Tag Archives: kids

Ordinarily Extraordinary

Posted on by

Again the past few months, I haven’t had many specific events that I felt warranted a blog. Believe me we have been doing things on weekends. We’ve had 6 kids birthday parties in less than 2 months which have all been so different and a lot of fun!  Luckily they have all been different weekends or days of the weekend so we have managed to go to all.  Between the birthday parties, our normal weekend errands (grocery store, laundry, cooking meals ahead for the week, etc.), there hasn’t been much time for other big events….other than buying a Honda Odyssey one Sunday last month!  We knew the Odyssey was in our family’s future; however, we held out for a really long time….and every month we held out was one less car payment.  Truthfully we probably could have even held out a few additional months; however, the Honda had two separate incidents (dead battery, and some other issue that caused the car to not steer) in the course of one week and it left us sharing one car between three drivers.  While we got the Honda fixed both times, I think that really sped up our car buying process.  We even took the girls with us and they were very well behaved. Now that we have the minivan, it’s proving to be really great.  Karolin now has a car every day of the week and now that it is getting warm, it’s nice that they have the ability to go places if they want.  This past week is Spring Break.  Karolin’s sister Louisa is here visiting from Germany and they have been having a great time taking the girls places.  Friday after school they picked the girls up, took them to the dentist (which the girls love) and then out for lunch at Wendy’s.  Avery and Emerson both told me the play by play of what the dentist told them quite accurately!  Monday and Wednesday they all went to Great Falls Park since the pass was good for three days, they went back a second time on Wednesday! Tuesday they all went to Udvar Hazy where they had story time and learned about astronauts and spaceships and had a fun time viewing all the airplanes. Thursday they went to Clemyjontri Park and Friday (tomorrow) they will go to a kid’s concert at Jammin Java and then out to lunch before going to my mom’s  (Grandma’s) house for the afternoon.

Back to our activities the past few months though, weekends have also included going to the gym regularly, which all three the girls now thoroughly enjoy.  The first two months Harper just cried or stayed in the same spot while she was at the gym.  Now she can’t get her jacket off and walk away from us fast enough when we get there.  Perhaps it’s the fact that our activities are becoming more routine and easier (in a good way) that the weekend events haven’t seemed like significant events. Perhaps it is because we haven’t taken many pictures the last few months to document the events.  Life has been good though…busy as always, but good, real good!  Avery and Emerson are really starting to show some more independence like getting dressed themselves, going to the bathroom themselves, putting their own jacket and shoes on, taking their plates to the sink, and even sometimes helping themselves to their own snacks.  They don’t always do these things on their own, but the CAN now, which as Emerson would say is “wonderful”.

In other events, we started the au pair search again in February.  It’s hard to believe that Karolin only have a few more months here.  We would never have chosen Karolin in our initial search as we were only looking at Brazilian au pairs at the time, we are so fortunate to have found her.  She is part of our family and the girls adore and respect her. The au pair experience has been wonderful for our family and we are cherishing these last few months with her as she will be missed.  As a working mom, it’s hard to leave your kids each day but I have always been able to do it because I know that my girls are with someone that truly loves and enjoys being with them….Karolin now and Ana and Ari before Karolin.  In just over two months, Ludmila will be joining our family!  We are quite excited and while we know the girls will need a little time to adjust, they have already started welcoming her to our family.  Today is Ludmila’s birthday so the girls and I skyped with her for a little bit and we sang Happy Birthday to her a few times!  They were even “fighting” over having their own turn.  And tonight we are going to celebrate Ludmila’s birthday with cake and ice cream!

So life is becoming ordinary…ordinarily extraordinary!  Life is great…I love my life and my family!  Every night (well most) Justin and I and the older girls say what they are thankful for…occasionally they say they have nothing that they are thankful about that day, but most days they have a range of things that they are thankful for (their family – often naming individuals by name including both immediate and extended family), their dinner, school, ballet, vacation, going outside for the day, or whatever they did that day, and often circling back again with FAMILY.

Little Miss Independence (X a few)

Posted on by

Absolute An0nymity
The girls are constantly making me smile.  Avery and Emerson are becoming so independent…at least when they want to be.  Emerson now gets dressed by herself most the time.  She continually says “I’m a big girl”….she also says those same words when it comes to provide her rationale as to why she doesn’t need to nap anymore.  She likes to race Avery sometimes especially when it comes to getting dressed or putting on pajamas.  She happily exclaims “I am the winnest.”  Avery uses that same phrase when she is the “winnest” too! 

