Cool Morning

Harper and I woke up this morning to a brisk 67 degrees. It was exciting to fashion some fall inspired outfits. I can't wait until this weather sticks. Fall is the best!! There's nothing like a good hat day.

A day (or 2) at the Beach

Last week my parents, Harper and I went down to Ocean Isle for a couple of days to see my aunt & uncle and cousins. This was the first time any of them have met Harper, in the flesh that is. Two of my cousins that have kids were there, Forest is almost 2, and Juris is 2 1/2. It was cute to see Harper and the kids interacting. Though this was not Harper's first trip to the beach, it was her first time in the water. She does like pools, where the water is warm and "controled". The ocean however, was a different story. Maybe next year she will have a different outlook. She still had a good time hanging out on with us under the umbrella. We all had fun and wished we could have spent the week with everyone.



Good Lord... look at the size of those thighs!!

Busy weekend

Well another weekend is over. We had a fun time the last couple of days, and with Adam having the next 2 days off we hope to keep it going. On Saturday, Harper and I went to a birthday party for a very excited little girl. Beth and Jay's daughter, Grace, turned 3 this weekend and we all had a blast at her party. Last year at her birthday party was when we announced we were pregnant, I was 10 weeks. This year, Harper attended the party in a different light and had a great time with all the kids. She was as good as gold and made a lot of new friends.
After the party, Grandma Torok came over and stayed with Harper while Adam and I went out for a good ol' night on the town. We went to see Crush play, the band from our wedding. It was funny, we ended up talking to the lead singer, Ross, and the guys shared baby pictures with each other instead of beers. Ross has since had a baby and was a proud father too. It's funny how your conversations change. We met Jim and Maryjane out there and our friend Melissa. It was just like old times, sort of. I ended up pushing it a little hard with the drinks and had to take it pretty slow the next day. A year of sobriety really throws off one's tolerance. Oh well, we live and we learn. I can't wait until the weekend of Kenny and Beth's wedding. Only 2 weeks away!!


Harper playing with all the girls at the party. I don't know who had more fun.


Mom and Harper resting up Sunday after all the partying.

Letting go

It's always so hard to say good-by. No matter how many times you have to do it over the course of your life, the task itself, never comes any easier. We had to say so long to a great friend yesterday. Bailey Andersen, Emilee's beautiful golden retriever, left us peacefully in the arms of his family. He was 12 years old and had lived every one of those years to the fullest. He had the energy of a puppy and all the love in the world. He will definitely be missed, but never ever forgotten. Lots of love to you Bailey. The Browns are better to have known you.

5 Month Update

Ok, so Harper is 5 months old now!!! I can't believe it. I realize I haven't been very good at keeping you all updated with Harper's life this past month. So here we go.
To start with, Harper had her 4 month appointment 3 weeks ago. She is doing really well and is right on track for her age. She was 14 Lbs 12.5 oz (65th %), and 25 in long (70th %). At this point she is 15 Lbs 2 oz (we have an infant scale at home). I did, at least, find the time to blog about her cutting her first 2 teeth, that was big. They have come completely in by now but they are still her only 2.
Harper had her first overnight at Nana and Grandpa Gates'. Adam and I went to Albemarle for Kenny and Beth's wedding shower a couple weeks ago. We decided not to bring the baby just to keep it easier on us and her. Everything went well and we all survived. Harper also rolled over for the first time! This was a long time coming. Adam and I have been waiting with baited breath for her to finally decide it was worth all the energy it took. She did it, of course, when neither Adam or I were there. We were out on the boat for the day, and when my dad went in to get her after her nap, she was on her stomach. Oh well, it still counts, even if we didn't see it.
Just to keep it interesting for all of our readers, I'm including some pictures of the kids playing together. Harper absolutely LOVES Ella. Anytime she's around, Harper has a big smile on her face. She watches Ella whenever she's in the room, and if we say "where's Ella?" she'll look for her. Ella has the same affinity toward Harper. Anytime we put her down on the floor, Ella will come lay next to her. They get along so well, and times are good for now, but just wait 'till they're both teenagers. Ha Ha