Lately...

This is what we've been up to lately... We celebrated this handsome mans birthday yesterday! He turned the big 2-5!! We had such a fun day together! Happy happy birthday babe :)
Harlo has been hanging out with her bestest friend Shaynie every chance we get! She sure loves her cousin!
And lastly I just had to give a warm welcome back to my ankles and feet...Oh how I have missed you... I am so happy you don't look like overstuffed sausages anymore! welcome back my friends! :)

Our Lovely Lo

I just can't help myself I love showing off my girlie! These are a few pictures of Harlo's first photo shoot. We attempted them twice and both times she wasn't too happy, but we managed to get some cute ones of our little Lo! Thanks to auntie Lyss and Steph for all your help :)

This little one is so expressive I love the faces she makes! They were to cute too I had to throw these in too :)

This is Harlo's version of the blue steel look from Zoolander :)

Mr. Harman

My cute sister in law tagged me with this fun post, I thought it would be nice to give my hubs a little attention after so much baby talk :)

1. Where did you meet?
We were set up on a blind date by our little sisters who are friends :)
2. How long did you date before you got married?
8 months
3. How long have you been married?
1 year and 9 months

4. What does he do that surprises you?
His mad cooking skills never cease to amaze me, he can whip up anything!
5. What is your favorite feature of his?
His cute smile :)

6. What is your favorite quality of his?
He has too many to have one favorite, but one that sticks out is how hard working and determined he is. He works so hard to provide for our little family
7. Does he have a nickname for you?

Hmm, babe, baby, honey...
8. What is his favorite color?
Blue
9. What is his favorite food?
I think food in general is his favorite

10. What is his favorite sport?
Volleyball
11. When and where was your first kiss?
Our first date, on (as Brian calls it) the magic couch
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Do absolutely nothing at home and be bums, hang out watch movies, and cook together

13. Do you have any children?
Yes our sweet little babe Harlo
14. Does he have a hidden talent?
He plays the guitar extremely well, and thinks he can't sing but has the cutest voice :)

15. How old is he?
He will be the big 25 in two weeks!
16. Who said I love you first?

I think we said it at the same time
17. What's his favorite music?
I don't know if his music even has a title....
18. What do you admire most about him?
I admire what a sweet dad he is to our baby girl... the way he looks at her melts me

19. Do you think he will read this?
haha I don't think he's ever read our blog
20.I tag Whoever is reading this :)

Sorry I can't help myself, but a post wouldn't be complete with out a picture of little Lo. My sweet sister Alyssa took Harlo's new born pictures here's a sneak peek at one :)

I live for...

I live for moments...

like these...

A Labor of Love

I can't believe the day has come to share the story of my sweet baby's arrival. The waiting and anticipation is all over she is finally here! In a way it makes me kind of sad because it means she is getting bigger everyday... I know it sounds silly but I wish I could just freeze time and have her stay this little. Well it all began on Sunday about 12:30 in the afternoon. I was doing laundry and bent down to get the clothes out of the dryer when all of a sudden I felt like a water balloon popped. I looked down to see what exactly had happened, and sure enough my water had broke. I frantically started running around the house trying to get what we would need thrown together, and we were out the door. We checked in at about 1 and they checked and said my water had definitely broke. This is the room where it all began... and it happens to be right next door to the room Shaynie was born :)
Because I tested positive for the strep B virus they had to give me antibiotics for 4 hours before they could start me on pitocin. This is before all the fun began :)
The daddy to be anxiously waiting!
At 6 I had another round of antibiotics and then they started the pitocin. We waited around for quite a while and at about 10 I started having really painful contractions. No one can ever prepare you for pain like that... They called in the anesthesiologist and gave me the epidural. I was so scared for that but it really didn't hurt like I thought it would... all I can say is I am so grateful for modern medicine! Then the long long night began. I stayed dilated to a 3 for a loooong time. I tried to sleep, but couldn't my body was shaking so bad, and I couldn't get myself to relax long enough to sleep. I am so thankful for my sweet mother she stayed awake with me the whole night and did everything she could to help keep me comfortable. Brian was so great through everything too he is such a sweet husband I couldn't have done it without him. Finally at about 4:30 in the morning the nurse checked me and said I was 9 1/2 centimeters. I started pushing around 5, then had to stop and wait for my doctor to arrive. Telling a woman to stop pushing when that baby wants out is miserable. I never thought I would be so happy to see my doctor when he came walking in. I started pushing again for an hour, and the time had finally arrived.... our sweet baby girl was welcomed into the world at 6:10 a.m.

