tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56842683170433998472024-03-13T14:38:18.798-05:00Hart AdventuresBrandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-85098400773370136242014-05-27T22:32:00.001-05:002014-05-27T22:32:43.177-05:00Bike Birthday Party (Double the Fun)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuph36m9iAQ/U4Tsr7C9mqI/AAAAAAAAEHE/ysYkiND_9kY/s1600/IMG_4228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuph36m9iAQ/U4Tsr7C9mqI/AAAAAAAAEHE/ysYkiND_9kY/s1600/IMG_4228.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm finally getting around to writing about the big birthday party. I love planning parties! I love the creative process and the actual party. . . not so much the mad rush the few days before the party. We were so blessed to be able to have the party at Nonni and Opa's house this year. It's a beautiful, beautiful location. The weather was perfect and it was so much fun to hang out with friends and family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJyDKNOfVdI/U4Tso-38jnI/AAAAAAAAEHA/4Ho1QWA5NGA/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJyDKNOfVdI/U4Tso-38jnI/AAAAAAAAEHA/4Ho1QWA5NGA/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's start with the birthday outfits. I've made Sara Beth's birthday outfit every year, and I plan on keeping it up until she thinks it's not cool anymore. Nonni helped a lot with the shirt applique since I always mess it up. The shorts looked so cute and SB wears them all the time now. John David's outfit was similar. The shorts were longer but made with the same pattern. Look for it in some of the pictures below.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNVWiLOr6fY/U4VX5qseYOI/AAAAAAAAEKE/0n-m9EOgVFg/s1600/invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNVWiLOr6fY/U4VX5qseYOI/AAAAAAAAEKE/0n-m9EOgVFg/s1600/invite.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a terrible phone photo of the invitation so the colors are off a little, but I think the design came out nice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-blNHMgE_Yjs/U4TtWOQnpMI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/FcTeAettigU/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-blNHMgE_Yjs/U4TtWOQnpMI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/FcTeAettigU/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OYQbiRfFvY/U4TtD8M83jI/AAAAAAAAEHI/jhQf6NyqqsI/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OYQbiRfFvY/U4TtD8M83jI/AAAAAAAAEHI/jhQf6NyqqsI/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The cakes! This year, SB requested a cookie cake and this one turned out divine. It was about an inch thick, frosted with homemade butter cream. Mmmmm! I made John David's smash cake from scratch (can't have my little boy's first taste of cake come from a store), but I bought the cupcakes from Sam's. What can I say? I was tired.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc7oqX8Fh5Q/U4Tsnd8aw6I/AAAAAAAAEG8/iHmGg7NXs48/s1600/IMG_4233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc7oqX8Fh5Q/U4Tsnd8aw6I/AAAAAAAAEG8/iHmGg7NXs48/s1600/IMG_4233.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This banner has gotten some serious mileage since I made it for SB's first birthday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fwwk6ZFa60/U4TtFAQs4qI/AAAAAAAAEHM/p0FrqAt6sbA/s1600/IMG_4242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fwwk6ZFa60/U4TtFAQs4qI/AAAAAAAAEHM/p0FrqAt6sbA/s1600/IMG_4242.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
These two bike wheels served as picture frames for the party. I absolutely love the way they turned out! I decorated the breakfast area in turquoise, orange, and navy for John David. The dining room was decked out in hot pink, turquoise, and navy for Sara Beth. With two separate areas, I was able to make it feel special for both my birthday kids.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie4nt7avPNk/U4TtnFK1QMI/AAAAAAAAEHU/KhgDpB331eE/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie4nt7avPNk/U4TtnFK1QMI/AAAAAAAAEHU/KhgDpB331eE/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L71KacZnls/U4TzZfywIiI/AAAAAAAAEIg/QLpY1pXKTe4/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L71KacZnls/U4TzZfywIiI/AAAAAAAAEIg/QLpY1pXKTe4/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the "junky" (and very delicious) food that you usually find at birthday parties, but, having very little self-control when it comes to that kind of thing, I tried my best to provide a more balanced meal. We had 3 different kinds of sandwiches, fruit, carrots, chips, cookies, and bottled water. Guests packed their lunch in this awesome paper sack, grabbed a picnic blanket, and headed outside. The weather was perfect for a picnic!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9cQsd0qCTU/U4T2-cUEiFI/AAAAAAAAEI4/Rj09cyDIJvg/s1600/IMG_20140527_152620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9cQsd0qCTU/U4T2-cUEiFI/AAAAAAAAEI4/Rj09cyDIJvg/s1600/IMG_20140527_152620.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These bags took way too long to get right, but I think they are my favorite party detail this year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKcnbLd02NI/U4TyMb-Ay-I/AAAAAAAAEIU/WqdxrOFDUDw/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKcnbLd02NI/U4TyMb-Ay-I/AAAAAAAAEIU/WqdxrOFDUDw/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qa8ZFKIngw/U4TyHMMSnNI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/hUvXeldpBuU/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qa8ZFKIngw/U4TyHMMSnNI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/hUvXeldpBuU/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8BBFyPxj_c4/U4Txh0Hqo5I/AAAAAAAAEII/OstHoNEOQC0/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8BBFyPxj_c4/U4Txh0Hqo5I/AAAAAAAAEII/OstHoNEOQC0/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SB decided that John David's cupcake toppers looked best off-centered. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnDru1qebP8/U4TwO4NrbrI/AAAAAAAAEH0/z3ZtQVsE8qE/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnDru1qebP8/U4TwO4NrbrI/AAAAAAAAEH0/z3ZtQVsE8qE/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little water bottles as party favors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz0ojuGivD0/U4Txnb1sEiI/AAAAAAAAEIM/k45R7EnNqn4/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz0ojuGivD0/U4Txnb1sEiI/AAAAAAAAEIM/k45R7EnNqn4/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I kept the activities pretty simple this year. After all, there was a huge play set to romp around on too. I made some handle bar streamers out of rubber bands and scrap ribbon. The kids could find some that they liked and decorate their bike. At the little table, the kids made a number plate for their bike. Adam and I had the number plates ready. I set out markers, stickers, and zip ties for the kids to use.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zI2ubMoJpXo/U4TxPRlSftI/AAAAAAAAEIE/5TE176d1owk/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zI2ubMoJpXo/U4TxPRlSftI/AAAAAAAAEIE/5TE176d1owk/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbtUVPj3Obc/U4TwEy_bSLI/AAAAAAAAEHw/CGQxuHCAiVk/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbtUVPj3Obc/U4TwEy_bSLI/AAAAAAAAEHw/CGQxuHCAiVk/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We asked our friends to bring their bikes to the party. Adam used cones and sidewalk chalk to create a fun obstacle course. It was a big hit, especially with Sara Beth! She wanted to ride and ride. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4U9RdRaT4k/U4TybK_jOSI/AAAAAAAAEIY/Cq9qvq1OZwU/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4U9RdRaT4k/U4TybK_jOSI/AAAAAAAAEIY/Cq9qvq1OZwU/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JM7GPn46CE8/U4TtwUyEF3I/AAAAAAAAEHY/E8PTW_-N-2c/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JM7GPn46CE8/U4TtwUyEF3I/AAAAAAAAEHY/E8PTW_-N-2c/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZl8JBobj-o/U4TuGeCyTxI/AAAAAAAAEHc/eIiR1HH2QQ4/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZl8JBobj-o/U4TuGeCyTxI/AAAAAAAAEHc/eIiR1HH2QQ4/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLbBOQPwLx8/U4TumSmgESI/AAAAAAAAEHg/8CK__NzRfWo/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLbBOQPwLx8/U4TumSmgESI/AAAAAAAAEHg/8CK__NzRfWo/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" height="279" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's not quite ready for the balance bike yet, but he had to at least try at his bike party!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIwO3S0amYE/U4TuxMuIs4I/AAAAAAAAEHo/RjfXr6ajTFs/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIwO3S0amYE/U4TuxMuIs4I/AAAAAAAAEHo/RjfXr6ajTFs/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for the bike parade! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8AEk9ztNhPU/U4TuwW362uI/AAAAAAAAEHk/MUvuJ_PV6aU/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8AEk9ztNhPU/U4TuwW362uI/AAAAAAAAEHk/MUvuJ_PV6aU/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Travis just had to get in on the fun! Too bad he didn't bring his own bike!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ekBURk6Dw/U4Twyhy5ezI/AAAAAAAAEH8/kNNkTb6SoJk/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ekBURk6Dw/U4Twyhy5ezI/AAAAAAAAEH8/kNNkTb6SoJk/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday girl with her big cousins, Shelby and Maddy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R032CPcIV8k/U4Tw0lOCKXI/AAAAAAAAEIA/zigqM0OGWA4/s1600/IMG_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R032CPcIV8k/U4Tw0lOCKXI/AAAAAAAAEIA/zigqM0OGWA4/s1600/IMG_0841.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best picture we got of the four of us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a great party! The bike theme was perfect for our big girl and our little boy. Fun was had by all, but I'm glad it's over. Let's do it again next year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-59687732942364006732014-05-20T14:16:00.000-05:002014-05-20T14:16:42.282-05:00SB's Big Day Sara Beth's real birthday was a couple days before the big party, so we made it special for her. I LOVE birthdays! I LOVE making the people I love feel special! First, we got her a twin bed, along with some new bedroom decor. We surprised her with it earlier in the week. She loved it! Then, on her birthday morning, she had a super-delicious breakfast in bed made by Daddy. Let's just say there were Nutella and strawberries involved. Yum! She opened a small gift from us, three new Rescue Princess chapter books, and then we told her the big surprise---- We were going to the zoo in Tyler, TX! The original plan was to take John David along for his first zoo experience, but he woke up that morning throwing up repeatedly. Poor guy! He spent the day at Nana and Papaw's.<br />
After a fun day at the zoo, we headed home to one more big surprise. Sara Beth had specifically asked to have Counter Culture frozen yogurt for her birthday, so she knew where we were going. What she didn't expect was to have her grandparents and two of her cousins there to sing to her too. She even got to open a few more gifts. We loved every minute of our sweet girl's big day!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BClYKjEULoM/U3umJxT8S1I/AAAAAAAAEAs/nEY566Z5kp4/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BClYKjEULoM/U3umJxT8S1I/AAAAAAAAEAs/nEY566Z5kp4/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast in her new bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvH5DsSnlB8/U3umEMvQmZI/AAAAAAAAEAk/-nsqj9oZRG0/s1600/IMG_4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvH5DsSnlB8/U3umEMvQmZI/AAAAAAAAEAk/-nsqj9oZRG0/s1600/IMG_4073.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at the zoo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mppb7NTO7Kw/U3ul_f9enuI/AAAAAAAAEAc/86aqmge1VlE/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mppb7NTO7Kw/U3ul_f9enuI/AAAAAAAAEAc/86aqmge1VlE/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding the birds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKC-loktsJI/U3umf74qU1I/AAAAAAAAEA0/RPZGo0n2GSo/s1600/IMG_4124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKC-loktsJI/U3umf74qU1I/AAAAAAAAEA0/RPZGo0n2GSo/s1600/IMG_4124.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giraffes and elephants!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eMuib5LSfQ/U3umlqfNsTI/AAAAAAAAEA8/qKczmcNqcRw/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eMuib5LSfQ/U3umlqfNsTI/AAAAAAAAEA8/qKczmcNqcRw/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is "her" goat. She is looking forward to seeing it again next week when we go back with her class.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gB9HYmI0IuI/U3untbmD2DI/AAAAAAAAEBE/1LzQQkhmbGE/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gB9HYmI0IuI/U3untbmD2DI/AAAAAAAAEBE/1LzQQkhmbGE/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" height="320" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little brother was feeling all better by that afternoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4S79SsNjHrs/U3uoFRHlOKI/AAAAAAAAEBU/XzTPegIicaY/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4S79SsNjHrs/U3uoFRHlOKI/AAAAAAAAEBU/XzTPegIicaY/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG" height="183" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family surprise (minus Nonni, who was playing photographer)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkcQFibM8hI/U3un-0guB6I/AAAAAAAAEBM/ZtLBR2lwOjk/s1600/IMG_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkcQFibM8hI/U3un-0guB6I/AAAAAAAAEBM/ZtLBR2lwOjk/s1600/IMG_0790.JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy! Plain yogurt with gummy bears. What a great day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-55748882696013047122014-05-13T13:46:00.001-05:002014-05-13T14:39:20.974-05:00Sara Beth is Four!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdvUNMT9Vlw/U3JNfQ4SakI/AAAAAAAAD4c/Ll98TgDDzOQ/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdvUNMT9Vlw/U3JNfQ4SakI/AAAAAAAAD4c/Ll98TgDDzOQ/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking back at this blog, I wish I had written about Sara Beth at each of her birthdays. I will get to the party post soon, but I want to remember this year with our first born. At 4 years old, she is dangerously smart, classically beautiful, strong-willed, and silly. Here are a few milestones from her fourth year of life.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Two days after her third birthday, she became a BIG SISTER! At the time, she was very into babies. She loved holding her brother and was super-sweet with him.</span></li>
<li>In October, she went on her first plane ride to Las Vegas to visit one of her best friends, Owen Herbeck. She did great on the trip, but I think her favorite thing about the plane was that she got to have gum for the first time as well!</li>
<li>In the fall, she started taking ballet at Shreveport Dance Academy. She is a natural dancer and has great toe-point and an amazing way with her arms. The class is fun for her, but she really likes dressing up like a ballerina each week.</li>
<li>She also had the chance to go to several ballet performances this year: Fall into Dance, The Nutcracker, and Peter and the Wolf (twice). </li>
<li>At the end of October, Sara Beth started preschool at Shreve Island Elementary. She tested into the preschool gateway program. Mrs. Flint and Mrs. Dupee do a great job making every experience a learning experience. Her class is a mixed-age group of thirteen 3, 4, and 5 year olds. She will stay in this class for one more year before she starts kindergarten.</li>
<li>For Halloween this year, we were a "Super Family". SB was "Super Sara Beth"!</li>
<li>This year has been a year of princesses at our house. Sara Beth is completely enthralled with all things relating to princesses. Every day, she dresses up in her royal costumes, and wants us to reenact the stories of Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, etc. </li>
<li>She is AMAZING on her pedal bike! Seriously, AMAZING! Never had training wheels. No assistance required. Handles tight spaces and corners like a pro. I guess she takes after Adam. </li>
<li>She continues to be a fabulous eater. Her favorite food is fruit (any kind). She eats pretty much anything we make. She tolerates some spiciness, but not much. Of course, like any kid, she would eat junk all day if I let her. I try to limit it, but it's becoming increasingly difficult. Her favorite lunch is a sandwich- ham, cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise with pickles and lettuce.</li>
<li>We don't eat out much, but her favorite restaurants are Golden Corral and Jason's Deli. Her great-grandfather takes her to Golden Corral when he visits. We opt for the salad bar at Jason's Deli.</li>
<li>She started soccer lessons this year. It's just a skills class. No teams or games yet, thankfully. While she is pretty good at the ball handling skills that they teach, that girl as no hustle in her. I guess I should have known that based on our morning routine at home. She is content to hang back or be the teacher's helper. Needless to say, soccer is not going to be her thing. </li>
