pain will be gone. & for another first..WE . . . YOU & I went grocery shopping all by ourselves! woo hoo. Sounds silly I know but one day, a million years done the road when your a mom you will understand how momentous that really is. Mommy's car is finally in the repair shop! Yipee. We have been driving around your grandpas truck since you were born (daddy's truck has no where to put a carseat.)& I am very ready to have my car back, it'll be so much easier to take you places.On another note your sweet daddy is sick, again : / & I have had to lock him away in our bedroom, ok not lock away but he is being quarantined especially from you. I know your not going to like this though because you sure do love your daddy & love it when he holds you! You get the BIGGEST smile on your face. Hopefully though he will get to feeling better really soon. (: Well little miss I know I didn't write much today, but this headache is getting the best of me. A quick nap curled up with you on the couch sounds like the best medicine to me. Your daddy & I love you so so very much Harper!

2012

Wow what a year this has been, 2012 brought your daddy & I so many wonderful things but more than anything else it brought us you. You are a whole 2 weeks old today, and I can not believe it! I thought I'd take a moment out of our day to say what I would like to see for our little family of 3 within the New Year. . . Firstly I hope our little family continues to stay healthy, I know this is something that is easily taken for granted, especially in the winter when it seems like everyone we know has the flu! Secondly, I wish for only growth in love between your amazing daddy & I and for you to spoiled in it too : ). Third of all, and I say this with lots of love Harper but mommy wants to lose this remaining baby weight! I have big plans to run & work my butt of with the new year, I WILL be running in atleast one 5k, 10k and a 1/2 marathon this year! I making it a promise to myself & to you. & I will be helping your sweet daddy get into shape as well (: Fourth, I wish for growth in careers for both your daddy & I. I love my photography business and I would love to see it grow! & if it continues to do so I would be able to continue to staying home with you, which I would LOVE! I look forward to taking you with me on photoshoots! you = mini assistant ( : Your daddy also has some big career goals and more than anything I hope he accomplishes them, but I have all the faith in the world in him that he will. Last but certainly not least I hope to grow our relationship with God. I cant wait to take you to church and to see you grow-up learning about & loving the Lord. I could go on & on about what i'd like to see for you & for the future but for tonight I am happy to be snuggling with you & your sweet daddy! Your daddy & I love you so much Harper & we cant wait to see you 2013 has in store for all of us! (: P.S.- You have grown 2 inches already! Such a big girl ♥

Lazy Days

It's a wet and dreary day here, and you & your sweet daddy are napping so I thought I'd write about something that's been on my mind since we left the hospital. This post unlike my others is more advise for other moms to be, as well as a good reference if daddy & I decide to provide you with some siblings down the line.

1) Take a deep breath, ok I know it sounds silly but seriously you will blink and your pregnancy will be nearing its end. It was the first week of May when James & I found out we were expecting Harper, from that point on I remember telling our families,the day we found out we were having a girl, the day my best friends found about our little princess,Marrying my wonderful husband (:, the day I announced my pregnancy on facebook (Ok yes I know that it's a silly memory but honestly I was very nervous about announcing it. Yes Harper was conceived out of wedlock, but she was not conceived without alot of love. James and I both knew we wanted to get married and have a family of our own..someday, but we both feel like God had a bigger plan for us and knew it was the right time to bring Harper into our lives. Hence my favorite saying, everything happens for a reason. Now what does this have to do with facebook? Considering the amount of family and friends I have on my page I was extremely worried about the negative comments I thought I'd receive. Because when your pregnant the slightest thing can make you cry, well like a baby. The judgemental comments never happened for me though, for which I am very thankful. With that said, stand your ground, not everyone may be all giddy that your pregnant but don't let others comments effect you. ) After announcing my pregnancy on facebook it seemed like time flew bye, our baby showers seem to stand out next and then Harper's arrival. I never thought 9 months could come and go so quickly.

2) Accept others advice but remember it is just that OTHERS advices. Only you know how you want to raise your child. (I think that's enough explanation there.)

