say please...

                                                          Mckayla in the pilot's seat=)
                                                            Flying home to mommy
                                            Harper's Christmas present...we couldn't wait
                                                                Green peas...what???

It's getting soooo close to Christmas!!! I have absolutely loved buying for 2 kids this year, even though Harper really has no idea what's going on! So, lately...time is flying by in the Duell house! mckayla went to Disney World for the 1st time! And although I was super excited for her and definitely enjoyed the brea, I missed her terribly! We went on vacation 2 years ago without her and last year she went to Florida for the weekend with a good friend, but this time just felt different! I guess with having Harper, Mckayla has become more and more like a little girl, and not my baby. Sunday night, we cuddled on the couch, and I realized how much I have missed this with her. It's been a little hard for me to do the things I used to with her after having Harper. Harper, my sweet baby, has been nothing less of high maintenance which has limited me alot. So, man was it nice to just hold Mckayla like I used to. I love that kid and everyday she amazes me more and more! Jeremy took her to a movie last Thursday which I know she loved, since her daddy is the most special thing in the world to her! Hopefully during Christmas break, we can find lots of things to do outside of the house. And maybe Harper will cooperate! 

Now on to the "baby"...Harper is now eating solids twice a day!!! She LOVES her oatmeal, and is doing great with the veggies! I'm not too stressed about making sure she eats a certain amount, as long as I can get a couple of spoonfuls in her! So far, she loves everything she has tried: green beans, green peas, squash, and sweet potatoes! I'm so proud, and her belly is getting even bigger=) She is getting so big and is actually enjoying spending time with herself and her toys. That isn't to say that she doesn't love my "company" the most, because, trust me, that kid would rather be in my arms than anywhere else in the world!!! It just amazes me how 4 short months has changed everything! we now have a very active infant, who by the way, LOVES the little turtle in the Baby Einstein videos. She is rolling all over the place! She is doing great sleeping at night, most nights she sleeps a full 10 hours! And the Miracle Blanket...*sigh* we have let go of it! But...we are still "kinda" swaddling her. It was really hard having to wake up every hour with her to get her back to sleep without it. So, I decided to slowly wean her off the whole swaddling thing. I think it works better for all of us. And she is in no danger when she rolls over either. So, hopefully soon, she won't need it anymore, or we will just have to deal with a few nights of barely any sleep=)

Loving Christmas and this whole season!!!!

cha cha changes....

Harper is now 4 months old!!! Well, she turned 4 months on November 27th so I'm a little behind! But WOW, has time flown by! So, at her 4 month checkup...she now weighs 14lbs, 13oz!!! Chunker baby! 24 inches long, and very healthy! Her pedi said it was ok to start her on solids, which we had started cereal already. She loves veggies! Of course, she isn't eating much of them, but when she does, she loves it! I can't believe she is already eating baby food=(  We are also trying to wean her off the Miracle Blanket, which was definitely a miracle in the beginning. Now, it's just annoying! She can not sleep without it! Mainly because of her hands, they wake her up! But she is rolling over in her bed now, so I am trying to get her used to sleeping without it. First is nap time, which we have just been swaddling her arms only. Nighttime will eventually come. I don't know what to do, sometimes if I don't use it, she will scream and never go to sleep. Or cry and keep waking herself up. I wish I had never used it in the 1st place. So, any advice would help...

Mckayla left for Florida Sunday with her Grandma and Aunt Cindy. They are going to Disney World and will be back Wednesday! I wish I were with her=( but I know she is having a blast!!! 

So, Christmas shopping for the girls is DONE! so happy, although Harper was easy to shop for=) Now, I just need to get the husband done, and man, he is the hardest! Everything I think he will like, I always second guess myself. If only he weren't so darn picky... I'm so excited about Christmas this year! I remember last year sitting by the tree, telling Jeremy, "next year there will be 4 of us" and now it's here again! I'm actually going to cook a little dinner for us=) We usually go out for Japanese, but this year, I wanted to start a new tradition for our little family! 

So, Merry Christmas friends!!!

Harper laughs!!!!

Her first "real" laugh! Yes, I am growling at her, but for some reason, she thought it was hilarious!!!

So much to be thankful for...

