...My Common but Blissful Life

Another tea party

2011-10-12T09:31:00.000-06:00

Tea party with Papa and Nana

2011-10-12T09:29:00.000-06:00

Annual fall trip to Crested Butte, CO

2011-10-12T09:28:00.000-06:00

2 year checkup

2011-09-12T11:21:00.000-06:00

Height 35.5 inches (90%)
Weight 26 pounds 16 ounces (50%)
Tall and skinny like daddy.

We have started gymnastics

2011-09-06T15:10:00.000-06:00

We started Mommy and Me gymnastics last Thursday. Harper LOVED it. I'm pretty sure its just as much as a work out for me as it is for her.

Our little mouse...

2011-09-06T15:08:00.001-06:00

is really good at cooking eggs.

Harper's second birthday

2011-09-06T15:08:00.000-06:00

Harper celebrated her 2nd birthday last Wednesday, August 31. The birthday was actually celebrated twice, once on the actual day with Mom and Dad and then again on Sunday September 4 with friends. Wednesday started with the opening one gift (from Papa RB and Nana), a book reader, a special breakfast of cinnamon scones then off to school. After school we took Harper to her favorite restaurant, Noodles, then home for some more presents and cupcakes and ice cream. Harper prefers ice cream (Strawberry) to cupcakes. She received a new wagon for her birthday from mom and dad and has ridden in it at least once a day since Wednesday and sometime twice a day on the weekend. I can’t believe two years has passed. Harper loves to read and ride in the wagon. She has learned to bargain and always wants ‘one more minute.’ Her friends include Tatum, Leo, Olive, Oliver, Eleanor, Noah and baby Sammy.

Our summer vacation to Europe

2011-07-14T02:30:00.005-06:00

Day 1
We arrived in Munich and traveled to Mittenwald. The drive was beautiful and fairly easy. I have to admit I was nervous about driving on the Autoban but its really like any other interstate, well, with the exception of being pass by some really fast cars.

Were staying at Haus Schwigart (2nd photo). A really nice place. We pretty much have a little apartment here, with a kitchen included. Were here till Saturday when the race starts. Then we'll be moving nightly with the race. From here we'll go to Austria and Italy.

In case your interested in the race, it's call the TransAlp. Just Google it!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T22:29:00.000-06:00

Harper's friend O

2011-06-21T21:14:00.000-06:00

Checking out the art

2011-06-20T17:09:00.000-06:00

Harper quotes

2011-05-17T11:25:00.002-06:00

To mommy, "I want to hold you"
After a sneeze, "Bless you, Mommy (Daddy or Harper-depending on who sneezes)
To daddy, "How about this book Daddy"

18 months

2011-03-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Harper turned 18 months last week. She's amazing. Her stats from the doctor: 75% height, 35% weight and 65% head-seems to be pretty much like her daddy-tall and skinny.

Just a few highlights from Harper:
-can say A, B, C and several other letters of the alphabet, in order
-can count to 3, and with some prompting count to 10
-climbs, jumps, dances
-puts 2-3 words together, I love you, Good-bye Daddy
-current favorite food is strawberries and 'smoothies'

Love

2011-03-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

When I ask Harper 'Who do you love?" you can count on her to say two things-nope, not mommy and daddy but Ray Ray and Elmo! Here are a few photos of Harper with her Elmo. P.S. Ray Ray is her friend at school, Raven.

Wash!

2011-03-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

Harper's new favorite pastime is washing her hands. We do this ritual about 50 times a day. Harper will yell "Wash! Wash!" I fill up the wash basin with water and throw in a bar a soap-this keeps her entertained for several minutes. Harper loves to wash her hands almost as much as she loves to take a bath!

Grandma's visit

2011-02-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Harper

2011-01-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

Did you say more presents mom?

Christmas with daddy

2011-01-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2010

2011-01-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Harper got skis and a bike!

I have pigtails!

2011-01-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas from the Gardiners

2010-12-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

A warm December day with Harper

2010-12-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

Harper and I played in the park last week (it was a pretty warm day for December)-I snapped this shots of beautiful Harper.

