Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I love Mommy

First - thank you for all the suggestions on dining choices in the Redneck Rivera! :-) Now - how to narrow it down to just a few places? We will have fun picking!

At this age - things seem to change and develop on a daily basis. Harper sat up and enjoyed reading books and holding them on her own today for the first time. I hope she will always love reading. I am not much of a reader these days but only for lack of time. I grew up in love with the library. I can't wait to read the Little House on the Prairie series to her and Nancy Drew and Little Women and Anne of Green Gables. What were your favorite childhood books?
Another big thing happened last night - Harper has had an issue with tongue thrust when she eats. More food comes out than goes in and I've been very worried about it. I had planned to wait a few more weeks and then think about consulting a doctor or therapist but all of the sudden last night - she just started eating correctly! She ate three jars of food and just finally got it right! I was cheering and clapping and shouting! It was just such a relief to see it worked itself out over night!!! And luckily today - she has had no problem either! Now maybe soon we can try to eat "puffs!" I have been waiting to be able to give her a little snack!
I love this outfit - can you tell why? It says "I love mommy". (Thank you Donna!) I love this girl so much. I tell her every night when she goes to bed that no one will ever love her more than her momma (except maybe her daddy) and I will always love her and be her best friend. Now I plan to be more of a mom than a friend to her as she grows up but I hope as she becomes an adult she will consider me her friend. I know there will be years to come where she may not like me too much. When I won't let her wear "that outfit" or go to "that party" or let her do something just because "everyone else is doing it". I just want her to know that no one will ever love her more or do more to help her have the best life than me. There are so many things I want to do with her - shop for clothes, get pedicures, go on mother/daughter trips, teach her to cook........I can't wait for every second of her little life!

But right now - I'm just loving the little things in life like holding books and eating properly!

97 comments:

NeverEnoughTime said...

all 4 of our children were tongue tied! the little thing under your tongue grows out to the tip and your tongue is indented! The worst was Logan who did not get his fixed until 2 years-he could not lick an ice cream cone or stick out his tongue!! My husband was born with it as well! I understand how happy you can get when the little things go right!!!

2SetsOfTwins4Me said...

she is precious reading her book

Sara Sexton said...

Kelly you are such a wonderful mom!

I'm glad Miss Harper worked out her eating thing on her own. I've discovered that with a lot of things with my DD....just when I get myself all worked up over something she's doing/not doing....she works it out!:)

I tell my little girl all the time how I'm always going to be her friend and mom and I love her sooo much. Aren't girls just the best?

Clementsville: Population of 5! said...

She's just too sweet! I hope one day to have a little girl so I can do the same things with her as you said. For right now I will just enjoy my two boys :)

Katie

Abby said...

Yay for small blessings!

Courtney said...

Well said! And I'm a personal fan of Anne of Green Gables myself!

Jenna said...

I'm just sitting here getting together my vote for Momma of the Year....guess who it's gonna be?!?! :-)

Unknown said...

My mom and I enjoyed reading the American Girl books when I was little.

Cardinal said...

That little Harper is just tooo cute!

Samantha said...

oh we just LOVE children books!!! We have a million!

Rachel said...

Harper is such a doll!! My favorite children's picture book was Petunia. It is about a goose. :)

krislyn. said...

Yay for Harper, learning how to eat! Ha.. It just took a little time!

A mother/daughter relationship is quite special. My mom and I sure have been blessed with a wonderful relationship, and now that I look back on my ackward teen/high school age I know the times I was frustrated with her she was just doing her best to protect me, and I am so thankful for all she did, or did not let me do! =)

Shopping dates, coffee dates (or Sonic Dates) ha, are always the best with your mom!

Have a fantastic day with your little girl!

Lauren said...

My little one did the same thing re: eating. One day it just clicked, and he started swallowing it right down. Unfortunately it did not make his meal times any less of a mess. =)

Jennifer said...

Look how sweet she looks sitting there reading her book!!

Joy said...

Reading was/is one of my FAVORITE things to do!!

Don't forget to read the Boxcar Children with her! It was one of those series I've read over and over.....

Kathleen said...

I doubt this is an issue, but if Harper is on Reglan for reflux. I would mention the tongue thrusting to the doctor. Our son had an allergic reaction to that medicine in the fashion. We stopped the medicine, and it stopped immediately, but if she is doing it at other times during the day ask the doctor.

