Friday, February 20, 2009

Q & A

Okay - here a few answers to your questions with some pictures of a cutie in between!

1. Several of you wanted to know about my infertility and announcing I was pregnant.

We started trying in fall of 2005. I got pregnant in July 2006 but miscarried pretty quickly. We kept trying and then in fall 2007 started fertility treatments. I did Clomid (still trying to lose the 20 lbs I gained on that) and several IUI's. Then God did a miracle in April 2008. You can read more here. I'm also 35 so I was no spring chicken trying to get pregnant.


2. You wanted to know about my pregnancy and delivery and more about what happened to Harper.

I had a great pregnancy. I was very sick for about 15 weeks and I had a lot of back pain and heartburn and towards the end I could barely move.........but I loved every minute. :-)
My labor and delivery were actually great until we found out something was wrong with Harper. I was induced and I got my epidural before I ever felt a thing. It was GLORIOUS! I recommend it to everyone. It was a great day - all of our family was there and we were enjoying hanging out. I pushed for an hour and little Miss H just wasn't coming out. So they had to do a forceps delivery. When she came out - she was blue, wasn't crying or breathing. I didn't panic at first because I thought it was just a hard delivery and she would be okay. A bunch of nurses and NICU nurses came running in and were working on her. I started to get nervous but still didn't think it was serious. A couple of hours later the NICU doctor came in to tell us that she was VERY, VERY critically ill and there was nothing he could do for her there - he had to get her air lifted and basically he didn't know if she would make it. I'll never forget how I felt at that moment. Time just stood still.
Harper had pneumonia in her lungs. It was never determined exactly why - I had a fever towards the end of my delivery and it's possible I passed on an infection to her. I don't spend a lot of time worrying about HOW this happened. God has used this whole story for His glory and Harper is home and healthy and that's all that matters.

3. I laugh REALLY hard at this one but several of you wanted to know where I shop.

First of all - I have never felt MORE un-stylish and frumpy than I have in the last year. I'm old and out of style and I know it. I love clothes but I'm tight. I get most of my clothes (SERIOUSLY) at Wal-Mart. Or Forever 21 or T J Maxx. If I'm feeling crazy and want to spend a little more - my favorite store lately has been Gap. So it doesn't take a lot of money to look cute. I'm also totally a dress girl. I rarely wear pants or jeans. (except for right now and I rarely wear anything but pj's and yoga pants). ha!

4. You want to know about my faith and testimony (and hopefully this answers the question of if my parents are as great as they seem):
I was raised in a Christian home. My dad actually wasn't a Christian when I was born. My mom was. She would beg him to go to church and he told her "she should have married a preacher if she wanted someone to go to church with her"........(God SO has a sense of humor). When I was probably 3 or 4 - my dad got saved. And he has lived his life for Christ ever since. He went to seminary when I was 9 and has been a pastor for almost 25 years. My parents are two of the most Godly people I know which is one reason my faith is so strong.
I was saved when I was 6 years old (January 13 (my due date), 1980). (I hadn't thought about that until just now - how those dates matched up). ha! I spent my whole life in church but when I went to college (and I went to a Baptist college) ......I think I kind of started to drift away. I didn't go wild but I only went to church on Sunday mornings, really didn't have a quiet time, I was just a laid back Christian. That carried on through my single years. I felt like I didn't belong at church when I was single. (I'm sure a lot of you feel that way). I hated Singles Sunday School so I dropped out and I was actually pretty mad at God during those years. I was a spoiled brat who wanted a husband. Sometimes I think if my faith would have been stronger then.....He would have brought me a husband sooner.
But in the last few years - God has been working in my life. Scott realized he wasn't saved a few years ago and after he accepted Christ - that started a big change in our lives. And God just keeps building my faith. He has NEVER left me. Everything that happens ......just prepares me for what is next. I could go on and on and on about this subject but maybe I'll elaborate more later. I will say that all that I've been through - I've never loved Jesus more. If you want to know more on this subject - e-mail me - I'd love to share more with you.

4. What about Dawson?

Dawson is still with my parents. He is SOOOO happy there. We miss him and he will be coming home soon. I just wanted to get in a groove with Harper before I brought Dawson into the mix. I'm finally feeling comfortable with taking care of H by myself and we have a schedule so Dawson will probably come home soon. He may not want to - the country is WAY more fun than here.

5. Will we have more kids?
Right now - my answer would be no. I'm so happy to have Harper and we went through so much to get her. I never thought I would have an only child but most of my close friends are only children and are very happy. We'll wait until Harper is at least a year and then make a decision. I'm just so thankful for one beautiful daughter.

6. How do I find time for blogging/facebook/e-mail?

Right now - I'm nursing a lot and we spend a lot of time on the couch and I have my laptop next to me and I do a lot of one hand typing. It gives me something to do while I'm feeding her. Also I want to try hard to keep up with it because I will NEVER scrapbook (just don't have it in me) so this is the way I can keep a record of our lives. I also take advantage of her naptimes to clean, do laundry, put on lipstick (I used Merle Norman spice sachet lip pencil - best color ever), or use the computer.

7. How did I get "Blog Famous" and what's the deal with ads?
I hate this question because I am NOT famous. It's really bizarre to me why anyone would want to read my blog. I started it about 3 years ago because I wanted a way to scrapbook our lives and I thought MAYBE our parents would want to read it. For the first 2 years or so - I never had any comments and I probably had 50-100 hits a day.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the prayer of Jabez. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez prayed "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. That kind of sums up my blog to me.
For the last year - I have prayed that God would let me be a light for Him and that He would give me away to share about Him. Out of no where - I started having more and more people on my blog. I have no idea how it happened. Before I had Harper - I had about 5000 hits a day on my blog. I honestly believe God knew it would help me to have people praying for me through a trial and that I would try to use it for his glory..........so the day after Harper was born - out of NOWHERE - I had 100,000 hits in one day. And it's been incredible ever since. I have heard from people all over the world. It is NOT about me or even Harper. God just has been able to use our story to show his Love. He likes to use (VERY) ordinary people to do extraordinary things. And I'm as ordinary as they come. :-)
A few months ago - I thought I would try out BlogHer and see what would happen. I would blog every day no matter what and if I could make a little money because of it - why not? If they take off the ads - I'll still keep blogging every day so it's just extra. I filled out an application (I think they aren't taking applicants any more right now but keep watching) and basically it is based off of your traffic. I'm not getting rich by any means but it's just a little extra money to shop for clothes at Wal-Mart with. ha! It's a great program if you get the chance to use it!

8. Last one for now............ How did we get Harper's name and where do I get all of her monogrammed stuff?

Go back to this post to read about the names. I get all of her monogrammed stuff off ebay or etsy. I don't have a "favorite" place to get them. I usually look for inexpensive custom things. A lot of what she has were gifts. Since we may only have one child - hand me downs aren't that big of an issue. I'll find a few lucky people who name their babies Harper and they can hit the jackpot. ha!