Momma's favorite

2010-12-15T15:57:00.001-07:00

Decorating the tree

2010-12-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Getting our christmas tree

2010-12-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T16:26:00.000-06:00

Pumpkin patch

2010-11-01T16:24:00.000-06:00

Firefighter Harper

2010-11-01T16:22:00.000-06:00

Dear Uncle Bob and Aunt Krys, can I join the firefighter?

Some Harper favorites...

2010-09-16T14:52:00.003-06:00

Five of my most favorite moments with Harper lately.
#1 Did I tell you we are teaching her sign language? My favorite sign she does right now is 'bear' she does it with such vigor that she almost falls over. Too cute.
#2 When I read a book to Harper she crawls up into my lap.
#3 Harper is walking now. I love being in a different room and heard her walking towards the room I'm in I know in a couple of seconds after the footsteps stop that her head will be poking around the corner.
#4 When ever we leave the house Harper HAS to have a hat on. They hang by the back door and she picks which one she wants to wear out.
#5 Walking into her bedroom and seeing her talking to her bears and monkeys that sleep with her-or seeing her hugging a bear while she sleeps (snuck a number six in there).

Cake and ice cream

2010-09-14T21:47:00.000-06:00

Harper had chocolate cake and coconut ice cream for her birthday--she didn't like either one of them!

Opening birthday gifts

2010-09-14T21:44:00.000-06:00

Harper's birthday breakfast in bed

2010-09-14T21:41:00.000-06:00

Dad fixed pancakes for Harper's birthday breakfast.

Happy 1st Birthday Harper

2010-08-31T10:05:00.000-06:00

To Harper Gardiner, The Birth Story of Us

2010-08-24T21:03:00.000-06:00

I love mornings. Contrary to popular belief, I do love mornings. But this story doesn’t start with the morning but rather 5 o’clock on Sunday evening, August 30th, 2009. Daddy and I were off to be induced. You were already a week late and had given us a scare on the Friday before. While at our doctor’s appointment we were unable to get any movement on the non-stress test, and after being sent to Labor and Delivery for several hours, our physician thought it would be best to induce that Sunday.

We had a wonderful nurse, Danny. He had such a kind spirit, and was very thoughtful and supportive. Danny asked at the beginning of the evening how I had envisioned my birth experience to be. We talked about ways we could shape and color the experience and Danny made every effort to make our vision come true.

The induction started at 7pm. Daddy and I thought we were probably in for a long night, so we brought movies and books to keep ourselves occupied till the morning. The ‘plan’ was to start the induction on Sunday evening and be progressed enough by morning to have our doctor, Dr. Plotnick, deliver you then. But of course, reality doesn’t always follow the plan. At 9pm I started contracting, mild contractions, nothing too strong or painful yet. The next couple of hours are a bit of a blur, so I’ll do my best to get all the events in the correct order. The first time I was checked after the start of the induction Danny told me I was 1-2 centimeters dilated; I was a bit disappointed. A couple of hours and bouts of vomiting later, I was checked again and was 8 centimeters dilated! Daddy was out of the room when I was checked, and when he returned I yelled “8! The ocho! I’m dilated 8-the ocho centimeters!”

By now the contractions were pretty intense. I got in the bath tub which helped a lot but only for a little while. I was soon calling for the epidural. I was a bit disappointed in myself that I had to ask for it; I thought that maybe I could get through the pain without the epidural, but the contractions were just too painful. The epidural wasn’t like I thought it would be. I thought I would be numb from the waist down, like the numbness you experience with Novocain at the dentist’s office, but the epidural did not feel like that. I could still feel my legs and feet and at one point, held my leg up by myself. What I didn’t expect, though, was that I continued to vomit even after the epidural. Every once in a while a contraction would come along that was so strong, (though I couldn’t feel it) it caused me to vomit, 5 or 6 times. A couple of hours or so later I hit 8 centimeters and I felt the need to push. Danny told me to hold on, it wasn’t time to push yet. But I kept saying “I need to push, I need to push.” After a quick check Danny confirmed that I was indeed ready to push!

I pushed and 20 minutes later you were born. Perfect you-ten perfect fingers, ten perfect toes. Born in soft light, amidst the smell of lavender and the music of Zero 7 in the air, with Daddy coaching mommy on her breathing.

