Potty Training

I was determined to have Claire potty trained before Harrison arrived; however, when we went for her 18 month check up the doctor told me I might want to wait until after he was born. Why? She said often times kids will regress with all the changes a new baby brings. So I decided to wait. I waited until Harrison was a week and a half old and decided it was time. When Claire woke up on the 29th, I asked her if she would like to wear big girl panties. "No mommy". I thought no big deal...what kid doesn't like to run around the house naked? Even though it was freezing outside, I decided to just roll with it. She ran around naked most of the day until I convinced her to get dressed because her grandparents were coming to visit.
Day 1 of potty training was a huge success. That night she wore a diaper to bed, but as soon as she woke up the next day (her 2nd birthday!!), it was time for big girl panties again. Since Day 1, she has had less than a handful of accidents.She is only wearing a diaper for nap time and bedtime . We never got to use the cute potty calendar above. She was definitely ready.
This is one proud mommy!

Christmas Day

*I am definitely going to have to get some pictures from my mother in law because I just realized we only have a couple.

Christmas morning we woke up and got the kids dressed in their Christmas PJ's. I had planned to dress them both in their PJ's the night before, but decided not to wake them up for something as silly as PJ's. The whole time we were getting them dressed, Harry and I could not stop smiling. I think we were more excited about seeing Claire's reaction than anything. Once everyone was dressed, we headed downstairs. The first thing Claire saw was her new kitchen. She was so excited!! (Ignore the crazy bed head) She also got a musical set, bubbles, bubble toys, and new bathtub toys. The bubbles- A few days before Christmas, Claire kept telling me that Santa was going to bring her bubbles in her stocking. I looked at a few stores and couldn't find bubbles. Luckily I was able to order some off Amazon and they were delivered just in time!

Harrison loves his Slumber bear

After opening presents at our house, we headed to the Durbin's. We spent the morning by the fire opening presents. Claire's favorite present was her vacuum cleaner. She vacuumed Mimi and Papa's house for what seemed like hours. We ate a yummy lunch and headed home for naps. 

After naps, my dad stopped by for our gift exchange. Claire was in toy heaven! Papa Mark played for a little while and then headed home. We spent the last few hours of Christmas with just the 4 of us. Our first Christmas as a family of 4 was so special. 

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is always a busy day for our family. This year my cousin decided to host the Walters' family Christmas. I feel awful because I only took one picture while we were there. I was too busy visiting with all of my family. Her house looked amazing and the food was delicious! 

GiGi and Claire at cousin Beth and Alex's

After the Walters' Christmas, we headed to the Rogers' Christmas. Harry and I were stuffed from our first stop, but Claire dug into the green beans and entertained everyone while they were eating. After dinner, it was time for presents. Claire had a blast! This year she had so much fun unwrapping presents. I think she unwrapped almost all of the presents that night. 

She was worn out by the end of the evening. My grandparents live about 2 minutes from our house and she was asleep before we got home. 

Harrison was such a trooper on Christmas Eve! He slept through the first round and then ate and slept during round 2. 

Harrison's 1st Bath

Harrison feels the same way as daddy does about baths...He strongly DISLIKES them!

Santa Comes to Visit

Since Harrison barely missed Breakfast with Santa, Santa offered to come visit us at our house.
Our dog, Sophie, enjoyed sitting on Santa's lap. She loves anyone that will show her tons of attention. The poor girl was an only child for 3 years, so she has had a hard time adjusting to not only Claire but now Harrison.
As you can see, Harrison slept through sitting on Santa's lap, but I am so glad we were able to get a few pictures of him with Santa!
Claire again wanted nothing to do with Santa. Santa stayed for an hour to see if she would warm up to him, but she never did. He even tried to bribe her with Hershey kisses..still no luck! Ever since Santa came to visit, she constantly asks about him and worries that he will return. When we tell her not to worry, she says, "No more Santa. Santa all gone." and then she smiles from ear to ear.

Thanks Santa Bob for visiting!

Visitors Day 2

Since I was in recovery until 8:30pm, we decided it was best for Claire to come meet her baby brother the day after he was born. Claire, Jennifer, and Mamaw came to visit us just before lunch time. Claire fell asleep on the way to the hospital, so I was able to snuggle with her when she first arrived.

