tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69287218410664394792012-02-16T09:24:59.611-06:00JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.comBlogger1941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-30282290382931688602011-01-21T10:37:00.001-06:002011-01-21T10:38:32.504-06:00

Sadly, I have no visual aids showing the finished product, and you can thank Harps & Coop for that omission.  Well, that and the fact that I was making our dinner, trying to feed two kids two different meals, and get a duplicate dinner packed up and out the door for some friends down the road.  How many hands do I have?  Yep, still only the two I started out with twenty-five (okay, thirty...)

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-51474353233956814882011-01-19T17:03:00.000-06:002011-01-19T17:03:23.915-06:00

...of my kitchen.  (I wish!)  I don't like the look or layout of this blog.  As Harper would say, "it's yucky."  Eloquent, I know.  Gonna have to work on this space - like I don't have enough legitimately important tasks on my to-do list that should come waaaaaay before a blog remodel.  Like that's gonna stop me. ;) Time to get back to the aforementioned kitchen.  And really, if you are looking

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-77038717280124362222011-01-19T16:01:00.001-06:002011-01-19T16:02:08.262-06:00

As I've finally given up on the idea of sleeping "normally" for at least the next eighteen years, perhaps I can return to my happy state of blogging.  Perhaps this blog is on the brink of having a growth spurt.  Or a remodel?  Whereas I once focused solely on Harper and all but completely skipped over Cooper, now we expect a little dash of this and a heaping spoonful of that.  Oh, this could

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-20224635441398836442010-12-14T06:17:00.000-06:002010-12-14T06:17:00.051-06:00

Harper is currently smack-dab in the middle of a major "I love purses" phase.  A few mornings ago, she asked me if I really liked purses, too?  I immediately had a flashback to 1986. --time warp-- I was five-years-old, and the proud owner of a pink patent pleather purse (say that five times fast!).  One random afternoon, my "friend" wrote her name, which I've since blocked from memory, on my

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-4423574435788552812010-09-30T04:57:00.002-05:002010-09-30T04:57:19.626-05:00

...is this thing on?

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-69999506293777859712010-06-29T00:09:00.001-05:002010-06-29T00:09:28.238-05:00

Harper's vocabulary expands by leaps and bounds on nearly a daily basis.  Some of the words she uses stop me in my tracks, some of her sentence structures amaze me, most of her pronunciation is impressive and yet still some of her babble is incoherent.  We've got it all, folks!  ;) This morning, for example, I trekked upstairs when I heard Harper rustling about via the baby monitor.  I walked

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-57985776063919666722010-06-28T23:54:00.001-05:002010-06-28T23:54:50.484-05:00

My favorite sister-in-law, Mikelle, (forget the fact that I only have one) and her boyfriend, Taylor, recently expanded their interest in photography into a full-fledged business, Heart of Texas Photography.  They were kind enough to donate their skills this past weekend to take photos of our family -- myself, Jeff, this ever-expanding belly of mine, a somewhat cantankerous 21-month old and a

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-25262286767551642622010-06-21T14:24:00.000-05:002010-06-21T14:24:44.594-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I said I would finally blog again and still weeks have passed without nary a new post.  Sorry, Charlie!  As much as I'd like to write more often, "real life" takes precedence, and let's just say that "real life" has laid it on thick lately!  Good intentions can only get take you so far... Alrighty, let's get down to biz-nass.  That's why you're here, isn't it?  ;) * First

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-14251250350751857912010-06-13T23:10:00.000-05:002010-06-13T23:10:58.430-05:00

Like her Mommy, Harper does not care to share her ice cream, especially when her Daddy tries to steal bites in a less than stealth-like manner.   After an untold number of kids' meals, I finally remembered to pick up the complimentary ice cream cup after she finished her sammy.  Apparently, it piqued Jeff's interest, too! Frantically waving him off...

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-84273375356272625402010-06-02T22:09:00.000-05:002010-06-02T22:09:55.512-05:00

Dear Blog, I miss you.  I miss us.  I miss who I am and how I feel when we're together.  We can't keep going on the way we have been.  I know this is no way to treat someone (er, something) you care about, and I promise to make it up to you.  How about we meet for coffee tomorrow morning and get things back on track? Please accept my humble apology, and let us work past our current troubles.  

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-57372285633401248162010-04-20T23:42:00.001-05:002010-04-21T13:28:11.044-05:00

NOT to the East Side, but rather, four streets over. This is our new house.  I've tried to not talk about it very much, because I'm the kind of person that doesn't believe something until it is actually happening.  I didn't want to get too excited about it in case something in the wild world out there kept it from coming to fruition.  But this is it.  This is going to be our house.  This week.

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-49673153162834792032010-04-18T21:56:00.003-05:002010-04-18T22:49:37.982-05:00

Well, we're finally here.  I finally decided to make a go of Harper giving up her pacifier, or "pass" as she so lovingly refers to it.  Ditching the pass has been on my to-do list for the past several weeks, but I hadn't come to the right moment until last night.  Jeff wasn't going to be home, and I thought it might be easier if only one of us had to listen to her protests.  Plus, we were down to

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-89800800987227329522010-04-12T14:00:00.001-05:002010-04-12T17:16:49.890-05:00

I never know the answer when someone asks me how far along I am into this pregnancy.  Oh, I can tell you the number of weeks, but months?  Forget about it!  It usually ends up in a conversation about how "they" tell you pregnancies last for nine months, but it really seems more like ten.  Regardless, it's a looooooong time!  So, anyhoo, if you want weeks, you got 'em!  We're fast approaching 24

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-66378298481323205052010-03-29T12:36:00.005-05:002010-03-29T12:39:21.973-05:00

The XY chromosome, that is.  You probably didn't hear it here first, but we are expecting a baby boy to round out our family in August!  We are over the moon.  It is all we can do to contain our enthusiasm.  Really.  In just a few more months, Harper will have a baby brother to beat up and terrorize love unconditionally. I think Harper will make a terrific big sister.  She's already practicing

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-6969899585827393032010-03-29T12:02:00.000-05:002010-03-29T12:02:17.617-05:00

As Harper and I got dressed this morning, we were serenaded by James Taylor.  Well, via iTunes, but still!  The two of us were born to sing and dance.  It might not be pretty, but we just can't help ourselves!  It makes my heart smile to watch HP bust a move at any given moment - with music or without.  She sings, too, with a splash of soul added.  Seriously, whenever she sings, her face looks

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-7121459062401032122010-03-11T17:35:00.002-06:002010-03-11T17:41:14.160-06:00

Today was a better day. Not easy, but better. Not even the great days are easy, ain't that the truth?Harper slept well last night. She appears to be feeling well - no Motrin or Benadryl required. She napped. Well, it was a 45-minute nap, but at this point I'll take what I can get. We even laughed together today at Wrigley's expense. No tantrums.Progress!

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-37099901903650923862010-03-10T17:05:00.005-06:002010-03-10T18:04:10.048-06:00

Yeah, I'm going to vent about how hard this motherhood gig can really be. We all know how rewarding it can be, how special it is, and how blessed we are to be moms, so I'm not going to waste much time on that side of the coin. Right now I simply want to vent about the challenges and the difficulties. Though I'll never truly know what it's like to be a dad (duh - because I'm not one), I assume

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-84513087584208652172010-02-28T10:57:00.004-06:002010-02-28T12:11:36.077-06:00

Harper attempts cereal WITH milk for the first time... Oh, the little things. Please disregard Jeff's emphysema and Harper's bedhead.

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-80926191403737395532010-02-26T17:24:00.003-06:002010-02-26T17:40:44.196-06:00

Thursday morning, approximately 8:40 a.m.Mom: Harper, it's time to go to school. Let's go - grab your backpack, please.(Shouts from the kitchen towards the other side of the house.)Harper: .....Mom: Harper, c'mon, we need to get in Mommy's car.(Heads towards Harper's room to corral her towards the front door.)Mom: What in the?! Really? All the food from your room?(Watches in disbelief as Harper

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-65257179704441247012010-02-25T12:21:00.001-06:002010-02-25T12:21:55.569-06:00

It's no secret that Harper loves her friend, Carson. He lives on our street, and we are friends with his parents, so the thought of Carson stays fresh on her mind at all times. I can bribe her with the chance of seeing "Car-Car," and once I even convinced her to take a nap because she could be sure that Carson was napping at his house, too! You can only imagine how excited she was on Sunday when

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-70765419444559248322010-02-08T10:49:00.006-06:002010-02-08T12:40:14.609-06:00

Super Bowl weekend did not go exactly as planned for the Peel household. Just be glad that we did not show up at any of your game-watching parties! Jeff dubbed the weekend "Toilet Bowl XLIV," because our family spent most of our time in the bathroom instead of in front of the television like most of America. Seriously, who loses weight on Super Bowl weekend?! It is meant to be a weekend of

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-70888978588136920392010-01-28T11:01:00.002-06:002010-01-28T11:16:46.586-06:00

...the mice will play, but they won't sleep very well. Jeff headed to San Antonio yesterday for a continuing education course, and he won't be home until late Saturday afternoon. If all goes as planned, he will pass his test on Saturday and add a few more initials to the end of his name. You can just call him "Jeff Peel, CIC, CISR, CRM." Or just "Jeff." Take your pick. He hasn't been out of

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-66687527461297625812010-01-25T07:45:00.003-06:002010-01-25T07:54:38.891-06:00

There is a new thirst-quencher in town. It's called Chuy's salsa, and Harper is here to drink it all up. Step 1: Drink salsa.Step 2: Cry uncontrollably because you caught a little twist of heat on your tongue.Step 3: Tame the heat with a quick swipe of the lollipop.Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 as many times as you can possibly handle.Sweet ol' Piper takes the safer route and drinks melted ice cream

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-82367600179422685272010-01-25T07:20:00.000-06:002010-01-25T07:55:32.490-06:00

We went to church yesterday, and I can't explain what came over me as we walked into the worship service. Lemme tell ya, the folks at Highland Baptist like to sing their little hearts out. We quickly sat down and started to join in on the current song. Or rather, I tried to join in on the song. I opened my mouth, and suddenly, a wave of emotion rolled over me. I squeezed half of a note out

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-35787722931338325282010-01-18T13:12:00.004-06:002010-01-21T11:02:46.016-06:00

Extra, extra, read all about it! (Pitcher can't pitch, and there's no doubt about it!) Ahem. Excuse my cheerleader flashback...wait, I was never a cheerleader! So....what I was sayin' was...Get ready for another Mini Peel! Yes, this is the official confirmation of the rumors you've heard or the pictures you've seen on Facebook of Harper wearing her "big sister" shirt. Please don't take it

