We're on our own...

After staying with us and helping out for 2 weeks, my mom left to go back home on Saturday. I was SO sad to see her go, but so thankful that she was able to stay as long as she could. I don't know what I would have done without her here to help us get settled and into a routine.

Robby has been wonderful with Handley and has totally stepped up. That has allowed me to be able to focus on Harper and keep her happy (which is a full time job). :-) Today was our first day alone and it went pretty well. Robby does have to travel tomorrow night, but thankfully we'll have Gigi to come over and help us get through bath and bedtime. Another great thing I'm very thankful for is that our neighborhood playgroup has organized dinners for us for 2 weeks! Not having to think about preparing dinner is wonderful.

Handley now loves holding Harper!

Harper is finally starting to open her eyes a little more.

And one picture of the sweet big sis!

Loving the warm weather!

We've been so excited about the nice warm weather. I was beginning to think spring would never get here. This past weekend we had a neighborhood block party. It was our first family outing. Harper slept through the whole thing, but we all had a great time.

Handley hugging our neighbor, Charlie. I joke that she has a crush on him. :-)

Charlie and Handley

Daddy and Handley at the block party.

Avery and Handley at the block party.

Handley and Mimi before she left last weekend.

Playing outside and enjoying the nice weather. :-)

Handley's Easter Basket

When I was in labor I was putting together Handley's Easter basket in between contractions at 3 AM. Crazy, I know, but I knew I wouldn't be home for Easter morning and wanted it to be ready for her. However, with all of the chaos, visitors, other gifts she received, etc. we didn't get around to giving it to her until almost a week later. She didn't care though and didn't know the difference. She was excited to know that the Easter Bunny came to our house and that he brought her a basket full of goodies.

Checking out her goodies
Say "cheese"!!! One of her favorites from the basket, her own camera
And her other favorite...Lip Smacker's chap stick that she is obsessed with!

Our second week home...

has been easier than the first. Actually, each day gets easier! My mom is still here, which is a huge help, but I feel like we're getting into more of a routine.

• Harper is starting to wake up a little more during the day.
• Handley is becoming more and more attached to her baby sister. She loves checking on her when she's sleeping, covering her with a blanket, and even shares her toys with her. Yesterday I looked over and she'd put toys all around Harper to "share." She loves when I hold both of them and thinks that is so special.
• Harper doesn't mind getting her sponge bath and seems to LOVE having her hair washed...a good thing since she has so much hair and needs it washed about every other day.
• Harper is really strong and is doing great at tummy time already. She can lift and turn her head from side to side while on her tummy and can lift it up to look forward for a few seconds at a time. Handley loves this because she's all about her babies doing tummy time.

Handley has started imitating me and has tried to breastfeed her baby dolls. :-)

Last week our friends Avery and Tiara came to visit us and meet Harper. Avery enjoyed getting to hold Harper and Handley was proud to show off her baby sister.

We took our first stroll to the playground this weekend!

Trying out the sling I made...Harper seems to love it which is a good thing. I think she'll be spending a lot of time in it! :-)

Harper and Handley on the play mat this morning. Handley loves to keep Harper company, show her toys, and "play" with her.

And a few older pictures from other cameras that I finally got a chance to look at!

Papa and Harper

Gigi, Harper and Handley on Easter

Mommy with her girls in the hospital

We're home!!! Part 2

Here are a few more pictures from this past week.

More to come when I find the time!

We're home!!! Part 1

I can't believe that at this time last week I was starting to have contractions and was in the very beginning stages of labor. Now, Harper has been here for almost a week! This is the first chance I've really had to sit down at the computer. Just a quick re-cap of this week and lots of pictures for everyone to see.

- We were really happy to bring Harper home on Easter.

-Handley was so excited for us to bring her home and has really been great all week. She has been interested in her and wants to help out with her. She's adjusting really well to being a big sister.

-Handley has been LOVING all of the attention from my mom and dad. I don't know what I'd do without them here.

-We can't get over how different Handley and Harper look.

-I forgot how around-the-clock taking care of a newborn can be, but it's all worth it...we're SO in love with Harper.

My mom and dad meeting Harper for the first time.

Handley showing off her big sis shirt.

Stefanie meets Harper

Justen getting his turn to hold her.

Jen and Harper

Uncle Trey
All ready to head home


At home with Daddy
You all know how happy it makes me that she can wear a bow!!!

Handley LOVED the Easter Egg Hunt in our front yard.

Harper Elizabeth

She's here!!! Last night I went into labor and Harper arrived at 8:13 this morning. I was surprised that she came a week early, but for some reason I had a gut feeling yesterday that something was about to happen. She weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 inches long. She has head full of dark hair and is such a cutie!

Handley has already taken to her role as big sister and loves kissing, hugging and watching after her.

I'll definitely post some more pictures tomorrow, but for now here are a few: