Did she actually eat any of it?

That's a really good question.... and the answer is, I think so. Harper turned her dinner into an art project and thoroughly enjoyed rubbing her dirty hands everywhere. But I am confident that she ate some of it, and that's all that matters. I was just thankful she put one bite in her mouth and didn't spit it out immediately! Meals haven't gotten much better, but she's making some progress! I couldn't resist taking some pictures of Harper covered in her spaghetti. After she ate, she immediately took a bath. Unfortunately, her face still has an orange hue to it, even though I scrubbed and scrubbed! I hope that goes away soon.

She loves "eating" with her spoon

Look at that hair... sick!

She enjoyed rubbing it all over herself...

her stomach, legs, and diaper were covered!

Book Worm

Harper loves to read her books. She actually squeals when you pull out "Brown Bear" from the stack. As you can see from the pictures, she was surrounded by some of her favorites. I love that she is so interested in books. Let's hope this will give her better reading comprehension than her momma has!

She loves her touch and feel book. Thanks Tia!!!

Getting comfy on the floor

Caught a sweet smile during reading time

I don't like when weekends are over...

We have had such a fun weekend together as a family. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to prove it. Even if I had taken my camera with me on our outings, I don't think I could've lifted it up to my eye. Remember that fitness assessment I had on Saturday? Yeah, I'm pretty sure Julie tried to kill me. We went through a "typical" workout... and I can guarantee you, I will never replicate it! I'll come close... but I have boundaries. I also wish she would've washed her sweater before coming to work that morning. It seems she went to a Mexican restaurant the night before and wasn't aware of the smell her sweater absorbed. It was almost too much to handle... well, either that or the constant "You got it, girlfriend". It's a toss-up. It definitely wasn't the highlight of the weekend, but I think I made that clear.

Harper's Auntee LC came over on Saturday afternoon to take a few pictures of her. I wanted some 1 year pictures, but I wasn't going to pay what most people charge. And without me having to ask, she offered to take some. She's such a great friend. And if you don't read her blog, you are missing out. She's my most hilarious friend.

I clearly was in no condition to cook, so we went to our usual Chuy's for dinner. Since we went rather early (it's just what we do!), we had time to walk around the shopping area after eating. We went into Crate and Barrel to look around, and we were quite pleased we had made that decision! We walked in and saw a camera crew with Kirstie Alley, who was shopping for a home makeover that Oprah was doing for a family in Rowlett! It was quite a surprise. Now, I'm not quite like my sister when it comes to obsessing over stars, but I think it's fun when you see one. But we were going to stay out of the way. Then, all of a sudden, she came around a corner, and Harper's stroller was completely in her way. Corby moved her, and instead of walking on, she stopped to talk to Harper. She said that she was such a cute baby (I obviously agree), and that she had on really cute shoes (also true). The camera man was filming it the whole time, and then he did a close up on Harper. Now, I doubt her talking to a baby will be on the show, but I can hope for it, right? I know she's on the show this Thursday, but I don't know if it's for what she was doing last night or for her new weightloss show. Either way, I'll probably start tivoing Oprah every day until I see it.

Harper is ready for Spring!

This will be quick because our small group is about to start, but I realized that I hadn't posted any pictures of her this week, and I don't want the grandmothers to get angry with me! We've had a fun week. I did venture to the gym every day this week, which made me quite proud. Harper did much better when I went in the afternoon, and I think that's because they didn't try to confine her. You just can't put an 11 month old in a swing... especially when she hasn't been in one in 6 months! And tomorrow morning I have my "fitness assessment", but let's be honest, I'd rather go without it. I don't care to hear all that's wrong with me! The weather has been really nice, so we've ventured out to the park too. I'm definitely ready for Spring! Enjoy the pictures of Harper... naturally, I think they're pretty cute.

The moment the fridge opens, she scurries as fast as she can to get there.

She never pulls anything out... she just has to look!

Swinging with Saylor

Watching Samson play with his doggie friend

Saylor laughing at her momma

We loved her hand, so I had to take a picture!

