A Birthday Project For Papa

Buying gifts for your parents is always hard. What can they possibly need? Well once you have kids you have the opportunity to combine a gift with a craft project. It's a win win.
Everyone knows my parents have a pretty awesome garden and what better for your garden then a stepping stone with your granddaughter's hand prints in it.
We got Harper totally amped about the project and she skillfully chose the stones she would use to decorate "Papa's rock"

I should preface this by saying this entire project is made up with a bag of colorful stones, a small bag of cement, trowel. plastic dish and some rubber gloves. If I ever try it again I'll be getting these supplies from the hardware store intead of Red Envelope but I digress.

We may have let the cement sit a little too long before we did the handprints because they aren't super deep but you can tell there's one big and one tiny. And Harper strategically placed each stone exactly where she wanted it. Overall it was quite a success. It's going to look lovely in "Papa's garden."

The Perfect Day

Harper & her ice cream sample

Do you ever have one of those days where things just flow smoothly from start to finish? That was our day today. Harper had school this morning and we were on time...and she cooperated out the door. No struggle.
It certainly helped that temperatures were in the 60's today and after school we were able to spend the rest of the day outside. We wore rainboots and Harper jumped and splashed in the river that has become our side steps. Things are melting quickly over here and she's making the most of it.
Will and I lounged on the front steps drinking in the sunshine and enjoying the warm temperatures. Paisley napped outside and we just hung out.
In need of dinner ideas the girls and I headed to the grocery store. Harper was totally excited to push a kid sized cart. It felt amazing not to be in a rush. We poked around and pushed our carts. Harper picked out some cereal I'm pretty sure we didn't need. She gobbled down a sample of fish handed out in one of the aisles. Then she followed that up with an ice cream sample...enjoying each bite and asking to try the other kind. Who can say no to that...why not?? It felt so good to be agreeable. I think it's contagious. Springtime resolution...try to be a little more agreeable, and less rushed.

Camera Shy

All of a sudden our big girl has decided she doesn't want her picture taken.

It all began when you'd ask her to say "cheese" and she'd give you this totally ridiculous grin with squinted eyes and an open mouth. Now she's evolved into frowns.

I've decided I like this big cheese face better. Better than the pouts. I can actually see her mouth making the word no in one of the pictures I took of her this month.

As a side note Leah and I are inventing pajamas that have zippers you can unzip to detach the feet from them. Harper is modeling a pair in the photo above. Brillant for a chlid that gets attached to pj's even if there toes are breaking from being far to tall to continue wearing them. I think we're really onto something here ;)

With H's anti-photo movement it's been easier to switch the lens in P's direction. She's getting so big and is so full of smiles and love. She is so curious about everything around her and she's so strong. She'll be sitting up alone in no time.

February was a good month. We had a couple little tastes of spring as well as a couple major snow storms adding to the overwhelming pile of snow that still covers New England. The good thing that has come from the recent storms is that we got our first snowman making snow. Harper was so excited to finally make a snowman. Unfortunately rising temperatures landed frosty in a pile in our driveway the next day. Luckily he was easy to put back together.

 We also began a home improvement project this month. Will took out the wall between our dining room and our kitchen. The main purpose was to give us a little more space and a little more light. We were both thrilled with the results but Harper keeps asking when Daddy's going to "fix our wall." The wall he took out was a a load bearing wall so Ryan came over one day and helped in put in a support beam so that our house won't fall over. Thank goodness for Ryan. Lucky for Harper, Paisley and I he brought Dana, Alex and Kyler when he came. The kids had a great time together. Alex totally loves and cuddles Paisley every chance he gets. He's such a good big brother. They enjoyed a movie and some popcorn together as well as puzzles, hide and seek and more. We topped a great day off with a big trip to our favorite pizza place.

 We tried to get a little crafty this month. We made some Valentines for Harper's friends. She really got into it so we've had the supplies out for more Valentines fun. The other day she decided it would be fun to have heart stickers on our faces. She was right. It was fun.

Leah and I hadn't gotten the kids together to celebrate birthdays so we decided to meet in the middle and go to the Mall of New Hampshire. Our friend Marge met us too and we attempted to manage 6 kids in a crazy mall by ourselves. The visit got off to a great start when I got lost and the extra driving was just enough for Harper to get car sick. It was extra gross and while I always travel with etra clothes for my infant the same cannot be said for my toddler. So luckily we were visiting a mall and parked right near the Old Navy where we could get some new clothes quickly. The rest of the visit was great. We took the kids on the carousel and let them ride in those rides that are vehicles that shake for a few minutes when you fee them some quarters. They were a huge hit. After the other girls headed home I took Harper to Build A Bear. It was my first experience but she had been before. We made a cute bunny who we named Bernice. (We already own a bunny named Beatrice.) It was a fun and busy day.