We finally took the plunge and bought the Honda Odessey last weekend.  Justin and I brought all three the girls to the dealership.  We joked that the salesman would scatter when they saw us walk in.  Overall the girls were pretty well behaved.  I did end up caving into the girls request and buying the older girls Skittles from the vending machine that they shared and I somehow managed to make last several hours. We visited the bathroom a few times while we were at the dealership.  The first time we went Justin was taking a test drive so I had to take all three of them.  While I wasn’t looking forward to the experience, it actually went fine.  After the second time in the bathroom, Avery and Emerson insisted on going on their own.  They wanted me to even lock the bathroom stall for them.  I peaked in as they were each using a different stall at the same time….which is glory in itself as that already cuts the time in public restrooms in half!  Anyway, all on her own, Emerson managed to cover every part of the potty seat!  This SO fits her personality!

Avery covered the sides of the potty seat but was so vigorous jumping on the potty that she knocked the toilet paper off when she sat on the potty, not even realizing it and holding herself up by holding until the bare potty seat.  But at least she used her foot to flush the potty!  This SO fits her personality!

Avery can be just as independent but she doesn’t thrive on it like Emerson does.  Emerson loves to be the helper and the little Mommy to Harper as well.  Emerson is constantly saying “I can do it, I can do it” and constantly trying to hold, hug, and guide Harper.  It melts my heart.  Avery on the other hand (also adores Harper) but she loves to play the role of the baby.  She constantly says “I’m baby Harper” or “I’m baby Quinn”.  Avery knows how to dress herself but often demands she be dressed by somebody.  The same goes for going potty at home.  She is quite capable of wiping her pee pee but she claims that “I am the best tucas wiper”.   Avery is sugar and spice…she’ll wine and demand and then turn to me as she frequently does and say “You are the best Mommy” or “Mommy, I love you so much.”

Harper meanwhile thinks that she is just as old as Avery and Emerson and wants to and attempts to do much of the same things that Avery and Emerson are doing. She thinks she is funny (okay, she isJ) and her feelings get hurt easily when she isn’t able to participate in the same things as her older sisters.

Justin went out tonight for some much needed guy time shortly before the girl’s bedtime.  The three girls and I were all playing this random game I made up having to do with “eeiniemeeniemineymo” that also involved jumping jacks.  It was a blast…we were taking turns, laughing, and truly enjoying the company of one another.  These three little ladies who are becoming more and more independent and it is so wonderful and amazing!

Cold Winter Days

Posted on by

It’s been a COLD winter!  We’ve been keeping busy running around doing errands, attending birthday parties, and even going to the gym on weekends as a family.  We have had a few snowfalls this season as well although nothing too major that has resulted in more than one day of school being cancelled at a time. They have been having fun playing indoors…

and playing outdoors in the snow….

It’s the end of February and we are more than ready for some warm weather!!

 

Emerson Loves Harper

Posted on by

Emerson truly adores Harper…always watching out for her.  She is like her little Mommy at times and always wants her to be a part ot things.  Harper is slowly learning that tight squeezes aren’t always meant to be death holds and that tight squeezes and hugs are just one of her sister’s way of loving her.

My Little Lady Loves

Posted on by

I’ve feel like I’ve been slacking on my blog the past few months.  The last few months have been tough….I’ve always been able to balance being a working mom quite well….the last few months have been tougher to do that since becoming a mom and going back to work.  I took on a new role at work in September which has had its challenges and then in October my grandpa and Justin’s mom passed away adding to more time away from the office during busy times in addition to the normal grief process.  Add in the normal day to day activities of children (school, doctor’s appointments, playing nicely with each other followed by a fight leading to timeouts), constant runny noses and a sick mommy who was already having a difficult time accepting that turning 35 brought physical changes to my appearance that I truly wasn’t expecting coupled with the normal hustle and bustle of the holidays, there just wasn’t much time left over. 

As busy as I am, I am acutely aware that I will only ever have one moment in time with my girls when they are a certain age and while at times it is hard and some nights I look forward to the girls bedtimes so I can have a moment to myself (even if that moment is to clean up their toys or put away dishes), the flowers still largely outnumber the weeds and I want to remember these special moments with my little lady loves.

Emerson – Emerson is becoming quite the young lady.  She is such a helper around the house and has really taken to pretend play recently.  She likes to be the Mommy especially to Avery and Harper.  She also likes to be the Mommy figure for Harper especially when Harper is eating and needs more food. She enjoys school and loves talking about Ms. Kristen and Ms. Denise.  She loves doing artwork at school.  She is quiet and reserved; yet, when she wants to be the center of attention she can be often demanding that Mommy or Daddy or Avery or Karolin do something a certain way and if something isn’t done exactly as she says, hands go on her hips and her theatrical gestures are in full effect.  She is so animated and talks with her hands.  She loves to eat and is a slow eater…usually the last to finish a meal as she savors each bite.  She can be shy and sensitive at times and when she is she has the sweetest look in her eyes as she tries to look away from you. She speaks well although sometimes when she goes into theatric mode, she starts talking in another language…while it can sound like mumble jumble, Emerson has informed us, she is speaking in “Germany”. She is sweet and cuddly and lovable and her personality is just one piece of the puzzle that makes our family so incredible.

Avery – Avery is our jokester…our constant comedian….our child who always has an idea….the one who sometimes never stops talking especially in the car…the one who will ask the most random questions as mommy and Daddy are shutting off the bedroom lights at night just to procrastinate.  Avery is the one who tells us she has to go the bathroom in a restaurant and as soon as we get in the bathroom “changes her mind”.  Avery is so sweet and cuddly at times and knows just the right thing to say.  She is sensual and smart and speaks very well – often saying things that I can’t believe are coming out of a three year olds mouth.  Avery enjoys school and likes talking about Ms. Denise and Ms. Kristen and while she is doing great in school, I sense that she isn’t as loud and demanding in school as she is in home. Avery loves art and stickers.  Avery loves to procrastinate especially when it comes to getting her contacts in, getting dressed, or brushing her teeth. Avery still loves milk so much to the point that she will often not eat her meals if she has had milk first. Avery is somewhat of a picky eater and eats when she is hungry and doesn’t eat when she is not hungry. She is usually the first to finish a meal and is rather impatient as the rest of the family finishes their meal.  Avery is strong willed, but the truth is on occasions when she isn’t around (i.e. she is at Grandma’s and Papa’s), it is only a matter of minutes that Justin and I look at each other realizing that the silence is more weird than it is nice….and thus Avery too is just one piece of the puzzle that makes our family so incredible.

Harper – Harper is 16 months old already….and while not quite a toddler yet, not completely a baby anymore.  She is growing so fast…watching and learning everything that her sisters do, wanting to be a part of it.  She prefers many of her sister’s toys to those that are more age appropriate.  She sits back with her left thumb in her mouth and takes it all in.  She doesn’t yet speak…saying the occasionally mama probably only a handful of times, but she understands and is receptive to everything. She grunts a lot as a form of communication and sadly we all (including Avery and Emerson) know what her grunt is communicating, thus making it easy for her to not use her words.  She loves to be picked up by an adult especially when Avery and Emerson are near…she likes getting the special attention when they are around.  She also isn’t the best sharer….Avery and Emerson love playing with her and like to pick her up and Harper generally wants nothing to do with hugs and kisses and death holds from her sisters as she isn’t quite certain yet if their affection is going to be in a loving manner or in a manner where they are trying to manipulate her.  She loves to eat and has recently found the snack drawer and freely attempts to get her own snacks now.  She no longer likes milk as I stopped giving it to her for about a month to test if milk was the source of her stomach problems. After a few months off of it, she no longer wants anything to do with milk. Three out of her four first molars have come in and while there has been a lot of drooling the past few months, there doesn’t seem to be any true discomfort with teething.  This little girl who loves to snuggle with Mommy, Daddy, Karolin, or Grandma is growing up right before our eyes.  She completes our family puzzle.

Last night the five of us were eating at Fosters.  As Avery sat beside me, she asked for a kiss, which I gladly gave her on the cheek.  As I kissed her, Harper let out a grunt and leaned her body and cheek towards me – she wanted a kiss too!  Meanwhile Emerson was sitting diagonal from me quietly eating her onion rings – once she finished she gladly told us she was part of the “clean plate club”.  As Emerson was eating, she accidently bit her finger….with a pouty face she asked for ice as she does at home.  When I told her there was no ice, she responded by saying “there is…there is ice in my cup mommy”! As Avery finished her meal before everyone else, she asked for her hands to be wiped so she could go play in the back (the arcade).  Harper meanwhile sat in her high chair and ate with her fork.   Even the server at Fosters commented on how well behaved the girls were.  And both prior to the meal and after the meal, Avery and Emerson found the Santa’s and their faces lit up with pure joy and excitement as they told Mommy and Daddy what they had found. While times have been hectic recently, I truly adore my family and the times we spend together… dinner at a burger joint – such a simple thing – but so many wonderful memories being created and shared together.

“Second” Haircuts

Posted on by

For the girls second haircut (well Emerson’s second….one including myself could argue it was truly Avery’s first true haircut), we took the girls to a full service salon.  I couldn’t bring myself to take them back to Cartoon Cuts.  While I’m glad we went there the first time, it was so chaotic and not only stressful for me and Justin, but also for the girls.  I researched hair salons that cut children’s hair and ended up making Avery and Emerson appointments at Salon Nordine in Reston.  While the salon is huge, we went on a Sunday and there were only two hair stylists working….needless to say it was very quiet and calm and the hairstylist and the shampoo lady were very patient with Avery and Emerson.  Emerson was supposed to have had her hair cut first; she was excited as she waited with Daddy.However, when it came time to sit in the chair to have her hair washed, she ran away.  She was adamant that she was not going to have her hair washed.  Avery hesitantly went first. She started in the chair with a pouty sad face but quickly began to enjoy the head message and the smiles started to emerge.  She was great in the chair getting her hair cut.   Emerson finally gave in to getting her hair washed and cut….(a lot of cookies were eaten during the process for both her and Emerson).  At first she was truly enjoying the experience.Although half way through, she was getting fidgety and ready to be done. Both girls had their hair blown straight!  Who are these girls!!Harper even had a few bangs cut.   Our salon outing was followed by lunch at Rio Grande and checking out the Christmas Tree at Reston Town Center. 

Not A Baby, But Always My Baby

Posted on by

Ms. Harper Paige!  While I still call you baby, the truth is, you’re not a baby anymore!  You have been walking for nearly 3 months now….and you are fast.  You like to runaway especially if you know someone is trying to pick you up or get you to go in a certain direction.  You run away and just laugh…you think it is funny and the truth is…it is funny!  You like to play with your sisters….they are rough with you…and you can surprisingly handle it…you are almost as rough right back at them.  You have developed a temper recently…especially when you don’t get something you want or if someone takes something away from you like a toy or something you shouldn’t have been playing with to begin with.  You have even recently started biting when you are mad or don’t get your way!  The first few times it was kind of funny just because you are on the young side to be doing so, but after the first few times, it wasn’t so funny anymore.  The main victims are your sisters….they are really good though and they don’t bite you back…even Avery who still sometimes has her own biting problem…the victim being Emerson.  You have been known to pull their hair as well, something else they are not a big fan of!  You grunt a lot…especially as a means of communication.  You say mama and dada on occasion but not really with meaning.  You understand pretty much everything though and I don’t think you are in a rush to talk….I guess you are satisfied with your sisters doing all of the talking. You love playing with your sisters and they adore you…they especially love to get up in your face and give you huge hugs….you’re not the biggest fan of their hugs as their hugs resemble very tight squeezes.  You have learned how to turn around and scoot down the stairs…you have been climbing the stairs for well over a month now…another task that you think is funny especially when you are supposed to be in the kitchen with mommy and you run away to escape up the stairs. 

Your hair is turning curly as I was certain it would….your hair is much lighter than when you were born, but not as light as your sister’s hair.  You are a pretty good eater although you don’t really like vegetables….and if there is a food you have been known to throw off your tray, its vegetables.  You drink about 18 ounces of cow’s milk a day now…I nursed you until about 11 months and frozen breast milk got us through just after your 1st birthday.  The switch to cow’s milk was no big deal for you.  Your sleeping is great….you go down about 8:30 and sleep for up to 12 hours…..you stopped getting up at 6:00 a.m. after Mommy stopped nursing you.  You still nap twice a day for the most part….although sometimes your morning nap gets derailed by your sister’s ballet class or their pre-school pick-up.  You still suck your thumb; although, not as much as you used to.

And while you are no longer a baby, you are still a joy.  While you go to sleep unassisted, one particular night earlier this week, you woke up crying about 45 minutes after I put you down.  I’m not sure what was wrong but it was so out of the ordinary for you that I went in your room and quietly picked you up. You peacefully layed your head in my body and we rocked….I forgot about the dishes that awaited me in the kitchen and the laundry that was waiting to be folded….in that moment it was just you and me baby girl!

A Week Of Firsts

Posted on by

Monday the girls had their first day of ballet!  They looked so cute in their lavender leotards, white tights, and ballet shoes.  We took a few pictures before we set off for the studio.

There were a total of four girls in the class….I think it’s possible one may have been missing, but I’m not sure.  Avery was pretty quick to join in and follow the teacher’s instructions and did a pretty good job.  Emerson was about 50/50….for about half the class she followed instruction and the other half she either sat down or was running in and out of the studio to find me.

No tears were shed though and Avery thanked me for taking her to dance class as soon as it was over and told Grandma about the purple dots and the beanbags that they used as props.  I have no doubt that the girls will become more comfortable as the month goes on.

Thursday was the girls first day of pre-school.  We took a few pictures at home before we left for school since I figured my chances of getting a picture of them at the school was probably slim.  (BTW, Avery’s right eye was really irritated the night before pre-school so we had to take her contact out, which unfortunately made her extra squinty for her first few days at preschool).

I tried one more though as we walked into the building.

We have been talking about pre-school regularly since May, if not before then.  I anticipated Avery would barely look back when I dropped her off.  Emerson I knew would be reserved, but I thought she would hold back tears.  I WAS WRONG!  The good bye did not go over well….in fact, it was quite horrible!  We got to the school a few minutes early and as we waited for the doors to open Emerson sat quietly observing all the kids and parents while Avery boisterously jumped on me.  Once we were able to go in, the three of us walked to the classroom and the girls placed their bags on their designated hooks.  Then they went over to Ms. Denise to get their hands washed and as they stood in line, I could tell they started to get more reserved, but were still okay.  I started to say good bye and give them hugs and Emerson simultaneously started to let me know that she was tired.  I told her that she could take a nap when she got home which was not a satisfactory response for her.  Slowly the words she was tired became louder and louder and slowly we made our way out to the hallway and slowly her position went from standing and a little whine to laying out on the floor kicking and screaming.  During all this, Avery followed Emerson out to the hallway and Emerson’s tantrum set her off into full blown tears as well.  

Her teacher’s Ms. Kristen and Ms. Denise and even the Director of the Preschool Ms. Marnie were awesome though and told me that I should go if I felt comfortable and they would handle it. Let me add that there were at least two other classrooms too and the three of them were willing to focus on my children alone.  I’m pretty sure my children were the only two children that had visible meltdowns….

I gave the girls one final hug and walked off as they were still in full blown meltdown mode…I quietly let Ms. Marnie know I would be waiting outside to make sure they were okay.  After about 15 minutes she came out to tell me that they were “OK”….she said she couldn’t say they were loving school; but they were calm at the moment.   I rode home in disbelief of the events that had just occurred.  I fully expected Emerson to be reserved but really did not anticipate tears from  her and I certainly didn’t anticipate tears from Avery.  So I was very pleased when I received an email from Ms. Marnie less than two hours after the class started that said the girls “are settling in beautifully” and “are a pleasure to have in class”.  It will be interesting to get the girls perspective on their day when they get home and even more interesting to see how the second day goes tomorrow, particularly the drop off (which Justin is doing tomorrow).

Day 2 Update: According to the girls and their teachers, they ended up having a great day, as evidenced by the paint on their clothes and faces!  We talked a lot about the day and excitement was coming from everyone, so I thought for sure the Friday drop off would be better.  The drive was good, we set expectations, and even took a few more pictures.  We were ready….or so I thought.  Once we got in the classroom, pretty much the SAME repeat of yesterday (although Emerson was a little calmer in the sense that she was not on the ground this time and was truly trying to take deep breaths in between the sobs)….and again Emerson’s tears set off Avery’s tears.  I quickly left again at Ms. Kristen and Ms. Marnie’s suggestion.  Apparently they rebounded in 5 seconds and once again had a great day!  I imagine we will have a few more repeats of this next week….I will just have to do a better job of getting out of the classroom even quicker next time!