While Claire slept, Mamaw was able to hold and love on baby Harrison.

When Claire woke up, she was so happy to meet her baby brother. Our first picture as a family of four. Love it!!

It was hard seeing Claire leave the hospital without us, but I know she had a blast playing with Mimi, Papa, and Jen Jenn.

Our afternoon and night visitors included Grandma and Papa, Beth (who came the night of Harrison's birth but wasn't able to say late enough to see him), Mimi and Papa, and Brad and Sabrina (whose pictures we forgot to take)

Visitors

I love living close to our family! It was so nice to have our family visit us at the hospital. On the night of Harrison's birth, both set of grandparents were there as well as his aunt and our friends, Matt and Angela. (somehow Matt did not make it into a picture)

Before everyone left to head home that night, Angela prayed for Harrison and our family. It was the sweetest prayer and a great ending to our long day.

Harrison Dee Durbin

Sunday morning around 10:00am, I started having contractions. They were consistent, but were anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes apart. When they started getting closer, I decided to take a bath with Claire to see if they would stop. After no luck in the bathtub, I decided to take a shower. Harry had talked with his mom after church and asked to drop Claire off, so he could run errands. Once his parents were finished with lunch, my contractions were 5 minutes apart and had been for about 45 minutes. Harry dropped Claire off at his parents and came back home. He told me it was time to go to the hospital. I was in complete denial. The contractions were painful, but were not making me cry or absolutely killing me. I kept telling him I didn't think that we needed to go. No matter what I said, he never backed down. He packed the car and insisted that we head to the hospital. Once we got to the hospital, it was confirmed that indeed I was in labor. I was so scared. My first c section with Claire was awful. My blood pressure was high and the nurse (who car pooled with Harry during middle school...She was amazing and such a God send) called the on call doctor. When she came back to my triage room, she said we are having a baby today. I think my jaw fell to the floor. She reassured me that things would be different this time. She was so right! I had a great spinal block and the c section could not have been any better.

At 5:30pm Harrison Dee Durbin was born.

7 lbs 8 oz

20.5 inches

Breakfast with Santa

Every year our church has breakfast with Santa. This has been a tradition since I was a little girl. It is a great memory from my childhood and I am so thankful that Claire and Harrison will have this memory as well. Last year Claire was fascinated by Santa as seen below. (Harry was still working at Northwestern Mutual and had to work his first Saturday morning during Breakfast with Santa)

This is our 2010 picture. Little did we know that this would be the last picture of Harrison still in my tummy. As you can see Claire wanted nothing to do with Santa. Ever since this encounter if you ask her about Santa, she will say, " I don't like Santa". There are plenty of years to come and hopefully Santa will grow on her.

With an almost 2 year old and a little one on the way, I failed to get Christmas cards ordered and mailed. With that said, Merry Christmas!!

Halloween

Our beautiful butterfly!!  Claire enjoyed making rounds to see Mamaw, MiMi & Papa, Meemaw & Papa Jim, and Angela, Matt, and Amanda. On our way to visit Papa Mark, Claire was so worn out that she fell asleep. We decided to turn the car around and call it a night. Next year, our plan is to have everyone over to our house and then go trick or treating in our neighborhood.

31 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Size of baby: 16 inches long and weighs 3.3 lbs. Harrison is the size of 4 navel oranges!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 18lbs *I think I will pass my goal of 25 lbs : (
Maternity Clothes: I am wearing almost all maternity clothes.

Gender: Boy
Movement: Yes. All the time!

Sleep: I wake up several times a night to go potty.

Symptoms: A few contractions and heartburn

What I miss: Sleeping soundly through the night
Cravings: Banana Milkshakes
Best Moment this week: hearing Harrison's heartbeat yesterday

What I am looking forward to: Finishing up Harrison's room

The Pumpkin Patch at Preschool

Claire's preschool class visited the Pumpkin Patch. She absolutely loved it! I am so thankful that my aunt was able to snap some pictures during their visit. I worried about sending Claire to preschool so early in her life, but it has been the best decision. She has the best teachers! In the last 2 months, it seems like my baby has turned into a big girl. She is talking constantly. (I believe she gets this from her daddy)

Claire,

Mommy and Daddy love you so much and are so proud of you!!

