The Hamner Family

2012-02-16T00:43:00.003-06:00

Looks like the norm is going to be catch up here, so I'll quit apologizing and just show you some shots of our sweet girls! They are growing up so fast and keeping us busy all the time. Harper is just a happy, sweet girl who loves to ask "why?!" about EVERYTHING and showing off her skills of twirling, jumping and letter recognition. Her latest feat is reading/spelling out her name: H-a-r-p-e-r! As you can see, she is getting more comfortable with the camera and is enjoying smiling for me! It's fun to look throughout these pictures and see it, and her fantastic nature of being a big sister. She is so sweet with Claire, and even when Claire will pinch or pull hair, she will say "she didn't mean to, she's just a baby". I love reading them both a book at night, even though Harper will make all the sounds and answer all the questions for Claire. It's very interesting to see how the second child will learn as opposed to the first....but for all the thing Harper does for her, there is something exciting to inspire Claire. Harper was showing off her jumping skills the other night, and Claire squealed with delight and tried to copy her sister. She could only muster up a leg kick in place of a jump, but it was so hysterical that I was crying laughing! Claire loves her sister!

Claire is her own little person though, and seems to be more of our "drama queen". She can put on the waterworks while squinting and checking out to see if you are watching. She is still a brave little climber and changing so much every day. I know that time is passing quickly, but I feel like she has been a baby for a good long while. Last night I just kissed her baby legs when getting her dressed for bed. Harper gets herself dressed and I just praise. Things have come such a long way in just a short while. We have a crazy schedule, but it's one that we all seem to work well on. As the days grow longer and Harper can no longer see the sunset on our way home, I look forward to all of the fun to come of beach trips, and love to hear Harper say "Mommy, I can't wait to go to the beach!"

If you love the Valentine's shirt that they are wearing, please check out my friend Kami's site, Kalamity Kids. She does the cutest things for boys and girls. They are great quality shirts & have held up to lots of kid stuff! There's a link in my blog roll!

Life is busy but oh so good!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-19T10:07:00.001-06:00

I'm surely way behind on many things, so I'll play a bit of catch-up now. Claire is a super climber and shall we say, curious child. (read: into EVERYTHING!) she is so much fun and getting so big. Harper is too! She is learning to tell time, thanks to a Barbie book, and a few ballet moves thanks to yours truly (Mimi and papa didn't spend a small fortune for nothin'!). She just got a new book called Tallulah's Tutu. It is so cute and she loves to copy the moves in the book. I can't wait for her to take ballet lessons this fall. She will tell me all about what she did at school with her friends and that she is strong and can jump high because she eats her vegetables! Lately, I've been trying to convince her NOT to eat them so she won't grow so up so fast!

My sweet Valentines!

Claire loves books

With Pa Pa Hudson

At Campground in Iuka

Roll Tide Girls

They help me decorate.

Climbing...

and climbing...

A cute Christmas snapshot. We did not get to keep presents under the tree this year, just a few ornaments that Claire thought looked better on the floor.

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Finally!

2011-12-30T18:17:00.000-06:00

One year and twenty eight days later....

Visit with Santa

2011-12-16T22:45:00.001-06:00

We braved the mall tonight & lucked out being 3rd in line! Harper whispered her wish, but Claire wasn't too thrilled!

Waiting in line.

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Advent Day 8

2011-12-09T07:18:00.001-06:00

Paint nails "Christmas" red! And of course top with blue sparkles!

Guess who's glad to be one!

2011-12-04T09:09:00.000-06:00

Claire's First Birthday

2011-12-03T23:06:00.001-06:00

We had a great time with family and good friends celebrating Claire's birthday today! I'm posting these few photos that I took because our good friend, Stacy, took a ton and I'm sure they are amazing and I can share with you soon!

She loved the cake!

Love those little hands shoveling it in!

Mommies and babies-Allison & Nathan, Lauren & Charlotte & Joey

Tiny ones playing...

Claire wanted to climb in with Charlotte!

A little decor...

Playing with new toys!

Hee hee!

Advent day 1

2011-12-02T13:09:00.001-06:00

We are attempting to do a daily activity this Christmas season. Day One was make cookies and watch a Christmas movie. So we for out the cookie cutters and watched The Santa Clause. Harper was very proud!

Thanksgiving and Harper's Birthday

2011-11-27T22:25:00.001-06:00

We had such a great Thanksgiving week! We got to see all of my family in Muscle Shoals and Iuka, and them spent some good time at home and rounded out the holiday with a good visit with Ken's parents and Gammy. We celebrated Harper's 3rd birthday and now have Claire's 1st coming up. THAT seems crazy!

Pa Pa and his girls

Claire was so tickled to "discover" this ball.

Finally the weather cleared up and we got outside to play!

Harper said "Goose! Gooooose! Come here goose!"

Hmmm, must've taken an ornament away. This makes me laugh!

The geese swam up under the bridge and honked at the girls. Claire "honked" back!

Just a day in the life!

Always loves to lick the spoon!

Who knows what these cousins are up to...

Sneaking off to play makeup!

Happy Birthday Harper!

Making a wish!

Claire got an early gift-a baby doll. She was so excited to get it out of the box and even said "bay-bee"! Her first real word!

This girl loves a chair to sit in!

Catch up!

2011-11-15T23:30:00.001-06:00

The days seem to be passing faster and faster here! I'm trying my best to keep taking pictures of Claire, and the sisters together-that seems to be the biggest challenge. Claire is 11 1/2 months old and is such a good and funny little baby. I love her little giggles and funny faces that she makes trying to make sounds. No real words yet, but who needs 'em when big sister talks for you? I'll say, say Mama! and Harper will answer, I can say Mama! Mama! They are a hoot. So here are some pics from Halloween on...

Riding the pony at a friend's birthday party

Painting her pumpkin...which pretty much ended up black!

Heading to the Homecoming parade

Bama girls...Claire beams at Harper

Cute girl

With Daddy before the wedding he was in

On the dance floor cutting up!

The most gorgeous day!

A visit with Ma Ma and Pa Pa Hudson

Ma Ma loves her great grands!

The oldest and the youngest of the Hudson clan. Pa Pa still doing doolum.

Glad this little frock I made got worn again!

After our neighborhood hayride. She got scared and cried, but when it was over she ran over to Ken and told him she had fun!

Neighborhood Halloween party. Not sure about the face Harper is making, but one of the few of them in a frame together! Claire ran up to everyone!

Loving being a princess!

She did so good trick or treating! I will note that she had to kick off her "glass slippers" so she could move faster! Good thing it wasn't too cold!

Me and Ken on the field before LSU game. Too bad Bama lost, but was a fun time!

Claire's latest obsession: climbing in cabinets! She thinks it is so funny!

Sisters

Mommy trying so hard to get a "good" pic and Claire just a laughing. What you don't see is the electrical outlet that she was fixated on.

When I try to get her to say "Mama", this is the face she makes. I can tell she's looking at my mouth to form the word, but no such luck yet.

Harper hard at work on a coloring project.

I feel like I talk all about Claire's milestones these days, but Harper is changing rapidly, too. She is really learning her letters and numbers, and she surprises me daily by her recognition of them. And I overheard her tonight talking to dolls and whatnot saying, "are you my mother, no....you my mother? yes! you are!" AND, I showed up to get them from school yesterday and she was sporting a Christmas outfit. All I could do was laugh. Her teachers said the she told them she got dressed all by herself and was very proud. When I asked Ken about it, he said that she told him she was going to wear her Christmas outfit so she could have her picture taken with Santa. This is funny because we were at the mall Sunday and saw that Santa was already there. I told her that we weren't going to have their picture taken with him yet because "we didn't have on our Christmas outfits". Guess who is not going to be caught off guard? Listening and comprehension, check. Too bad it's not stronger at bedtime....

Life is busy and good. We are gearing up for a busy season. All of our birthdays and Thanksgiving are packed into the same month span. It's bound to be a great time!

Pumpkins

2011-10-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

We carved our pumpkin & painted every exposed inch of skin! Ready for Halloween!

Socializing toddlers

2011-10-23T20:54:00.000-05:00

Did I post this already? Anderson came over to play one evening last week. They play super well together. :)

Getting ready for Halloween

2011-10-17T19:01:00.001-05:00

Harper helped decorate this year & she is so proud!

On three wheels!

2011-10-07T21:11:00.000-05:00

Harper is riding her tricycle so good now! Claire is happy to stroll behind! Happy girls :)

Pretty Day!

2011-10-03T01:34:00.000-05:00

Wow, summer ended and fall started with a bang for the Hamner's! The girls are growing so fast-too fast for me some days. Harper knows all the words to her favorite songs and is recognizing shapes. She is still a little shy (read quiet) in front of people, but a motor-mouth when it's just us. She talked ALL. DAY. LONG. And most of that is WHY?Claire has moved from dada to baba and is trying to wave bye-bye, and she is basically running. It's wild! Claire is also eating so much real food. She will tolerate some spoon fed baby food, but she mostly just wants to feed herself. She will eat broccoli, cauliflower, chicken, tuna, bread, pancakes, pasta, eggs...pretty much whatever! That makes it easier for me....some for me, some for her!

Batman came to visit Cinderella

There was swinging

And football

Claire just wanted to play in the mulch

And eat leaves

Whew, water break!

Silly face

What a gorgeous day!

Dinner Time

2011-09-09T12:41:00.000-05:00

Claire likes baby food about as much as she likes to crawl. She thinks she's a big kid, eating broccoli and carrots!

Precious baby!

2011-09-01T12:20:00.001-05:00

Claire has reached that perfect, cute, cuddly age. Where she interacts with you-giggles, squeals, and just all around makes you LOVE a baby! My niece, Mary, captured these adorable moments on Sunday. Claire will be nine months old tomorrow. NINE!

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Winding Down Summer

2011-08-29T00:15:00.000-05:00

Our little walker..

Still loving the mermaid shirt

lil' artist

Not loving sharing...

Already doing it herself

Somehow sweet potatoes are always better on your face.

Could wear the tutu every day!

August 28, 2011...getting so big!

Our Family

With sweet cousin Lily

Summer Girls

2011-08-22T22:59:00.000-05:00

I feel like I've been playing catch up on posting all summer. The girls are doing great and so much fun right now. Claire is walking more and more steps at a time-which is still nuts to me! She will climb on anything and LOVES Harper. She will squeal so loud at her! I just plunk them both in the bathtub & they love it. Claire usually goes under once because she is lightning fast and doesn't seem to realize that she isn't a fish. She hasn't started babbling dada/baba/etc yet, but is starting to make a sound I can't describe...and the squeals. She is using it for communication. A for instance is when I get her out of the tub first & leave Harper to play for a few minutes...the whole time I'm putting on her pjs, she is making a series of screams to Harper and seemingly laughing at my attempt to dress her whilst she twist and turns on the changing table. It is pretty funny.

