Another year, another baby, still no Adam

Well, you could go back to my post from last year and it would explain everything. My year after year excursions to the beach, husbandless. First there was work, then there was school, this year it was the dreaded DAT that kept my other half from our annual mini family vacation. In case you are unfamiliar, the DAT is the dental admissions test. Obviously, it's a huge part of the application process, and has Adam studying 8 hours a day, everyday. Unfortunately, even the beach could not interrupt this madness.

Alright, now that my rant is over, lets move on to pictures.

Juris and Harper checking out the view from the upper deck.

The pool last year was such a hit with all the kids, we were excited to see the house this year also sported a blue lagoon.

Harper was, as always, quite the little fish. She has become very independent in the water thanks to her new little life jacket. Getting in, out and all about all by herself.

Kids: Harper, Cameron, Forest, Juris, Jada (the new recruit this year), & Westly.

Harper, Forest, and Juris observing the starfish they found on the beach.

Harper showing off her tan lines from the day.

To the Butte and Beyond

This post is a long time coming. I have gotten really bad about keeping up with my posts. I'm not a writer. I was always the student that would write 503 words for the report that had to be at least 500. I love posting all the pictures and I love TELLING the story, but I HATE writing!! Maybe I should just become a video blogger? That way I can just sit here and tell you all about it without having to touch the keyboard. Ugg, but then I would need to do my hair, and make up just to sit in my living room. Forget that!!

All 3 1/2 of us headed out to Colorado back in August for a much need "escape from reality". What better place than the insanely beautiful Crested Butte. Now, it does require 3/4 of a day and planes, trains and automobiles to get there, but well, well worth it. Not to mention, staying with Adam's dad and stepmom is always like being at a 5 star resort equipped with fun excursions.

One of the main reasons we went out there that particular week was for Adam to participate in the Crested Butte Open golf tournament. He hasn't played in this for years so it was really awesome for him to be back playing with his dad. During this week/end the entire town participates in the fun. They have art festivals, crafts, and an auction you really need to be a part of to fully understand.

The week was beyond fun, and despite a couple of swollen ankles from the altitude, we would have stayed forever.

Here she is, the adorable little town of Crested Butte. It's just about the cutest little place you've ever seen. And doesn't the down town look like the set of a movie from the old west?

The down town, though quaint, has everything you could ever desire as far as food. We ate everywhere from a little hole in the wall mexican joint (awesome by the way) to an upscale sushi bar which has become a staple for our trips out. They also have a toy store, a baby boutique, and plenty of trendy shopping for the ladies. Oh, and ice cream!!

After the tournament we all got dolled up and headed out to the "barn" for the big auction. This barn is personally owned and always offered up for the charity event. It's by far the most spectacular barn I have ever seen and held literally millions of dollars in horses. Little did I know the millions of dollars it also held in people. There were items available as part of a silent auction you bid on at the beginning, and then the dinner, before the real auction began. They were auctioning off trips, dinners, and jewelry all going for upwards of $10,000. I didn't think my mouth could drop anymore, until they got to the end, where people just gave with no prize to be had. $50,000 was thrown out there as the first bid, followed by my "are you freaking kidding me" laugh. Two seconds later 5 peoples hands went up!! That was the fastest $250,000 I've ever been a part of. The fact is, it was all donated for an awesome cause (The Adaptive Sports Center) and goes to show the selflessness and unity of this special place.

Adam's Uncle Mark was also out there for the event. He's tremendously fun guy and Adam and I were so happy to get to spend some time with him that wasn't at a wedding reception.

Even the centerpieces were cute!

The rest of our trip was spent, visiting the horses, picnicing, and enjoying the beautiful 75 degree days.

