Looking in on the good life...

Jump Valentine! Jump!

2012-02-13T18:29:00.000-08:00

Our little Valentine's first attempt at a jump,

Bet she's got the hang of it next year :) I can't believe that this time last year she was only this big. And the year before that, that it was just the two of us. My how time flies.
I hope your love day is full of just that.
xoxoxo,
b.

Tidying up

2012-02-07T09:05:00.001-08:00

Photo taken Friday night after Harper went to sleep. I always find myself picking up her "messes" throughout my day. Before, I tidied this one up I had to capture it first. I wonder what thoughts were going through her head when she was setting this scene up. And who do you think is the guest of honor? My money is on the bear.

via

love,

NOW it's a party!

2012-02-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

Needless to say, Harper enjoyed her second Super Bowl party. She did this "outfit" COMPLETELY on her own :)

We had such a blast with her this weekend. She says so many words-"babies" and "shoes" are her favorites along with "Zooey" "Dog" "Don't!" "Stop it!" "boots" "socks" "sit" "chair" "hi!" and "off please" when she is referring to her shoes or boots of course.

Grandma Alert-This girl is currently obsessed with "babies." They warned me at daycare that she loves them. We don't have any at home because I didn't think she was old enough yet. Then we went to church this weekend and the little girl in front of us walks in with the mother load of baby dolls complete in baby bjorn. Harper went nuts! "Babies!!! Babies!!! Me, me me!" We promptly had to find another place to sit.

Sigh-I don't know WHERE she gets it...

love,
b.

I love this time of year

2012-01-30T17:09:00.000-08:00

via

I have always loved going to the movies. I credit my Dad, who by the way just celebrated his 64th birthday! So in a way, this post is a tribute to him as well. I don't know if you know this but there was a time in my life when the only thing I wanted in the whole world was to be a famous actress. And I still adore everything about movies. I am a movie geek. From going to the dark theatre on a snowy day and snuggling in to the comfortable seats, spending 2 hours transported to another place, another time, another life to stepping out into the bright snow talking about what you liked about it or didn't think worked. Or watching them surrounded by my entire family on Christmas Eve. Or all by myself with my favorite that I've seen over and over again. It feels so good to really bawl my eyes out during the sad ones. The scary ones terrify me to pieces, in a good way. And don't even get me started on the pure bliss that comes from singing along at the top of my lungs to the musicals.

Movies keep us young. Good movies at best can change the way we view the world. Bad movies at the worst can be hilariously awful, lines of which one can quote for years to come.

I may have moved on in my life from wanting to have the movies be my career, but it will always feel a little bit like home to me. I can't wait to watch all of my favorites with Harper and see them again through her sweet eyes. Discover her favorite actresses and actors and films. Maybe even watch her in a play?

Only if she wants to of course :)

So which is your vote for this year's best film? And which red carpet dress are you dying to see?

Cheers!

Foodie Weekend

2012-01-22T17:27:00.000-08:00

Just one thing that is nice about Harper getting older is that we get to really start doing more things together. On Saturday we got to meet Diana and Al downtown at Bristol for Harper's first Kansas City Restaurant Week. The food was delicious, the company (as always) was fun, and Harper thought that the butter was good enough to eat all by itself. Which she did. After, leaving a sea of biscuits on the dining room floor we headed over to Cosentino's to browse the aisles.

Then we hugged Diana and Al goodbye and headed off to enjoy the rest of our weekend. And enjoy we did! I got in two lovely runs, evening mass where we saw our future when we sat next to our neighbor and his daughter Georgia who is exactly one year older than Harper. It was slightly terrifying. Then we headed home to put Harper to bed and enjoyed a ripe burgundy and a movie. Perfect.

Then today, WELL today, Harper and I baked!

Ah, mes aimes, bonjour and welcome to our petite kitchen!

Here we make the very finest in chocolate cakes. Each taste tested to ensure their perfection.

And the littlest chef slaves away all afternoon to ensure the most love is put into every delicate ingredient.

And voila, la-notre chocolate olive oil cake. Muwah! As seen here from this lovely blog.

I hope your weekend was just as delicious.

love,

It's just exhausting!

2012-01-17T08:05:00.002-08:00

By Harper Grace

Every morning I have to get up and go to my "office" where there is lots of work to be done.

Then I have to plead with my mommy for "5 more minutes!" before they get me dressed and shuffle me up to a full day of school.

And one must always keep the grandparents entertained.

And of course I have to feed the dog.

Who knows what she would DO without me!

And throw my dad birthday parties.

Where one cannot eat the cupcakes until he gets home and sees them first, dontcha know.

And make him cards that tell him I love him.

And help him blow out the candles!

Happy Birthday Dad!

(sigh) Sometimes my weeks are just so full.

love,

Harper

Happy Birthday Mike!

2012-01-12T05:25:00.001-08:00

To my husband,

This past year with you and Harper has been so full of love, laughter, and warmth.

Ever since you entered my life, no matter the challenge, I have always felt safe and deeply happy.

You make an amazing home base.

And now not just for me but for our beautiful daughter as well.

We are so lucky, Mike.

Everyday.

I love you,

“Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid." ... -Arthur C. Clarke

Otherwise known as our motto.

Goodbye 2011

2012-01-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

Happy new year!

The keyword here is "happy."

Cheers!

Last day of decorations!

Boots. And bracelets on a bunny.

Holidays mean great food.

"Let's watch the old year die

With a fond good-bye

And our hopes as high

As a kite"

-Holiday Inn Soundtrack

love,

Christmas holiday...

2011-12-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just loving this holiday season. We had a perfect Christmas with family in St. Louis. Rachael and Al were wonderful hosts, the cousins were as cute as buttons, Santa was as good as gold, and, most importantly, the spirit of Christmas was alive and well in all of the quiet, loud, cheerful, boisterous, hilarious, thoughtful, giving, and sometimes bourbon induced side-splitting laughter moments.

Being together really is the thing.

I promise to post photos of the festivities soon. But right now, I'm playing a board game with my hubby in front of the fire and our beautiful tree with a glass of red wine. We are in the midst of a much needed break from work and have filled our days going on long runs, the movies (thank goodness for Grandparents!), delicious food, odd jobs around the house-finally painted that hallway-and just soaking in all of the fun of a 13 month old. She makes everything more fun. In short, 2011 truly was the best year of my life.

Grandma Powers comes to town tomorrow so we can celebrate the year out with friends. Hope that yours is a warm evening too full of anticipation for what's to come in 2012. (2012... sounds almost futuristic huh?)

love,

Santa Time!

2011-12-21T07:08:00.000-08:00

Needless to say, Harper was not impressed.

She obviously has not been informed of the "better not pout" rule.

Well, it's getting close! Can't you just feel it?

b.

Need, Want, Wear, Read

2011-12-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

Zooey and I circa Christmas 2009.

I heard this idea the other night in my mommy nursing group (LLL)- and since then have seen it several times done by fellow bloggers as well-anyway, we were talking about family traditions at the holidays, specifically, what traditions we wanted to start with our families and new babies. One woman mentioned that she had heard of this idea that lets one still enjoy the fun of the holiday and joy of giving without the "more, more, more" mentality that Christmas can sometimes bring. Simply put: something you need, something you want, something to wear and something to read. Perfect! So I've had this mantra in mind as I've been perusing the stores for those I love this year. And since I don't want to give away any surprises I decided to do my own wish list version. Let it serve as inspiration for any of you out there shopping for new, hip, cool, stylish, intelligent, MODEST, mommies :)

So for me this would be:

WANT:

This faux fur coat from Gap

Oh! I've tried it on-and it feels as good as it looks! How fun and snuggly during the dreary cold weather we get here. It would improve any winter's weekend night out!

NEED:

This perfect Ralph Lauren Tote Bag

I've been looking for a while for a good bag that works both as purse for my business days at the office and for my life as a mommy. It would hold my papers, makeup, wallet, and diapers in style-plus half off to boot.

WEAR:

Just because they are fabulous.

READ:

Sigh, I just want my Kindle back. I "lost" it this year on the plane. I miss it every night.

NOW, since I've become a mommy, some of my readers have pointed out that sadly I have left my original furbaby out in the blog cold for a while now. So to begin making amends, I will highlight what would be Zooey's list for the holiday (this is for you Merritt!).

Now, for the love of dogs, especially my crazy one, Zooey:

WANT:

Yup, Zooey wants one too. Harper received the amazing Everyday Chair from Pottery Barn Kids. I originally had put it in her bedroom but Harper has since dragged it out to the bay window (not an easy feat for a one year old) where she can observe the outside and wait for her dad to get home (adorable by the way). Well, let's just say that every time I come home I see that someone else in the family clearly loves it as well. Good thing it is washable :) I would get it for her in brown for obvious reasons.

NEED:

This Frisbee disc by Nylabone. She can play to her heart's content and clean her teeth at the same time. Perhaps she WOULDN'T eat this one in a week like all the others. Perhaps.

WEAR:

Collar schmaller! How about this for styling on Christmas morning. And it looks like her too! See the crazed expression :)

READ:

One of my favorite tear jerkers for any dog lover. Especially those that have ones with wild hearts.

So what do you want/need/wear/read?

love,

Life with a toddler

2011-12-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

This is actually why there are straps on highchairs. Not just to protect them or hold them up as I originally thought, no. More importantly it is to CONTAIN them.

love,
b.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2011-12-07T06:11:00.001-08:00

Christmas!

We went and got the tree this past weekend and spent Saturday afternoon/evening putting lights up outside and decorating for the holiday-I loooove this time of year.

Angels from the nativity on the mantle.

Our stockings are hung on the fireplace with care-St. Nick came yesterday in fact! He filled our shoes with treats.

After Harper went to bed, Mike and I celebrated the decorating day with our annual steak and potatoes meal. I decorate and he cooks-we are both so happy.

Our lovely meal. The twice baked potatoes are my favorite! (Next to the champagne of course.)

Which we sip as we trim our beautiful tree.

Still haven't found a tree topper yet.I'm thinking of making one...

Love and joy come to you.

merry,

Cate's 1st Year

2011-12-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

My one and only niece celebrates her first birthday this weekend. She'll be the big 01 on Monday. Since we can't be there in person, Harper wanted to make this video especially for her cousin. We love you Catherine Piper!!!
Celebrate girl!
Cheers!
b.