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-11091508194937145452010-01-05T21:05:00.003-06:002010-01-05T21:29:11.621-06:00

No, this post is not dedicated to the weather. I only wish it were warming up outside -- 20 degrees is too cold for this born-again Texan! Speaking of Texas....Check out the chair Uncle Kevin got Harper for Jeff's birthday. (Did you follow that?)All set for the National Championship on Thursday! Just keeping the seat warm for now with a little DJ Lance and the Yo Gabba Gabba gang. By the way

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-42508170495892090682010-01-05T12:47:00.003-06:002010-01-05T13:25:07.339-06:00

The holiday indulgences are over, the decorations are resigned to spending the next eleven months in the garage, and five-day work weeks are again considered the norm. What else does the new year mean for the Peel family, you ask? Well, for starters, school is back in full swing for me (though to be honest, there was never any hint of a break between fall and spring), and Harper is back at

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-3841726341363335432009-12-20T19:59:00.003-06:002009-12-20T20:07:37.702-06:00

While looking for a profile pic of Wrigley for her Evite account*, I came across this random photo of Harper and myself circa October 2008. I'm guessing she was around four weeks old. When was she EVER that tiny?! And when was she EVER that quiet?The last fifteen months have flown by in a hurry, but it isn't lost on me how absolutely amazing of an adventure we are on together! I just love that

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-8802978135020630422009-12-18T11:47:00.005-06:002009-12-20T21:23:36.880-06:00

Yes, it's true. Some might even say amazing. Jeff and I have managed to keep Harper alive and well for a whopping fifteen months. It feels like she just turned one, yet it also feels like eons ago. I suppose we are constantly so wrapped up in the moment with her that we can barely keep track of how much time has passed. If it weren't for this blog, I would have no way of remembering when she

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-20678388329163497012009-12-14T20:36:00.009-06:002009-12-14T22:18:42.326-06:00

I'm not very good at surprises. I just don't care for them. When I buy someone a gift, I want to give it to them right away. Growing up, my sister and I would scout out our Christmas presents, and then ever so carefully unwrap and rewrap them before they made their way under the tree. It took skill, and I feel confident that we perfected the art. Sure, we were never surprised on Christmas morning

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-73774156628086410702009-12-07T06:42:00.003-06:002009-12-07T06:55:43.626-06:00

I could feel Harper and Dozer playing beneath my chair as I wrapped up a quick e-mail last night. I peeked at Harper and even laughed at how compactly she had packed herself underneath my seat. I quickly grabbed my camera, and of course, she was on the move before I could snap the first pic. Still cute, I thought, until I realized that damn dog had just eaten the SECOND playground ball of

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-48009991280897518582009-11-24T07:59:00.003-06:002009-11-24T08:17:33.582-06:00

Harper loves-loves-loves to play outside. We play in our backyard and front yard quite often, but not often enough if you surveyed my daughter. I have caught her staring longingly out the back patio door many times, while our bulldog stares back longingly into our living room. It makes for an amusing sight.Yesterday, we met our friends Deanna (with Makenzie and Piper) & Kim (with Kylee) at the

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-79751070281402704452009-11-23T07:02:00.003-06:002009-11-23T07:09:41.287-06:00

A little cheese and crackers, save the wine for the moms, and you've got the perfect date for the under 2 crowd.Carson and Harper's first dinner date...first of many that will be orchestrated by their parents!

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-89125785423739590682009-11-22T16:54:00.004-06:002009-11-22T17:17:41.020-06:00

I should be working on my literature review. I could be helping Jeff work on a project outside. I was in the midst of a search for a Gruyere potato gratin recipe that once graced my lips courtesy of Miss Lara LeAnne. However, I had to pause when I saw this kid run past my desk...In this case, the distraction was welcomed.

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-74643120905319093712009-11-22T13:49:00.003-06:002009-11-22T13:55:07.727-06:00

Many of you without gmail accounts have expressed an interest in leaving comments on the blog, so I'm here to give you a quick tip. Click the pull down menu and select "Name/URL." Insert whatever name you want to use, and don't worry about the URL part. Your comment will appear as "so and so said...." Easy peasy Japanesy!(Oh, who am I kidding? Only two people, max, read this blog!)

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-30902603883218448272009-11-22T13:47:00.002-06:002009-11-22T13:49:02.611-06:00

My fam. 'Nuff said.

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-6947693967386230382009-11-22T12:54:00.003-06:002009-11-22T13:46:50.735-06:00

Jeff and I are a tad impulsive. Well, more Jeff than me, but let's not get technical. We were engaged six months after we met, and married eight months later. We had a kid one month after our first anniversary. We don't tend to wait around when we know what we want.The most recent example of this impulsiveness involves us listing our house for sale last week. We have twice looked at a house for

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-7354516027648383682009-11-07T14:18:00.003-06:002009-11-08T10:30:46.694-06:00

Over the last fourteen months, Jeff and I have rejoiced (and shaken our heads at) many of Harper's "firsts." Some are significant, while others run precariously close to the mundane. Some of these moments may cause you to take no notice at all, to allow a fleeting thought of recognition to flow in and out of your brain, or to drop everything and immediately call/text/blog/run an ad on cable

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-24532580348877766652009-10-31T23:46:00.006-05:002009-11-01T00:33:55.721-05:00