I'm sorry if I didn't answer your question but this was getting long. I'll maybe do another question post soon!!!!

P.S. There is a blogger Rachel and she and her husband are unable to get pregnant so they are planning to adopt from South Korea. Her husband is in seminary and adoption is VERY expensive so she is doing some fundraising to help pay for it. As a PK and someone who struggled with infertility - the least I can do is tell you to go and sign up - she is doing some GREAT giveaways!!!!! The link is here.

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144 comments:

Brent Riggs said...

Kelly,

Thanks for sharing that nutshell of your history. I enjoyed reading it.

I enjoyed talking with you while you were in Tulsa. And thanks for praying for Abby... we are blessed to know.

When you get a minute, shoot me an email - brent@brentrigg.com - I have a question for you.

Blessings,
Brent (Abby's Dad)
www.riggsfamilyblog.com

Pastor Steve said...

Kelly,
You constantly remind me why I love my children so much. You and Chris both are "after God's own heart."
Love - Dad

Beth said...

I just love the story of your testimony and especially the part about your dad! What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing that. I have peeked into your dad's blog and left a comment on your mom's (since we are both new grandmothers!). Have a great day with Harper!

Katy said...

Thanks for taking time to be open and honest!

What a beautiful miracle you have to dress up each day!

Great Q&A post!
~Kate

Heather said...

I am so happy that I asked the one question that you hate! ha! I feel like a dope!
On a serious note though, I loved reading these and your right, God has definietly used you for His glory and I love reading about it!
Thank you for sharing and opening up to us about you! I can't wait to read more!

Allikaye's Mama said...

Oh! I loved q & a! I love that you are "blog-famous" and I am so thankful that you are in my little blog realm...God is so good and it is awesome that you are a vessel for Him! Keep it up girl!! Oh...and that red sweater on Miss Harper is CUTE!!

Niki said...

I love hearing about your testimony and what God has done and is doing in your life! Harper is beautiful! I look forward to seeing all the cute pics you post!:)

AmandaLFairbanks said...

I have been following your blog after reading a prayer request off one of my friend's blogs.

---
Lee is a great middle name ;)

My aunt's middle name is Lee. My middle name is Lee and my husband's middle name is Lee! So we thought to keep the name going since our middle names were the same :) Both my daughter's middle names are Lee. Also, my mother's maiden name is Brown! Then she married my father and became White. lol

Unknown said...

As soon as I read how much it is similar to the Prayer of Jabez..it's true. God truly has used you and Harper and your sweet family. It's a God thing!

Hana said...

Thanks for all the answers! God really does work in mysterious ways!

Casi said...

Kelly,

I just started reading your blog a couple of weeks ago (saw the 'Praying for Harper' tag on Frugal Jen's blog) but I have to say that you are such an inspiration.

So here's my question - where did you get the white dress Harper came home in? My mother passed on to me 4 dresses that looked just like that (blue, yellow, pink and white) to me when my daughter was born. They had been given to her by my grandmother the day I was born. Unfortunately, we recently moved and I can't find them anywhere! I'm heartsick about it but would love to replace them with something similar. So if you wouldn't mind passing that info along, I would SO appreciate it.

Harper is beautiful - blessings to you all!

Ashlee said...

That little Harper is the cutest thing! I love her little dress up pictures! I'm sorry you can't take her out and show her off but we LOVE looking at her cuteness!

My question is (and maybe you don't even want to think about this right now) are you going to be able to stay home with Harper or are you going to have to go back to work?!?

Mrs. H said...

I went back to read the post about your baby names...our son is Jack Walker and we call him Walker! How funny! I've always loved the name Hudson but not with our last night!

Enjoyed reading your q&a post! I've also enjoyed getting to know your precious family! Your little girl is BEAUTIFUL!

Congrats!
Krystal in TX

Rach@In His Hands said...

Kelly, I love getting to know you more and more - His Light surely shines through you!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for mentioning our fundraiser on this post!! You are a blessing!

Since you have such amazing, faithful readers, I'll willing to offer them 1 free ticket for every 3 tickets they donate for!!!

Be blessed....

Stephanie said...

I am very amazed by you! I love your blog. I stumbled upon it in the fall and I love to read it everyday! You are just darling and your parents are the cutest! Your baby is so sweet! Thanks for the info about yourself. I am so glad that Harper is better...for the entire time she was in the NICU I checked the computer all the time for updates...you were very thought of and prayed for during that time!
Love from UTAH
Stephanie

CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

beth thanks for sharing a friend of mac mamas here and i have been praying for harper ever since i found your blohg so love the hats and haed bands but teh the godly story much more. god bless your family .

Michelle said...

Kelly, as always, thank you for sharing pieces of your life with us! You're great!
Harper's sweaters are precious!

Chari said...

I found your blog recently and enjoy reading about Harper. She is so adorable!
I'm at the computer when I nurse too. My 6 month old still eats a lot so that makes a bunch of blogging time :-)
Have you thought of digi scrapping some of your favorite photos? I don't scrapbook either, but digi-scrapping is so much fun and easy to do!

Carrie said...

Kelly,
I love your blog and I think it awesome that God is using you and you're story in such a powerful way. As the mother of a 4 month old little girl, I can certainly relate to the dress up pictures and rough days of crying and little sleep. In fact, you may NOT want to visit my blog. You might never venture out if you read about our crazy trip to Target yesterday! Oh, what good times with these sweet girls.
God bless you!

Dawn said...

Kelly, thanks for the Q&A's. Quite interesting. We too struggled with infertility. My husband had to have a vasectomy reversal before we could start anything. On his end things were working fine but I needed a boost, beside the clomid I was on. So we did 3 IUI's and the 3rd one took! Because we were also "activily trying" we like to think we did it on our own. :) That was back in March 2006 and in December 2006 our beautiful Mackenzie was born. I had just turned 39. We tried again to conceive and got pregnant 9 months later but at 20 weeks we lost the baby boy we were carrying. And mostly because of my age, we have decided to stay at 1 and count our blessings. Mackenzie is the best thing that I've ever "made" and we are so happy to have her in our lives.

So I have a QUESTION: are you going to eventually start up your recipe blog again? I've tried some and they are good. I made the Surprise Cupcakes last week. My husband is so funny. He took 2 to work with him that night before I could frost them. I didn't even notice they were gone. When I saw him in the morning he commented on how good they were and I told him he took them w/out frosting. And he replies, "they were going to be frosted??" I could tell that would have been the "icing on the cake" so to speak. ha!
Take care.

Anonymous said...

Great to learn a little more about you, Kelly. And the photos of Harper today are SO CUTE!

Michele said...

Hi Kelly ~ thanks for bringing us into your lives...I feel like I know you and Harper..you're both so beautiful!