Party time

2011-12-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

First I must give credit to my dad for taking all of the pictures you see here. Thanksgiving was so busy this year for me with hosting the grandparents and throwing Harper's party that I left the documenting job to him. As usual he did an INCREDIBLE job. Thanks Dad.

So this is Harper's tent. Mike and I made it for her first birthday. We all love how it turned out. If you want to make your own tent check out these easy instructions. It's where I got the idea and a blog that I love to boot. I'll post more pictures and our tips in a separate blog.

The man behind the pictures.

Harper loved her first "real" Thanksgiving. It was so much easier this year as opposed to last year when I was just 7 days post delivery! Needless to say she LOVED her mama's chocolate pie, complete with homemade crust. Don't you just love the New Best Recipe-my go-to for all my baking.

We ate Kansas City BBQ,

took baths with cousins,

and spent lots of time with the fam.

And of course we celebrated Harper's first birthday in style!

My decorations came out just like I wanted. (You can kind of see the tissue pom poms we worked so hard on in the mirror's reflection-they were everywhere! Note the miny versions on the mantle.)

"Whatever shall I wear mother?"

Grandmas are good for so many things :)

Why cupcakes of course! Our two birthday girls!

Her only meltdown of the party. It was just toooo much!

After a little less attention was paid, Harper decided the cupcake was delicious and not an evil trap-thanks Marcia!

And we got back down to celebrating with presents!

That's all folks! It's been a wonderful first year!

love,

1 Year Now

2011-11-29T17:02:00.000-08:00

We had the best(!) Thanksgiving. Dinner at the Ludwigs was wonderful-delicious food, desserts, seeing my whole family together all at once. Having all of our family and friends together for the holiday and then for Harper's birthday party on Saturday was so special. I am so thankful for so many things that I must make a list:
1. For Harper's grandparents-all 4 of them adore her and are so good with her. I'm so thankful that she has these special people in her lives and I don't know what we would do without them.
2. For good friends-they make life worth living.
3. For my parents, I love this phase of life with them. Probably because they can't tell me what to do-kidding!
4. For our beautiful home-I'm so grateful to have such a lovely, warm place to raise our family.
5. For my siblings-I love each of them in their own way.

6. For my health-I'm finding my running grove again people-finally!

7. For my job, work that is meaningful to me.

8. For days away from work when I can just LIVE!

9. For the ability to change, grow and keep learning.

10. And of course for this....

Our baby is turning into a big girl.
love,
b.

One whole year later...

2011-11-18T05:23:00.000-08:00

This is an excerpt from an email sent to my mother-in-law. I think it sums up my sentiments about this day nicely.

"I think it means that my baby is growing up and may technically now be called a toddler! I went to her daycare today for Parents Thanksgiving. This is her last week in the infant room and you can tell she is ready to move on. She can do so much more than all of the other babies in there and she longingly looks into the toddler room through the glass window for most of the day. They have a toy kitchen, steps to go up and down, dress up, other walkers, all of these fun things while the baby room has only boring blocks and bouncy chairs. So Harper is ready for one! Mommy is having a harder time letting go. I can't believe that this time last year she was getting ready to be born. It's like you blink and....(sigh) they're off."

A year ago today...

We met this sweet, squishy face.

And we became parents.

Harper Grace I am so glad that YOU made me a mommy. Every single day I am thankful that I have you. I love you to the moon and back little girl.

And no matter how old you get,

you will always be my baby.

love,

Harper's 1st Year Portraits Part 1

2011-11-14T07:33:00.001-08:00

So this past weekend we spent our Sunday afternoon with Mark and Sally Trued who took some amazing family photos for us. Sally is a coworker and friend who "volunteered" her hubby Mark, who as you can see is an awesome photographer, to take some photographs for us. I loooove how they turned out! Here's a sneak peek of some of my favorites so far...

So what is your vote for our 2011 Christmas Card?

Cheers,

Birthday planning

2011-11-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

As Harper's first birthday gets closer and closer-next week in fact(!)-I have been in full (alright semi since not a whole lot of work has actually been done yet) party planning mode. Now the party is not until the 26th, the weekend after Thanksgiving, so that family will be in town for it, leaving me still 17 days to put everything together.

I'm going with a "Miss November" theme using her golden birthday stone colors for inspiration. Actually those are kind of the same colors I used for her nursery now that I think of it... I've heard several other mothers call their birthday parties to their children "their love letters to them." I think this is a beautiful thought and have kept it present as I plan out her day. I also must admit, that to me, it is about throwing a lovely party to thank all of the people that helped us through this first year of parenthood. Such a big year. Life changing. And we couldn't do it alone.

So...

This is my inspiration board at the moment. All of these items can be found on Etsy-don't you just love it? Except for the sweater which came from Baby Gap.

Color Inspiration (with pops of pink of course)

What the birthday girl may be wearing with a little tutu skirt!

Birthday present-what little girl wouldn't just love this?

1st Year Photo Garland

All over this for the cake topper!

This garland is sweet and funky at the same time...

And a little something for her hair...

love,

Harper 11 months

2011-11-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

So this is late-can I blame it on having to run around after a toddler? Life is busy here and moving fast. Just like her. I realize that as I post this about her 11 months we are actually now closer to her being the big 0-1. Can't. Believe. It. We've had an amazing weekend so far-family over on Friday for dinner and then Rachael, Will and Cate spent the night. As I watched the two babies I kept thinking how lucky they are to get to grow up together. They really are like exactly the same age and they are going to have so much fun together. Our Saturday was spent doing nothing but enjoying the fall weather, taking a long family walk to the playground, dinner, movies and a good bottle of wine after the baby went to bed. Sometimes it is just so nice not having anything to do. Today-church, grocery stores, a little shopping, laundry and the ever increasing leaves are on the agenda.

Enjoy the video and enjoy your Sunday morning as well. Love getting that extra hour today :)

The end of October...

2011-11-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

Our little ballerina right before trick or treating!

I have to admit by the time this picture was taken she was exhausted!

On Thursday we went to a birthday party at our friends, Cary and Tia's house. There were tons of kids around and tons of blue grass music. I love hanging out with this family. Whenever we see them we get a beautiful free concert. Harper LOVED it. She stayed up until 9:00 PM dancing and clapping and this is a girl that is asleep by 7:00 PM every night. So happy she loves music. And slept so soundly that night.

Some of the musicians...

Then on Friday, Grandma Powers came into town to babysit Harper for our friends' wedding on Saturday. We put the baby to sleep and took full advantage of Grandma being in town by going out with friends to watch a ballgame. You know the one where the Cardinals won the World Series! Again! It was double celebration since we also got to see lots of friends from out of town-Becca who was visiting from Portland and also some of our law school friends that had moved away and were back in town for the wedding-lovely times.

Saturday was of course the wedding-it was a beautiful, fun night full of dancing, great food and love. Lots of love. Congratulations again Audrey and Abe! You threw a great party and we were so happy to be there to celebrate in your happiness.

Harper spent the evening with Grandma Powers. I think she and Zooey both kept her pretty busy! Mike and I were so grateful to have her come and visit.

Sunday we spent the day recuperating from the long weekend, grocery shopping and cleaning. Getting all of our ducks in a row for Monday. And of course watching a scary movie after the baby went to bed because it is that time of year don't you know.

Monday morning we said our goodbyes to Grandma, and headed off for a busy Halloween. Harper was in a costume parade at daycare. Marcia, Sally and I went to see her and she was of course ADORABLE. After work, we rushed home to carve pumpkins and get ready for trick or treating. Thus where the above picture came into play-that was one tired baby but we did get a few houses in before she was completely exhausted.

So here we are in November-the month Harper was born in. My new favorite month. Goodbye October-you were fabulous!

love,
b.

The difference a year makes...

2011-10-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

October 24th, 2010

October 24th, 2011

Time sure does fly!

love,

NOTE* We tried to get Zooey in this picture too-but trying to get a cattle dog and a toddler in the same shot proved to be impossible!

Happy

2011-10-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a wonderful weekend spent with family and friends in St. Louis. It was a full weekend! We spent Friday night around the fire pit at Rachael and Al's, Saturday morning with Nina and Ed watching Harper "play" soccer, then onto lunch with Frank followed by a walk to the playground. Frank climbed the giant tree right by the playground and the kids came as if he was throwing candy! They loved it. Then we went back to the house and I got lots of girl time with Cate, Rachael and Harper. I love my sister :) AND THEN, we watched the birds stomp Texas. Beautiful weekend I tell you. I always feel a little melancholy when we first get home. It is like all of the people that we love most live "just over there." Oh sigh.
Anyway, enough of a pity party. It was as I said in the beginning a beautiful, wonderful, full weekend. The very best kind.
And how can I be sad when I have this?

This is Harper enjoying her very first happy meal. The name fits, no?

love,
b.

Bringing the outside in...

2011-10-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

One of the things I am really enjoying about being a new homeowner is learning how to decorate our house for the holidays. This year (so much easier to do when one is not 9 months pregnant!) I am loving playing Martha Stewart and making things as special and beautiful as possible.

Pumpkin candles-smell soooo good.

As you can tell we have a LOT of pine cones-perfect fall decoration.

And of course pumpkins including our little pumpkin.

Lights make everything festive.

Our mantle-the perfect thing to decorate with a toddler since they can't reach it!

And outside-we have HUGE mums along our front walkway.

And Gran's little statue greets you at the front door. And his wooden abode.
And this pumpkin that cackles every time the door opens...
Which makes her light up with laughter as well.

Our weekend was full of fall. We went apple picking, raked leaves, and played at the playground. We missed Grandma and Grandpa Johnson this weekend too. Harper had so much fun with them last weekend. They took her to buy her first pair of "walking" shoes, her first playground experience (10 months old and climbing up tunnel slides!), and her first trip to the KC Zoo complete with ice cream and carousel rides. No wonder she is obsessed with them!

Hope your neck of the woods is feeling warm and lovely as well. How could it not with the Cardinals headed to the World Series?

Cheers,

Ren Fest in KC

2011-10-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

To begin I must show this video-when did she become a toddler? I bought this for one dollar at a garage sale-it is her absolute most favorite thing.