Laura said...

Harper is just too cute!!! She is just precious sitting there reading her book!

My favorite books when I was young was the Nancy Drew Series. I read quite a few of them.

The Adventures of Baby Bond said...

Morgan has the same outfit and it is one of my favorites! My favorite book is Anne of Green Gables! I also enjoyed reading about all the great places to eat in Gulf Shores because we will be there in a few weeks. As of now my favorite place is still The Original Oyster House! Have a great week!

Courtney @ One Fine Wire said...

Congrats, I know that must be a relief!

Chele said...

I ask my daughter all the time if she will be my best friend (when she is grown up of course) ;)!

It is such an amazing bond between a mother and her daughter and it just increases as they get older!

Enjoy each precious minute while she is little ( i know you do). My sweet baby girl is 8 already!!!

BOWquet said...

She's so sweet "reading" her book!

I have a 9 1/2 month old daughter and I love doing girly things with her. They're the best! :)

Bourg Family said...

The books I remember the most from my childhood were both written by Roald Dahl. We read them as a class in 4th grade & I was enthralled in every detail. They were The BFG(Big Friendly Giant) & The Witches. I really can't remember any from my earlier years. Maybe I'll ask my mom if I had any favorites. I love reading Good Night NOLA by Cornell Landry & Snug as a Bug by Michael Elsohn Ross to Hadley before bedtime. The 1st book I bought her was God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren & it's a great nighttime/anytime story too. She also got a great book for her 1st bday froma sweet friend. The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop. It's a beautiful way to teach purity to young children. Does Harper have that one?

Kelly said...

Hi,

I've been following your blog for a few months now and have yet to comment. This post really hit home for me. I say the same thing to my daughter Brealy (7.5 months old). I always remind her that she is mommy's favorite little girl in the whole world and I can't wait for all the fun girl talks we will have. I love all the baby moments but I'm truly excited for those teenage years. When she crawls into my bed to tell me all about her first date and that one special guy... or the times that she comes to me for advise on friendship. I'm truly excited for it all! I also have a 2.5 yr old little boy whom I hope will confide in me as well. He is my little man and I can't wait for all the sporting events, sleepovers and fun times with him. I also always remind him that I will always be the most important woman in his life and no girl better forget that... ha! Oh parenthood what a wonderful thing!

Thanks for all the wonderful reads… your little girl is such a doll!

Kelly

TheFancyFritter said...

Awe! I love her reading her book! That is such a sweet picture! She is going to LOVE when you feed her puffs! My daughter loved them and couldn't get enough! :)

My favorite childhood book growing up was Corduroy and when a little older was Little Women.

Kelly said...

Hi Kelly. I've been reading your blog for awhile and really enjoy it. I've never commented because you just always have so many to get through anyway, but this time I just had to. My favorite books as a little girl were definitely the Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables. I think every little girl should read those. I also really got into reading with Beverly Cleary books. Ramona Quimby especially. Oh! and Amelia Bedelia was great too, anyone remember those!?!?

Anyway, reading your blog makes me really anxious to start motherhood. You are doing an amazing job and Harper will definitely always know how loved she is.

April said...

Hi Kelly!
Abby and I always love popping over and seeing how much Harper is growing and changing...she gets more and more beautiful all the time! She's at such a sweet stage right now...milk it for all it's worth!

Renae said...

These moments and times with my girls mean so much to me. It's so refreshing for me to take care of them and make them happy with just something as sweet as a smile.
Glad, you daughter was able to 'fix' the thirst thing without a trip to the doctor.

Renae said...

These moments and times with my girls mean so much to me. It's so refreshing for me to take care of them and make them happy with just something as sweet as a smile.
Glad, you daughter was able to 'fix' the thirst thing without a trip to the doctor.

Meghan said...

I loved The Babysitter's Club series growing up. I know that I kept up with what was coming out. I was into the 100's when I finished. I also loved Highlights, Anne of Green Gables, and Molly from the American Girl series. Harper is just gorgeous and I am so glad that she is getting the eating down! Thanks for all the great posts! I also saw on your mom's blog that your bro graduated from Texas AM. My dad is a graduate from there also! But since it's football season again I must give you a Roll Tide!

The Mama said...