Seven hours and 20 minutes after induction, at 4:42 A.M., you, Harper Bliss, joined our family. You are perfect. When they meet you and look into your pretty eyes, and see your soft smile, they’ll be able to see what perfect love can be created by two soul mates. Daddy and I got to bond with you as we watched the sunrise. I love mornings.

Most new parents are caught off guard by the unexpected, almost painful, intensity of love and attachment to their newborn baby. This intensity introduces a new vulnerability to life which upsets your emotional equilibrium. The other side of loving your wonderful, yet helpless, infant is the overwhelming fear of losing your baby. This terror dwells in the depths of your new-parent consciousness. The dynamic balance of love and fear, and the protective and nurturant behaviors it generates, is the essence of parenthood. –Birthing from Within

Grandma Grace

2010-08-18T21:25:00.000-06:00

Nature shots

2010-08-18T21:24:00.000-06:00

Glacier National Park

2010-08-18T21:22:00.000-06:00

We stayed a couple of night in Glacier National Park, Harper's 4th national park this summer. We took some hikes, had a picnic, saw a marmot, a mtn goat and her babies, tried some huckleberries, played with grandma Grace and had a great time!

Papa and nana

2010-08-18T21:17:00.001-06:00

For uncle Bob

2010-08-18T21:16:00.000-06:00

An Elmo chicken--Uncle Bob can you believe this?

Harper's first boat ride

2010-08-18T21:14:00.000-06:00

While in Montana last month, Papa and Nana took us out on their boat, it was Harper's first boat ride. Mom thinks she really enjoyed it-so much that she fell asleep on the ride back to the car.

Bath time favorites

2010-07-09T16:28:00.000-06:00

Cherry Chocolate Muffins er-cupcakes

2010-07-07T14:14:00.000-06:00

My new teeth

2010-07-07T14:08:00.001-06:00

Beautiful Harper...

2010-07-07T14:08:00.000-06:00

listening to music at the Friday Afternoon Club.

Teeth

2010-06-28T16:29:00.000-06:00

You can only see 2 teeth in this picture but don't be fooled! Harper now has 6 teeth-2 on the bottom and 4 on the top!

Mom's not looking

2010-06-28T16:27:00.000-06:00

I turned to do something the other day and turned back to see Harper checking out my magazine collection.

Big weekend for Harper-despite rain...

2010-06-13T21:52:00.003-06:00

It's been raining here in Boulder since Friday afternoon, the rain started precisely at 5 pm. Normally rain is a drag here but this weekend it was a much welcomed event. Harper has had an exciting weekend, even with the rain-her 4 top teeth are just about through, she started crawling a little bit (it’s a backwards crawl but none-the-less it’s a start) and she starting using a new word (her second one after 'milk')-'more'! I let Harper taste a bit of my cinnamon scone on Saturday morning, she must have really liked it because immediately she gave us the sign for 'more'. Because I'm not really ready to give her too many sugary treats we quickly changed to blueberries, she then proceeded to sign a dozen more times for additional blueberries! Speaking of blueberries-I’m pretty sure that is her new favorite food-I think she might turn into a smurf soon!

Wanna live plastic free? Some tips

2010-06-07T13:49:00.001-06:00

Here are some great and easy alternatives, inspired by Beth Terry, who has been honing her plastic-free living skills for the last 3 years. Follow her day to day challenges at www.fakeplasticfish.com

1. Carry reusable shopping bags.
Carry whatever bag works for you - backpacks, messenger bags, canvas totes. If you have a car, keep your bags in it and remember to bring them into the store with you! And one more thing: reusable bags are not just for groceries! Carry them for all your purchases, from electronics to clothing. The Bag It crew really likes the small size and convenience of a Chico Bag. They are TINY … they have an integrated stuff pouch, which allows the entire bag to fit easily in your pocket or purse.
www.chicobag.com

2. Give up bottled water.
Not only do they come in a plastic bottle, but tremendous resources are used to extract, bottle, and ship bottled water. This action does NOT have to cost money. Reuse any glass jar! Of course there are great purchasable options out there as well. Just remember, the quality of your tap water is regularly monitored and regulated by your city. There is very little regulation for bottled water.
www.allaboutwater.org/regulations.html
www.kleankanteen.com