Procrastination finally paid off. I found Harper's Halloween costume on Friday morning during an unbelievable sale at Old Navy. All of their Halloween gear was on sale for $2 with an additional 50% off to the first 20 or so customers of the day. In other words, I bought her costume for the going price of ONE American dollar. Can we say niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice? I couldn't get mad when she all but

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-21769557154504784412009-10-27T07:22:00.004-05:002009-10-28T15:50:27.453-05:00

I'm sorry. This blog has been collecting dust for a few weeks now, and for that I apologize. I honestly didn't know I had any readers left until I started receiving death threats and thinly veiled "suggestions" that I might want to get back to it! My existence as a person formerly known as a blogger has not been for lack of trying nor for lack of material. Matter of fact, I've written many a

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-64634231865069144512009-10-09T23:45:00.005-05:002009-10-09T23:55:20.890-05:00

Ok, that is a complete lie. Not one person has ever come close to calling me Dr. Peelgood, but you know how I love to incorporate lyrics into my post titles. Just go with it for a second. I’ve had a handful of doctor appointments and lab tests over the past two months. It really should not have taken two months, but they moved a couple appointments which I then cancelled and rescheduled, and

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-42290224025422721912009-10-09T21:45:00.016-05:002009-10-09T23:42:53.796-05:00

[Editor's note: I am too tired to proofread this post, so continue at your own risk. Lara, put away your red pen!]In the timeliest possible fashion, I will now share with you some pictures from Harper's weeklong birthday bonanza. I won't bore you with the details of events that have kept me from posting these within a reasonable amount of time, so just go ahead and thank me now.We didn't do

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-67147839185986127572009-09-29T21:20:00.003-05:002009-09-29T22:48:50.325-05:00

"Tuesday" has become a bad word in the Peel household. It makes for a very long day for all three of us. I spend all of 90 minutes with Harper on an average Tuesday. We have breakfast together before she goes to MDO, and then I see her for another 30 minutes between MDO and Nana's house. My goal is to leave Waco by 2:30 in order to arrive in San Marcos by 5PM. Class runs straight from 6:30

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-53329347567626088732009-09-18T19:49:00.003-05:002009-09-18T20:49:27.512-05:00

Harper and I had a conversation Wednesday morning before her playgroup birthday brunch. She had a lot on her mind!

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-78709346753193717782009-09-15T14:02:00.005-05:002009-09-18T21:00:35.011-05:00

It seems absurd to think of all that has happened over the last year in the world...a complete collapse of our financial system, U.S. GDP shrank for the first time in seventeen years, hurricane recovery, election of a new president, swine flu, China hosted the Olympics, Jell-O brought back Puddin' Pops (I WISH!), Pam and Jim got knocked up...oh, and sweet baby Harper evolved from a lump of baby

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-25958096264474011922009-09-14T13:45:00.004-05:002009-09-14T14:02:22.832-05:00

Today is Harper's last day as an eleven-month old. I still find it unfathomable that she will turn one tomorrow. The last 364 days have flown by in a hurry... As if on cue, Jeff just walked in the door and exclaimed "you've kept a baby alive for an entire year!" I sure hope I get a prize! ;)

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-51260393562062175462009-09-11T12:51:00.001-05:002009-09-11T16:45:09.717-05:00

We spent nearly six days in Abilene over Labor Day weekend. Jeff played golf for four days in a row, God Bless us all! Good thing there were plenty of rest stops along the way.Yes, this is the above mentioned rest stop. If you can't tell, there is a rooster playing a horn next to a commode (such a nice way to say toilet). One of these days I'll find time to post a slew of fun pics from our

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-21601179815273845962009-09-11T00:01:00.003-05:002009-09-11T00:25:08.535-05:00

...the mice will play. Or the mice/dogs will sleep. Something like that.Dozer gets the special treatment while Mom is out.This is what happens when an English Bulldog attempts to fit into the bed of a mini-Dachshund. Tight squeeze!

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-16027892065398280762009-09-09T19:11:00.002-05:002009-09-09T19:17:59.394-05:00

Mother's Day Out -- here we come! Harper started MDO last Tuesday, and we both think it is awesome! No first day picture, but I'll give you two pics from her second day! What a deal, eh? Harper's teachers said she was great both days. She played the entire time, barely looking up to wave bye when I dropped her off. I really think MDO is going to be great for both of us. For goodness sakes

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-41513829628648463042009-08-31T13:19:00.006-05:002009-08-31T13:57:45.538-05:00

One of the joys in spending so much time with Harper is discovering her likes and dislikes. This past week, for instance, I learned that octopuses apparently offend Harper. She throws a fit for the length of time it takes a particular octopus to wiggle across the screen in one of her Baby Einstein videos. Fortunately, Harper quickly returns to her happy self as soon as Octo-monster exits stage

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-46154589497009797452009-08-27T14:56:00.004-05:002009-08-27T15:31:38.787-05:00

Really no point here--just a goofy little video of Harper and her latest tongue trick. She gives a super cute "bye-bye" at the end if you have two minutes to spare!