And this picture that Al took of the kiddos at Harper and Cate's first Ren Fest in KC. Even with colds we loved it.

Harper especially loved the petting zoo. I even have evidence:

She grabbed the sheep and literally screamed with happiness!

I got my turkey leg per tradition...delicious!

And rode a camel with Will!

On Friday night the cousins plot the next day's activities in the tub. Three little monkeys.

Looking forward to my parents visit this weekend. Mike heads to his old college stomping grounds in Kirksville for homecoming and Harper and I get them all to ourselves. She can't wait to show them her truck! Isn't fall just lovely?

Harper Grace is 10 months!

2011-09-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

It just keeps getting better. So much of this video is of her trying to walk-but that truly is what we captured this month. The end is dedicated to my coworker and friend Sally who gave the gift that Harper is currently obsessed with-enjoy!
love,
b.

Nashville Trip

2011-09-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun! My work conference was very good and getting to spend my down time with my two most favorite people made the experience. Hope you enjoy the pics!

This is the first one and one of my favorites. Mike took this of Harper before take-off. She looks like a wild child! And the people behind her on the flight look slightly terrified...

Her first plane ride. She was pretty good both ways. Up and away to see my mommy!

And this giant replica of Athena.

And the Parthenon...

We even squeezed in time to listen to Country Music over beers in downtown Nashville.

The weather was lovely.

And so was Harper's behavior :)

We even took her to a fine dining restaurant (at 5:00 pm of course).

And not so fine dining as well at Nashville's version of Arthur Bryant's-sooo good!

Harper loved the southern style green beans-girl after my own heart I tell you!

It was a great trip!
Our first family getaway :)
love,

Walking into 10 months!

2011-09-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness-what a couple of weeks we have had! Grandpa J came to Kansas City to fly off to Death Valley. We were lucky enough to have him stay over with us for a night before his departure and again upon his arrival. He brought Harper back the book "The Girl who loved Wild Horses" which was one of my favorite childhood books. Harper really remembers him and snuggles with him as much as possible when he is here. Then we had Grandma Powers come out and visit for a couple of days right before we left for Nashville (pictures to come of our trip there as well). Harper loved spending time with her too and she always brings fun toys and clothes (size 12 months-hello!). Again, I'll write more about our Nashville trip but Harper was great on the plane both ways even if I did lose my beloved Kindle on the return flight. I'm still holding out hope that it will be returned!

But the MOST important thing that has happened is that Harper started walking! Just 4 days before her 10 month birthday she took her first real steps. It is soooo adorable to see her do it-she is so proud of herself! She smiles really big, puts her arms way up in the air, totters forward at racing speed sometimes balancing all the way across the room, sometimes falling into our open arms, and sometimes falling (gracefully) face first into the hard wood floors! She's one brave little mover and Mike and I couldn't be prouder. Well, we could if we were ever able to get it on video tape! Stay tuned-lucky Grandpa got to view the live show :)

We are moving into fall here with relish and looking forward to chasing after our new little mover, visits from cousins for Ren Fest, and of course that quickly approaching 1st birthday.

Here are some pics of what Harper has been up to:

She loves to wait at the bay window for dada to get home, or mama to get home, or anyone! She loves people.

She LOVES her shoes. And her stool. She loves sitting on her stool and looking at her shoes-seriously. She wants to do this all the time.

She also still loves Zooey. Zooey does not love that Harper tries to ride her like a small pony.

Again with the shoes-she loves it!

I just love this one of her.

And this one-that's my nose and lips people!

Yay! For walking!!!

And of course for shoes.
love,

Keys!

2011-09-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

She LOVES them.

We are getting ready to head over to Al and Diana's for a lovely afternoon of food, friends and wine. Hope you are enjoying your long weekend as well!

Cheers!
b.

Chicago Weekend-what baby?

2011-08-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is winding down. I can feel it. Only my least favorite flavors of Popsicles are left in the freezer. We finished up the last of our summer get-aways this past weekend with a wedding in Chicago. We left the babes with my parents and spent our first night away from her hanging out with our loved St. Louis crew for a wonderful and beautiful wedding night celebration. It was good to get away just the two of us, and of course even better to be all back together.

The intense heat of earlier this month is already waning. We plan to go to our last pool day on Friday since it is the last predicted day in the 90s for a while. The rest of the weekend will only be 80 and then the following week head to Nashville Tennessee for a work conference/family trip. Now that will really be the end of summer. Yes, let's push it off until then. Until then I will still be wearing sandals, long summer dresses, short shorts, checking the garden for new tomatoes, and enjoying the baby going to bed while it is still light out...

Ah, summer. This was the best one yet.

love,
b.

9 months now

2011-08-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

18.6lbs and 27 1/4" at her 9 month check up yesterday. She had her first word-"bye bye!" which she says as she waves. She stands up on her own or "loney baby" as my Gran would have called it. We are waiting on first steps and more words-loving this first summer together as a family. P.S. The drink her father is giving her is watered down lemonade if you couldn't tell by her expression!

Lake Vacation 2011

2011-08-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

I don't want to brag and say we had the BEST week ever. There were difficult parts too. First Harper did not always like to wear her life vest. This could make everyone unhappy.

But it was hard to stay upset for too long!

Grandpa and Grandbaby (smothered in sunblock!)

Especially when there was a gorgeous lake to swim in!

And fine culinary meals served everynight.

There was LOTS of downtime.

Needless to say Harper loves her cousin Cate.

This was what was making her laugh so hard-taking food right out of Catherine's mouth!

Neither of them cared for the sunhats-we didn't even match them on purpose.

But having a whole week with each other was lovely. Smiles all around :)

Harper ADORES Will. They are actually the ones we are going to have to watch.

Godmothering:

Mothering: (She's sooo good at it!)

Me and Will on his first tubing experience!

The girls on their first "something" experience.

Besties.

ADORABLE, no?

Sometimes it got crazy hot (112!)

So we came up with inventive ways to stay cool.

Like jumping off those cliffs in the distance.

Or lounging by the pool...

We celebrated our 4 year anniversary together!

They celebrated a couple more than that...

Catherine LOVED the water.

Almost as much as Will loved it and his Uncle Frank.

Looking back though, it was pretty perfect.

We can't wait to do it again next year!

For goodness sake :)

love,

We're back!

2011-08-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

Our lake vacation was WONDERFUL! As they always are. Since we got home on Saturday Mike spent the rest of the weekend researching the best boats to buy. I'm trying to convince him to hold out for a few more years but he's ready. NOW. Needless to say the trip was just lovely. We were all sad to leave everyone behind and get back to the real world but as my dad said "now we just have to start looking forward to the next thing!" And so we are. Here is a camera dump of photos from before the trip. I'm still working on our vacation shots. Hopefully this will delight you until then.
love,
b.
P.S. We have a "stander" now. No hands but still no real steps...

Our little "action baby" loves to swing (and move!)

Playing with G-Ma Powers-they had so much fun :)

Practicing

On our way to the lake!

Stay tuned!

Harper 8 months

2011-07-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? 8 months old. Learning to stand, learning to cruise, 5 teeth, and everyday something new. I look back on how little she was 8 months ago and have a hard time believing all of the things she can now do. It is amazing, this gift of being a mother. Watching everything for the first time again through her. These videos are such good snapshots of our lives too, our play dates with other new moms, working on our home (this will always be the summer remembered of dead trees-we've had 4 removed from our yard-see if you can spot one of them in this video!), Harper and her cousins, her fearlessness, her good appetite and her guardian Zooey.

We are headed down to Lake Norfolk this week with the family. I can't wait to be with my favorite people and to take Harper on her first summer vacation! We also just got done with a lovely visit from G-Ma Powers. Harper and her had so much fun together. We can't wait until September when you get to come back and do it again.

And finally, happy happy birthday to the most amazing mother in the world, my mother. I love you Mom. Thank you for another wonderful year with you!

love,
b.

Eloise Glee

2011-07-20T10:02:00.001-07:00

Enjoying my favorite childhood book...

"Being bored is not allowed."

"And charge it please."

love,

The last day of 7 months (in pictures)

2011-07-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

We began the day with a little dress-up...

She practices standing...

And plies at the bar-littlest ballerina ever!

Then went to the swimming pool where she played until she passed out....

She got to spend a lot of time with this guy. Major daddy's girl on my hands.

We ended the day with Foo's custard and Harper even got a taste :)

She LOVED it!

It was another lovely summer weekend. The very last day of her being a 7 month old.

love,

Summer baby in the garden...

2011-07-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone! Just wanted to share these of my sweet baby out back by our flourishing garden. Don't those thighs look good enough to eat? Speaking of eating-Trader Joe's just opened its first store in Kansas City-can't wait to check it out this weekend!
Hope you have a wonderful one!
love,
b.

My week as a single mother

2011-07-13T05:17:00.001-07:00

This is what our summer kitchen looks like right now (only our Le Creuset is blue)-love it!

Whew! Well, as most of you know Mike is sequestered this week for the Bernard Jackson trial here in Kansas City. Since he is the clerk for the Chief Justice presiding the case, one of his big responsibilities is staying with the jury during the trial. I don't even know where he is right now! So I'm on my own (completely) for 2 weeks. And although we miss him (terribly) I've been surviving. Here is how my days have looked:

SUNDAY: Mike leaves at 6:00pm. He has left me with a house full of easy to prepare dinners and lunchables. Zooey waits for him by the window until I go to bed. Harper is perfect going to sleep at 7:30pm leaving me with lots of time to get everything ready for the morning.

MONDAY: Alarm goes off at 6:00am I get up and jump out of bed. Put toys in Harper's crib and take the fastest shower on the face of the earth. Get out and Harper is still playing happily. Am able to make it out of the house perfectly with the exception of no coffee. Work goes well. Feeling very proud of myself. Leave work and go shopping with Harper. We find an awesome rug for the living room at Pier1 on awesome sale and we both agree that I am awesome shopper. Go home that night and we water the garden, play Frisbee with the dog, and make shrimp cocktail sauce for the first time. Easy dinner one a success. Harper has chicken and blueberries. She also thinks it is a success but does not go down to bed until closer to 8:15pm. I have a hard time going to sleep without Mike and finally crash at well after my normal bedtime at 10:15pm. Concerned about the casserole I have to make for the date I've scheduled to meet my friend Amy's new baby at 4:00pm. (I get off work at 3:30pm!)

