Sisters

One of the most wonderful things about having another child is watching new "forever friendships" develop between the new baby and her older siblings. With Harlow, the boys had an instant bond. From the moment I brought her home, they were enamored by her presence, proud of her every achievement, and looked out for and protected her with a fierceness known only to older brothers.

Ruby, on the other hand, has always treated Harlow kindly, but has never seemed quite as impressed with her. In fact, sometimes I have wondered if her affection towards Harlow was more an effort to keep up with the boys than a display of true adoration for her sister. I love my sisters and hoped I was wrong about her motives. I think I am. 

The other day as we sat down to read books, I had to answer the phone. When I returned I noticed something I hadn't before, so I sat back and watched something begin to blossom right before my eyes. I hate to sound dramatic, but it was pretty close to magic to me.  (I am their mother after all. Everything they do is at least 100 times more meaningful to me than just about anyone else.) Luckily the camera was handy--and yes, I took so many pictures it almost feels like it was on time lapse mode.

A happy Harlow waiting patiently for my return.

 When I did return, she didn't even notice me at first. This joy is being caused by someone else.

Harlow is a happy girl, but this is extra happy, even for her.

Those smiles all belong to Ruby.

Then she notices me...

but not for long.

I love Ruby's face in this picture. It says it all.

My favorite.

I think this is one of the first times Ruby felt a real friendship connection with Harlow. She is beginning to see her as something more than just a cute little novelty that hangs out with us a lot, but instead as the playmate, companion, and friend for life that she is and will become.

Labor Day

Non-Saturday days off don't happen often enough, so when one does roll around I always have a million ideas of how we should spend it. This past Labor Day was no different, and with the crazy football schedule we've been keeping the free time seemed even more valuable.  I had been tossing around a few to-do list items along with some family outing ideas, but when Sam mentioned that the temple was going to open for a few hours that morning I knew it was an opportunity not to be missed. I still can't be away from Harlow for too long and with the temple an hour away having Sam and the kids come and hang out while I did a session seemed like a great plan even if it wasn't what I had originally envisioned for our day off.

I love our drive to the temple...at least the first part.  So picturesque.

Ruby didn't seem as impressed with the scenery, but seemed pretty content with her book.

I was excited to go to the temple, but I was even more excited to bring the kids along too. We were so spoiled in North Carolina to see the temple every week since our chapel and the Raleigh temple share a parking lot.

Sam was so great to take the kids on stroller/bike ride while they waited for me. Afterwards I met them at the visitor center before we enjoyed a walk on the temple grounds together.

 I'm not sure what I said to my kids here, but I'm guessing it wasn't "Say Cheese!" It looks like something more like "What is the square root of 5,984?" Seriously....what were they all thinking?

 Even Harlow looks a little bit perplexed..(Gotta love her skunk hair)

This is a little more like it. I sure love these kids.

Sweet Max.

The kids spent a while in the Visitor's Center waiting for me and really enjoyed some of the new media presentations. I must say, I'm pretty impressed with some of the teaching tools they have there. Even when I was done the kids wanted to stay and finish the lessons. It definitely made me more motivated to find a friend to invite there.

 

Happy girl. Sam said she was perfect while I was gone.

The kids were all wiped out on the ride home.

The one disappointment from our morning adventure was that Sam and the kids did not make it to McDonald's early enough for the breakfast I had promised them. Reed was especially bummed about not getting a McGriddle so I told him we would make our own for dinner. It was a little on the labor intensive side (we had to make our own syrup crystals to put in the pancakes??!), but it was worth it. Not only were they ever better than the originals, but Reed was pretty happy about the whole thing too. 

I don't know what this face is all about...I promise, he loved it.

Max loved them too so I really don't remember what his face of anguish was all about. I've got to include it though because these mini meltdowns are part of our reality. The fact that I have no clue what it was about it also part of reality and not just me trying to forget the not so fun stuff. While Max can get upset at the drop of a hat he can also be over it equally quick. 

Despite the fact that none of the kids appear too thrilled in these pictures, our delicious McGriddles where the perfect end to the perfect Labor Day.

We didn't really have time for much else after dinner, but I can't think of the last holiday that I felt went as well. I am so grateful to be able to attend the temple and hope that my kids were also able to feel the Spirit and importance of that place while they were there. I was going to say that this was the best Labor Day ever, but then I remembered that Sam and I went on our first date on Labor Day so now I'm not so sure. Looks like I may have a new favorite holiday.

Harlow-4 months

Yes...I do have other children, but they want me to keep up on this girl as much as I do. Reed and Max are always checking our blog and wanting me to write more. I am hoping that getting caught up on Harlow will allow me to have more balanced coverage in the future.

Here is a very quick recap of Harlow at 4 months.

She's a thumb sucker. She's not quite as committed as Ruby was, but she does still enjoy it.

 She's very motivated to get mobile and is getting stronger everyday. She is a rolling machine (both ways) and I know it's only a matter of time before we won't be able to keep her in one spot.

Oh, how I love bath time. From her first bath she has never complained about getting clean. She loves being in the water and there is nothing I love more than a clean, fresh, sweet baby.

 

There is no way I could do a recap of any portion of Harlow's life without including some of the love she receives and brings into our home.  In case there was any question regarding her resemblance to Max...

This month also included a visit from Grandmother and Grandfather.

...including a piano lesson

She's such a playful gal. I don't remember any of my kids seeming to enjoy playing with toys as much as she does. She will happily play under this little kick gym until I come and get her or until she has successfully kicked it completely out of reach with her long, strong legs

She still gives her "surprised eyes" sometimes, but more frequently I see a sparkle of happiness in them instead.

One of the biggest reasons I try to record these things is so that I can not only remember the things that happened, but I also hope they will help me remember how these moments felt. Harlow--just so you know, when I was taking these pictures of you I felt like the luckiest mom around. It was definitely an "I love you so much my heart could burst" moment. Happy 4 months!