documenting

brother and sister playtime. 

playing the papa sendzik-original-family-game called "mother may i" at the park.

family snuggle time with our little bug.

cousin+stickers+dancing+drawing= so much fun.

we waited a little too long to get some pictures of her in the papoose nana made for her.

becoming more beautiful and more alert these days.

a name & a blessing

may was blessed by her daddy on march 25, 2012. we were lucky enough to have may's grandpa scott and great grandpa leo in the blessing circle (that makes four generations including braden and may). there were also two beautiful grandmothers there to help us all get out the door in one piece. 


may looked absolutely beautiful in her blessing dress that was made by her great grandma darlene. grandma darlene passed away just three days after may's birth. it was so special to have a piece of her with us on that day. i know she was there in spirit. it was a great day filled with unconditional love and family. 


that's all for now. babies are up and hungry!

baby sister has arrived.

the bump.

I haven't posted anything on this pregnancy besides the announcement itself. So now that our baby girl could come at any second, it's perfect for my procrastinator-timing! My due date is March 9. I have about 2 weeks to go. But I think (and hope and pray) I wont make it there.

This pregnancy has been very different than Leo's. I have had some big health issues that haven't made it easy. Well, that's not really a fair statement. My baby is perfectly healthy and growing. I am still walking and talking. For me, Miss-healthy-no-matter-what, I had some big health issues. I was really sick for the first half, experienced daily migraines until about week 25, caught an awful cough that put me on my butt for 6 weeks, and finally wrapped things up with an excruciatingly painful wisdom tooth infection, resulting in 2 teeth being pulled on separate days. Oh and then comes that little thing called labor! You really have no idea how strong you are, until you have to be. What our poor bodies have to endure sometimes. And it knows how to come out on top.

We are anxious, excited and ready! All our bags are packed, carseat is in the car, bassinet is set up, diaper changing area is fully stocked, baby clothes are washed and hung up, and now all that's left is to wait. I am feeling a little bit stir crazy. Trying to stay busy is hard to do with a watermelon in between your hips. Leo keeps me going, thank goodness for him.

The countdown is on. We are on her time now. Whenever she wants to come out. Then we can get to deciding on a name...did I mention I am a procrastinator?

let's play catch up.

Okay, we had a great Christmas. It was just the 3 of us. A little lonely at times but mostly so fun!

On Christmas Eve we did our pj tradition. This year I made them....yah it didn't work out so well. Leo's were way too small and Braden's were way too short but mine fit just fine! I made them in a hurry while Leo and I were in CA- away from Braden, so that's my excuse. We had a good laugh about trying to squeeze Leo's chubby thighs into those pants for at least one picture. Also, on Christmas Eve we made our first attempt at taking Leo to the movies. Braden and I were nervous but it turned out great. We had lots of treats and even let him have his own sprite...yikes! We saw the movie Arthur Christmas, a silly movie but Leo loved the whole experience. During the previews, Leo would say, "Happen?" after each one ended. I could see he was thinking to himself, "Oh awesome the movie is starting...wait I thought we were going to watch that. Oh cool another movie, this one is exciting.....wait. Huh? What's happening?"

Christmas morning Leo woke up at 6 am! We were opening presents in the dark. This explains the indoor flash and our dark living room. Leo loved opening presents. With every tear there was a big gasp, followed by, "WOW!" And when all his were done, he would sit on our laps and help mommy and daddy open their gifts. So fun!

The day after Christmas we headed into the city. We decided to check out the Natural History Museum. Saying Leo loved it, is a complete understatement. He was running as fast as he could from animal to animal, Braden trailing behind. Watching Leo's eyes light up with excitement gives Braden and I the innermost happiness. If Leo is having fun, then we are too. Watching your child learn about the world and take it all in is an amazing gift to a parent. Truly, that was the best Christmas gift for Braden and I. Our first Christmas in Northern Virginia was one to be remembered.

Let's do an update on my Little Leo. Because I feel like in the past 2 weeks he has become a boy before my eyes. He is 20 months old. He has such a fun personality. Constantly making mommy and daddy laugh. We definitely had some move transition issues. But it seems things are settling down and day-to-day life has set in. Leo loves :

airplanes,

cars,

puppies,

lions,

Buzz Light Year,

movies (favorite being any Toy Story of course),

bubble baths,

dancing (favorite dance song is Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyes Peas- edited version),

bouncing on mommy and daddy's bed,

playing with his new basketball hoop,

learning songs,

singing songs (favorite song to sing is Itsy Bisty Spider),

eating cereal (he is his mother's child),

playing the guitar with daddy (I have to add that this kid can pick out pianos and guitars just by sound!),

helping mommy clean (I am going to enjoy this while I can),

reading books,

helping mommy bake,

and lastly, he loves when all three of us are together.

He is a wonderful boy and he desperately needs a playmate. This unplanned pregnancy was definitely meant to happen. Everyday I am reminded that Leo will love having a little sister to play with. I am so grateful that we are able to provide that for him. It might not be perfect timing for me but it is for Leo.

Merry Christmas.

We didn't get around to sending out a Christmas card this year, so this will have to do. Merry Christmas to you! We hope yours is filled with love and amazing memories. Warmest wishes from the Harkers.