<li>She is also taking swim lessons. She was so afraid at first, but now it's her favorite activity. Hopefully, she will start learning to swim on her own soon. Nonni and Opa's pool is calling our name!</li>
<li>This year, she attended Bible Study Fellowship with me on Wednesday mornings. We studied the book of Matthew. She asks very deep spiritual questions sometimes. I pray that we can answer them in a way that helps her eventually accept Christ as her savior. She loves when we take out the Resurrection Eggs before Easter. The story of Jesus' death and resurrection definitely intrigues her.</li>
<li>This year, we haven't had as much time to hang out with her friends. We've had to be much more deliberate about planning time to play with them. Her close friends are Tristen Reneau and Nanette Kawanaka. She likes all of her classmates at school too, but her favorite is Magnus. </li>
<li>She can write her name (and most of the other letters) and read simple words. She knows all of her letter sounds. She has a few books that she can "read", but she likes for us to read chapter books to her the most. Right now, we are deep into the Rescue Princesses series.</li>
<li>Sara Beth can count to 100 and understands the concepts of addition and subtraction. </li>
<li>She is a good artist when she really wants to be. She colors in the lines and can draw stick people and simple shapes. She loves to cut with scissors and add glitter and stickers to things.</li>
<li>We haven't been to the doctor for her check-up yet, but she weighs about 35 pounds now. </li>
<li>She is such a drama queen! I will leave it at that. ;)</li>
<li>She is not afraid of bugs or worms or snakes. Her Daddy lets her do all that yucky stuff and she loves it.</li>
<li>For her 4th birthday, we gave her a new twin bed. She is now officially a big kid.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0b8fKV9lqY/U3JH7yJpfjI/AAAAAAAAD3k/G86SCtt5Avs/s1600/IMG_6411c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0b8fKV9lqY/U3JH7yJpfjI/AAAAAAAAD3k/G86SCtt5Avs/s1600/IMG_6411c.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after her 3rd birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs3DzCMHdkk/U3JIEnDOQ1I/AAAAAAAAD3s/5AYkkBLtbDk/s1600/IMG_6509c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs3DzCMHdkk/U3JIEnDOQ1I/AAAAAAAAD3s/5AYkkBLtbDk/s1600/IMG_6509c.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big sister and little brother (1 week old)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ydP2oC3rpk/U3JHLjMrV4I/AAAAAAAAD3M/UGVZU_6GMVA/s1600/Little+Ballerina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ydP2oC3rpk/U3JHLjMrV4I/AAAAAAAAD3M/UGVZU_6GMVA/s1600/Little+Ballerina.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st year of ballet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qurlQjeBPAs/U3JHPK9ByLI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/7Sz_Af7qnrU/s1600/SB%2527s+first+day+of+preschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qurlQjeBPAs/U3JHPK9ByLI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/7Sz_Af7qnrU/s1600/SB%2527s+first+day+of+preschool.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Busy Bear- Shreve Island gifted preschool- 1st day of school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3cD45238N0/U3JGvTZpTBI/AAAAAAAAD2s/FJFOqEiT1SU/s1600/Halloween+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3cD45238N0/U3JGvTZpTBI/AAAAAAAAD2s/FJFOqEiT1SU/s1600/Halloween+3.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHd5wRCoHGI/U3JHRJ8ElvI/AAAAAAAAD3c/T6DGoxzLhsM/s1600/Nutcracker+2013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHd5wRCoHGI/U3JHRJ8ElvI/AAAAAAAAD3c/T6DGoxzLhsM/s1600/Nutcracker+2013a.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDFfRgWuKSw/U3JGTj1RWyI/AAAAAAAAD2k/YiGPNTiNikk/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDFfRgWuKSw/U3JGTj1RWyI/AAAAAAAAD2k/YiGPNTiNikk/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first gingerbread house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBKIw1WO2Hw/U3JI1pl7rWI/AAAAAAAAD34/7ERmfCe2yXU/s1600/5K7A2504c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBKIw1WO2Hw/U3JI1pl7rWI/AAAAAAAAD34/7ERmfCe2yXU/s1600/5K7A2504c.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6tdsjyLs9U/U3JKRM9CdFI/AAAAAAAAD4E/udSrAFESYvU/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6tdsjyLs9U/U3JKRM9CdFI/AAAAAAAAD4E/udSrAFESYvU/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She plays a mean game of UNO too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-De9jvZB11wU/U3JHLD8BFTI/AAAAAAAAD3E/RvO8KzZD1VU/s1600/SB+snow+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-De9jvZB11wU/U3JHLD8BFTI/AAAAAAAAD3E/RvO8KzZD1VU/s1600/SB+snow+white.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uioXROeWczA/U3JM4TPA3uI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/voEGYUWCwL8/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uioXROeWczA/U3JM4TPA3uI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/voEGYUWCwL8/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs3kOGaCc1Q/U3JG2BTuW6I/AAAAAAAAD20/Cbh2BSswsQU/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs3kOGaCc1Q/U3JG2BTuW6I/AAAAAAAAD20/Cbh2BSswsQU/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHxuo72Ypr8/U3JNZMkGrlI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/A9XPn-h6izY/s1600/IMG_3312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHxuo72Ypr8/U3JNZMkGrlI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/A9XPn-h6izY/s1600/IMG_3312.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzdwoxNPUNc/U3J0G8l7KLI/AAAAAAAAD5M/NI5mOdloWwE/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzdwoxNPUNc/U3J0G8l7KLI/AAAAAAAAD5M/NI5mOdloWwE/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With her best friend, Tristen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu_mMOWKH94/U3JOkX_NqWI/AAAAAAAAD4o/Amtm4TMkCeY/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu_mMOWKH94/U3JOkX_NqWI/AAAAAAAAD4o/Amtm4TMkCeY/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast in bed on her 4th birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4vIuEYGf8k/U3JO7PEEF1I/AAAAAAAAD4w/0Dt0bvR513o/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4vIuEYGf8k/U3JO7PEEF1I/AAAAAAAAD4w/0Dt0bvR513o/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 4th Birthday, Sara Beth! We love you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-55994989695066135052014-05-09T14:19:00.000-05:002014-05-09T14:19:02.896-05:00John David is ONE! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHIWC6UFtnU/U20ik9B664I/AAAAAAAADxs/5BPL1oTCtz8/s1600/IMG_4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHIWC6UFtnU/U20ik9B664I/AAAAAAAADxs/5BPL1oTCtz8/s1600/IMG_4180.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
I want to post about Easter, Sara Beth turning 4, and about their super-fun bike birthday party, but we have been sooooo crazy-busy lately. I keep telling myself, "One step at a time." So, this post is the first step in getting all the rest finished. We were seriously overbooked this month! With Gymboree classes for John David and swim, soccer, and ballet lessons for Sara Beth. . . oh, and Bible study on Wednesdays and school every day. . . and Saturdays filled with birthday parties. . . you get the picture! Poor John David spent half of his life riding my hip or hanging out in the Ergo or stroller, just tagging along everywhere we went.<br />
<br />
At 12 months old, here is what our cutie pie has been up to:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>He weighs 21 lbs. 6 oz, which is only the 25th percentile. He is 29 inches tall (33rd percentile). His head is still in the "genius range" at 19.5 inches (97th percentile). </li>
<li>He wears 18 months clothes for the most part, especially anything that snaps in the crotch (he has a long torso) and in pants/shorts when he's in a cloth diaper. We always have to roll up his pants, though. He has some short legs! </li>
<li>He wears size 3 shoes and 6-12 month Robeez soft shoes. Those feet are still like short sausages!</li>
<li>He takes 1 or 2 naps per day. It really depends on where we are and what we're doing. He pretty much goes with the flow.</li>
<li>He is back to sleeping through the night most of the time. Although he is an early riser, which sometimes throws a wrench in our morning routine. </li>
<li>This month, he normally nursed 4-5 times a day. His sessions are really short though (5-10 minutes total). Now the weaning process begins! I'm sure I will cry when it's all over, but this little guy has been rough on my body since he was in the womb. He has never had a good latch and so I have not enjoyed our sweet little bonding times as much as I should have. I plan to drop a feeding a week until he's completely weaned. Hopefully, I'll have good news to report next month!</li>
<li>Our little buddy is walking! Well, he is when he wants to anyway. I've seen him walk all the way across a room. No problem. But, he definitely won't perform on command.</li>
<li>He climbs everything! His favorite place to climb is on sister's step stool in the bathroom. He likes to "brush" his teeth like her. We even got him his very own toothbrush in his Easter basket. Climbing often leads to crashing down. So we have had a lot of bumps and bruises this month too.</li>
<li>I haven't been very creative with his food this month (no time for that), so he has been eating whatever we can scrounge up for him. Sometimes it's what we are eating. Other times, it's this and that from the fridge (like cheese and fruit, or yogurt and canned veggies). Away from home, I've been giving him store-bought baby food. He pretty much turns his nose up at most of that stuff! It warms my heart to know that he already likes my cooking! Some firsts this month: puffs, ham, beef, mandarin oranges, and apricots.</li>
<li>He has 8 teeth! Two on the bottom in front, 4 up top in front, and now 2 molars on the left side (top and bottom). </li>
<li>Only one sickness to speak of this month. On Sara Beth's birthday, he woke up throwing up. He had to stay with Nana and Papaw while we took big sister to the zoo. We never figured out what was going on exactly, but we noticed his molars coming in the next day, so perhaps that had something to do with it. Hmmm....</li>
<li>John David is talking a lot now! He tries to name everything he sees or touches. His words aren't very clear yet, but he does try to say woof woof, balloon, light, uh oh, rain, Pap (Papaw), and Bahbah (Opa), in addition to his other words.</li>
<li>He loves to smell the flowers and eat the dirt, but is not a big fan of the water. Hopefully, with repeated exposures this summer, he'll warm up to the idea.</li>
<li>He had a great first Easter, visiting with both sets of grandparents and doing lots of egg hunting. He was more interested in tasting the eggs than finding them.</li>
<li>He is still such a mama's boy! He is perfectly content if I'm away, but if I'm nearby, I might as well get ready to pick him up or listen to him cry about it. This makes preparing meals really difficult, but at least he's super-snugly.</li>
<li>At his birthday party, he devoured his piece of cake! Yum!</li>
<li>Overall, John David is such a happy, outgoing, and inquisitive little boy. He definitely never meets a stranger.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, John David!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jiIxYHuCZ2U/U20ocbmU0WI/AAAAAAAADyM/8QrxDk61EYY/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jiIxYHuCZ2U/U20ocbmU0WI/AAAAAAAADyM/8QrxDk61EYY/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's that baby? Oh, it's just JD with his hair tamed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiJ4n2HYDGU/U20oUDbJHkI/AAAAAAAADyE/ubPGg8n9dSk/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiJ4n2HYDGU/U20oUDbJHkI/AAAAAAAADyE/ubPGg8n9dSk/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Library time at SB's field trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jas9w8xcfh8/U20oQBUK1WI/AAAAAAAADx8/OZl2W-GUfq8/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jas9w8xcfh8/U20oQBUK1WI/AAAAAAAADx8/OZl2W-GUfq8/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting carried around at Rivers' party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vyr085c24A/U20ouLE8SPI/AAAAAAAADyU/HU3e-sjM9rU/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vyr085c24A/U20ouLE8SPI/AAAAAAAADyU/HU3e-sjM9rU/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bounce house fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLftmhAQdNs/U20pCEneewI/AAAAAAAADyk/pmUgUuzsGPc/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLftmhAQdNs/U20pCEneewI/AAAAAAAADyk/pmUgUuzsGPc/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter family picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DWhAo-sJCs/U20o-Q7MsOI/AAAAAAAADyc/WcBI7V8iAns/s1600/IMG_3983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DWhAo-sJCs/U20o-Q7MsOI/AAAAAAAADyc/WcBI7V8iAns/s1600/IMG_3983.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First finger painting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxYoesCrMy0/U20pLzenNzI/AAAAAAAADy0/CjqwMezD5YE/s1600/IMG_4162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxYoesCrMy0/U20pLzenNzI/AAAAAAAADy0/CjqwMezD5YE/s1600/IMG_4162.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He got a bike helmet for his birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuWu76Nc65w/U20pD_6mm5I/AAAAAAAADys/tRobgPL04Js/s1600/JD+first+Easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuWu76Nc65w/U20pD_6mm5I/AAAAAAAADys/tRobgPL04Js/s1600/JD+first+Easter.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-30879338709988398552014-04-05T16:53:00.000-05:002014-04-05T16:53:28.931-05:00John David is 11 Months Old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekiJ9AX-Rgg/U0Bw28847VI/AAAAAAAADZk/9AQSCheLWsU/s1600/JD+11+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekiJ9AX-Rgg/U0Bw28847VI/AAAAAAAADZk/9AQSCheLWsU/s1600/JD+11+months.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
John David just keeps getting sweeter and cuter every day! He is THE snuggliest (if that's even a word) kid ever! I'm short on time today, so here is a quick run-down of our big boy's 11th month of life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>He is talking a lot more. Sometimes it's just babble, but often he says cat, kitty cat, Sasha (our cat's name)-- Can you tell he likes the cat?--- sister, ball, dadadee (Daddy), baba (my name), this, or bye bye.</li>
<li>He loves putting objects in a box or a hole or a basket.</li>
<li>He's a little monkey! He climbs on everything! Turn your head for a second and he's found a way to climb up a step stool to the sink or on top of a chest or onto our bed.</li>
<li>He started classes at Gymboree this month. Of course he loves it! </li>
<li>His hair keeps on getting blonder. I'm interested to see what it looks like this summer.</li>
<li>He is definitely right-handed. At this point, SB was still using her left and right hands interchangeably. John David favors his right hand most of the time which might have something to do with the fact that his left thumb is always in his mouth.</li>
<li>He is a chow hound! He likes to feed himself, either by picking it up with his fingers or feeding himself with a spoon.</li>
<li>This month, he has tried out some new foods: tomato sauce, watermelon, cheese, chicken, cheerios, asparagus, and eggs.</li>
<li>He is into EVERYTHING! No drawer or cabinet is safe. Before you know it, he's taken everything out and dumped it on the floor. He especially likes to cause some mischief in his big sister's room.</li>
<li>Hallelujah! He finally figured out the sippy cup! </li>
<li>He has become our early morning alarm clock, about 5 a.m. to be exact. I usually end up feeding him to keep him from waking up the rest of the family. </li>
