Tuesday, January 17, 2012

To Swaddle or Not To Swaddle

Since Harper was born, she has loved being swaddled!
She slept so much better when she was all snug and cozy.
We have used the swaddle me, miracle blanket, and now the halo sleep sack.
These were all great for different stages of sleep/size.
I honestly think those (and Pampers baby dry) have been the reason she started sleeping through the night at 8 weeks. 

Last week, we noticed she seemed to be getting restless at night. Plus, she has been rolling over some (I need to get on video to post), and I have been worried that keeping her swaddled for much longer could be dangerous.  So, Josh and I looked up ways to "wean" off swaddling.  I, of course, didn't want to mess with our system...fearing she would wake every hour!

 So, we decided to try putting her arms in the sack and loosely swaddle. This gives her room to move her arms around...but not so much that she jerks awake.  The first few nights it went really well, and she seemed to sleep much better.

Until this morning...
Our little Houdini found a way to get both her arms through the arm holes! ha!
I have no idea at what point in the night this occurred...but she seemed fine with it.
She did wake up an hour earlier than usual...so I might finish out the week "inside the sack".
Then, it suggests moving one arm out at at time, but keep a tight wrap around their stomach/chest for comfort.
We shall see what ends up working.
For now, I think she is finally comfortable being "free".  Let's hope she doesn't jerk awake all night!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Harper Half-Roll

I present to you: the evolution of the half-roll...kind of!
the video is my chatty child kind of rolling. 
baby steps people. 

Monday, January 9, 2012

Work!

It's official. My maternity leave and vacation is over. Though I have always known I would be a working mom, I would get sick to my stomach thinking about heading back. I cannot put into words how much I have loved being at home with Harper!

Harper is staying with a friend and her daughter while Josh and I are at work. So far, the girls seem to be on the fast track to best buddies. Knowing Harper is in a great home really makes working easier.

The first day was the hardest! I had to wake up Harper an hour early. My usually happy-morning-baby burst into tears...then I did the same. I was a mess. Josh didn't know what to do when he walked in the nursery to find us both like that.  Originally, Josh was going to take her to Katie's so I didn't have to say goodbye there...but he got called in to an early meeting.  I got my pump, purse, diaper bag, and baby...and headed off to Katie's.  We talked for a few minutes then I just had to walk out the door.  I couldn't even say goodbye without crying.  I bolted and then cried the whole way to the office. 

When I arrived to the office, everyone was so nice and welcoming!  They all wanted to know about the baby...I couldn't answer without tearing up.  I told them to ask me in 3 weeks! I had a few meetings and stayed busy the whole time I was at the office--that really helped! 

After work, I headed straight to Katie's to pick up Harper.  It was amazing to see her smile a big smile when I got there!  It was also nice to see she was having a good time with her new friends!  That made the next two days much easier.  I haven't cried since that first day and am slowly figuring out our new groove!  As much as I love staying at home with Harper, I know that is a good decision for our family.  It's not easy...but seeing her face at the end of the day is one of the best feelings in the world!

Harper and new friend Susie
Nap time at Katie's house.
In the morning before I dropped her off on Friday
After a great week at daycare!!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Sleepy heads!

With me back at work, we are all worn out!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

New Year, New Fence

We woke up on January 2nd to the fencing being removed and a new one being installed!
I love how it makes the yard seem so much bigger!
Thanks Ron and Jackie for the Fence!!!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy Birthday Mason!

Yesterday, we attended Masons first birthday. We had such a great time celebrating with everyone. Happy Birthday Mason!!!!

Hanging Out With Daddy
Opening Gifts...one of his presents, he is going to be a BIG BROTHER!
He loved his cake!
chillin
playing with Masons Mom

Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011-A Year In Pictures

2011
A Year In Picures


Happy New Year!
2011 Was one amazing year for us.
We cannot wait to see what memories we will make in 2012!
Love,
The Meadows

Our Family

This year has been an amazing year for Josh and me.  We are no longer just a couple, we are a FAMILY.  We welcomed the most wonderful little baby to our lives and feel so blessed!  We love watching her grow and change everyday.  2011 has changed our lives forever!  We cannot wait to see what is to come in 2012.
Happy New Year!









Rancho De Los Arboles
Dallas, TX
December 2011


Friday, December 30, 2011

The Gatlins

My grandparents just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
We all gathered in Dallas to celebrate the milestone!
We spent 3 days with family...and had a wonderful time!

Memaw and Boppy
(they started it all)
 With their Children-Larry, Rudy, Steve, and LaDonna
The Whole Family!
(minus my brother-in-law b/c he had to work) 
With the great-grand children
 Silly adults trying to get the young ones to smile!
 Grand and Great-Grand Children
 The S. Gatlins
Team Black
 The L. Gatlins
Team White
 The Johnsons
Team Red
 The R. Gatlins
Team Blue
 Family Pic!
With my cousin Annie, Harper 1, and Harper 2. 
 Aunt Aubrie and Harper
 The Girl Cousins
Happy Anniversary Memaw and Boppy!
We Love You!