Hugz,
Michele

In This Wonderful Life said...

loved your Q & A..the the picture-less post too! You're a great blogger and we are so glad to have you :) You have for sure been sent from God to all of us! :)

LuAnn said...

Kelly-
I have loved your blog since I saw the button on someones site.

I have enjoyed all of your pics of Harper.

Your witnessing as been awesome!!!

Thanks for your support for Rachel and Josh.

I know them personally - such a great christian couple. Will be wonderful parents.

I have two adpoted children too.

God's Blessing's to you 3 !!!

Jess :) said...

Thank you, once again, for being so open and sharing some very personal things will all of us! I love you like you are my very own family and continue to be blessed by your friendship!

Also, thanks for the pics. of miss Cutie Patootie!! I just adore her to smitherines! :) Don't know if I spelled that one correctly or not, but you know what I mean!

And what a sweet message your dad left for you! Love it!

Have a fabulous night and thanks again for being so open!

Love you tons,
Jess :)

Mrs. Southern said...

Harper is getting cuter by the day! I love that you shop at Walmart. Everytime I go there I always have to check out the clothes, shoes and workout stuff just to make sure I don't have to have something! haha!

Anonymous said...

Oh Wow Kelly!! your q&a was fabulous!! I loved it! I love that you are so real, especially with your emotions and your faith!! I love checking in on your blog, you make my day!! Love the pics of Harper, she is beautiful, you are blessed!
Your story tugs at my heart, cause I have been in your shoes, it took us 5 yrs to get pregnant with my 2nd son. Now I am blessed with 3 beautiful boys!

Nina ~ neena626@aol.com

Sarah said...

Thanks for sharing your answers! I got chills on my arms with #4 reading about your faith journey and how you got to be where you are today. Have a blessed weekend!

Jennifer said...

Thanks so much for answering the questions! I started reading your blog in 2007 (I think). I don't ever remember now how I came across it, but I have been hooked ever since!

Lori said...

I found your blog on a friends blog just after Haper was a day old. I have followed every since then. I find you to be one of the most inspiring Mommy's I (somewhat) know! I LOVE the fact you stated that you were at peace even if Harper didn't survive b/c she had already opened the door for others to be saved! You are truly a woman of Christ and I am sure he has GREAT things in store for you and your family!

P.S. I just posted for the very first time on my new blog, wish me luck on learning!

Kara said...

Thanks for all the insight! What tremendous faith you have! I too suffered from infertility and have those 20 clomid pounds to lose! After not knowing if we would be blessed with a child, God did a miracle and we now have 3 boys! Thank you for sharing your story and your Jesus with all of us!

Jenny @ flutterbyechronicles said...

Great post. I love the part about your Dad and how he came to know christ.

Those clothes are too cute on Harper:)

John and Elizabeth Fowler said...

kelly,
thanks so much for sharing!! i have been following your blog for sometime now and want to thank you for your constant faith and openness in it.
i am a new mom myself and just laughed when i read that you blog while you nurse! i felt so relieved to know someone else does too!! my husband bought me a stand that holds my lappy so i am constantly facebooking, blogging and checking email one handed...haha!
thanks again for the posts...you have a such a beautiful baby girl and we are continuing to lift her health up in our prayers. blessings to you guys!

kimmie said...

hi Kelly! I have been following your blog for several weeks but this is my first comment. Our first child, a girl we named Natalie, was born January 11, but her due date was the day Harper was born. So I have really enjoyed reading about a little girl born within a few days of Natalie... I am not religious, but since becoming pregnant and then having this baby, I am feeling a closeness to God and a faith I have never known and find myself praying for Natalie and our little family of three (four if you count the cat, which I do because I treat her like a child too :). It is wonderful to finally start feeling that after 28 years of kind of feeling empty and skeptical. Reading about Harper every day I have found myself praying over and over for her and for your family. I can not fathom having gone through such challenges with Natalie and I really admire you. Harper is a BEAUTIFUL baby... you know, Natalie loves being on her changing table more than anything else, and since at six weeks old there just aren't that many ways to "play" with her, I just dress her up in different cute outfits while she admires herself in the changing table mirror. I smile thinking that wherever you all are (we live in NC), you and Harper are probably doing about the same thing! I am so happy that she is doing well and reading your blog every day truly gives me comfort that there is another new mom to a little girl going through the same challenges of nursing and sleep deprivation, with the unbelievable rewards of baby smiles and (my favorite) the unbelievably cute facial expressions that one month old babies make when they first wake up and start stretching! Anyway this is starting to get long... if you have facebook and would like to "meet" Natalie, just look us up by searching kimberlywaller@alumni.appstate.edu. That's us! Send us a friend request! Many blessings...
~Kimmie (and Natalie)

A Wedding Story said...

Kelly,

I feel like you're my friend! Seriously! You are the sweetest girl and you make me want to become a better Christian and friend. You are nothing but frumpy! I was thinking about you at work one day because I was dressed frumpy and said Kelly would be dressed really cute right now, step it up sister! Hehe. I am so glad that Harper is well. Thank you for being inspiring, even though you don't feel like you are. Thank you!!

Gracie Beth said...

Thank you so much for being so forthcoming about your relationship with God when you were single. When I was walking back from class today God and I had a talk about my love life!

kim_brough said...

I know this misses the point of the post somewhat, but I really lost concentration when you said you were 35. Seriously? I never ever would have thought that!!!

Alicia said...

someone may have asked this, but, are you going back to work?

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness...Harper in that yellow sweater...ADORABLE! She is beautiful in every pic you post, but I love that yellow sweater! Thanks for sharing your answers. I love your response to the "blog famous" question!

Longmeadow Mama said...

You have been such a blessing. I only recently found your blog and Harper's miraculous story.
Anyway, I LOVE her name! Almost makes me wanna try for another girl!!! Almost.
The only other time I've ever heard that name was from reading Lisa Whelchel's books..Harper is her daughter's name! The funny thing about that is I think you look so much like Lisa! Has anyone ever told you that??!!
Continued blessings to your family,
Kelli

Kara said...

Kelly,
I just wanted you to know that I LOVE reading your blog and seeing pictures of that precious baby! It seems like fate that I stumbled upon your blog because I am 23 weeks pregnant with a little girl who we are naming....HARPER! :) I heard it on a tv show about a year and a half ago and fell in love! I thought it was so neat that I found a fellow blogger with the same baby name! Like you, I have started a family blog to keep up with our lives and so that I can share all the planning with our little girl one day. We did not have trouble conceiving, however, I am a diabetic and pregnancy was a scary issue for us....but it has been great so far! Thanks for always sharing and may God bless you and your family always! xoxo

monica said...