<li>He took his first real steps this month. He will take between one and three steps before falling or sitting down to crawl. He is so fast when he's cruising around on the furniture though.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu1sd5YGvaA/U0BwE0--fVI/AAAAAAAADZI/N0d8nmvG3YI/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu1sd5YGvaA/U0BwE0--fVI/AAAAAAAADZI/N0d8nmvG3YI/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st day at Gymboree Play and Music</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxIqtWpQAKc/U0Bv-BMf9DI/AAAAAAAADZA/wLnZrOT-WRw/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxIqtWpQAKc/U0Bv-BMf9DI/AAAAAAAADZA/wLnZrOT-WRw/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Betty Virginia Park on a beautiful spring day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5jtgZ9nixk/U0Bv-Fotl2I/AAAAAAAADY8/vAta0EARTv4/s1600/IMG_2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5jtgZ9nixk/U0Bv-Fotl2I/AAAAAAAADY8/vAta0EARTv4/s1600/IMG_2773.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee! Sliding is so much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho2AmUxdheQ/U0BwvNd--MI/AAAAAAAADZY/PAPkDW5pCzE/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho2AmUxdheQ/U0BwvNd--MI/AAAAAAAADZY/PAPkDW5pCzE/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His first time to take 3 steps was at SB's first soccer lesson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz4s7qD8npo/U0BwpXKfvTI/AAAAAAAADZQ/LZuItojvYEE/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz4s7qD8npo/U0BwpXKfvTI/AAAAAAAADZQ/LZuItojvYEE/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you think about this face, Papaw?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVOqIMibRXM/U0BwwQ77zzI/AAAAAAAADZg/gjFoitKsrdo/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVOqIMibRXM/U0BwwQ77zzI/AAAAAAAADZg/gjFoitKsrdo/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Annie's baptism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsamfCDq60U/U0BxOp5coWI/AAAAAAAADZ4/--eVsfrlgBk/s1600/IMG_3165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsamfCDq60U/U0BxOp5coWI/AAAAAAAADZ4/--eVsfrlgBk/s1600/IMG_3165.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Annie's baptism with Nonni and Opa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbMvn5xL-pQ/U0BxJXngeEI/AAAAAAAADZw/EGC6t1LTIoM/s1600/IMG_3346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbMvn5xL-pQ/U0BxJXngeEI/AAAAAAAADZw/EGC6t1LTIoM/s1600/IMG_3346.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking with Mommy while Daddy and Sister ride bikes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-30600348519355845352014-03-06T14:46:00.000-06:002014-03-06T14:46:43.687-06:00John David is 10 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3wZM4-d8Ps/UxjAv5h2h1I/AAAAAAAAC7A/_SgA4E0lces/s1600/JD+10+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3wZM4-d8Ps/UxjAv5h2h1I/AAAAAAAAC7A/_SgA4E0lces/s1600/JD+10+months.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
It's been quite a month in the Hart home! John David has been learning all kinds of new things. We celebrated Valentine's Day and the birth of our friends' newest baby, Kinsley. It's also been another month of yucky sickness and cold weather. We are looking forward to warmer weather so we can get outside more! Only 2 more months until this little guy's first birthday, so I've started party planning. Here are John David's 10 month milestones:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>He is crawling, pulling up on everything, cruising along the furniture, and even standing independently for several seconds at a time. I see walking in our near future!</li>
<li>He still weighs about 21 pounds and is wearing 12 month clothes. When we went for his (late) 9 month check up with Dr. Ritch, he was in the 50th percentile for weight and height and the 95th percentile in head circumference. I don't know what it is with our kids and their large heads!</li>
<li>He loves food! This month we introduced him to cheese, pasta, chicken, cottage cheese, mango, asparagus, brown and white rice, cherries, corn, and Cheerios. He loves to self-feed! We are just finding it hard to figure out what is soft enough, but not too slippery.</li>
<li>He is still not drinking well from a sippy cup. He is doing a little better, but he still doesn't get enough water to help with constipation. I guess he will figure it out eventually!</li>
<li>After last month's bout with RSV, we thought we were done with being sick for a while. Well. . . not so much. This month we passed the stomach virus around (which was terrible). We think it started with John David, then to me, then to Sara Beth, and finally to Adam.</li>
<li>He is making new sounds and doing lots of "talking". This month, we heard lots of /b/, /d/, cat, duck, dog, sister (his favorite), ball, and bye bye.</li>
<li>We might as well get rid of all his toys. He plays with everything EXCEPT his toys now! His favorite thing to do is grab whatever Sara Beth is playing with and eat it or tear it up. Good thing she loves him so much!</li>
<li>In an effort to break his habit of waking up to eat in the middle of the night, I've passed nighttime duty to Adam. As soon as I walk in the room, nothing else but mama's milk will do, whether he's hungry or not. Hopefully, John David will decide to start sleeping all night again soon.</li>
<li>He is getting another tooth on top. It's just started to poke through the gums. I'm glad there is finally some evidence of teething since he has been soooo slobbery for so long.</li>
<li>He is very happy and personable most of the time. Everyone gets a smile from him, except for me. I get crying and thumb sucking. Adam says it's because he loves me so much. Nice way to show his love, huh? That aside, he really is the sweetest little chunk you could ever imagine! We are blessed!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJQzNvncJ74/UxjAvMhcIqI/AAAAAAAAC7E/1Ov76QGwhBo/s1600/JD+crying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJQzNvncJ74/UxjAvMhcIqI/AAAAAAAAC7E/1Ov76QGwhBo/s1600/JD+crying.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just so you didn't think I was telling stories on him. . . he does cry! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQxkwoAjqxY/UxjAv6oOImI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/NB04WEtSvCg/s1600/JD+playing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQxkwoAjqxY/UxjAv6oOImI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/NB04WEtSvCg/s1600/JD+playing.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making mischief: examining the cat toy, trying to wake Snow White from sleeping death, and playing in sister's kitchen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWEIefmZGqE/UxjAyTanpPI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/IDISoNqdmJw/s1600/planting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWEIefmZGqE/UxjAyTanpPI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/IDISoNqdmJw/s1600/planting.jpg" height="106" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planting some lettuce and spinach seeds out front.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNT3KonkPpM/UxjB_smRBoI/AAAAAAAAC7w/saQHOO_7PwY/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNT3KonkPpM/UxjB_smRBoI/AAAAAAAAC7w/saQHOO_7PwY/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister is his favorite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Alk9yNFM1KA/UxjB-V0ZbSI/AAAAAAAAC7k/15fpyj2JlG4/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Alk9yNFM1KA/UxjB-V0ZbSI/AAAAAAAAC7k/15fpyj2JlG4/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't think that's quite right, Buddy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YCuo4Gqxow/UxjB_dnk4DI/AAAAAAAAC7s/6N1c0WDhEEo/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YCuo4Gqxow/UxjB_dnk4DI/AAAAAAAAC7s/6N1c0WDhEEo/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my scary face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJWvbM0A46c/UxjCiIsuG1I/AAAAAAAAC8A/M2a0iu6A3aI/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJWvbM0A46c/UxjCiIsuG1I/AAAAAAAAC8A/M2a0iu6A3aI/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing Nonni my teeth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HxcuJhw4i0/UxjCc-Au88I/AAAAAAAAC74/luYLDSgTOl4/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HxcuJhw4i0/UxjCc-Au88I/AAAAAAAAC74/luYLDSgTOl4/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Annie's hand and John David's hand- Hmmmm....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7I28fBINkw/UxjCj79xiMI/AAAAAAAAC8I/382gz4gcPms/s1600/IMG_2351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7I28fBINkw/UxjCj79xiMI/AAAAAAAAC8I/382gz4gcPms/s1600/IMG_2351.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentine's Day picnic with Daddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCUz60e4LiU/UxjCzAjzdSI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/WEsqAg7Gn94/s1600/IMG_2490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCUz60e4LiU/UxjCzAjzdSI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/WEsqAg7Gn94/s1600/IMG_2490.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 months old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXknZ4MWa7M/UxjC5xeh3nI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/0IF_J72MH4Y/s1600/IMG_2543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXknZ4MWa7M/UxjC5xeh3nI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/0IF_J72MH4Y/s1600/IMG_2543.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-40789559026242892512014-02-03T22:10:00.000-06:002014-02-03T22:10:18.565-06:009 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff2bpBsSPeU/UvBTrHiZotI/AAAAAAAACXc/HlDd2aFpOXU/s1600/IMG_1737a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff2bpBsSPeU/UvBTrHiZotI/AAAAAAAACXc/HlDd2aFpOXU/s1600/IMG_1737a.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
John David is 9 months old! He has been out of the womb for the same amount of time that he was in the womb. He has grown up so much this month. He started crawling about a week ago and now he is into EVERYTHING. Big sister is having to get to used to all of her stuff getting messed up now. John David is surprisingly coordinated when he crawls. I don't remember Sara Beth ever crawling quite like that.<br />
This month we took a road trip to Texas to visit Adam's grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. We spent a long weekend visiting with relatives, walking down gravel roads, playing with cousins, and watching the cows. Sara Beth forgot all about princesses for a few days and John David tried his best to charm each and every family member. It was a great trip, but we were ready to be home. Sleeping away from home with little ones is hard work!<br />
Here are John David's 9 month milestones:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>He weighs about 21 pounds and is still wearing 12 months clothes.</li>
<li>He got his first haircut. I snipped off a piece to save and then Adam got out the clippers. It ended up being shorter than we wanted, but it's growing on us now. </li>
<li>He is crawling and pulling up to standing.</li>
<li>He is talking a lot, saying "sister", "daddy", "cat", "hi", and lots of other babbling, but still not saying my name.</li>
<li>He rarely sleeps all the way through the night anymore. He usually wakes up once to eat. I'm so ready for this phase to end!</li>
<li>There has been so much sickness in our house this month. John David came down with RSV and a double ear infection. He spent a few days laying on my chest. Then SB came down with a virus that kept her in bed with a high fever for 4 days. Thankfully they seem to be on the mend now.</li>
<li>He has finally started to love eating food (just like his big sister). This month he has tried yogurt, brussel sprouts, purple hull peas, peaches, oatmeal and papaya.</li>
<li>His 2 top teeth have come in. Now he is grinding his teeth (Eew!), so I figure there are more on the way.</li>
<li>He loves to wave and say "hi"!</li>
<li>He outgrew his infant carrier car seat, so now he rides in style in a new convertible car seat.</li>
<li>He usually takes a couple of naps each day.</li>
<li>For some reason, he has decided that he doesn't like taking a bottle anymore. That makes it tough for me to go anywhere, but at least someone can feed him a little food until I get back.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01Q9tWd2VQM/UvBU-ez9TxI/AAAAAAAACX8/osX9x5U033A/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01Q9tWd2VQM/UvBU-ez9TxI/AAAAAAAACX8/osX9x5U033A/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the woods with Opa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--h7ikt_LcVg/UvBU9ouGDEI/AAAAAAAACX0/fGMzziBElEQ/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--h7ikt_LcVg/UvBU9ouGDEI/AAAAAAAACX0/fGMzziBElEQ/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family time at Five Hart Ranch in Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1molkGlo0ss/UvBU7bDPnSI/AAAAAAAACXs/h2gfQ00Xzak/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1molkGlo0ss/UvBU7bDPnSI/AAAAAAAACXs/h2gfQ00Xzak/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first cut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28NNaf7S_mQ/UvBVe5MmR3I/AAAAAAAACYE/Rzwb9-FhrC8/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28NNaf7S_mQ/UvBVe5MmR3I/AAAAAAAACYE/Rzwb9-FhrC8/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy getting brave with the clippers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Me7ZpC-bbmc/UvBVli385AI/AAAAAAAACYU/Gn4k1kVYIdU/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Me7ZpC-bbmc/UvBVli385AI/AAAAAAAACYU/Gn4k1kVYIdU/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new do</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4og2SqK2PIY/UvBVjPQi5fI/AAAAAAAACYM/xDLCDp5x7Dw/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4og2SqK2PIY/UvBVjPQi5fI/AAAAAAAACYM/xDLCDp5x7Dw/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On his 9 month birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cWcIJIJTIE/UvBWAawEJ5I/AAAAAAAACYg/5vnC3ZWYBRs/s1600/IMG_1754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cWcIJIJTIE/UvBWAawEJ5I/AAAAAAAACYg/5vnC3ZWYBRs/s1600/IMG_1754.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ABvKXHfA34/UvBWAu28MaI/AAAAAAAACYk/VQ8k7kJrFkI/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ABvKXHfA34/UvBWAu28MaI/AAAAAAAACYk/VQ8k7kJrFkI/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool little dude</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2xcPYrDND0/UvBWEFiV9wI/AAAAAAAACYs/NYFq2it92Gs/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2xcPYrDND0/UvBWEFiV9wI/AAAAAAAACYs/NYFq2it92Gs/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now this is what it's really been like.... so much snot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-90669561439432725472014-01-26T14:19:00.000-06:002014-01-26T19:57:33.737-06:00A Baby Shower for Sweet Kinsley One of my very best friends is pregnant with her third child. After two sweet and energetic boys, they are expecting a precious little girl on Valentine's Day. I think that deserves a little celebration! I planned a baby shower for her with the help of some wonderful ladies. After a few themed showers under my belt (<a href="http://sew-inlove.blogspot.com/2012/03/baby-sprinkle.html" target="_blank">Diana's Baby Sprinkle</a> and<a href="http://sew-inlove.blogspot.com/2013/07/lukes-baby-shower-weekend.html" target="_blank"> Brittany's Special Delivery Long Distance Shower</a>, it was time for something a little bit simpler. Our honoree's favorite color is purple, so I started there with a color scheme of various shades of purple, burlap, and cream. She and her mom made the most beautiful quilt for the nursery. I used it's various patterns as further inspiration. It turned out great, beautiful and personal, and Diana loved it! Thanks to all the sweet hostesses who contributed to such a wonderful day for her! Here are some photos.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAFdMuXO8pk/UuVnTILs3wI/AAAAAAAACFk/GQ-Qcw8koE0/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAFdMuXO8pk/UuVnTILs3wI/AAAAAAAACFk/GQ-Qcw8koE0/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favor tags for the candy bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S_RKg9fnzo/UuVnbUxepHI/AAAAAAAACFw/wb8rflDM2fs/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S_RKg9fnzo/UuVnbUxepHI/AAAAAAAACFw/wb8rflDM2fs/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diana's mom did a great job on the candy table!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMJuAgGa9Yc/UuVnbCr3SKI/AAAAAAAACFs/19Ndzbr-TH4/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMJuAgGa9Yc/UuVnbCr3SKI/AAAAAAAACFs/19Ndzbr-TH4/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dBY7KM5G1GQ/UuVn-aifQUI/AAAAAAAACF8/2k5RKjaLxPs/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dBY7KM5G1GQ/UuVn-aifQUI/AAAAAAAACF8/2k5RKjaLxPs/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gift table and the beautiful quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQbIsJtBEy8/UuVoEJNJ8II/AAAAAAAACGE/EPxZTnke7OI/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQbIsJtBEy8/UuVoEJNJ8II/AAAAAAAACGE/EPxZTnke7OI/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously! This was my favorite part!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAkqDga1r-8/UuVoILB29BI/AAAAAAAACGM/bViFZ7-LfYM/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAkqDga1r-8/UuVoILB29BI/AAAAAAAACGM/bViFZ7-LfYM/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric strips and satin ribbon all ready to tie onto the prayer wreath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWdJGe-cxQg/UuW8eJLifBI/AAAAAAAACIA/nDH5OFk_QDs/s1600/Kinsley's+hospital+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWdJGe-cxQg/UuW8eJLifBI/AAAAAAAACIA/nDH5OFk_QDs/s1600/Kinsley's+hospital+wreath.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-image: none;">