Wow, what a month!!! We have celebrated numerous birthdays, including mine. Also, mine and Jeremy's 7th anniversary!!! Crazy, huh!!! Love that guy! We really didn't get to celebrate much, since he was working that day and night. But the Friday before we were able to get a sitter and have dinner...ALONE, which any moms out there know how precious that time is! 7 years later, I think I am more in love with him than ever!

So, the girls...Mckayla had all of last week off and it was a bit of a challenge since Harper and I follow such a routine. But all in all, it was fun. We spent some time at my parents helping get things ready for Thanksgiving, and Mckayla loved it! Next Sunday she is going to be gone for 4 days with Jeremy's mom and her Aunt Cindy to Disney World! She is so excited and I am as well! She hasn't been yet, and although I wish I was gong with her, I think this is something she needs right now! I'm gonna miss her like crazy though! 

Harper...oh Harper. She is something else! She just turned 4 months old(time is freaking flying!!) and we are trying cereal now. Omg...I don't know what to do! I can get maybe 3-4 little spoonfuls and then she screams like crazy!! I'm taking her to her 4mnth checkup tomorrow so we have LOTS of questions for her pediatrician! Other than that, we are having so much fun learning new things together and watching her grow is so amazing! 

Thanksgiving was ok. Jeremy had to be at work at 2pm, so he only had an hour to eat and spend time with the family! We had about 30 family members there and it was wonderful getting to catch up on everyone's lives! And I finally learned how to make my momma's dressing! YAY! and YUM! 

My sister, dad, and I got up at 3am and did the Black Friday thing...craziness! But well worth it! I got lots of stuff and saved lots of money! Christmas is pretty much done! We are not going overboard, but the things I really wanted were all on sale! It was pretty funny seeing my dad in the midst of all the chaos. I still can't believe he went with us! 

So, life is pretty good. I love the holidays!!!

PLAY DATES ARE REALLY FOR THE MOMS=)

sooo, yesterday was such a fun day! My great friend Malorie brought little Josie over for a "playdate". Josie is a month younger than Harper. They didn't really play that much, but it was alot more fun this time since they are both so much more active. They rolled around, looked at each other and tried to talk. While Mal and I had the cameras going! The girls loved it and were on their best behaviors for awhile until they both got sleepy=) I realized though how we needed it more than them. It was so nice to have a mommy who is going through everything I am going through right now. Since the girls are so close in age, we really are side by side with them. I definitely appreciated the adult conversation as well as the company. And I'm sure Harper really loved having someone to roll in the floor with. 

the day after...

Yesterday was my 26th birthday! So, I celebrated by Jeremy working all day, cleaning house, playing with the girls, and finally having a glass of wine with my husband around 11pm. Funny how things change when you have kids=) I wouldn't change it for anything! 

Harper is now rolling over like a champ! She won't roll from tummy to back, she rolls from back to tummy. At first she hated it, because her arm kept getting stuck underneath her. Now, she is a pro=) And will not stay on her back. She is growing so much and I love it, but makes me sad, because I know how fast this time will go. Sleeping is still going great and next week its time to say goodbye to the Miracle Blanket=( She is getting way too big for it, and I really don't want her to be attached to it. So, we'll see how sleeping actually goes next week.

 

Mckayla is getting smarter by the day! Her teacher told me that she is "bored" with their reading and that I need to challenge her more. So, for Christmas, I'm going to hit up the Goodwill and buy her tons of books. I love that she loves reading! I am such a big reader and I'm even starting school for English/Lit. So, that makes me so happy! She is such a creative child and really like her daddy. 

speaking of Christmas, I'm really thinking of putting our tree and decorations up next week! I love Christmas and even though it's in the 70's today, I am already in the mood. 

Harper's dedication

Today was Harper's dedication at Trinity Chapel. I was so excited, because even though we have given her to our Lord in our hearts and prayers, it was so beautiful to have my family there to make it official. She did great! The crowd awwed over her, and she looked so sweet in Pastor Jason's arms! It was a great experience! She is getting bigger and sweeter every day! So, here's a few pics to enjoy!!!

OMG I haven't showered in 2 days!!!

I know, yuck, right?!?! I just realized it after my morning walk. What can I say, I'm a stay at home mom. I know it's no excuse, but with Jeremy working ALL the time, I find myself too busy with other things, like say, hmm, a BABY! I promise after I finish writing this blog, I will take a shower. So, what's new with us...