I'VE GOT ALL GIRLS (4 TO BE EXACT) AND I REMEMBER WHEN MY FIRST WAS BORN AND I HAD THOSE SAME DREAMS OF SHOPPING AND COOKING. I THOUGHT IN 10 YRS SHE'D BE DOING THOSE THINGS WITH ME--- BOY WAS I WRONG. SHE'S ONLY 4 AND HAS BEEN IN THE KITCHEN WITH ME SINCE SHE WAS JUST 2. THE GIRL LOVES TO SHOP AND EAT OUT. IT'S JUST SUCH A BLAST. MY NEXT YOUNGEST ALSO LOVES TO BE IN THE KITCHEN AND MY THIRD LOVES TO BE OUTDOORS. WHO KNOWS ABOUT THE BABY-- I CAN'T TELL WHAT SHE LIKES YET. THEY'RE ALL SO FUN. YOU ENJOY THAT SWEET LITTLE GIRL- LIKE DUH, I KNOW YOU DO ALREADY:)

This Texas Momma said...

Awww, I love that outfit too! And I think the books that you want to read her are fantastic- they were all my favorites growing up. Well, those and Babysitter's club. But some how I don't think those have stood the test of time and become "classics:. ;)

Lauren said...

It truly is all about the little things, isn't it!!!!!! I love the way you love her Kelly!!! :)

Kubin's said...

Harper is so sweet! She does look a lot like her daddy. So does my daughter. Sometimes I wonder if I had anything to do with it, besides go through all the pain HA!
Her outfit if very cute. They don't make many "mommy" outfits.
Christie
TX

P.S.
Your blog makes my date. Keep it up! :)

Karen said...

What a precious photo of Harper sitting and looking at her book : )

The Allens said...

I am amazed, too, at how much things change EVERY day. Also, I was flabbergasted by your pictures of Harper side by side with Scott as a Baby. We're still trying to figure out if Aaron is related to either one of us, but I guess that's not a question for you! :)

Faith said...

I loved "I'll Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch (which you should totally read. My mom read it to me every night. Talks about a mom's never-ending love for her child). I also loved the Baby-Sitter's club and the Boxcar Children Series. I loved reading! LOL.

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

Hi Kelly!

Coupla things...
You absolutely MUST buy The Jesus Storybook Bible for Harper. It is beautifully written and illustrated. It's published by Zondervan.

Also, I tell my kids every night when I tuck them in that as much as mommy and daddy love them, Jesus loves them the MOST and the BEST! It's hard to believe that anyone could love them more, but of course Jesus DOES!

And Harper looks EXACTLY like Scott in his baby pics. OH my goodness, how sweet is that?

Some other fun board books you need for your collection: Jamberry, Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You, Brown Bear, Brown Bear. There are so many more, but those are fun to grow up with!

Emily said...

How fun! I'm a huge reader and hope Miles loves to read also.

I've been writing children's book reviews for Simple Kids along with some other great ladies! You should check out the list over there. It's simplekids.net. It's affiliated with Simple Mom!

Cathy said...

She's adorable!

J said...

As a literacy coach, Harper just stole my heart with the picture of her with the book! But let's be honest, I think she's had everyone's heart since she was born that reads your blog! Right now she's going to love rhyming books. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? is a must. As she gets a little older she will love "The Pigeon" and Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems. You will also have to get Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner because you get to read it with a Spanish accent! :) There are so many fun books that I could list but I didn't want to take up all of your comment room!

Renea Lynch said...

Take heart in knowing that her being your friend is all about how you raise her. :) It does happen sometimes. My daughter started her senior year of high school this year. She still lays her head in my lap and asks for her hair to be brushed. Shares all her little secrets (most of them...I'm sure there are some I'm better off not knowing!) lol, and tells me the goings on at school. She's truly one of my best friends and even though there are times when we may have to discipline they are VERY few and far between. She's more worried about disappointing us than what she may or may not be missing out on with the 'in-crowd'. She's very independent and happy. I wish you many years with Harper like I've had with my daughter. (and she loves books too!!!) lol Some of our favorites were the Beverly Cleary series, Superfudge and Ramona Quimby. :) And, let's not forget Charlotte's Web!

And praise God for the eating issue solving itself! amen!

Amanda said...

Hi! So I was reading some of the other comments on this post ans noticed one mentioned A&M! I'm a graduate and a third generation Aggie with multiple family members having gone there/ graduated. Any plans to watch the return of the southwest classic in October between A&M and Arkansas?