I found your blog the day Harper was born through Angie (Bring the Rain) site. I spent a weekend going back to read your blog from the beginning. We have been hoping, trying and praying for a baby since we got married almost 10 years ago. We finally decided that God wanted adoption to be part of our story and were approved May 28th of last year, very exciting. Somewhere in the excitement and waiting to be chosen, I had a crazy list of things happen to me in early October.

Who knew, I was pregnant. No one was more surprised than we were, for sure!! God's amazing love for us and His plan is perfect for sure. So... it looks like I'll give birth to our baby Cole around June 2nd, just 10 days before our 10th anniversary. (God's sense of humor I'm thinking) We are still active with our open adoption agency (IAC) and really feel God has that as part of our family story as well. We'll wait with open hearts (and arms) to see what he has planned.

Just thought I'd share my story with you as well. I've prayed for baby Harper *and her family* since finding your story and thank God each morning for the awesome healing he has done!!

Alison said...

Aww.. Thanks so much for sharing! I really enjoyed reading and I've so enjoyed praying for you since the day miss Harper was born! :)

tara said...

hi kelly! what sweet pictures of harper today, my goodness she is looking so grown up! :)
our stories are so similiar, with our husband's being saved after we were married. seeing jim's honest and real love for our Lord has made me love him even more than i thoght possible. it absolutely made me respect him more. much more than any job he could hold. in the middle of finding our today that our little blessing is a baby girl, we are also facing a job loss. but i look so forward to how God will bless us through this bump.
My heart sings with yours that God has used Harper's story for HIS glory and that she is home, safe and sound. she is one blessed little angel! -tara

Melissa said...

who is that baby in all the pictures? it can't be harper, she doesn't have her name on her clothes...LOL (please know i am just teasing you)

Mandy said...

Just wanted to say Hi. I am a frequent visitor - just wanted to say two things - I live in a town named Harper and can get something postmarked with her birth date(and mine) on it if you like and i recently heard a song on the radio that made me think of you and Miss Harper, called "Where I'm From" by Jason Michael Carroll and it talks about living in the South and naming children after grandparents. Great Blog.
Mandy

Becky said...

Sweet Kelly! I enjoyed reading through your questions and answers. You have such a sweet testimony. I don't believe you do, but never feel that you did anything to cause Harper to be born ill. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Vanessa said...

Thanks for sharing some of your story with us!! I too am struggling with secondary infertility and we will see a new doctor on Monday! So we're praying for a miracle!!

Allisyn said...

Hi Kelly.. I to like other have been following your blog. It is one of the first ones I look at when I jump into the blog world. I have only one son, who is married and someday I hope to be a grandma. Oh and I just found your recipe blog.. hmmm I have already printed off a few to try out this weekend. Hope you and your little family have a great weekend.

Kari said...

I have said this before and I don't mind repeating it! You have such a wonderful testimony for God! And, I am so blessed and glad you are willing to share it! Thank you. If I only get one thing from your blog {which I don't get JUST ONE Thing..} it is that I realized I need to be a better witness for Him! Thank you for that!

kristin said...

I so enjoy your blog and the honest, down to earth way you write. Harper is just a beautiful baby!

Please don't absolutely rule out another child. They are miracles from God and to have even one is such a blessing. It took me over 2years to have my first at 29 and then my husband was diagnosed with a chronic illness that required medication and we were told not to conceive while on that. I was so happy with just one child and we felt blessed. It takes 3 months for this certain medication to get out of the system and 7 years later he went into remission, was able to discontinue the medication
and on the 4th month I became pregnant. There are 7 years, 9 months between my girls, I was 37,
but I so love the age difference and the 2 of them are absolutely crazy over one another. I love my life and my God. Many, many blessings, Kelly!

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Mandy said...

It's nice reading more about you and your story. :)

Immeasurably More Mama said...

Harper is SO CUTE!!! I am loving the ice cream onesie...she is just pure sugar and I could just eat her up!

Did you get a new camera? Your photos are gorgeous.

Donnetta said...

Thanks so much for sharing your life with us. Harper is beautiful! I love the pic with the jeans. TOO CUTE!

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for awhile now and finally decided to comment! It has been great watching Harper grow and following your story. And yes, God has a GREAT sense of humor!

Laura Rucker said...

Thanks for all of the info. My first born sons name is Chase( Where my husband and I met... Chase bank) and his middle name is HARLAN! Named after a dear friend of my husband who was named Neal Harlan. It is so nice to have meaning in childrens names. I also have a Carter Payne, and Twins Michael Edmund and Lily Kate!

The Allens said...

Kelly, I went to your post on your baby names and it brought tears to my eyes to read about your grandfather. My Papa Roy was also a POW in WWII for several years. His stories were amazing. He was a minister for nearly 50 years and was truly the greatest man I've ever know. He passed away in 2007, the same weekend that my now-husband and I committed to spend the rest of our lives together. God replaced my Papa with someone after his own heart.

Anyway, it meant a lot to me.

Sara Allen

Elizabeth said...

I just got your sweet thank you note, and I must admit I felt like I was getting mail from someone famous! You live down the street from two of my best friends, and from my grandparents. Next time I'm in town I want to leave dinner at your doorstep! And I love that your real-life signature looks just like your bloggy one. So fun!

I enjoyed reading your answers here. I didn't know a lot of these things. I can tell you love being a mommy!

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

I've been reading since Harper was born but not commenting much since I know you have had SO many to read. Just had to say...even though I'm MUCH older than you, I had much the same experience up to a point. I had to do Clomid and my son (now almost 23)did NOT want to be born. He kept sliding up and down...the difference for us, I think, was that they ended up taking me down for an emergency C-section...he wasn't breathing and it was scary...very scary...more so for my husband than me as I was a little out of it after 14 hours of labor and then the section. The blessing though, was that after about four hours, he was stable and just fine so they were able to bring him to me.

I know that God will continue to bless your precious family and I look forward to reading your blog as Harper continues to flourish!

Erin said...

So I love how you don't scarp book! I would love to scrapbook but I dont have the time or the money! I use my blog as a scrapbook for my daughter! I can't wait for her to go through the thousands of post that there will be when she gets old enough to read! Both of our daughters will so appreciate it!

Maybe I can name my next child Harper, if we have a girl and GET ALL THOSE CUTE HAND ME DOWNS!!!

I have never heard of Blogher and want to check it out because I believe there is a convention coming up? Do you know anything about that? Is there a link to blogher?

Tina said...

Just wow! you really are just a woman of God and I love reading your blog. I have a three yesr old daughter and she is the love of my life I know that love so well I also have a precious baby girl in Heaven and cant wait to hold that little angel again. Thank you for your writings they bless so many and they bless me....

Kelly H said...