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-76463574853338171982009-08-27T14:00:00.005-05:002009-08-27T14:38:11.189-05:00

Harper is blessed with a number of really great friends. Aside from her parents, she has one of man's very best friends, er, pigs. She has a wonderful bunch of friends from play group. She even had friends betrothed to her from the womb as so many of my friends seemed to have been pregnant at the same time. (You know what they say about great minds...) I feel very fortunate that Harper

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-15119491150072202342009-08-27T13:35:00.000-05:002009-08-27T13:37:29.013-05:00

Harper and I were lucky enough to visit the Mayborn Museum with friends not once, but twice, this week! On Monday, Kim and the twins (Kiersten and Christopher) came in town to play. The three kiddos climbed on firetrucks and school buses, shopped at the "grocery store," drove around "town" in their cars, mowed the lawn, vacuumed the floor (my personal fav!), played the tambourine, met a turtle

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-1826835105972314922009-08-27T13:20:00.002-05:002009-08-27T15:14:05.332-05:00

Have you met Crate & Barrel's overachieving son, aka the Land of Nod? I love, love, love that web site! It's kinda like Pottery Barn Kids with a sense of humor and a splash of attitude. For example, they post a wooden shelf for sale. Instead of labeling it "medium wooden shelf," they call it "Shelf Silverstein." Get it? Get it? A canvas bin is listed as "I think I Can-vas Bin." Looking for

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-67170449223407766872009-08-21T14:26:00.010-05:002009-08-21T22:45:27.088-05:00

Wait, wait, wait. That isn't how the saying goes? There was a stretch of time when we constantly had to remind Harper that flip-flops are not edible, or at least they shouldn't be! Nowadays, we don't have to worry as much about keeping shoes out of her mouth as we do with keeping shoes on her feet. As many of you commented over the months, it's no secret that I let Harps go barefoot for a long,

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-15011497051913100152009-08-19T12:58:00.005-05:002009-08-19T14:01:50.474-05:00

I'm just not that into bows, although I think they look precious on every little girl adorned with them. Cute on someone else, but not for me. Poor Harper is guilty by association. I have tried on occasion to decorate her cotton head with a ribbon or two, but it doesn't last long. She doesn't even get the chance to pull them out before I do. Like I said, it's just not my thing.Now, one thing I do

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-3546574886499862282009-08-18T13:37:00.008-05:002009-08-18T14:54:40.587-05:00

Miss HP hit the eleven-month mark on Saturday, which also happened to be her friend Carter's first birthday! I really cannot believe we are a mere month away from that mile marker ourselves. You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun! Time also flies when you are:- refilling sippy cups with milk,- reminding HP that there are more important things in life to protest than a quick

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-32727237008708348922009-08-16T10:56:00.011-05:002009-08-17T23:00:22.283-05:00

Jeff and I took off late Thursday afternoon for a weekend adventure to celebrate our second anniversary. Needless to say, we owed each other some face time to reconnect thanks to this adventure we call raising a ten-month old! After we convinced Harper to stay home with the all important job of taking care of Wrigley (with Grammy's help, of course), we headed off to the Texas Hill Country.

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-56306516558422945122009-08-06T00:22:00.005-05:002009-08-06T01:18:22.934-05:00

Just a small sample of Harper's new trick. I could have worked harder to get a nice long march for y'all, but I chose not to. Sitting down seemed so much more appealing at the time! Disregard our odd furniture arrangement, too. I've yet to return Jeff's couch to its proper place following playgroup. (I think he likes it this way--odd?)Anyhoo, I'll try to get something better for y'all

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-18205620906085775912009-08-04T10:57:00.012-05:002009-08-04T13:10:58.198-05:00

Do you ever create nicknames for people or object for simplicity's sake? I did it a ton in college. In the company of close friends, I referred to other friends such as "Blue Shirt," "Red Hat," and "Crazy Hair" to name a few. Blue shirt never knew he was Blue Shirt, just as Crazy Hair never knew he was Crazy Hair. Well, he must have known that his hair was crazy, but how could he not? Mostly,

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-8694001918507466842009-08-03T23:34:00.001-05:002009-08-03T23:37:55.494-05:00

Harper and I hosted playgroup at the Peelton again last Thursday. Breyer and the twins were the first to arrive. When HP looked up from her play prison and saw Breyer walk in with Kyle, she went nuts! She ran to the gate, began waving furiously and said "hiiiiiiiii!" Her face lit up! Seriously, she had the face of a scratch Lotto winner--like a big winner, not when you just make even on a $2

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-71511089648890489922009-08-03T12:25:00.000-05:002009-08-03T13:58:49.373-05:00

For one reason after another, I've put off blogging about Harper's latest accomplishment. Not a skill she has mastered by any means, but it is one she pours a great deal of effort into every single day. Yep, she's working towards becoming an official, card-carrying pedestrian. It started around three weeks ago when her dad/trainer, Jeff, witnessed her first steps. She started out taking three

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-29253513044121858262009-08-03T08:50:00.004-05:002009-08-03T09:34:31.650-05:00

She smiles, waves and says "hiiiiiiii" whenever she sees a familiar face...or any random Joe in the mall. I say it time and time again, but ain't she sweet?! And just for you, free of charge, in my best "You are the weakest link" voice, goodbye.

