4 Months, Already!

These days, time seems to be flying at the speed of light.  As of yesterday, Harrison was four months old.  I swear, it seems like it was just yesterday that we found out we were pregnant.  Anyway, Harrison is such a joy in our lives, and we feel blessed beyond measure; not just because we have a baby, but because we have the best baby in the entire universe.  I'm probably about to jinx it, but oh well.

Harrison is such a sweet spirit.  He is happy and content most all the time, except if he's hungry, has a dirty diaper, or is getting ready for sleep.  By nature, he is not a fussy baby.  He loves to play on his activity mat, and we've recently started him in his ExerSaucer, and he loves it.  He has already turned himself around a couple of times to play with the different characters.  He is fascinated by Baby Einstein and trys to "talk" to the TV when it's on.  We've also let him start watching Hermie; a Christian movie about a catapillar that questions God about himself until he becomes a beautiful butterfly...a very good story!!  On a daily basis, Jeff and I read various books to Harrison as well as count and say our A-B-Cs.  He seems to really enjoy it all!!

Harrison's 4-month check-up with Dr. Finer was last week, and as usual, he got a great report.  He did super with his shots...I gave him some Tylenol before leaving home that day, and he only cried for a short minute after the shots were administered.  He was a little fussy for a couple of days afterwards, but overall, he did really well.

Harrison's Stats:
Weight - 15.1 lbs
Length - 25"
Diapers - Size 2
Clothes - Size 3-6 months
Shoes - Size 1 (getting close to size 2)

Here are a few recent pictures of the handsome little fella:

"Talking" to the birds

Marlee got a little jealous and jumped in Jeff's lap

First time trying Rice Cereal...he wasn't a huge fan!

Mommy and Me

So handsome!

UCF vs. USF...we won!  Harrison is UCF's good luck charm...they've not lost a game (FB or BB) that he's been to!

Harrison's first trip to Reddington Beach...that was all his stuff

He loves the ExerSaucer

Can't believe he's already 4 months old!

We're off to Charlotte today for a wonderul Thanksgiving with family!  Harrison gets to meet his cousins, Griffin and Colton, and his Aunt Wendy and Uncle Randy.  AND, he gets to see Grandma; he hasn't seen her since he was 3 weeks old...she's not going to believe how big he is now!

Happy Thanksgiving!  Don't forget all that we have to be thankful for!

Who Wants FREE Christmas Cards??

Every year, I spend a ton of energy thinking about what I'm going to do for our family Christmas cards.  Prior to getting married, I would always buy some boxed Christmas cards and be done with it.  However, since Jeff and I have been married, I've always used the awesome services of Shuttefly to create fabulous customized cards.  

I have been using Shutterfly to store my pictures and create awesome photo gifts for what seems like forever...it's really only been like 3 or 4 years, but I love Shutterfly!! 

Take a look at the list of cool photo gifts that I've created (for others and myself) with Shutterfly...mouse pads for Harrison's Nana and Grandma, Harrison's birth announcement, photo books, Christmas cards, and I've even created a Share Site that allows all of my friends and family to keep up with our family.

This year, Shutterfly has some really nice options for holiday cards...how will I ever choose the best one??  And, Shutterfly is GIVING AWAY 50 FREE HOLIDAY CARDS to Bloggers!!  Who doesn't love something free??  Interested?  Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly...sign up:  http://bit.ly/sfly2010. 

I can't wait to see what style you choose for your holiday cards...you'll see mine before you know it! 

Happy Blogging!!

3 Months

I'm a little behind with this post, but, better late than never; right?

Harrison turned 3 months old on October 23.  Our little guy is growing up right before our very eyes.  It's amazing to watch him discover new things each day.  He's such a joy in our lives, and we certainly cannot imagine life without him now.

Here are some photos of the last month:

This little guy is a stud!

"Hi Mom!"

Great Grandma Hull (Jeff's Maternal Grandmother)

Great Grandma Holmes (Jeff's Paternal Grandmother)

He's focused...

"Whatever, Mom...get that camera out of my face"

"Really?  You woke me up for this??"

"Ok, huntin' for pumpkins isn't so bad..."

Family trip to the Pumpkin Patch

"These fingers taste great!"

Mommy loves her some Harrison!!

Nana brought this hat back from her Boston trip to see Aunt Steph and Uncle Thomas

Harrison's dedication (11-7-10)

Harrison's Dedication Prayer (11-7-10)

I just couldn't resist...he's cute no matter what face he's making!!

In other news, I have begun my weight loss journey.  I gained 50 lbs. during my pregnancy; not something I'm proud of, but it is what it is.  The first 30 lbs. came off within the first three weeks of Harrison's life...and then reality hit.  I hit a brick wall and could not get going with weight loss.  About two weeks ago, I ran across this blog and was amazed at her weight loss journey.  I was totally inspired to get off my butt and get going with losing this weight.  

I officially started my weight loss journey on Harrison's 3 month birthday (10/23), and I'm giving myself until his 1 year birthday (7/23/11) to lose 40 lbs.  In two weeks, I'm already down 5.2 lbs.  I'm doing weight watchers because it is the easiest for me, and I had great success the last time I lost weight (17 lbs. back in 2004/2005).  So, you can do the math and realize that I'm trying to lose an extra 20 lbs. over what I gained during pregnancy.  I was about 15-20 lbs. heavier than I wanted to be when I got pregnant with Harrison, so what better time than the present to kick that extra weight!

I'm keeping a photo journal of my weight loss.  Maybe if I'm brave enough at the end, I'll post the pictures.  Until then (if that day comes), I'm using them as more motivation to kick this weight.  My next big challenge is to get back into the gym...I'll keep you posted on that one.  :-)

Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching, and I'm really excited.  We're planning to visit Jeff's family in Charlotte for Thanksgiving, and I can hardly wait!!!  I'm so excited for Harrison to meet his cousins Griffin and Colton and his Aunt Wendy and Uncle Randy.  And of course, I'm super excited for Harrison to see his Grandma Holmes again!!  About a week or so ago, I got a message from Jeff's sister, Wendy, saying how excited the boys are to meet Harrison.  She said that Colton (3 yrs. in Feb.) told her that he was ready to meet Harrison.  He told her that he was going to read him the Bible and let him play with all of his toys.  Is that not the cutest, most precious, thing EVER!!  My camera is charged and ready for this special family gathering!!

We've not really discussed our plans for Christmas yet...updates will be forthcoming.

Alright, I guess I better go.  I'll have another update next week after Harrison goes for his 4 month check up and shots :-(]