28 week- 3 days early : )

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 Weeks
Size of baby: 14.8 inches long and weighs 2.25 lbs. Harrison is the size of a head cabbage!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 11lbs (ahh!!)

Maternity Clothes: I am mainly wearing maternity clothes except for dresses.
Gender: Boy

Movement: Yes. He's a kicker!

Sleep: I wake up once a night to go potty.
Symptoms: A few contractions
What I miss: Sleeping soundly through the night

Cravings: Banana Milkshakes

Best Moment this week: hearing Harrison's heartbeat (last week)

What I am looking forward to: Our trip to the beach

Update

Celebrating 2 years of marriage
23 weeks pregnant (September 2)
Where have I been??

• We moved into our new house in the middle of August. I love it! We are still unpacking a month and a 1/2 later, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
• At the end of August, Harry and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary in Vegas. Las Vegas is definitely not the ideal vacaction spot for a pregnant lady, but my work sent me for a conference. We had a great time and most of my time was spent relaxing in the Westin's "heavenly bed".
• Also at the end of August, Claire started Preschool at our church. She is going Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 2:30. She absolutely loves it and is learning SO much.
• Our weekends in September were spent tailgating with our friends and watching UT football. Go Vols!! (we need all the support we can get)

That sums up where we have been. I am now almost 28 weeks and Baby Harrison is doing great. He is a busy little guy who loves to kick. Claire has a new found love for babies. She has about 8 babies and takes atleast 1 baby with her everywhere. I sure do hope this is preparing her for her little brother!

It's a.....

Today was the day that we found out the gender of Baby # 2. My appointment was at 1:00 and my mom came with me because Harry was stuck at work. Everything looked great on the ultrasound. When it came time to find out the gender, I turned my head. This was so hard for me, but I had decided to find out with our friends and family at our gender revealing party. I waited 6 long hours for the party to start. My cousin and her husband did an amazing job. We had so much fun!! The party started at 7:00 and by 7:20, I was so ready to cut the cake. Harry and I cut the cake together and the cake was.....BLUE! Instead of saying Baby #2, I can now say Harrison Dee Durbin. We are so excited and look forward to the arrival of our baby BOY. Thanks to everyone that came tonight to celebrate with us!!

17 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 17 Weeks
Size of baby: 5 inches long and weighs 5 ounces. He or she is the size of a turnip.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I won't weigh again until 8/9 at my appointment. I think I have finally gained some weight.
Maternity Clothes: Some maternity clothes. Mostly pants and shorts.

Gender: thinking BOY
Movement: Yes, still feeling movement at night and in the morning

Food Cravings: Fried Dill pickles
What I miss: My energy

Sleep: I'm starting to wake up more to go to the potty and then can't get back to sleep.

Symptoms: Frequent urination

Best Moment this week: Singing to the baby and feeling him/her move.

What I am looking forward to:My appointment on 8/9 to find out the baby's gender and our gender revealing party.

16 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: 4-5 inches long and weighs 3-5 ounces. He or she is the size of an avocado!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Down 2 lbs (so gained 1 lb)
Maternity Clothes: Some pants and tops, but I can still wear some normal clothes. Maternity clothes are so comfy!

Gender: Find out August 9th

Movement: Yes

Food Cravings: Depends on the day. This baby knows what he/she wants.
What I miss: Sleeping all night without a potty break.

Sleep: I am sleeping fine besides waking up to go potty.

Symptoms: Sleepy, but I have stayed up past 9pm every night this week!

Best Moment this week: Hearing the baby's heart beat at my appointment.
What I am looking forward to: Finding out the baby's gender.

15 weeks

**I will post a belly picture soon.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 15 Weeks

Size of baby: 4 inches long and weighs 2.5 ounce. He or she is the size of an apple!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Will see at my next appointment 7/12/10. I was down 3 lbs at my last appointment.

Maternity Clothes: I pulled out the maternity jeans today.
Gender: thinking BOY

Movement: Yes! When I woke up early this morning, I felt little flutters.
Food Cravings: Sweets and Mellow Mushroom Pizza

What I miss: My energy
Sleep: I'm sleeping well and only waking up once to go potty.
Symptoms: My appetite is slowly increasing for dinner.
Best Moment this week: Claire pointing to my tummy and saying baby
What I am looking forward to:
My appointment on Monday and finding out the baby’s gender at 18 to 20 weeks.