3) Understand all aspects of labor and delivery. I had braxton hicks contractions as early as I believe 21 weeks with Harper, and I also had back spasms, and back labor for most of my pregnancy. Understand what that is, and how to treat it, seriously otherwise you will be in pain which is no fun at all. Understand how long labor can last, I was beyond blessed that I was only in labor for 5 hours and only had to push for 20 minutes, I know now that this is not typical for first time moms, and even for moms with multiple children. EAT! Ok another one I know that sounds silly, but it was over 12 hours between meals for me when I had Harper and trust me I was starving! The hospital will let you have ice chips that it, now I am not saying go eat a massive meal when your in labor because you will not like the consequences, eat a breakfast bar a banana, something light but filling. Do your research on epidurals! I can not stress this one enough, I have no idea why I though an epidural was just a shot in the back that magically made all your pain go away, umh no. Its an injection of wonderful numbing medicine through a catheter placed into your spine, leaving a small pic line that allows for doctors, nurses whoever to administer more epidural meds during labor. I nearly flipped my lid when I saw a line coming out of my back, seriously. While I do not regret having an epidural I do regret how much medicine I allowed them to give me. I had 3 rounds of epidural medicine in me when I delivered Harper, don't get me wrong I didn't feel a thing, like literally not a thing. I could not feel anything from the top of my belly down. The nurses has to put my legs in the stirrups for me and upon having Harper she didn't cry. I honestly believe it was from so much medication, because trust me my little lady can cry. It took over 6 hours before I was able to stand up by myself, let alone walk. & I never knew that there is something called a spinal headache, resulting from an epidural. After delivery I began having horrible migraines and being very light headed, lying down only makes me feel like the room is spinning, when I have one of these moments I have to sit straight up, drinking some form of caffeine in a dark room.I have to be careful of how I sit, stand, even roll out of bed, I'm managing but it is something that I never thought could happen. One last thing here, check with your hospital to see if they will provide you with ice packs. Ours used baby diapers filled with ice, and trust me it will help you SO much after delivery.

4) You will bleed, its a tmi thing I know but seriously its a major part of it so be prepared. The hospital will provide (ours did at least) mesh underwear and pads use them. Mine were boy shorts and weren't uncomfortable, regardless it was nice not to have to dirty the ones I had brought from home because that's just more laundry you will have to do afterward. & having a baby increases your laundry ALOT! Talk with the nurses about clotting, know how much is to much and what you should expect once you get home. Also stock up on pads not only from the hospital but of an everyday brand; you will use them I promise. Final note here, remember pitocin makes you swell, I look huge in all my predelivery pictures! I had no idea how swollen my face got till I saw the pictures days later.

 5) Make time for yourself, both before the baby is born and after. It is hard, even harder to do when your little bundle(S) arrive but you have to take time for yourself for your own mental/emotional well being. I read so much the last 2 weeks before Harper arrived, messed with her scrapbook, painted, shopped (which resulted in swollen feet of course) and found activities to make me happy & keep me occupied. Now that I am on the reverse end I can honestly say it only gets harder. Naps and long showers are a luxury, without my husband I don't know how I would make it. I have gotten the most relaxation "me time" from the simplest of things. I colored my hair for the first time in over a year, I take a long shower or bath while shes napping or hubby's watching her. I get up everyday and get dressed, I may not always put my make-up on but it still makes me feel more human. I still haven't driven or even left the house by myself, but I am working towards that.

 6) Don't forget about your significant other, make sure they still feel wanted, loved and appreciated too (especially important after baby arrives). I leave little notes for James all time, make sure to tell him thank you and how much I appreciate & love him everyday. I make his favorite meals, and let him sleep late when I can because other than the fact I love him unconditionally and he is my husband, he is also the father of my child, and without him I would never have been blessed with her.

 7) When preparing for baby have some help, seriously. My doctor threatened me with bed rest, and put me on it so many times because I wouldn't behave. Its not easy cleaning a house when your newly pregnant and nauseous all the time.. imagine how it feels at 9 months when your carrying a 6+ pound baby around, don't be afraid to ask for help! Personally I totally sucked at this because I didn't want to seem needy, or unable to provide for my family but I paid for my foolishness a few times by going into preterm labor.With that said when you do start to arrange the nursery be as organized as possible. It has been a lifesaver to be able to easily find whatever I may need in the middle of the night when I may or may not have a cooperative baby on my hands. I have all of her blankets in one place, clothes sorted by size, diapers and wipes easily reachable etc. Also realize the laundry, dusting, dishes can wait. I am a neat freak plain & simple and its been hard to see my once spotless house because less tidy, but I have also realized that all of that is not important, spending time with my family is. James & I select a day, that were both home to clean up the house. Its nice to tag team certain projects & helps us get done just that much faster. Also one of the best pieces of advice I received was to premake meals. It has been such a God send to go into my freezer and pull out a healthy meal for James and I on days I don't have the energy to prepare a full meal. My crock pot is seriously becoming my new best friend, and now that I know how to do freezer meals I will continue to do so in the future.

