Smiles, a Star Wars Fan and a Boy in Paint

The title sums up this past weekend. We finally decided to just put the guest bedroom furniture in the garage until we can sell it so we could get Aiden's big boy room put together and Harlow's nursery started.

Pottery Barn Kids delivered part of Aiden's furniture on Saturday and Jon got started on re-painting his room for the new Star Wars theme. Jon is a big Star Wars fan so he was really excited to make that the theme for his son's room. Jon and I did our best to keep the kids out of the room during the painting but somehow our little A man got caught up in some paint and tracked it into the playroom without Jon even realizing. When I finished nursing Harlow and came upstairs to check on things I began to panic after seeing all it had gotten on besides Aiden, but Jon is fairly confident we can get it all out so keep your fingers crossed.

I sure am going to miss the planes but at the same time I am excited to see the new Star Wars room theme come together.




Such a boy!


When Aiden got in his new big boy bed for the first time Saturday night he kept saying, "Look Daddy, 3PO 3PO!" Part of me was a little sad to see my baby boy going into a big full size bed but he did still hold his Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny and bebe (his little blanket) to sleep with. Jon hopes to finish the painting this weekend and we should get the rest of Aiden's furniture soon. After Aiden's room is finished Jon will put together and paint Harlow's nursery. I can't wait to share pictures when it's all finished. Feels so good to get things in order.



Paige wanted to check out her brother's new bed




Harlow is 6 weeks old now and quickly putting on the pounds. I had a check-up yesterday and my Mid-Wife Kathleen weighed her, she was 11 lbs. 10 oz. I knew she was a good nurser but WOW is she good. I also had a very rewarding baby "first" on Sunday, Harlow gave me her first smile. Her sweet smile with that cute dimple stopped me in my tracks and of course melted my heart. The day to day routine has become much easier these days and the cooler weather sure does help when loading all 3 kids in and out of the car.

Sleeping in her swing


Well off to start decorating for Halloween before I tackle dinner. It's my favorite month and Halloween is my favorite holiday. I will take some pictures of the scary decor when I am finished in a few days.

Let's Talk About MY Favorite Place to Shop...

Anthropologie! Such great clothing. I love the way the store makes me feel, it smells amazing, so many great little things for your home and to give as gifts and all of the clothing is very unique.

Another great weekend giveaway on a beautiful Blog by Lola B's. Check it out and enter to win!

Beautiful Kids Clothing by Eden's Bouquet...Sing, Run and be Young

My favorite type of children's clothing is clothing that makes you feel a certain way when you see it, it makes your heart skip a beat, it makes you smile and want to grab your camera to take some candid pictures of your child laughing or singing. Eden's Bouquet children's clothing makes you want to do just that.

I have yet to own any of the breathtaking children's clothing by Eden's Bouquet but maybe someday, maybe I will win this FABULOUS giveaway? Or hey, maybe its you who will win? So take the time to enter the great giveaway this weekend.

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Time Sure Flies By...Harlow is a Month Old Already

Harlow Evelyn - 1 month old on September 11, 2009

Our 3 beautiful kids together. Paige 5 years, Harlow 3 weeks and Aiden 2 1/2 years old


So it took me a month just to get Harlow's birth story on here and now its time for me to Blog about her first month. Harlow sure is a great baby; she really only cries when you push her to her breaking point and usually its while she is in her car seat, she nurses great for me and has already adapted to a routine with us.

I put her in her pajamas usually around 8 pm after Jon and I put Paige and Aiden to bed, then I nurse her, she spends time with Jon and I while we watch tv, around 10 pm I nurse her again and this time its time to be put in her moses basket for bed. She usually sleeps until at least 3 am but some nights its been until 4 am which is AMAZING I think. Paige and Aiden always nursed every 1 1/2 - 2 hours for MONTHS so I just assumed Harlow would be the same so I am beyond excited she sleeps for such a good stretch of time before nursing again...YAY for ME!

Harlow 1 day old


Two days after Harlow arrived she brought a present (well she had some help from mom) for her new siblings. Paige got a very special Bamboletta doll named Chloe and Aiden got a Spiderman airplane.







Harlow hasn't had any issues putting on weight. At her 2 week check-up with Kathleen she was already 9 lbs. and I am sure she has put on more weight in the last 2 weeks. I am taking her to her first Pediatrician appointment (her 1 month appointment) on Thursday so I will update then with what her weight is.

Harlow loves sleeping in her UPPAbaby stroller. The one thing I wanted for her was a nice stroller with a bassinet basket because I knew her being the 3rd child most of her naps would be on the go so I wanted her to get to sleep how she would at home. Plus this stroller pushes like a dream which is great since I usually only have one hand to push it while I chase after Aiden.