The finished wreath</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sW_od6Ozdns/UuVojwZvKLI/AAAAAAAACGU/ZcF1lyt-o4s/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sW_od6Ozdns/UuVojwZvKLI/AAAAAAAACGU/ZcF1lyt-o4s/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanya made a baby carriage out of fruit. So cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GahHveu030g/UuVol9Q7jmI/AAAAAAAACGc/rxGUc8hZSU4/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GahHveu030g/UuVol9Q7jmI/AAAAAAAACGc/rxGUc8hZSU4/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy cupcakes! Thanks for sending the toppers all the way from Vegas, Brittany!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdSSVYO5R9Y/UuVotd9ZCqI/AAAAAAAACGk/zLwUfhAY7zY/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdSSVYO5R9Y/UuVotd9ZCqI/AAAAAAAACGk/zLwUfhAY7zY/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katrina made this frame for the door. A perfect touch! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIAUk7rlelc/UuVqd8YZUHI/AAAAAAAACHo/24Oo1DFToEU/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIAUk7rlelc/UuVqd8YZUHI/AAAAAAAACHo/24Oo1DFToEU/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are all the predictions for Kinsley's birth stats. I wonder who will be closest?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgv6-gUDCMc/UuVpS62TyXI/AAAAAAAACG0/2UXSquQ4Y4Q/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgv6-gUDCMc/UuVpS62TyXI/AAAAAAAACG0/2UXSquQ4Y4Q/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the inspiration quilt. It is amazing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wIPKk2-uO0/UuVpRbtDYrI/AAAAAAAACGs/MxTFTSEc3pU/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wIPKk2-uO0/UuVpRbtDYrI/AAAAAAAACGs/MxTFTSEc3pU/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diana with her hostesses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dCQRKeamwA/UuVpYAu_JVI/AAAAAAAACG8/WIKon0JfMGo/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dCQRKeamwA/UuVpYAu_JVI/AAAAAAAACG8/WIKon0JfMGo/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpkXtJWbcLc/UuVqAFO4kaI/AAAAAAAACHM/thQK4Wbg4XE/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpkXtJWbcLc/UuVqAFO4kaI/AAAAAAAACHM/thQK4Wbg4XE/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75TYgbRtkDA/UuVqC3SSkXI/AAAAAAAACHU/rwQH0BLn5c4/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75TYgbRtkDA/UuVqC3SSkXI/AAAAAAAACHU/rwQH0BLn5c4/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdZd1bPOK2s/UuVp-EwFu3I/AAAAAAAACHE/jgKtMuvsQDg/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdZd1bPOK2s/UuVp-EwFu3I/AAAAAAAACHE/jgKtMuvsQDg/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These decorations are now hanging up in Kinsley's nursery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9XmN81hqrPc/UuVqVsjdMcI/AAAAAAAACHc/1rYKujhhmr8/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9XmN81hqrPc/UuVqVsjdMcI/AAAAAAAACHc/1rYKujhhmr8/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diana with her sister and her mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-65876180956625311322014-01-05T16:56:00.001-06:002014-01-05T16:56:41.452-06:00John David is 8 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qU3MbtzdNA/UsnP52NcXdI/AAAAAAAABvc/jK70Dol-n-I/s1600/JD+8+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qU3MbtzdNA/UsnP52NcXdI/AAAAAAAABvc/jK70Dol-n-I/s400/JD+8+months.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This month has been filled with holiday fun, lots of firsts, and tons of memory making. Sara Beth has had a two week break from school and John David has loved having big sister home. His very first Christmas was a big success. No meltdowns, lots of smiles, and tons of family time. Unfortunately, sickness has plagued our house since the Sunday before Christmas. First, Sara Beth came down with pink eye. Then, poor John David showed symptoms on Christmas morning. I've been sick for a week and just now am starting to feel much better. Hopefully, we will soon be sickness-free! <br />
Here are John David's monthly milestones:<br />
<ul>
<li>He's not crawling yet, but he is very mobile. He turns circles, scoots backwards, pulls up, stands up, and even does a little planking. He rolls until he gets where he wants.</li>
<li>He is doing much better with eating solids. I, however, am being quite a slacker making his food. I need to introduce a little variety into his diet. This month he ate carrots, butternut squash with cinnamon, apples, pears, and bananas.</li>
<li>He is talking a lot more now. He chatters things like, "dada", "dadee", "baba", and "thithi" (sister). He also likes to stick out his tongue and blow raspberries.</li>
<li>No longer is he content playing near you while you do something productive. He NEEDS your full attention!</li>
<li>He's got the worse case of mama's boy-itis that we've ever seen. He can be having a blast with Adam and SB. If I happen to walk by the door, he immediately starts crying for me. I have to admit that I'm ready for this phase to be over.</li>
<li>He can wave now! John David spent some time closely watching his hand open and close. Then, the waving began. Waving makes him really happy.</li>
<li>On our home scale, he weighs about 20.5 pounds. He is a big boy! He is still in 12 month clothes.</li>
<li>The mohawk has finally laid down. I guess his hair got long enough. I'm itching to cut his hair though. It sure would be easier.</li>
<li>His digestive system has not liked the addition of solid foods. After a week or more of no poop and 7 servings of prunes, Adam finally used a drop of glycerin to get things moving.</li>
<li>Gone are the full nights of sleep. He wakes up once or twice each night. I usually end up having to feed him in order to get him back to sleep. I wish I knew what was causing him to wake up. I'd certainly do my best to solve the problem! ;) </li>
<li><div align="left">
John David played the part of baby Jesus in our very first family Nativity play on Christmas Eve. He did not like it when I dressed up as Mary.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqsFGVkDVVk/UsnP7KXU-WI/AAAAAAAABvg/SNMVrdL705M/s1600/IMG_7009a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqsFGVkDVVk/UsnP7KXU-WI/AAAAAAAABvg/SNMVrdL705M/s320/IMG_7009a.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve 2013- Pink eye kept us from church, but we worshipped at home instead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxlIJ9EYxmA/Usngk0ojLFI/AAAAAAAABxE/SUg3uCU9IOg/s1600/IMG_20131224_191000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxlIJ9EYxmA/Usngk0ojLFI/AAAAAAAABxE/SUg3uCU9IOg/s1600/IMG_20131224_191000.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve with Nonni and Opa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5aJKWQSGe8/UqjuJVzCPWI/AAAAAAAABN4/SvspbTFZSO8/s1600/2013-12-11" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5aJKWQSGe8/UqjuJVzCPWI/AAAAAAAABN4/SvspbTFZSO8/s400/2013-12-11" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam lowered the crib mattress after this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmVakQTiF_U/UsnWp64bwBI/AAAAAAAABv4/Av6aaV3y_RI/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmVakQTiF_U/UsnWp64bwBI/AAAAAAAABv4/Av6aaV3y_RI/s400/IMG_0340.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SB feeding little brother some yummy prunes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofm6cT0TwaM/UsnWlDbP_SI/AAAAAAAABvw/QkzQT1nENIk/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofm6cT0TwaM/UsnWlDbP_SI/AAAAAAAABvw/QkzQT1nENIk/s400/IMG_0470.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Charlie is so much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5oS_YfY2ot0/UsnfWZWgjKI/AAAAAAAABw0/_ViRrDVOSfk/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5oS_YfY2ot0/UsnfWZWgjKI/AAAAAAAABw0/_ViRrDVOSfk/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JD with his great-grandfather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Xhia1L1JE/UsnffnS61gI/AAAAAAAABw8/h2Za4tUOvhU/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Xhia1L1JE/UsnffnS61gI/AAAAAAAABw8/h2Za4tUOvhU/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning with Daddy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDiBtkdDJao/Usngk2JFYoI/AAAAAAAABxE/xE4d0GKOp5c/s1600/IMG_20131224_191030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDiBtkdDJao/Usngk2JFYoI/AAAAAAAABxE/xE4d0GKOp5c/s1600/IMG_20131224_191030.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve with Nana and Papaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzv2y_DTnz8/Uqsiz5zY9aI/AAAAAAAABQE/Nrteo3BUEJ8/s1600/2013-12-13" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzv2y_DTnz8/Uqsiz5zY9aI/AAAAAAAABQE/Nrteo3BUEJ8/s400/2013-12-13" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I lay him down on his back and he ends up like this. I guess he's a tummy sleeper<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cGv4IHD_o0/UsnW7VRbvbI/AAAAAAAABwE/5nEBnbz9IuA/s1600/IMG_20131225_123229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</ul>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-8189036444221841712013-12-11T22:48:00.000-06:002013-12-11T22:48:30.800-06:00Happy 7 Months, John David!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8LGXrBwjdM/Uqk1EMHA38I/AAAAAAAABOg/GSHJ8IpRwRI/s1600/IMG_6927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8LGXrBwjdM/Uqk1EMHA38I/AAAAAAAABOg/GSHJ8IpRwRI/s320/IMG_6927.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging at the park on his 7 month birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These 7 months have flown by! I just THOUGHT Sara Beth's first year went by quickly. This is insane. I can't wait to see how John David's little personality develops as he gets older. He is such a cool little guy! Everyone he meets comments on his smile (and his hair. . . oh yeah, and how big he is). Here are his 7 month milestones:</div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He finally learned to roll over! He can roll in both directions and is now much happier on his tummy. I guess being in control of your body makes all the difference in the world. He tries to get his knees under him and can spin himself around in a circle. Crawling is our near future, I think.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He is super-sturdy when he sits now. I don't have to worry as much about him flopping over all the time. I do still put a pillow behind him just in case though. Our floors are hard!</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He is trying to pull up on things. He likes to pull up to his knees so he can reach a higher toy. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He likes to stand up and can even balance himself sometimes.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The babbling has started. What will we do when there are two kids talking nonstop at our house? He says "dada" and "yah".</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We started giving him solid food this month. I'm making all of his food, like I did with SB. It seems easier this time around. So far, he has tried sweet potato, squash, avocado, banana, apple, pear, red bell pepper, sweet potato greens, sweet peas, and carrots. I thought he would be a little chow hound, but he started out slow. Mostly, he just stuck out his tongue and licked at the food. He liked it much better when he could feed himself, but that was a HUGE mess. Just this week, he finally seems to be catching on.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
John David went camping for the first time earlier this month. We went to Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas with some friends. He was surprisingly good the whole time. It was so cold that he did end up in my sleeping bag both nights. He slept great! Me. . .not so much. We did a lot of hiking too. He saw a cave and a waterfall.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weekend after Thanksgiving, we went to Santa's Wood Christmas Tree Farm to cut our own tree. This is our fourth year there. It's been fun to see our family grow up each year. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
John David is such a happy boy! But. . . and this is big. . .he is officially a mama's boy. He is attached to my hip. No one else will do, but mama. That is so sweet, but I get nothing accomplished these days. Good thing he's so sweet and precious and lovable and squeezable and perfect!</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The spot on his left cheek is not going away. The doctor said it was eczema, but I'm starting to doubt. We may end up taking him to the dermatologist before it scars his face.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On our home scale, he weighs about 18.5 pounds.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He is no longer sleeping through the night most nights. I don't know what's going on, but I end up feeding him even though I doubt he's hungry. It's the only thing that gets him back to sleep. :(</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
His laugh is precious! He is very ticklish, but his best spot is high on his inner thigh. Sister loves to tickle him!</div>
</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoSoWPxxg14/Uqk0uYppi7I/AAAAAAAABOI/4Pd5cqP2Hgs/s1600/IMG_6835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoSoWPxxg14/Uqk0uYppi7I/AAAAAAAABOI/4Pd5cqP2Hgs/s320/IMG_6835.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tummy time is a lot more fun now that he is in control!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ioiL6okprS8/Uqk0s8_X8cI/AAAAAAAABOE/jcSN3SzBwRc/s1600/IMG_6861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ioiL6okprS8/Uqk0s8_X8cI/AAAAAAAABOE/jcSN3SzBwRc/s320/IMG_6861.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hay ride at the Christmas Tree farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwitQcha0XQ/Uqk08Sdsb8I/AAAAAAAABOU/wkmbOPMMxew/s1600/IMG_6865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwitQcha0XQ/Uqk08Sdsb8I/AAAAAAAABOU/wkmbOPMMxew/s320/IMG_6865.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We picked a winner! Here is our tree this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0b4El9_QSfQ/Uqk1D5vj3ZI/AAAAAAAABOc/IyInl84439Q/s1600/IMG_6884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0b4El9_QSfQ/Uqk1D5vj3ZI/AAAAAAAABOc/IyInl84439Q/s320/IMG_6884.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jingle all the way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXpH5I2hJ60/Uqk2CqdtWoI/AAAAAAAABOw/vvMXPPfgBYo/s1600/IMG_6545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXpH5I2hJ60/Uqk2CqdtWoI/AAAAAAAABOw/vvMXPPfgBYo/s320/IMG_6545.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First taste of sweet potatoes. . . not so sure about it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wV6X57wBQW8/Uqk2RHAkmII/AAAAAAAABPA/6At3kXeEYRY/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wV6X57wBQW8/Uqk2RHAkmII/AAAAAAAABPA/6At3kXeEYRY/s320/IMG_6657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking around during our first camping trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbCMVsOfhxo/Uqk2JuTXORI/AAAAAAAABO4/Jp1DWct0Fs0/s1600/IMG_6683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbCMVsOfhxo/Uqk2JuTXORI/AAAAAAAABO4/Jp1DWct0Fs0/s320/IMG_6683.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petit Jean State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WqzLlDWIEo/Uqk2aTHmZRI/AAAAAAAABPI/ysQgp0_VKBs/s1600/IMG_6700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WqzLlDWIEo/Uqk2aTHmZRI/AAAAAAAABPI/ysQgp0_VKBs/s320/IMG_6700.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out ladies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNnPbCx5QjE/Uqk2fUbIw3I/AAAAAAAABPQ/Gfq7omw3HXI/s1600/IMG_6809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNnPbCx5QjE/Uqk2fUbIw3I/AAAAAAAABPQ/Gfq7omw3HXI/s320/IMG_6809.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing his legs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-41306723963766462922013-11-15T12:05:00.000-06:002013-11-15T13:31:50.984-06:00It's John David's Half Birthday!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SF97PVx0aQ/UoZfvs67VZI/AAAAAAAABM4/rBvN_x8RgRQ/s1600/IMG_6532a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SF97PVx0aQ/UoZfvs67VZI/AAAAAAAABM4/rBvN_x8RgRQ/s320/IMG_6532a.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My attempt at the 6 month chalk sign (eating pumpkins was much more fun)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_r9i2CWH1Q/UoZNSMqWZ6I/AAAAAAAABL8/LscY66GOB5A/s1600/DSC_0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_r9i2CWH1Q/UoZNSMqWZ6I/AAAAAAAABL8/LscY66GOB5A/s320/DSC_0855.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JD on his half birthday: November 3, 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our sweet little guy is 6 months old! Well, he's actually 6 and 1/2 months old now, but his mommy is late writing a blog post, so let's pretend like it's really two weeks ago. OK? <br />
We've been busy this month, trying to take advantage of the cooler fall weather and all the activities that surround Halloween. John David tags along like a champ! He won't go to sleep in the Ergo anymore. This world is just too interesting! Big sister started preschool this month too, so we've spent a lot of time in the car, driving to and from Shreve Island Elementary School. Here's a run down of John David's 6 month milestones:<br />
- He now has 2 little bottom teeth poking through. Teething has not been kind to him though. It seems pretty painful for him.<br />
- Because of those troublesome teeth, he gnaws on everything! Watch out for your fingers, he bites hard!<br />
- He sits up all the time and will play with his bucket of toys for long stretches of time now.<br />
- No rolling over yet. Well actually, he finally did learn to roll over. That happened this week though, so it doesn't really go on this late 6 month post. ;)<br />
- We visited the Dixie Corn Maze, the Asbury Pumpkin Patch, and the Fall Shreveport Farmer's Market this month.<br />