A few weeks ago...she can grab those puffs and shove them in her mouth now. Also loves those biter bars-they are soooooo messy! But if it keeps her entertained long enough for me to eat dinner, so be it!

Harper is gettting SO big!

Claire's first trip to the beach.

Ready!

I'm sure this was more squealing!

The Accessorator

She fed any animal that would eat a pellet...

Beach love

Sweets make her very happy! We called this one Big Ali (It's an elephant)

So, August is winding down and we are finally feeling settled into the new house. Ken and I actually went out Friday night. It was great to visit with friends and go to a concert! Getting ready for some football and cooler temps!

Acting like a big kid

2011-08-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

Just a little play time on the playground before dinner. Have I mentioned that we have a playground right out our front door? It's fantastic!

When I picked Claire up from school yesterday she had a little shiner on her left eye. Apparently, she took FIVE steps before crashing into a toy. She is so fast! Luckily, it looks better already today.

This evening, I had her sitting on the countertop while we were unpacking groceries, when she just stood up and walked right over to ken. Crazy!!! This is getting fun!

Terrific Twos

2011-08-10T21:53:00.001-05:00

Harper is such a big girl! She's loving her new class at preschool & is very proud of her artwork each day.

Moving!

2011-08-10T21:48:00.000-05:00

Growing!

2011-08-10T17:21:00.000-05:00

Claire has had a big day! 8 month shots this morning, and took 3 steps at school! Can't wait to get home and do some more walking!

Sent from my iPhone

Obsessed

2011-08-07T17:49:00.000-05:00

We have been watching Annie a LOT these days. Harper dances and sings & I think it's so cute!

Claire is eight months old!

2011-08-02T16:06:00.001-05:00

I can't believe how the time has flown by. Here are our girls taking a little break at the gulf shores zoo. It was sooooo hot!

Little Girls

2011-07-21T21:03:00.000-05:00

We've been having lots of fun getting settled into the new house. Who knew that we had so much junk?! We still don't have Internet service yet (nutso!) nor have I found my computer cord. So that basically means that there are A LOT of photos living on my memory card, just waiting to be shared.

It's been a busy summer so far. We've had weddings and wedding showers, family reunions & several new milestones. Claire has been cruising for a few weeks and has two tiny teeth! Harper also cut a molar at the same time. Did I mention how much FUN we've been having? Ah, part of babies and kiddos. We are really blessed to have our precious girls!

A beach trip is coming up soon. I can't wait to see Claire's reaction-it'll be her first visit. Harper will love it this year!

Here are the little darlings getting ready for bathtime:

Home!

2011-06-28T19:14:00.000-05:00

Aaahhhh, we have finally moved into the new house! It was like Christmas, so I couldn't sleep, but Ken and the girls were snoring away!

Slowly but surely, we are getting everything unpacked. Moving is a lot harder with two little ones underfoot! Everyone has a bed (even though they end up in ours), and the kitchen is all set up. That's all systems go as far as I'm concerned. Everything else will fall into place. This momma is a little sleep deprived though, so if you see me and I seem old, disheveled, or unshowered, please cut me a little slack!

Busy Girls!

2011-06-13T22:54:00.000-05:00

We have been very busy this Spring. I think I have failed to mention on here that we have had our house for sale, sold it and now are camping out with Grandmommy and Daddy Ray until the new house is completed. We are just very thankful that our other house sold so quickly, and that we had this opportunity to build. It's something we've always wanted to do, and I have reeeeeaaallllly loved getting to pick everything out! Our girls really have been angels in the midst of it all. We have all enjoyed getting to spend extra time with family, but I think Harper especially loves the mule rides and chocolate chip cookies! She loves her grandparents, that's for sure :) This should be our last week before the move to the new house. It's just a few minutes away, in a really fun, new neighborhood. I can't wait!

She loves the fish dress almost as much as her pink tutu.

Still wearing flowers in her hair :)

Claire decided to start bear crawling

Surprised she looks so happy with that thing at her neck like that!

Getting better with practice! It's so funny to see her do this. In the beginning, she would have her head on the floor, more like the "downward dog" yoga pose.

Fast foward a week or two, and here's the big girl in the high chair.

Trying rice cereal for the first time.

Tire swing fun

Do you remember this feeling? It makes me so happy to see her loving it!

Mmmm, rice cereal

2011-06-02T22:13:00.001-05:00

Since Claire is six months old, we decided to give some cereal a whirl. She gobbled it up pretty good but it ended up giving her a terrible tummy ache. So terrible that mommy only pieced together three or four hours of sleep that night...we may give it a liiiitle while longer!

Daddy Daughter dance

2011-05-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

Still Playing Catch Up!

2011-05-15T22:56:00.000-05:00

Some of us ladies at Steven & Denise's wedding.

With Uncle Vincent and Aunt Katie

Getting her twirl on

Don't y'all blow bubbles in the dark?

Happy Girl!

You leave for one minute...sour cream "lotion".

Sisters :)

Busy Spring!

2011-05-08T23:57:00.000-05:00

We've had a lot going on lately & I'm trying to catch up on posting some pics!

Harper dying Easter eggs (fyi, if you wait until the day before to buy dye, you'll be making it homemade like us!)

Couldn't get Claire to look at the camera, but here's our happy family after Melanie and Bartley's rehearsal dinner.

Me and my pretty Mother

Harper was the flower girl!

Claire was just chewing, er, chilling out.