You're my BLUE eyed girl!

Harry took this picture yesterday of Claire and I am in love with it. Her baby blues get me every time.

Claire Bear

I wanted to share this picture. Claire is in LOVE with the I-phone. She has had a rough couple of days. Thankfully our new sitter is on vacation, so we planned for a family friend and my aunt to watch her this week. Last Thursday her sitter told me that she was super clingy and had slept a ton. So once I picked her up, we headed to the Little Clinic. The nurse practitioner diagnosed her with double ear infections. We started on her antibiotic Thursday night. When I picked her up from the sitter on Friday, I noticed that she had a few little spots on her. I decided to wait it out and see if she got worse. On Saturday morning when she woke up, she had a few more spots. I called the Little Clinic and was advised to stop the antibiotic and take her to Urgent Care if it got worse. Claire woke up bright and early on Father's Day. Her rash was now raised and had spread everywhere. We had to skip church and our Father's Day lunch with her Papa. We headed to the Urgent Care. Thank goodness we arrived 30 minutes early to stand in line. The Urgent Care doctor said that he thought the rash was viral and sent us home. That place is so frustrating! We will be seeing our pediatrician soon if the rash has not cleared up.

We had a relaxing rest of the day and had Papa Mark over for a delicious dinner. I think Harry enjoyed his 2nd Father's Day and he can't wait for next year when we get to celebrate it as a family of 4.

A much needed update: The NEWS is out!

In my last post, I was dying to share with everyone all of the ways God is working in our lives. I am so excited to share that Claire will be a big sister near the end of December. We will be welcoming a baby boy or girl on December 22nd unless he/she decides to come before. Now that we are past the 12 week point, I just want to shout it from the rooftop that we are having another baby. Now that the shock has worn off that for a few day we will have 2 under the age of 2, I am overwhelmed with joy. I absolutely love my doctor here. She is watching closely and does not think we will have the same problems that we had with Claire.
If that news is not enough, the offer we placed on a house in Collierville was accepted. We should be closing on the house July 30th. I am so happy that our children will get to grow up in Collierville. (I can't believe I am saying that!) When I went to college, I swore that I would never come back to Collierville; however, most of our family lives in the area and I want our kids (I just love saying kids) to be around family as much as possible. Also, I can't wait for our kids to grow up in the church that I grew up and married their daddy in.
I will take pictures soon and post. Stay tuned for more updates on Claire and her baby brother/sister.

Easter and April Update

This is Claire practicing putting items in her basket before the Big Hunt.

Claire really understood the concept of hunting eggs. She was in the under 2 age group and looked like a pro. It was so much fun to watch her run towards an egg, pick it up, and throw it in her basket. Like we have said before, this girl has an arm!!

After hunting eggs, she had to relax on the quilt and wait for lunch to be served.

Claire did not mind sitting on the Easter bunny's lap. It was at the end of the day, so I was very impressed that she was so happy.

I just love this last picture. After church on Easter Sunday, we stopped by Mimi and Papa's to open our Easter baskets and take a few pictures of Claire in her Easter dress. I just love the picture below.

We had a very busy month in April, starting with Easter. Harry accepted a new position with First Tennessee Bank which we are so thankful for. At my job, one of my co-workers has been out on maternity leave, so I have been super busy. Harry and his dad took a guys trip to St. Louis. Claire and I missed them like crazy, but I am so thankful Harry was able to go on vacation before starting his new job. Harry started his job May 3rd and is learning alot during training. We are so thankful for all the wonderful ways God is working in our lives!

More Sweet Pics

Claire is still loving the park. On cold or rainy days, Daddy takes Claire to an inside playground, the pet store, the bookstore, or the mall. I think Claire is really going to be sad when Daddy returns to work.
We have been very hesitant to let Claire eat chips, but since she is getting to be such a big girl we decided to let her try some. She LOVES chips and dip. (just another sign she is a true Durbin)
This sweet smile is what melts my heart.
We are sure loving this weather.

Sunny Weather