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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Thankful: Day #29

Thankful again today for health!  First, for our healthy baby.  We had our six month checkup today, and Harper is doing great.  53rd percentile for height and weight, right on track!  She was so much fun at the doctor's office, just babbling and 'singing' away!


Second, thankful for a healthy doggie!  We had gotten a little worried about our Mia.  About two weeks ago, after a bath, I noticed that she looked really thin.  If you know Mia, you know she usually is packing quite a lot of junk in the trunk.  Well, two weeks ago I noticed she looked a little skinnier than her usually robust self.  We took her into the vet (it was actually time for one of her boosters anyway) and she had in fact lost 20 lbs.  We had started to feed her a little less a while back to help maintain her healthy weight, but 20 lbs. seemed pretty drastic.  They took some blood work and I was really worried for the results-imagining all the worst case scenarios.  Luckily, all tests came back normal!  I am so thankful my fur-baby MamaMia is okay!!!  OH happy day!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Thankful: Day #27

I came home from work today and my sweet husband surprised me by writing a blog post!  I never thought I'd see that!  He usually just likes to leave the blog writing to me-but decided to surprise me today-what a sweet guy.  :-)

So, I didn't get to post last night because I had a late choir rehearsal.  Getting ready for all the holiday performances.  Our main one is on December 14th and again on December 15th.  Friends and family, you all should definitely come watch!!  Great group of girls, and I am really happy to be apart of them.  I've already written my thanks for this-but really, I am so thankful!

Also, I got to see my lovely grandma yesterday.  I hadn't seen her in a while since we'd been out of town, so it was nice to catch up.  Most of you probably know, but I help 'take care of' my grandma each week.  Really I just check in on her, and we sit and chat about life and baby-raising.  She raised six kids, so she always has something to say about my current parenting ups and downs!  Most of her advice and stories are pretty funny.  Helen's childhood profanity (absolutely hysterical if you know my Aunt Helen today!), Mom nearly powdering Uncle David to death, Mary carrying a bottle with her until almost kindergarten, Joe throwing his (glass) bottle across the room when he was finished drinking...oh the stories!  I always enjoy hearing about her take on motherhood!  Since I did not grow up here in Albuquerque, I didn't get to spend a LOT of time with her as a kid.  I am so grateful for my time with her now.  We have a great bond from our weekly visits the last couple of years, and I love going to see her every Tuesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday.  She's a special soul.  I'm so glad she's my grandma.

At her 90th birthday in 2011
Great Grandma and Harper (4 days old)
Great Grandma and Harper (6 months old)

Thankful: Day #28

Thankful: Day 28

      Josh here!

Today is MY day with Harper! We had to bring MItch and Mia in for a Vet appointment so I decided to take the whole day off from work. I usually just have half days with harper on Wednesdays so that Janey can head into work to catch up on things and attend her weekly meeting at the law office with Filbert. But today, I had the whole day. Seeing as I didn't have to wake up at 6 this morning for work this morning, Jane and I took advantage on not having to set an alarm and slept in until a little before 8 am. I feels great getting those couple extra minutes before starting the day. After getting some chores out of the way and taking the dogs to the vet, I went into full daddy mode after sending mommy off to work. We had such a good day today!
      I am thankful for many things; being a dad to my adorable Harper, having such a beautiful, smart, and loving wife, and loving every minute of life. But today, what I am most thankful for is getting the chance to take the day off and spend quality time with my little baby girl!!!

Here are some pictures from today:
   
                                                Patiently waiting for her delicious apples!
                                                 Introduced her to the baby in the floor!

                                                                    So fascinating!
                                        Keeping me entertained while folding some clothes:-)



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Thankful: Day #26

Thankful for scratching some big items off of the always-lengthening "To Do" list today!  That always feels good!  This included many things, but the most fun is that our Christmas shopping for Harper is complete!  For now!  Yay!  My mom was always SUCH a planner.  Her Christmas shopping strategy was something to marvel at-I think she was done every year by Halloween!!  Not kidding!  This way she didn't have to rush and was able to avoid the massive sea of holiday shoppers everywhere.  I strive to be as on-top-of-it in the holiday shopping department as she was.  But, finishing shortly after Thanksgiving ain't bad!?  Now, I just have to finish up shopping for all my other loverlies :-)  Happy happy holiday season!


