Photo Shoot with Joy Wright

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!

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!

 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!

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!!! 

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.