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-81067645638263629662009-07-31T20:08:00.006-05:002009-08-02T12:25:15.201-05:00

Who knew that "back to school" season would have any relevance in the life of a ten-month old? Harper begins Mother's Day Out in one month, and I feel like I'm getting ready for a school year. She needs a backpack, a lunch bag, her name written on every item she owns...the whole works. I'll pack her lunch in the morning, along with a change of clothes and a stash of diapers. We haven't left

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-52847887283753125902009-07-31T13:00:00.001-05:002009-07-31T21:31:21.446-05:00

Kristi, Alyssa, Breyer and I met at good ol' Southwest Texas State University in good ol' San Marky. It was the late '90s, and times were different. We were single, childless, and the beer fridge overfloweth. I still have a beer fridge, thanks to my dear husband, but most everything else has changed. We're all married. Kristi and I have a child each, and Breyer has two. (Show off!) Alyssa

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-16695929048854180382009-07-31T12:31:00.005-05:002009-07-31T21:04:05.738-05:00

Harper's friend, Lily, paid us a visit a couple weeks ago. Maybe she wasn't exactly "Driving Miss Daisy," but it was pretty close! HP appears excited at the thought of having such a cool Austinite friend! LJ is probably excited at the thought of a free chauffeur service!

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-85829868925612275832009-07-23T21:23:00.005-05:002009-07-24T13:55:34.512-05:00

Some days are fast and furious, while others are nothing more than humdrum. Today was none of those things. We attended a friend's mother's funeral this morning. It was a "first" for Harper, though not one we'd like to become habit. Harper acted wonderfully peaceful--maybe she sensed that today was a sad, yet special, day. Luckily that dove was firmly attached to its headstone or Harps might

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-48287241372748041412009-07-21T14:41:00.002-05:002009-07-21T14:49:34.675-05:00

Question: How do you convince someone that he or she (ok, Harper) needs to take a nap? Answer: You don't.Ugh, this kid is killing me today. Won't take a nap. Nope, no way, no how. I've attempted bribes and trickery, but apparently I am no match for a ten-month old. If only she would listen to my advice and hit snooze for an hour or so! Doesn't she know there will come a time when she will

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-75538427624325644952009-07-16T14:47:00.006-05:002009-07-16T15:49:09.477-05:00

In case you haven't noticed, it's H-O-T outside. (And in case you haven't noticed, I capitalize all the letters in a word separated by hyphens for added emphasis. L-O-V-E it or H-A-T-E it!) After nearly 15 years of living in Texas, I still can't quite handle the heat of a Texas summer. Like I tell Jeff, I was practically born in a Chicago blizzard! I can make a snow angel like it's nobody's

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-20966924467159413422009-07-14T08:22:00.005-05:002009-07-14T10:35:22.417-05:00

Tomorrow, we'll be the proud parents of a ten-month old. I'm not entirely sure how we got here, because, really, I can't remember half of it. Regardless, we've made it this far, and I think we're gonna keep her. Unless she sprouts any new teeth--I'm not "wo-mom" enough to handle the idiosyncrasies of teething babies. Four teeth are plenty, thank you very much!Harper is movin' and groovin' all

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-34100671615725400942009-07-13T22:38:00.005-05:002009-07-13T23:25:38.599-05:00

Harper L-O-V-E-S the pool (except when she hates it). Lord knows how I will entertain her once pool season is over. Lucky for me, pool season in Central Texas can carry on well into October! We're also lucky that Nana and Poppa Peel have a very nice pool they are willing to share with us and our friends! Just don't be alarmed if the 120-pound German Shepherd, Kilo, doggie paddles on by you!

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-40008543349178261112009-07-13T21:41:00.006-05:002009-07-13T22:38:19.430-05:00

We've got a water baby on our hands. We've also got a sleeping baby on our hands...in the pool. Sunday marked the third time that Harper fell asleep in the pool. It was also first time that Jeff crafted her a pallet out of a floatie and a towel. Sweet dreams, HP!Sharing fish tacos with Mommy and Daddy. This was taken moments before she peed in the highchair. Damn swim diapers are only good

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-494338420275459762009-07-13T20:57:00.004-05:002009-07-13T21:41:15.716-05:00

I took Harper to one of Jeff's softball games last Thursday. Their team, Lakeside Tavern, played at 6:30 and 7:30, so we squeezed the second game in between dinner and bedtime. Little did I know that Harper would be playing a little game of her own! She was really diggin' on the boy sitting at the end of our bench, so much, in fact, that she walked over to him and poked him in the arm to get

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-91175129805663521382009-07-03T22:56:00.002-05:002009-07-04T23:31:20.344-05:00

So there I was, folding laundry, minding my own business, when HP came strollin' up to share her thoughts on the matter. She is a girl of many faces, and with personality to spare! Oh, and pay no mind to the bloomers perched atop her head. Yeah...not really sure about that one!

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-14199966066121503892009-07-02T17:31:00.003-05:002009-07-02T18:22:55.778-05:00

A random smattering of things I like these days:1. Laying on Harper's bedroom floor. She barrels over to me and begins her climb-and-dive routine. We wrestle and we laugh. We call for "Piggy," and we laugh some more when she trots into the room. I don't think about anything else while I'm pinned to the ground by my girls, except possibly, "will you politely step off my throat so I may breathe

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-37342583904672476632009-06-30T09:40:00.002-05:002009-06-30T10:22:07.099-05:00

This fall has new things in store for our family, as well as a return to a certain thing that has lingered on for far too long. Come September, Harper will begin attending the Mother's Day Out program at Harris Creek Baptist Church every Tuesday and Thursday. I will then be free to skip around town sipping milkshakes, getting pedicures and eating bonbons. If Days of Our Lives weren't so

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-71645915673878201112009-06-29T22:03:00.000-05:002009-06-29T22:03:40.740-05:00

With all the help she has given us in the last couple of weeks, I have to send a little shout out to my mother.  The last two weeks have been filled with volunteer obligations, and luckily, Grammy was more than willing to cover my shifts with Harper.  She is off work for the summer, so it worked out perfectly for her to visit for a couple days at a time.  She kept Harper busy during the three

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-53141324922748298552009-06-29T10:57:00.000-05:002009-06-29T15:06:28.562-05:00

Allow me to introduce you to our Thursday playgroup, from left to right:Hadley, Kendall, Piper, Kylee, Cambell, Carter, H-Bomb, Blaire, and Makenzie.As you can tell, Carter is the lone dude of the group.  The party was chaperoned--don't you worry!  ;)  Harper is the next closest to resembling a little boy, at least until her hair can manage a bow or barrette!  Hmmm...I wonder if that old school

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-59921078078517396982009-06-22T17:13:00.003-05:002009-06-23T08:32:52.518-05:00

Harper attended her first pajama party last weekend, and she wants to tell you all about it! Since she can't talk or write (surely we can cut her some slack--she's only 9 months old!), we'll let Cambell's mom, Storey, take over from here!We owe a huge THANKS to the Cook family for entertaining Harper on Friday night. It was so much more than babysitting...she had a fabulous time with Cambell

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-33290927392708641952009-06-17T15:44:00.010-05:002009-06-25T17:01:05.748-05:00

It's that time of the month again. (No, not that time, Jeff.) Harper turned nine-months old on Monday. Nine months! I wished her a happy 3/4th birthday, of course. Nine months is a significant time period to mothers for an obvious reason. Thank goodness the human gestation period is capped at nine months (though it's really ten, who are we kidding?), 'cuz I could not - and would not - have

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-1480759235581182232009-06-17T15:42:00.004-05:002009-06-19T15:30:25.184-05:00

Harper and I have been spending gobs and gobs of time out at the pool lately. Whether we're splish-splashin' around the big pool or the baby pool, there is always fun to be had. Most days we meet friends out there, and on other days Harper and I swim alone. Occasionally, Jeff will leave work at 5pm to play with us if he isn't too busy slanging insurance. (Gratuitous plug for Pinnacle

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-55979492434681061492009-06-17T11:00:00.000-05:002009-06-17T11:32:53.278-05:00

Due to the broken laptop situation and the Starburst junior golf tournament, I'm way behind with updates again. My apologies! I can already tell that the ol' blog is gonna be sparse this summer...it's just so much more fun to play at the pool! Plus, we all know how fussy I can get in the summer heat. Don't be surprised if you catch me borrowing Harper's pacifier to soothe myself!Topless

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-35533872824081040832009-06-09T22:22:00.007-05:002009-06-10T00:07:39.402-05:00

If you know me at all, then you know that I absolutely love SWT and San Marcos, Texas. To steal a line from Rod Stewart, they're in my heart and they're in my soul! Last week, I was lucky enough to visit San Marcos twice...and Jeff was lucky enough to have sole custody of Harper...twice!Alyssa and I trekked to San Marky, and we kicked I-35's ass on the way there. The entire purpose of our trip

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-38377540543809741592009-06-09T16:33:00.004-05:002009-06-09T22:16:22.950-05:00

Well, there went my laptop. My first laptop, purchased eighteen months ago with my very own hard earned money, went down the tubes at an undetermined time on Sunday. Funny, because it worked fine that morning as I sipped my coffee and read the newspaper online. Jeff and Harper had yet to wake from their slumber. I remember it well--it is a rare and precious joy to have any time to myself

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-79045513762271325892009-06-04T15:17:00.006-05:002009-06-04T16:19:44.731-05:00

Harper and I were fortunate enough to get hooked up with an awesome playgroup shortly after Easter. Thursday mornings have become a much anticipated part of my week! Harper seems to have a great time interacting with the other kiddos, and I truly enjoy talking with the other moms...and playing with all the kiddos myself! Jeff teases that I have a crush on the only little boy in the group, Carter.

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-34257538001208785202009-06-02T20:03:00.011-05:002009-06-03T23:09:41.750-05:00

Ok, I promised a real blog post, and now I will quasi-fulfill that promise. Honestly, time is like gold these days, so I'm not feeling inclined to retype my long lost post from Monday. How 'bout we do a quick pic catch-up of the last two weeks and call it even? Harper had her picture taken today by an awesome photographer, Marlo Collins, and surprisingly, the session went well even without an

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-36605276955032011312009-05-16T13:03:00.006-05:002009-06-04T09:19:22.798-05:00

Just a quick picture posting of Harper's last days as a seven-month old. Really, she is so much more mature now. ;)Carter (ok, maybe it was his mom) invited Harper on her first wagon ride. She was hooked!The wagon photo-op did not work out as planned. Meet Harper's new friends: Blaire, Cambell and Carter!I can't wait to teach Harper how to cook! Until that time comes, I'll let her entertain

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-38612934938743013002009-05-15T14:39:00.003-05:002009-05-16T13:01:21.939-05:00

Today marks eight months of l-i-v-i-n' for Miss Punkie Peel, and yet I still find myself a bit dazed and confused. It's no wonder babies don't come with an instruction manual--not even Dunder Mifflin could supply the amount of paper necessary to write the first draft! Thankfully, we have other resources to (hopefully) answer our most pertinent, ridiculous, or mundane child rearing questions and