Next Time Harper

Posted on by

The past month has been tough for me.  It’s been a combination of things….work is crazy busy, not enough time to do the basic things such as cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, tidying the house, paying bills, and other paperwork, Avery and Emerson being very testy.  I would find myself getting annoyed with them and not enjoying and appreciating them like I should.  I was seeing the weeds and failing to see the flowers. I knew I needed to snap out of it, but constantly feeling like there was so much to do and so little time to do it all on, made it hard to simply snap out of it. 

I don’t know what occurred but Sunday morning I woke up feeling refreshed and like my old self again.  I wish I could say it was the good night sleep I had but I can say with certainty that was not the case.  The morning started with some cuddles that I thoroughly enjoyed and after breakfast the whole family took a few minutes to play and be silly in Harper’s room. Even though we had somewhere to go and a specific time we wanted to leave, I took the time to just stop for a minute and enjoy the fun family time we were having in Harper’s room!

Our plan for the day was to go to Frying Pan Park.  We hadn’t been there since spring of last year.  Wow, what a difference a year makes!  For one we had three kids now instead of two!  Emerson was very much into seeing the animals.  Avery was still scared of the animals at first, but she wasn’t petrified as in years past and she did emerge from the stroller to attempt to face her fears and would actually get super excited when she saw an animal.  Avery would see an animal, point to it with such enthusiasm, but then moments later be ready to move on to the next thing. 

Emerson was quite content to watch the animals. It was really neat to just see her take it all in.  She was not at all afraid even when the goat stuck his head through the gate and started eating the stroller.

Harper had a great time getting out and walking around!

We saw cows, baby calf, sheep, goats, pigs, lots of baby pigs, a horse, peacocks, and chickens. We explored the dairy and old house from late 1800’s.  When we were in the dairy, I was trying to explain what a dairy was.  Since Avery loved milk, it was the perfect opportunity to explain where milk comes from.  When I told her milk comes from cows, she kindly added on “and mommy’s boobies.”

We even attempted to capture all three girls in the same picture together.  Who said you needed to see faces to have a good picture!

And then it was time for Mommy and Daddy to get into the picture too (separately that is).

After we had made our rounds of the animals, the girls wanted to drive the tractors.  They were having a great time.

Avery even drove me to the airport.  Now this is what I call first class!

Next time Harper…next time!

We attempted to go on the merry-go-round twice.  It only runs 15 minutes past the hour.  We didn’t know that the first time as we were watching it go around.  Basically we just missed it. We weren’t certain if we were going to be around an hour later for the next one.  Turns out we were but we were too far away at the time and the girls don’t quite understand what making a mad dash for it would have meant, so we promised them for next time. 

Once the merry go round didn’t happen, we let Avery and Emerson play on the playground.  Harper meanwhile had fallen asleep in her stroller. They were having a great time.  They were being KIDS and it just warms my heart to see them running around, laughing, and playing with one another. 

Next time Harper….next time. 

We weren’t planning on eating lunch out but it was getting close to lunch time so we decided to try out Gordon’s Grill, which is on the premises.  It’s basically fries, burgers, dogs, chicken nuggets, etc….nothing at all remotely healthy.  It was reasonably priced so we gave it a try.  Justin and I had the barbeque….it was okay.  The fries were so deep fried that honestly Justin (who doesn’t discriminate too often when it comes to fries) and Emerson (who doesn’t discriminate too often when it comes to food) knew that these fries weren’t even worth eating and we ended up throwing some of them away.

Later that afternoon we took the girls over to my parents to go swimming.   It was around Harper’s second nap time and while part of me felt guilty for not taking her in, I knew that Justin and I would be able to concentrate on Avery and Emerson more this time if it was two on two versus three on three.  (Yeah, my dad was there but you know how that goes!). Anyway, the girls had a great time in the pool and every time they go in they seem to get more and more comfortable with the water. 

Next time Harper, next time.

These Precious Moments

Posted on by

These precious moments with Harper are constant.  It’s hard to believe that the majority of the moments I have had with Harper have been moments like these.  Harper has never been much of a crier.  I can think of only two nights where she had trouble being consoled and even those times were no more than an hour at best.  During times when my stress level is about to go through the roof usually as a result of having two two and a half year olds who refuse to listen, hugging and holding Harper calms me.  Harpers temperament and constant smile and giggles are constant reminders of what really matters in life.  I know it is hard to believe, but I am being completely truthful when I say that this picture is truly representative of how I feel every moment with Harper.