6 month check up {Elliet}

Elliet had her 6-month check up last week and she is thriving and growing right on track.

Poor thing had to get 3 vaccinations along with her first half of her flu shot.  (Babies get them in 2 one-half doses)  The nurse told me that I could 'check-out' her second dose next month and just give it to Elliet at home to avoid bringing her in.....YEAH RIGHT!  I'll let someone else be the mean one....I am every day at work :)

Because Elliet is a healthy little big girl, there is nothing exciting to report.

Height: 28 inches

Weight: 19 pounds, 11 ounces

(In case you're wondering Harper was 27 inches and 17 lbs, 13 oz at her 6-month check up.)

Elliet {6 months}

Elliet has already made it half-way through her first precious year of life!  Hard to believe!  Her first birthday will be here before we know it!  (We're having a bumble bee theme!)

Diaper Size: 3

Clothing Size: 6-9 months/12 month

Teeth: none yet - but there is LOTS of drooling and chewing on EVERYTHING....plus she has started having multiple dirty diapers throughout the day, and has her first diaper rash....which is probably because she has started eating REAL food now!

Mobility: rolls from tummy to back....and somehow manages to scootch across the blanket!

Speech: LOTS of squealing/cooing and some laughs....she has recently starting say la-la-la-la and also the ba and da sounds.

Eating: eats 4 oz of formula every 2-3 hours....eats baby food for supper.  So far Elliet has tried carrots, yams, and bananas.

Sleeping: Elliet has finally figured out how to take naps :)  She takes a 2-hr nap in the morning, a 2-hr nap in the afternoon, and a 1-hr nap after supper.  Bedtime is around 9:00.  She still wakes up for a bottle in the morning hours (most nights) and then goes back to bed until 8:00/9:00.

Favorite Toy: soft blocks

Favorite Activity: playing in the jumperoo and watching Harper

Health/Development/Milestones

• can sit up unsupported for a few minutes
• learning how to drink out of a sippy cup - you love it!  So far you've tried water and apple juice
• celebrated your first Thanksgiving - and watched Papa makes noodles
• went to the Christmas Tree farm
• got your first diaper rash
• got a rash of some sort all over your tummy and back - we treated it with eczema cream, added a humidifier to your room, and cover you up with a lighter blanket at night.  This seemed to do the trick
• still no pacifier
• ALL of your naps are taken in your crib - and we lay you down awake!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Baby Girl!!!!

See what Harper was up to at 6 months....Click HERE

Noodles

Another favorite holiday tradition in my family is making homemade noodles for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  My dad preps, rolls, and cuts the dough the first thing in the morning.  Then the kids break the long strips of noodles into smaller sizes.  This is something I did as kid and loved it.  Now Harper is joining in on the fun.  Such a special tradition!

tearing the noodles into smaller pieces

my Dad rolling out the dough

Elliet tried a noodle :)

Give me those!

Tree Farm 2013

Our favorite holiday tradition: cutting down a real Christmas tree at Aldrich Tree Farm.

This makes for our 3rd year in a row.

Elliet got to join us this year. (She was actually with last year, all warm in my tummy, just a few months gestation)

Happy Holidays!

The girls in front of "the" tree

cruising around the tree farm in daddy's lap (note: we were going 5 mph)

the "must have" picture

Newsletter

A few years ago the Clarion-Goldfield School District stopped mailing out the monthly newsletter and went electronic.  I am horrible at remembering to check the website each month to read about the school happenings.

As I was catching up on Novembers newsletter I saw Harper's picture 3 times! 

See if you can find her....click on the link below.

http://clargold.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/2415784/File/newsletters/1113.pdf?sessionid=df2ad5c26b7d5a2e56672a8e34739e1a

Dance Sneak Peak

 A few weeks ago it was 'Parents Night' at dance class.  We had the opportunity to watch the dancers during one practice session.  Now we won't get to see them until the big recital in MAY.  I can't wait to see the progress.

We were pleased with Harper, being this is her very first year of dance.  (Some of the girls in her class are on their 2nd year)  Harper was well-behaved and looked like she knew what she was doing.  She has fun and that's all the matters.

Enjoy the videos.


Video 1:  The girls are stretching and counting in French (Harper is on the far left)

Video 2: Practicing at the barre - Harper is just right of the her teacher (PS - Harper is asking Santa for a ballerina bar)

Video 3: Practicing tap

Hope these made you smile today!