8) Buy nursing bras whether you plan to breastfeed or not, trust me when I say I tried too skip this part, but ended up paying for it in swollen & bruised tatas. & When it comes to buying clothing during pregnancy don't skip out on buying a few nice things. I bought 2 pair of jeans and 2 shirts. . . but was blessed to receive garbage bags full of clothes ( which I am now passing onto others). But it is nice to feel pretty in your clothing especially when you feel like a beached whale.

9) Speaking of clothes, have you considered what to pack for the hospital? Here is what I packed that I actually used: 1 pair of jeans (that I wore to the hospital & to come home in) 2 shirts (one I wore into the hospital, and one out. I could have easily re worn the shirt I wore to the hospital because I had just changed out of my pjs but I used it as a back up shirt in case my other got dirty.) 1 to 2 nursing bras (I did not have these at the time I gave birth I had one regular bra that caused me a ton of discomfort.) 2 to 3 pairs of underwear (now I didn't use mine I used the hospitals but just in case you don't like the ones they provide you with). Toothbrush/paste, deodorant, face wash basically your everyday essentials. Nursing bra pads for when you start leaking. I also packed clothing for Harper, this was a personal choice but I'm very glad I did it. I packed her 3 outfits and 1 sleeper. 2 outfits for the day and one as her coming home outfit. I also packed a variety of sizes, Harper is very small so even newborn clothes swallow her, so the large 0 to 3 months I packed was out of the question, hence why its good to pack a variety! Now to what I packed a shouldn't have: Any type of sleepwear, you will be in a hospital gown from the moment you arrive until right before you leave there is no need to pack anything extra, new shoes of any kind. . . my feet were to swollen to even fit the new house shoes I brought! Pads, like I said the hospital will prove you with some. Now to my extras list, this is things I brought & was so thankful I took : Nursing pillow to make feeding easier. I also packed a snack bag of fruits, breakfast bars and chips and it was so much easier than running to a vending machine in the middle of the night when hunger strikes; a roll of quarters for said vending machines because while you may get free drinks your significant other or family wont. My nook, it keep my husband happy & occupied while waiting on little miss and allowed us some entertainment after shed gone to the nursery for the night. Camera, this is a must plain and simple. As a photographer I wanted these perfect pictures of our day (that and pinterest gave me the idea) but its not always realistic. James took the best pictures he could and I love what he did, do I wish I had more? Yes but its part of it, and as I began to feel better I took the camera into my own hands to document whatever I could.

10) Document as much as you can. This blog has been a wonderful way for me to keep our friends & family at home and in other states updated even if I didn't get to blog as much as Id like to of. Take pictures of your baby bump, no matter how big you feel at the time you will look back at those pictures and miss it. As I've mentioned I also started Harper a scrapbook and its filled with everything you could imagine; lots of ultrasounds and regular pictures with detailed descriptions of the events, souvenirs from baby shower games (like the 11 sheets of toilet paper that went around my belly or the birth stat cards that were made)& souvenirs from the hospital, like all our id bracelets & cards. Also something I did and I'm really happy about looking back now is I documented her birthdays events, like the how I was progressing and how long everything took. One last thing, I take a picture a day of Harper, excessive? Maybe but its been amazing so far to see just how much she has changed in her 11 days on this earth.

11) Now this is one for after the baby arrives - put the cell phone down, the computer away, any & all technologies down when you are feeding/holding/changing your baby. You would not believe the bond you can create with your newborn just by looking into their eyes and giving them your whole hearted attention. That text message can wait, your fb status can wait (exceptions made for pictures! ha ha) give your baby your all & you will see a difference.
12) Enjoy this time, being pregnant is a wonderful and beautiful thing that is so very easy to take for granted. I know its hard sometimes and your back hurts all the time but trust me when I say the reward is worth every single second. Being a mom is the best thing to ever happen to me. I love my daughter more than anything in this world and it does my heart good to see her smile. Now for the time being at least this is all the advice I have to give. I hope this helps someone else, or even myself again some day. ♥

Your First Week! ♥ .. & then some

We settled in to being home rather well (: I washed up all our laundry from the hospital, tried to put everything back in its place, and make dinner on the night we came home.I know that I over did it, but I so desperately wanted you to come home and our time together to be spent cuddling rather than mommy running around like a crazy person, so I took advantage of the fact that you were sleeping.