Harper has really turned into a sweet baby. The only time she ever cries is when she's hungry, of course, and tired. That kid gets ILL when it's nap time. But she has definitely learned to fall asleep on her own. This morning around 4am, she starts crying. So, I get up and start to her room when I hear...silence. I peek into her room, and she's doing her little turtle thing where she's trying to get her head comfortable, and her eyes are CLOSED!!! She went back to sleep on her own until 7am. I'm pretty impressed! This is the baby who not even 2 weeks ago would barely sleep unless I was holding her. So yay to you Harper, your mommy thanks you! 7am has pretty much become her wake time. And her bedtime is 8pm. Sometimes she wakes up at 3am, but lately she's been sleeping through it. Maybe she's growing, or maybe, just maybe, she will continue to do this. Our days have become so scheduled, I'm so happy! I thought I would never get this child on a schedule. But she did it herself. 

Halloween: it was ok. Rain does not go good with trick-or-treating! We went my sister and her kids, and had to drive around the neighborhood in the car, but the kids got lots of candy. And I sneaked alot of it=) Harper wore her cute bear sleeper, but wasn't having it, so it only lasted about an hour. She was a cute little baby bear though! Mckayla was scary this year, which tells me she is getting older, because every year before this she HAD to be some sort of princess! She was a great vampire fairy! I love the scary stuff, so I was very happy! Jeremy was the guy from No Country for Old Men, and a sexy one at that=) I did not dress up, although the weekend before I went to a Halloween party with my sister and wore my little sisters cheerleading uniform from high school! Go CCA!!=) 

Jeremy totaled his car 2 weekends ago, so he has been driving mine, and I have been soooo bored. Not being able to go when I want sucks! Anyways, new car hopefully this weekend!

Lastly, I got Harper's 3 month pictures done last week and will be picking them up tomorrow. I had a coupon for a $4.99 portrait package from Sears. I'm not a big fan of their pictures, but hey, you can't beat $4.99!!! Hopefully, I will have them online tomorrow. Until then, here's a few from Halloween!!! Enjoy!

HAPPY 3 MONTHS TO MISS HARPER

So, we have reached the end of being a newborn and into being an infant. I swear, even though she has started showing these traits in the last couple of weeks, it felt like when she woke up today, she was like, "hello!!! I'm a baby now! Not just sleeping, eating, pooping, but a real, smile all the time, cooing baby!" I feel like the hardest part is over, well, the beginning hardest part. trust me, I have a 6 year old girl, I know what's ahead. 

Speaking of my lovely Mckayla...man, do I just love her! It seems like me and her both have grown up since Harper arrived. Our conversations are definitely more mature, and since Jeremy is working so much, she's the one I lean on for my sanity. She gets how challenging having a new baby is. And understands when I can't give her all my attention. I keep telling her that it will get easier as Harper gets older. And we are both seeing that now. Mckayla is so wonderful! I love our little moments together. Whether it be doing her homework together, watching Ellen (yes, I watch her and so does Mckayla), reading our stories at night, or just talking about our days. It feels so good to see the relationship I have with my daughter and I know it will continue to grow as we both get older. I know she may be her daddy's girl, but I know our relationship is sweet too.

Now on to the baby... Harper is now officially a "giant". I have no clue what she weighs, but I'm thinking we are getting close to the 14lbs. Only a few 3-6 months clothes fit, and in Carters brand, she can wear a 6 month!!! I know!!! Little piglet. She is talking up a storm, all day, making sure I give her my undivided attention. We finally had a breakthrough in napping and she will now go to sleep on her own when laid down. Although we still can not part with the miracle blanket. I guess when she outgrows it, we'll see how that goes. She is sleeping a full 7 hours at night and eating almost 5 ounces a feeding. She's playing more on her own and I'm finally able to take a shower and actually NOT scare my husband when he gets home. She is not a big fan of her carseat, mainly because I'm not holding her. All in all, she is a great baby! I feel so blessed and even though the first 2 months were challenging, we are both more used to each other and our routine. 

And lastly, my Jeremy. He WORKS all the time, and for that I am grateful. He is doing all he can so that I am able to stay at home with the girls and start school in January. I know he is exhausted, but I also know he cares more for this family then anything else. He proves it day after day. I love that guy! We are closer than ever and I know having Harper made us feel like a complete family. 

Where has the time gone????

I swear I mean to update this thing, but then I get busy with, oh, I don't know...a new baby!!! Well, she's not so new, she will be 3 months old next week!!! WOW! I know! Time has flown by so fast already! 