TUESDAY: Alarm goes off at 6:00pm. However, I have been up with Miss Harper since 5:00am. She cries this time as I shower. I burn my leg on my hairdryer as I am trying to quickly take care of her and Zooey to make it out the door on time. Success again! But still no coffee :( Leave work a little early to make it to Amy's by 4:00pm. Walk out into the hottest weather of the year. Bad day to be wearing jeans. Pick up Harper and race to the grocery store. They love Harper at the grocery store but receive lots of warnings from old women there about not leaving her in the hot car. Women think I am 19. Gather ingredients and race home. Give Zooey a treat. She wonders where the hell Mike is. Make awesome casserole, wash Harper's face, change out of jeans, text friend Andi for directions to Amy's realizing I don't have her cell # in my new phone and can't remember exactly where to turn to get to her house. Andi saves the day with street address and we arrive promptly at 4:30pm. Baby Cambridge is ADORABLE. Can't remember Harper being that small-find photographic proof that she was indeed-see? Go home and are exhausted. Heat up leftovers from Saturday night at Diana and Al's. Harper has blueberries. She is exhausted too. Do a load of laundry, straighten up the house, pick our garden's first tomatoes (YAY!), and play on our new awesome rug. Zooey wonders again where the hell Mike is. Give Harper a bath and put her in the sling while we play Frisbee with Zooey. We all fall asleep together at 9:30am.

WEDNESDAY: Alarm goes off-slowly get out of bed. But made cold-brew coffee last night. Reason to keep going! Up and out of the house once again on time. Both mother and daughter dressed in cute outfits today. And away we go to do it again.

See? I'm surviving! Only 11 more days to go...

Harper's 1st Fourth

2011-07-06T05:33:00.000-07:00

But FIRST!
We had to move this couch into the den (doesn't it look so much better in here?)
because....

We got our new furniture!

Doesn't THIS look so much better in here!?

And of course my Dad's fabulous paint job in the master bedroom....

And NOW on to our fabulous Fourth of July Weekend!

It kicked off with my very first night out since Harper was born-it only took me 7 and a half months :) We had a blast at our old stomping grounds with our St. Louis crew.

See, I'm still cool!

Will and Zooey

At the end of the best pool day EVER. The parents might have had more fun than the kids.

All ready for the party in her new dress!

What a big girl she is becoming. Smiling for her daddy!

Alicia and I with our two baby girls.

We've been friends since we weren't much older than they are here.

They are both little movers now! It was very tough getting a picture of them together.
Harper says "I got you Elena!"

Zooey protects Harper from everything.

She's such a good dog around the babies.

Too cute!

And we came home to the biggest zucchini I've ever seen! Actually like 3 of them.

Our garden is awesome.

The End.

We hope you had a summer delicious weekend as well.

love,

Fun with a cup

2011-06-28T08:20:00.001-07:00

So I've been dipping my toes back into photography. After all, Harper makes the perfect subject.

Hope you are all having a fantastic week. But I bet you aren't having as a good of week as we are! We FINALLY got living room furniture-our own. perfect. furniture. I'm officially a grown-up. It arrives on July 5th and we can't wait! It's the little things in life. For Harper-a cup. For Mike and I-a living room set. Hurray!
love,
b.

I promise that pictures of the bedroom will be posted tomorrow. I took them last night :)

7 month old Harper!!!

2011-06-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Love this face. Enjoy these shots of Harper at 7 months, swinging in her tree swing, crawling all over the place, pulling up on things, her christening, meeting her Great-Grandma,and her first time in a swimming pool. 7 months was BIG for this baby :)
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of swimming pools (that's our plan!),
-b.

P.S. I will post some pics of how the master bedroom turned out this weekend. We love it!

Fathers

2011-06-21T04:56:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a little late but we had another busy and full weekend here. Saturday we went out to Al and Diana's where we had an amazing dinner and a lovely visit. My mom and dad met us there as well. They are back in town this week to watch Harper for us AND drumroll please finally paint the master bedroom! It is their birthday present to me as I have been wanting it painted since I moved in but this is a want that doesn't coincide so well with being a working mom and having an "action" baby. My parents are the best what can I say! And the color has turned out just the way I wanted it. It is called French Gray and is this soft bluish-gray shade perfect for the room and our dark furniture-can't wait to see the end result!

So this also meant that we got to celebrate Father's Day with my Dad and have them here to help us celebrate Mike's first Father's Day as well. I am such a lucky girl to have these two men in my life :) It was a wonderful day which ended in Breyer's ice cream for each of them-strawberry for Mike and Mint Chocolate Chip for my dad.

To my dad, who until this year I never realized what a hard and beautiful job it is to be a parent (and even this I am only beginning to understand). Thank you for being such a loving and patient role-model for us.

And of course for teaching me excellent style :)

Dad, Nana, Rachael and I circa 1984.

And of course for being such an adoring Grandfather to Harper.

Dad and Harper circa 2010.

And to Mike who I have seen grow into an amazing dad over the past 7 months. Harper is going to know that she is ALWAYS first to us because of you. Everything else is a far second. Which let's face it-is what every little girl wants :)

Always first. From that first moment.

Mike and Harper, November 18, 2010.

Love,
b.

Growing

2011-06-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

Things are popping up all over with this hot weather! Our garden and our fruit trees are already producing ...

Our apple tree has tons of apples right now.

Our squash. The yellow are the blooms.

My favorite! The zucchini growing like mad!

Our tomatoes are out of control already. We staked them this weekend.

Can't wait to eat those juicy tomatoes!

And our beautiful basil.

Even our red plum tree is sprouting fruit.

And speaking of sprouting. We have one little baby who is now crawling all over the place, and pulling herself up into standing positions.

She is growing and changing so quickly right now.

Learning to use that little body of hers :)

And making us fall more in love with her everyday.

See? I told you things were growing :)

-b.

The beginning of summer...

2011-06-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

My birthday cupcake-yum.
And birthday flowers.

My birthday, the Hospital Hill Run, and Harper's swim lessons all have to mean one thing-it is officially summer! Well, you know, not officially. According to the calendar it doesn't start until the 21st but in my book my birthday has always meant the start of the summer season to me :) We have been enjoying the heck out of it so far. And so have our tomato plants which are soooo big that we are going to have to stake them this weekend. Zooey also loves this season the best-it means LOTS of time outside for her...

Waiting on Mike

Harper's new crib

Chilling with Grandpa and Kanga

5K Hospital Hill Finishers! I walked it with Harper in the Bjorn-quite a workout. She won youngest finisher and was a huge hit during the walk. Of course she slept almost the entire way...

Looking forward to running it with her someday.

The half-marathon finishers! Woo hoo!

Afterwards we all went for breakfast and Harper eyed Al's Ipad...

Swim lessons at Leawood Pool started this week-she loves it!

She's getting to be such a big girl-sitting up, crawling, eating big people food...

It is going to be the best summer ever-I can feel it. There is so much to do, trips to take, friends to see, and of course that sweet little baby right besides me...

These are the days my friends,

love

Her Christening...

2011-06-02T09:01:00.001-07:00

What a whirlwind of a Memorial Day Weekend! It was quite an adventure filled with family, friends, celebrating, and oh yes one pesky little intestinal virus. But you know you had a great trip when what you remember most is not getting sick with the flu on the day of your daughter's christening (yes-both parents!) but what a wonderful time you had in between :)

The service was beautiful. It was exactly how I wanted it for Harper. She was surrounded by almost all of her family and she LOVED it!

We processed in at the beginning of the mass...And people made the sign of the cross on her little forehead...

She was wearing the most beautiful heirloom bonnet from her godmother, Aunt Rachael...

She was so well behaved the entire time (even if her parents weren't feeling that good!)

And she LOVED the priest and all the attention :)

And of course the water!

Congratulations Harper Grace!

She fell asleep on Grandma for the final blessing. Grandma was the very first baby to wear the christening gown almost 63 years ago in this very church in Lexington!
Since then ALL of these people have been baptized in it...
What a lucky girl to have such strong family traditions to be born into.

And such a wonderful family to share them with...
Mike and I just want to say thank you again for helping to make the weekend such an incredible event. Especially to our incredible hosts the Fowlers and for everyone that made the long drive to be there with us. We love and miss each of you already!!!

Feeling so thankful,

An afternoon glimpse of 6 months...

2011-05-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

My thanks to Mike who shot most of this video and therefore is not in it very much. Which actually gives me a pretty good opportunity to brag about what an incredible father he is to Harper. We are both two very lucky girls (and a puppy) to have him. This video we did a little bit differently-instead of a bunch of little moments from across the month it is rather focused on one (perfect) Sunday afternoon spent at our home in our backyard. Actually now that I think of it this was a Tuesday. Ain't life grand?

Enjoy!
b.

Cousins, Kangaroos, & Giggles...

2011-05-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

Hope this makes everyone's Monday morning better. The girls were sooooo cute together this weekend. We are pretty sure that Harper had the BEST day of her life on Saturday playing all day with Will and Cate-they giggled like this all day long.

We all can't wait for this weekend when the whole family will be together in Lexington for Harper's baptism!!!

love,
b.

6 months ago...

2011-05-18T05:27:00.000-07:00

I became a mom.

Best. Decision. Ever.
Happy 1/2 a year birthday sweet girl!
love,
mom

Thankful!

2011-05-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! It's me-Harper. I just wanted to tell you guys what a lucky baby I am...

I love my quilt from Erica that she made me. It is so soft and snuggly.

I also LOVE this teether from my Aunt Rachael right now. It is one of my very favorites.

I also love my sippy cup from Grandma Johnson, my highchair from mummy's friend Lindsay and most of all my dog-Zooey!

And of course my two bottom front teeth! Which you will never see a picture of because whenever they try to take a photo I cover them real quick with my tongue-like this!

I also just got a TON of clothes from my G-ma Powers. I am going to look so stylish this summer!

I love clothes-just like my mummy!

I love you guys too!!!

And I love my daddy-he's crazy about me...

And my Irish heritage which Lindsay helps me celebrate in style!