Anyway, I love children's books!! I have a very long list of favorites but the ones that come to mind right now are frog and toad, peter rabbit, american girl series, nancy drew, amelia bedelia, babysitters club and any of the newberry medal award winners!

Jessie said...

my mom swears that the whole tongue thrusting thing is a natural reflex in little babies to keep them from choking on stuff. she also swears that babies are not ready for cereal or food of any kind until that natual reflex turns itself around and starts lapping up food instead of pushing it out. They usually all grow out of it eventually. my oldest son was chowing down on chicken nuggets at 9 months old, but my second son was still choking on cheerios at 14 months. so, who knows? just shows you that all babies are different, but all still normal!

Andrea said...

I love books too and so do my girls!! They would rather be read to/look at books than play with toys most of the time!
You should definitely read her "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. Bet you won't make it through w/out crying! I can't :)
I remember Mom reading Janette Oke's childrens series to us. She used animals as the primary character and they taught lessons in character! "Spunky's Diary" was about a dog, and she has others featuring ducks and so on! You really should check into them!!
I check your blog daily! Thanks for being so cheerful, but real!!

Danielle (Life with the Hewitt Family) said...

When my son was born my mom found a copy of one of my favorite childhood books, The Digging-est Dog...it is so wonderful reading this book to my son. I just love it!

Jennifer said...

Great picture! I got a cute one of Evie reading too. Hoping she will love to read as much as I do - although I am not reading too much these days except blogs about 7 month olds. HA! I was a teacher before I had Evie. I LOVE Kevin Henkes books. He is my favorite author for children along with Robert Munsch. I read Babysitter Club books, Judy Blume books and I loved Little House books. I even remember pretending in 3rd grade to be Laura by taking an apple to school for snack. I had put butter and cinnamon on it so I warmed it on the radiator in the classroom. Glad I did not catch the classroom on fire!

Lauren said...

Yeah for books! I just started reading "The Little House On the Prarie" series to my 1st grader. I love, love reading to my children. My husband and I NEVER say "no" to books!

Ohhh, I'm starting to read to my 8 month. I love Sandra Boynton books. I sing them and Henry just loves them all! They are sturdy for babies!

You sound like such a great mama!

Kendra said...

Amelia Bedelia was tops in my world when I was little. Loved that crazy nanny! I have a boy, so I doubt I get to share her with him. But maybe one day we'll have a girl.

I'm a speech therapist with an emphasis in feeding delays. If she ever has trouble with tongue thrust again, present the spoon sideways (bowl)and not tip first. Does that make sense? It's just a good trick to help get those little immature tongues trained to go the right way.

Haley said...

I loved reading the Ramona books when I was little but I have always LOVED to read so anything is great. Just found out that my husband and I are expecting after a few months of trying. I love reading your blog about your precious family and all your tips! Thank you!

Diana said...

I have a picture of my oldest daughter reading like that. It is still my favorite picture of her. I have found that with kids that just when you think that there is something wrong with them developmentally, they usually figure it out. My oldest daughter rolled late, crawled late, and walked late. With each of those things, I had a doctor appointment set up to discuss the issues with the pediatrician. As soon as I would set up the appointment, she started each of those things! I guess she needed a little motivation!

Ginny said...

Kelly- Harper must be addicted to her pacifier! We hardly see any pictures of her actual smile anymore.

My daughter loved those, too. I just made sure I did not always have it plugged in "just because". (Only when they actually need it and I was in a situation where it was necessary).

The best advice ever given to me when you ween her off was to do it cold turkey. You basically act like you can't find it and tell her it's lost. It takes no more than 24 hours.

Good luck- I love seeing her smile!

Twice as Nice said...

I just had to smile when I read that you tell Harper no one will love her as much as you for I have always said that to my son.

I tell him now (he's 14) that I am the only women in his life until the day he finds someone special that will love and adore him as much as I do, then I will gladly step down! Have a great week.

Immeasurably More Mama said...

As a former kindergarten teacher, these pictures make me SO happy! D enjoys flipping through the pages of books and it just melts me when he puts one in my lap to read to him.

P.S. He woke up extra grouchy today so he's back in his crib! :)

Pauline said...

I can't wait for all those things either. I have 3 boys and one girl and we are going to have fun:) I look forward to going shopping and those other things you said and I am praying HARD that the teenage years won't be too bad. But having 4 kids...I don't know. But I do know that God is good and that He will take care of all of us.
Have a wonderful day.