What a wonderful story you have. I just had a baby on Halloween and believe me I know how staying in your pjs all day feels. I remember thinking will I ever brush my teeth again. My sister is having a baby in May and is going to name her Harper. Love it!! I love reading your blog. I found it randomly and it such great reading. Good luck with everything and keep those presh pictures coming. You can check out my blog at http://preggofabulous.blogspot.com/
Definitely not as exciting, just pics of my baby boy and his milestones!! Take care - Kelly Hipsher

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the insight. It was fun learning about you!

Jenna said...

I enjoy you. :-)

Mrs. McB said...

Thank you for your testimony!!!!
I really enjoyed reading about you!!!!

Danyele Easterhaus said...

i love all the answers...good stuff. and i have total etsy love!!! and monogram love!

i want to lovingly change the adoption language at the end of your post. you said, "unable to have children" and they are choosing to adopt...people (including me) can be unable to have "biological" children. i know what you mean and you didn't hurt my feelings, but i just want to bring a little awareness of how a little thing like that can make a child who is adopted feel "unnatural" or "second choice".

and...i love your blog...and i love harpers fun clothes! super fun!

Michele said...

I love the new pictures! What a doll! I've read your blog for a couple of years, so I already knew some of the answers to the questions, but I loved hearing about the others. I would love to hear some more "answers" if you have a chance in another post.

Kylie and crew. said...

I can't believe you are 35! You don't look it at ALL! I love reading your blog. It's great to read about other people passionately serving our Jesus! You have a gift. Keep it up.

Tammy On the Go said...

I hope you and your readers will now pray for our Joshua...on our blog are some details..

Corby and Lauren said...

Too bad our Harpers are going to be so close in age (that and the fact that I'm a stranger!)... or else we could really hit the jackpot with her precious clothes!!! I love seeing all of the different monogrammed outfits- they inspire me for when our Harper is here!

Flo and Grace said...

Kelly, thanks for your honesty! I love hearing testimonies and yours seemed.....well, recognizable in a word. *Why do churches and singledom not mix well, anyhow? I felt the same way.*

I'm so glad our little girls are so close in age, maybe one day they can meet up. Sophie is one month old today!!!!

Flo

Jen said...

Hey Kelly...I was wondering who some of your fav sellers are on ETSY. I am constantly looking at things for my baby and was wondering if you had some fav. places to shop! Thanks

We've Got Scents said...

Thanks for sharing 'yourself' in depth with us. And those cute pictures of that precious little one:) Absolutely beautiful!
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Susie said...

Kelly,
I stumbled onto your blog by hitting a Pray for Harper link on a friends blog just a few days after she was born. Your open and honest personality really touched me and I have enjoyed reading about your sweet little blessing ever since. One night after I read your blog I woke up at 4 in the morning with Harper on my mind I knew I was suppossed to pray for her right then. God has truly been with you all the way!
In Him,
Susie from Indiana

We don't have a Sonic around here but you sure make them sound tempting! :)

Jennifer said...

Hey Kelly~ Great Q & A session! I enjoyed reading your answers and thoughts.

Hope you are staying warm!

Sarah said...

Kelly,
I enjoy reading about your wonderful life and I'm so happy I came across your blog right before you had Harper. I haven't gone to church in ages and am finally going again this Sunday because you have inspired me.
Thank you
Sarah

Rathi said...

Love the red sweater, Harper looks too cute in that! Have a great weekend! Loved the q and a post!

Lacy said...

Kelly! That is the BEST lipstick...I currently have 3 spiced sachets in various locations around me!!!! Don't leave home without it!
Lacy

Lacy said...

Kelly! That is the BEST lipstick...I currently have 3 spiced sachets in various locations around me!!!! Don't leave home without it!
Lacy

Stacy said...

Kelly,
I have kept up with your story, after finding you on a friends blog site!! I have cried, I have prayed and I have rejoiced everyday since Harper was born...I find your strength in the Lord so refreshing!! My first daughter Bethanie, passed away when she was 1 year old in a drowing accident and the Lord pulled me through that. You truly have an angel in your arms...thank you for sharing her with us all
PS...I gave you an award....
Thanks
Stacy (arkstacia)
Arkansas

Jess said...

I don't recall how I found your blog, but I started reading it just after Harper's arrival and look forward to your daily posts and to see how cute she is! Funny enough, Harper is the name we've chosen for our baby girl due in July and seeing how girly your Harper is, has made me love the name even more than I already did.

I'm so with you on the 20lbs from clomid! But it's so worth it. :)

Off to shop on ebay and etsy! Thanks for sharing your sources for the cute personalized clothing.

Kristin said...

Kelly,

I just love you so much! I hope that isn't too weird to say. I just thank you so much for your blog...you are the one who made me want to be a better Christian. I have been saved since I was a little girl, but never really tried to know or learn more, other than just praying daily. I kept thinking to myself lately, is it too late? Did I wait too long? How am I supposed to proclaim myself to be a good Christian when I haven't done anything for all of these years? Then, just now you wrote about your Dad and that just gave me such hope! I can tell he is such a wonderful man, and to know that he became a Christian later in life, that just answered my question. It's never too late to want to be closer to the Lord. You just have no idea how much your words tonight have touched me. It also gives me such hope for my husband, who doesn't give any thought at all to going to church or being a Christian. There is hope and I will keep praying! Thank you Kelly!!

Pamela said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to share. I know how busy you are being a new mom and you are probably really tired also! Thanks again and I love looking at the pics.

GrannySmithGreen said...

I am so SO happy for all of you. You trials have proven to be a blessing to so many. God does work in mysterious ways, doesn't He! Have a wonderful weekend!

Amanda said...

Kelly,

I have to tell you, my husband and I struggled with infertility for 5 years. We did in vitro and had a beautiful baby girl. After we had our first baby, we didn't use any "family planning" devices because we thought that if we were able to get pregnant on our own that it would be a blessing no matter when it came.

When my daughter was just turning a year, my husband started getting the baby itch. I told him that it absolutely was not time for another baby and that we would start trying when our daughter was about 18 months and if we didn't get pregnant by the time she was 2 we would look at doing in vitro again. Little did I know, I was already pregnant when I shared my plan! It was just God reminding me that the more I try to plan things the more plans change (obviously because His are better). We had a beautiful baby boy when my daughter was 20 months. He will be a year old on Easter!

The point of my story is to expect the unexpected when you have kids!

The Trombly's said...

What a great post. Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions. I stumbled across your blog and have been hooked ever since. I totally feel like we could be friends in real-life! That Harper of yours just gets cuter every day! God bless.

Lyndsay said...

We went through very similiar struggles trying to get pregnant. I too took Clomid for months with no results. I have PCOS, but I'm not insulin resistant. My husband and I went to a Fertility Specialist and we did 4 rounds of IUI and never got pregnant. Then we did IVF twice and got pregnant the second time, but I miscarried at 6 weeks. We decided to take a break and went to DisneyWorld and right after that I got pregnant naturally aka Totally GOD!!! I didn't know I was pregnant when we went to an adoption class, but we both felt it wasn't right for us. A few weeks later we found out. Talk about knock me off the chair! Owen was born in January 2007 and when he was 8 months old we got pregnant again! Jack is now 8 months and we are loving our two boys. We don't know if God has anymore in store for us, but we are open to it. They are precious gifts. Thank you for being so honest and open on your blog about God's work in your life. Harper is a lucky little girl! Blessings!