Back to Easter...on the egg hunt

Isabell, Harper and Lily showing off their loot!

She was so good and hung in there, even after the wedding for pictures. Her flower ball weighed at least 5 pounds!

Me and my pretty sister, Matron of Honor!

Our family on Easter :)

Five months old!!!

2011-05-01T18:48:00.000-05:00

Our baby is getting so big!!!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T13:17:00.001-05:00

Favorites from the Zoo!

2011-04-17T22:56:00.000-05:00

We had a great day at the zoo! The weather was perfect & we had great company:)

Claire was my little giraffe!

Ready to ride the train

Riding the carousel (or the merry-go-round as they like to call it!)

Spring Blossoms!

2011-04-11T23:13:00.000-05:00

Before it warmed up...look at how big our girl is getting!

We went to see the Easter Bunny, then stopped by First Presbyterian to see the beautiful azeleas and reflect on the true reason to celebrate Easter.

I hardly get any photos of me with the girls, but get a few when Daddy can play photographer!

I guess you can tell by now that this girl loves flowers!

Harper missed her school picture, but Ken snapped one on the same day, so there!

Harper Grace, April 2011 :)

Claire can really sit up well in the bumbo seat now.

And she is "talking" so much! Especially when sister is around.

Upon returning from a visit to Grandmommy & Daddy Ray's house (picked up another flower!)

One of our pretty rose blooms

The weather has been gorgeous, so a little napping outside was necessary!

Crazy that it's the middle of April! Lots of fun things going on. Up soon: Harper as flower girl. She is so excited!

Wordle

2011-04-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

This is the neatest site to create word art!

Claire is 4 Months Old!

2011-04-05T18:25:00.000-05:00

Claire had her 4 month check up yesterday & Dr. Petitt was pleased with her development & growth. She had developed a bit of a cough over the weekend, so I was extra glad to have her seen to make sure it wasn't anything that needed medicine. Seems to be just a little cold, so no meds necessary. Anyway, on to the stats! Claire weighed 13 lbs and 13ozs and is 25 1/4" long! So far her growth pattern is like Harper's was- long and lean. She's flipping over like a pro now, sits in the Bumbo seat & is starting to make a lot more sounds-my favorite being her little laugh :)

Harper is being a great big sister & helps cheer Claire on!

Check back bc I'll be adding pics soon.

Natural beauty

2011-04-02T11:02:00.000-05:00

One natural beauty compliments the other!

Claire Models

2011-04-01T16:06:00.000-05:00

This is an old tatted cap that we found at peyton's Mimi's. Of course we had to try it on Claire! She seemed to think it was funny!

Ta da!

2011-03-27T21:38:00.000-05:00

Well, that didn't take long! Claire finally made it over her arms & rolled over Friday night! Now she won't quit. She'll flip to her tummy and start fussing-even though she knows how to roll that way too. This seems early? but she's been very strong since we brought her home. I just hope this doesn't mean she'll start crawling soon. I 'd like her to stay put for a while longer!

Harper is doing great with her potty training, too. Very few accidents now & I'm loving it!!!! :)

3 1/2 Months Old

The aftermath of a cupcake!

Trying so hard!

2011-03-24T18:04:00.000-05:00

This is all Claire wants to do on her mat. Her lower body is turned over, but she can't quite get over her arms. It's funny to watch her just clasp her hands as if she's thinking "hmmm, now what should I do?"

A Perfect Afternoon

2011-03-14T22:41:00.000-05:00

Rolling over...

"choo choo!" Harper hears a train

Oh how fast these feet have grown!

We had a great Saturday afternoon outside enjoying the nice weather!

What is this thing?

2011-03-12T21:31:00.000-06:00

Just a little evening rattle time after all the rolling over! I forgot how cute 3 months can be!

Get out the baby books!

2011-03-10T23:52:00.001-06:00

We've had a landmark day in the Hamner household!

Yesterday there was a hole in the drop-in bottle we sent for Claire, so they had to use a (new) backup bottle they had--and Claire took it so good that she drank the whole bottle we sent. Go figure the first day we didn't send an extra one, she would want it! When I walked in to get her today, her teachers said "you're gonna love us!" She took TWO bottles and had had the best nap! I'm so relieved, because poor thing had just been crying over the bottle every day. I knew she wouldn't starve, but hated for her to cry and be so much trouble for the teachers. So since she was so content, I thought I would give my first solo trip to Target a try...

Harper started potty training this week, and while she has had a few accidents, she's done really good so far. We've needed to go to the store and get some training pants and big girl panties, so that was my Target mission. They were both so good that I was pumped by the time we left the store. It just got better, because when we got home, Harper did #2 in the potty! I'll spare you any details, but I was so happy that she was able to wait and let me know--especially the second time when she was in the bath tub!

After Harper went to bed, I was letting Claire have some tummy time. She's been rocking on her tummy recently & acting like she wanted to roll over, but I know that can go on for a while....Anyway, I rolled her over a few times so she could feel what it was like. Then the next thing I know, there she goes on her own! I thought maybe a fluke, but when I flipped her back on her tummy, she did it again! Of course when I grabbed the camera she was too tired & I couldn't capture it. Maybe soon she'll be doing it more & I can get her on video!

It's just wild to think about how fast they are growing. Everyone said it would happen. I just feel so blessed and grateful every day!

3 months & 2 years, 3 months :)

Helping fold laundry!

More Claire Mae!

2011-02-26T19:12:00.000-06:00

It's hard to get still pics, so here's a little video. I love her little face so much!