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Thankful: Day #25

Thankful for a day out with Josh!  I always love a good date :-)  We snuck out for a couple of hours today while my mom watched the Harper baby.  We went to see Skyfall--loooooved it!  I can never resist a James Bond flick.  This one, unlike Quantum of Solace, did not disappoint.  There are actually several movies out right now that I really want to see....so, hopefully we'll have some MORE date days/nights in our near future!  Spending time just the two of us is not always easy to come by, but so important.  Thankful for our little date this afternoon.  Love you, Josh. xoxoxoxo

Thankful: Day #24

Thankful for getting in the Christmas spirit!!  Thank goodness we came home from our vacation on a Friday night, so we still have Saturday and Sunday to play!  Yesterday we got to deck our house out in Christmas decor.  One of my favorite things to do every year.  I honestly love Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, garlands, and candles.  Thankful for this beautiful time of year!


It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thankful: Day #23

Thankful for safe travels and finally getting back home!!  Yesterday felt realllllly loooooong.  By the time our flight from Denver left, we were beyond ready to be home!  Feels good to be back in our familiar house, in our own comfy bed, and with our pooches again!

Just off the plane!  She's glad we're back in ABQ, too!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thankful: Day #22


Thankful for....THANKSGIVING!!!!  Growing up, this was always my very favorite holiday.  Even more than Christmas.  Because, as I mentioned in my last post, I love enormous family gatherings.  Don't get me wrong, I loved Christmas!  But the thrill of packing up, going to Albuquerque, and having a huge Thanksgiving dinner with allllll of the Gabels and allllll of the Howells was really special.  Tonight in Minnesota was no different.  Giant, fun family gathering.  45 Ohly's smashed into Paul and Gail's beautiful home, catching up on life, and feasting on delicious food--nothing better!!  And, once again, Harper was such a good sport and, of course, the star of Thanksgiving!  Tomorrow is a loooong travel day...but it has been a fantastic trip.  I wish we could stay longer and/or come up here more often.  I am so glad we came to celebrate my favorite holiday.

Harper's First Thanksgiving!
Herbert Siblings
Ohly Boys, Tristan and Lennon.  All they wanted to do all night was play with Harper!  SO CUTE!
Harper and Auntie Sarajane
Happy Thanksgiving, friends and family.  "Thirty Day of Thanks" isn't even enough days to put into words all of the grateful feelings I have for all of you.  Love beyond words. xo

Thankful: Day #21

Short and sweet post to catch up...Thankful for the incredible hospitality of the amazing Ohly family!  They really are a great bunch (and there are a LOT of 'em!) of people and we are so thankful for the generosity they have shown the Herbert clan while in Minnesota.  It is my DREAM to be an old lady with my huge family visiting our home for the holidays.  Everyone crowded inside with lots of food and love!  Being around the gigantic Ohly family makes me want this even more.  Great Grandma Bev and Great Grandpa Lou are definitely living my dream.



We are starting to build that dream with our Little Harper!  
Someday, we'll be there too :-)


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Thankful: Day #20

WOW-I am so thankful for our flexible little traveler, Harper.  I keep thinking how HARD traveling must be on little ones.  Going here, there, and everywhere, meeting this person and that person, sleeping in a strange place, riding in a strange car...must be reallllly tough and probably a little scary for babes.  Harper is doing amazing.  We flew from Albuquerque to Denver yesterday, and then Denver to Minneapolis.  We finally arrived at Aunt Mary's house in a suburb outside of Minneapolis at around midnight last night.  Man, we were exhausted.  Harper was awake once we arrived and probably didn't get down to sleep until around 1 or 1:30.  OUCH!  WAY past normal snooze time.  But then she slept all the way until almost 8:00!  THEN, we drove an hour and forty-five minutes to Rochester.  Geez Louise.  We have just been going non-stop.  Visiting, eating out, driving all over.  What a journey!  I am so proud of Harper today and thankful for her flexible attitude while we do all these different things, in a different place, in a different timezone.  You are doing AWESOME, baby girl!!!  I LOVE YOU!



Thankful: Day #19

Hello from Minnesota, friends!  Will probably have some short posts this week since we are out of town and not on our normal 'routine.'  Yesterday, I was so thankful that my thoughtful parents agreed to  watch our fur-babies while we took our baby-baby across the country to meet Josh's family.  Mitch and Mia are in good hands!  They are giant, lovable, balls of fur and slobber, and I can rest easy knowing my mom and dad are dogsitting them.  They were our first 'children,' after all, and I do worry about them every time we are away.  They bring Josh and I so much joy.  And even more laughter with their silly, dog-ish antics.  Such personalities in those two.  Love em'.  Miss em'.  Thankful for em'.  AND for my awesome mom and dad for dogsitting/housesitting for us while we take a little vacation from the desert :-)


The "Mia is very disappointed in you..." Face
My Happy-Go-Lucky Guy

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Thankful: Day #18

Thankful today for my beautiful daughter.  My Dawdle, Harper Doodle, Sweet Potato, Harper Bear, Doodle Bug.  She is six months old today.  Half of a year.  She is the brightest of lights and we love her beyond words and measure.  I have been reflecting a lot on the past six months.