The photo above is Paisley wearing an outfit that was Leah's when she was a baby. Leah has a few gems that her mom saved for her that she's been generous enough to share with us. This one makes me smile everytime Paisley wears it. So special to share things with our kids that we wore as little girls.

In other news Harper is still the most amazing big sister that I've ever known. Paisley is doing more and more everyday and Harper loves watching her develop as much as we do. This week Paisley rolled over from back to front for the first time. Harper was right there next to me cheering her on. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful girls who already love each other so much. I know there will be sisterly spats along the way but I can already see the foundation of their relationship being built and it's so strong.

Our weeks are full of music class, playdates with our friends and Harper's school on Fridays. We have made some good friends in the Upper Valley and they make being a stay at home mom so much easier. It feels so good to have someone to call if you just need to get out of the house on a Monday morning. Harper loves her friends and she's learning to express it. This week she told me she missed her friend Jackson and she wanted to go to his house. So, we invited ourselves over and had a great visit.

Harper is also totally adores her cousin Emily. Emily and Harper are about the same age difference as myself and my cousin Christa, 7 years. I remember growing up how enamored of her I was. I can see those same feelings in Harper's eyes when she looks at Emily. It's total love and Emily is so kind and patient with her. Emily is such a great kid and she's a wonderful role model for Harper. Emily was there the night I went into labor with Harper and she was among our very first visitors at the hospital. Pretty special.

Now that snow is starting to melt we are wearing rain boots for the duration of this wintery mud season. Harper could not be happier to be able to stomp around in puddles any chance she can get. It certainly gets some energy out.



Party # 2

And what's a birthday celebration without a family party. Here are some of our favorites from the recent party at Nonie & Papa's house. Enjoy.

Harper is in awe of Emily

She's the best big cousin

Pals

Dinosaur cake #2

My baby & Harper's baby

three.

It's quite amazing to think that a little over three years ago Harper was not here with us yet. She was kicking me from the inside out and trying to stay in my belly as long as possible before making her debut. We didn't even know if we were expecting a boy or a girl. We went to the hospital with a list of names and Will declared upon seeing her face that she looked like a Harper. And does she ever. We've had an amazing year. Harper can ride her tricycle with ease, even in snow pants and she can do a puzzle of almost any size. She loves her baby dolls, having tea parties and playing her her "house" or any tent that can be created. She calls all flashlights the moon and she has a thing for dinosaurs. At her 3 year check up she had jumped to the 10th percentile for weight and 20th for height. This is the best results we've had since she was born at a healthy 7.2 lbs. And most of all this year Harper became a big sister. And not just any big sister, a loving, hugging, sharing (except for lulu and kyler baby), singing, kissing, caring kind of sister. She warms our hearts a little more everyday so we decided to do it big this year and fill Harper's week with lots of birthday love and all the people who love her. Happy Birthday baby girl!

Little P is doing well too. She's already 4 months which is amazing in itself. She is making all kinds of noises and has the most contagious smile. She is a joy to be around. At her latest appointment she was in the 60th percentile for height and the 35th percentile for weight. She has changed so much. This month we brought out the exersaucer which she loves and we borrowed an floor mat baby gym from a friend. She totally plays now and grabs things with ease. She's come a long way from that squishy sleep baby we had just a short time ago.

Birthday Girl!

Family photo

Best uncle ever

Princess P

All I Want For Christmas Is...

Two beautiful daughters and a wonderful husband to share it all with.
With so much to be thankful this year it was truly hard to imagine asking for anything for ourselves. (We managed of course...you've all met me) but the majority of the focus this year was definitely on our girls, especially Harper who really understood Christmas this year. From picking out our tree to helping decorate, shop for and then wrap gifts to the tears she shed when it was time to take the tree down this holiday season was really magical.
Life can easily become a race to the finish line, racing to get out the door, to get home before nap, to get the kids to bed and get work done etc. Among other things, like using my reusable coffee cup regularly, I resolve this year to slow down and enjoy every moment of this time with our family.
The other night as I laid with Harper while she fell asleep she said "Mommy, I grow up I can be like you." And while my heart warmed with love for this amazing little person I also felt a little bit of sadness. I don't want her to wish to be bigger than she is for even a moment. And while I can't tell her not to wish to be big I can slow us down and let her enjoy being little as long as possible.