Baby Food!

Now that Elliet is a "supported sitter" we have decided to start her on baby food.  She loves to eat - does that surprise you?!  So far she's only tried carrots.  I am making my own baby food again this time around.  It is so much cheaper and healthier.  

Not sure what to think of the first bite.....

No Dad - I don't want any!

Elliet is a very good eater so far - she patiently waits with her mouth wide open for the next bite.  It's adorable!

Next on my list to make is sweet potatoes and squash!

Chicken Ranch Tacos

Here's another favorite crock pot recipe that is easy and VERY good ~

Chicken Ranch Tacos

Ingredients:
2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on size)
1 package taco seasoning
1 package ranch mix
1 can chicken broth

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours.  Shred chicken and place back in crock pot to soak up liquid.  Serve on flour tortillas and garnish with your favorite toppings.

*We ALL love these - they are not 'spicy' for kids.  Great flavor!

Celebrating Brett

My youngest brother Brett is a pretty cool dude.  He has a style all of his own.  I feel like we have traveled back home a lot lately, but for good reason.

Reason #1: Brett got confirmed the last Sunday of October.  Congrats Brett - keep the faith.

Brett and Ellie - aren't THEY cute?!

Reason #2: Brett performed in his first high school play, The Wizard of Oz

Brett (and everyone else) did awesome!  Brett had many roles in the play.

Harper and 'the real Dorothy' - Harper thinks she is the real deal!  It's cute to hear her STILL talk about her!  Of course she had to wear her own Dorothy Halloween costume.

Harper and Brett, or should I say  Uncle Henry

Trick-or-Treating 2013

Now that Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away, I should probably catch up on my October blogs!  Let's start with trick-or-treating.......

Harper, Elliet and I went trick-or-treating with our neighbors and were out for 1 hour and 45 minutes!  That was a lot of walking for the kids....and adults!  By the end of the nights the kids were passing by houses that were still handing out candy....that goes to show you how tired they were!

Harper wanted to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (one of her favorite movies)

Elliet was a bumble bee

Trick-or-Treat!

Elliet {5 months}

Another month has passed!

Diaper Size: 3

Clothing Size: 6-9 months

Teeth: none yet - but there is LOTS of drooling and chewing on EVERYTHING

Mobility: rolls from back to tummy every once in a while....she is never in the same position that we lie her down in

Speech: LOTS of squealing/cooing and a few laughs here and there

Eating: eats 4 oz of formula every 2-3 hours and eats a few tablespoons of rice cereal around supper time

Sleeping: bedtime = 8-9PM, Wake Up = 7-8 AM (sometimes wakes up for a bottle..grr)

Favorite Toy: purple elephant, crinkly book

Favorite Activity: playing in the jumperoo and watching Harper

Health/Development/Milestones

• rolling over from tummy to back
• eating 'solid' food (rice cereal)
• sitting in high chair
• laughing
• can pass toys from hand to hand
• went trick-or-treating for the 1st time

More blogs coming.....I promise!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from the 2 cutest little pumpkins that I know!

Harper and Elliet with their personalized pumpkins from Papa's pumpkin patch!

4 Month Stats {Elliet}

Elliet continues to be a chunker.....

Height: 26 inches = 95th percentile

Weight: 17 lbs 6 oz = 97th percentile

Head Circumference: 92nd percentile

She checked out great at her appointment today - healthy and happy.  We got the green light to start solids - rice cereal first, followed by baby food!

She'll be eating mashed potatoes this year at Thanksgiving.......which is only a month away!!!!!!!!

(Side note: At 4 months, Harper was 25 1/4" and 15 lbs 12 oz - 90th percentile for both)

Crock Pot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes

Just sharing a new crock pot recipe that I tried and thought was easy and tasty....perfect for these cool, fall days.

Ingredients
2.5 lbs of ground beef or ground turkey
2 eggs
3/4 C bread crumbs
1 envelope onion soup mix
salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste
1/2 onion - grated

1. Mix meatloaf ingredients and shape into loaf.  Place in bottom of crock pot.  (I sprayed mine with cooking spray first)
2. Wash 4-6 potatoes and pierce with fork. Wrap in foil and place along sides of crock pot.

Cook on low for 8 hours.