Elyse said...

Thanks for sharing with us. I really liked reading all the answers to the questions. Thanks for sharing your testimony. It is always great to read how God has brought His own to Himself!
Elyse
P.S. Love that you shop at Walmart for your clothes! And by the way you don't look frumpy!:)

Katy said...

Liked reading your answers. Gosh, can't believe I don't have much more to say...guess I'm just tired.
Oh, yea....I read about your baby names....all three of my children are named after family (last) names.

Kylie said...

I clicked on the link to read about your baby names- my son is Hudson :) He's 3 and it's still the only boy name my husband and I love! If we ever have another boy some day we're in trouble! We loved the sound of Hudson with our last name (Higgins) and as a tribute to the great missionary, Hudson Taylor. (I got pregnant while we were serving overseas) but we named our boy Hudson Thomas (my dad is Thomas). Names are so special. My daughter's name is Avery (she's 1) but I've been telling my husband for several months now that if we have another girl one day I want to name her Harper! I think it is the most beautiful name (ya know, besides Avery Elizabeth and Hudson Thomas!!) Thanks for sharing- loved the Q&A!

Abby Johns said...

Harper is so darn precious, what a blessing she is! I absolutely adore all her cute little outfits, such a snazzy little girl!

Honestly, becoming a reader of your blog has definitely drawn me closer to God and continues to make me want to continue to strengthen my faith. Thank you so much for sharing your life with me and all your other readers. Everyday I refresh my Blogger Dashboard, looking for the title of a post with an adorable picture of Harper's little face next to it.

wife.mom.nurse said...

It is so good to hear your story. I originally saw you on Angie's blog Audrey Caroline. (About a year ago)

I just want you to know that your blog has played a part in strengthening my faith.

Thank you for sharing your life ")

Julie

Jenni said...

hi kelly,

i was one of those people who found your blog the day after harper was born and have visited every day since. i love reading about your journey. I had a similar experience with my son jonah (now 3) when he was born... he was having seizures due to a stressful birth. God healed him too! I haven't been the same since... wow, what a life changing experience. anyway, just wanted to say hi and encourage you as you shine Christ's love through your blog.

Blessings! Jenni

Lauren said...

Kelly- I love when you do this because it's soooo fun learning more about you!!! Love ya, my friend!!!! :o)

Carrie said...

I stumbled upon you blog, via a friends Facebook page shortly after Harper was born. I have been following ever since. I am so glad that you posted how you came up with her name. I have a 6 year old Harper, and I am asked all the time how did you come up with her name thats different. My husband and I just loved it and it was meant to be her name.

Your blog and faith is inspiring. You have touched so many lives in the simplest of ways. I have started a blog of my own, and I am working on trying to blog more. I want to treasure the moments that may seem simple now, but will be so much more in the future.

Your Harper is so precious, and I can tell she has stolen your heart. Isn't being a Mother great?!?!

Take care and enjoy every moment as the pass way to fast!

Carrie

Beth Herring said...

Kelly - I have followed your blog since Harper was born and began praying for her. I am thrilled that our Lord reached down and touched her precious little body and healed her. God is so good and merciful and I am so thankful for what He has done and continues to do in your lives.

Many, Many blessings,
Beth Herring (Louisiana)

MamaBear said...

This was fun to read! I'd been reading since Christmas, but it was great to hear more of your story. You mentioned that you'll never scrapbook...If you are ever interested in having your blog turned into a book, I have a Blog Design business. I can Feel free to contact me with any questions.

http://www.yourblogtobook.blogspot.com

Amanda said...

Terrific story about your daddy! Thanks for sharing so much.
Amanda in LR

All About Me said...

Kelly, I wanted you to know that I have been following your blog for sometime and you have inspired me so much that I have started my own. Really just to keep my family informed and also keep me busy while I'm waiting for baby.

I was praying so hard for your family and baby Harper and I just love that everything is great now! Just wanted to say Thank You! I would be lucky if I could grow into half the person you have become!

Melody said...

Thanks for all those answers! I NEVER, in a million years, would have guessed that you are 35!! Seriously! This whole time I've been reading your blog I've looked at your pictures and just assumed you were in your early 20's!!

Unknown said...

Kelly, thank you for answering so honestly.

Harper is beautiful!

Sheryl

tickledpink said...

What a sweet post! I love the story about your Dad! Harper looks adorable in every picture! Your blog has been such a testimony to me and to others all over! You truly inspire me! Take care!

Paige said...

You are one amazing woman! Thank you for sharing this!

Bethany said...

Kelly--

Don't rule out more babies just yet! I felt similar to you when I had my first, that perhaps one would be great, and while I didn't have to go through all you endured with Harper, I did have a very difficult time pushing and was very much in pain for weeks postpartum. I also had the worst time of anyone I know getting used to the groove of having my baby, so when I finally got into a routine and my baby girl was on a schedule, it was as if I'd just defeated an army of "I can'ts" "I don't think sos" and I won'ts." Now three and a half years later I have another little girl, totalling 2, and I couldn't imagine a better life than what we have right now. My girls have eachother as close friends and as much fun as I had dressing the first, I've had that times a hundred dressing the second, and dressing them in coordinating attire! You are such an awesome mama already and you're such a girly girl with Harper--wouldn't you love for her to have a sister or a brother? Keep thinking and praying about it, and in the end go with your heart and God's plan. But as a huge fan of yours, I'm hoping you'll go for more babies!!

Sending love to you and Harper from Ohio--
Bethany V

Ang said...

We are so happy that Harper is feeling better. Hope you have a great Saturday!
Ang
Thanks again for LEigh Ann's info she is so wonderful.

Ashley said...

Hey Kelly! I live in Centerton do hopefully sometime we can meet!!! I am pregnant and went through the same thing you went through your first 15 weeks... it's been hard. I am now almost 6 1/2 and can barely walk! I feel old and I am almost 27! I love your blog, I love your stories.... so inspiring! I have been praying for you and Harper... and the family! HUGS!

angela said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melody Forest McKee said...

Kelly,
I have been reading your blog since Harper was born. Let me start off by saying that she is precious! I am so thankful they didn't have to go through with the ECMO. My husband and I got pregnant in July 07 and miscarried at about 10 weeks. We have been trying since then. I am currently on clomid and metformin. Anyway, with all of that said, Harper is at the top of our list for a baby girl. We both love the musician Ben Harper...especially the song "Forever." That is how we came up with the name. Someday it will happen. I know it will.
Have a wonderful day!
Melody

In His Army said...