- He was "Super John David" for his first Halloween. His little costume was hilarious! Our "Super family" had fun at our church's trunk-or-treat carnival.<br />
- At his 6 month check-up, he weighed 17 lbs. 14 oz. (between the 50th and 75th percentile) and was 26 inches long (50th %). His head still measures in the genius range at 18 inches (90th%). Poor little guy had to get 4 shots and an oral vaccine that day. He ran a low fever and felt awful for the next couple days.<br />
- His growing has slowed down a bit this month. I'm wishing I hadn't gotten all the 12 month clothes out. We are always rolling his sleeves and pants legs up. <br />
- He makes some interesting new vocal sounds. They almost sound like words. <br />
- He is still the happiest baby around! He gives out smiles to anyone that make eye contact. <br />
- He is still Sara Beth's biggest fan. She pokes him and squeezes him and gets all in his face. Apparently, she is the funniest person ever!<br />
- Our family joined us for John David's Baby Dedication at church this month. It's just a ceremony, but oh how I pray that God will guide us as we raise this little boy. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFDIljbwSHE/UoZTjWvF-1I/AAAAAAAABMM/w309tioM3xM/s1600/IMG_2660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFDIljbwSHE/UoZTjWvF-1I/AAAAAAAABMM/w309tioM3xM/s400/IMG_2660.JPG" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin patch fun with friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS2AYhFjyGI/UoZfr3vxLRI/AAAAAAAABMk/XidlreS79Sg/s1600/Halloween+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS2AYhFjyGI/UoZfr3vxLRI/AAAAAAAABMk/XidlreS79Sg/s320/Halloween+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trick or Treat! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6K4Ycl5hUBY/UoZfsPrklNI/AAAAAAAABMg/e_qUfU91KTE/s1600/IMG_6397a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6K4Ycl5hUBY/UoZfsPrklNI/AAAAAAAABMg/e_qUfU91KTE/s320/IMG_6397a.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkBPkEuZNvw/UoZfsNyfHhI/AAAAAAAABMc/dmmKOnoaI-o/s1600/IMG_6448a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkBPkEuZNvw/UoZfsNyfHhI/AAAAAAAABMc/dmmKOnoaI-o/s320/IMG_6448a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dixie Corn Maze: Just so you know. . . tractor cow trains are not very appropriate for babies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noiU_4WTFMk/UoZf6RMrlpI/AAAAAAAABM8/_hAkD-Aay9s/s1600/IMG_6407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noiU_4WTFMk/UoZf6RMrlpI/AAAAAAAABM8/_hAkD-Aay9s/s320/IMG_6407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama's pumpkin- picked straight from the vine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r090ZydqV2w/UoZ1v2bAm8I/AAAAAAAABNM/1chS9CMokCE/s1600/John+David's+Baby+Dedication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r090ZydqV2w/UoZ1v2bAm8I/AAAAAAAABNM/1chS9CMokCE/s320/John+David's+Baby+Dedication.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Dedication October 13, 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-63226971443102747442013-10-14T22:28:00.000-05:002013-10-14T22:28:19.357-05:00John David is 5 Months Old (better late than never)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqXx21oaSIc/Uly0Qn0kW7I/AAAAAAAABLY/C3syhuIhRUw/s1600/JD+5+months.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqXx21oaSIc/Uly0Qn0kW7I/AAAAAAAABLY/C3syhuIhRUw/s400/JD+5+months.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
Life has been busy, busy, busy lately. So busy, that I haven't sat down to write John David's 5 month post yet. He's 5 1/2 months old now, but I figure better late than never. I love to look back on these monthly posts to see how much he's grown.<br />
<br />
At 5 months old, John David. . . <br />
- is sitting up! He started showing off his new trick on his 5 month birthday.<br />
- drools a lot and puts everything in his mouth. There is major teething going on right now. A bottom tooth is just beginning to pop through.<br />
- has outgrown most of his 9 month clothes and is now wearing 12 month clothes.<br />
- weighs about 17 pounds. He's still our big boy! <br />
- is still not interested in rolling over. I think he will walk before he decides that rolling over is worth his effort.<br />
- has a tight grip. He grabs onto anything he can (especially our hair).<br />
- likes to copy sounds. It's hilarious to watch him copy the way Adam laughs. The dinner table is a fun place at our house.<br />
- has a favorite book. His favorite book is <em>Little Blue Truck </em>by far! He giggles, smiles, tries to grab the pages, and kicks his feet.<br />
- went on his first family vacation (to Las Vegas to visit our friends). He did great on the plane ride! <br />
- has spent a lot of time with Mommy at physical therapy sessions. I've been trying to get my knee back to 100%, so he has to come with me most of the time. The PTs carry him around or I play with him while I do the exercises.<br />
- has the best smile EVER! He is a very happy baby and smiles at everyone he meets.<br />
- loves his sister! He lights up when she talks to him.<br />
- gets called "Little Man", "Bud", or "Buddy" more than his actual name. He is finally starting to recognize and respond to his name now!<br />
- sucks his thumb constantly. <br />
- doesn't like laying down anymore (unless he's sleepy). He much prefers sitting up in the Bumbo chair or trying to balance on his own.<br />
- still sleeps soundly through the night. <br />
<br />
Here are a few pictures from this month. I wish I had more to post, but my computer is broken right now so I only have the pictures that were on the camera card. Maybe I'll add a few more when we finally cough up the money to get it fixed. Hmm...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cW5e7Ooa3M/UlyzgyjQ48I/AAAAAAAABLQ/Q3uZXCQH2s8/s1600/IMG_6027.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cW5e7Ooa3M/UlyzgyjQ48I/AAAAAAAABLQ/Q3uZXCQH2s8/s320/IMG_6027.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating 5 months while we were in Vegas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46JaTTdgShI/Uly0aMlaRJI/AAAAAAAABLo/KOV5pvnuk0k/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46JaTTdgShI/Uly0aMlaRJI/AAAAAAAABLo/KOV5pvnuk0k/s320/IMG_6290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Luke Herbeck. I wonder if they will be good friends like SB and Owen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AqS43FdbXvY/Uly0U06WPiI/AAAAAAAABLg/lwODblcgkVI/s1600/IMG_6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AqS43FdbXvY/Uly0U06WPiI/AAAAAAAABLg/lwODblcgkVI/s320/IMG_6248.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a good baby! This is what he did on his first flight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-28050213929963434722013-09-04T21:29:00.001-05:002013-09-04T21:29:12.905-05:00John David is 4 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uveRyQtBT6A/UifpeJgqD7I/AAAAAAAABKY/gNZyLd6M4wQ/s1600/IMG_6165a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uveRyQtBT6A/UifpeJgqD7I/AAAAAAAABKY/gNZyLd6M4wQ/s320/IMG_6165a.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
Where did the time go? Four months already? That's a third of a year! Too fast! Too fast! Our little man is doing so good. He is growing up strong and healthy and big. At his 4 month check-up with Dr. Ritch yesterday, he weighed 16 pounds 1 ounce which puts him in the 75th percentile for weight. The nurse measured his length as 24 3/4 inches (50th percentile), but I think she made a mistake or something. I KNOW he is longer than average. He is wearing 9 month clothes for goodness sake!<br />
As I looked through our pictures, I realized something. . . we didn't do anything worth writing about this month. There was A LOT of staying inside and playing in Sara Beth's room because it's too hot outside. Ooo fun! Oh well. Here are John David's milestones for this month.<br />
<br />
At 4 months old, John David is:<br />
- able to grasp toys and put them in his mouth.<br />
- drooling constantly! I guess the teething process has begun, but if he is anything like his big sister, it will take many more months before his first tooth arrives. For now, we just have to change his clothes every half hour or keep a bib on him.<br />
- loving looking at his reflection in a mirror.<br />
- loud! He has found a new voice this month. The sweet little coos were replaced by what sounds like fussing. His face looks happy though. Strange...<br />
- tired of laying down all the time. He much prefers to sit in his Bumbo seat and watch whatever is going on. He'll watch Sara Beth play for a long time.<br />
- getting better on his tummy. His neck is getting stronger and he is able to lift his head much higher than before.<br />
- trying to learn how to roll over (sort of). His cloth diaper makes it hard for him to practice, so he has been spending lots of time sans diaper lately. It's his favorite time of day!<br />
- a morning person. He wakes up so happy every morning. He gives some big smiles!<br />
-still sleeping through the night (about 12 hours). That has not been the case for the last 3 nights, but we're hoping it's a short phase.<br />
- a pro at taking his pacifier out of his mouth. He takes it out, studies it carefully, and then attempts to put it back in. He's had a few successful attempts, but usually gets a little help from us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIx82tWSHfs/UifqT81wv9I/AAAAAAAABLA/F8Y7Uyl_ohU/s1600/IMG_6142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIx82tWSHfs/UifqT81wv9I/AAAAAAAABLA/F8Y7Uyl_ohU/s320/IMG_6142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet sleeping boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pl2ipMiMHyk/UifpG3QLqjI/AAAAAAAABKM/2DOvk4om4HM/s1600/IMG_6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pl2ipMiMHyk/UifpG3QLqjI/AAAAAAAABKM/2DOvk4om4HM/s320/IMG_6059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy and John David practicing our surprised face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3S1GuMajbI/UifortUb1YI/AAAAAAAABKE/bSEPlZaiorQ/s1600/IMG_6078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3S1GuMajbI/UifortUb1YI/AAAAAAAABKE/bSEPlZaiorQ/s320/IMG_6078.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything looks different when you are sitting upright</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1g9hNnxC4FQ/UifpI5YUXFI/AAAAAAAABKU/n5YLXj5bnlM/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1g9hNnxC4FQ/UifpI5YUXFI/AAAAAAAABKU/n5YLXj5bnlM/s320/IMG_6094.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare afternoon outdoors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XSm6FujDIs/UifqFek-VII/AAAAAAAABK0/y6qDBcS1Rzo/s1600/IMG_6122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XSm6FujDIs/UifqFek-VII/AAAAAAAABK0/y6qDBcS1Rzo/s320/IMG_6122.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you get more handsome than this? Ready for church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ee8fo7wHNEo/Uifp48R2P9I/AAAAAAAABKs/DO5phMNK6_8/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ee8fo7wHNEo/Uifp48R2P9I/AAAAAAAABKs/DO5phMNK6_8/s320/IMG_6146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is his morning face.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2xRObRa4KeI/UifqJZUJwhI/AAAAAAAABK8/tEKlhVViXdg/s1600/IMG_6153a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2xRObRa4KeI/UifqJZUJwhI/AAAAAAAABK8/tEKlhVViXdg/s320/IMG_6153a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying diaper-free time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pladh9ePYTw/Uifps_uSVcI/AAAAAAAABKk/Yv2Dit2LsxI/s1600/IMG_6185a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pladh9ePYTw/Uifps_uSVcI/AAAAAAAABKk/Yv2Dit2LsxI/s320/IMG_6185a.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love him!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-89474876895578702232013-08-07T16:40:00.000-05:002013-08-07T16:40:25.535-05:00Summer FunSara Beth and Tristen have been friends since birth. It's one of those forced friendships that actually worked out. I love seeing them hang out together! Here are pictures from our day at Riverview Park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S42mFcAA8AE/UgK69nlCbRI/AAAAAAAABIg/_Kzhjxj-vIo/s1600/P1020936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S42mFcAA8AE/UgK69nlCbRI/AAAAAAAABIg/_Kzhjxj-vIo/s320/P1020936.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aw! So sweet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB8g9UEs9cs/UgK7B2_MyoI/AAAAAAAABIo/ZMfglWt9ESU/s1600/P1020938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB8g9UEs9cs/UgK7B2_MyoI/AAAAAAAABIo/ZMfglWt9ESU/s320/P1020938.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2M7nAePxm08/UgK7CYbOMxI/AAAAAAAABIw/wLFQus87tZ4/s1600/P1020939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2M7nAePxm08/UgK7CYbOMxI/AAAAAAAABIw/wLFQus87tZ4/s320/P1020939.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on, Tristen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csGH0YFmIoA/UgK73_D-G9I/AAAAAAAABI4/Fm_FsHQoIlw/s1600/P1020941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csGH0YFmIoA/UgK73_D-G9I/AAAAAAAABI4/Fm_FsHQoIlw/s320/P1020941.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We weren't having quite as much fun as them. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26d-zqZxFs8/UgK7_gWHBAI/AAAAAAAABJE/NxmiV9L1X3c/s1600/P1020942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26d-zqZxFs8/UgK7_gWHBAI/AAAAAAAABJE/NxmiV9L1X3c/s320/P1020942.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now T is enjoying himself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtUPC-ygoK4/UgK8CD59X0I/AAAAAAAABJM/flOQeEjJLLw/s1600/P1020947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtUPC-ygoK4/UgK8CD59X0I/AAAAAAAABJM/flOQeEjJLLw/s320/P1020947.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look Mommy! I got water in my eyes and I didn't even cry!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-87rIrZnPg/UgK86KvxjmI/AAAAAAAABJY/wTdO8IBBRFo/s1600/P1020949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-87rIrZnPg/UgK86KvxjmI/AAAAAAAABJY/wTdO8IBBRFo/s320/P1020949.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train-watching break</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miDkiFYNUnY/UgK8-Ogc09I/AAAAAAAABJg/BUjxLXHc5EU/s1600/P1020950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miDkiFYNUnY/UgK8-Ogc09I/AAAAAAAABJg/BUjxLXHc5EU/s320/P1020950.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutie pie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1MRdMeB5Jo/UgK9ATwExwI/AAAAAAAABJo/cB4duFvJuR0/s1600/P1020954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1MRdMeB5Jo/UgK9ATwExwI/AAAAAAAABJo/cB4duFvJuR0/s320/P1020954.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John David was happy to get some attention from Tristen's brother, Sawyer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zQmllkNUck/UgK9TWoAxyI/AAAAAAAABJw/C7Bu8DrF-hk/s1600/P1020961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zQmllkNUck/UgK9TWoAxyI/AAAAAAAABJw/C7Bu8DrF-hk/s320/P1020961.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the water jets is always fun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-12522325834323566912013-08-03T21:08:00.001-05:002013-08-03T21:08:37.707-05:00John David is 3 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULu6X9zry48/Uf2rWJpf8EI/AAAAAAAABHc/Zks-7s3efVc/s1600/IMG_6016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULu6X9zry48/Uf2rWJpf8EI/AAAAAAAABHc/Zks-7s3efVc/s320/IMG_6016.png" width="320" /></a></div>
What can I say about our big boy? For starters, he is BIG. . . weighing in at 15 1/2 pounds! He's really not that chubby (although SB loves to talk about how cute and chubby he is), but he looks like a 6 or 7 month old already. He is an amazingly good baby!!!! Seriously, he really is. During the day, he eats, plays for an hour and a half or so, then starts to get a little bit fussy. I put him down in his crib and he naps for a while. Repeat several times throughout the day. When it's bedtime, I change his diaper, dress him in pjs, lay him down in his crib, turn out the lights, and he sleeps for 12 hours. I'm not kidding! No rocking, singing, or shushing (is that a word?) required. I'm sure it can't last forever, but right now it rocks!<br />
<div>
John David is precious. I mean, seriously, I'm smitten with him! That smile. . . that squeal. . . his crazy mo-hawk hair. . . those chubby little feet. . . his sweet personality. . . the way he lights up around Sara Beth. . . I could go on and on. Happy 3 months, Little Man! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At 3 months old, John David. . .</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>sleeps all the way through the night every night! Sometimes I have to wake him up in the morning if we have plans. Other times, he wakes on his own, but even then he never cries. I just notice his legs kicking or hear faint grunting noises coming from his crib.</li>
<li>is grabbing and holding on to his toys.</li>
<li>looks at his hands like he has just discovered them.</li>
<li>sucks his thumb (noisily).</li>
<li>can "stand up" (not on his own of course).</li>