And bath time-I still just ADORE bath time!

And of course my mummy-she wants to say thank you too!

We don't know what we would do without you guys!
love,
Harper

In honor of mothers everywhere...

2011-05-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

Bossypants

A Mother’s Prayer for Her Child By Tina Fey

“First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long,
For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day –

And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.”

-Tina Fey

TOOTH!

2011-05-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right! We discovered it while running errands on Saturday. There it was-front, bottom left-a little white sharp point butting through her gums. It's adorable and has perfectly coincided with her grabbing food and shoving it in her mouth. So we have begun to introduce solids into her diet-purely for play at this point but she sure is loving it!
To date she has "eaten": Mike's biscuit, a saltine cracker package, gummed a pancake, put banana in her hair, the wall, her ears, Zooey's ears and a little in her mouth even.
We couldn't be prouder!
Hope you all have a great week!
love,
b.

Some Easter Pics

2011-04-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

We had such a lovely holiday. My parents came in to town on Thursday to spend Easter with us. On Friday I went in to work for a half day and then took off until Tuesday so I had a nice long visit with them. They watched Harper for us on Friday morning and then we spent the rest of the day going out to lunch, going to the Nelson Atkins for Monet's water lilies display, and then of course re-purchasing parts for my breast pump since Zooey decided that her idea of "culture" was to eat the valves while we were at the museum.

On Saturday with Mike off work, we all headed out to meet Al and Diana in Westport for Thai food and then to downtown to visit the Easter bunny at Crown Center and of course squeeze in some shopping. Harper laughed for the Easter bunny and cried at the toy store when we tried to take a toy away although as evidenced by all the teeth marks it was really the box she was after.

We spent that evening back at home relaxing to martinis and playing with Harper on the gorgeous quilt that Erica Garas made for her for Easter. Sunday we all went to Mass and Harper looked so sweet in her dress from Grandma Powers and her big bow. We died eggs, made the lamb cake, decorated the egg tree and celebrated with Sangria Sunday! Al and Diana joined us for dinner which made for a nearly perfect first Easter for Harper!

Here are some pics of our lives in April and of course of the holiday weekend...

Mike and Minny Mike-hoodies in the morning.

And she sleeps...

The guys putting our garden beds in, taking down trees, etc.

Playing "bull" with grandpa!

Where did he go?

There he is! Silly baby :)

Enjoying Easter Basket goodies

Our lamb cake!Easter Morning Pictures...
Happy Easter!
love,

5 Months (and one day)...

2011-04-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

What a weekend we had! We got our raised garden beds built, raked up 15 bags of gumballs, took trees down, (and when I say we I mean our friends Cary and Chris along with Mike), we even had our first bbq of the year with wonderful friends. And then to top if off on Sunday Harper and I went to a surprise birthday party where she was, of course, the belle of the ball.

We have an even better weekend ahead of us with my folks coming in on Friday to celebrate Easter-can't wait to see them, and show off all of our hard earned yard work and their 5 month old (CRAZY!) grand daughter who is teething by the way and of course using Sophie la giraffe. Things are wonderful in our world-wonderful and busy!

Lastly, we just the confirmation to have Harper's baptism in Lexington KY at the church that my mother was baptized in wearing the gown that all of her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren have worn. The dress is returning home! It is going to be so wonderful to share the (long awaited) celebration with everyone.

Hope you all have a fantastic week and that you enjoy this glimpse of our five month old Harper.

love,
b

"Harper Speak"

2011-04-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Love this! We've got a talker (or should I say squawker).

We had another wonderful weekend. We went out to lunch with Marcia, walked around the plaza, worked in the yard, and finished the weekend with paella and sangria. It was blissful. Next weekend we are putting in our raised garden and hopefully taking down some trees as well. It is going to be so nice to have a garden of our very own! And the next weekend-Easter! Can't wait to see everyone :)

love, b.

Springtime!

2011-04-03T08:02:00.001-07:00

(Bubbles)

Blue eyes

Red hair peeking out

Sunhat!

Fingers I

Fingers II

Mommy and Me

Zooey!

We are loving this beautiful spring time weather. We had a wonderful weekend here. We went out to lunch with Al and Diana on Saturday to this great restaurant right across from Blue Bird Cafe, which is my favorite restaurant in Kansas City. I love that whole neighborhood! After lunch we walked down the street (me in a sleeveless top-yay!) to the bakery which of course was sold out of bread by 1:30pm except for the last loaf of chabbata which Al promptly bought while the owner told us the story of how they make the bread. It was lovely and Harper was so well behaved the whole time. She is such a good baby.

We spent lots of time outside this weekend soaking in the warm sun and beautiful spring feeling.

LOVES of the week: Harper in her sunhat, Mike passing the KS bar, and my being asked to do the fun Safety videos at work.

DISLIKES: only one-KY losing by a point last night! We'll get them next year!

Hope you all have a fantastic week,
love,
b.

"Babies are such a nice way to start people."

2011-03-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Four months has been the most fun so far-she laughed for the first time, rolled over for the first time, and is really growing into her personality. We are soooo in love with this baby girl.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T05:17:00.001-07:00

love,

Harper

Cate's Christening

2011-03-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

It was a perfect weekend. And now Mardi Gras to boot-Lassiez les bons temps roler!

These are just a few of my favorites:

Us at Seamas McDaniels-we finally got our t-shirts!

The gang out for lunch. What a good looking group.

Mike introducing Harper to Guiness.

Hmmm, Guiness huh?

I'll take it!

Harper and Grandpa :)

Grandma and sweet Cate: the current and original wearer of the gown.

My family

"Girls!"

Harper says, "Happy Christening Cousin Cate!"

And then it was time to go.

The End.

love,

Being a new mom...

2011-03-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

"Feet"

Ho.Ly.Cow. Being a full time working mom is just that. Full. From the moment I close my eyes at night to the moment I open them (several time a night) in the morning I am on. This week proved extra challenging with a sick baby and now a sick daddy-I'm the lone hold out! I am very much looking forward to a nice long weekend spent in St. Louis with our family and friends for Cate's christening.

I called Mike yesterday when I had a moment at work and asked him if he remembered how easy our life used to be. How we used to be so young and carefree with such few responsibilities. How are biggest problem was figuring out which wine would go best with what meal. We both sighed and said I love you and dived back into our busy days.

When it's time to leave work I rush out to pick my sweet baby girl up only to be told that she had another "fussy day" and my heart aches because I blame it on the fact that it was because I was away from her. And it just might be that seeing that since she has had this little cold the only place she feels truly happy is when I'm holding her and nursing. I squeeze in a quick phone call to my mom as I stop to pick up diapers and pumping supplies. "I'm exhausted," I manage to make out while holding back the tears. "I miss MY mom," I tell her. I can feel the distance over the phone and wish that we lived closer to family. We head home to a house where chores await and laundry needs to be folded. Mike comes home and makes dinner, Harper cries as I try to set her down to go to the bathroom and Mike and I get grumpy with one another as we "discuss" who needs to go out and buy stamps for Harper's baptism invitations that are late enough getting out as it is.

An hour later, after dinner has been gulped down, I find myself lifting that heavy car seat once again as I head out the door for my first La Leche League Meeting. "I don't want to go," I tell Mike. "I'm just ready to relax on the couch," but something pushes me forward as I get in my car and head back out to find the place where we are to meet.

One wrong stop later, I finally pull into the right place, grab my sleeping baby, hurry into the doors against the cold, walk into the room and suddenly-I feel peace. There are about seven other women sitting there in the room all nursing their babies, all looking about as tired as I do, all ready to sit and talk about their worries and concerns and feelings about being a new mom. I sit down and introduce myself and Harper and instantly know that this seat, in this room, with these other women, is exactly where I am meant to be. I take a deep breathe and look down at Harper who has now opened her eyes and is smiling up at me. And in that moment everything else really does melt away and I am completely and utterly happy. The words of the other women wash over me and as I listen to them I realize that I'm actually doing a good job at this. I have tips to share, and insights of my own to offer, and it feels good. To help others and receive their help back. I have a feeling that that may just be the trick to this whole thing after all.

By the time I leave the meeting that night, I feel relaxed and restored. Harper must have too. She slept through the entire night :)

Wishing you all a beautiful Mardi Gras Weekend,
b.

This here is 3 months...

2011-02-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to be a total cliche and write about how fast it is all going by (way too fast!). Instead I'm going to point out some charming video highlights:
1. Anybody that is holding baby Harper in these videos has drool all over their shoulders. I'm trying to capture real life moments here!
2. Tell me that the little jean jumper is not the cutest little outfit EVER.
3. The last shots are when we got 70 degree weather here in KC in February. I took her outside in her backyard for the first time and she loved it. She would get so excited every single time the wind would blow.

Mike and I spent the weekend enjoying the warm weather tease and got in about 9 miles in runs, which is quite a feat with Harper and Zooey to tow along. Today Mike's work and Harper's Daycare were both closed for the holiday. Unfortunately for Mike he has the Kansas bar tomorrow. When I've called home to check on him and Harper he says "she won't let me put her down." Poor guy :)
Hope you all have a great week.
love,
b.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T17:19:00.001-08:00

Love to you!

Happy Dance!

2011-02-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

This is Harper's happy dance! She is SO happy because we got a new car this week. Yup, I finally said goodbye to my little, two door, yellow focus and replaced it with a Toyota 4runner. We love it! Mike loves the fact that he never has to drive a yellow car again (poor guy), I love the leather seats, and Harper loves that the four doors makes it is so much easier for Mommy to get her in and out. HAPPY DANCE! GO!

love,
B.

"Miss" Haper Grace

2011-01-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

So the ladies at Daycare love Harper. They told me so. They call her the "littlest" baby with the biggest attitude. And by attitude they tell me it is because she is sooo mature for a two month old. And it's not just them, the doctor told us too. She will look right at you. She holds her head up really well and loves to stand for minutes(!) at a time. She also talks, talks, talks, and flirts, and smiles like she knows what's going on. They said they have to call her "Miss" because she is "so grown."

I love it!

Speaking of big girls she (and I) survived her first shots rather painlessly. She was pretty tough about it and didn't cry all that much. (Mommy cried a little.) She also got an excellent bill of health and now weighs 11 pounds even and is 22 inches long. She continues to be a great eater and sleeper, and we have adjusted so well to me working. Again, she is such good baby!