Kelly I loved reading this post and it was so well put. I am so thankful for your testimony and your willingness to share it! I laughed about being "blog famous" because I had sent out an e-mail witha linkt o your blog to my cowrokers (15 or so)...no everytime I pass one in the hall they're like, How's Kelly?! or How's Harper?" I have had several people and friends that rant and rave over how they love your blog adn are still reading it!!!! We had to pull up pictures of Harper at work the other day just to see how cute she was lloking!

ChelseaSalomone said...

Hi Kelly,
My name is Chelsea. I actually found your blog the day Harper was born (at the first hospital post though). I honestly can't even remember how I stumbled upon it. But like the hundreds of thousands of others, I'm hooked. LOVE your cute decorating ideas, recipies (the butterfinger cake was DELICIOUS)... I have two questions for you
1) I don't know if you're sharing this or not, but if so, when/are you planning to go back to work?
2) What is your daily routine like with Harper? What does your daily schedule?

Thanks!!

Lavender Chick said...

Kelly - I just wanted you to know how happy and relieved I am to here how well little Harper is doing. You are so very blessed to have her, and Harper is so very blessed to have you as her mommy.

Thrifty Decor Chick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Thrifty Decor Chick said...

So nice to learn more about you! We have one child (I have an 18-year-old stepdaugher too) and LOVE our family of three! I still haven't gotten the bug for more, and doubt I will. (He's two.) I knew before I had him I just wanted one and many of our friends don't understand how I could be happy with one child. It's bliss to us. Just enjoy your time with her and you'll know in your heart if you want more. So glad she is doing well!!

Hailey said...

Kelly,

I have been following your blog for several weeks now, & I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it! Thank you for sharing your story & thank you for sharing your precious Harper with us!

Warmest blessings!

My 3 Sons said...

Kelly,
Love your blog, your faith and your positivity. Harper is a beautiful gift from God.

I had never read your post on names. I smiled at the boy name, Hudson Walker. Walker is my third son's name and my nephew is named Hudson. What great taste the three of us had with boy names!!!

I enjoy your post and continue to pray for you all.

Blessing,
Karie in Texas

Alyssa said...

Thanks for posting so much! I recently found your blog (actually it was Harper's birthday) and I've gone back and started reading your archive of blogs. You're an amazing woman of God and I aspire to have the kind of relationship you have with him. You also dress really cute! Seeing all of your outfits has got me itching to go shopping and buy more dresses!
Alyssa

Reticent Meanderings said...

Hi Kelly!

I have enjoyed reading your blog since discovering it right after you had Harper and requested prayer on her behalf. You are a beautiful young woman - you DO NOT have beady eyes! Your faith is inspirational, but I don't have to tell you that. Lots of others already have. :) It is wonderful to read about how you are adjusting to your new role as a mom at home, and to see Harper's little online progressive fashion show via your blog. :)

I have been wondering about one thing you mentioned as Harper was about to be released from the hospital. You mentioned that after the MRI, a concern was raised about the lining of her brain. Is that still a concern or has that been resolved? Still praying for all of you anyway, and celebrating your little victories right along with you. :)

P.S. ~ Loved your dad's comment at the beginning of the comments on this post. Sweet.

McFarland Family said...

Thanks for responding and opening up your life to us in bloggerland:)

Jennifer said...

Hi Kelly,
I started reading your blog a few days after Miss Harper was born and I was instantly hooked. Your faith and your positive attitude are so very inspiring. Thank you for being a truly uplifting part of my day!

The Bertram's said...

Kelly,
Okay please don't think i'm crazy, I have become such a fan of you, your family, and your blog -but I have to tell you who I am. It is such a small world. So I have a blog and a few weeks back I noticed that several of my Ouachita friends (and several non-Ouachita friends), had the "Praying for Harper" decal on their blogs - so I checked it out. I was telling my Mother in Law about you guys and Harper because she used to work in Labor and delivery and is very into babies and stuff like this - so she starting reading your blog - and she said, "Devin that is the girl that came into Briar Patch that was pregnant that we told her she looked just like you (her daughter in law) - then she told us she went to Ouachita." I remember my mother in law telling me this, but at the time did not know that you had a blog. At this point, I am sure you are thinking I am crazy and that you don't remember that happening, which is why I have been hesitant to comment or even say anything. So I am the girl that is also pregnant that went to Ouachita that my mother in law told you you looked like when you were in her bridal shop one day. Well first off I have to say, you are way cuter than me, and I am so flattered by the compliment. You are a beautiful girl inside and out. Second off, I have been praying for you and Harper. I go to my moms house almost everyday and pass a street called Harper Lane, when I do that is my reminder to pray for you guys! I am so blown away by your love for God and so thankful that you have been able to use this blog for God's glory. You are helping further God's kingdom which is so exciting. I just love it. Anyways, sorry this was so long, and I hope you remember what I am talking about - so I don't sound too crazy. Good luck with everything, you are such an amazing mother. Maybe one day when everything settles down we can actually meet.
In Him,
Devin

Creekmore's said...

I have to share a few sites with you of friends of mine that make things. I know how you love Monogramed things. LOL My friend Amy makes the cutiest monogramed and appliqued things. Here's here site and she also has an Etsy page: www.angelaccents.blogspot.com And another friend does beautiful smocking: http://littleshowoffs.blogspot.com/
We're AR girls too.
I love that you are all home now and reading about the typical experiences of being home with a newborn.

LSU Melanie said...

kelly
Harper gets more and more precious everyday! I know yall are having so much fun with all of her bows and cute little dresses. I too am enjoying everything pink:) Well Happy Mardi Gras!!!!
love your friend from new orleans!

Corrie said...

Kelly,

Check out these 2 websites:

http://www.amonogramboutique.com/

http://www.custombabyboutique.com/

Enjoy!

Corrie

Sarah said...

Hi Kelly,

I'm thrilled that Harper is doing so well. I was wondering if you had ever thought of going to seminary and serving a church yourself. I'm a pastor's daughter and felt called into the ministry early in my life. I'm in seminary now and it's amazing how special it is to know that my mom (and grandfather and great-grandfather!!) walked this same journey. Obviously I only know you through your blog, but you have such a strong and beautiful faith and I think you would have so much to share with a congregation in a leadership position!!

Grace and Peace,
Sarah :)

Jo said...

I found your blog from thebigmamablog.com when she asked for prayers for you and baby Harper as she was flown to St. Francis NICU in Tulsa. You have a great number of persons praying for all of you in NE Oklahoma...and as a contributor to the Ronald McDonald House in Tulsa through our Tri Delta Alummae Chapter, it's neat to know someone who has benefitted from staying there. Harper is on the Parish prayer chain, and will remain there as she makes such great progress. Shalom, Jo B.

Unknown said...