Harlo Elizabeth Harman

7 pounds 9 ounces

20 inches long

Our happy little family

I love those beautiful big eyes!

I am one proud mama!

She sure loves her daddy

She already has him wrapped around her little finger

She loves to sleep with her hands by her face... Her little hair line is too cute she has fuzzies on top and a full head of dark long hair in the back :)

Shaynie and Harlo meeting for the first time! Shay was too cute! I can't wait for them to play and become best friends!!

LOVE those chubby cheeks

All ready to go home!

Words can not describe how much I love this sweet angel already. I never knew I could love something so much!

Harlo, I hope you know how much your mommy and daddy love you... you were more than worth the wait. I feel so blessed Heavenly Father sent you to me, to take care of you and be your mother. You have the sweetest little spirit that has already filled our home. I promise to take care of you, protect you and love you! Thank you for choosing me to be your mommy.

Love you forever and ever,

Mommy

The end of one journey...begining of another: A final letter to my sweet baby

My sweet girl,

I can't believe the time is approaching to welcome into the world. I went to the doctor yesterday not sure if it would be my last appointment or not. To my delight the doctor asked if I wanted some help getting you here. I didn't hesitate to say yes! I have made a little progress since last visit, and he said you might come this weekend! If that doesn't happen and you decide to make us wait a little longer I am scheduled to be induced on Tuesday. This just so happens to be a special day, not only because it could possibly be your birthday, but it's my birthday as well. I hope you don't mind sharing your special day with mommy. I promise to always make it an exceptional day for you :) So 5 a.m. bright and early on January 12th we will head to the hospital and begin our journey to get you here. While it seems like forever since we found out you were on your way, time seems to have flown by too! I remember about 9 months ago I was laying on the couch, we hadn't found out about you yet... I had a feeling we had something special coming but because we weren't planning it I brushed the thought away. The thought would not leave my mind and that's when we took the test.... Daddy and I nervously waited pacing around the house. I was too anxious to look so daddy was the first one to see that the test was positive. We stood there hugging each other in complete shock. You my precious girl were a sweet surprise and I wouldn't have it any other way. We have had a fun journey together you and I these past 9 months. You have been my little buddy and I have loved it. I will admit it hasn't all been easy, the growing belly, swollen legs ankles and feet, the aches, the waddling... It is all so worth it! Your Mimi said something to me the other day that really made me think. I had been saying how badly I want you to just be here, and she said to me "Enjoy this last little bit that you have with her, right now she is all yours there will never be another time when it's just you and her. Savor this time when you don't have to share her love these last moments when it's just the two of you." I never thought about it that way, but how true it is. There will never be a time when it's just you and me. So these last few days I am going to enjoy every minute that we have just you and me :) We feel so blessed you are being sent to our family. So many people anxiously await your arrival, and I guess I will just have to share you with all of them :) I hope you are ready to be hugged, and kissed, and loved on like crazy! I can't believe we are ending this journey together... but what an exciting one we are starting. I love you so much my sweet baby, and can't imagine the love I will have for you when you I get to hold you in my arms. Always know how loved you are and how much you mean to your daddy and I.

Love you forever and ever,

Mommy

Thirty seven...

Well life has been quite crazy around our household lately... The last couple of weeks have been packed with lots of events. A couple weeks ago we went to Newport Beach to Brian's cousin's wedding, it was a fun last little trip before the baby, but I don't think would travel being so big again. Christmas came and went all too fast. I stressed myself out way too much this year, all the stress and craziness, and the day flew by. We had so much fun being able to spend the day with both of our families though! In the midst of all the hussle and bussle I've been trying to get ready for our sweet baby's arrival. We have been getting lots of last minute things done, bought, and put together. After this week I think we will have everything and place and ready for our little girl :) I had a Dr's appointment today, things went well and we are making progress! He said I'm 2 centimeters dilated and 70% effaced, yay!! I can't believe we are so close to having this little one here!
To my sweet baby girl,
Time is flying by so fast and before we know it you are going to be here :) I am anxious to hold you and cuddle you and love on you! Daddy is anxiously waiting too, he can hardly stand it. He wants to hold you more than anything in this world. We can't wait to see your sweet face and see who you look like. I hope you look like your daddy, he was such a cute baby, I'm hoping you get his crazy hair too! I love it! We love you so much already and our counting down the days until your arrival! Love you forever and ever....