Harper Goes To The Dentist

Last month Harper had her very first dentist appointment and she did GREAT!

She was cooperative the whole visit and didn't make a peep.

She went with Adam to his check-up last year to see how things worked.  She was too scared to even sit in the chair last year.  I can't believe how much Harper has grown-up in the past year.  She is so much more outgoing and brave.

Harper's favorite part of the visit was picking out a princess toothbrush and a few other goodies at the end of the appointment.

Calm, Cool, and Collected before the visit

We are so proud of Harper's courageousness when it comes to the doctor and now, dentist.  We can only hope that Elliet is strong and brave like her big sister!

Elliet {4 months}

Height/Weight: We will find out next week at you check-up.  You had to go to the doctor last week and weighed 17 lbs 4 oz clothed and diapered!  (You were diagnosed with Croup - poor little girl)

Clothing: 3-6 months/6-9 months

Diapers: size 2

Eating: You eat 4 oz of formula every 2-3 hours during the day.  We tried to spoon feed you rice cereal tonight but you had no interest.  Harper 'fed' you 90% of it - you may have gagged a few times because she had the spoon half way down your throat!  She loves to help take care of you and thinks she's the boss!

Sleeping: You have been going to bed between 9 and 10 and waking up once for a bottle, then back to bed for a few more hours.  You still nap quite a bit throughout the day, but the naps are getting shorter, and wake periods are getting longer.  You nap in your bouncy seat, swing, crib, or with us in the chair.  

Personality: You are usually an easy-going baby.  You only get worked up if you're hungry or tired.  You love to smile at everyone and have even given a few giggles.  You are getting more vocal each and every day.  You are obsessed with watching your sister do EVERYTHING!

Nicknames: Ellie Belly, Little E, Ellie Cat, Ells, Ells Bells

Development/Milestones/Health:

     + grasp toys/pick them up and they go straight to your mouth
     + first spoon-feeding in the books
     + went swimming for the first time last weekend
     + first illness is now in the books - you had Croup last week and were put on an antibiotic and steroid
     + you have a dry scalp just like your older sister
    
* Elliet has her 4-month well-child check next week, along with more immunizations.  I'll post her height/weight/updates next week!

Elliet {3 months}

Elliet turned 3 months 2 weeks ago!  She's well on her way to month # 4 already!  Here is what she's up to these days.

Height/Weight: We will find out next month at you check-up.  You are definitely growing though!  Adam brought the girls in to visit me at work last weekend and all of the patients said something along the lines of "She sure eats good!"

Clothing: 3-6 months

Diapers: size 2

Eating: You eat 4 oz of formula every 2-3 hours during the day.  I swear you spit up half of it though.  The doctor isn't worried.  You're just a 'happy spitter.'

Sleeping: You have your good and 'bad' nights.  (Bad meaning that yo wake up twice)  Normally you had been going to be between 10 and 11 and waking up around 6 for a bottle, then back to bed for a few more hours.  But lately you've been waking up around 2 or 3 for a bottle, and then again at 5 or 6.  It must be a growth spurt.  You still nap quite a bit throughout the day, but the naps are getting shorter, and wake periods are getting longer.  You like to sleep in your swing or with daddy.  We've also been laying you down in your crib for naps, which you don't mind.

Personality: You are usually an easy-going baby.  You only get worked up if you're hungry or tired.  You love to smile at us and have even given a few giggles.  You have also started to 'talk' to us.  You adore your big sister.

Development/Milestones/Health:
     + I think you may have allergies or a clogged tear duct in your left eye.  It randomly gets red, watery and mattery.  But only the left eye.  It'll be irritated one day, and then not again for a few more days.  O'well - mommy isn't too worked up about it.  We'll just ask the doctor about it next month at your check-up.
     + You continue to spit up.... a lot.  It doesn't seem to bother you though.  I know spitting up is normal, but I just don't remember your big sister spitting up this month.  I'm beginning to wonder if you have a milk sensitivity.  But then again, you are gaining weight and show no others signs of an allergy.
     + You now 'talk' to us - cooing and screeching!
     + You LOVE to watch your big sister!  You could watch her play all day.
     + You are not a fan of tummy time
     + You have found your hands and eat them ALL.THE.TIME.
     + still no pacifier!