We are on our way to Decatur this weekend to visit with the grandparents and celebrate my Dad's birthday-Happy Birthday Dad! Mike is meeting the Governor today for work and then we are headed out for what will be our longest road trip so far with our new little family.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

love b.
And of course a picture of Harper taken this morning-She LOVES mornings!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

What two months looks like...

2011-01-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

This is a big week for all of us. It is my first full week back at work, Harper's first day at Daycare, Mike's first day of work at his new job, AND her 2 month checkup, otherwise known as when she gets her first shot! Poor baby!

I started work last week, and although I missed spending the whole day with little Miss Harper I had a great time being back at work, talking to grownups and using the other part of my brain :) I also appreciate my job's hours even more now. Getting off at around 3pm everyday and having her at my work's daycare is going to be wonderful. Plus it made my time at home with her all the more special. She's growing and changing so quickly. Everyday she is doing something new and adorable. Mike's mom came to town last week to ease my transition. It was so great having her here and Harper adores her.

Enjoy this look at her being 2 months old already! The video is a little bit longer but I could watch her for hours. (I'm a little biased.)

love,
b.

Falling in Love with Gummy Smiles :)

2011-01-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

For your dose of Friday cuteness.
She's getting "so big!"

Around our house at Christmas...

2010-12-29T16:17:00.001-08:00

We had a lovely Christmas holiday here in KC. The presents were wonderful (I got a Kindle!), Mike's food was amazing, Harper grows sweeter everyday, and the very best part was that my brother in law, Al, had a successful surgery. My family is so blessed to have him home and healing.

In party news, Aunt Beth came in all the way from New York to meet baby Harper, see our new home, and celebrate Christmas. We can't wait until we get the chance to return the visit. My parents came in on Christmas Day due to my mother's unexpected exposure to whopping cough of all things. Mike and I were so glad that they were all able to be here for Harper's first Christmas. Our friend Fred also came into KC and stayed with us. And friends came over to the house before heading out on the town for a little bit. It made Christmas complete!

My only complaint is that we are missing out on the Chicago New Year's Eve wedding of Mary Todd Brinkoetter. This was an idea that seemed perfect in theory but in reality the logistics are very daunting. Besides, since we haven't been able to see Rachael and Al since October or meet each other's babies (I'm dying to hold Cate!), we are heading into St. Louis to celebrate New Year's with them. And really it is going to be the most perfect way to ring in 2011. I can't wait to see these little babies together and give Rachael, Al, Will and Cate a great big hug.

Wishing you the sweetest of holidays,
-b.

One of her many holiday outfits.

The very best present.

Look at those cheeks!

Harper loves her Grandma and Grandpa Johnson.

She did not love waiting up for Santa.

All dressed up for church!

Wearing the shoes from Carrie-so cute!

Our first Christmas :)

Christmas Eve dinner-cabbage roll tradition forever! Mike's version was delicious.

All wrapped up in the beautiful blanket that Lauren made for her. Snug as a bug.

Look at those lips!

Daddy's girl already.

Hanging out with Aunt Beth in her darling leggings.

We love Christmas.

Harper's First Month in Video

2010-12-18T17:08:00.000-08:00

Since we never got a chance to use our labor music playlist (that we worked so hard on), I've decided to take my top 12 favorite songs and set them to the video footage we capture of Harper in this her first year. I plan on doing one for each month. So here's December...

I love the way it's turning out so far.
I hope you too enjoy getting to see these sweet images of her.

We really are having the best time of our lives. Tonight we took her to mass for the first time and the ladies behind us said that she was so cute they had a hard time praying :) They also said she was the best dressed baby they had every seen-which of course, made my whole day.

love,
Becky

What I'm learning from motherhood...

2010-12-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

How to do everything with one hand.

Sleep is a beautiful thing.

Don't leave Mike alone with the baby for too long. (Kidding!)

She says "hello!" to her new cousin Baby Catherine Piper! We can't wait to visit St. Louis!

Grandparents will always tell you how perfect your baby is-no matter how they behave!

A Saturday night in now consists of this. (And I wouldn't have it any other way.)

I'm a lucky girl to have the husband that I have. He even remembered St. Nick's day this year.

We have wonderful family and friends. All of their thoughts and gifts mean so much right now.

It's all going to go by way too fast.

She grows and changes a little bit every single day.

I see myself in so many things that she does. This pout for instance :)

love,
b.

P.S. I sat down to write this blog four different times before I could post this. Harper keeps me pretty busy!

Her first week in photos...

2010-11-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

It has been the most wonderful week of my life having Harper home with us.
We are so in love...

Can you blame us?
love,
b.

P.S. Congratulations to one of my dearest friends Liz and her fiance Joe on their engagement! I'll be a bridesmaid and little Harper will be a flower girl come June 2012. They are coming to visit in January and we can't wait to celebrate with them.

Harper Grace

2010-11-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Harper Grace
11/18/2010
7lbs 9 ounces
19 inches

Miss Harper Grace made her entrance into the world after 60 hours (no joke) of labor. I was induced on Monday afternoon and she finally made her entrance into the world early Thursday Morning. We couldn't be more in love. Even though she put up quite a fight getting here since she has made her entrance she has been nothing but the sweetest and most relaxed baby we could have ever hoped for. We are waiting for the other shoe to drop because right now she is a perfect baby! She is so relaxed, and such a good eater and sleeper that I feel truly blessed. Most of all I'm just so happy that she is healthy. And of course very tolerant of all her outfit changes :)

I will post more pictures of her first week in the next few days. We are both so glad to be home and to have all of the help and support of our families and friends.
Thank you for all your good wishes and support!
love,
b.
and Harper too :)

P.S. Her hair is brown as you can see and her eyes are the most amazing blue right now.

39 Weeks!

2010-11-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

Zooey is starting to suspect something...

How far along? 39 Weeks or "Done" in my book.

Weight gain/loss: Still right around 150. I go to the doctor this afternoon to check my progress so we'll see if I've gained anything.

Maternity Clothes? Yes, and some of those just don't look as cute as they did at 35 weeks. They are all pretty much maxed out at this point.

Sleep: Not getting a lot of this. I have also been waking up with hot flashes and getting hot flashes at work as well. I am not looking forward to menopause!

Stretch marks: No thank goodness! I have really avoided heartburn, swelling and stretch marks but every other non-savory symptom you can imagine I have. As I know I have mentioned before I am just an incubator! A hot, hot incubator.

Best moment this week: Finishing and mailing off the last of my thank you cards-this morning in fact! I am not the kind of person that can write a short note so it always takes me a little longer. So glad I finished before Harper gets here. Oh and talking to Lindsay on the phone for almost two hours-old friends are the best :)

Movement: Since there is hardly any room in there at all I can feel every little movement she makes.

Food cravings: I'm over food at this point. I'd still rather subsist on cold cereal, iced cold coke and ice cream than anything else. Did I mention that I'm hot?

Gender: She's so a girl.

Labor Signs: The braxton hicks contractions are strong but not really regular. Other than that same as last week unless I find out something different from the doctor today. The doctor gave her an eviction notice of November 29th so we'll see if she makes it out on her own before then.

Belly Button in or out? It actually kind of is sticking out a little tiny bit.

What I Miss: Oh let me cry you a river! Everything! I've had just about enough of this very special and wonderful time thank you very much.

What I'm looking forward to: I think the next time somebody comes into my office and says "You're still here?!" I'm going to pretend like my water just broke.

Weekly Wisdom: A fan in my office and ice packs help with the heat. Seriously, what's wrong with me?

Milestones: My hospital bag is packed and Harper and I's coordinating pajamas (that's right, don't hate!) arrived-we are going to be so cute! And I've broken down and gotten my nursing bras and camis.

Happy Weekend!
love,
b.

P.S. As I mentioned before our little fur baby is starting to get highly suspicious. I've caught her and Mike having long quiet talks. Plus she stares at me like she knows I'm about to explode.

Fall Leaves

2010-11-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. And I love having our own yard to take care of too. Even if it is a lot of work.

The weather was gorgeous this weekend. We spent a large part of our Saturday raking, mulching, and cleaning out the gutters. Is it weird to say that I kind of enjoyed it? Our yard now looks spick and span (well at least the front does anyway). I've also been getting lots of phone calls from friends checking on us to see how things are going and if the baby has come yet. Not yet. At this point it feels like I'm going to be pregnant forever! Weird how the closer you get to your due date the further away it feels.

Mike called to me this morning as I was walking out the front door, "The due date is almost on the weather forecast. That's how you know you're getting close!" A huge grin spread across my face. Yes, dear that sure is one way to know that we are getting close :)

love,
b.

Challah Bread

2010-11-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

Or reason #382 I love my husband. Sooooo good!

We ate this entire loaf within two days. I call it "holla" bread. It taste like Christmas and made my baby dance in my belly. :)
love,
B.

P.S. Only one week until my due date!

KC Baby Shower Photos...

2010-11-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

The shower in pictures. Thanks again to my wonderful friend Hilary for taking such lovely shots!

The fireplace decorated with Rachael's cupcake diapers and Jen's diaper cake. I had such a hard time taking them apart because they were so cute!

Oh the desert bar was so sweet!

Lovely gifts.

Taking the quiz Rachael made for me. So much fun.

Yum!

Ah the belly measuring game. My friend Amy got it exactly. She was the ONLY one.

The cutest booties in the world that my friend Kate made me. She is also expecting a little girl in December.

The opening of the presents!

This is the awesome tutu that Hilary made me with matching ballerina slippers!

Look how tiny those diapers are!

This is the hat that Lauren made for Harper. I wanted one too!

Exhausted after all the gift opening.

We can't wait to meet you Harper Grace!

love,

Countdown: 18 Days...

2010-11-01T08:35:00.001-07:00

Not that she will necessarily come in 18 days exactly but I can't believe that we only have 18 days until the due date.

Weight gain/loss: Well I did it I hit the 150 mark on the scale. They moved that bottom number over much to my dismay. I've gained 32 pounds so far...

