So this is what happened -- she started walking. BAM! Life changed.
We are now constantly moving. She started walking a little before 12
months. It was really exciting, and then it got scary. John and I had
avoided baby proofing for as long as we could and then we had to give in
and buy baby gates and cabinet locks. It has been really fun walking
around the yard/neighborhood with her, and walking into stores together.
You want to know what is really frightening, though? A very mobile
child who has no fear.
Let's back up...we went on a
cruise for my dad's 60th birthday. I don't have a lot of pictures (I
still need to get them from Jason and Betsy), but I will share a few.
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| Keri in Aruba |
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| Harper and me in Aruba (yes, it's Harper and me, not Harper and I) |
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| Ricky loving on Harper while Keri does my hair :) |
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| Harper, Uncle Philip and Hadley at dinner |
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| they sang for my dad. Happy Birthday! |
The cruise was a lot of fun. To be honest, I think being around my whole family for several days would be fun no matter where we were. I did get sea sick for the first couple of days. It was awful, and it has never happened to me before. This was my 8th cruise, so I knew something was different. I am wondering if this is something that changed about me after having a baby. If not, then I don't know what caused it.
Harper did well on the cruise -- ehh, she did the best she could. She doesn't sleep well in pack in plays, so each night was a bit of a nightmare. My parents took her for two nights, which was awesome. My mom has no problem sleeping with Harper in the bed. I am unable to sleep when Harper is right next to me. To all of you co-sleeping parents, more power to you. I.just.can't. She also had a bad diaper rash and was a picky eater. (I later learned that her molars were coming in -- oops. It explained everything.) The crew on the ship (and most passengers) just loved Harper. Everyone wanted to hold her and talk to her. As much as she loved seeing all the new and different people, I think Harper also loved seeing the familiar faces of our family night after night.
Harper actually turned a year old just before we left for the cruise. For that reason, I chose to have her birthday party at the end of the month so that party preparations wouldn't be stressful.
We had about 45-50 people (including kids) come to Harper's birthday party. Family, friends, neighbors. It was great! I was so worried that it would rain on us, but we lucked out and had a beautiful day. (It felt wrong to pray for no rain -- I told John that was a wasted prayer. We just needed to really hope.) I didn't get any pictures of the decorations and things before people came. Oh well. The theme (if you can call it that) was flowers -- you know, springtime. The kids painted flower pots, their "treat bag" was a little watering can...oh well. It was fun. Harper walked around the whole time not caring who was holding her. She really is the most social and friendly baby. I am very thankful!
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| Madison and Brendon |
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| Hadley, Hutson and Mary Reese waiting for their turn at bat |
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| Baylee, Hadley, Hayden, Mary Reese and Lily painting flower pots |
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| Harper's eyes are red and watery -- why are so many people singing to me? |
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| Not today, people. I will not eat this cake today. |
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| Thank goodness we had cousins there to open all of Harper's presents! |
I know that I am still so behind...but this is a start. I hope that the abbreviated posts on the cruise and first birthday party were sufficient. :)