Related Blog: Harper 3 months

Harper - Age 4

Sorry for the delay....life is busy with 2 kids, a husband that works the night shift, and myself working 12 hours shifts.

Here is Harper's 4-year-old developmental update:

Weight: 50 lbs!!!  (99th percentile)

Height: 43" (96th percentile)

Clothing Size: 6x (small)

Shoes Size: 10-11

Eating: Harper still sticks to her favorites: apples, cottage cheese, yogurt, toast, chicken nuggets,  ice cream, chocolate milk and juice!  More recent favorites include: grilled hamburgers, carrots with ranch, lunchables, and Kit-Kats.  She is very good at trying new things.  She weighs 50 pounds - obviously we don't have any issues in the eating department!  We do talk a lot about healthy and unhealthy food choices.  She usually asks "Does this have a lot of sugar?".  She honestly tries to make healthy choices and almost always requests water now instead of juice!   

Sleep: Now that Harper has school almost every morning, bedtime is much earlier.  We aim for 8:00.  We always read 3 books before bed, and now Ellie gets to join in on the fun.  Bedtime is usually a piece of cake, but sometimes Harper does lay in our bed until we go to bed.  Harper doesn't have a strict nap schedule.  She sometimes will nap, especially if she had to be at daycare at 6:30 AM.

Favorite Toy: Babies/stuffed animals

Favorite Activity: Playing with babies/stuffed animals, playing cards/board games, playing ball outside, or writing in her dry erase activity books

Personality: Harper has changed so much in the past year.  She is now much more outgoing and less shy around others.  Once you know Harper, you find out that she is a very smart, funny, polite, and sweet little girl.  Others don't see her stubborn side as much as we do, but she does get sassy every once in a while.  Nothing a little 'soap in the mouth' can't handle.  Yes, we're 'mean' parents and still spank too.

Big Sister: Harper is an AWESOME big sister.  I honestly have no complaints.  Harper has adjusted very well.  I'm sure things will change once Elliet is mobile and is getting into her stuff :)  Harper loves to help us take care of Ellie.  She helps feed her, change diapers, clean up spit-up, washes bottles, reads Elliet books, and gives her tons and tons of hugs and kisses!

Developmental:
     + can spell/write entire name (first, middle, last)
     + beginning to sound words out - working on spelling and reading
     + rides big girl bike with training wheels (and helmet!)
     + operates TV system completely by herself (including DVR)
     + goes to preschool 4 mornings/week
     + enrolled in dance (tap and ballet)
     + knows left from right
     + takes showers by herself and washes her own hair
     + loves playing with the neighbor kids

* I have to brag Harper up a bit  - She had to get 4 immunizations at her appointment last week and didn't cry, didn't even flinch!  

** Dr. Nagel thinks Harper is ready for KINDERGARTEN next year!  Yikes! (Although we think she is ready too.)  I guess we'll wait and see what the preschool teachers think!

Birthday Quiz {Harper Age 4}

Harper turned FOUR on Wednesday!  Here is a little quiz that I asked her on her 4th birthday:

What do you like to do with mommy? "I like to be your best friend."
What do you like to do with daddy? "I like daddy to tickle me."

What is your favorite color: purple and pink

Who is your Best Friend: Adelynn

Favorite Animal: zebra

What do you want to be when you grow up: a princess

Favorite Movie: Cinderella

Favorite Book: Bambi

What makes you happy: going to the park

What Makes you sad: not going to the park

Favorite Food: cucumbers with ranch (news to me!)

Favorite Song: Happy and You Know It (also a favorite last year)
Favorite Game: Yahtzee
Birthday Wish: "I wish I was 6!"

* We are have Harper's birthday party tomorrow - so check back soon to see pictures

**I will post another stat/development blog after she has her well-child check at the end of the month. (Should be interesting - immunizations are in her future!)

Dancing Queen

We have a little diva on our hands now....Harper has started dance classes!

She has practice once a week for 30 minutes.  It doesn't sound like much time, but that's about all a preschooler can handle!  (and the teacher!)  She is learning ballet and tap this year.

I was never a dancer, but I love that Harper is giving it a try.  She really enjoyed her first night and can't wait to go back!  If one day she decides that she doesn't like it, then I'll support her decision.  I never want to make her participate in something that she doesn't want to do.  (Adam is secretly hoping that she doesn't want to dance or cheer because he wants a 'real' athlete) ;)

Although dance gets a bad wrap for not being a real sport, it truly does teach the kids discipline and respect.