It has been an incredible journey to say the least!  Really.  For about three days after she was born, I was literally on a post-birth high.  I could not stop looking at her perfect face.  WE made her!  After those three days commenced the toughest two months of my life.  Josh and I were both living on these crazy schedules, completely out of sync with each other for several weeks.  Enjoying a usual ritual of eating dinner together, watching TV together, or even just having a normal conversation were just not in sight for quite some time.  Looking back now, I can laugh at those hard hard moments.  Though, while we were in them I felt like our life would never be normal again.  Like we would never be normal again.  Like I would never be normal again.  But, as they always do, things change!  Babies change faster than you could ever imagine!  One week they are doing one routine, the next week it's on to something new.  Thankfully, we came out of the dark, seemingly long and treacherous, tunnel.  Our daughter's light grew stronger and stronger and brighter and brighter and we all emerged from the dark tunnel together!  Life is really good.  I find so much joy in being a mother now.  It is the greatest thing ever and FUN.  Harper and I have a lot of fun together everyday now.  She is so interactive, babbly, and silly.  Also, I am able to do things for me now.  That really didn't happen for quite a while, but now it is possible once again.  And Josh and I are able to actually eat dinner together, go to bed at the same time, and have a conversation (even ones that aren't baby-related!).  I am so grateful we have found our new normal in family life, and it feels awesome!


Things about this beautiful age I hope never to forget:

-I love Harper's babbles.
-I love the way she smells always, like milk and lavender.
-I love her 'zucchini smile.'
-Her chubby knees-to die for!
-The dimple in her chin.  One thing about her that is definitely, distinctly ME!
-The way she looks when she's asleep.  I could watch forever.
-Her very expressive eyebrows-often very contemplative and also cute.
-I adore her big cheeks and can never stop kissing them!
-The way she hums herself to sleep.


Awww...Happy Half-Birthday, Harper Jane.  I cherish every moment.  Words typed on the computer, written down on paper, or even thoughts in my head can not fully express the love I have for you.  Knowing this kind of love is a precious gift and I am so thankful.  <3

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Thankful: Day #17

Today, I am thankful for breakfast and Christmas shopping with my friend Christine!  Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I did not work at EAD right out of college...but then I think, no way!  If I didn't work there, I never would have met Christine!  One of my best friends in the whole world!


I was pretty bitter when I left EAD.  But, I have completely made peace with the situation now.  Truly no hard feelings, and nothing but good will towards you-know-who.  All I have are good memories of the place.  Looking back now, it really was the most fun job I've ever had.  Especially because Christine and I shared an office and we got to be totally whacky everyday...trying now to put words to some of the crazy stuff we used to do...but I can't!..If I had to categorize our antics, I'd say it was a lot of pranks against others and dancing :-)  All in all, we were just weirdos and it was SO much fun.  We really do share a unique connection, and a very goofy sense of humor.  EAD is gone; and lots have changed in both our lives since we met over five years ago.  Thankfully, our friendship holds strong, and we still remain great friends today.  Love you, Christine!!

Thankful: Day #16

Okay, getting caught up on my thankful posts today for sure!!!

Day #16, thankful for a great ending to the week.  Officially on full-time family-time until next Sunday-wahoooo!!!  I am SO thankful Josh is done with work for over a week.  We get to spend every day together as a family for the next ten days or so!  SO HAPPY!  I was itching for him to get home from work yesterday so our family fun could begin.  I cherish our time together now more than ever.  Hubby is so busy with work and coaching, he is barely at home these days.  Life is infinitely better when he is around!  So thankful we are officially kicking off our vacation together-yay!