But anyways, life with a new baby...never thought I would say this, but it has been challenging. There, I said, and I think I needed to. With Mckayla, I swear, she was the easiest baby. Maybe I'm just not remembering correctly, since it was 6 years ago. Harper, the most adorable, chubby, make you wanna vomit rainbows and candy, CUTEST baby ever!!! I mean, she is beautiful, but she is 'DIFFERENT'. I can't complain, she sleeps sooo good at night, averaging about 7 hours. I feel so lucky in that area! I think the problem is I know she is our last baby, yes, we are done. So, I spoil the heck out of her! Naptime during the day is usually in my arms, unless you want to hear WWIII. I have tried everything to get that baby to sleep on her own in the day time, but she will not hear of it! I read the book 'Babywise' and although I really liked it when I read it, I realized, I am not a scheduled person. Meaning, if Harper acts hungry, I feed her, and if she acts tired, she naps...in my arms of course. And, oh my goodness, are we spoiled to the miracle blanket! I don't know what I am going to do when she outgrows it! She sleeps so much better in it. Mainly because her hands...geez those hands do not know what to do!!! She will rub her eyes, her face, and wake herself up! One more thing before I stop complaining...NURSING... well, it goes great at night and in the morning, but I have had the worst time not producing enough milk. I've tried it all...Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, the tea, and finally, my lactation lady got my doctor to give me a prescription. I don't know why this time around has been so much harder! I am trying sooo hard and it is so frustrating not being able to produce enough milk. It has been like this from the beginning. This prescription is my last hope. She has been such a big eater since she was born, I mean she weighed almost 9 lbs. I'm praying that something miraculously happens so I won't have to give up!

Other than that...Harper is the sweetest, most cuddly little baby ever! She LOVES her mommy and LOVES Mckayla!!! You should see the way she looks at her! It's so precious! We have the best days together, us 3! Jeremy knows how to put that lil girl to sleep immediately! He has the daddy touch, and Harper FLIRTS with him! I love it! I love the 'whole' family we are now! 

I am doing great staying at home and not working. Every now and then, I get a little stir-crazy, so we go shopping, or visiting friends! I feel blesses that I can be with my girls and not miss a moment of their lives. I remember when Mckayla first learned to crawl and I didn't see it, the sitter did. Broke my heart! So, for now, until I'm done with school, I get to have all the poopy diapers, vomit, crying, and lots of smiles all to myself!!! And I am so excited about that!!!

5 weeks ago...

Harper arrived!!! Sorry, it's taken so long to post, but man, I've been busy! Where to start...

After a LONG and somewhat hard labor, Harper Jo Duell was born on Monday July 27th, at 8:36am, weighing 8lbs, 11oz (BIG BABY) 19 3/4 inches long! 

5 weeks later, she weighs 10lbs, 13oz and is 21 inches long! She is such a sweetie! She eats ALL the time! Sleeps well at night, and is already a little spoiled! That's my fault though, and I'm trying to break her of that:( We've had a little bit of a hard time with nursing, but we are getting through it, and I'm taking lots of vitamins to help. Mckayla has adjusted very well. She loves her little sister! They are so cute together and I can't wait til they can play together! Jeremy and I are getting more sleep lately, although he works weird hours. I'm loving being at home, although I really want to do more during the day! 

So, thats enough for now. I thought about posting the entire labor experience, but it's a long one. 

holy moly!

WOW! I can't believe I have only 16 days left before Harper is here! We have been so busy trying to get everything ready for her arrival. After all the shopping, cleaning, packing, we are finally ready! I have mine and her bags packed for the hospital, and her little room is all done! Now we just need a baby to put in there and to dress up:) It's finally set in for me and Jeremy that we are going to have not 1, but 2 kids very soon!!! We are so excited and can't wait! I would love for her to come this week, since my doctor is on call, but I know that hopefully in 16 days we will have her! That is if she doesn't make us wait longer! I'm trying walking, lovin:), but I'm wondering what are some other ways to naturally induce labor??? 

I have gained 24 pounds as of yesterday, and I am feeling every bit of it. My feet are swollen, and I can NOT sleep! Jeremy is very sympathetic and taking good care of me! I am ready to not be pregnant! 

