Henley's Birth Day

October 26th began with a celebration of "Happy Big Sister Day". Everyone ate breakfast together (well, except me!) and then she opened some presents from everyone. I wanted to make sure that she felt extra special...knowing that everyone's attention would be redirected later in the day. 

Around 11, Corby and I headed to the hospital to get checked in. We had a little time to ourselves, and then the rest of my family came in to hang out with us until it was surgery time. We had such an amazing nurse. She had been Mare's nurse during her c-section, and since Mare was there for a while, I got extra special treatment. It definitely worked out in my favor! 

This was such a different experience than the last time. I walked into the OR, as opposed to being wheeled in...crying my eyes out! I got my epidural, which didn't really hurt but it made me pretty sick. My blood pressure dropped extremely low and I dry heaved for a while. Thankfully I didn't get sick, because I was completely numb, laying on my back...not sure what that would've been like. I was able to stay awake and hear Henley's sweet cry! It felt like an eternity before I was able to see her! But then Corby brought her over to me...such a sweet time! They put me in the recovery bed and then I was able to hold her. We then went to the recovery room and had some time just the 3 of us before Harper came in and then the rest of my family. 

She was a little confused when she woke up!

 Ready to meet her little sister! 

 Opening one of her presents

 This nasty wig came with the Madagascar 3 movie

 Last picture as a family of 3

 All hooked up

 About to head into surgery

 Probably my last smile until I saw my baby girl

 Glad Corby captured this one...things weren't awesome at this point

 Cleaning up our sweet Henley

 6 pounds 7 ounces of pure sweetness!

 Checking out her daddy

 First time to see Henley

 Making our way to the recovery room

Dr. Hays- I love her!!! 

Harper's first sight of Henley

Telling us all about her morning with everyone

Kissing her baby sister

 Getting some love from my big girl!

 Time for my family to see her! 

All of the girls! 

Pumpkin Patch...a few weeks late!

Our last weekend as a family of 3 was a fun one! We went up to McKinney to go to a pumpkin patch. Harper had a great time riding a pony, petting some animals, jumping in the bounce houses, figuring her way through a hay maze, and going on a hay ride. 

 Waiting in line for the hay ride

 Riding her pony

 Making her way through the maze

 Sliding on one of the bounce houses

 She loved this rooster... which made me a little nervous!

The typical posed picture in front of the pumpkins... pretty cute! 

She's Here!

Henley Kay Pardue arrived at 2:02pm yesterday, October 26th. She weighed 6 lb 7 oz, and I still haven't heard how long she is! Many more pictures to come!


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Harper's High School Activities!

Yesterday Harper went to two different high school events. Her teacher from 2 years ago was in charge of the "future RHS cheerleaders" float for the RHS parade. She asked Harper to participate, even though she will most likely not go to high school there. She had so much fun waving at all of the people!






We were on a (very hot!!) school bus, so I was rather happy when the parade was over! But Harper had fun, so it was well worth it!

Then last night we went to Lake Highlands HS for the varsity volleyball game. Harper joined in on every cheer and had a great time! Unfortunately, they lost, but it was still so fun to watch!



Harper chose a front row seat to watch all of the action! She definitely had a great night, but the M&Ms were probably the highlight!


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Fall Fun at the Fair!

Wednesday afternoon we went to the fair and had a great time! It normally costs $16 per person to get in (ridiculous!!!) but it's $2 on Wednesday if you bring 3 canned food items to donate. So it was cheaper and all for a good cause...win-win!

We enjoyed a few shows, ate some delicious and terribly unhealthy food, and Harper rode several rides. I'm so thankful we had a chance to go...especially knowing how much our lives are about to change!



Participating in the Backyard Circus...she was a butterfly ballerina


Waiting on Mother Goose...she was really excited about this one!


Harper and Mother Goose


Watching the pig races...which are quite entertaining!


Harper and Big Tex


Having fun on the elephant ride


The other little girl made this ride spin the whole time...harper's face was pretty funny!


Excited about the airplane ride


These monster trucks bounced like crazy...so she didn't love it


She chose to ride the roller coaster but teared up when she got off...saying she was brave but that was a little scary


Ending her night on the swings...the ride she wanted to do the most!


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Rapunzel and the Costume Parade

Whenever we purchased Harper's Halloween costume, we were given a flyer about a costume parade. I figured Harper would have a fun time, especially since she'd get to wear her costume a few weeks early. This year, she chose Rapunzel, and I'm pretty sure the main reason was because of the long braid you could get to go with the dress. She had so much fun getting dressed up on Friday. 

Once we got to the Disney Store, they had an employee who helped them make treat bags. We then went on a scavenger hunt throughout the store to find different characters, and if you found them all, you got some treats for your bag. After that, they had the parade. I'm almost positive Harper had no idea what was happening the whole time...the look on her face in every picture reveals that fact. But afterwards, she kept talking about how much fun she had walking in the parade. They just did a loop around the store, and only a few of the kids were actually dressed up. But it was a fun little outing for us, and I know Harper had a great time! 

 Rapunzel and her Mickey Mouse treat bag

 The man in the hat was the one in charge...he was a riot!

 In line for the parade to begin

 Not sure what is going on...but at least she stayed in the line

 Super serious about this parade thing!

 I kind of got a smirk as she walked past me! 

Some of the parade walkers... man in the hat told them to wave, 

which clearly doesn't make for the best picture! 

Celebrating Henley!

Several of my friends hosted a dinner last night to celebrate Henley's arrival. Of course, I only took 2 pictures, and one didn't turn out very well. The dinner was at Blue Mesa, and we ended our meal with delicious petit fours from Casa Linda Bakery! The hostesses were extremely thoughtful, knowing that we gave our big infant items to Taylor, so they asked everyone to bring Buy Buy Baby gift cards so we could buy the things that we really need... and then they blew me away with a new car seat as the hostess gift. Obviously I cried and was just so overwhelmed. It's amazing to have friends that see a need and instantly take care of it. The Lord has provided some of the most amazing friends to me here in Dallas!!! The party made me so excited for Henley's arrival! I just can't wait to see what she looks like! 3 weeks from today, that sweet baby will be in my arms!!!

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