Allisyn said...

My Mom is my best friend along with my two sisters... My mom is 80 years old and I hate to think of the day that I can not call her on my way home from work just to see what she has been up to. You need to get the book "I'll Love You Forever" it is such a sweet tender book... My son is married and living in Argentina and each time that we say goodbye I always tell him that I will love you forever. Harper is so very lucky to have you as her Mommy.

noahandlylasmommi said...

I love ALL of the books you listed. I remember reading all of them especially little house and nancy drew. I think I may have to read them again sometime just to brush up!

the4ofusut said...

I am so glad she figured it all out! The tongue thrust comes from eating a bottle. That is the motion they use to suck out of the bottle and it takes a little while to understand that it is no longer needed!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Nancy Drew books! I own every single one. Yea, I was a total Nancy nerd! Plus the whole Little House series... What great books! I loved reading growing up and still do when time permits.

Claire said...

I love so much reading about your family!

Cxx

Nichole Fisher said...

You hit all of my reading favorites! Nancy Drew, Little House, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables. Such good books with great female characters.

Judy said...

The "Elizabeth Gail" series is great! It is a Christian series for young girls that my daughter and I both read. We have also enjoyed the Janette Oke books, and she has now rewritten most of them for younger girls. Happy Reading! It will be sooner than you think.

Melanie said...

I have been reading Little House on the Prairie to the kids this summer & it has been so fun! We have had such interesting discussions of what life was like back then. My son is also now a great reader & he has read a lot of The Boxcar Children books, which was my all-time favorite series when I was little!
That is so wonderful about how Harper's eating issue was literally resolved over night, God is so GOOD!
You are such a sweet family!

Building Dave said...

I have always told my girls that there is nothing they can do that mommy won't love them...no matter how they act or naughty they are, mommy will ALWAYS, ALWAYS love them. Even if I discipline them, it doesn't mean that I don't love them...etc.

I started this when they were about Harpers age, and they are 5 and 7 now....I wanted them to know that they didn't have to "earn" my love by acting right (although we do stress proper manners, respect etc) that I love them for THEM...something I struggled with growing up. I think its worked, cause now, they'll finish it before I even get the words out...(usually with an eye roll from the 7 year old, but Hey! At least she's getting the message!)

Harper is precious and I love seeing her grow and thrive!!

Heather said...

I am totally with you on the reading- love to do it, but just can't find time for it these days!!! There will be PLENTY of time later for that, though.
I feel the same way you do about my sweet girl!

Robyn said...

Wow, Kelly, you summed up my feelings for my three girls in this post. Isn't it jsut wonderful when God grants us the desires of our heart?! I too am going to the Redneck Riveria soon. So it was great hearing all the restaurant choices. The thrust thing...I'm sure they told you was common in breastfed babies. My first one had it the worst/longest. It made me want to give up on feeding her food it was so frustrating but it did work itself out. Love your blog-

Father's Grace Ministries said...

Our girls and I LOVE reading good books- you hit our favourites too!- Love the Anne of Green gables series, Little Women series, Little House series ( We try to collect these all on DvD too), also like Mary Jones and her Bible, What Katy Did, Rachel Yoder Amish series, any good Christian historical fiction for girls, Beatrix Potter, the old Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories and vintage Little Golden Books.

Claire

Lynn D said...

Hey... wait a minute, I thought the Redneck Riveria was Panama City Beach.... :)

Gulf Shores is beach life for civilized folks...

Lynn in Alabama

Mary said...

My daughter gagged a lot too. When I first gave her those star shaped puffs, I broke the arms of the stars off and gave little itty bitty pieces. They disolves very fast so it is a good food to start with.
(I avoided fish crackers most of all. Those things don't melt in your mouth! I learned that the hard way.)

Rachel Moss said...

As a kid, my favorite books were Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Number the Stars. I was also a big fan of the Baby-Sitters' Club! As a kindergarten teacher, my favorite authors are Kevin Henkes and Mo Willems.
Currently, my 6.5 month old loves the board book Baby Giggles. She smiles every time I get it out. It has great photos of babies!

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

every time I see her it puts a smile on my face! Even when I am having a bad day! She is so precious!

Donna said...