Love,
Mommy

I can't wait for this puffy face to be normal again :)

A belated birthday...

Yesterday was my cute sister Sommer's birthday! She turned the big 2-5!! Sommer is the most darling wife and mother, she is so sweet and kind. She would do anything for anyone she is one of the most self less people I know. I sure do love this girl and am so glad she's my sis! Happy birthday Soms sorry its a little late.... Love you!!

Funny things people say...

Well this week has been the week for people to acknowledge my pregnant belly... when I say acknowledge I mean say just about whatever is on their mind. I don't mind people thinking things about how I look or what they think of my belly...think away, but please don't want you to actually tell me what you're thinking!! I guess people assume when you're pregnant you don't have feelings and that whatever silly thing they are about say you will be immune to... well it is quite the contrary my friends! Emotions and feelings are at an all time high! I've learned to just let it roll and laugh about it :) I'll share a few of the funny things people have said....

Patient at work (says to one of my co-workers)- "Oh wow Brianna sure is big... she must be due next week right??"

Me-(thinking to myself) wrong lady try adding a few more weeks to that!

Various people- "My goodness you look like you're ready to pop!!"

Me-"Uhh... why thank you..."

Man behind me in line at the dollar store- "So when are you due?"

Me-January 19th

Man at the store-How exciting do you know what you're having?

(I'm thinking how nice he is, and how refreshing it is to have a friendly conversation after hearing the many funny things people have had to say to me about being pregnant)

Me- It's a girl :)

Man at the store- "Well you sure look miserable, I bet you can't wait for her to be out!'

Me- Gee thanks :/

Nurse at the Dr's office-(Looks at my feet and ankles...)"Oh wow look at those ankles, you sure do have some swelling!"

Me-Yeah...obviously

Nurse-(Lifts my shirt to get the baby's heart beat) "My goodness your belly has already stretched so much, I don't know how much more it can go, you're sure getting big!"

Me-.....at this point I have no words.....

At times I would like to crawl in a hole, and come out when the baby is born. But then tell myself to snap out of it! Yes I may be extra round...have a rather large belly.... look like I'm ready to pop...and have swollen ankles... and when people remind me of all this I just have to laugh :)

In the 30's

Dear sweet baby,

I can't believe another month has already gone by and you are due in exactly 2 months. Things started to seem more real when I hit 30 weeks! It's crazy to think we are in the 30's now! Time sure is flying. 2 months today is your scheduled birthday, whether you come on January 19th well I guess that's up to you :) It seems like just yesterday I found out you were coming, and now in just 8 weeks you will be here! I can't wait to hold you and squeeze you and kiss you all over! I'm sorry if it becomes too much for you, but the love I have for you will have been building up for 9 months I just can't wait to love on my little girl. Daddy can't wait either! He tells me everyday how he wishes you were here, and how he wants to hold you more than anything! You're not even here yet and you already have him wrapped around your little finger. Today you gave us a tiny scare and thought you might be coming early... Last night I started feeling some weird pains, and then this morning I felt like I might be having contractions but tried not to think a whole lot of it because they were so far apart. As the morning went on they got to be closer and closer I began to wonder if I should call my Dr. but thought I was just being paranoid and they would think I was just another crazy patient who called for every ache and pain. Well once the pain was coming consistantly 3 minutes apart I started to get worried. As much as I would love to see you I want you to stay snuggled in there until you are nice and healthy and ready for the world! Well I went down to my Dr's office and they said it was a good thing I came in because I had a bladder infection (I know I'm sorry a little too much info), and that leads to pre-term labor. They said my uterus was contracting but the cervix looked ok, and that's the most important thing. So don't worry they gave me some good medicines, a big fat shot to be exact. The nurse nicely told me "This is gonna really burn I'm not gonna lie" well she didn't lie it burned like crazy! They mine as well have given me a shot of fire! You are definitely worth it though :) After the shot and some meds they said everything would be ok. I kept thinking how crazy it would be if you came this early, and exactly 2 months from your due date. There is so much I still need todo to get ready for you! You just keep growing and getting strong like a good girl! I love you so much sweet girl, and am counting down the days until I get to hold you in my arms, rather than holding this round belly of mine. I am getting bigger and bigger everyday so I know you are too! As uncomfortable as it is I know that's just right! I hope you will always know how much your mommy and daddy love you, and what a blessing you are to us.

Love you always and always,

Mommy

Yes this is me in all my glory swollen/chubby face and all!... 7 months down... 2 to go!