We Do Exist, Sorta

Believe it or not, but we actually do stuff, and have things going on besides the monthly letters that I write for Harrison!  I know it doesn't seem like it since it's been pretty darn quiet around these parts.  Drew is working in Houston at his new job.  He just finished up his 6 month probation, and his leads are all very happy with him and his work.  So, they'll be keeping him around.

Of course, that means that we're moving to the Houston area.  I'm excited and terrified and, if I'm being honest, a lot of other emotions.  I'm excited for this new chapter, but I'm terrified to move to a brand new place where I don't know anybody.  It's definitely intimidating.

Our house has been on the market for quite a few months now, and we've had no offers.  Drew and I have decided that it's time to look for renters for it.  We don't really want to rent it, but I don't want to live apart from my husband anymore.  I want my family back together.

On that note, the past six months have been challenging to say the least.  I'm a "single" married mom to two young children, a threenager and a baby.  Every day is a marathon to get through.  Some days are slightly easier than others.  But, it's still been very hard.  I do enjoy being a stay at home mom, but I would enjoy a little break from the kids too.  It's hard to recharge when I don't get any alone time.  I keep telling Drew that I need a vacation.  I want to take a little girls trip when Harrison is weaned.  (I honestly see that happening sooner rather than later.  I'm doubtful that he'll nurse as long as Annelise.)

So, I'll try to get a little better about blogging about our life here.  I do so enjoy blogging and being able to look back and remember the moments.  Life has just been absolutely insane lately, and I don't really see it slowing down.

And since every post is better with a picture, here's some good old sibling love for you!

(No babies were harmed in the making of this photo.)

Eleven Months - Harrison

Dear Harrison,

Buddy, we are just one short month away from your first birthday!  Can you believe it?  I certainly can't!  This month has definitely been the most fun with you and I think that you've been the happiest you've ever been.

You finally figured out how to crawl!  It was very slow at first, and you wouldn't go far, but every day you got better and went further and further.  I loved to watch you cautiously try to figure it out and put your hands in front of each other and move your legs forward.  It took so much concentration.  You started crawling at the beginning of the month, and by the end, you're flying around the house!  You can get where you want to go quickly.  You're a pro at pulling up now too.  You use the walker toys and Annelise's shopping cart to help you walk around the house.  You also push around the activity table, Maya's food bowl stand, laundry baskets, and anything else you can get to move.

You have started to be a little troublemaker!  You know the things that you are not supposed to do, like get into Maya's bowls, but you crawl over to them every time you're in the kitchen.  I'll look at you and say, "Harrison, no sir" and you'll stop crawling, sit yourself up, look at me, and grin.  Then, you take off crawling towards the bowls again.  You naughty little boy!  It makes me giggle a little bit.  You like to get into things more than your sister did.  She never messed with cords or outlets.  You, on the other hand, are obsessed with them.

You tried lots of new foods this month, and you seemed to love everything.  Cheese, oatmeal, animal crackers, mostacolli, "baby cheetos", goldfish, it was all a hit.  I usually give you yogurt and Cheerios for breakfast, and then nurse you afterwards.  Dinner is a pouch, some cheese, and some crackers.  I'm working on coming up with some options for fruits and veggies for you to eat on your own.  You don't seem to be a fan of fruits on their own.  You might be better with them now since you're eating better.

Sleep is still going very well.  Naps are hit and miss.  Some days are good, some days are bad.  Night sleep is awesome!  I give you dinner around 5 PM, then I get you ready for bed around 6 PM.  You are usually sleeping between 6:30-7:00.  You wake up in the morning between 6:30-7:00 AM usually.  Definitely awesome!!  I'm so thankful that you've become such a good sleeper, especially since I'm here by myself most of the time.

Words are pretty non-existent.  Occasionally you will say "mom" or "mama".  That's about it.  You've starting saying "da" a little more frequently, but you don't associate it with Dad.  You don't talk a lot at all.  You screech and squeal and whine, but that's about it.  You have your paci in your mouth often, so I'm sure that attributes to the lack of words.

You are wearing 18 month clothes, but they are still a little big.  You've definitely slowed down your growth the past months.  You are still in a size 4 diaper.  I bought you a pair of sandals that are a size 4.

I just can't believe that we have one more short month until we are celebrating your birthday.  You are so much fun and I love to watch you grow and change and learn.  I love you more than words can say!

Love forever,
Mommy