Complete

Having a daughter is the greatest gift I never knew I really needed.  Harper has completed our family in a way we never knew was lacking. The squeals, cries, sweet smiles and frills are all new in our world. The boys cry/cried squealed and smiled, but they did all of these things in a way that was very much BOY. Their cries were more demanding, their squeals just had a much more masculine sound to them....they were all boy from the minute they entered the world and I am beyond thankful for that! We are now experiencing a more pitiful cry from miss Harper. She pouts and it melts your soul. She smiles and her entire tiny body smiles. She locks eyes with you and everything else stops. 

The boys agree. Maddox loves to stare at her when her eyes are open and he gets so excited when he sees her smile. He loves to see her all dressed up with a pretty bow and always comments on how pretty she is! Paxton loves to lay beside her when she is laying on the ground and he talks and giggles with her. 

Before we had Harper, Brad picked out this little outfit for her. I think she looked absolutely adorable in it!

Love that smile of hers

First day of School 2012

The boys started school last week. Maddox is in the 4 year old preschool class and Paxton is in the 2 year old mothers day out program. We love the new school they are attending and I am praying for amazing things to happen in their lives this year. Their teachers are wonderful and I am certain they will learn a lot, play a lot and have a blast.

So far, after three classes, Maddox says going to school is a blast. He LOVES his teacher and everyone there seems to love him back. He is easily making new friends and already seems to be flourishing.

Paxton on the other hand is having an extremely difficult time adjusting to the new situation. This is the first time that he has been left anywhere other than with family. Paxton has a hard time with anything unfamiliar and new. He has attended two days and has cried for most of the time while at school. Breaks my heart to watch him struggle. I am praying for guidance in his little life. I pray he can be happy at school, make great friends and learn to adapt to new surroundings. We have talked and talked about how school is fun, his teacher loves him, mommy always comes back and to find Happy Paxton! I pray Wednesday is a better day!!

10 Weeks Already

Harper Grace is ten weeks old. How is it possible that ten short weeks ago our house was lacking in pink, frill, bows, tutus, and adorable gummy grins.
What are you up to at 10 weeks old Miss Harper:
-wearing size newborn diapers
-newborn clothes and a few 0-3 months as well
-sleeping in your swing
-we had a great week of sleep and then the last few days you have had a hard time settling down and getting a good nap or solid sleep at night. I am fairly certain you are entering into a growth spurt, you sure want to eat more frequently
-eating 4 oz every 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night (we did have one night where you slept 7 hours, but that has only occurred once)
-other than your tummy issues, you really are a very content baby. You like to be where people are and you enjoy looking around
-you do NOT like riding in the car
-you have an adorable gummy smile that we having the blessing of seeing more often

Family Reunion

This weekend we had our annual Malone Family Reunion (my mom's family). Everyone came to Lubbock and we spent the days together at our house enjoying the pool, the beautiful weather and wonderful food!!! We sure did miss those that couldn't make it this year, but we certainly had a wonderful time together!

making rice crispy treats

Jason and Granny enjoying some sunshine

The three big kids swimming the day away

Handsome fellas

Snuggle time for cici and Harper

Time to roast some marshmellows

Thanks Konni for the bubbles

They loved blowing bubbles all day

Aunt Karla lovin on Harper

Konni lovin on Henley

Sweet sisters

Maddox perfecting her swimming skills

Paxton loves the water

My little fish

Deep conversations with Uncle Gary

Paxton building blocks with Papa

Yummy Watermelon

The littles playing together (looks like Henley is about the deck Harper...she is already learning to get her arm up and protect herself...ha)

all the kids

Love my boys

Beautiful girl

Love watching Brad love on his daughter

The group!!!

Maddox

My sweet spunky Maddox,

He loves Karate.

He loves to show off his new found Karate skills taught to him by his daddy.

He loves to run thoughout the house as fast as he can pretending to be a super hero saving the day.

He loves to ride his bike.

He loves his daddy.

He loves his brother.

He does not love when his brother won't do what he wants him to do

He loves to go on adventures

He loves to go camping, fishing and exploring

 I would have to say though, at the top of the list of things he loves right now, is his precious baby sister!

Today, he was helping me by giving Harper Grace her pacifier. Once said paci was in her mouth, she gave the sweetest little grin. When I informed Maddox that she was smiling at him, he joyfully proclaimed "OH MOMMY!!! This is the best day EVER!!"

He loves to run, jump, dig and play but most of all he loves his sister and I adore that about my oldest little man!!

Newborn Pictures

 She is tiny. She is perfect. She is beautiful. Just see for yourself.

A few of Harper's Newborn Pictures

Girl Time

There are random times throughout the day when I have to stop and catch my breath because I am reminded that this precious little one I am tending too all day is in fact my DAUGHTER.  I realize that may sound silly, I mean, how could I possibly forget that I have a daughter. I feed her, bathe her, clothe her, snuggle her, rock her, swaddle her and provide everything possible for this tiny little girl. However, sometimes I get in the routine of doing all the things necessary for a newborn and I get the fun gentle reminders that I have all the pink, tutus, and ruffles along with the tonka trucks, race cars, and super hero garb. I was watching the women's gymnastics on the Olympics and I began to get teary because I was getting to experience that with my very own daughter.  I began to picture Harper in dance or gymnastics (if she wants to) and it made me so excited for the opportunity to experience all things girly. After we had the boys we were fairly certain we were finished having babies, and boy oh boy am I thankful that God's plans were different than my own. I am thankful for the dirt bikes, mud stains and loud noises that accompany my boys as well. I honestly feel like the luckiest girl because I get to experience both! So thankful the Lord blessed us with this precious little girl. 

Oh, and her brothers are pretty smitten with her as well!!