We rang in the New Year with the Adams family. Our visits are louder now with four little people running around but there's a feeling of deja vu as we stop and watch Ana crawl around and pull herself up on furniture or see Paisley laying in the baby gym that both Ana, Harper & Theo laid in before her. I can only imagine how much they will all change in the coming year and how their little relationships grow.
This year we started a new tradition with Pat & Steph of picking out our Christmas trees together. Due to construction to their living room our first trip was for the Rancourt tree but a couple weeks later they got a tree and we all went over to decorate it. It was fun to get to decorate trees twice this year.
Dana and I gave our kids a Christmas gift of a full day play date together. They had so much fun as always we're going to try and do it again very soon!
The end of January brings us the start of Will's paramedic school which will be very exciting and stressful for all of us. Definitely a challenge for Will but something he is excited about and will enjoy.
For me things are changing with work. We are announcing that Sprout will be closing it's doors very shortly. I'm trying to enjoy my final shifts as much as possible. It is rather bittersweet to say goodbye. I started working there 3 months after Harper was born now, 3 months after Paisley's birth the store is closing. I really loved my work at Sprout and the people I work with, but perhaps it's time for a change and I look forward to whatever is next.
With news of the girls, Paisley is now rolling over and cooing. She can grasp a toy and put it in her mouth and she's very close to rolling over from back to front. All so exciting! Harper brings more joy and laughter to us everyday. Her imagination is so huge and she's so creative. She loves doll play and she is still really enjoying our Friday school program. She has so much love for her little sister I so enjoy watching their relationship develop.
With all the excitement of the holidays there were a ton of photos this month. Please enjoy this rather large selection of my favorites:

Winter festival at Harper's school - making gingerbread people ornaments

Ericson/Rancourt 1st Annual Tree Chopping (next year we'll get a picture of all of us)

"Wait...how did you know I have a big sister?"

I think we may need a bigger bed

Playing tutu's with Harper. We "flew" around the house. She really wanted me to wear a tutu but it wouldn't fit around my waist (no judging) so this was our compromise.

Princess P

All dressed up for a holiday party at our friend's Matt, Sara & Stella's.

Beautiful Harper & her never been cut hair

I think H is showing P the ropes. They are holding hands.

At Ashley, Jarrod & Emily's inside the box of one of her favorite Christmas presents.

Testing out her new crib and staring at the mobile. I think she likes it

Daddy's girl

Snow day! And yes, that's Jess shoveling my walkway. I love her...and not just because she shoveled us out!

And So It Goes

We are still feeling our way through our new status as a family of four. We all had some great accomplishments this month.
I am proud to announce that I managed a solo trip to Boston with both girls all in one day. We got to meet the baby Mason and have a much needed visit with Morgan and Courtney. The trip was a huge success and so fun, I'm hoping to make it a more regular occurrence.

Paisley treated us to her first smiles and they are totally infectious. She will be sitting so nicely by herself and you sit down in front of her and she greets you with a huge smile that fills her whole face. It's been great for Harper to be able to receive her smiles and play little games in hopes of being rewarded with a smile.

Harper is becoming such a little lady. She now asks for privacy when she goes to the bathroom (#2) and is determined to help with anything and everything. We've done a lot of cooking and baking lately which she loves and "projects" of any kind get her very excited. After the fun of Halloween I cannot wait to experience this Christmas with her. It's going to be amazing.

The novelty of Paisley has not yet been lost on Harper. She still asks to hold her, helps with diapers and returns a lost bink to P's mouth when necessary. My goal this month is to go out on a couple of Mommy/Harper solo outings. I think it's important and no one is as afraid of being alone with Paisley like they were when Harper was her age. I'm looking forward to some spa treatments this week that would have been a major challenge with H. Paisley is still a very relaxed and easy going baby.

Paisley had her 2 month check up. She's growing so well! 10 lbs 12 oz and 23" long. She also had her first vaccinations which left her a little out of sorts but she's mending quickly.

We enjoyed Thanksgiving. Will traveled to West Virginia for his annual hunting trip and Nancy & David were visiting my parents so I was on my own with the girls for a couple days. We all survived but I was happy when we went to my parents house for some extra hands. I have a much better appreciation for my single mom friends now. They are AMAZING!

We have so much to be thankful this holiday season.

Princess P in her favorite chair

Harper reading a book

Me and my girls