Claire at 11 weeks

2011-02-26T12:31:00.001-06:00

Claire is Two Months Old

2011-02-01T15:57:00.001-06:00

Wow! I took Claire for her 2 month check-up this morning & the doctor said she is doing great. She weighed in at 11lbs 4oz and measured 23 1/4 in long. She's smiling so much every day and starting to make little baby coo sounds. It's so sweet to watch her turned into a little person! I just know they will love her when she starts school on the 14th.

And what is Harper up to?

She was definitely sick...she's never fallen asleep like this. (poor baby)

Feeling better on the weekend & enjoying some time outside!!!

Saturday play

2011-01-31T10:58:00.000-06:00

We took the girls to Chick-fil-a for breakfast Saturday morning. Harper loved the indoor play area! Here she's pushing buttons making the animals talk.

7 Weeks and Growing!

2011-01-23T12:59:00.000-06:00

It's seems wild that Claire is already 7 weeks old (and 3 days!). I can already tell that things are different for the second child. I haven't taken a thousand pictures of her the way I did Harper-not because she isn't an equally beautiful subject, but due more to the fact that Mommy is busy! And tired! So I'm using most of my free time (snort!) to just cuddle her.

She's growing and really strong, yet still a little baby to me. Here are a few snaps from this week:

Ready to go get sister from school.

Tummy time!

I swear she is going to crawl any day now!

Harper entertains by creating art on her easel.

Who is that adorable baby in the mirror?

Sister love

Aw, their first matchy-matchy outfits!

7 Weeks Old

Harper Strikes a Pose

2011-01-23T11:45:00.000-06:00

Harper is starting to love the camera a bit more again. We are trying to not make her fake "cheese" smile, but are super happy that she actually looks a the camera some! These are from a few weeks ago. I've just been playing with babies instead of keeping up the pictures. There are many currently living on the memory card that I promise to have uploaded soon!

My dad measured Harper last weekend and she is 34" tall! She is currently really into "twirling" in her skirts and dresses, and has started the, "Watch Mommy! Watch Daddy!" phase already. She's also having toddler moments and is "NOT do it" quite a bit, but in between those moments is an absolute delight. Ken and I are just trying to stay patient, set the appropriate boundaries and be super thankful that we've been blessed with her. We love her smiles, hugs and kisses, all of which she gives lots of!

Been playing in Mommy's closet again. She said "Mommy pink shoes!"

Miss America

2011-01-17T17:41:00.000-06:00

Harper reenacts a performance!

Harper's First Snowman

2011-01-14T16:55:00.000-06:00

Making the best of the snow at Mimi and Papa's!

Christmas Catch-up!

2011-01-13T16:52:00.000-06:00

Oops! Just realized that I never posted any from Christmas Day!

Harper got a fun little pink kitchen from Santa!

And lots of goodies in her stocking too!

Not bad for a self-portrait? Hamners, this is why we were 30 minutes late arriving for lunch!

A trampoline! Go Harper go!

Our next door neighbors Santa, a.k.a., Harper's best friend. She had to hug and kiss him every day. EVERY DAY!

Exactly what is a pillow pet?

Mat time

2011-01-09T18:52:00.000-06:00

Claire just chilling out on the play mat. She's trying to bat the toy!

Photo Shoot with Joy Wright

2011-01-04T22:49:00.002-06:00

We had a shoot with Joy Wright a few weeks back. Despite Harper's tendency to not stand still or even look in the general direction of the camera, and Claire's debut of awakeness (when she had been sleeping all day), she still managed to get these lovely photos. Genius, I tell you! This slide show will be up for the next 7 days. Enjoy while you can. I can't quit watching it! :)

The link has expired, but here are two of the photos:

Last Post of 2010!

2011-01-01T00:02:00.000-06:00

What a year it has been!

I remember this time last year Ken and I were just amazed with how awesome we thought Harper was. She was newly walking, could say MaMa and DaDa, I was just about done with breast-feeding her, and we were all sleeping really good-like ALL night! She was so amazing, that we were starting to think about when we wanted to make another one of these "perfect" babies!

Harper had her eye surgery in February, so we were working with patching her eyes until then. We started remodeling the upstairs bathroom for "the kids, and found out not long after that we were in fact expecting baby #2! Harper had her first trip to the zoo, a couple of visits to the beach, watched the Blue Angels, then before you know it, it was fall. That brought visits to the University campus, Bryant Denny Stadium, Homecoming parades and pep rallies-all done in true Bama fashion, of course! Harper grew as she watched my belly grow. We started talking about the baby sister that was on her way and wondered how Harper would handle the addition. I waddled my way to football games-even made the Iron Bowl 38 weeks pregnant! We stayed in town for Thanksgiving and got ready to welcome baby Claire! We had a sad time this year, too, as we lost my Grandmother Hollis. Our hearts were heavier this Christmas, but we continue to celebrate the wonderful life she had.

Harper has so far been absolutely wonderful with her baby sister. She still loves to kiss her, hold her hand, touch her head, and hold her in her lap. I have not seen the jealousy that I'd expected from a toddler. Granted it's only been 4 weeks, but I am so proud of her!

I'm up late, as our days and nights are mixed up anyway! Ken and I are just so blessed with our little family, and to have such fantastic family and friends in our lives. Here's to another super year in 2011!

Christmas Card Out-takes!

2010-12-31T23:30:00.000-06:00

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!

This is gonna be great!