Hi there! I have been reading your blog for a long time. i'm addicted to blog reading - especially baby blogs and blogs that are Godly. Yours is BOTH! Congratulations on the birth of your precious Harper. She is a doll. I know you have been on a rollercoaster, but you are so blessed to have her home after such a rocky and scary start. I love the name Harper. I know as a new Mom - you probably don't want anyone stealing that name - but I must confess I shared the name with my cousin and she loves it! We live in a small West Texas town, so it's not likely they will meet - so no worries there! She's not sure it's a girl yet - but I will keep you posted! We may be begging to buy all that monogrammed stuff one day! Or if you're like I was with my preemie son (Logan) - you will find it hard to give anything up! He's 8 and I still struggle with that! I am rambling and you have a lot to do and a lot to read - but I felt compelled to let you know that your blog moves me and I will keep your sweet family in my prayers! I hope to have a little Harper in my family in August. If it's a girl her name will be Harper Grace. I haven't shared Harper's birth story with her, but one day I will. I helped her name her firstborn - a boy - Leyton Storm and am helping her name this baby! She, too, struggled with infertility - Clomid, IUI and then finally got pregnant in His perfecting timing, not in ours! Blessings to you and yours! Solamente fe, Tessa

Unknown said...

I just realized that I am signed on in my sons gmail. Yes - he's only 8 and has an email account! They grow up so fast! Anyway - I forgot to mention that your story about your Dad and God's sense of humor is so awesome! I love it! Oh, and I think I stumbled upon your blog from Amanda's blog. My church has done Beth Moore bible study and I was so excited to find her blog, and now yours! Your story is inspiring and your daughter will love reading it someday! I want to blog, I'm just not sure where to start! Bless You!

laura said...

LOVE the pics, what a cutie! She is simply adorable. I thank God continuously for working in her precious life, and I love how you have used your story to bring Him glory! We rejoice with you!

Lisa said...

Hi Kelly,
Thanks for the sweet note thanking me for the diaper covers and burp cloth. If you haven't see webshots, you might like to check it out. It allows you to put a slide show on your blog. I find if way easier than individual pictures. Check out my latest slide show at my blog:

astitchoffaith.blogspot.com

Love in Christ,

Lisa Broooks

Robin said...

I loved learning more about you and your family. Your faith is so strong and inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I absolutely love Harper in her little jeans she is just too cute for words.

WLJZA said...

Kelly, thanks for sharing about your struggle with infertility and how God has given you a miracle. My husband and I also struggled with infertility and have our own miracle baby - he is now 16 months old. I started reading your blog when Harper was 1 day old, and have been praying for your family through this journey.

vera said...

I just wanted to pop in and say that I have been praying and praying for Harper, and that she is the absolute most A-DORABLE bundle of sweetness! ♥

Sandy M. said...

You have such a sweet spirit. It is neat to hear your history and it is such a joy to hear how the Lord has worked in your life. Harper is an absolute doll. The biggest surprise in your post is that you are 35! My how you look 10 years younger than that! I realize God may not bless you with another child but I encourage you to keep the door open. You can't believe how much fun and delight comes with each addition. It would be fun for Harper to have a sib. But if God gives you just one, your heart will be full and it will be the right plan for your family. Just don't be afraid to go for another. So happy to hear how well you all are. Blessings to you,

Sandy
Plano, TX

Anonymous said...

Praying right now!
Psalms 121:5-8 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Leza said...

Thanks for the small insight. I never would have guessed your cute clothes were from Walmart. You always look so fashionable. I always make the mistake of assuming the "cute" clothes are the pricey clothes.

The new pics are adorable...as usual. As fashionable as you are, I think Harper will be the most fashionable kid on the block for many to come and she'll never forget her name b/c it will be on everything.:D

Enjoy your new bundle of joy. You both are going to be very great parents and your wonderful family and ever present Faith will get you through the tough roads and bring joy to your lives.

God Bless

Leza said...

Thanks for the small insight. I never would have guessed your cute clothes were from Walmart. You always look so fashionable. I always make the mistake of assuming the "cute" clothes are the pricey clothes.

The new pics are adorable...as usual. As fashionable as you are, I think Harper will be the most fashionable kid on the block for many to come and she'll never forget her name b/c it will be on everything.:D

Enjoy your new bundle of joy. You both are going to be very great parents and your wonderful family and ever present Faith will get you through the tough roads and bring joy to your lives.

God Bless

Holly said...

I have finally taken the time to read your blog through. I didn't start following until Harper was born, but feel completely caught up now! I went through a long infertilty battle to have my girls 4 years ago. It went have been nice to read something like your blog for assurance that it can be survived. God worked in a miracle in our lives and also gave us beautiful babies in the process. He is so good and so faitful! Thank you for being a bold Christian!
Enjoying your family!
Holly
Southside, AL

also... you are such a Domestic Diva... your parties/showers are the BEST!!

Doodle Bugs said...

What a fun post! I did not ask you a question but these that you answered were great! I love that you shared your answers with everyone!

ashley, kyle, clay, and avery said...

Hi Kelly! This is my first time to comment on your blog, but have been reading it for a month or so. Harper is a doll! I was just reading the post about her name. And, my granmother's maiden name was Harlan, too! Have a great day!

Shannon said...

Hi Kelly,
This is random, but you used to have a list of blogs of women due in the coming year on your blog. There was one in particular "jamie" (due in April) that I enjoyed reading. I've noticed that blog list is gone. Can you repost or send me the link to Jamie's blog?
Thanks so much! I really enjoy your blog too!

Sara said...

Kelly,

My husband and I have been trying to conceive for awhile now with no luck. I dread the idea of fertility treatments so I have put off visiting a doctor for far too long. I just kind of don't want to know 'for sure' that we must go down that path. I keep hoping for a miracle just like yours.

When I finally do get my heart's desire, I plan to use the name Harper. I have loved the name for years and after seeing your little sweetie, it makes the name that more precious. I also want to use a family name for her middle name - Ryan. It is my grandmother's maiden name and my middle name. I hated it as a kid but as an adult, I have grown to cherish it. Many years from now, your Harper (and hopefully, mine!) will be proud to carry a family name.

annalee said...

what precious insight into your precious family! i especially love the story of how your dad became a minister. that God of ours sure is powerful and full of awesome surprises!

McCall said...

Hudson is my son's name. He is five with blonde hair, blue eyes and dimples! I first heard the name from a kid in our jr. high youth group at a church my husband worked for. He was the coolest kid and was on fire for the Lord. We fell in love with the name and said if we ever had a boy, that would be his name. Great choice. Mommy of two boys and expecting in Oct, from Texas! Hook'em horns!

BLC :o said...

Hi K! I just wanted to let you know I really really really loved this post. Many thanks for sharing! Xoxo-BLC

PS: I just finished a little splurge in the clothing dept. at Wally World, compliments to you! :)