3. Say no to plastic produce bags.
They are generally unnecessary. Remember, very little produce really needs its own bag. If you do want a separate bag for produce, cloth options are available. Some alternatives are EcoBags, Acme produce bags, or make your own from old tee-shirts. The Bag It team has done some tests with cloth produce bags vs. plastic, and we officially prefer cloth! The produce lasts just as long and doesn’t get slimy!
www.ecobags.com
www.reuseit.com

4. Carry a stainless steel travel mug at all times for coffee and other drinks.
Besides the plastic lid and plastic straw, paper cups are lined with a plastic coating. If you don’t have your cup on hand, do you have time to sit down and drink your drink in house (be sure and REQUEST a ceramic or glass container)? If not, look for a water fountain before buying a drink.

5. Buy from bulk bins as much as possible and don’t forget to bring your own containers or cloth bags.
You can find almost all dry foods, as well as some personal care products, from bulk bins. These foods tend to be the majority of your “basics.” Even if you live in an area that does not have bulk food stores, you can still buy non-perishable goods in large size packages, which will decrease the amount of plastic used overall. Another option is to research if there is a coop food buying club in your community.

6. Cut out sodas, juices, and all other plastic-bottled beverages.
This will make you healthier too! Goodbye high fructose corn syrup! Eat fresh fruit instead of buying juice. This eliminates the need for all disposable bottles – glass as well as plastic. If you love the bubbly, get a soda maker for making soda water. The reusable CO2 cartridges are returned to the manufacturer for refilling. Our favorite “sodas” are homemade soda water with a splash of juice. Kids love them, and feel like they are drinking a real soda.
www.sodastreamusa.com

7. Bring your own container for meat, prepared foods, take-out, and leftovers.
The butcher and deli food server can weigh the container and deduct the weight (called the tare weight), just as is done with bulk foods. Just ask. Carry you own containers to restaurants for leftovers. Again, you don’t have to buy anything, you can bring any type of Tupperware container. But here are a few a few fun companies making convenient containers if you are in the market— LunchBots, and Life Without Plastic.
www.lifewithoutplastic.com
www.lunchbots.com

8. Carry reusable utensils at all times, keep a set in your car, your office, your bag. Make sure children have a set for their lunch every day.
We like this handy bamboo set that we picked up from To-Go Ware.
www.to-goware.com

9. Carry lunches in reusable stainless containers or cloth bags.
A few examples of good fun container options are PlanetBox lunch boxes (very reminiscent of “TV dinner trays”) or Graze organic cotton snack/sandwich bags. There are also new plastic-free/wool insulated lunch bags from Canada at Life without Plastic. Remember, you don’t have to spend any money. You can use something that you already have laying around your house.
www.grazeorganic.com
www.planetbox.com

10. Choose glass/stainless steel food storage containers, and reuse what you have.
Save glass jars and bottles for purchasing bulk foods and for storing leftovers in the refrigerator or even the freezer. Anchor glass refrigerator containers are great, as are old Pyrex dishes with the glass lids. The key to freezing foods in glass is not to fill the jar too full, since the food will expand inside the container. Let foods thaw at room temperature to avoid glass breakage. Using glass or stainless steel containers will also make sure you are avoiding Bisphenol-A (BPA).
www.anchorhocking.com
www.pyrexware.com

11. Give up frozen convenience foods.
The more we limit our consumption of frozen convenience foods, the less plastic packaging waste we’ll generate and the healthier we’ll be! Typically fresh vegetables are the cheapest thing available in stores. Cooking more often is required, sorry. But think of all of the quality family time you will have, sitting at the dinner table together, sharing a healthy meal!

12. Choose milk in returnable glass bottles.
Many communities have local dairies that provide milk in returnable glass bottles rather than plastic or plastic-coated cardboard (yes, all cardboard milk containers are coated inside and out with plastic, not wax.) A few of the Bag It crew belong to a milk coop where they receive fresh unpasteurized milk every week. Check out local dairies in your area to see if this is offered, or ask them to start a coop.

