Life with Harper - Month 1

Saying that adjusting to life with a baby is challenging is an understatement.  I thought we had this thing "in the bag" so to speak.  Boy was I wrong.  Not that it was hard per se, but just NOTHING I could have ever imagined.  And Harper has always seemed to be pretty laid back, so it wasn't even like she was a difficult baby.  Even after babysitting/nannying for a good part of my life, that is nothing compared to being with a newborn who depends on you for everything, every second of the day, and NIGHT.  I think that was the hardest thing for both Justin and I, the nights.  We like to sleep, I think more so than the average person and our sleep was definitely interrupted.  BUT, we made it.  We made it to the other side of 1, 3, 5 am, and whenever feedings and we still love her like crazy.  Here is a little recap of what happened during Harper's first month of life, although honestly, I might not remember much of it if it weren't for these pictures :)

Our first moments together

Daddy and his girl for the first time



7 lbs. 13 oz.  18.5 in. long

(only putting this in here for the sake of documentation)

Our first family of 3 photo...can't believe she's actually here!

All the grandparents were there, waiting to meet Harper

Granddaddy got to hold her first, lucky!

I could do a whole post on everything Mo did to help us get ready for Harper's arrival, seriously the definition of Best Friend.  I don't know why I'm still surprised that she was at the hospital by 6 am, waiting to meet Harper as well. Love you, Aunt Moey!  (Blake came later too :) )

The Malones came to meet Harper that night, sweet cousins meet for the first time

Blake and Julie meeting Harper for the first time

Chad and Leann came that night too

Wonderful Dr. B. checking in on us the next morning

Finally home with our sweet girl, introducing her to Maybel.  That was fun!

Lots of visitors came to meet and love on Harper

Harper and GeGe

Granddaddy and Hon were here for a week after Harper was born, they were awesome and helped so much!

Terah came to meet Harper, too.

Uncle Cam came to visit

Uncle Luke got to meet Harper unexpectedly when he came to town for work.  He couldn't believe his Ruthie had once been this small :)

See, Blake did come visit too (and met Harper in the hospital, just didn't get a picture of it)

Elizabeth's first match-maker baby...she introduced Justin and I

Bathing Beauty - it didn't take too long for Harper to get used to taking baths.  Now she loves it!

Daddy got 4 weeks of paternity leave and we LOVED it.  He and Harper got a lot of snuggle time in.

Harper's first Valentine's Day in her outfit from Hon

 Otter Creek Baby Blessing and Dedication 2012

We got to dedicate Harper to the Lord with our church family and all of our family present.  It was a wonderful day to celebrate her and her life

All the Tenery's came to visit and meet Harper President's Day weekend

Finally, all 3 granddaughters together at last!