That night you slept in your crib and continued to keep on the schedule we've set for you, while mommy was unable to sleep and stayed awake all night standing over your crib or picking you up and holding you close...while crying my eyes out I must add. I just honestly couldn't believe you had finally made it here, my pregnancy felt like it lasted a lifetime and while it was by no means the easiest I wouldn't trade a single second of it now that we have you here. Our second day went incredibly smooth, your ate, slept, dirtied diapers, and enjoyed tummy time but your second night was anything but smooth. You my sweet baby had a horrible belly ache that kept you & I awake most of the night, it was well into the next day before you were back to your happy self.

The next few days we continued to settle in, having to run errands and go back to the doctor for blood work. You had to have your jaundice levels check, which you do have a very mild case of. I nearly cried when they drew your blood, had your daddy not been standing there holding me I would have.. you my little brave thing slept the whole way through though. We had company alot those few days, even having your grandma & grampa (daddy's side) come by for dinner and Christmas gift exchange & we even when to visit with your great grandma and grandpa. On Saturday & Sunday your grandma & great grandma (my mom/gma)came down from TN to meet you. I wished so badly they could have come for your birth, but they were both sick and we couldn't take any chances. We really enjoyed them coming to visit, getting to meet you and exchanging Christmas gifts, I know that both of them couldn't get over you. (:

On Christmas Eve (Monday) miss Harper you turned 1 week old, and I'm not going to lie, my heart broke a bit. I know that in the blink of an eye you will be 1, then 5 and starting school,then 10 entering into your long anticipated 'double digits', then 13 and entering those talking back teenage years, then getting your first car, and going to prom (by yourself because you still wont be allowed to date! daddy's rule not mine![: ) graduating high school then going off to college. I know that you will grow up way before I'm ready for it to happen that's for sure! We celebrated Christmas today with your great grandma, grampa, aunt Brandy & uncle Matthew (who came in from TN & couldn't wait to meet you!) great uncle Jerry (who came in from TX), and had your great aunt Janice, cousin Jud and his fiance Wendy all stop by to meet you too! You got so much stuff for your first Christmas, I believe I will be unpacking gift bags & boxes for days!

I have to say Harper that your daddy is everything I could have ever imagined and so much more, not only as my husband but as your father. He loves you SO much and I have been reduced to tears a few times just watching the two of you together. He doesn't mind feeding you, or changing your diaper and often times helps me dress you in the mornings. He loves to snuggle with you, talk and sing to you, and play with you too. He is the love of my life, and you my little darling have stolen his heart a million times over and already have him wrapped around your little fingers whether he likes to admit it or not. Your daddy told me tonight that he thinks I am a fantastic mother, of course once again making me cry, his comment really means so much to me because I want nothing more in this life other than to be a good mother to you.

I want you to grow up and be proud to call me your mom, to come to me over the years as a friend not only as a daughter, to know that even though you wont always get your way or have every thing you want that you will always be provided with what you need. I want you to grow up wanting to find a love like your daddy & I have, honest and forgiving, passionate and whole hearted. To have faith in God, faith in this world, faith in us but most of all faith in yourself. I am so happy that you have made your grand entrance into this world Harper you are everything I imagined you being and so incredibly much more!

We had such a blessed Christmas day, surrounded by family. You received so many nice things for your first Christmas, needless to say you are well stocked on clothes & toys for awhile (: Mommy & daddy still have a few things we'd like to get you though. My favorite gift, other than you of course has to of been the charms for my Pandora bracelet. Your daddy bought me the bracelet last year for our first Christmas, with a charm of an angel in memory of your uncle Andy. This year I was blessed to get a baby carriage from your grandma (my mom), a block letter H from your great grandma (my mawmaw) & a camera from your aunt Brandy.

I am normally not one for material things, but this means so much to me. The entire time I was in the hospital, and waiting on your arrival I wore my bracelet, then with just the angel to have a little piece of my brother there with us..watching over us. I think about him alot, well even more now that your here. I know he would love you so incredibly much. I'm not sure I ever mentioned it or not but my maternity pictures were done in a sweater of his, it was actually an accident because I forgot an undershirt but I feel like it made our pictures even more special & meaningful. I have been planning your newborn pictures, over and over in my head. I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a nice (warmer) sunny day and we can get over to your great grandmas house to do them. I can't wait really! For now though I am about to wake your sweet little self up and cuddle with you before your next feeding, as we wait for your sweet daddy to get home from work.

Your daddy & I love you so very much love bug & we look forward to everyday that we are blessed enough to spend with you (: