December 2011 Highlights

Megan and her friends gathered at our house to get ready for the Christmas dance at Chickasaw Country Club. They look so grown up and it's actually quite scary. Do they really look like 13 year olds? I wish I could say wear some more clothes kid!! Cover those shoulders but as you can see ALL the other girls dress the same way. As a parent...do you stand your ground and let your child be the ODD one or do you turn the other way?? I don't really want you to answer this question I'm just thinking out loud. I know you have your opinions but I'm not interested. The way I raise my family seems to be working thus far. When you have a teenager, you must pick your battles.
Rachel too went to a dance with her friend Sidney. Sidney has been her good friend since she was 3. They got ready over at Sid's house and unfortunately I didn't receive as many pictures.
And speaking of pictures...I'm the photo queen bee!! BUT would you believe I hardly have any of Christmas? Christmas morning..my very sweet husband let me sleep in, making sure no one woke me. As sweet as this was.. I missed the girls seeing their presents from Santa. He meant well. Yes I've been sleep deprived but I really wanted to see their faces Christmas morning. Some things husbands just don't get!! ANyway..my sister in law should be sending some pictures from Christmas eve. I didn't have my camera that day because I was too busy making sure Harrison had diapers in his bag. And making sure all the gifts were in the car to go to grandma's house.
More highlights to come from 2011. I'm going backwards. There's really no need to go all the way back to January since I posted something that month.

2012

Happy New Year Everyone!!! God provided us with the best little gift in 2011. I'm excited to see what 2012 has in store. I haven't had much time to write lately but I do hope to do "Highlights" from 2011. As far as New year Resolutions go.. I don't really have many except the same one that's probably on everyone else and that's to lose weight. I packed on 50lbs during the pregnancy and so far I still have 20 to lose. Everyone keeps saying it took 9 months to put it on and you should give yourself that long to get it off but I couldn't disagree more. I want it off now!!! So I'm trying to eat less since I can't find time for exercise right now. Yesterday I did manage a 2 mile walk. Today's weather was much cooler so I didn't want to get out with the baby. The girls start school tomorrow so maybe Harrison and I will do some Hip Hop Abs. Who knows!!!

Christmas was great!!! I think everyone in our family would agree that Harrison was the best gift of all and we all feel more complete with him in it. Dan's parents spent a week with us and we are grateful they were able to do so. In 2010, Dan's dad had had surgery and couldn't fly. I hope we will see them for many more Christmas'. We spent Christmas Eve with my parents and it was wonderful having everyone at my moms. Her living room just keeps getting smaller with the grandkids and MANY Presents.

Baby Harrison is sleeping right now and I should be doing the same. We are slowly starting to find a schedule. He is going longer between feedings. He is laughing and smiling lots. I must say he really doesn't cry that much unless he's hungry, sleepy or bored. Most of the time one of his 3 moms are holding him. I'm gonna miss the girls help tomorrow when they return to school. Although, they need to go back because they are bored at home.

I'll close there.

Once again.. Happy New Year and I pray everyone has a blessed year!!! Love to you all!!

Harrison

So what's life been like since Harrison was born? Exhausting, Emotional, Special, the list goes on... As an older and more experienced mother (yes I like saying that) I feel like I appreciate this time around more so than I did with the older two. Of course I loved my older two and their time was special too but I was also younger and unexperienced. I was always in a hurry for them to reach their next milestone. Crawling, walking, holding their own bottle, slowly becoming less dependent on me. This time...I know how quickly they grow up...and how it becomes harder and harder to protect them.

Harrison has brought much joy to our lives. The girls love holding him and playing that mommy role. Each wanting to change his diaper or rock him to sleep. I remember the day I found out I was pregnant...I cried and cried!! God knew what our family needed. He always knows best.

Everyone said I'd have so much help with an 11 and 13 year old around. Ummmm.. not so true. The girls are SUPER busy with their own schedules. SCHOOL, Gymnastics, cheerleading, dances, friends... friends... And did I mention FRIENDS!! For my oldest her friends take TOP PRIORITY!!! Rachel has actually been a huge help with Harrison. And I'm OH SO THANKFUL!!! Her schedule is not as demanding. And she doesn't have 15 friends.

Thanksgiving was this past week and I just want to say how THANKFUL I am for my family!!! Yes I am seeing things in a new light since Harrison's arrival.

My baby turns 13!!

I do not remember pulling away from my mother when I was a teenager. As a mother though, I can feel it happening. Her friends have taken CENTER STAGE. I do remember loving my friends and how important they were. Talking on the phone, going to their houses, etc. I'm trying to keep in mind it is all very normal. It's been hard trying to find that special time with my daughters since Harrison was born. He has taken center stage with me. Depending on me for everything. Taken from my husband's mouth this morning "He can't even swat a mosquito from his face". So true.

Megan turned 13 on November 17th. Her BIG party is next weekend. She's invited 13 girls over. Yes I cry when I think about it but as Megan says I'll be up anyway with the baby.

Happy Birthday Sweet Daughter!!!!! I look forward to watching you grow into a young lady.