Maternity Clothes? I actually changed out all of our summer clothes for our winter clothes this weekend. One of the many "nesting" projects I'm occupying my time with. I have kept the warm maternity clothes out of course but was so happy to see my old winter wardrobe as well, especially my running gear-I can't wait to be able to run again and to start fitting back into jeans that don't have an elastic waist :)

Sleep: I'm waking up about once a night to use the restroom. Some nights I have an easier time falling back asleep then others.

Stretch marks: Not a one-woo hoo!

Best moment this week: Hmmm, getting sent home from labor and delivery. That's right. Sent home! I went to my regular weekly checkup and my blood pressure was elevated to 140/81 so of course I start freaking out and by the time my doctor comes in I've worked it up to 145/90 (trust me I blame all of this on the ultrasound we had 10 minutes before where I found out that Harper has LOTS of (possibly curly) hair-I was so excited!) So my doctor says "okay we are going to go over to labor and delivery and check you into a triage room and monitor your blood pressure every 10 minutes for an hour and take a blood test as well to check for pre-eclampsia." Mike and I look at each other-I'm terrified because when I ask her "what happens if it doesn't go down" her response is "well then we are going to meet this baby today" and Mike's upset because he's positive that I don't have pre-eclampsia and that this delay greatly interrupts his dinner plans for calzones. So we go over there and I check in and I take a few deep breaths and of course I'm fine (my blood and urine showed no traces of protein) and my BP was consistently at 101/68 throughout the hour. I'm telling you I blame Harper's curly hair! So it did make me realize that as much as I've been saying "I'm ready!" I realized that I was indeed not quite that ready and that she can stay in there until her due date thank you very much.

Movement: Just stretching now. There is not a lot of room in there!

Food cravings: Same as always. Ice cold coke is still my favorite :)

Gender: We confirmed at the 37 week ultrasound that she is indeed a little girl.

Labor Signs: I'm dilated almost 2 cm now and Harper is still locked and loaded in the down position-good girl! Unlike her cousin who flipped her little self around just last week to a breeched position. Those Ludwig babies-they sure like the womb :)

Belly Button in or out? I have no belly button. Just a dark smudge where a belly button should be.

What I Miss: I can't even remember anymore!

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting Harper Grace. I'm also actually really looking forward to giving birth (strange I know) and watching Mike become a dad. Oh and maternity leave is going to be lovely!

Weekly Wisdom: Keep calm at the doctor's office. Oh and buy more than 4 bags of Halloween candy for the trick or treaters in our neighborhood. They take it very seriously there. We had to turn out the lights at 7:45pm due to absence of funds (candy).

Milestones: We are full term. If Harper was to make her appearance any time now she would not be considered premature. We did it!

love,
b.

Waiting on Harper Grace...

2010-10-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

All we need now is a baby!

We are ready. The car seat bases are in, the hospital registration is done, her nursery is complete and as you can see we've decided on a name. We should have 27 days left but since Miss Harper Grace is locked and loaded and I'm already dilated 1cm with a "very soft cervix" the doctor suggested we should be prepared for her to come at any time. I think we have a few weeks to go still but we will see. She may just have other plans...

stay tuned,
b.

Decatur Baby Shower and 35 Weeks!

2010-10-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

Yum! Mike's spring rolls (and of course Zooey trying to get up on the counter!) This has been one of my very favorite (non-sweet) things to eat while pregnant and Mike has totally gotten the recipe down since I want them ALL the time. See how many there are? They were gone in two days-at least they are good for you. Oh geez, now I want some!

My baby shower in Decatur was so fun with the exception of the driving. No 34 week pregnant woman should have to drive 12 hours in three days. Also I'm so absurdly pregnant at this point that I spent a majority of the weekend sweating like a maniac. I don't know why this is one of my pregnancy symptoms but it is for sure the most annoying thing I will remember about this pregnancy. It doesn't happen to every pregnant woman either but if it did happen to you then you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Back to the shower...it was incredible. I still can't believe that my mom and Barb managed to get such an amazing group of women together-almost all of my oldest and bestest. There were 4 women there that were pregnant which was pretty amazing in and of itself! The best part was having everyone together and getting to see some of my very favorite people that I don't get to see nearly as often as I'd like. Thank you everyone for coming and for giving Baby Powers so many wonderful gifts and good wishes. Below is a pic of Alicia, Sarah and I at the shower-we've all known each other since we were 4 years old. Alicia and I are both expecting baby girls-mine in November and Alicia's in December, and Sarah just had her son Wyatt this past spring.

Getting big huh?

So 35 weeks. WOW. 35 WEEKS!

How about 35 things I loved about this past week...

1. Driving alone with Rachael and Will to and from St. Louis. We all rocked out to Michael Jackson's "Beat It."

2. Seeing Rachael's nursery for her baby girl-she's so organized and prepared! It was like oh, that's what I'm supposed to be doing...

3. Um, is it okay to say my presents? Because we got so many cute and wonderful gifts from friends and family. THANK YOU EVERYONE!

4. Mike spending the weekend two hours away in St. Louis so that he could spend time with his friends but really because he didn't want to be further away than that from me and baby.

5. I must admit having an entire bed to myself. An entire bed and 5 pillows-lovely.

6. Seeing Rachael and Alicia pregnant just like me. With girls. My sister and one of my oldest friends-cannot get any better :)

7. Telling everyone our baby's name-we LOVE it and seeing people's reactions!

8. Baby Powers got a leopard print swing coat. Need I say more?

9. Checking everything off my baby registry-woo hoo!

10. Watching Mike try to load up the car for our trip back to Kansas City. Zooey+3 boxes of wine+the baby shower haul+the bassinet+plus a lamp from Merritt+my giant pregnant self=super crowded 4 hour car ride!

11. Spending time with both of my nephews. Especially getting to see Adrien! He's just soooooo cute!

12. Ben coming in from Chicago since he knew we were going to be there.

13. Walking around Merchant Street in Decatur with Rachael. The weather was beautiful and so were our baby bumps.

14. Being able to hug my mom goodbye and whisper to her that "the NEXT time you see me I will be a mom."

15. Sunday brunch at my parents house-still a fav.

16. Watching the movie "Babies" surrounded by family including Netus and Adrien (he gave us the live show!) I highly recommend it-such a great film and not just because it's about babies.

17. Watching Rachael and Alicia's stomachs dance.

18. Looking around my baby shower and realizing that I had known almost everyone in that room since the time I was born-CRAZY!

19. My mother in law and her sister Claude coming to my Decatur Baby Shower-Baby Powers is so lucky to have such an awesome Grandma and Great Aunt!

20. Reading Merritt's Baby Shower Card. It was beautiful.

21. Coming home and playing in her nursery and getting everything all set up and organized (one more trip this weekend and then I'll post pics. I LOVE how it turned out!)

22. The carmel apples from Dell's that my mom gave out as party favors.

23. Eating La Gondola for my baby shower-I've been craving it for months and months as we have nothing that even comes close!

24. My mom's homemade chicken noodle soup. We ate two huge pots of it. Enough said.

25. Watching Will and my dad-they are BEST buds.

26. Being able to attend Mary Todd's gorgeous bridal shower on Sunday. So happy we were there for that!

27. Seeing my mom's classroom after mass. She's such a good teacher :)

28. Going out to dinner with my mommies-to-be ladies! You really can spend two hours talking about nothing but being pregnant and getting ready for babies!

29. Baby Powers flipped around to head down and she dropped! (At least that's what my doctor told me this week which explains why I can BREATHE again!)

30. Putting together our jogging stroller-it is awesome and I can't wait to run again!

31. Playing in the backyard with Zooey in 63 degree weather instead of 80 something. I love that dog.

32. Watching scary movies with Mike and decorating our house for Fall.

33. Realizing how lucky I am.

34. Knowing that this time next month someone very special will be making her appearance. Her baby debut if you will.

35. Finally feeling like I'm really about to be a parent. And having it not scare the living daylights out of me!

Have a wonderful fall weekend!

love,

34 Weeks!

2010-10-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

How far along? BA DA BA DUM: 34 Weeks!

Weight gain/loss: I am at 145lbs. Which means I have gained 27 pounds! Good LORD! My doc says that I'm doing great and that I will put on more weight in the next 5-6 weeks. She says as long as I only gain about 10 more pounds then I'm in great shape. We will see. The women in my family have been known to hit that 50lb mark. Everyone keeps telling me that I look good though so who knows!

Maternity Clothes? Dipping my toes into Heidi Klum's overpriced collection but she does have some super cute things.

Sleep: Oh sweet sleep. How I miss you! Especially stomach sleep. I have been taken Benedryal (doctor recommended) in the evening to help sleep as well as to help with the vicious cold I've caught. So along with benedryal I have about 5 pillows propped up around me to try and help me sleep. I still am only averaging about 6 hours a night which is not enough for me.

Stretch marks: No stretch marks however my abdominal wall split which is suuuuper painful. Icepacks every night.

Best moment this week: Everyone has been so kind to me this week. Opening doors, not letting me carry anything, letting me in front of lines, taking groceries to my car. Once you are this pregnant you don't have to do much of anything. And everyone wants to talk to you. I'm taking FULL advantage of it.

Movement: She moves almost all the time. Nothing ever too big or pokey just pretty constant rumblings at this point. I cant' wait to hold her!

Food cravings: I only want sweet things still. It is getting to be a bit of a pain. I miss having my normal adult appetite.

Gender: She better be a girl at this point!

Labor Signs: No, not yet. But when she is full term I will be ready to go.

Belly Button in or out? Flat, and gone.

What I Miss: Running, eating well, sleeping, all the things a "normal" human should be able to do.

What I'm looking forward to: My Decatur baby shower this weekend! I can't wait to see everyone even if I'm a little sick. Hopefully I'll be feeling good by Saturday fingers crossed!

Weekly Wisdom: My mantra this week has been "so close now!"

Milestones: We have our pediatrician. And we have our hospital tour scheduled. Last baby shower this weekend so then I'll really be able to finish the nursery :)

Happy Weekend!
love,
b.

KC Baby Shower!

