Party Like A Rock Star - Part 3

Hillary Clinton was right. It does take a village to throw a child's birthday party. This truly was a group effort. We are so thankful for all of our friends who helped make Harper's first birthday special. Here are some pictures taken by our other official family photographer, Steve. 

Steve hand made Harper a guitar shaped cookie cutter! Can you believe it? So awesome!

Emily, Steve's wife, put it to good use. She was also responsible for most of the other great food that day. 

Check out Harper's tattoo. A pink skull and crossbones - very tough!

Two of Harper's friends, Joseph and Ben, recently started a band called the Hurricanes. Their first official gig was at the party. They actually composed an original song for her and performed it!

Half way through the song, Ben got a little bored! Being a rock star is tough.

Here's the birthday cake.

She didn't quite know what to make of everyone singing Happy Birthday to her. Check out the leg warmers!

Present time!

Harper loves her "Pretty Learning Purse"! Not exactly something I would have picked out (haha), but she adores it. Thanks Aunti Em!

Yeah books - our favorite!

Thanks again to everyone. You all went way overboard on the presents as well as helping me put this party together. We are so happy that you shared this special day with us. And, we are even more happy that Harper is growing up in such a loving an nurturing environment. You guys rock!

Mixed Feelings

Yesterday, Harper started daycare. All things considered, her first day went pretty well. I stayed with her for about 45 mins in the morning and helped her get settled in. She liked exploring her new environment and was excited to see the other little kids. When I left, she cried. So did I. The rest of her day went better - she ate, played, napped. This morning was day 2. She was more cautious today when we went into her room. She held onto my pant leg while I hung up her coat and put her food away. I only stayed for about 15 mins. When I left, she cried. So did I. 

I know that this whole daycare thing is just going to take a little time to get used to. I know that Harper is in a good place with people who will take good care of her. I know that she has friends who care about her and check up on her throughout the day. I know that once she gets over this first hurdle, she is going to love it and thrive on all of the new interactions and experiences. I know, I know, I know. But I'm still her mom and it still hurts my heart to see that she is unhappy - even if it is only momentary. 

Party Like A Rock Star - Part 2

Harper really got into character for her party. Check out the outfit - early Madonna meets Gwen Stefani. Maybe I should have given her a better explanation of what a crash cymbal is. Oh well. Rock on. 

Party Like A Rock Star - Part 1

Today was Harper's birthday party - her rock star themed birthday party! It was a huge success. We set the bar way too high for all future birthday parties. I'm working on getting all of the pictures and videos uploaded. In the mean time, here's a quick one to tide you over. 

2.20.09

Dear Harper,

Happy birthday! I can’t believe you’ve been in this world a whole year. I’ve been thinking for a while about what I wanted to tell you on your birthday. Really, I don’t know where to start. I guess, when you’re older, you can read back through my blog posts to see what you’ve been up to. You’re the reason I started this blog, by the way. I wanted to have a record of your daily life and I just can’t be trusted to write in your baby book. I also wanted you to have a record of what I was thinking and doing during this time (they don’t have blanks for that kind of stuff in the baby book). Hopefully, this blog will give you some insight into who I am. At the very least, it will give you something concrete to show your therapist – because you’ll probably need one after your dad and I totally screw you up. Don’t worry, you’ll screw your kids up too. It comes with the territory.

Anyway…Today, and every day for that matter, I want you to know how much I love you. You are perfect in every way. I remember in the first couple days after you were born, looking at you and thinking that there was no way that your dad and I could have ever made anything as wonderful as you. If you didn’t look so much like your dad, I would think that we came home from the hospital with the wrong kid because you are so much sweeter and good natured than either one of us. You make people genuinely happy just by looking at them. Old men in restaurants give you money because you smile at them. I hope that you always have such a friendly and trusting disposition. The world could use more people like you.

You’ve come a long way in the last 12 months. I am so excited to see what the future holds for you. I know that all parents think their kids are destined to do great things, but I really think it’s true in your case (no pressure or anything). You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love you with all my heart. The 9 months of constant puking was totally worth it. Happy birthday, deeto.

Love you,
Mama (you know, the word you refuse to say)

From The Inside Out

Harper's first birthday is tomorrow. Lately, I've been trying to remember what I was thinking and feeling this time last year. One memory that keeps coming to mind is how much I loved this song. 

Right around the time that I found out that I was pregnant, we started singing it at my church. It really spoke to me - and when I say really spoke to me, I mean it regularly reduced me to tears and snot streaming down my face. I would normally chalk that kind of thing up to pregnancy hormones, but even now, I can hardly make it through the song without getting a little misty. There is a line that says "My heart and my soul, Lord I give you control. Consume me from the inside out." That line hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like God was speaking to me directly through that line and telling me He was going to use the little baby in my belly to teach me about Him - that He was going to consume my heart from the inside out. And man, did He ever. God has used and is still using Harper to teach me more about His love and character than I ever could have imagined. God is good. 

24 Hour Bug

Harper had a stomach bug yesterday. No fun. It sucks to be at work and know that your baby is puking her guts out without you. At least her dad was there to take good care of her - and to keep me updated regarding the puking situation. He sent me pictures of the puke on my cell phone. He's a good dad. Don't worry. Harper is feeling much better today.