13. Make your own yogurt, with or without a yogurt maker.
It’s easier than you might think, using only some milk, a pot, a thermometer, and some yogurt from a previous batch. And you don’t even need a yogurt maker! This article can get you started. Tip from Suzan (Bag It director): adding some powdered milk makes it a bit thicker!
http://homecooking.about.com/od/dairyrecipes/r/bldairy9.htm

14. Get off of Junk Mailing lists…
They are just offering you more “stuff.” Get off the “stuff” and create less waste!
www.ecocycle.org/junkmail/index.cfm

15. Stop buying liquid soap. Buy bar soap. Buy bar shampoo.
Try Lush shampoo bar, Chagrin Valley shampoo bars, Burt’s Bees, or J.R. Liggett’s Old Fashioned shampoo bar.
www.lushusa.com
www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com
www.burtsbees.com
www.jrliggett.com

16. Compost your food waste and ask your local waste facility what it would take for them to create a composting program.
Fruit and veggie scraps can be composted and then put into your garden. If you are really adventurous, we really love to compost using red wiggler worms! They make the most amazing compost you will ever find. Get started learning more about worm composting at:
www.cityfarmer.org/wormcomp61.html

17. Switch to simple, all natural household cleaning techniques.
Baking soda is a fantastic scouring powder. Use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water as an all-purpose spray cleaner and produce wash. You can even hand wash dishes with bar soap. You’ll find all sorts of recipes online for stain remover, laundry, glass cleaner, and anything else you can think of.
www.pioneerthinking.com
www.eartheasy.com/

18. Choose lotions and lip balms in plastic-free containers.
Organic Essence is packaging its body lotions in compostable cardboard jars and its lip balms in ingenious cardboard tubes that squeeze from the end. There are also lotion bars and lip balms and glosses that come in glass or metal containers. Look up recipes to make your own!
www.organicessence.com
www.teachsoap.com/recipes.html

19. Switch from a plastic razor to the kind your dad used, where you just replace the blade.

20. Use a toothbrush that only needs the top replaced.
Try Source Toothbrushes or Sonic Care electric toothbrushes.
Preserve toothbrushes are made from recycled plastic and are recyclable by sending them back to the company.
www.radiustoothbrush.com
www.preserveproducts.com

21.Figure out where the deals are on the products you want.
amazon.com has a great deal on Seventh Generation toilet paper that does not come packaged in plastic. Ask your local grocer to find or negotiate these products at better prices, especially if you are willing to buy them in bulk.

22. Read labels of personal care products.
Avoid anything that lists “fragrance,” or call the company first and ask if phthalates are in their “fragrance.” Phthalates have become standard as additives to scented products because they help fragrances last longer, and make them penetrate the skin more effectively, according the American Chemistry Council. Remember, your skin is the largest organ of your body. Anything that goes onto your skin goes into your body. Phthalates should be avoided, especially by pregnant women and children!!
www.healthychild.org/blog/comments/fragrance_in_perfumes_and_cosmetics/

23. Let your pets live plastic free.
Instead of buying new plastic litter boxes and plastic animal carrier boxes, use Craigslist or your local thrift stores. Consider making homemade cat or dog food.
www.nocans.com

24. Acquire necessary plastic items from second-hand stores, Free-cycle, Craig’s List, ebay, or borrow them. Consider Car-sharing and Tool-lending.

25. Request zero plastic packaging when ordering online.
Send back unwanted plastic packaging with a letter of explanation!

9-month stats

2010-06-07T13:38:00.002-06:00

Harper had her 9-month checkup on Friday.
Height: 27.25 inches (30%)
Weight: 17 lbs 8 ozs (25%)
Head: 17.5 inches (55%)

She's a little small for her age but the pediatrician believes its genetics that's keeping her small, and that it is nothing to worry about. She doesn’t show much interested in crawling yet put can pull herself to standing. Both at school and home we and the teachers notice that she prefers to be playing by herself. She likes books and her favorite for a long time was Pooh and Friends: Animals. She’s tried quite a bit of food (blueberries, whole wheat pasta, hummus, goat cheese) but prunes are her favorite.

Playing

2010-06-02T21:56:00.000-06:00

More camping favorites

2010-06-02T21:53:00.000-06:00

Car accident

2010-06-02T21:04:00.000-06:00

On the way home from Telluride we were in an accident. A car pulled out infront of us. Everyone-including Lucy are ok.

Telluride

2010-06-02T21:02:00.001-06:00

Mesa Verde National Park

2010-06-02T20:58:00.000-06:00

Camping in Mesa Verde National Park Favorites

2010-06-02T20:57:00.000-06:00

Great Sand Dune National Park

2010-06-02T20:55:00.000-06:00

9-day adventure

2010-06-02T20:50:00.000-06:00

Harper and Lucy chillin' in the van as we start our 9-day camping/Telluride vacation.

Mad Men party

2010-05-18T21:10:00.000-06:00

For Dave's birthday we threw a party Mad Men style-complete with Old Fashions, French onion dip, a Bundt cake, deviled eggs and smokes(candy ones of course)!

Fist bump with dad

2010-05-18T21:02:00.000-06:00

Chillin

2010-05-18T21:00:00.000-06:00

Just chillin' while drinking my bottle.

Feeding time

2010-05-18T20:59:00.000-06:00

Harper feeding herself. A bath was required after she finished.

Pink hippy dress

2010-05-18T20:56:00.000-06:00

As promised, Harper's pink hippy dress that she wore to Olive's birthday party.

Sleeping bag

2010-05-18T20:53:00.000-06:00

Mom made me my first sleeping bag. Now I'm ready for our camping trip.

Play day with daddy

2010-05-02T21:00:00.000-06:00

Daddy took Wednesday off from work to play with me. We went to music class, played on my two-wheeler and went down the water slide at swim class. It was a fun day!

Olive's birthday gift

2010-04-30T22:05:00.000-06:00

My friend Olive turns one tomorrow. Mom and I made her a book. I got a new party dress-I hope its not too cold to wear it tomorrow, I'll have mom take a picture of me in it--it's pink!

Sick day

2010-04-30T21:54:00.000-06:00

Harper came home sick from school yesterday, these pictures were taken later that afternoon. She doesn't look very sick to me!

Dancing Moose and the missing cream cheese

2010-04-21T20:19:00.000-06:00

Dave, Harper and myself, along with our friends Andrew and Melissa ventured to the Dancing Moose yurt up on Cameron Pass a couple of weekends ago. We snowshoed/skied a 1/4 mile to the yurt that was to been our sleeping quarters for the night. While there some birds stole some of our food--including the cream cheese! How does a bird pick up a 16 ounce tub of cream cheese? We had a great time, Harper was a little fussy during the night but who wouldn't be when you have to share a sleeping bag with your ole mom.

Firsts

2010-04-21T20:09:00.001-06:00

Harper's firsts

Harper feeding herself a banana.
Harper visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
Harper's first teeth.

Update

2010-04-07T21:32:00.000-06:00

My two front bottom teeth are coming in! I also tried yogurt today-it was soy yogurt as momma is allergic to milk. I also tried carrots on sunday, kinda liked them too, they are like my favorite--SWEET POTATOES.

This weekend I'm going on my first hut trip--the Dancing Moose hut. Mom and dads friends, Andrew and Melissa, are going too, this should be a fun time!

In her Easter bonnet...

2010-04-07T21:27:00.000-06:00

Harper and I traveled back to Kansas for Easter. The drive was 12 hours each way (normally 9 hours), we made a short trip to Colorado Springs to pick up Aunt Susan and cousin Wesley. Harper did very well in the car, she played most of the way, just a few short naps. While in Kansas Harper met many of mom's friends and a lot of the Parker family. On Easter we went to Ritcher United Methodist Church for services, out to brunch then back to Grandma Snider's to play in the sunny front yard while grandma planted some tulips.

Harper at 7 months

2010-03-30T21:15:00.002-06:00

Harper baby-you turn 7 months tomorrow! Your getting to be a very big girl. You have started making the sounds: na and la. You have started to lift your hand like your waving when you see yourself in the mirror. And you have learned that when I say milk your getting milk-you usually laugh and smile. I'm not sure, but you may be trying to sign 'milk' too. I love you little pumpkin.