Oh, Kelly. I finally made the blog! Harper is just precious in the little outfit I sent, as I knew she would be. It got me all choked up. When my boys were little we read the Velveteen Rabbit and the Golden books. I liked Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden ( don't think it's around anymore) books. Also, Guess How Much I Love You is really cute, and of course any thing about dinosaurs. We liked the Narnia books, too. Reading to Harper is one of the greatest gifts you can give her. That love will last a life time.
Keeping you in my heart in Ga.
Donna

mkmom591 said...

You must read her the American Girl books. I started reading them to my daughter when she was about
4. She's 18 now and still likes to go back and look them over.

The Taffs said...

I LOVED the Boxcar children books!

Harper looks as precious as always!

Fortner Family said...

Amelia Bedelia books were my favorite growing up and I can't wait to share them with Farrah! Harper is just the cutest thing ever!

His Doorkeeper said...

You know I have kept all your classic books...they are here anytime you get ready to read them to our Harper!! I have books ready to read to her too!

We want her to be a lifetime reader!!

Mom

By the way, I'm glad WE are friends!!

CathyBB said...

I could go on about children's books forever =) but I just had to say you have an excellent list already. I do hope you get the chance to try out Trixie Belden like Donna suggested - she's fantastic!!!

Thank you for sharing the stories on your prayer blog!

Rachel said...

I had so many favorites growing up! I teach now and enjoy reading them in my classroom today :)

You're such a wonderful mom, Kelly! I read your blog and makes me so excited to be a momma one day :)

momma said...

charlotte's web is a favorite of mine :)

also, wanda e brunstetter has a great series for little girls (my daughter started reading them when she was 8) about an amish little girl named rachel yoder. i think there are 4 in the set.

bobbsey twins are good and so are the box car children.

i teach 1st grade and reading is a strong passion of mine!!!

Stori said...

I loved the Anne series too, I still read it once every couple of years, I can't wait to share it with my daughter one day.

Dania Efird said...

Those years may come a lot earlier than you think! My 5 year old gets upset when I won't let her wear certain things! And I loved the Baby-Sitters Club books when I was younger. I can't wait for her to read them!

Thomas and Jamie said...

Oh how I can so sympathize with the last paragraph! Just 5 minutes ago I laid my sleeping baby boy down in his bed after about a 45 minute fit/time-out/check-in on him/still fit throwing/more time out/small swat here/there marathon. When he finally quieted down I went to check on him (thinking he was asleep) and he was just looking up at the ceiling. Once I picked him up I told him I loved him, but that he can't throw a fit like that and get away with it. Then, 5 minutes later when he fell asleep in my arms, I kissed him several times and told him how much I love him. (And he's only a year old...) Man, this mom thing just got a little more challenging but I love him so much more knowing that I'm doing right by him!!

taralynn819 said...

First of all, I love the above comment from your mom - so sweet!

Oh the children's books! I have to confess that I actually read more books for children than for adults! Right now I'm on "The Yearling".

I also love "Little Men" - so many good lessons for little and big kids alike in that treasure of a book!

And don't forget "The Secret Garden"! Every girl needs to read that!

Make sure to read her the books before letting her watch the movies. Hard to do in this book-turned-movie/show society but the stories are SO much more enriching when your own imagination illustrates each page! Plus you just can't replace an author's skillful and creative use of the English language with Hollywood's script versions.

You make me want to go sit and read now!

Kelli said...

I LOVED the Babysitter club books...I read my library's entire collection! Probably why I became a "professional" babysitter :)

From the daughter's perspective, having a mom is one of the greatest blessings in my life..she is my confidante, one of my best friends and knows me better than I know myself sometimes. And you DONT HAVE TO have all that teenage drama...my mom and I didn't..and we become closer every year! I hope you and Harper will be the same! :)

Karen At Home Blog said...

Praise God that everything worked itself out with little Harper's tongue. She is just so precious reading her books!!!!!
You are such a great Mom, I am sure you hear that all of the time. Just seeing you with your daughter brings so much hope and excitement to me. I can't wait to meet my little girl in a few months. I am just besides myself sometimes in anticipation of meeting her. You two have a very special relationship and I am sure it will always remain strong.

Karen

Kelli said...

My favorite book was The Boxcar Children. And I still cry over Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree.