Preschoolers

warming up

Parents are not allowed to stay and watch their children....I suppose it's distracting to the dancers.  I will get to see Harper in action in November for Parents Night.  I'm looking forward to that and already requested that day off from work.  You can count on a blog post with lots of pictures and an update :)

Have a great 1st year of dance, Harper Marie!  

4-Year-Old Preschool

Harper is already 1 week into her 2nd year of preschool and she LOVES it.  In fact, she said she loves it "100 times!"

She goes to school for 3 hours every morning except for Wednesdays.  I know it sounds crazy, but she has already learned so much and matured.  It's weird.  Like last Friday she said, "Did you know it's Labor Day Weekend?"  And today she said "Did you know it's 2013?"  Her teachers are absolutely wonderful!

1st Day of 4-year-old preschool

2012 vs 2013

Now that Harper is more comfortable with going to school, she barely even lets us walk her to school.  (We live directly across the street.)  We walk her across the road and that's about as far as she'll let us go.  She tells us to stop and she just marches in, all by herself!  Miss Independent!

Here's to a great year, Harper!!!!

Summer Catch-Up

It's sad to see summer come to an end.  Harper starts school on Monday.  I go back to work on Tuesday.  Where did the time go?  Here are a few pictures of our summer.

Harper played "Blast Ball" this year.  It is a shorted version of t-ball for 3 and 4 year olds.  Every child gets to bat and then run to first base, which honks when you jump on it.  Harper loved every minute of it!  She even wants her own tee so she can practice for next summer.

We had lots of visitors throughout the summer, especially with the birth of Elliet.  Some of our favorite visitors were from Ashley, Jack and Lia!

Harper attended her very first birthday party for our neighbor boy, who turned 3.  Harper and Kohen get along great!  He had his party at the skating rink here in town.  Harper was excited to finally use her princess roller blades somewhere other than our basement.

A new restaurant opened up here in Clarion that serves awesome pizza cooked over coals.  On Sundays kids get to make their own mini-pizza for FREE, so we took advantage of that one Sunday.  So yummy.  If you're ever in Clarion, stop in and eat at Fuel. 

No summer is complete without a trip to the Iowa State fair.  Last week we went to the Toby Keith concert held at the Iowa State Fair.  We all had a great time.  I think it's fair to say that our group may have been the drunkest people there. :)

Last weekend we went to Northwood because Adam was in a golf tournament.  Adam's team took 1st place and Adam won 'longest drive.'  While the guys were golfing, the girls headed to a BBQ bash that had a lot of kids activities.  Harper played games, watched a magic show, and even participated in the pedal pull.  She didn't win, but pulled 22.5 feet.

Harper and Adam have spent many, many days at the swimming pool this summer.  Harper now jumps into the water ( 5 foot) with her floaties on all by herself, puts her head underwater and holds her breath, and can do the American crawl (with floaties).  She also hooks her legs on the side of the pool and just floats.  And she has learned to use the wall to 'kick off'.  Hopefully she will be doing all of these things WITHOUT water wings next year!

In July we hosted our first annual neighborhood block party.  We grilled out, made s'mores over the fire pit, and enjoyed some adult beverages while all of the kids ran wild.  This will definitely be an annual event to add to our summer to-do list.  We love our neighborhood - it's fully of kiddos that Harper loves to play with!

Also in July, Adam and a few guys took a short trip to Las Vegas.  He had a lot of fun but told me he was ready to come home to his girls........awwwww

But most of our days are spent just hanging out, playing games, watching out favorite TV shows, and giving each other lots of love!

Our summer isn't complete with a trip to the Blank Park Zoo, which is where we're headed to on Sunday.  We are attended our first (and only) wedding this Saturday and will take off early Sunday morning to beat the heat.  While in the Des Moines area, we are on a mission to find Harper some tan tap shoes for dance this fall.  I also want to stop at Valley West Uniforms and get a few new pairs of scrubs for going back to work next week :(

Good-bye summer....2013 is a summer that we'll never forget!

Elliet {2 months}

Weight: 13 # 4 oz (95th percentile)

Height: 24" (95th percentile)

Clothing: 0-3 months, some outfits are getting a wee-bit snug though :)

Diapers: Size 1

Eating: 4 oz of formula every 2 hours, and you still act hungry!  I'd feed you more, but you spit up quite a bit, there's no more room in your tummy!