Oh and mom and dad had their first date night last Saturday. Stacey from school came to watch you, I think you had a wonderful time with Stacey as you were passed out on the couch when we got home. Dad carried you to bed-you were all cute and cuddly.

A family photo

2010-03-22T10:25:00.000-06:00

Dad with baby Harper

2010-03-19T22:11:00.000-06:00

Mom and baby Harper

2010-03-19T21:49:00.000-06:00

Some favorites

2010-03-19T21:42:00.000-06:00

A note from Harper's teacher

2010-03-19T21:29:00.005-06:00

Harper smiled a lot today. She is really enjoying the teachers and students. She is sitting up well too! (smiley face)

Harper's school is on Twitter and Facebook...check it out, Patience Montessori. (click on the above title to like to the Facebook page-Harper is in the Nido room)

Let the madness begin

2010-03-15T21:41:00.002-06:00

It's time to relive the One Shining Moment from 2008. Yes, I teared again while watching.

Big girl

2010-03-15T21:31:00.001-06:00

We had our 6 1/2 month checkup on Friday. Harper is 26 inches long (50%) and weights 15 pounds 14 ounces (50%)-her head must be find as they didn't put the percent down.
Harper started making the 'th' sound this weekend. It's always so fun when she wakes up from sleep with a new sound, makes me wonder what she was dreaming about, Thanksgiving, thistles, thongs (the flip flop kind)...hmmm.

Harper also tasted green beans yesterday-not a big fan yet but she wasn't a fan of the prunes at first either, now I think prunes are one of her favorites.

Right now Harper is sleeping, her new sleeping position is on her side with her arms cross out front of her, usually with her 'sucking thumb blanky'-as my brother calls it-Ellie, hugged close to her. I caught this picture of our sleeping beauty the other day...

Romp to Stomp-March 6, 2010

2010-03-09T21:52:00.001-07:00

Harper's first Romp to Stomp, Frisco, CO (we call it Snowshoe for a Cure)-Dave and I have always supported this event in remembrance of Char Gardiner.

Frowning face

2010-03-09T21:35:00.001-07:00

Harper has learned to frown. I don't think she knows that a frown means your upset or sad-cause as soon as she frowns she gives us a really big smile.

Harper had prune juice last night-and like most of us, doesn't like it.

Special delivery

2010-03-02T20:24:00.002-07:00

I gotta figure out how to get into this box so I can go visit my grandmas!

6 months

2010-03-02T08:19:00.001-07:00

Happy ½ a year birthday little girl! We’ve made it 6 months. Highlights include: RSV, one ear infection, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, 2 trips to Winter Park to ski, a Kansas-Colorado basketball game, Mountain Sun Stout Month, swimming at the pool. I’m pretty excited that were still nursing (Yeah!-I didn’t think we would make it this long)-now my nursing goal is 9 months!
Harper started making ‘da’ sounds last weekend and this weekend she discovered her hands-she’ll hold her hands out in front of herself and stare at them, then twist them at the wrist.
Harper is growing up fast, we don’t have any 6 months stats as the scheduler at the doctor’s office schedule Harper for a 6.5 month check up (grrr). But as soon as we make our appointment I’ll update her stats.

5 months

2010-02-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

5 month dancing shoes

2010-01-31T19:32:00.001-07:00

Harper is 5 months old today. We celebrated with some banana and new shoes!

Recent highlights:
Started daycare
First sickness, RSV (one tough week-not only did Harper get sick, so did dad)
Christmas with Grandma Snider and Uncle Bob
Ski weekend in Winter Park

Dinner time!

2010-01-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

2010-01-14T22:09:00.001-07:00

Favorites from week 14

2009-12-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

Favorites from week 13

2009-12-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

I found a use

2009-11-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

Harper is 13 weeks old now and has used her pacifier for a total of 32 minutes. She'll suck on a bottle, my finger, her stuff elephant 'Ellie', her hands (she really loves those hands) but for whatever reason will not take her pacifier. So I'm selling it--.25 cents and free shipping, why wouldn't you want it--it's been on her head!

