Friday, December 31, 2010

Christmas Card Out-takes!



 Our Sweet Girls! 


Whoa! 






Just having fun cuddling! 

Harper making sure Claire's bow is on right. 


Claire, that looks like a bandage on your head! 

Finger squeeze

Ta da! 

Harper loves her baby sister

About all you can ask of a two week old! 

Saturday, December 25, 2010

This is gonna be great!

Jump!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Warm Up

These are not from this morning--I'm not that on the ball! We'll have some of those up soon, but here are a few of Harper. Merry Christmas!!! 





Friday, December 17, 2010

Why I love my Grandmother



My sweet Grandmother Hollis passed away this Thursday after a 5 week struggle to recover from open-heart surgery. My heart aches for the loss, but I'm glad to know that she is in a happier place where infections and pulse rate don't mean a thing. I really didn't think it was her time yet, but it reminds me that you never know when it's "time". I've been reflecting on the memories I have of my sweet Grandmother and wanted to share this post so that you might have a tiny glimpse into what made her so special.

Things I remember and love about my Grandmother:

1. She used to bring me little mirrors from the bank when she was a teller. They were just square and slid into a rubbery sleeve. Awesome to a little girl.

2. She could make the best soap bubbles with her hands, and would entertain me with them until I was pruney in my bath.

3. She would always let me have apple jacks or fruit loops for a bedtime snack.

4. She made the best coke-floats.

5. We always worked on puzzles at her house. A Disney World one when we were little, and 1000+ piece ones as we got older. We would spread it out on her dining table and work on it the whole visit.

6. The flowers in her yard were always so pretty.

7. She taught me how to crochet (and I kind of remember how) and would be super patient with our "lessons".

8. She has scenic wallpaper on one wall of her dining room & my cousins and I used to pretend we were painting it. I have recently been shopping around for some similar paper for my foyer.

9. She had a pear tree and would make yummy pear preserves.

10. Walking through her back yard to the post office together. That always felt so neat!

11. She loved all things pink and frilly.

12. Her can-do attitude.

13. She wanted to teach me to smock. Just a few months ago, she gave me a copy of her "Learning to Smock" booklet, along with a pleated piece of fabric to get started on.

14. Speaking of smocking and sewing, she has made no-telling-how-many dresses for me over the years, and has made my daughters some beautiful things that I will treasure forever.

15. She sent cards for every occasion & was usually the first one to arrive. And they were always very pretty (which means they usually had a touch of glitter!).

16. She used to crochet a box full of ornaments for me to share with my classmates. Wreaths around milk jug rings, ice skates using paper clips...I still have them on my tree.

17. She crocheted tiny little baskets to hold candy for wedding favors for me. And I'm sure she tied a perfect little bow on every one.

18. I have a stack of gift tags that she made by repurposing cards. Pinking shears and pretty ribbon make them all new again.

19. Little things like #18 have been a source of inspiration to me. I'm pretty sure I have her to thank for some of my creativity!

20. She loved her family and God.

I am so thankful that we were able to see Grandmother so much more over the past 3/4 years, since moving back in-state. We liked to combine our trip to the Vernon Antique Mall with a visit to Sulligent. Seeing her play with Harper was so special-and amazing that she'd just get down in the floor with her & Logan & Reid. She was more agile than me! Mom would bring her over for some shopping, and she was able to come to my baby shower for Claire. I will cherish my memories of her. A list of 20 doesn't come close to all the loving things she's left me with. Love you Grandmother.






Thursday, December 16, 2010

Claire is 2 weeks old!

Claire went for her 2 week check up today. Dr. Petitt said she looks great and that she is "gaining like a champ"! She weighed 9lbs 10oz! That's a pound and 3 oz since we left the hospital-go Claire!

She pretty much sleeps and eats, so no complaints from us!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Holding Baby Claire

Every morning and each afternoon when Harper gets home from school she says "I hold baby C'aire on couch!" She is getting pretty good at it! 
















Friday, December 10, 2010

Claire's Birthday & Homecoming

Finally! Here are some pics from her big day.


When Dr. Myers delivered Claire, someone said "wow, that's a nine-pounder!" She was a few ounces shy, but I wasn't surprised at all. I knew she was a big girl in my belly! 




Harper getting to hold her for the first time. Notice how Claire is squeezing her finger-Harper loves for her to do that. 

I don't know what she is asking Ken, but I just love her expression. 

Hugs! At this point I am so relieved that she isn't trying to poke Claire's eyes out! 

Friends Stacy & Allison stopped by with baby Nathan :)

Of course Aunt Natalie had to come see! 

I love the cute bows they make for the caps :)

Gammy came to hold her 16th great-grandchild.

Harper is back for more kisses! 

And finger squeezing! 

Harper's Big Sister party-complete with hat, button, cake & ice cream. 



Aunt Katie & Uncle Vincent

Nurse Lindsay was my main nurse and there when Claire was delivered. She was awesome. 

Sorry everyone. You'll have to take your car, ours is full! The girls ready to go home :)

Hmmm, we're home. Now what happens?

Our happy family! Feeling super blessed for all that God has given us!