Mckayla is so ready to be a big sister! Every night, she talks to Harper and kisses my belly. It's so sweet! I was a little worried at first that she might be jealous, and maybe there will be a little of that. But I know she is excited as the rest of us! I can't wait to see them 2 together! 

So, if I don't post again before she gets here I will definitely post after!!!

only 8 weeks to go

Wow! Time has really flown by! I seriously can not believe that 32 weeks is almost here! I feel like this pregnancy has gone by so fast. And with really no complications. I mean, I was sick as everything for 16 weeks, but, other than that, I feel so blessed. Harper is definitely growing so much each day. I've been feeling little feet or hands poking out of my belly, and its just so cute. She moves a lot! I can not wait to meet her! Everything is pretty much in place. Her room is def finished and clothes are washed and hung up. My sisters are giving me a baby shower this weekend and I'm so excited! To get lots of stuff and see my family! And my sisters are really doing a lot for me! I'm so blessed to have them! I know this next few weeks are gonna fly by. I'm hoping to get a little rest before she comes, especially since school is almost out! I think Jeremy is even ready for Harper to make her arrival! My last doc appointment went great and I go back next week. Geez, I feel like I live there. So, another 8 weeks at the most to go...

Oh and I am getting a brand new washer and dryer next week!!! Heck yeah!

the third trimester

Yes, we are in the 29th week now, and I had my monthly doctors appointment today. It was a fast one, lil Harper is growing great and I'm measuring perfect. BUT I only gained 1 pound all month, and my lovely doctor says,"you need to gain more weight. I don't want to see this again." hmmm, I'm not too worried about it though, because I have 11 weeks left and I know she's only gonna get bigger. So, I'll eat more frequently, but I'm not gonna go overboard. I think I've done a good job considering how sick I was until the 18th week. I didn't expect to gain a lot, but 1 pound was a little shocking. Other than the lecture from my doctor, all is well. I start my every 2 weeks doctors visit now. It's not much longer!!

aaahhhh

SO, we finally finished the room. Well, pretty much finished it. We are going to hang some shelves, and put up some more pictures. But its done! Let me tell you how hard we worked on this room. Jeremy did all the detailed painting, including painting the trees FREEHAND, and I did almost all of the main painting. I think I win, because I did more and I'm pregnant:) I'm so happy with how it all turned out! I wanted to put up just a few pics to show our hard work!
Ok, so I am DEFINITELY looking pregnant now. I have my monthly doctors appt tomorrow and I'm wondering how much weight I've gained. Not that I really care:) I can't believe there is only 11 weeks left til miss Harper is supposed to make her arrival.  I really hope I don't go 40 weeks. With Mckayla I was 1o days late!!!! The torture! So, once week 37 comes, I'm gonna start trying to get the process started.  

Mckayla is getting more excited about Harper's arrival too and the idea of being a big sis. At night, we'll lay on the couch together and watch how much my tummy moves. Mckayla loves it and we are both amazed at how big the little girl is getting. I hope the transition of being the only child goes smoothly for Mckayla....

Other than getting everything ready for Harper, we haven't been doing much else. I think me and Mckayla are gonna take a trip to Michael's next week to stock up on some crafts to do this summer. We will have a whole 8 weeks alone together when she is out of school, and I want to make sure I spend plenty of time with her. She's been my 'only' for 6 years. 

OK, I guess thats all for now. I don't really know if anyone reads this, but I'm still gonna post.:)

my first post

I decided to create this blog because I need somewhere to write. I think I'm taking a break from all my journals and notebooks. Plus, they are taking up space in my house. So, here we go...

So, most know I am pregnant. 7 months pregnant with another little girl named Harper Jo. I am getting more and more excited about her arrival. I am also a little anxious because for the last 6 six years, its been me, Jeremy, and Mckayla. So, I guess Im most nervous about everyone adjusting to another baby. I'll have 2 kids. Wow. But other than that, I know this is such a blessing and I know God's timing is everything. I wanted another baby for so long, and He finally answered my prayer. And it really is the perfect time. Only 3 months left!

Anyways, I am not working anymore so I have alot of time on my hands. I hope I get a creative break. I really need that. I haven't written as much lately. Mainly because I feel like I dont have anything to write about. Im having a major block. And "my book" is just staring at me with empty pages. I'm trying to get school going once Harper is here. Then maybe I'll feel like I'm doing more. OK, well, I will post pics and other good stuff later. Just wanted to get this started....

God bless!