Bedtime Stories

The other night, while Harper was reading her nightly book, Ella decided to get in on the action. She, herself, is still a little shaky with some of the words, so it's nice to have someone read to her. They get along so nicely.

Growing into New Toys

As Adam and I know, Harper is growing up so fast. She is learning new things everyday. We have been so focused on her key milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, and eating solids, that we have missed the fact that she is learning and observing so many new things. We went over to our friends Anne and Andy's house for a Labor Day cookout. They have a little girl Kate, who is 10 months. Our friend Bryan also came with their baby Katie, 2 months. The 3 girls had a blast together. Harper, however, made a couple big discoveries that day. She found some of Kate's toys for "big" girls, and was completely captivated.
We ended up leaving Anne and Andy's house that day with their doorway jumper and then went out the next day and bought her one of the toys she really took to. It's hard to believe she is already into learning toys. She will know her alphabet and all her animal sounds in a matter of days, I'm sure of it.

A Tale of 2 Cereals

So, as we begin our story of Harper and her first solid foods, we are set in the kitchen. We start with a little rice cereal.


The first bite took a little convincing to get in, and unfortunately, was not received well.


This dislike turned to fear as soon as the next bite was within eye range.

This next bite was a carbon copy of the first. It was not exactly mouthwatering to little Miss Harper.


After a couple days of only rice cereal, we decided to give oatmeal a try. Even though, at this point, Harper had started to come around; There was nothing but intense panic in her eyes as we drew the first bit of oatmeal.


Hurray for oatmeal!!! What a great new discovery. Mornings will surely be a little happier with such a succulent dish.

Funny Girl

Right now, for Harper, life is all about simple pleasures. Her "jungle bouncer" is the winner for the moment. She loves this thing! She has graduated through a series of board games before finally reaching the floor. She would stay occupied forever if we let her.
It's so funny for us when she's in it. It stands at the end of the sofa, so when she's jumping, all we see is her little face appear and disappear behind the arm of the couch. I really wish we had something like that for us in our living room.

Wedding Bells

So last week we all headed down to Lake Norman for Kenny and Beth's big wedding weekend. We went down Thursday morning and stayed until Sunday afternoon. It was great seeing the whole family again. The last time we saw most of them was our wedding weekend 3 years ago! We had family come in from all up and down the east and west coasts, with a few in between.
Thursday night we met some of Kenny's friends from collage and all went out to dinner. Harper and I headed back after dinner while the rest of the group went out for a night on the town. Friday, we all spent the day with Beth at the nail salon and then lunch on the water. We later met up with everyone for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, which was cruising Lake Norman on the "Lady of the Lake". It was pouring down rain as we were all getting on the boat, the water was really choppy and not so inviting. Lucky for us, as soon as we pulled out, the rain stopped, and the water was like glass. It turned out to be a gorgeous night. Harper had a great time meeting all her relatives for the first time. I think they rather enjoyed meeting her too.
Saturday was a busy day. Adam and I, both being in the wedding, spent the day getting ready and taking pictures with the bride and groom. The weather was not an issue that day. I couldn't have been more perfect. The ceremony was under a covered porch with a cupola that over looked the water. The reception was just inside in the ball room. The colors were turquoise, with accents of yellow and magenta. It was very fresh and fun and fit the venue perfectly .
Everything went beautifully and they are living it up in St. Lucia as we speak. What more could you ask for.

Unfortunately, Adam and I failed miserably at taking good pictures. We were both in the wedding so that was our excuse for that part of it. As for the rest of it, I'll blame it on distractions. We are relying completely on the generosity of others. Hopefully we will have some more/better pictures to share with you soon. Keep checking back.

Harper and Kenny sharing a beer as the weekend gets rolling.

The happy couple out at dinner Thursday night.

Harper asleep in her hide-a -bed at the rehearsal dinner.

Ali and myself wasting time before the ceremony.

...and here we go, the pies de resistance. With the obvious exception of the bride, Harper definitely took the cake for best outfit. It was a collaboration of several different finds that couldn't have worked out more perfect. Look'n' good as always.

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