Most thankful

2009-11-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Favorites from week 11

2009-11-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 3 month birthday Harper! Our little girl is getting so big. She's laughing--a lot. I love all the new hair that is growing in.

Cheesy Corn Bake

2009-11-17T09:30:00.003-07:00

A Thanksgiving favorite.

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
4 teaspoons all purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup milk
6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
1 (3 ounces) package cream cheese, cubed
3 (10 ounces) packages frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
3 ounces ham, diced

In a large saucepan, melt margarine or butter.
Stire in flour and garlic powder.
Add milk all at once.
Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
Stir in cheese.
Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until melted.
Stir in corn and ham.
Transfer mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
Bake at 350F for 45 minutes.

Stir-Fry Chicken & Broccoli

2009-11-17T09:22:00.003-07:00

1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 1/2 pounds chicken (cut in bite-size pieces)
1 tablespoon oil
1 bunch broccoli
1 large onion

Combine first 6 ingredients with 1/4 cup water in bowl, mixing well. Marinate chicken in sauce for 10 minutes or longer. Drain chicken, reserving marinade. Heat oil in skillet. Add chicken in small amounts to prevent crowding. Stir-fry until brown. Remove form skillet and set aside.

Add broccoli and onion to hot skillet. Stir-fry 1 minute. Add 1/4 cup water, cover and steam for 3 minutes or until broccoli is tendercrisp. Return chicken to skillet, adding marinate. Heat throughly, stirring constantly. Serve over rice.

Makes 4 servings.

Breakfast Scones

2009-11-17T08:58:00.003-07:00

My favorite breakfast while pregnant. Dave would make these for me--and top them with almond butter. Yum!

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole-wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup oat or wheat bran
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/3 cup dried blueberries, currants, or chopped raisins
1 cup shredded sweet potato or winter squash, such as butternut, acorn, or Hubbard
1/3 cup nonfat yogurt or buttermilk
1 large omega-3 egg
1 1/2 tablespoons canola or safflower oil
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest

1. Preheat the oven to 425F. Oil a baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, bran, flaxseed, wheat germ, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, mace, brown sugar, dried fruit, and sweet potato. Stir in the yogurt, egg, oil, and orange zest and mix just until combined.

3. With lightly floured hands, knead the dough in the bowl for several minutes. When smooth, turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and pat to a thickness of 1 inch. Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds. Gather the scraps, gently pat into a ball, flatten again, and cut out more scones.

4. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm with or without nut butter and jam or marmalade.

Favorites from week 10

2009-11-16T10:29:00.001-07:00

Dave and I took Harper skiing on Sunday. Mom pulled her around the park 4 times! And I'm pretty sure Harper loved it as she fell asleep on every lap. Afterwards we headed over to Moe's for some lunch with Chris and Angie (and got a surprise visit from Kyle and Rachel!).

Peanut Sauce from Parade October 18, 2009

2009-11-12T19:37:00.002-07:00

6 tablespoons peanut butter
5 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon warm water
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 cup chopped ginger
3 cloves garlic, chopped

Put all the ingredients into a blender or mini food processor and whir until smooth. If you want the sauce creamier or thinner-just add milk to the desired consistency.

Great Harvest Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

2009-11-12T19:28:00.003-07:00

2 1/2 cups white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
16 oz cooked or canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 cup oil
4 eggs, beaten lightly
2/3 cup water
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two (9x5 inch) loaf pans or three (8x4 inch) loaf pans.

Mix flours, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a large bowl; set aside.

Mix pumpkin, oil, eggs, and 2/3 cup water together and stir into dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips. Place batter in prepared pans.

Bake 60 or 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

November 11, 2009

2009-11-11T20:13:00.003-07:00

Its with great respect and honor that I say THANK YOU, dad, Al, Bob, Heather, Dan, Nathan for your contribution to this world and our country. Thank you.

Favorites from week 9

2009-11-09T13:59:00.001-07:00

Dad reading to Harper

Sitting in mom's work chair

Our second snow of the 09-10 season

2009-11-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

Last week Boulder got its second snow storm of the season. I think we ended up with 1.5 or 2 feet of snow. Just a couple of shots around the house.

After the snow had stopped we woke to a beautiful view of the Flatirons.