<li>likes to squeal and coo like crazy! I wonder if SB will let him get a word in edgewise when he gets older.</li>
<li>tolerates tummy time. Like his sister, he is not a big fan of it. Poor thing! His head is big and heavy. How can we expect him to hold it up longer than 30 seconds at a time?</li>
<li>stayed in the church nursery for the first time last week. He did great! His teachers said he was an easy baby. I've let him stay in child care while I work out too. I'm a worry wart about it, but at least I can see him through the window while I work out.</li>
<li>wears 6-9 months clothes. Yes, you read that right!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snapshots from this month:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdljPfcmt20/Ufxot0cZ4RI/AAAAAAAABFc/ir4fFYbMz10/s1600/IMG_5900a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdljPfcmt20/Ufxot0cZ4RI/AAAAAAAABFc/ir4fFYbMz10/s320/IMG_5900a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sciport fun with Nana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5Yt-wu8ko4/UfxotmO6FEI/AAAAAAAABFU/OmY4lLSLT1A/s1600/IMG_5908a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5Yt-wu8ko4/UfxotmO6FEI/AAAAAAAABFU/OmY4lLSLT1A/s320/IMG_5908a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one of Sara Beth's babies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aB5TDTVRTFg/UfxpoWVyqVI/AAAAAAAABF8/UCnePpjXn3s/s1600/IMG_5934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aB5TDTVRTFg/UfxpoWVyqVI/AAAAAAAABF8/UCnePpjXn3s/s320/IMG_5934.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on his grip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfqiv0V4FI4/UfxpgIpYhyI/AAAAAAAABFo/hnxSarWn5_Q/s1600/IMG_5976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfqiv0V4FI4/UfxpgIpYhyI/AAAAAAAABFo/hnxSarWn5_Q/s320/IMG_5976.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tummy time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipEeMTqIpp0/UfxphYS8bvI/AAAAAAAABFw/nObKX2dFg5s/s1600/IMG_5995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipEeMTqIpp0/UfxphYS8bvI/AAAAAAAABFw/nObKX2dFg5s/s320/IMG_5995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loves to sleep and loves his thumb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H--TOOS9B7k/UfxpomEFXwI/AAAAAAAABF4/Ve9kUdcOg50/s1600/Sibling+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H--TOOS9B7k/UfxpomEFXwI/AAAAAAAABF4/Ve9kUdcOg50/s320/Sibling+Love.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two are a perfect pair!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-7364894696510536412013-07-05T18:05:00.000-05:002013-07-05T18:05:56.577-05:00Sara Beth's Storybook Birthday Party<br />
Okay. I realize this post is about 2 1/2 months late, but at least I can use giving birth as an excuse, right?<br />
Never-the-less, I had to document Sara Beth's 3rd birthday party. It was too cute and perfectly suited to her! So, here it is. . . Sara Beth's Storybook Party!<br />
Sara Beth loves books. She loves going to the library. She loves to pretend. So, I had to seize this opportunity to throw a storybook birthday party for her! The decorations were easy: stacks of books, bunting banners from book pages, and a book page wreath (because I just couldn't throw away the leftover book pages). Both the food and the activities were based off of books that she loves. Everyone seemed to have a good time even though our house was a little bit cramped. Sara Beth received lots of new books to read and fun toys to play with. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate our sweet little girl who is growing up way too fast!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgX-jDS7zhM/Udc0S9VeyfI/AAAAAAAABFA/NGVRSdFjErI/s1600/invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgX-jDS7zhM/Udc0S9VeyfI/AAAAAAAABFA/NGVRSdFjErI/s400/invitation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the invitation! I can't decide whether the library card or the little story was my favorite part.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVWpuWI2s-4/Udcx5yzJTxI/AAAAAAAABEo/PjYPnxmbKEc/s1600/activities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVWpuWI2s-4/Udcx5yzJTxI/AAAAAAAABEo/PjYPnxmbKEc/s400/activities.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the kids' activities: Make a picnic lunch for Red Riding Hood's Grandma, Make Max's crown, play dough cupcakes and a tea party with Miss Spider</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSBiYN5nxo0/UdcxvW7JBpI/AAAAAAAABEQ/1KPduTciIp4/s1600/Birthday+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSBiYN5nxo0/UdcxvW7JBpI/AAAAAAAABEQ/1KPduTciIp4/s400/Birthday+food.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the party food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJA4WowUqqw/Udcx7zuXwpI/AAAAAAAABEw/l32FMqDJ6e0/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJA4WowUqqw/Udcx7zuXwpI/AAAAAAAABEw/l32FMqDJ6e0/s400/family.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday girl and her family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfUAhDNGubs/UdcxoLUIgkI/AAAAAAAABEI/DX94AATld9M/s1600/IMG_5236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfUAhDNGubs/UdcxoLUIgkI/AAAAAAAABEI/DX94AATld9M/s400/IMG_5236.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a wish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIAuxxA4sI0/Udcxz5JUsHI/AAAAAAAABEc/F-Q8zPH2RcQ/s1600/IMG_5302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIAuxxA4sI0/Udcxz5JUsHI/AAAAAAAABEc/F-Q8zPH2RcQ/s400/IMG_5302.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like riding your new scooter in your birthday dress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFJsjjclvG4/UdcxzqPd0UI/AAAAAAAABEY/P-UqrtjSxK8/s1600/Nana+and+Nonni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFJsjjclvG4/UdcxzqPd0UI/AAAAAAAABEY/P-UqrtjSxK8/s400/Nana+and+Nonni.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading books with Nana and Nonni--- it was a storybook party after all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-63875861067632142672013-07-04T22:27:00.001-05:002013-07-04T22:27:55.866-05:00John David is 2 Months Old <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl1UlzUSNDM/UdY67kqfktI/AAAAAAAABDw/aXq_8ZPLSp0/s1600/IMG_5859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl1UlzUSNDM/UdY67kqfktI/AAAAAAAABDw/aXq_8ZPLSp0/s320/IMG_5859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Things are settling down a bit now that we have 2 months under our belt. We are back into a weekly routine (for the most part) and starting to get a little bit more sleep at night. John David is growing so fast that he hardly seems like a little baby any more. He eats like a champ and has the weight to prove it! All the newborn clothes have long been put away. Now, even the 3 months outfits are getting snug. I sure wish he would slow down a bit!</div>
<div>
John David has experienced a lot in his short little life. He's been berry picking at Blueberry Hill three times, gone to the movie theater twice, and even hung out at the bowling alley a couple of times. He's been in the pool several times and enjoyed the water at Splash Kingdom Water Park last week too. Basically, he just tags along everywhere we go. Ah. What a life!</div>
<div>
This month, he also got to meet his paternal great-grandparents and great-uncle for the first time. Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Tim came to visit from Texas and we spent lots of time together. John David is blessed to have such a great family. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At 2 months old, John David . . . </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>weighs about 13 pounds. </li>
<li>has the craziest hair! Most of the time, it looks like we gave him a mo-hawk. He is already losing a lot of hair on the sides.</li>
<li>is only waking up once during the night to eat and get a diaper change. He's even slept all the way through the night (10 hours) twice. I can't wait until he makes that a habit. The first night he did it, I woke up feeling better than I had since he was born.</li>
<li>has the best smile EVER! I love that he responds to our voices now and lights up when he focuses on our faces. You can't help but laugh when he flashes his adorable smile at you. I dare anyone to try!</li>
<li>loves his sister! She makes him happier than anyone else can. Sara Beth reads and sings to him while I'm nursing. She prefers him to be in her room when she is playing independently. Sometimes, she plays doctor with him.</li>
<li>"talks" to us. He has discovered a few new vocal sounds and loves to have some back and forth "conversations" with us.</li>
<li>holds his head up very well. He is flopping it less and less each day. </li>
<li>is starting to grab, hit, and kick the toys hanging from his activity mat.</li>
<li>took a bottle for the first time this month. It's nice to be able to leave him with someone else when I need to.</li>
<li>has a bad case of baby acne. Although it's starting to clear up a little now.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAISC2iFDnE/UdY6oJWLHFI/AAAAAAAABDM/Cwb0A_jN6x8/s1600/IMG_5682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAISC2iFDnE/UdY6oJWLHFI/AAAAAAAABDM/Cwb0A_jN6x8/s320/IMG_5682.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberry picking with friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv1l1ddReKk/UdY6nuF60LI/AAAAAAAABDA/ovzbPUutNUM/s1600/IMG_5689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv1l1ddReKk/UdY6nuF60LI/AAAAAAAABDA/ovzbPUutNUM/s320/IMG_5689.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara Beth and Daddy feeding him his very first bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARyb_smeN-o/UdY6nrpSAoI/AAAAAAAABDE/COy_75Zkrl8/s1600/IMG_5705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARyb_smeN-o/UdY6nrpSAoI/AAAAAAAABDE/COy_75Zkrl8/s320/IMG_5705.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Father's Day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jr6BXz8SZoI/UdY6xvQCA0I/AAAAAAAABDY/54X9m6zbaVA/s1600/IMG_5739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jr6BXz8SZoI/UdY6xvQCA0I/AAAAAAAABDY/54X9m6zbaVA/s320/IMG_5739.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best big sister ever! She read him 19 little books that day. . . and he listened to every one of them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1ZmD5GEFfI/UdY601x0nLI/AAAAAAAABDg/j5JLkACqwuI/s1600/IMG_5846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1ZmD5GEFfI/UdY601x0nLI/AAAAAAAABDg/j5JLkACqwuI/s320/IMG_5846.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 generations of Hart men</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T98Y5ww9q4w/UdY65XeBt9I/AAAAAAAABDo/ZuL6WtrrwhQ/s1600/IMG_5860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T98Y5ww9q4w/UdY65XeBt9I/AAAAAAAABDo/ZuL6WtrrwhQ/s320/IMG_5860.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cuteness is too much! Love his low dimple!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtV0PLqlf2k/UdY69QurdHI/AAAAAAAABD4/AYiPWkcphK8/s1600/JD+swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtV0PLqlf2k/UdY69QurdHI/AAAAAAAABD4/AYiPWkcphK8/s640/JD+swimming.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of swimming fun this month!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-14821726260539499062013-06-03T16:35:00.000-05:002013-06-03T16:35:04.091-05:00John David is 1 Month Old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21sZfitWdHc/Uaz8BpM4R5I/AAAAAAAABBw/PwHcKt-ki9k/s1600/IMG_5645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21sZfitWdHc/Uaz8BpM4R5I/AAAAAAAABBw/PwHcKt-ki9k/s320/IMG_5645.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1965965208"></span> Time is flying by! I can't believe John David is one month old already. He is growing so fast. He definitely doesn't look like a newborn any more. Although, he never really has anyway. This month has been quite a transition period and we are just now finding a groove and getting back into somewhat of a normal routine. My recovery was much harder this time than it was with Sara Beth. Thankfully, the first couple of weeks were overflowing with family offering to help, visitors to catch up with, and meals being delivered to our door .<br />
Everything looked good at his first doctor appointments. He was 8 lb. 15 oz. at birth, but had dropped down to 8 lb. 2 oz. by the time we left the hospital. By his 2 week check up, he had gained over a pound and weighed 9 lb. 3 oz. He never had any jaundice. What a healthy boy!<br />
<br />
At one month old, John David is. . .<br />
-almost 11 pounds (I think)! I just held him while I weighed myself on the bathroom scale, and then subtracted my weight.<br />
-starting to get the hang of breastfeeding. Well, at least he's not biting down or making me bleed any more. Obviously, a bad latch isn't keeping him from getting the calories he needs.<br />
-holding his head up like a pro. He does great with tummy time on the Boppy pillow.<br />
-grunting, grunting, grunting. While he does occasionally let out a piercing scream or cry, mostly he just grunts a lot. He sounds strangely like a little pig.<br />
-sleeping in his own room in his crib. We weren't getting any sleep with all of the grunting sounds. So, it was bye bye bassinet and hello crib.<br />
-waking up twice during the night to eat and get a diaper change.<br />
-spending more and more time awake each day. I can't wait to start seeing his personality develop!<br />
-coming with us to church on Sundays. We brought Sara Beth with us for months because she just slept right through it. Not this little guy! He stays awake for 2 or 3 hours on Sundays when we are at church.<br />
-rocking his cloth diapers. After a day or two of relearning how to use prefolds with covers, we've got it down now.<br />
-loving his pacifier. We tried to wait a while before giving him the glorious paci, but a few weeks of nightly screaming will break you. Last week we decided that the pacifier couldn't make his breastfeeding latch any worse than it already was, so we broke out the paci. As always, it was a life-saver!<br />
-tagging along everywhere we go: SB's play dates, grocery shopping, etc.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJAMBa2ev9k/Uaz75ygFIVI/AAAAAAAABBg/ZFGQ5aM4MDs/s1600/IMG_5461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJAMBa2ev9k/Uaz75ygFIVI/AAAAAAAABBg/ZFGQ5aM4MDs/s320/IMG_5461.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First check-up with Dr. Ritch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UsGTEG3pB0/Uaz74mCd7iI/AAAAAAAABBY/ApvIlqMaJQo/s1600/IMG_5520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UsGTEG3pB0/Uaz74mCd7iI/AAAAAAAABBY/ApvIlqMaJQo/s320/IMG_5520.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SB is a great big sister. Look at those crossed eyes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJKStb1YCWs/Uaz7-fnzpEI/AAAAAAAABBo/ssgBDxQYA5c/s1600/John+David%2527s+faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJKStb1YCWs/Uaz7-fnzpEI/AAAAAAAABBo/ssgBDxQYA5c/s320/John+David%2527s+faces.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's a man of many (funny) faces<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGkHNOR5FeY/Uaz97BnunII/AAAAAAAABCU/clO8hB_BHAI/s1600/JohnDavid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGkHNOR5FeY/Uaz97BnunII/AAAAAAAABCU/clO8hB_BHAI/s320/JohnDavid.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also had a newborn photo shoot with Nicole Spikes this month. Isn't that smile precious?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kL_ax9jVD0A/Uaz9VOCbN5I/AAAAAAAABCE/oRep3vSHl7g/s1600/IMG_5621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kL_ax9jVD0A/Uaz9VOCbN5I/AAAAAAAABCE/oRep3vSHl7g/s320/IMG_5621.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay for pacifiers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8J51x_LHyM/Ua0KDW59D0I/AAAAAAAABCs/QVRMDACF3Ws/s1600/P1020888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8J51x_LHyM/Ua0KDW59D0I/AAAAAAAABCs/QVRMDACF3Ws/s320/P1020888.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing at the spray park while big sister plays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xd5rNBV_DbE/Uaz97iFSTII/AAAAAAAABCc/HvA6eRzHp-E/s1600/IMG_5627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xd5rNBV_DbE/Uaz97iFSTII/AAAAAAAABCc/HvA6eRzHp-E/s320/IMG_5627.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On his one month birthday: Handsome little guy, isn't he?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-73997513855748526482013-05-14T16:50:00.000-05:002013-05-14T16:54:58.008-05:00It's a Boy! John David's Birth Story (Part 2)<div align="center">
