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A mind of her own

We have definitely spent more time at home since Harper has arrived and the daily rain sure hasn't helped. Payton's imagination seems to have blossomed so much all of a sudden. The other morning she spent an hour tending to her babies. I do think that Harper has brought this out even more, but she has always loved playing with her baby dolls. It started by her laying them all out on the table in a row to get their diapers changed. She then placed them up on the couch and fed each one. Finally, it was time for them all to cuddle up on the couch with her and take a nap. No kidding-I don't think she even knew I was in the room for the entire hour that she was doing this. It is just so funny to watch her! Just the other day she started sitting next to me with her Harper (a baby doll) and feeding and burping her while I feed Harper. She tells me that the baby doll is her Harper and that Harper is mommy and daddy's Harper. Goodness I love this child!


This is her playing princesses with the necklaces that Trippi and Lisa brought her back from New Orleans along with the Strawberry Shortcake that she got in her happy meal. Please don't miss the shoes that complete the ensemble!

Already?

The first week of Harper's life has already flown by faster than I like to admit. We've had Jonathan off work, and we have been on the go since the minute we came home from the hospital. I told Jonathan the other day that I would love to just have a pause button on life, because I can't bare the thought of how fast it is flying by. Having an infant again makes me question how in the world Payton is almost two and a half. Nonetheless, we are blessed and enjoying life right now.

Our first public outing was on Tuesday to eat dinner at Johnny Brusco's and enjoy a special treat for Payton at Yogurt Mountain. Of course as any mother would be, I was so anxious to see how Payton would be with Harper. I have to say, so far, so good. She has been a huge helper, loved on her baby sister, and been very obedient. I realize that this could change at any given moment, but for right now, I am so thankful for how everything is going with the adjustment of having Harper at home. We thought a little trip for ice cream was the perfect way to celebrate! :)


We've also spent some time visiting great Bamama. She loves to cuddle on some Grand-babies and we have loved spending some extra time with her.



Here are just a few snapshots during the week.







Harper had her first bath. It probably wasn't great planning on our part because it was very close to time for a feeding. She screamed the entire time! Payton on the other hand, thought it was absolutely hilarious. Harper so far hasn't been much of a crier, and I guess Payton really hasn't heard her. For some reason, she was belly laughing the entire time. I couldn't help but capture her reaction also.





Here she is on her one week birthday!








I can't count the number of times Payton has looked at me over the past week and said, "Mommy, Harper's not in your belly anymore. She's out! She's beautiful!" Every time I get this entire conversation. It's as though she is just reassuring me that Harper is actually here. Just as predicted, she loves giving (forcing) Harper her paci. She will now tell you that she only needs it when she's crying. Payton likes to know exactly where Harper is at all times and what she is doing.

Harper is an excellent baby so far. I feel guilty even posting this, but I want to record things so I remember them. The first night we were home from the hospital she slept from 11-5!!! Jonathan and I kept rolling over checking to make sure the other one had not gotten up with her. I went in several times to check on her and make sure she was okay. I realize that some people may judge me for letting her go that long without eating, but I was so shocked. Since then she has been going 3 or 4 hours at a time, generally eating, and going straight back to sleep. Just like Payton, she loves to be swaddled up and we have even been letting her sleep in her crib. She is eating anywhere between 2-3 ounces at a time and seems to sleep all the time. We went to the doctor for a weight check today and she is exactly 7lbs. I have to give Jonathan credit for being "super dad" as I like to call him. He has helped with feedings in the middle of the night, let me sleep in a few mornings, and helped in every way possible. I realize just how lucky I am to have a husband who is so hands on and helps so much. Today has been our first day flying solo with daddy back at work. I actually didn't have a meltdown like I predicted, but the week isn't over yet. :)

So far, we have settled in well and are loving our new family of four (plus Mollie of course)!

Home sweet home

Since Harper was born in the middle of the night, they made us wait until Monday to come home. I was so ready to get home and have my two girls together. Payton was with my parents, and we decided that it would be easiest if Payton would be at home ready to greet us when we got there. They went shopping for a balloon and ribbon to go out front (along with a Mickey Mouse balloon for Payton) as well as some cupcakes to celebrate Harper's birthday. We were greeted by everyone when we arrived home.
Before leaving the hospital.


Just for fun...here is a picture of Payton in the same dress and blanket when she went home from the hospital.


So excited to see Baby Harper!











Our fourth of July plans looked a little different this year. Instead of spending it at the lake, we ended the day at Nana and Pop's house swimming (well at least for Jonathan and Payton) and hanging out with family. We even drove by the fireworks and parked for about 5 minutes for Payton to watch them. It might have been a little different than usual, but it was a perfect day in my book!

Hodgepodge from the hospital

Warning: This may be the longest post in history!

We are settling in at home and enjoying some much needed family time this week. Jonathan has been off work, and we have loved having everyone together. I'm not sure yet what Payton is going to do when her daddy has to go back to work next week. I am just now having a chance to go through all of the pictures. We had three different cameras going and I realized that some got pictures that we missed. Therefore, I am including a hodgepodge of pictures in this post. Bare with me...

Before delivery waiting on baby girl to make her appearance!


I love this pitiful face.

Somehow I didn't have a picture of Amy on my original post from her birth. I am still in awe of all of you sweet people who were there at 2 a.m. She even brought me a diet mountain dew to help celebrate after she was born! It was exactly what I wanted after not eating since noon!


We couldn't wait for Payton to wake up and come see us.


Aunt Ashley and Uncle Mark deserve a HUGE shout out! I think they had the hardest job of all...keeping Payton! They were lifesavers. After receiving a call Friday evening, they were to our house in about 10 minutes to stay so that Payton could sleep in her own bed. Keeping this wild child is no easy task. I can't say what a relief it was to know that she was having so much fun while we couldn't be with her. Thank you Aunt Ashley and Uncle Mark, I promise I will find a way to repay you sometime, although I'm not sure how!



We were so blessed with all of our visitors. Staying in a hospital room is not really my thing, and having company to help pass the time was such a blessing. I said that I was going to do better getting pictures with all of our visitors this time, but I still failed miserably. We had so many that I realize now we missed pictures with. Thank you so much to everyone who came to see us (even if I failed to take your picture)!










Lastly, here are a few of my favorites from her first days in the hospital.