our day in photos.

flashback.

January 2008

February 2009

March 2010

Let's do a flashback, shall we? Our lives over the past 5 years. Yes, I realize that 2007 and 2011 pictures are missing. I just don't have any accessible right this second. There is about 20 lbs. and one person difference between 2008 and 2010. But it's fun to look back over the years and see how much we have changed, grown, and progressed, even if it's not in the most flattering ways. We are still best friends, com padres, mates, buddy ole pals. I couldn't be happier with my boo.

In fact, yesterday he watched Leo all day while I took a nap, went shopping and then went to an awesome GNO. (girls night out- not to be confused with that woman parts doctor) It was great! Braden loves his alone time with Leo. He says Leo is much happier when I am not around.... Uhh I don't know how to take that. All I can say is no one can make him laugh as hard as mommy can.

When we were living in Salt Lake, I was working part time graveyard shifts (translation: I was incoherent for 3 days a week). Braden would take over as part time mom for the whole weekend. Waking up with Leo 2-3 times a night, feeding him, changing him, bathing him, burping him, and wait for it- taking him to all 3 hours of church by himself. Braden loved it, and has told me many times how much he misses his alone time with Leo. So he has recently requested to have some good ole one-on-one time with Leo at least once a week. Your wish is my command, dear husband. Any excuse to go shopping or hang out with some girlfriends, I'll take it. But don't think for a second I didn't miss that baby like crazy all day yesterday.

I love my boys.

I heart laundry.

I heart laundry but only when this one-toothed-smiling boy is helping me.

I love looking at these pictures to remember my happy baby. You cannot see this happy baby today because he is sick and OH MY GOSH! No one knows how hard it is to care for a baby until they have cared for a sick baby. Please tell me this too shall pass. I want my baby back. baby back, baby back...

Jan. 2011

I know it's a bit late, but I thought I should throw up some Christmas pictures. Leo had a wonderful Christmas! He got lots of fun toys!




I missed Leo's 7 month post and now he is almost 8 months old! He is such an amazing baby boy. He has cut his first tooth! About two weeks ago I was able to feel a little dagger poking through his gums. He had a rough week trying to get that tooth to come through but we got through it. He is really really close to crawling now! He also likes to pull himself up on furniture and in his crib. We will hold his hands and he will walk around the house.He's a little unstable still but he is such a strong boy! It's so weird to see him walk! In just a few months he wont need us to hold him up anymore. He eats everything and anything you put in front of his mouth, except formula. He loves all vegetables and all fruits. It's awesome. He's eating about two solid food meals a day now. Which make for interesting poop. Just sayin.
I can't believe how big my baby boy is getting! He growing so fast!

the best christmas gift

The Harker's had an amazing Christmas this year. Surrounded by friends and family- it doesn't get better. Remembering the true meaning of CHRISTmas is the most important part. How grateful I am that my Savior came to earth. That He was born in a lowly stable to loving parents. His life on Earth has changed everyones' lives for eternity. I love my Savior, my Brother.

I can't help but think of my son. How blessed we are to have a loving, healthy baby boy. Also, how blessed Leo is to be born to parents who love him, who would do anything for him and who love each other.

Our Christmas gift from Leo came one day late this year. But it doesn't matter. I will cherish this memory forever. The video above depicts the first time Leo gave us a deep belly laugh. It was a laugh I had never heard from him before. All I could think was, "I wish Braden could see this." He was at work at the time. But no worries because Leo did an encore for him later that evening.

My baby boy is growing up!

sledding 101

Another first for Leo this Christmas season- sledding! We bundled him up tight and carried him up the hill. He took a ride down the hill with grandma and fell asleep on the way down! Don't worry- it was a slow, controlled, and safe ride. I guess the slight jiggle of the ride relaxed him. So while he slept through most of it, he had a great time!

Disneyland!

Leo took his first trip to Disneyland! We saw Santa, rode the carousel, ate some delicious food at the New Orleans Cafe, and watched the parade. He had a blast! Papa and Nana we also there to share in all the excitement. We made some great memories that day.

Also, while in California we had a great time visiting with family and celebrating the holidays! We are back to snow country now, where it definitely looks and feels like Christmas.