Part 2: Labor and Delivery</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really need to live in a different state, where natural, nonmedicated childbirth isn't some alien concept. When I was pregnant with Sara Beth, I had to fight off induction in order to wait 11 days past my due date for her to make an appearance. It was stressful and scary, but she did finally come on her own. Thankfully, I was able to have the natural birth experience that I wanted. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With this pregnancy, I had a new doctor (my first OB retired), and while she is very sweet and personable, she is not completely on board with natural childbirth. I felt like I had to argue every decision that was made. She wanted to induce me for any number of reasons: gestational diabetes, a big baby, the baby's dilated kidneys, etc. Finally, an induction was scheduled for Friday, May 3rd, the day before my due date. After several attempts to strip my membranes, I began to have regular contractions on Wednesday night. We were so happy that labor was starting without a hospital induction (or so we thought)! We got Adam's brother, Travis, to come spend the night at our house so that we wouldn't have to disturb Sara Beth. Then, we headed to the hospital at around 1:00 Thursday morning. After 6 hours of contractions, monitoring, and checking, I just wasn't progressing. I came in at 4cm and went home at 4cm. While we were disappointed, we looked forward to getting some sleep and eating our own food before going in at 5am Friday for the induction.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9_3N75kMtQ/UZKvDP6-tCI/AAAAAAAABAc/5vBRKHTDBlA/s1600/IMG_5311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9_3N75kMtQ/UZKvDP6-tCI/AAAAAAAABAc/5vBRKHTDBlA/s400/IMG_5311.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Birth day: 5am at Highland Hospital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We loaded the car and got to the hospital at 5am on Friday. The plan was to get checked in and start the first round of IV antibiotics (because I tested positive for Group B Strep) before my doctor came in to start the induction at 6:30. It was so strange to be at the hospital without being in pain. We just waited in our room until they got to us. My doctor broke my water at 7:30am and then we waited. The contractions came; I rolled around on my birth ball; we waited. By 11:30, I had barely made it to 5cm, and my doctor started talking about giving me Pitocin. I broke down immediately. This is why I didn't want to be induced! Birth should not be timed. It's not a test! I refused to even listen to the suggestion of medication. We asked everyone to leave the room. I got on my hands and knees (which is how I labored with Sara Beth) and true labor began. I guess you could say I got scared into labor. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From that point on, I progressed slowly. But, it was enough for my doctor to leave me alone. Toward the end, I remember being so sensitive to sound. Did that nurse just giggle at me (She didn't by the way)? Why is she talking so much? This song is annoying! Once again, Adam was the best labor coach I could have asked for! This time around was less physical for him. With Sara Beth, I needed him to press on my back during every contraction (for like 6 hours straight). This time, he talked me through every contraction, telling me to relax my body and let it do its job. Like the first time, I lost my concentration (and my quietness) toward the end, when I was exhausted and the pain wasn't giving me a break. I pushed for what seemed like forever, but was really an hour and a half. Finally, after 12 hours, at 5:39 pm, our baby was born! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhBejZBZf60/UZKvz1cePTI/AAAAAAAABAk/2E0qKSx-qPw/s1600/IMG_5319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhBejZBZf60/UZKvz1cePTI/AAAAAAAABAk/2E0qKSx-qPw/s400/IMG_5319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the world, John David Hart!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H54ECo19z4k/UZKyYexEG6I/AAAAAAAABBA/5igdw24qfPs/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" pua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H54ECo19z4k/UZKyYexEG6I/AAAAAAAABBA/5igdw24qfPs/s400/IMG_5324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John David Hart- Born on May 3, 2013- 8lbs. 15 oz.- 21.25 inches long</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fyMs_AU2MI/UZKwTJp8afI/AAAAAAAABAs/JPjuh7HnQ3Q/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fyMs_AU2MI/UZKwTJp8afI/AAAAAAAABAs/JPjuh7HnQ3Q/s400/IMG_5328.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy family, with our new little blessing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hardly remember the doctor saying "It's a boy!", but I remember Adam being so excited to tell our family. He ran out to them, slid down the hallway in his socks, and told our family the news. Apparently, he told them that the baby weighed 8lbs 16oz instead of 8lbs 15oz, and they won't let him live it down! John David was put on my chest right away and soon even latched right on to nurse for the first time. Sara Beth soon joined us in the delivery room to meet her little brother. We wanted her to be a part of the experience too. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMxAcNOnsL0/UZKwbngj3WI/AAAAAAAABA0/Yc5u1laQagw/s1600/IMG_5336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMxAcNOnsL0/UZKwbngj3WI/AAAAAAAABA0/Yc5u1laQagw/s400/IMG_5336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara Beth meeting her brother</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To be continued. . .</div>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-19374624296509853292013-05-14T15:46:00.001-05:002013-05-14T15:46:19.422-05:00It's a Boy! John David's Birth Story (Part 1) It's been 9 months since I've updated the blog. A lot happened during that time. Most importantly, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I'm going to do my best to begin documenting his first year here at Hart Adventures. I loved having Sara Beth's monthly posts to look back on, and would hate to miss out on recording all the details about her little brother. So, while the memories are fresh, here is the birth story of our second child, our son, John David Hart.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Part 1: Pregnancy</div>
We found out I was pregnant in late August 2012 and were so excited! Sara Beth immediately latched on to the idea of having a baby brother or sister. It seemed like I started showing immediately, although I'm sure I didn't really. By 10 weeks, we couldn't hide it anymore (I was already into my maternity clothes) and decided to tell everyone. Sara Beth wore her Big Sis shirt to spread the big news. Just like with my first pregnancy, I was tired and nauseous for the first trimester. In early January, I took the glucose tolerance test and failed it once again. For the next 4 months, I followed a strict diet and was able keep my gestational diabetes under control. My total weight gain was only 18 pounds, thanks to gestational diabetes (at least it's good for something, I guess). I was able to keep working out until 3 days before he was born. My belly was HUGE for the last half of the pregnancy, which caused lots of aches and pains. Even the shirt that I wore to the hospital when Sara Beth was born was about 6 inches too short in the front. I had to visit the perinatal specialist several times to keep an eye on the baby's kidneys. They were more dilated than they should have been. After remaining stable for several visits in a row, the doctors decided that the only action should be to have an ultrasound done on the baby's kidneys after birth. We decided once again to wait until delivery to find out the gender of the baby. It would either be Jessa Adeline or John David and we didn't care which one. We had an inkling that it was a boy though. It was measuring very large on all the ultrasounds, was crazy active all the time (kicking, punching, and stretching in my belly), and the kidney problem was more common in boys.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tih-MegcDrI/UZKSDthuqXI/AAAAAAAAA_U/DTYgMA-kzBw/s1600/Baby+%232+Ultrasound+30+weeks+5+days1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tih-MegcDrI/UZKSDthuqXI/AAAAAAAAA_U/DTYgMA-kzBw/s640/Baby+%232+Ultrasound+30+weeks+5+days1.jpg" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Hart at 30 weeks, 5 days<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In March, a sweet group of friends hosted a baby shower for me. The theme was "A Baby is Brewing". Everything was beautiful! My good friend, Brittany, even flew in from Las Vegas to be here. I felt very loved!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbEgmwmY2Vg/UZKUs6cyjKI/AAAAAAAAA_k/a79y4bA2Pfk/s1600/baby+shower+hostesses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" pua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbEgmwmY2Vg/UZKUs6cyjKI/AAAAAAAAA_k/a79y4bA2Pfk/s400/baby+shower+hostesses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
Also in March, we took maternity pictures with Ivy B Photography. We had so much fun with her! She even got Sara Beth to cheese it up a bit. I think the pictures came out great!</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKnqVgbKyB4/UZKhaYLnSOI/AAAAAAAABAQ/NwJAOf6IWN0/s1600/Maternity+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKnqVgbKyB4/UZKhaYLnSOI/AAAAAAAABAQ/NwJAOf6IWN0/s320/Maternity+Collage2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6fyQVRKtAo/UZKgHHRA0qI/AAAAAAAABAE/YbEzf70YU-s/s1600/Maternity+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6fyQVRKtAo/UZKgHHRA0qI/AAAAAAAABAE/YbEzf70YU-s/s320/Maternity+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To be continued. . . . . . . </div>
Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-50908375402703375022012-08-22T15:56:00.000-05:002012-08-22T15:56:29.814-05:00Gumbo, Zydeco, and Relaxation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This month, Adam and I celebrated 13 years of marriage. To celebrate, we took a weekend trip down south (South Louisiana, that is). As a Christmas gift, Adam's parents gave us a couple of nights at a bed and breakfast, along with dinner, a swamp tour, and a Cajun music show.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What an amazing gift! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> We stayed at <a href="http://www.maisondmemoire.com/" target="_blank">Maison D'Memoire</a> in Rayne, LA. The rooms are actually separate cottages that have been moved onto the property and restored. Our cottage, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_430910014">The Autumn Cottage</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, was the smallest of the bunch, but was steeped in history. There was a living room, full kitchen, bedroom, and a bathroom (with a claw-foot tub). We loved it! Lyn, our hostess, made delicious breakfasts each morning and delivered them to our doorstep in a little basket. We drank our coffee out on the porch while enjoying some unseasonably cool Louisiana weather.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday night, we ate at <a href="http://www.pontbreauxscajunrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Pont Breaux's Cajun Restaurant</a> in Breaux Bridge. We had some yummy gumbo and smothered fish while we watched the older couples dance the night away. On a side note, this trip really made me wish I knew how to dance! With such awesome live music everywhere you go,</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">it's hard to sit still.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday's schedule was full to the brim.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started out with one of Lyn's yummy breakfasts and then headed back to Breaux Bridge to go on a swamp tour. Going into this, I thought, "How interesting can this be really? We have swamps in Shreveport too." Our guide proved me wrong. The 2 hour boat ride was peaceful, beautiful, and very informative. We saw lots of native birds and even a few alligators. We lunched at a little cafe in town and then picked up some boudin at a local shop nearby. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> That evening, we drove to Eunice to the Liberty Theater to see a show, "<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_430910026">Rendez Vous </a></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rendez-vous-des-Cajuns-Cajun-Music-Radio-TV-Show-Liberty-Theater/259197744345" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">des Cajuns</span>"</a>. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was actually a live radio show being broadcast locally, but we were in the live audience. The band was great and most of the dialogue was in French so that was interesting too. Once again, there was dancing in which we did not participate. I've got to learn to dance!</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We had </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dinner at <a href="http://www.fezzos.com/ordereze/default.aspx" target="_blank">Fezzo's</a></span>. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The food was amazing!</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was stuffed before my entree came out!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Sunday, after another of Lyn's breakfasts, we drove south to Avery Island. There, we visited the Tabasco factory and toured The Jungle Gardens. Both were very touristy, but pretty cool none-the-less. We loved our weekend together! We celebrated our 13 years of marriage, experienced some Cajun culture, and got the opportunity to finish our conversations. That is almost impossible with SB along for the ride. She had a blast staying the weekend with her Nonni and Opa too! We are so blessed! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osmGRIVcz2g/UDU4cL6n9kI/AAAAAAAAA80/2IdV0EbSqfg/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osmGRIVcz2g/UDU4cL6n9kI/AAAAAAAAA80/2IdV0EbSqfg/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osmGRIVcz2g/UDU4cL6n9kI/AAAAAAAAA80/2IdV0EbSqfg/s320/IMG_2896.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our delicious breakfasts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OR3adpZaGk/UDU47yiK5II/AAAAAAAAA88/C7wxwvo_oOo/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OR3adpZaGk/UDU47yiK5II/AAAAAAAAA88/C7wxwvo_oOo/s320/IMG_2903.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird sighting on the swamp tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OSA2VLwcKY/UDU5YKagonI/AAAAAAAAA9E/sQCLxabsG0s/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OSA2VLwcKY/UDU5YKagonI/AAAAAAAAA9E/sQCLxabsG0s/s320/IMG_2907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alligator!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGi75_2vVfY/UDU512si_YI/AAAAAAAAA9M/4hvX6jIwMLA/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGi75_2vVfY/UDU512si_YI/AAAAAAAAA9M/4hvX6jIwMLA/s320/IMG_2911.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live radio show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1kUAgc4rNM/UDU6aZktkFI/AAAAAAAAA9U/_uvbQGYPqjk/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1kUAgc4rNM/UDU6aZktkFI/AAAAAAAAA9U/_uvbQGYPqjk/s320/IMG_2914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porch-sitting with my man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_gwchz38Ew/UDU6vQYdOfI/AAAAAAAAA9c/D2FRqS9rtdU/s1600/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_gwchz38Ew/UDU6vQYdOfI/AAAAAAAAA9c/D2FRqS9rtdU/s320/IMG_2917.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tabasco factory on Avery Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bar5L8muH8A/UDU7PfwgwVI/AAAAAAAAA9k/5X4tMq6z1BI/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bar5L8muH8A/UDU7PfwgwVI/AAAAAAAAA9k/5X4tMq6z1BI/s320/IMG_2919.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient buddha statue that we saw in the Jungle Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4v607wDVwDs/UDU76nS35CI/AAAAAAAAA9s/lK0-pLb6UN8/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4v607wDVwDs/UDU76nS35CI/AAAAAAAAA9s/lK0-pLb6UN8/s320/IMG_2923.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trees were huge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAIc8kqJdEY/UDU8kCg7uAI/AAAAAAAAA90/SvpPwj_5fPI/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAIc8kqJdEY/UDU8kCg7uAI/AAAAAAAAA90/SvpPwj_5fPI/s320/IMG_2924.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. and Mrs. Hart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-57471769413502083472012-08-07T16:58:00.002-05:002012-08-08T16:00:03.963-05:00Parent Prom Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnQIWrk_VBc/UCA5322jXQI/AAAAAAAAA60/FM5eL3GlUvk/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I have been very blessed to have had some precious friends in my life. Some friends have been with me since we were kids. Some are new. In this season of my life (having young children), God has sent me Diana and Brittany. It seems like Diana, Brittany, and I were cut from the same mold. Sure, we have our differences. Those are the things that help us work together so well. Sometimes though, it's scary how much we are alike! Many times, when we show up for a play date, our kids are dressed alike (matching shirts,etc.). I guess it's our ESP or something. Our husbands even get along great too! And did I mention that our children are best friends? Owen, Tristen, and Sara Beth are like the three amigos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gN8UI7K7mE/UCA6vM6Gk1I/AAAAAAAAA7E/C7_O7dZx6nc/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Sadly, one third of our group will be moving away to Las Vegas in a few short weeks. Brendon is in the Air Force and is getting a really great job in Vegas. Yay for them! Boo for us! We girls have been tossing around the idea of having a dress-up group date since Jan/Feb, but now we were running out of time to get it done. So, this past weekend, we got all dolled up and had a nice dinner together (without our sweet little ones). The date ended up being on a Sunday night, so it was really hard to find a restaurant. We ended up at Windrush Grill, where we had a delicious meal followed by their signature chocolate sack for dessert. Afterwards, we asked our waiter to take our picture. It reminded us of prom night photos. . .hence the title of this post.