Sleeping: You sleep through the night now!!!!  Bedtime is around 11 pm and you will sleep 6-8 hrs straight!  We'll feed you a bottle and then you go back to sleep for a few more hours - the sleep is wonderful!  You still nap quite a bit during the day.  You're usually up for an hour and then sleep for an hour.

Personality: You are generally a happy baby, unless you're tired - and then "watch out world!"  You learned how to smile at 6 weeks and it just melts our hearts.  You like to smile at whoever talks to you.  But when you're tired, you are a fussy, fussy grizzly bear!  You don't like to do anything except for walk around until you fall asleep.  

Growth/Development/Health:

+ love to smile at your animal friends on your mobile in the crib
+ can track objects/people
+ starting to coo
+ have found your tongue recently and love to stick it out
+ enjoy laying under your play mats
+ received 3 shots at your 2 month check-up and did great - no fever or fussiness 
+ love to watch your big sissy (Harper calls herself 'big sissy' and calls Elliet 'little sissy')

Click HERE for Harper's 2 month blog

Harper's Birthday Wish List {Age 4}

Harper turns FOUR in one month from today!  We are having a pink and purple princess theme this year, accompanied by a variety of sweet treats (Harper's idea).   Here is what the little princess has on her wish list this year:

•  sleeping bag (already purchased)
•  Hi Ho Cherry Oh
•  Barnyard Uno
•  t-ball set
• preschool activity books
• pink polka dot plug-in scentsy
• Pop the Pig
• books
• Peppa Pig toys
• Gator Golf (already purchased)
• clothes (size 6/6x)
• Ariel bath toys
• Swimming Ariel doll
• princess pajamas
• Disney movies

We are getting her:

• Disney Princess Dominoes
• Disney Princess Dress-up Trunk
• Birthday Princess Book

Who knew we'd have such a girlie girl on our hands??!!

Click HERE for Harper's birthday list from last year.

Elliet's First Smiles

Elliet reached her first 'major' milestone...SMILING :) 

I learned how to smile at 6 weeks, just like my big sister!

Hi Mom!

Oh Mommy - you're so funny!

Ok - that's enough now Mom!

It sure is tough trying to catch this little smile!  And if I do catch it, Elliet usually blinks from the flash!

Harper's selfie :)

My beautiful, beautiful girls :)

And here is a quick video of the precious smile!  (Don't mind Harper getting dressed in the background)

Both of these smiles melt my heart!

Mall of America Videos

Here are a few videos of Harper on the rides at the Mall of America.....she had no fear and can't wait to go back!

Elliet {1 month}

Elliet turned 1 month on Wednesday.  How is that even possible?  Didn't we just bring her home last week?!?!

Weight: 11.2 # (On our scale, clothed and diapered)

Clothing: Elliet can still fit into most of her 'newborn size' clothes, so we are trying to get the most use out of those right now.  She does wear some 0-3 month clothes, which are still a tad to big on her.

Diapers: Again, newborn diapers fit Elliet the best.  However we ran out of the newborn size last week, so she is now wearing size 1 diapers. (maybe a little too big, but they work) 

Eating: I made the decision to quit breastfeeding last week, so Elliet now drinks the Nestle Good Start - Gentle formula.  She eats 2-4 oz about every 3 hours.  We are not on a schedule yet.  We let Elliet tell us when she's hungry and how much she wants to eat.  Last week she was definitely going through a growth spurt and would eat 4 oz every 3 hours.  This week she is only interested in 2 oz.  So far the formula is settling well with her tummy.  

Sleeping: Elliet still sleeps quite a bit throughout the day.  Her favorite daytime spot to sleep is on our chests or in her swing.  She usually naps for a few hours, wakes up to eat, and stays awake for about 45 minutes to an hour before repeating the cycle again.  At night she sleeps in her crib, and has since the day we brought her home.  She wakes up every 3 hours or so to eat, and then goes right back to bed.  Elliet finally figured out her nights and days (knock on wood, please!).  She was wanting to stay up after her feedings - week 2 was very tiresome!  We are definitely looking forward to the 4-5 hours stretches of sleep! 