2010-12-25T19:22:00.000-06:00

Jump!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T12:28:00.000-06:00

Christmas Warm Up

2010-12-25T10:31:00.000-06:00

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!!!

Why I love my Grandmother

2010-12-17T15:43:00.003-06:00

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.

Claire is 2 weeks old!

2010-12-16T14:43:00.000-06:00

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!

Holding Baby Claire

2010-12-15T16:46:00.000-06:00

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!

Claire's Birthday & Homecoming

2010-12-10T23:44:00.000-06:00

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!

Cutie pie

2010-12-10T13:50:00.000-06:00

We are just eating and sleeping today. Claire is doing it in style!

Preschool sign

2010-12-08T13:19:00.000-06:00

They made this poster at Harper's preschool-cute!

Sleeping Claire

2010-12-08T13:16:00.000-06:00

Claire Mae Hamner

2010-12-08T11:52:00.000-06:00

Yes, we have a wonderful new blessing! Welcome to the world Claire Mae Hamner! She was born December 2nd at 11:54 am, weighed 8 pounds and 11.3 ounces and was 19 1/4 inches long! Claire is a healthy and content baby, and we have just been loving on her since the hour she arrived! We already have a few hundred pictures, but Mommy hasn't quite had time to post. Here are a couple for you...more to come!

Proud Big Sister

Birthday Girl and lil' helper...

2010-11-30T13:02:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Two Year Old!

Ready for school

Harper and Daddy like to climb up the ladder to see if the kitty cat is in the neighbors yard.

Mac 'n' cheese masterpiece...doesn't everyone look better with eyebrows?

Helping me unload Christmas decorations. Note that leftover birthday present ribbon makes a great necklace!

Harper is super active these days, and so much more of a big girl for sure. We play "itty bitty baby" and she will pretend cry, then we say "nooooooooo! Harper's a big girl! " She'll now say that Claire is an itty bitty baby. Harper is excited to be a big girl, because big girls can run and jump!

Harper is also really into asking "whatcha doin' Mommy?" over and over and over and over....and also "what's that Mommy/Daddy?"....she has the sweetest little voice, but two or three times would be plenty!

We are counting down the days until baby Claire is here. Just two more days and Harper will be a big sister!!! Mommy is VERY ready! :)

37 Weeks...and other things

2010-11-22T23:25:00.000-06:00

I had a check up with the doctor today, and everything is still great. She was going to have me come for one more visit, but decided it wasn't really necessary. We just said, 'see ya next week!' It's wild to think that I've had my last prenatal visit!

I'm working through Wednesday, then I'll be home for a while. I feel extremely pregnant, i.e. HUGE, and am so ready to have this sweet baby! It's nice that I've got Thanksgiving, the Iron Bowl, and Christmas decorating to distract me until the big day!

Speaking of distraction, I have to mention that my Grandmother had heart surgery at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham today. She was transferred there from the hospital in Winfield last Thursday. It's been a while of getting her stabilized, and waiting for the surgery to be scheduled. But, we are all very thankful that the surgeons were able to fix her faulty heart valve. She's was doing great in recovery-all vitals were good and the heart was beating on it's own at 94 bpm. When I last spoke to Mom around 6:30, she was starting to wake up. They expected her to be off the ventilator by shift change this evening. She will have about 10 days of recovery in the hospital, then on to a rehab center for 3 weeks of follow up. Thanks to all of you that have been praying for her. Please continue to keep her in your prayers because the recovery period is so critical for patients her age. My Grandmother is a fighter, with determination like you've never seen!

Call me hormonal, but I know that there are so many miracles and blessings in life. There is a lot of tough stuff too, but the good things really remind me to be thankful to God for what I have and to enjoy life every day. This Thanksgiving I am so thankful for wonderful family and friends, an amazing husband, one beautiful daughter--and another one on the way. I am thankful that I have a job to be tired from and that I have a house to wish I could keep clean. I am even actually thankful to waddle around, because it means I have a sweet baby in my belly.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy 2nd Birthday Harper!

2010-11-22T22:50:00.000-06:00

Harper's birthday is the 24th, but we celebrated it on Saturday. Leading up to the party, we'd been practicing singing "Happy Birthday to You", then talking about how after singing it would be time for her to blow out the candles. It was so cute when it actually happened because she looked at me like "wow, it's really happening!"

She got such fun presents & enjoyed unwrapping them, too. Thankfully, she had a little help from more experienced cousins Lily and Isabell! Otherwise it might have taken while, since she and Anderson began by tearing off the most microscopic pieces!

I can't believe it's been two years since Ken and I held her in our arms for the first time. She is the most amazing thing we've ever done!

Working so hard on present opening!

Harper kept Daddy Ray busy helping :)

Part of her teapot set...and you can see some of her new play food in the background!

Got wheels now!

36 Weeks!

2010-11-10T23:24:00.000-06:00

I had my 36 week check up today & I am perfectly healthy and normal. I say it this way because I've been so uncomfortable and impatient lately, and half-hoping for an early arrival miracle! But alas, I've got no major swelling, my blood pressure is fantastic, and the baby is just the size she should be right now. So, looks like I'm to just be grateful for that and keep myself occupied for the next three weeks!

I have not been very diligent about documenting this pregnancy with photos, so here's one Ken snapped of me on Saturday. I'm 35 weeks and 2 days in the picture.

We are ready for baby at our house! Harper seems to kind of understand that there's a baby in my tummy & that she will be coming out after her (Harper's) birthday. She sees the little baby clothes and says "Baby C'aire!" I can't wait to see how she reacts to the real deal. I think Harper will be a sweet big sister.