Can you tell we were nearing nap time?

And lastly... we're still in the Olympic spirit here at the Pardue house!

This dessert is for our small group... can't wait to dig in!

It's been a while... but I'm glad to be back!

After having Harper, I stopped my membership at LA Fitness. It wasn't that I didn't need to work out anymore, I just didn't know when I would do it. They have childcare, but I wasn't about to take my tiny baby there! So yesterday, I made my way over there and signed myself up again! Harper and I went this morning, and she did great in the kids club. They put her in a baby swing towards the end (which made me laugh!), but it kept her happy... whatever works! I'm looking forward to feeling healthier again! I also think it will be great for Harper to be around other children.

Go Vote Now!!!

Here is an email my little sister, Leah, just sent me! Please vote for them! It would be SO amazing if they won any of the prizes!!!

Hello! Mike and I are entered in a contest through Crate and Barrel and the grand prize is a $100,000 wedding! Obviously that would be so amazing, but there are a ton of people in the contest. The top 50 entries with the most votes get judged by a panel of judges and they choose the winner, and 18 other people get prizes too! Also, the entry with the most votes right now has like 1600 votes, so we have a little ways to go... So, we are hoping just to get something! Please take 30 seconds and go to the link, you won't even get any spam mail afterwards! Thank you so much and please forward this to all of your friends!! Be sure to tell everyone because you can only vote once! THANKS!!

http://www.ultimateweddingcontest.com/entries/28759

Leah Daniels and Michael Jacobs

Our weekend in pictures

Harper playing chase with Samson... please notice her wrist band.

That was from Auntee LC!

The power outage almost kept this fruit pizza from being made!

About to head out to our delicious dinner...

Note to self: Don't make dinner plans downtown

when the NBA all-star stuff is happening down there too!

Our live-in babysitters! They are SO great!!!

Harper was clapping while Samson did some tricks

Sweet Samson did such a great job being in a new place!

Happy V-Day!

Harper would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! We sent this card out to our family, so I thought I'd pass it on to our blog friends! We've had such a fun and busy weekend. Corby and I went out to dinner last night, and it was wonderful! We've also had some weekend guests! We love having Mare, Reid, and Samson here!!! They haven't had power since Friday, and it's still out. Ours was out for most of Friday but thankfully it came back on! We're enjoying the Olympics like crazy... yelling and all! And for the biggest news... Harper didn't cry at all in the church nursery today! You have no idea how much progress she has made! I really am so proud of her!

Get it, girl...

Harper loves to dance! She gets it from her Kay-Kay!

And for her 11 month birthday... she got SNOW!

We woke up to the snow just pouring from the sky, and it's still coming down as I type. It has been snowing all day long, and I've loved every minute of it. And since Harper didn't hate the snow, I'll say she's loving this too! We played outside for about 3 minutes...simply to take some pictures. She was like Randy from "A Christmas Story" when he's all bundled up and can't put his arms down! It made me laugh! It's also her 11 month birthday, so our day couldn't be more exciting! I can't believe we only have 1 more month before she's 1. It's so crazy how quickly these months have gone by. Here's the usual update I give (so I can always remember what these days were like).

At 11 Months:

-She sleeps about 12 hours at night and takes 2 naps... usually about 30 minutes each

-Has 4 bottles and 3 meals... some days those meals are easier than others. Her favorite foods are waffles (no syrup), applesauce, yogurt, oranges, chicken (especially chick-fil-a), and grilled cheese. Notice there are no vegetables... we're working on it!

-She says dada and momma (but not as often!)

-Cruises along the furniture, kitchen cabinets, etc

-LOVES to dance! I have a few videos that I need to post. It is hilarious!

-She loves to drink water from her cup, and she's getting better every day with it! She hated juice!

-Her favorite toys are her piggy bank, Leap Frog table, any book, and lion on wheels

-She loves being out and about. I'm pretty sure she thinks everyone at the grocery store is there to see her.

-She weighed 19lb 13 oz at her appointment last week... all the sickness took a toll on her weight! She was that exact same weight in November.