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-51175200985366513072009-05-11T22:26:00.005-05:002009-05-11T23:44:50.376-05:00

I'm glad at least one of you caught my reference to Sweet Home Alabama with last week's baby-in-a-box post. Good movie, great line: "You've got a baby....in a bar!" Well, in typical classy Peel fashion, Harper has been to not one, but two bars in the last five days!The first inaugural bar-hop took place at Hooter's where we met Kristin and her boyfriend, Chris, as they headed down "southbound-35"

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-44641319022175401892009-05-10T20:34:00.004-05:002009-05-11T12:55:13.245-05:00

There came a day within the last seven months when Harper began showing her true colors. It is truly amazing to think of Harper in her early weeks and months; she was basically a living, breathing lump. A lump of baby that ate, pooped and slept. Lather, rinse, repeat.Slowly, she added new tricks to her bag. She began smiling, laughing, rolling, and flipping. Now she is babbling, crawling and

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-54789019244725503772009-05-10T20:00:00.004-05:002009-05-10T20:26:51.648-05:00

It may have been an early Mother's Day present. Maybe it was a belated Cinco de Mayo present. Or maybe I was dreaming and it didn't really happen at all! I'm not entirely sure what I did to earn his welcome assistance, but Jeff gave Harper her bath on Saturday morning. Evidently, his bath time protocol differs greatly from my own. How else would the kid end up buck naked in her closet? Caught in

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-16799866773911931232009-05-06T10:12:00.003-05:002009-05-06T10:26:22.645-05:00

...in a box! Finally, I've found a way to keep Harper entertained and, more importantly, contained for 4-6 minutes.Just be glad she wasn't hanging out in a bar. Yet. ;)

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-18752995343972407992009-05-04T22:20:00.004-05:002009-05-06T10:35:08.503-05:00

Let's face it. The Waco Trib is somewhat lacking, so I still read the Austin-American Statesman online whenever I can. While browsing yesterday I noticed a link for the Statesman's Dachshund Dog Show, and of course, I felt compelled to submit pictures of the greatest weenie dog I know! I checked back a few minutes ago to see if my pictures were approved. As if my little Piggie wouldn't make the

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-65789059276963180132009-05-04T21:26:00.006-05:002009-05-04T22:14:49.697-05:00

No, she isn't walking yet. Sorry to get your hopes up for a juicy, yet premature, update! I've noticed Harper has been trying to pull up on furniture, cabinets, bookshelves, and me, so I decided it was time for her to graduate to the next stage of toys. Seriously, she nearly de-pantsed me while I brushed my teeth a few days ago. New toys it is!I also had a dream on Saturday night filled with

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-68355455011279918692009-05-04T16:44:00.002-05:002009-05-04T17:26:11.516-05:00

I may have exaggerated with the "away" part. She didn't go anywhere, but Harper did pull herself up twice this afternoon. She was first lured into a standing position by the sight of Wrigley and the much-admired remote control lying side by side on the couch. Then she saw ol' Dozey-boy frolicking in the backyard during her second go-around. I'm sure she was surprised--he doesn't frolic often,

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-65568877012158493512009-04-29T16:22:00.005-05:002009-04-29T17:38:47.538-05:00

If you didn't know that Mother's Day is just around the corner, then apparently you haven't seen any commercials on T.V. lately either. I am especially fond of the current spot running for Kay Jewelers. Two little girls give their mom a "spa day" at home complete with a soak in their kiddie pool, a glitter-festooned manicure, and then--SURPRISE--a pair of diamond earrings! My favorite part comes

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-9885713179458499062009-04-24T16:25:00.005-05:002009-04-27T12:26:00.971-05:00

So it ain't just a catchy phrase. Wrigley truly is Harper's best friend. Wrigs can always make her laugh when she is feeling down. In other words, Wrigs is my go-to girl after I piss off Harper. Wrig Pig helps her forget about that bump on her head, the toy that was taken away because it was not actually a toy, and any other reason Harper may pitch a fit.They are obsessed with each other's

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-60446850523876326172009-04-22T07:04:00.005-05:002009-04-22T15:45:49.441-05:00

Does anyone remember that song? Flash back to the flippin' awesome sitcom "Full House," circa 1989 or so. D.J. and her unfortunate friend, Kimmy, were playing with some of Uncle Jesse's musical equipment, and they accidentally dubbed their rendition of "The Locomotion" over a song he and Joey had recorded. (Or something like that...) They realized they made a mistake, and I'm sure they learned

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-7616683939885718962009-04-20T09:44:00.003-05:002009-04-20T10:42:36.292-05:00

I have come close to blogging many times in the last week, but my efforts have proved futile. The boss lady requires constant, direct attention at all times unless she is sleeping. I can't even vacuum anymore, because HP has decided to turn her love for the Dyson into hate. How can you hate a Dyson?! Those vacuums are God's gift to rid the earth of dirt and dust everywhere! But I digress...Let's

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928721841066439479.post-19621100290926078252009-04-11T13:22:00.007-05:002009-04-11T16:25:37.121-05:00

Harper never had a chance to meet Santa Claus last year. I still feel a tad guilty about not introducing the two of them, but, hey, Christmas was a busy season for us and St. Nick! In hopes of making it up to HP, I was determined to introduce her to the Easter Bunny. I don't want to give her too much ammo to use against me when she ends up in therapy years down the road! (Don't scoff...have you

JHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992056272442681163noreply@blogger.com2