Also thankful for coffee with friends yesterday afternoon!  Always a great time hanging out with my mommy friends.  And always an adventure with the cute and rambunctious babies around!  They definitely make coffee dates a lot more interesting :-)

Friday, November 16, 2012

Thankful: Day #15

Yesterday got away from me and I was not able to post!  So, better catch up now :-)  Yesterday, I felt so thankful for our healthy baby girl.  On Monday we head to Minnesota to see the awesome Ohly clan.  Josh emailed one of his cousins to see if they wanted to get together in Minneapolis because we both have new babies.  But, Josh's cousin's little one was born extremely premature in February and they are having a lot of health complications.  She is sick with lung disease, cannot leave her house, and cannot have any visitors.  This just broke my heart and I cannot even imagine what Josh's cousin and her husband must be going through.  Absolutely heartbreaking.  Sending little Olive some serious love and prayers for good health.  Sending her parents some strength, faith, hope, and acceptance.  A really hard (and I'm sure very scary) situation for all.  I am beyond grateful for the health of our sweet Harper girl.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Thankful: Day #14

I am thankful for Harper's adorable babbles!  Starting to babble is something new for her and it is SO CUTE.  I don't know if there's anything that I love more than hearing her babble her "dadadada's and gagagaga's."  LOVE!


Also, thankful that I FINALLY got my haircut today.  I think it had been since March.  Way too freakin' long!  My hair was looking just plain drab and I am SO happy that I was able to perk it up today.  In addition to a trim, I also added some color.  My locks were looking a little dull with grown-out blonde highlights, blech!  So I decided to go dark for the season.  Tonight, my hair is a beautiful rich brown!  Hooray :-)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Thankful: Day #13

Man, am I tired today!  Good thing it's just about time for bed.

Well, today I am thankful for the gift of singing with others.  I love love love to sing.  In high school, a huge part of my identity was being in choir.  Total choir geek :-)  Not only was it fun and full of time with my bestest friends, but there was something deeper.  Singing with others feels so humanly connective.  If that even makes sense.  There is something sacred, raw, and beautiful about it.  Voices intertwining and moving together-just magic.  Anita Diamant (one of my favorite authors) described it perfectly, "they sang the words in unison, yet somehow created a web of sounds with their voices. It was like hearing a piece of fabric woven with all the colors of a rainbow. I did not know that such beauty could be formed by the human mouth."  Great description-I've never heard it articulated so well.  Spot on, Anita!


Anyway, for some reason when I moved to New Mexico for college I lost the choir girl part of me.  I always, sort of loftily, hoped that maybe someday I'd join a choir again...but recently I got really serious about that ambition.  Especially after Harper's birth, I realize now just how important it is to keep those little pieces of yourself.  SO-today I joined a choir!!  This evening was my first rehearsal with OnQ Chorus-a young women's acapella group.  YAY!  I found out about it through a friend of a friend, and thought, why not!?  I was a little intimidated, but went for it anyway all by myself.  It felt really good!  And, DANG, these girls can sing!  Crazy harmonies-difficult to sightread after being out of practice for, oh, ten years.  There are lots of holiday performances coming up, too, so I hope some of you Albuquerque folks will come out to hear our Christmas-y tunes at some point!  So exciting!  I am very thankful for the opportunity to tap into my musical gifts once again.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Thankful: Day #12

This lovely Monday is coming to a close.  Very thankful that Josh had the day off today.  It is always a treat to get an extra day together!  I did some yoga, we all went to lunch, ran some errands together, Josh coached diving this evening, we made breakfast for dinner, and then hubby installed our sweet new garbage disposal.  Heck yes!  Finally!  Our kitchen remodel is almost done!  I can't wait :-)  I will definitely be happy to say goodbye to hand-washing our dishes everyday.  Anyway, a darn good day today and I am grateful!  Only one more week until our *fun* Thanksgiving excursion across the country commences!

On another note, Harper is starting to pull up.  It's her new favorite thing and just so cute to watch her work her little body into a standing position.

Workin' on it...
Workin' on it..... 
Ah, fah-get about it!  I'm playin'!
She's been working on it for days, and finally got it yesterday.  I even went into her room after nap time this afternoon and she was standing in her crib!  AND her bottom tooth is actually visibly coming in...crawling, teeth, pulling up?!...sigh...these sweet babies just grow too fast.  But, she'll always be my baby, no matter how big she gets!  I am thankful for this precious time with her, as tiring as stay-at-home-mommying can be some days.  It really is priceless.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thankful: Day #11

It's November 11th.  Today, I am thankful for something kind of silly.  Every year, pretty much ever since we met in 1997, my best friend Alyce and I text/call each other on November 11th.  Why?  Because it is Leonardo DiCaprio's birthday!!!  How hilarious is that?!  When Alyce and I met in 1997 we were both infatuated with the "Romeo & Juliet" actor.  In fact, one of the first questions she asked me (seriously) was if I liked Leonardo DiCaprio.  Both of our rooms were plastered with pictures of the gorgeous movie star :-)  We knew every little piece of trivia about the guy.  Even the EXACT amount of years he was older than us (I mean down to the DAYS).  And it was a lot of years, months, and days, folks!  He was twenty something and we were 12!  Oh, the memories!  

