the HowePeel Sessions: Half of a year??

Our baby is six-months old. Really? Half of a year has already gone by? How is that even possible?! This seems like a perfect time to throw in the obvious cliche--"Time flies when you're having fun!" Time also flies when you've changed 800 diapers, cleaned umpteen baby bottles, read and reread Dr. Seuss, trotted after a jogging stroller around the neighborhood, and snuggled with the new fam--Mom, Dad, Harper, and the Pig--in a pile of down blankets. (Sorry, Dozer, but you'll never be invited to the snuggle fest!) Need I go on?

Needless to say, the last six months have been a whirlwind experience. There have been moments that put my heart over the moon, and there have been moments that made me want to scream unkind words from a mountaintop. Good or bad, all of my days are tiresome. Harper has slept through the night for months and months, yet I have apparently developed the sleep habits of a nervous seven-year-old on Christmas Eve. Last night, I slept continuously until my alarm clock sounded. It was magical! Forget Harper--that is my latest accomplishment!

The last two weeks were the most trying to date. Harper had a runny nose for a few days, and boogers abounded in endless supply. She had no other issues, so never really figured out the culprit before the problem resolved itself. Once that cleared up, we were graced with days of constant rainfall. We needed the rain--our rows of irises are going to be spectacular on account of the extra soak--but we nearly went insane being cooped up in the house without our usual array of field trips. However, this week has been great. Harper has been in high spirits, we've been able to return outdoors, and my rain-induced depression has evaporated. Game on!

I bought Harper a swing today. Toys R Us actually had the swing in pink, which made it even cuter. The only problem now is that installation of the swing appears to be way beyond the ability of the Falcon Peels. I think we're going to have to call in for back up. I must have that swing! I mean, Harper must have that swing! :)

We have Harper's six month appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning. I can't wait to get an official weight and height on her. Well, her weight I'm guesstimating at 15.4 or 15.5, but I've been unable to get a satisfactory measurement of her height. Everyone tells us she seems so long, but I have no benchmark comparison. I've tried to measure her length/height myself, but that is harder than it sounds. If only she could stand on her own two feet....ah well, someday! I've got enough new problems now that she is a self-supported sitter!

Time for bed. I started reading The Shack last night, and I am determined to finish it tomorrow. Not as fast as my usual, but I'm only allowed to read at work if my boss gives the OK. She keeps me on a tight leash! Luckily, the emotional benefits outweigh the crappy pay! ;) Nightie night, friends!