2010-10-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing baby shower last weekend! Everything from the games, to the guests, to the cupcakes to the diaper cake were incredible. Rachael did such an amazing job! My friend Hilary took pictures of the event and as soon as she sends me those I'll post them on here for everyone to see. The house looked gorgeous and it was so fun celebrating with everyone. No wonder women do this! We got so many thoughtful and wonderful gifts from our friends and family that for the rest of the week I walked around with a huge smile on my face. We are so lucky-thank you everyone, especially to my amazing sister! I can't wait to do it again next weekend in Decatur!

It feels like we are really coming up on the end of this pregnancy as we head towards 34 weeks! We have our pediatrician, the nursery is almost complete, we go on the hospital tour to prepare for check-in and delivery next week. Even Mike said he thinks he's started his version of "nesting" which involves stocking up the pantry and the freezer full of good foods and planning all of his fall menu. (Seriously we have SO much food right now!)

This weekend we enjoyed a relaxing weekend at home. We went out apple and pumpkin picking, turned on our fire for the first time, sipped cider, and shelled 9 pounds of pralines. We also snuggled on the couch and daydreamed of all the things we'll do this holiday season since it will be our first Thanksgiving and Christmas with our new little family. Life is sweet.

I was a little sick this weekend. I got my flu shot last week and have had a stuffy nose and sore throat ever since. Also on Saturday I broke down and paged my doctor on call because I was having such severe stomach pains. It turns out I wasn't in labor but was just experiencing my abdominal wall splitting. Ice packs and Tylenol have helped with the pain and I was told to lay off the apple picking. So here I sit on the couch with my icepack and warm cider while Mike prepares homemade butternut squash soup. See? Life IS sweet.

Wishing you all a sweet week ahead,
b.

32 Weeks!!!

2010-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

I had a business trip to Albuquerque New Mexico this week. And although I actually did really enjoy the conference, the mountains and the free room service the best part was finding this artist http://www.erinsmithart.com/index.cfm and her greeting card company. They perfectly capture what 32 Weeks Pregnant Feels like (plus I love the sass!)

Here are some of my favorites:

And now for our Pregnancy Update...

How far along? 32 Weeks or 8 months as I like to think of it!

Weight gain/loss: Ugh. Yes, there is that. I'm right at the normal weight gain. But starting to retain a little water so not looking so cute anymore. Also I'm big enough now that everyone-strangers, coworkers, friends, etc-comment about the stomach from everything to "That baby wants to come out!" to "You look really...healthy."

Maternity Clothes? Loving Motherhood Maternity right now. I found the cutest dress for our wedding last weekend (and to probably wear again to another wedding next weekend). Seriously people you couldn't have waited a couple of months?

Sleep: What's that? I'm averaging about 5-6 hours a night I'd guess but I go to bed at like 9PM and wake up at 6AM so the rest of that time is spent tossing and turning and trying to get comfortable.

Stretch marks: I still don't have stretchmarks yet. I'm hoping against all hope that maybe, just maybe, I won't get any.

Best moment this week: All of the packages arriving to my house from friends and family for our first baby shower this weekend-I can't wait! Oh, and flying while super pregnant. Seriously. I didn't have to lift one bag, got to board whenever I wanted and received lots of special attention.

Movement: Oh yes, she is most active at night of course but she really comes alive anytime it gets quiet or I am laying down.

Food cravings: Cinnamon rolls. My shower will only be featuring a dessert bar because that is all I've wanted to eat this entire pregnancy!

Gender: You know this by now...GIRL

Labor Signs: Nothing doing.

Belly Button in or out? Still flat.

What I Miss: Sleeping on my stomach! Being comfortable. Period. I'm ready to do this!

What I'm looking forward to: Next week when I FINALLY get to answer "Next month." When I am asked "When are you due?"

Weekly Wisdom: So much to do now. I switch back and forth from: 8 weeks isn't long enough! To let's get this show on the road!

Milestones: First baby shower this weekend!

Hope you are all feeling a little less grumpy and tired than I!

love,

Housewarmings, Pavement, & Nursery Prep...

2010-09-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

These are the delicious tomato and pesto sauces Mike canned this week- so good! We have been so busy that I didn't even blog last week so let me see if I can catch everyone up. First we had a wonderful housewarming party. It was great having our friends over to see the house and celebrate not to mention celebrate the end of the painting season. (Well almost the end Mike and I are painting our bedroom this week and then it is the end. Thank God.)

Then this weekend we had Rachael and Al and our friends Brad and Clay stay over to celebrate Al's birthday and to go see the Pavement Concert at the Uptown. It was awesome which at 30 weeks pregnant is not an easy thing to say but having Rachael there was wonderful. Al and Diana watched Will for us so we got to hang out sans kids which was a real treat (Love you Will!) and the show had really comfortable seats and they provided us with free cokes after they initial tried to charge us $3 a piece for them only for Rachael and I to simultaneously proclaim "But we are pregnant!" They quickly apologized and when Rachael went up again later they referred to us as the "Pregnant Sisters." Charmed I'm sure. It was a truly great show and an even better visit. The next morning we all drove out to Al and Diana's for a delicious brunch and short visit before everyone dispersed. Rachael and I also made preparations for my KC baby shower in two weeks-I'm so excited!!!

Speaking of baby here are the beginning glimpses of her nursery.
This is my former vanity that will be her changing table, (The mirror comes off). The color on the walls is called "whisper gold" and it looks soooo pretty. That's also a shot of her diaper bag which we later discovered is named after one of our two final names for the baby-do you think it's a sign?

This is my Gran's old dresser which got a face lift and will serve as her dresser. Sitting atop are my old childhood books many of which were given to me by my Gran and Grandpa and are still filled with their wonderful messages. Not to mention the cutest socks in the world that my mom gave me...

And this her crib I don't have her bedding in it yet but we will soon so this is hardly the finished product but has still made Zooey highly suspicious.

And this is a pic of the front room after my dad and Mike's fantastic paint job (I made the curtains).

Our housewarming party...

It feels like home more and more everyday, especially the more we fill it with friends and family.

love,

29 Weeks and Covered in Paint!

2010-08-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

So this is what we have been up to ALL week. Painting, changing out electrical sockets and wall switches, putting in new light fixtures. And by we I mean mainly Mike and my dad but I help a little when I get home. The main room, the bathroom, the back hallway, and the nursery are looking fresh and made-over leaving Mike and I with our bedroom and two more hallways to complete before the baby gets here. In the meantime, my dad packs up and heads home tomorrow leaving Mike and I to prepare for our big Labor Day/Housewarming Party. I can't wait to have our friends over to help us celebrate and to show off our home. Not to mention a nice three day weekend!

Mike working hard on the house...
Me and Zooey working hard in the backyard. As I've gotten bigger there is a lot of this sitting around!

Ah teamwork! Future mom and dad to be tackling the nursery together. I'll post after pics as soon as we get the furniture back in...

And now for our Pregnancy Update...

How far along? 29 Weeks!

Weight gain/loss: Still at 134 at this week's checkup. My Blood Pressure was also perfect and I tested negative for gestational diabetes. I have 11 weeks left so my doctor says that I'm right on track for gaining about 30 pounds. But we will see....

Maternity Clothes? (I mean seriously?) Yes, I PLAN on buying one more round of clothes for fall in September and hopefully that will see me through these last two months. Yay!

Sleep: Good most nights. About once a week I'll have a night where I will keep waking up because I can't get comfortable but on the whole very good.

Stretch marks: Still haven't reared their ugly heads.

Best moment this week: Having people over to our house for our first dinner party last weekend-baby girl thumped happily away the whole time-especially when she sipped the chocolate vino-girl after my own heart!

Movement: All the time. I will definitely miss the feeling when she comes out.

Food cravings: Have not been too strong lately. She still loves anything sweet.

Gender: Still a girl!

Labor Signs: None, but I have experienced my first Braxton Hicks contractions this week-far from pleasant. And to think that in comparison to the real thing these are known as nothing!

Belly Button in or out? It is pretty much flat at this point. So weird.

What I Miss: This week I've actually missed nothing. Now that we are into the third trimester and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel I'm actually trying to enjoy everything I can about it. Alright, I guess I kind of miss buying clothes for fall fashion but I can still do that with maternity, right?

What I'm looking forward to: Our house warming party this weekend and being done with all the house painting! I can't wait to put all of her furniture back in the nursery now that it is painted. It turned out so good!

Weekly Wisdom: Evening walks help with my sleep. I'm also trying to get all of the last minute things completed before I get too large too move!

Milestones: Third Trimester!!! And the nursery is painted!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend,

Nursery Inspirations...

2010-08-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

I love these images. As you can tell her colors are white, tans, golds with hints of pink and color here and there. We paint the nursery this weekend with this fabulous golden color I found for the walls. I've also painted her changing table (which is my old vanity) and her dresser in white. I think she's going to love it!

We've also discovered that with a house comes "a list." There is always something to do or fix up or buy but I must admit that I'm loving it. I'll post pictures of the paint and the finished rooms as we go, especially of the nursery.

Can't wait to see my parents tomorrow!

Cheers to a wonderful weekend,

Beach Getaway...

2010-08-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Just some of our photos. It was such a lovely break. I still catch myself imagining my toes are in the sand or that I'm swimming weightless in the water.

Mike and I had an amazing weekend. We had NOTHING to do! And this was the only weekend from now until the baby is born where that is the case. Crazy! We spent Friday night arranging our new bedroom furniture and Saturday buying paint and looking at new lawnmowers. Ours bit the dust. It was completely unable to handle the 1/3 of an acre we now live on (awesome to say that). And then Sunday, ah beautiful Sunday, we went down to the plaza and ate ice cream at Glace, and walked around the shops going to our favorites. We bought paper at The Paper Source with plans to frame them as art for our walls. Then we went to The Better Cheddar and bought cheese and crackers to sneak into the movies. And then Mike let me choose the movie and we went and watched Switch with Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston. The beginning of which is very contrived and the end of which is very sweet. Then we came home and made BLTs and snuggled on the couch and watched Baby Girl make my stomach move.

Perfect. Weekend.

This next weekend is going to be pretty perfect too. My mom and dad come to visit-our first guests using our real guest room complete with bed! I'm such a grown up! My dad is staying the week to help us paint the house. I can't wait. Once things are painted I can finally start really decorating and of course getting Baby Girl's room ready. Last night I began painting her furniture and I go and pick up her crib today. Getting so close now...

love,
b.