-She's still in her infant carrier in the car... fits perfectly and loves riding in it! Plus she doesn't weigh enough for the other seat anyway!

-Don't let that weight fool you... she has the cutest rolls and dimples all over her body!

Here are some pictures from our time in the snow!

Auntee LC came to play!

"I can't put my arms down!"

Smiling at her Aunt Mare

Checking out the snow

Not sure about the taste of it though

She loved it!

I love this one!

Just hanging out in the snow!

Harper and I playing in the snow!

The Countdown is On!

Here at the Pardue house, we are all quite excited for the Olympics to start. And I do mean all of us! I try to not watch too much TV during the day, as I never want to depend on it to entertain her, but I do love the Today Show. It's just the way my momma raised me! Lately they have been introducing us to many of the athletes, and one day, a figure skater did his routine on the show. Harper was very busy playing, until she spotted the ice skating. She was instantly hooked! It made her Kay-Kay very proud! We have big plans for the Opening Ceremonies! I'm making an Olympic/American looking dessert.... once again, my mom taught me everything I know. Now, at her house, you have a small American flag to wave every time an American does something well... but I can't find any! So we may not have our flags, but we will certainly stand when the National Anthem is being played! I always loved being with my mom and Ann (her best friend) during the Olympics, so I'm just trying to keep the love of the Olympics growing.

Here, Harper is being introduced to Kris Freeman,

who will be competing in cross-country skiing

And she was very excited about it!

Her outfit is for Valentine's Day, but it doubles as Olympic spirit!

I love it!!!

I know you haven't been able to sleep at night, knowing Harper doesn't eat her meals well... but I would like to proudly announce that she couldn't get enough of Pioneer Woman's chili and cornbread! You can rest peacefully now.

Silly Sleeper

Last night I looked on the monitor and knew I had to take a picture of what I saw. Lately, she has been sleeping with her legs propped on the bumper, and most of the time it looks really uncomfortable. Since she sleeps in one position for about 5 seconds, I knew I had to be quick. Then this morning, I just looked while she was napping, and she looked pretty funny again. Yes, when you've been up for a while with a fairly cranky child, you think just about anything is funny! Plus, I can always count on the grandmas and grandpas to enjoy these mindless posts!

Don't worry... it's the angle!

The blanket was in her hand, not on her face!

Propping her legs up for her morning nap...

Since these naps are hit or miss and only last 30 minutes,

taking this picture was my riskiest move to date!

I like to live on the edge.

Torture...

If Harper could talk, I think she would tell you that meal time is absolute torture! Breakfast isn't really a problem, but lunch and dinner are a whole other story! I've tried so many different types of food, but she just won't eat anything. I know this is a phase (at least I hope it is!), but I'm ready for her to be excited about the food I make for her. I would at least like for her to choke down a few vegetables just to humor me...like her dad does. I'll take suggestions, but just know that she hates spaghetti... and who hates spaghetti?!?!? We're dealing with a girl who has a very strong opinion!!!

Chicken and apples are the WORST!

Get me out of here!

This might fall under the category of torture too...

But I couldn't help myself this afternoon!

This is what happens when it rains all day, and I get bored!

The puzzle piece pacifier

Tonight, Harper went to her toy box and pulled out one of her puzzle pieces. After she chewed on it for a minute, she put the knob in her mouth. Then she started sucking on it, like it was a pacifier. It cracked us up! She did it all evening, so we eventually had to pull out the camera. And yes, I think her pajamas are for boys, but I wanted the 3 for $25 deal at Children's Place, and there were only 2 types of girl pj's in her size. So, I figured these looked the least boyish, and she only wears them at home! Don't judge me, please.

I can tell she's going to make us laugh a lot!

It's bigger than those silly pacifiers they gave us at the hospital!

Working on her yoga moves...

She does this all of the time!

The coloring is off (I didn't realize my flash was off),

but this is the only chair picture I could get today

Because she kept lunging forward and getting out...

She thought it was hilarious!

I'm a little obsessed with this sweet face!