Birthday Party

December is a crazy month for our family. Having 3 out of our 4 birthdays in December and add in Jesus' birthday, it makes December a little hectic. Harrison had to have a minor procedure a few days before his birthday, so I wasn't sure if he would be up for a party that weekend. We decided to have a joint birthday party for the kids. It was so much fun! Claire was still sleeping when all of our family arrived, but slowly woke up and was excited to open presents and eat cake. We had a blast celebrating Harrison's 1st birthday and Claire's 3rd birthday with all of our family!

Jason, Ali and Meg Come to Visit

We really hate that my brother and his family live so far away, but it sure does make for an awesome visit when they come in town. They arrived late Thursday night before Claire's 3rd birthday. When Claire woke up on her brithday, she was so happy to see Uncle Jason, Meg, and Ali. We made breakfast and let her open her presents.

Claire got an Innotab and pretend make up for her birthday.
After presents, we got ready to go take pictures. Recently Meg got a new camera and we were so happy that she was dying to take pictures. 

I love how to pictures turned out! We took a candy break half way through the pictures to keep the kids happy.

After pictures, we headed to Chick Fila (Claire's request). It was insane, so luckily Claire decided that Burger King would work. The kids played so hard on the playground that Claire and Harrison both fell asleep on the ride home.

We continued the birthday celebration that night and got ready for the big party on Saturday.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Claire,
     I can not believe that you are already 3. It does not seem that long ago that I was on bedrest anxiously awaiting your arrival. This last year you have grown so much. You have taken on your role as a big sister and absolutely adore your brother. You are still very independent and super head strong which I remind myself daily is a blessing. You love to take "big baby" aka Nockey or whatever her name is for the day everywhere. Usually you pretend to be her mommy or her babysitter. It makes me smile seeing how sweet and loving you are to "big baby". You are such a blessing and we love you so much!!

Christmas in the Country

Every year the Autry's have "Christmas in the Country" the weekend before Christmas. It is so much fun and a wonderful tradition that I am glad to be a part of. It is an all weekend affair, but we made a day trip of it on Saturday (the best day).

We rode on the hayride and sang Christmas carols. Claire enjoyed the ride in Shelley's lap.They stop the hayride and everyone ventures out to find the perfect tree. Once the tree is selected, everyone helps cut it down. Claire loved swinging the ax with Darrell.

We decorated the tree and then Santa made a visit. Claire and Harrison both sat on Santa's lap. Claire asked for a baby doll with a paci and she told Santa that Harrison wanted a dump truck.

Harrison and Mamaw took a little rest after Santa's visit. I am so glad my kids have great grandparents to love on them!

We definitely enjoyed "Christmas in the Country". 

12 months

I can't believe my little man is one! He looks so cute in this sombrero.
At one you are:

• Wearing 24 months clothes
• Wearing size 5 1/2 shoes
• Wearing size 5 diapers
• Cruising everywhere (not walking yet)
• Saying bye bye, mama, dada, ball, baby, pretty

You are so sweet and have brought us so much joy this past year! We love you!!

Crafty

I know I am late to join Pinterest, but I started looking on it this week and feel in love with several projects. On Tuesday, Claire requested to go to Hobby Lobby and I just couldn't resist. I bought the stuff to make a wreath. I have been searching for about a month for the perfect wreath for our front door. I had no idea how ridiculously expensive a wreath could be. When I starting looking on Pinterest, I saw a wreath that I loved. There was a link to a blog to make it and it sounded super easy. I decided to change it up a bit and this is how it turned out. I love it and love the orange and white! Go Vols!!



9 months

My little man is 9 months! You are growing up so fast. At your 9 month check up, you weighed 25lbs 60z. You are 30.25 inches and your head circumference is 18.70 inches. That puts you in the 97- 99th percentile.
You are:

• crawling everywhere (you do the walrus crawl )
• talking all the time.. You can say mama, dada, baba, bye bye, hey, and you make lots of other interesting sounds
• waving and giving high fives
• wearing 18 month clothing
• wearing size 5 diapers
• the HAPPIEST baby

We love you!

St. Louis

We had a blast in St. Louis! I was so worried about traveling with the kids, but they did awesome!  When we arrived at the hotel, we unpacked and headed to dinner. Dinner was tough....Harrison had to change outfits and Claire needed to change. After traveling and quite the dining experience, we went straight to bed.

Saturday morning we went bowling.

 This was Claire's first time to bowl. She loved it!

 Saturday afternoon we went to the ballgame (Cardinals vs. Cubs). The park was so accommadating and allowed us to bring the stroller in and they set it aside until we were ready to leave. Harrison and Claire both did great at the game and the Cardinals won!!

Sunday we went to Six Flags. It was so hot!! We stayed only in the water park and didn't last more than 2 hours. Then we went back to the hotel and Claire enjoyed playing with the balloons. We always have so much fun in St. Louis. We can't wait to go back next year! (although we made a promise to not go back to Six Flags unless it was below 80 degrees)

Happy Birthday Mamaw!

Happy 92nd Birthday Mamaw!

Umbrella

While at Lake Junaluska, Claire had a little photoshoot with Mimi. She loved playing with the umbrella, so I am so happy Mimi was able to capture some of these sweet shots.