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8c7iQczKhU/UCA30VqmqZI/AAAAAAAAA6M/RMBWBd879ik/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8c7iQczKhU/UCA30VqmqZI/AAAAAAAAA6M/RMBWBd879ik/s320/IMG_2852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parent Prom, anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXQCY5XYLgg/UCA3YQee5vI/AAAAAAAAA6E/UTQQyU2-96k/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXQCY5XYLgg/UCA3YQee5vI/AAAAAAAAA6E/UTQQyU2-96k/s320/IMG_2849.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waplXOFMD0M/UCA8b7LwylI/AAAAAAAAA78/wU3wemLm2jY/s1600/Parent+Prom+Girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waplXOFMD0M/UCA8b7LwylI/AAAAAAAAA78/wU3wemLm2jY/s320/Parent+Prom+Girls.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1va-aOD0Eo/UCA8aOwBvpI/AAAAAAAAA70/mk6ZsZ48iWg/s1600/Parent+Prom+Brandi+and+Adam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1va-aOD0Eo/UCA8aOwBvpI/AAAAAAAAA70/mk6ZsZ48iWg/s320/Parent+Prom+Brandi+and+Adam.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This counted as our anniversary dinner too, so we had to get one of just the two of us. Happy 13th Anniversary!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next on the agenda, an Amazing Race(ish) scavenger hunt around town. I asked each couple to plan one leg of the race. I was thinking it would be even, since we would each have a leg-up on one part, but not the other two parts. We each came up with a clue that would lead us to a location in town where we would have to perform some sort of activity. Of course, photo documentation was REQUIRED! First couple back to my house was the winner of all the bragging rights.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK-wUI9X4TY/UCA8Y07nF4I/AAAAAAAAA7s/t5v2gpfQEsA/s1600/Amazing+Race+teams.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK-wUI9X4TY/UCA8Y07nF4I/AAAAAAAAA7s/t5v2gpfQEsA/s320/Amazing+Race+teams.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing Race Teams</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Um. . . then a BIG storm blew in and forced us to cancel our plans. I mean, there were huge tree limbs crashing into our driveway and a torrential downpour. What to do? What to do? Though we wouldn't get to actually do the race, we decided to change into our team shirts anyway. You can't go wasting all that craftiness now! We sat around the table and read the clues aloud (just to see what we were missing). My clue required a little "active participation" so that was a lot of fun to watch. The last clue was supposed to lead the teams back to my house to do a word search. I made a personalized one online and printed it out. We decided that the winner would be the first team who finished the word search. Here are the results: 1. The Herbecks 2. The Reneaus 3. The Harts (Seriously? You would think that we might win since I MADE the puzzle!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AuxVMoUboPQ/UCGN_ajDrdI/AAAAAAAAA8g/pcIGZfuYYeQ/s1600/Clues+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AuxVMoUboPQ/UCGN_ajDrdI/AAAAAAAAA8g/pcIGZfuYYeQ/s320/Clues+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWja85sYfgs/UCGN9nO7W5I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/3XhNTHxV-ng/s1600/Clues+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWja85sYfgs/UCGN9nO7W5I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/3XhNTHxV-ng/s320/Clues+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AuxVMoUboPQ/UCGN_ajDrdI/AAAAAAAAA8g/pcIGZfuYYeQ/s1600/Clues+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NkMsQ0mfpY/UCA5gS9U2TI/AAAAAAAAA6s/owaJa6ArnFc/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NkMsQ0mfpY/UCA5gS9U2TI/AAAAAAAAA6s/owaJa6ArnFc/s320/IMG_2860.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their shirts were so clever: "Mr. and Mrs. (Scavenger Hunt) Herbeck" When we started planning this date, Brendon said that scavenger hunts were his middle name. Basically meaning that he was going to whoop us (which he did).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt1icQSGz3o/UCA6Txc12AI/AAAAAAAAA68/cRgeS9KHE6w/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt1icQSGz3o/UCA6Txc12AI/AAAAAAAAA68/cRgeS9KHE6w/s320/IMG_2866.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's Gymnastics (Left to right: Table top, butterfly stretch, and cartwheel)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnQIWrk_VBc/UCA5322jXQI/AAAAAAAAA60/FM5eL3GlUvk/s320/IMG_2863.JPG" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men's Gymnastics (Left to right: Spider Man handstand, straddle stretch, big star)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp2LY_cyHuk/UCA7Hm0wcdI/AAAAAAAAA7M/7Fnn3pAOPHE/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp2LY_cyHuk/UCA7Hm0wcdI/AAAAAAAAA7M/7Fnn3pAOPHE/s320/IMG_2870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First place finishers</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gN8UI7K7mE/UCA6vM6Gk1I/AAAAAAAAA7E/C7_O7dZx6nc/s320/IMG_2869.JPG" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rest of us working hard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The rest of the night, we played Cranium and laughed A LOT. It was wonderful to spend some grown-up time with great friends (and act like kids too)! We wish Brittany, Brendon, and Owen the best as they start a new chapter of their lives. We will miss them a lot, but look forward to hearing what God is going to do in their lives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOIQM-lFiGw/UCA78FTNkCI/AAAAAAAAA7c/hGDZvAaEvpo/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOIQM-lFiGw/UCA78FTNkCI/AAAAAAAAA7c/hGDZvAaEvpo/s320/IMG_2880.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't you tell he's Dracula?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1956564516"></span><span id="goog_1956564517"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YoAT2vYeeq8/UCA8WhgvrQI/AAAAAAAAA7k/hkSmYbcAE3U/s1600/IMG_2882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YoAT2vYeeq8/UCA8WhgvrQI/AAAAAAAAA7k/hkSmYbcAE3U/s320/IMG_2882.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think Adam was trying to get his team to guess "saved by the bell".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-22859686846661411932012-07-14T15:56:00.001-05:002012-07-14T16:02:22.461-05:00Sara Beth's Favorite Books (2 years old) Sara Beth has a lot of books. . . really. . . A LOT. About half of our collection has been relegated to her closet. About half are on her book shelves (which we need more of). Of the ones that are on the shelves, we read the same ones again and again. Actually, lately she has been loving her library books the most. Those are the ones we read day after day. I thought it might be nice to put together a list of her current favorites. This is mainly for my benefit, so that years from now I can look back and remember what she was in to at 2 years old. But, I always like looking at other people's book lists to get new ideas. So, maybe someone with a toddler will get some use out of this list too. Here it is, in no particular order.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sara Beth's Top 10 Books for 2 Year-Olds </b></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://infocult.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b88a69e20163034be83e970d-800wi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that she can read this one to herself. There is so much to learn from this book-- food, numbers, days of the week, life cycle of a butterfly. . .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="266" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8d/Where_The_Wild_Things_Are_%28book%29_cover.jpg/300px-Where_The_Wild_Things_Are_%28book%29_cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic. Everyone likes this book, I know. I simply cannot get enough of watching SB roar her terrible roar, roll her terrible eyes, gnash her terrible teeth, and show her terrible claws! It's really cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="312" id="il_fi" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gok3TecnWA/Tt1DJ56QxZI/AAAAAAAAFVk/7uAu77-lz2Q/s1600/viva+along.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="388" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The illustrations are great in this one. It's one of Adam's favorites too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.slimybookworm.com/274-617-large/hands-can.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK. I guess we need to purchase this one. We've checked it out from library 4 different times. She just keeps coming back to it. She can quote it word for word now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="234" id="il_fi" src="http://fablevisionlearning.com/dotday/dot_book_web.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="250" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great message. "Now sign it!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="318" id="il_fi" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1317064416l/2050433.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="318" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagination. . . sidewalk chalk. . . We must have read this 4 times a day while we had it from the library.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://childrensbookalmanac.com/wp-content/uploads/Little-Bear.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved Little Bear books as a child. Now SB does too! There's just something endearing about these stories.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTUibQs_u1PxH-HBztuM9Gjf5atNSip6vI8OFVBLajzEMNblDpdbA" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /> </td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stumbled upon this one at the library a few weeks ago. She loved to try to do the yoga poses and act like the animals.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="325" id="il_fi" src="http://www.eric-carle.com/H2Tgorilla.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="272" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another great find at the library recently. . . Her favorite part is wriggling her hips like a crocodile.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="281" id="il_fi" src="http://www.designmom.com/wp-content/uploads/from_blogger/blueberriesforsal-754133.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="360" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading this book coincided perfectly with blueberry picking season here in Louisiana. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-35047328637852190762012-07-12T22:05:00.004-05:002012-07-12T22:05:57.259-05:00Hello Blog! It's been a While. For me, this blog is like a scrapbook (or at least it should be). I haven't been very timely with my posts in the last <strike>few months</strike> year. It makes me sad that I haven't documented all those memories. I mean, as much as I enjoy reading other people's comments and sharing our life with the world, this is really just for me. It's where I come back to remember SB's first words or how hot it was on our trip to New Mexico last summer. I look back and see all the delicious concoctions that came from my kitchen over the years. So, I'm going to try to do better. . . starting today. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Father's Day 2012</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know it hasn't been THAT long ago, but my memory is fuzzy (and getting worse by the day). I know SB and I made Adam breakfast in bed. Once again, that is THE best family tradition that we have! What did I make? Hmmmm. Good question. I have no idea, but I bet it was yummy!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I do remember the gift that SB and I collaborated on for Adam. I thought it was clever and meaningful, so I thought I'd share it here. Feel free to make one of your own (if your man is a crazy-fast biker too). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ML3zjh9mQtk/T_-Hw4d64TI/AAAAAAAAA50/9mpyhhThl5k/s1600/Fast+like+Daddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ML3zjh9mQtk/T_-Hw4d64TI/AAAAAAAAA50/9mpyhhThl5k/s400/Fast+like+Daddy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The idea was inspired by this one at <a href="http://lovelydesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/for-father-day.html" target="_blank">http://lovelydesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/for-father-day.html</a>, but I had to make it my own. I used some cool fonts ("<a href="http://www.dafont.com/cut-the-paper.font" target="_blank">Cut the Paper</a>" and "<a href="http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/NeoRetroDraw" target="_blank">NeoRetroDraw</a>") and free clip art to make the design. Then, I printed it on card stock and used an Exacto knife to cut out the word "Daddy" and the triangle in the corner. Sara Beth did some fun painting for me to tape to the back of the page. Now her art work peeks through. It's just in a plastic box frame since it's going out in Adam's man-cave/garage soon, but any frame would work. There you go! It's inexpensive, meaningful, and pretty awesome (at least I think so)!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5684268317043399847.post-61162646112281934412012-04-05T22:08:00.001-05:002012-04-05T22:08:47.208-05:00Happy Birthday, Adam! It's been a good day all around. Besides being the day before Good Friday (meaning no school tomorrow), the weather was perfect and it was my man's 33rd birthday. It's our tradition to have breakfast in bed for occasions such as these. It's really a wonderful tradition to have! I love it when it's my turn to be served, but I really love it when I get to cook up something delicious and serve it to Adam. I didn't get any pictures this morning (it was WAY too early to remember that), but here is what I made:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Breakfast in Bed Menu </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/herbed-baked-eggs-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Herb baked eggs </a>with a dollop of spicy marinara sauce</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bacon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fruit medley (pineapple, mango, kiwi, and oranges)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/03/cocoa-buttermilk-breakfast-biscuits-with-brown-sugar-cinnamon-butter/" target="_blank">Cocoa Buttermilk Biscuits with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Strong Black Coffee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Incorporating SB into this tradition has been tricky, but this morning she was a trooper. I woke her up right before I brought Adam's tray into the room. She and I dined at her tiny table (that I relocated this morning) while Adam relaxed in bed. I even think we managed to make it through without too many sticky fingerprints everywhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For dinner, we went out to eat (a rare occasion). We had some good Louisiana cooking at <a href="http://marilynns-place.com/" target="_blank">Marilynn's Place</a>, which is just down the street from our house. There's a little snow cone stand in the parking lot. So, of course we had to partake. . . just a small one to share among the three of us. After all, there was cheesecake waiting at home. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBEW_CijrPs/T35a-KP-b2I/AAAAAAAAA5c/d10F5Rv4Z6Y/s1600/IMG_2250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBEW_CijrPs/T35a-KP-b2I/AAAAAAAAA5c/d10F5Rv4Z6Y/s320/IMG_2250.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toasting Daddy at dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAD2HRvfr04/T35blXme7xI/AAAAAAAAA5k/pIrhyu20TfI/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAD2HRvfr04/T35blXme7xI/AAAAAAAAA5k/pIrhyu20TfI/s320/IMG_2253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday cheesecake and espresso</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sara Beth "helped" me make Adam's birthday cake yesterday afternoon. This recipe for <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Creamy-Tiramisu-Cheesecake" target="_blank">Tiramisu Cheesecake</a> has been calling our name for a week. I had to try it out, and I am so glad I did! It's definitely a keeper! We ended Adam's special day by singing "Happy Birthday to You", blowing out candles, and sharing some fine cheesecake with Sara Beth. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw1PYyvudH4QePJE9Qu-Vfqb98gTXXQjUfhLHTWKx_dehdiY7HnC8BCFf54May6VAGtLnvDuJPqWCT32a3kKw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Brandi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09288694756547276504noreply@blogger.com1