Harper's First Christmas- Part 1

Since we'll be doing a lot of traveling this Christmas, we decided to let Harper open her gifts from us last night. And by "open", I mean sit in front of them and look at them. I had already done so much wrapping, I didn't have it in me to wrap that huge box! And that leap frog toy was oddly shaped, so it just wasn't happening. I had gotten her another toy, several months ago. It was on sale at a toys r us that was closing. I got it out the other day and oops... it's in Spanish! I have no idea how I didn't see that all the writing on the box was in Spanish! It still cracks me up! Anyway, she enjoyed taking pictures with her new toys, and while she was sleeping, I put the house together. After her bottle this morning, I put her down by it, and SUCCESS! She loves it! It has so many parts that keep her attention! This will definitely be our best friend!

So excited about her Christmas gifts!

She loves it!!!

Peek-a-boo Harper!

She thought it was pretty funny that I was on the other side!

She couldn't be more proud!

She has mastered the skill of finding ways to keep herself from falling asleep during nap time. It now takes her quite a while to actually nap, but at least it eventually happens! She is just so proud of herself that she can stand up in that crib! I walked in after her nap, and this is exactly how she looked... smile and all!

Check out that smile behind the paci!

I took it out of her mouth to capture her cheesy grin!

Introducing the newest addition to our family...

Neta Elease Pardue

On Friday night, Auntie LC came over and brought Harper her Christmas present. She is now the proud owner of a Cabbage Patch Doll... and a sassy one at that! Her name is Neta Elease! Where do these people come up with these names??? I love it! She was born January 13th, and we just might celebrate her birthday. Harper really does love her... especially her fancy hair! Thank you, Auntie LC, for being so thoughtful and generous! You're the best!!!

Our Snuggle Bug

Lately Harper has been so snuggly! Usually she is only like this when she's not feeling well, but this weekend she fell asleep on both of us... which is shocking! We love every second of it, as you can tell! She definitely still isn't feeling her best, but I think that's just how winter is going to be. As soon as one cold leaves, another one invades her little nose. She's a trooper and handles it all very well!

We wore her out on Saturday!

Snuggling on Friday night while we sang Christmas songs!

She loved it!!!

Harper met Blitzen!

Today we went to the Arboretum to see Santa and one of his reindeer. Harper responded well again with Santa... I don't have a picture because of the professional photographer there. We should get it in the mail this week! However, we did get to meet Blitzen! Harper was very curious. We couldn't get too close because they said she was a little uneasy that day. After telling us that, the owner asked if we wanted to pet her. We kindly declined! But I thought it was pretty neat seeing her and learning more about reindeer (the owner LOVED talking about them!). Here are some pictures from our afternoon... Enjoy!

Blitzen snacking on some grass

Blitzen hanging out in her cage

Harper loved getting to meet her!

Corby and Harper in front of Santa's workshop

She also got to meet Rudolph!

One of our few family photos

Overwhelmed...

Although I haven't written about it, my mind has been rather consumed lately with the health of our pastor. On Thanksgiving day, he had a seizure. Through a scan of his head, a brain tumor was found. He had it removed two weeks ago and has been working diligently in rehab. He received the pathology report yesterday, and it is malignant. The church just sent out the email with that information, and I'll be honest... I just feel really overwhelmed right now. My mind is racing thinking of his precious wife Lauren, his 3 beautiful children Audrey, Reid, and Norah, his amazing ministry at the Village, and most importantly, simply thinking of Matt. In a video he recorded 3 days before the surgery, he spoke about being thankful that God sees him worthy enough to ensure this hardship. And he tweeted about the pathology report being secondary, as God has already numbered his days here on earth. I am thankful to have found our church home at the Village, and to be under the care and teaching of such a Godly man. I know there are so many uncertainties ahead, but instead of worrying myself sick over them (which I do that very easily!), I'm trying to think more positively. I have absolute confidence that my Savior can perform a miracle, and that is what I'm choosing to pray for. That outlook on a scenario like this is much easier said than done for me. I will get there. But let's be honest... right now, I'm just sad.

Shaking her head!

Here is a video of Harper's favorite thing to do right now. She was rather distracted with breakfast, but I still got her to do it. She loves to shake her head back and forth with you! I think it is so sweet! (Please excuse me deep voice during some of the video... not sure what got into me!)