Lake Junaluska

Every summer, Harry and I look forward to the Lake J trip. We always get to celebrate Harry's birthday, enjoy being with our family, and relax. This year I needed to work in East TN a few days before our planned trip. Harrison flew on his first airplane with me to Knoxville. Luckily Uncle Jason and Shandy were able to watch him while I worked. On Thursday, Harry, Claire, and Aunt Shirley picked us up in Knoxville and we headed to Lake J.

 We enjoyed a few breakfasts at Joeys

 and lunch at Nick and Nates.

 Harrison loved crawling around the Lighthouse. We also enjoyed walks in the stroller around the lake.

And most of all, we enjoyed spending time together everyday as a family.

June

This summer Claire's preshool teacher, Mrs. Tammy, has been our nanny. She is wonderful and loves our babies! Claire and Harrison have been swimming several times a week and go out and about with her. Below is Claire in her new swimsuit and shades from Mimi. Isn't she so cute?

Harry and I have started attending couples date night at church. On the third Thursday of every month, young married couples from the church meet up and go to dinner. The church provides childcare, but this night Claire and Harrison went to Mimi and Papa's. Papa has a handful!!

One of Claire's favorite things to do at Mimi and Papa's is to wash dishes. She is such a good helper!!

Next month we are headed to Lake Junaluska to spend time with Harry's parents and aunt. Harry has been going to Lake J every summer for about 25 years. I love that our family gets to share in this tradition! 

Go Grizz

This year the Memphis Grizzles have had a wonderful season. Harry and I were so lucky to be able to attend several of the Championship games and cheer on the Grizz! They handed out T- shirts and towels for everyone at two of the games we went to. It was so much fun to watch the entire crowd wave the yellow towels in the air. The games were full of excitement and we can't wait for next season!

Easter

Harrison and Claire enjoyed the church Easter Egg Hunt. Claire did great hunting eggs; although, she wanted to take the candy out of every egg and consume before finding another egg. The next day, Easter Sunday, we celebrated with the Rogers in the morning and with the Durbins in the afternoon. What a joyous day!

Sweet Harrison with Aunt Shirley and Claire with Meemaw.

Loving the warm weather

When we got up this morning, Harry and I debated about taking the kids to the zoo. We knew the high was forecasted to be 82, so we insisted on spending the day outside. We had to make a Target run and decided to change our plans to a day in our backyard with water activities.
I knew water activities would be a big hit because Claire has always been our water child!





She loves her turtle swimsuit and orange butterfly sprayer.






She also loves her new swimming pool and water gun. Harry's eyes lit up when I suggested buying water guns. I think we have all loved playing with them! I see super soakers in our future.






Even Harrison has enjoyed the day outside.






Our bedtime prayer tonight, "Thank you God for the warm weather and for our family".
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Update

I can't believe how fast paced life is with two kids. I started back part time to work after February 7th. I am so glad my work was understanding and let me start back slowly. I hated to leave my sweet little guy! He is such a good baby and loves to snuggle.

On February 14th we had his 2 month appointment. His stats:
Weight- 12 lbs 6 oz
Height- 22 inches
Head circumference- 40 cm

At his 2 month appointment, we learned he had double ear infections. After a round of oral antibiotics, they did not improve. He was given a shot of rocifen and a different oral antibiotic. His ears were still bad at our recheck appointment, so my poor little man had to get shots of rocifen for 3 days straight. It was pure torture! Luckily his ears finally cleared up. Now that he is well, he is smiling all the time and talking like crazy.


Here he is at 3 months. He is so chubby and the cutest red head I have ever seen!!

Claire is still loving being a Big Sister. At times she doesn't like sharing her mommy and daddy, but she is adjusting. Her vocabulary is growing, and she is repeating everything she hears. She has started asking questions. Her favorite is, "what's he/she talking bout?". Two year olds are trying, but I love every minute we spend together.
Her daddy thought it would be funny for her to push Harrison in the baby stroller. Poor guy!!



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Claire's 2nd Birthday

Claire, 

 On your actual birthday, you got your first tricycle from your daddy, me, and Harrison. You love to press the radio button and show off your moves. You are so stinking cute! I think you are going to be a dancer like your momma. You received lots of Happy Birthday calls all day. That night your Papa, Mimi, and Aunt Amanda stopped by and wished you a happy birthday. You are so loved!

 Your actual birthday party was Saturday January 1st. The party wasn't until 2:30, so I had hoped you would get  in a nap before, but you were so excited that you would not fall asleep. Even though you didn't get a nap, you were PERFECT at your party. You sat in your rocking chair and opened all your presents. You told everyone "tank chu". I was so proud of you!!

 Here is your beautiful cake that Mrs. Cameron (your preschool teacher) made for you. You and GiGi had a blast making the yummy cupcakes before your party.

You loved your cake and ice cream! You were a lot cleaner this year while enjoying your cake.

At 2 you are:
The best big sister!! You love your brother so much and are very helpful.
Potty Trained
Giving the sweetest kisses and tightest hugs
Saying "I uv chu"
Saying 6 to 7 word sentences
Impressing us daily with new things that you have learned

You are such a joy. We love you so much!