We now have a three-year-old and a three-week-old in our house. I guess it's the start of the new school year, with parents sending their kids off to kindergarten, but I have been yearning to soak up moments with my two like never before lately.
And yet, I also find myself thinking, "If we can just make it to this point or that point down the road, it will get much easier..." Because, let's be honest, having a newborn is tiring and selfless. It is a challenge to know how in the world to take care of both Harper and Owen when they both need me at the same time. Tough on a perfectionist, to be sure! But I'm sure, day by day, we'll figure things out a little bit more. And in the mean time, they are both fed and alive at the end of the day with family that loves them to pieces. :)
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| It was wonderful having my brother Ricky here from Korea for Owen's birth. He is a great uncle, and he was very helpful playing with Harper for hours on end. |
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| Uncle Brian and cousin Holton came over one day for a visit. Owen can't wait to be able to play with his cousin! |
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| Brent caught this tired mommy sound asleep. :) |
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| Harper checking on Owen before heading off to church with Daddy |
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She loves him, and it warms my heart so much! I pray that she will continue to harbor those sweet feelings.
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| Just spending time together (well, Owen is oblivious), giving some kisses |
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| We gave Owen his first bottle of milk the other night, and he downed it like a champ! Baby sitting will hopefully be a reality in our future! :) |
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| First bath in the bathtub...he likes bath time! |
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| This is one of those moments I want to freeze. |
And now onto our three-year-old! Harper and Owen's birth dates are less than two weeks apart. I knew I wanted to celebrate Harper's 3rd birthday with a small party, and in order for this to happen, the majority of the planning had to be done before Owen was born. The theme was a teddy bear picnic party. I wanted a picture of Harper with a teddy bear, and these were our attempts...
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This one makes me laugh! Her expression at the end says it all!
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For Harper's actual birthday on the 20th, we went to Build-A-Bear. This was Uncle Ricky's present to Harper. It was no surprise that she picked out a blue bear, but it was a surprise that she chose to name her Helen. So funny. Harper's excitement about this whole experience was too cute.
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| Giving Helen a bath |
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| Considering some outfit choices... |
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Uncle Ricky and Harper...these two get so silly together!
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For Harper's party, we invited family and a few friends. Since we had been trying to have everything prepared before Owen was born, Harper had been anticipating her party for weeks. She knew all the details, including that she would have chocolate cupcakes (her favorite detail to mention). She was so excited for her party to finally be here!
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| Three little monkeys jumping on the bed |
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| Blowing bubbles outside |
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| Kathy, Jenevieve, Jim, Jarod and Beth |
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| We borrowed a little bounce house from a friend (another detail Harper had been highly anticipating). I would say she was enjoying herself! |
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| Sweet Parker liked the bounce house as well! |
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| We had Babe's, fruit, and chips and dip at the picnic. Yum! |
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| And wonderful Tobin made the delicious chocolate cupcakes with the bear paw prints. |
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| Harper gave the cupcakes two messy thumbs up! |
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| One of Harper's gifts was some fun dress up hats. Brent couldn't say no when the birthday girl wanted him to wear one. :) |
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Granddad and Owen
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| Mimi, T-Pa and Owen--Mimi is definitely the "baby whisperer" and can calm Owen even when he is a challenge to soothe. Did I mention how thankful we have been for family these past few weeks?!! |
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| After the party, we were playing outside some more and Harper said, "I'm going to spell Owen." We just watched her, and this is what she came up with on her own. It's pretty representational--I can sort of see Owen in there! |
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| Our present to Harper was this little Calico Critter cottage, and my mom got her started with some animals and furniture. She loves it, especially all the baby animals and the tiny accessories. |
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| Happy 3rd Birthday, sweet girl. You are a joy, plain and simple. We love you, Harper Belle! |
