It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I love this time of year. Getting to spend extra time with family and friends is the best gift ever. Add to that looking at all the beautiful Christmas cards and baking up a storm in the kitchen -- perfection. John and I are thinking of ways to incorporate Jesus into our Christmas traditions (a little crazy that we have to do that -- I mean, think about it) aside from Christmas Eve service. I love that Jason, Betsy, Hadley and Hayden bake a birthday cake for Jesus. I also want to create my own advent calendar with 25 Bible verses along with the sweet treat. It is so easy to get caught up in Santa and Rudolph and getting that doorbuster, but I want Harper to know that is not why we celebrate Christmas. That being said, Harper is completely unaware of Christmas this year. She is not even 9 months old. I mean, she plays with wrapping paper as I wrap gifts, she hangs out in the kitchen while I bake until there is no counter space left, and she loves playing with our tree. She has multiple Christmas dresses and had her picture taken with Santa. All of this is for us. She is just along for the ride. I am looking forward to the day when she can take part in all of our traditions and be excited about it.

Harper didn't cry. She was very interested in Santa.

She is also very interested in Christmas trees and ornaments.

A happy baby while Mama bakes!

How much longer?

A Trip to Athens

John had a business trip last week in Pasco, Washington. Harper and I decided to drive to Athens and spend the night at the Gober's house. Carson is 2 years old -- he will be 3 in May. Lauren and I have been friends since Kindergarten. Girls scouts. Camp High Harbor. Panama City. Breckenridge. Lake Burton. So many of my childhood memories involve Lauren. She was one of my bridesmaids. Lauren (and her family) are so special to me.

The months leading up to Harper being born and the months following her birth, I called Lauren all the time. Is this normal? What do I do? What do you recommend? She was such a great resource, but an even better friend. I love that our children will be friends. Oh, and they will also be married. It's perfect.

I had a great time at their house, but I think Harper and Carson had the most fun. Lauren and I found ourselves sitting silently by and watching the two play together. Carson was so sweet and gentle with Harper. And Harper? She was so loud and made so many funny noises -- Carson loved it! (and often mimicked her.)

Let's not forget about Chris! He was so sweet...he offered to watch Harper and Carson so that Lauren and I could go out to dinner. Knowing that Harper was "off" her normal schedule, I wouldn't put him through that. Chris and I did convince Lauren to watch Duck Dynasty. She was not too impressed. 

Middle school? Yes, this picture is definitely from middle school. :)

Carson and Harper meet -- Harper is 3 months old.

during our sleepover -- they had so much fun!

8 months (and 10 days...eek!)

It is hard to believe that 8 months have gone passed since our little girl was born. The first month was the longest one of my life -- and since then, time has passed so quickly.

Harper loves bath time. Bath time listening to the Sound of Music? It doesn't get much better. :)

Headed to the Army/Navy Party

ahhhhh.....

smiling at my daddy....

those eyes.

Harper loves being on her daddy's shoulder.

Harper is close to crawling. She just has such long legs -- it's hard to maneuver them! She claps, although no sound is produced. The other day she whistled -- completely on accident -- and then she spent the next 5-10 minutes trying to make the sound again. It was funny to watch. She is doing very well with a sippy cup (water and very, very little juice) and wants to be independent. Oh dear. It is happening already.

She loves books. She likes when I read them, but she prefers chewing on them and turning the pages on her own. She has successfully found every Christmas tree needle that has fallen on the ground. She practiced unwrapping presents has I was wrapping them.

We are looking forward to visiting Santa later this week. I am sure I will get some great pictures from that!