Rebecca (Sam's wife) said...

i didn't have time to read through all the comments, but from audiology and speech path background and that tongue thrust is normal. It is b/c they have been sucking for their milk and it takes time for them to learn that they put their tongue into eat...it takes them time and like you said then it just clicks! they also don't have rotary chew for a while and just go up and down for a bit. i ask my slp friends all the time these questions. i am an audiologist with ped and educational experience. enjoy your little one!

Mama Bear said...

Growing up I loved Anne of Green Gables and American Girl. I didn't have anyone that read to me a lot so I make it a point to read to my Noah. It has really helped is speech come a long. He picks up so many words and sounds from me reading to him!
Right now his fav. is Goodnight moon (says Hush a lot from that book). :) We'll read that book a million times and it wont get old and he'll wanna hear it again!!

I read a previous post about her paci always in...and i think its fine, do whatever is comforting for Miss Harper. My Noah is all about is snuggies and comfort things and one of those comfort things was his paci. We started only giving his sucker(paci) to him when out in public and at naps and bedtime at a year. At 14 months it was only naps and bedtime and then at 15 months NONE. It took 2 nights of crying it out (me and him..HAHA). Its different for every child and I know you know to do whats best for Harper and whatever works for her and not someone elses child. Your a GREAT Momma. ;)

Rebekah said...

I have never commented on your blog before, although I read it almost every day!

I am a preschool teacher in ALASKA and I THANK YOU for understanding the importance of reading books to young children! If all parents would recognize the difference that early literacy would make in their child's life, then I would have a much easier job!!

Always remember that our children do lots of things "in their own time". When they are ready, they are ready!

I love the books "Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom", "Love You Forever" and "Commotion in the Ocean" they are for 3-6 year olds! So much fun!

Amber said...

Oh, I LOVED reading when I was younger! When I was in late elementary school, my mom would read Nancy Drew books out loud in my bed before I went to sleep. That is a sweet memory for me. Some of my favorite children's books are The Jolly Postman (it's interactive where you can take the letters and postcards out of pockets in the book and so fun!) and Parts.

Jacquie said...

I actually read the "Little House" books to my boys when they were in Elementary school. I loved them as a little girl, but when I read them to my "country" boys... it really seemed more up there alley than the little city girl I was. They loved them.

There were times in middle and high school I told my kids, "I love being your friend, but right now, I just have to be the mom". Those will be some of the times and conversations that you will remember and actually hold close to your heart when they are grown.

Anonymous said...

Look how sweet she looks sitting there reading her book!!!!!she is looking so cute..
--
Reenee
You cannot go wrong on the best security systems

Kylie said...

Having a young daughter myself, this post made me teary! I get it, every bit of it! That's why I love your blog so much :)

My favorite childhood books were the Ramona Quimby series and Babysitters Club. I still have a lot of them to pass down!

Hooray to Harper for eating so well!

Megan said...

I LOVED the Betsy Tacy series when I was a little girl. I also loved reading "All-of-a-kind-Family" books as well as the Carolyn Haywood series of books. These are all chapter books, but I'm a huge believer of teaching young children to learn to sit and listen to chapter books being read. These are fabulous, fabulous books! :)

Melissa's Thoughts said...

I was not much of a reader when I was young, but became a huge reader when I was pregnant and still am to this day. I've enjoyed the Little House series. Someone gave my son the original Hardy Boy books and I've enjoyed those too. My son loved the book Kipper growing up.

Sunny said...

I love how you update on her so often. You guys do have so much to look forward to - my mama and I are so close! I am a total mama's girl and love it!

Anonymous said...

I think I have written word for word your hopes and dreams for your relationship with Harper in my little darlings journals. Olivia just turned 2 and Avery is 6 months old...

Charity said...

You need to get her a book by Noel Piper (John Piper's wife) called "Most of All Jesus Loves You". It's a precious book about all the people that love you, but that no one loves you more than Jesus. My 2 year old loves that book!

Beverly Wooley said...

Hey Kelly - you've said a couple of times lately that you don't have much time to read these days - so, of course, I have a compulsion to recommend a book to you! LOL I recently read Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar's book. Two of the things Michelle wrote about that I thought would be SO well worth the read were how she teaches her little ones obedience (by playing "the obedience game") and self-control (teaches them to quietly entertain themselves on a blanket - the WAY she teaches them is very cool - she calls the blanket "a playpen in your purse"). The rest of the book is very interesting too - it's amazing how they manage a family that large. You'd enjoy it.