Paige and Aiden just adore their new baby sister, they ask to hold her almost everyday and Aiden always asks where she is if he doesn't see her. Life is good, I am so grateful for my beautiful family and I cherish everyday we spend together.

Big Sister Paige with Harlow - 1 day old


Big Brother Aiden with Harlow - 2 days old


Matching Sisters (I always wanted another girl to match them im cute clothes) Paige and Harlow 19 days old in Paige's favorite clothing brand Hanna Andersson


Aiden giving his sister some love, Harlow 3 weeks old




Some Pictures of Harlow:

First time going in her car seat at 4 days old and not so excited about it


First bath all by herself at 5 days old (remember her and I had a couple of baths together before this)


Harlow 5 days old


Harlow 9 days old


Love her tiny feet...


As Pretty as a Flower, Harlow 15 days old


Harlow 3 weeks old


Harlow 3 weeks, 4 days


Harlow 1 month old

Harlow's Waterbirth, Homebirth...A Beautiful Birth Story

Two nights before Harlow's actual birthday I had strong but irregular contractions so I knew she was going to make her debut any day. On the morning of August 14th I started having a pattern to the contractions so I called Jon at work to tell him the exciting news that today was the day we would get to meet our baby. Jon came home from work early, set up the birthing tub and continued to work the rest of the day from home. I continued to run laundry and tend to the kids.

After lunch, I contacted my Mid-Wife Kathleen to tell her about my contractions and bloody show. Kathleen told me she would come to our house around 5:00 pm to check on me. I decided on an easy plan for dinner and ordered a couple of large pizzas while I continued to labor away.

When Kathleen arrived she checked my cervix which was dilated to 6 cm and made a call to her Assistant Pam to head on over for a delivery because we knew my labor would progress quickly. In the meantime, she gave me a teaspoon of an all natural stimulant to labor called Mother's Choice and had Jon and I walk around the block a few times to move things along. I called my friends Amber and Nicole who were going to attend the birth to tell them to head on over.

When we came back from our walk we all enjoyed pizza together before Jon and I went on another walk along with Amber around the block. During this time Kathleen and Pam were preparing the bedroom and birthing tub. By the time we got back the contractions were only 5 minutes apart. Kathleen continued to give me the Mother's Choice to prepare for childbirth. My other friend Nicole arrived and my contractions started to become much worse and I had an increase in bloody show (I had the same with my daughter Paige so I knew it was almost time for Harlow to make her debut). Paige was ready to get in her Big Sister dress and Aiden followed getting on his Big Brother shirt. Our house was so full of excitement and love, I was so grateful to be at home.

Around 7:30 pm I asked Kathleen to check my cervix as I knew my labor was quickly progressing. I was 8 cm at this time and my water bag was still intact (my water didn't break with my previous two babies either). Kathleen told me if she broke my bag of water I would be ready to deliver within the hour so I had her break the bag. After she broke the bag I was ready to get into the birthing tub to finish out my labor. Jon joined me in the birthing tub and we had a few minutes together before I had the rest of the house join us as I began pushing. I was only in the tub about 20 minutes before Harlow was born, delivered with the help of Jon's hands at 8:47 pm. It was the most beautiful birth to be at home surrounded by family (even had my sister on the phone) and friends.

After her birth, Jon and I stayed in the tub with Harlow in my arms for a bit (it was amazing to feel the pulsating of her cord) before he cut the umbilical cord. Then everyone cleared the room so Jon and I could get out of the tub and I could get to the bed to deliver the placenta. Jon held Harlow until I was done and ready to breastfeed. Did I mention how amazing it was to be home? While I enjoyed feeding and holding Harlow Kathleen and Pam started to move out the birthing tub and clean-up. They put everything in it's place and started the laundry. My bedroom and bathroom looked as if I had never even given birth just moments before.

Next it was time for a bath, Pam had set-up an herbal tea bath for Harlow and I in our tub. It was so soothing and such a bonding experience. I cradled Harlow in my arms while we enjoyed our bath together. Kathleen assisted me in giving Harlow her first bath, it was beautiful. The lights were dimmed, I had a candle by the side of the tub and I cherished every second with our new baby.

Then it was time for the well baby exam. Everyone sat on my bed with me including Kathleen with baby Harlow. We had my sister and her fiancee Jason on Skype so they could see Harlow and watch the exam all the way in CA. Kathleen measured Harlow's head 13 1/4", length 20", weight 7 lbs. 11 oz. and chest 13 1/4"...she was perfect! Then we were done, it was time for a few pictures with those that attending this beautiful homebirth and settle in for the night AT HOME!

I feel so fortunate to have had this amazing homebirth experience. Mid-Wives are truly amazing, they do it all out of LOVE. I am forever grateful to both Kathleen and Pam for giving me and those that attended the birth such beautiful memories of Harlow entering this world in our home filled with such love.

Harlow Evelyn