It's so silly, but this date has always kept Alyce and I connected.  For those of you that know us, you know Alyce and I went through some dark times for a few years several years ago.  Even in those days where our contact was minimal and our friendship was dwindling, we still managed to reach out to each other on this 'ridiculous' day.  November 11th will always hold a special place in my heart.  As Alyce replied to my message today: Blessed be the tie that binds us!  I literally laughed out loud.  It is absurd and 100% true!  I love you, Alyce!!






Thankful: Day #10

Okay, so I guess weekend posts are tough!  No problem there though-I would just much rather spend time with my little family then write a blog!  Weekends are the BEST!!!!  That is what I was thankful for yesterday :-)  AND, Grandma Jean even watched Harper for a couple of hours while Josh and I got to take a stroll around the Weems Art Fest (one of my favorite things every year) just the two of us.  A very blessed and family-filled day yesterday.  I love it.  Thankful.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Thankful: Day #9

Ooops!  I did not get to post on day 9!  But, yesterday I was oh so thankful that it was FRIDAY!  The beginning of weekend family-time.  I look forward to it every week, with each day that passes.  We spent our Friday night eating leftovers, snuggling up with a movie, and drinking a delicious celebratory brew (it's the weekend, after all!).    Couldn't have been better.  AND this morning, Harper slept all the way until 5:00.  I love it when she does that!  Doesn't happen every night, but when it does, I am so so so grateful for the extra hours of shuteye.


Happy weekend, everyone!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thankful: Day #8

Oh boy.  Today was a doozie and I am THANKFUL that it is over!  Well, the hard part anyway :-)  Little gal is on her way dreamland as I type.  It was a rough one for Harper today.  We were running errands this morning, so she missed her midday nap.  Big mistake!  FYI: missing a nap is NEVER a good idea.  At least for my child.  Missing that little 30 minute snooze ruined the rest of her day.  And mine, too.  Poor us.  Also, I think I saw evidence of her first emerging tooth this morning.  Probably another reason that she was a little out of sorts.  ((Side note: I got SO sad when I saw her tooth coming in...silly...but I feel that it is undeniable proof of her growing up...the adorable gummy smile will soon be a thing of the past.  Boo hoo :-(... ))  Another stinker from today, I had intentions to go to yoga, but couldn't pump enough milk in time so I had to miss.  

Anyway, needless to say, I am thankful Harper Jane is on her way to a deep, peaceful slumber, and this unpleasant day is coming to a close!!!  On the plus side, I am thankful that now we have a quiche in the oven (which smells DELICIOUS) and a new Glee is on tonight...And I think I deserve a DRINK after a long day like today :-)

For our picture of the day, I give you a funny one of our pooches, Mitch and Mia.  This is how they were lying a couple of nights ago.  Cracked us up.


A little reminiscent of Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam," no? Teeheehee ;-D


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Thankful: Day #7

Wednesdays are hard...they are the days that I go to work in the afternoon.  Pretty much every Monday, I start dreading workday Wednesday.  Tuesday comes, and the dread is even greater-I'm ready to quit my job.  Wednesday comes, and I suck it up and go.  And guess what?  Usually I feel great afterwards.

So, today I am thankful for my job.  Even though it's 'work' and it's not necessarily fun, I feel refreshed afterwards.  Getting out and doing something that is not mom or baby related feels pretty damn good!  Even if it is something as boring as going to work.  I feel like it's a piece of my old self shining through the cracks of my new mom-self.  Also, the extra dough (although it's not THAT much) that I make from working even just 8 hours a week makes a big difference to us these days.  That little extra security in the money department is so comforting.  When you have a baby, having a little extra is important.  I am SO thankful that my boss is both flexible and understanding.  He allows me to work from home (except Weds!), AND he allows me to work a ridiculously small amount of time.  Most employers wouldn't want to put up with this kind of 'barely there' employee.  But, thankfully, Filbert just gets it.  I am thankful for my very unique work arrangement, as hard as it is to psyche myself up about it at times.

And when I come home after being away for a mere four hours, I am SO excited and happy to see my little girl.  Who wouldn't want to see this adorable little chubby-cheeked, sparkling blue-eyed munchkin?!