Personality: Oh Ellie - you are already a high-maintenance kind of girl!  (Don't worry, your big sister was at this age too)  When you are awake - you like attention.  You like to be held, walked around, and sat up-right.  You also like to snuggle :)  You are just starting to really look around and check things out.  Who knew a curtain could be so fascinating?!  You are usually content for the first 5 minutes or so if we lay you on your play mat - and then you're bored. 

Growth/Development/Health:

+ blue eyes
+ starting to loose your hair up front
+ have held your head up since week 3
+ already sitting in your bumbo chair for a few minutes
+ tummy time since day 9 (the day your cord fell off)
+ coo/smile in your sleep (cutest thing EVER!)
+ starting to enjoy bath time (except when I wash your hair and when it's time to get out)
+ your cry sounds like a cross between a piglet and a pterodactyl

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

Here is a recipe for our favorite 'salad' right now - it's oh so perfect for summer!  It is so easy to make and tastes amazing.  You HAVE to give it a try.  You can thank me later. :)

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

12 oz whipped topping (thawed)
1 small package of cheesecake pudding (powder)
3 (6 oz) strawberry yogurts
1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
3 bananas, sliced
mini marshmallows (to your liking)

In a large bowl, stir together whipped topping, yogurt and pudding powder.  Let this set up in the fridge for an hour.  Add the bananas*, strawberries, and marshmallows just before serving.  Keep refrigerated.

*The bananas will brown if you add too soon

To make this salad/dessert healthier, I use fat-free/sugar-free cool whip, yogurt, AND pudding mix.  It still tastes amazing and I don't feel as guilty :)

Enjoy!

May Catch Up

Here is yet another post that is LONG overdue!  Here are some pictures from MAY....yes, May!  By the way, how are we already 1/2 way through July already?!?!

May brought us some fun times.  We made a visit to the Shields family, took a mini-vacay to Minneapolis, and Harper finished her first year of preschool!

We made a trip to Norwalk over Memorial weekend to visit the Shields family.  We grilled out and let the kids play.  It was so nice to finally be able to see my long lost best friend and catch up with her and her family life.

Adam reading Lia, Harper and Jack a book - aren't the kiddos all adorable?!

My BFF Ashley - so happy she's living in Iowa again!

It's hard to believe that my 'baby' already has her first year of school in the books!  That year went by extremely fast!  Harper socially grew so much this year - we are so proud of her, along with her teachers.  We attended Harper's end-of-year preschool program and it was the cutest little concert ever!  The kids sang about 10 different songs - and Harper sang and danced to every.single.one!  We were shocked!  I have some cute pictures and videos, but I'm not allowed to post them due to the school's policy. (because other kids are in them)  Harper is already looking forward to 4-year-old preschool and talks about it daily.  My goal for the summer is to teach Harper how to spell her last name and zip her coat.  

Last Day of 3-year-old preschool

At the end of May we took a mini vacation to Minneapolis to spend some quality time with Harper as the only child.  The weekend was all about her!  First, we went to the Mall of America, where we visited Build-A-Bear, The Disney Store, had lunch at McDonalds, and ended the day riding rides at the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park and getting ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.  Harper LOVED the rides - I think she went on almost every ride that she was tall enough for.  She loved the roller coaster and bumper cars - who knew?!  (Last year she bawled on a little kid ride at the county fair!)  

In other May preschool news.....Adam and Ali made a visit to Harper's classroom.  Again, I'm not allowed to post any pictures, but the kids loved Ali.  And Harper was very proud :)

Harper and 'Star' - she picked him out and made him all by herself!

FEARLESS!

Go get 'em Harper!  Love the look on the other girls face! 

After leaving the Mall, we spent the night in Minneapolis, as we went to the Como Zoo the next morning.  We spent most of our time at the pool - surprise, surprise!  We enjoyed a relaxing evening in - and ordered pizza and just enjoyed the quality time with each other.  Harper didn't want to leave the hotel in the morning - she wanted to say for "40 more nights."

On Sunday morning we headed to the Como Zoo.  The zoo is free admission and very kid friendly.  The best part is that they have a small amusement park attached to the zoo.  We didn't actually go to the amusement park, but did ride the wooden carousel that is located right outside the park/zoo.  This particular carousel is HUGE, as it was the first carousel to be at the Minnesota State Fair.

I'm going to try to upload some videos of Harper riding some rides.  Stay tuned..........