Harper is growing so fast and getting smarter every day. It's just amazing to watch her be such a sponge to knowledge! Her latest favorite thing to do is sing 'Happy Birthday". We've been practicing together, and I think they've done it at school quite a bit at this point. Now she's just not sure about the blowing out the candles part. She says that she wants Anderson to blow them out for her! Guess we'll see!

Fall!

2010-11-08T09:01:00.000-06:00

Gotta love some crunchy leaves!

Happy Halloween Part Two

2010-11-03T22:48:00.000-05:00

Harper went trick-or-treating for the first time this year. She was the cutest little Tinkerbell! See for yourself!

When we got back home (after all of 3 houses!) Harper plopped down on the porch and started opening candy!

If you can't make up your mind, just have both!

Being tomboy with Daddy!

Gotta throw a girly pose in there too! :)

Baby "Sprinkle"

2010-10-26T23:14:00.001-05:00

My best friends Natalie and Peyton hosted a little baby shower, or as we like to call it- a sprinkle, for me on Saturday afternoon. It was so nice to be with some family and friends to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Claire Mae...that's right, we have a name! I am 33 weeks 2 days in these pictures.

This cake was so good...my first time to have Celebrations chocolate icing. Simply fantastic!

33 weeks

Joey came!

Harper loved the cake too!

My fun group of girls!

I got so many sweet things for the baby. I've already washed clothes and have the hospital bag pile ready. Now we just need to dig some equipment out of the attic and we'll be ready to bring her home!

Click here to see a cute post Kasey made. Her daughter, Mary Mack, is precious & Harper keeps asking for "Mary, Mary Mack"!

Halloween Part One

2010-10-26T22:57:00.000-05:00

Harper had her big Halloween party at school last Friday. I spent the morning there with her. It was so fun to see all her cute little friends run around and have a blast!

I asked them all to sit on the rug...and they actually did it!

Waiting to go into the gymnasium

Bouncy thing!!!

Painted pumpkin!

Harper takes a turn on the "Pony Express"!

Yummy cupcakes!

Next up, Tinkerbell costume preview!

UA Homecoming

2010-10-18T22:59:00.001-05:00

As promised, a few pics from the pep rally and the parade!

The pep rally at Gorgas Library

The blazing bonfire

It was really warm. Guess what Harper had been snacking on? Cheese puffs!

Wanting to climb out of the parking deck to see the "air-pane!"

Ready for the parade

Harper and Joey waiting for the parade to start.

Love these girls in their sunglasses!

Click here to see a few more pics that Lauren posted on her blog.

ACA Homecoming

2010-10-18T18:16:00.000-05:00

This was last Thursday. Harper loved doing whatever her cousins were doing. In this, she had just figured out how to get her leg up on the rail. Luckily there was only one minor fall!

And she's out...

2010-10-16T13:34:00.001-05:00

Worn out from the parade & not even home yet! I've got some more pics of her and her cute friend Joey to come!

Homecoming in ttown

2010-10-16T13:13:00.001-05:00

Harper loves the fountain downtown!

Sweet Busy Bee!

2010-10-10T17:06:00.000-05:00

Having fun outside, but wishing it would cool off again!!!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

Bring on some Fall!

2010-09-30T22:45:00.000-05:00

I'm catching up on some fun Harper moments. She is such a fun little girl right now. I just can't believe that she is almost two!

Harper thinks it's fun to use "Mommy's towel"

Sporting her swimsuit coverup as a skirt. I keep hiding it, she keeps finding it!

Airplane!

She grabbed the camera and said CHEESE!!!

A fun visit from An-son (Anderson)

Baby H2 Pics

2010-09-26T17:38:00.000-05:00

Well, better late than never, right? These sweet frames are from my 20 week visit, when we found out H2 was a girl. I am 29 weeks now, and go for my 30 week check-up this week. Everything seems to be on track; the baby is growing, and so am I! We are getting so ready to have her here!

Such a nice morning!

2010-09-18T11:15:00.000-05:00

Mimi sends in a look-a-like photo...

2010-09-12T20:13:00.002-05:00

Mom sent me this on Friday...I shouldn't tease about Harper making a funny face, because here's one I made way back when! The funniest is that when I showed this to Harper she said "Ha-pa! Ha-pa!"thinking it was herself!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-08T22:22:00.000-05:00

We had a fun weekend with Harper and family this Labor Day. Check out some of our playground time and afternoon at the Hamner's.

Heading up the steps to the slide

Ready to go! She loves it!

Race you to the swing!

Not sure about this face! You talkin' to me?!

Our toddler in her "skinny" jeans

Look out Uncle Brian! Harper's a climber too :)

With cousins Isabell and Lily

With Daddy Ray and Grandmommy

I am 27 weeks with our little H2 and trying to stay positive as the weariness of pregnancy really takes its grip. It's just crazy what all your body goes through, and to top it with having a 21 month old makes it much different the second time around. Ken is my rock and keeps me taken care of. I'm sure he's just as hopeful as me for a smooth third trimester! It's hard to believe how fast it has gone by. I can feel this sweet baby kicking stronger every day and that makes me smile :)

Let the Season Begin!

2010-09-03T22:21:00.000-05:00

Today marked the official beginning of football season for us! We all wore our Bama outfits to show our spirit-and we took Harper to campus for a little fun since she won't be with us tomorrow. She loved it & has been practicing her "Roll Tides!"