Not every holiday is for family, some are just all about good friends

We had a fabulous time this 4th of July at the beach with our friends, the Barone's and the Toni's. Jim and MJ have been extremely generous with the beach house this year and invited us back for another round on the water.
Well, I will have to say that the second time was a charm for Harper. After a slightly timid start, she came around with a vengeance. We couldn't get her out of the water for the better part of 2 days, and had to take turns watching her because she refused to take a break and just hang out on the sand. Harper and dad had a grand old time looking in the tide pools for shells. Mostly just little what knots until Harper found the diamond in the rough...an entire sand dollar!! A big one at that!
We made the traditional trip to the aquarium, and took the ferry over to Southport. We were very excited to find ourselves just in time for the Independence Day Parade. We had planned to eat lunch at a quaint little restaurant on the water, but wound up discovering, after a nice little walk in the 95 degree heat, that it was closed. We had a nice little picnic on the sidewalk back in town and enjoyed some good ol' street vendor food. Despite our shabby appearance after our sweaty walk, Harper and I were asked to be filmed for a show. Don't ask me what show, I was too distracted to even ask, but nonetheless, Harper's magnetic personality and sweet little patriotic outfit drew them in and...BAM...we're famous!


It was an awesome 4 days of relaxing and laughing.

We weren't exactly roughing it were we?

Where exactly did Picaso start? I mean, these are pretty damn impressive to me.

I promise on the air we breath that I didn't help, coach, or influence her in ANY way. We do a lot of patio chalk drawings around here. These were a couple of the documented masterpieces created and named by our little shining star this summer.

Flowers

Mickey Mouse

No particular reason, just randoms that slipped under my radar

Found a few pictures that were cute but really didn't have a place in any of my previous posts. I didn't want to let these babies go unappreciated so I'll just fit them in right here.

Plastic pool, driveway, hose...duh, cowboy hat!

We make our own rainbows 'round these parts.

Making (and reporting) the Difference

I'm sorry if this is a little TMI. I'm under the assumption that most of my readers are of the female nature.

HARPER

1) Random nausea during first trimester

2) First trimester heartbeat = 174 bpm

3) Cravings were all about sweets/chocolate

4) Weight gain mostly in hips/thighs

5) Second trimester I had high energy

6) Carried like a basketball all in front

7) Could barely keep up with shaving legs

8) Linea negra line was present but not dark

9) Second trimester heartbeat = 150 bmp

10) Baby measured right on track from start to finish


NEW BABY

1) Random nausea during first trimester

2) First trimester heartbeat = 175 bpm

3) Cravings mostly salty but still won't pass up an oreo if within reach

4) Weight gain mostly in hips/thighs

5) Second trimester low energy

6) Carrying like a basketball all in front

7) Very slow growing hair, shave every other day (or even 2 sometimes) very nice!

8) No Linea negra line this time at all

9) Second trimester heartbeat = 127 bpm

10) Baby measuring ahead of schedule


Here is an ultra sound picture of the new babe at 18 weeks (almost 7 weeks ago)!

Please, help keep us occupied while we wallow in self pity with the fact that we didn't find out the sex of our baby!!

I came across this really cute website to help us find entertainment during this long agonizing wait to meet our little bundle. Would love to have everyone throw us a bone and fill it out. I am even willing to raise the stakes (especially for the out of towners) and offer up a Painted Peacock goodie. Everyone can still feel free to accept the babysitting offer if they'd rather, that is still on the table. Thanks in advance. Can't wait to see everyone's guesses!!


Click the link below or the "BebePool" button on the top right of the page.

http://bebepool.com/sarahbrown12

"Seriously, the nails were just a mess!"

I wasn't too sure how she was going to do, but after seeing "Auntie" getting her's done, Harper stepped up to the challenge. The "challenge" of sitting there and being pampered that is. But, considering it was a stranger that didn't speak in a recognizable language, I wasn't sure how it would all go. Harper was a champ. She actually sat there through 2 coats plus a base and top coat. She even kept her fingers spread so they wouldn't smudge. I was unable to get a clear shot (shocker), but the end result was a dazzling Carolina blue, to which she receive several compliments the rest of the day.

We slacked on Easter pictures so here are a couple more to make your day:)

Just need to post a few cute pictures from the last month or so. Harper looked adorable on Easter, but unfortunately, we mostly stuck to video memories that day and therefore we are lacking some precious still shots. We have had a few other special days we got to dress up so I'll include those also to fill up the void.

A couple pics of the egg coloring extravaganza! Fun fun fun, and, surprisingly very little mess.

Even though this isn't a great shot (and I hate we don't have one with out that little sweater) she was such a baby doll. Her little tulle dress and silver shoes were priceless.