The newly expanded stadium. WOW!

A stand in for Nick...

26 Weeks with The Bear

Number One! (Harper is doing it too!)

Roll Tide! Walk of Champions

Rockin' her "shades"

Ready to Roll Tide!!!

2010-09-03T16:45:00.001-05:00

Does a video work too?

2010-09-03T15:08:00.001-05:00

Testing mobile blogging!

2010-09-03T15:05:00.000-05:00

This is Harper ready to ride last weekend.

July 4th in Iuka 2010

2010-09-03T14:25:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Connie shared this picture with me on Picasa, and it just makes me smile. I didn't get any of Harper with them while we were there last weekend, and thought this would be a good memory to share. I like to think that Ken and I will be this smiley and happy when we are 87 and/or 91!

August Fun!

2010-08-29T11:13:00.000-05:00

Harper found her winter cap and wanted to wear during the heat wave...

A fun visit from our buddy Anderson. They are watching Ken mow the yard!

They always sit in these chairs!

Attempting to "show us how old you are".

25 weeks with Baby H2...not too long now!

Ready to head to Mimi & Papa's

Visiting UNA campus

Harper LOVES the water! Just glad she didn't jump in!

Not sure if we are suppose to sit on this or not...but it looks just like the ones outside of the Seasame Street Library (in a book we read!). She got to see the real lions, Una & Leo.

We went to play at Deibert Park. It's such a cute playground on an old horse farm.

Purse-check. Babydoll-check. Ready to go!

Us girls thought we'd just sneak away for the weekend. Aunt Katie was home in Muscle Shoals, too, so we all got to play! Harper is having fun and talking up a storm! We even got to run over to Iuka and visit with Ma Ma & Pa Pa Hudson. That means we ate some super yummy veggies from the farm and chocolate AND blueberry pie! Oink! But it was soooo good :) It's hard to believe that it's the last weekend of August & that next weekend will be the start of Alabama Football! Harper is brushing up on her "Roll Tides!"

Summer Stuff!

2010-08-24T21:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay, so now you can see that I took a thousand pictures at the beach...here are just a few others that didn't make the other posts. How could I leave out a face like this?

Our dear friends Stacy and Allison are expecting their fist baby at the end of September, so of course there had to be a baby shower! There are several of us expecting right now. It was so fun to see all of the cute and sweet things they got for baby Nathan. AND pretty awesome to eat a couple of pieces of cake! Now we just can't wait to meet him!

Lauren, Allison & Me

Shower hostesses Dache, Lauren, Mandy, (Allison), Jill, Ashley & Me

Playing Catch Up

2010-08-14T23:51:00.000-05:00

Well, it's taken me a while, but here are some more pictures from the beach!

Vacation Days

2010-07-29T22:49:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a nice long stay at the beach this week and have tons of pictures to prove it! I'm too sleepy to post all at once, so it'll take two posts! It has just been so much fun to spend non-stop time with Harper. She is changing so fast & each day seems more and more like a little girl and less and less like a baby. Her vocabulary is growing and her speech is clearer. She now loves to jump in the pool to Mommy and go under..."again" and "again"! We couldn't be more proud!

She'll say "pig tays"

Chowing down on a roast beef. No lie, she ate almost the whole thing!

Checking out the seaweed

Holding on to Daddy for safety

Not my favorite pic, but it's the only family one we got thanks to a nice lady walking by. Harper was very confused about who this lady was and why she had our camera!

Just chillaxin'

There is a little zoo at the beach. We actually got to see lions and tigers!

It was sooooo HOT! We had to take breaks in the shade-ahhh

Just jumped in!

Yay!

Aaahhh, this is the life!

Keep the bows coming!!!

2010-07-21T15:43:00.001-05:00

Because baby H2 is a GIRL!!!

We thought for a minute that we wouldn't be able to tell, because the umbilical cord was between the baby's legs and it made it hard for the tech to be certain. She took all the measurements and pictures (that are the actual reason for the ultrasound!) necessary. Then since they were slow, she called in a more experienced tech to take a look. I had to sit up for a minute, then roll on my side. It seems like we all jiggled for a second, then she said "yep. did you tell them already?". I asked if she was pretty sure & she said "go shopping honey, that baby's a girl!"

So, double the fun! Bring on the pink!

Also, everything looked right on track for development. All of the major organs are developed and you can see all 4 heart chambers. The baby weighs about 11 oz, which the doc says is not too big and not too small. I say, perfect! So, 19 weeks and 6 days is a great day!

A Big Day!

2010-07-21T08:43:00.000-05:00

The lack of blogging does not mean we've had zero going on! We've been having a great summer. I've still got other pictures to post, but here are a few! Also, today is THE ultrasound! I am so excited to find out what this sweet baby is! I've been feeling kicks for a couple of weeks now-which is much earlier than I felt Harper. It makes it even more real to feel them. Stay posted for PINK or BLUE!

She wanted to wear all of her bows!

Cooling off on the 4th of July

Harper ran as fast as she could to keep up with Cousin Margarete!

I love this sweet little face so much!

Oh, by the way...

2010-06-21T22:10:00.000-05:00

I guess it's time to let you all in on our little secret: The Hamner family is growing! Harper will be a big sister around the first of December. I will definitely have more details and updates to follow, but in the mean time, here is the 10 week ultrasound for you to see. I'll be 16 weeks Thursday, but the next ultrasound won't be until I'm about 21 weeks. We are super excited to welcome a sweet new baby H into the world!