Horton Happenings

Christmas Eve

2012-01-20T14:48:00.000-06:00

I know I am late in posting our holiday festivities! But better late than never! :)

We went to the 9 o'clock Christmas Eve Service (Harper did great!) and then came home and read The Night Before Christmas and left cookies out for Santa!

Nothing really exciting happened but I am so excited to start fun traditions with Harper and our little family!!

7 Months

2011-12-24T12:30:00.002-06:00

Every month I say it...You are growing up to fast!

Here's what you are up to:

-You weight roughly 16lbs 10oz (give or take a few oz)
-You still wear size 2 diapers
-You are in 3-6 mo clothes, some 6 mo clothes are still big!
-You are drinking 6oz of formula with cereal at lunch and a veggie at dinner.
-We started veggies the first of December and you have eaten Green Beans, Peas and Carrots. You have loved them all but carrots seem to be your favorite.
-You are sleeping from 9/930p-6a then you drink a bottle and go back to bed for about 3 hours (on the days mommy doesn't have to be anywhere it is blissful!!) :) I'm hoping once we start eating more and more food you will sleep longer.
-You still have NO interest in rolling over :/
-You are sitting up more and more everyday. You still don't have totally trunk control but I think that will come in the next few weeks (you are much happier when you are sitting up playing with toys)
-You put EVERYTHING in your mouth!!
-You celebrated your first Thanksgiving and your GiGi's 90th Birthday.
-You are talking a lot these days. You really screech from the back of your throat and have lots to say when you are getting your diaper changed or laying on your mat.
-You still pretty much fall asleep in the car whenever we go anywhere, whether you have just woken up from a nap or not you are a car snoozer!
-We bought you a big girl car seat on Cyber Monday, but I think your head is still too small and I don't want it to just bounce around in your new seat so we will save it and maybe in a month or so we will upgrade you!
-Still loving bath time (you have pooped in the bath twice!!) It's really gross!!!

Oh Harper, I really can't say enough great things about you. You are such a happy baby. Every where we go people say how good you are and you seem to be so happy. It's the truth! You are only fussy if your tired or hungry, but hey who isn't! We love you so much and can't wait to see what you'll do next!

Christmas Train

2011-12-24T11:48:00.000-06:00

The beginning of November I was driving on one of our busy expressway's and a billboard caught my attention. It had a big Santa on it and said "CHRISTMAS TRAIN" I have heard of many people talk about it. We went SEVERAL years ago (over 12 at least) and I hardly remember it! So I jumped online when I got home and looked it up. It was my lucky day, that next Monday and Tuesday they were selling tickets for $8 (which is half price!)I asked our family if they wanted to join us and they all accepted! Friday December 9th we bundled up and headed to Dry Gulch, USA to ride the Christmas Train!

Our first stop of the evening was The Christmas Train, while riding the train we experienced the true meaning of Christmas with the sights and sounds of the season. The train ride itself featured beautiful (I think hand painted) artwork and live reenactments. I was very very cool!

Train station

The Christmas Train

After dinner we went to Santa's Palace to put our name on the list to see Santa. After we got on the list and got a pager (it's a restaurant pager that works anywhere in the park! They buzz you when you are 5 mins from seeing Santa.)

We walked around the different shops and took in all the sights and sounds they had to offer!

By the end of the night we were all tired (and cold) but we had a great time and I can't wait to make it our new Christmas Tradition!

I'm how close to 30?!

2011-12-24T05:33:00.001-06:00

Well a few weeks ago I celebrated a birthday! I actually celebrated with a few friends a few days before. We went and got Pedicures (birthdays are always a good excuse to get them!) Then we went to my favorite place for dinner, Texas Roadhouse!

Then we went bowling!! I haven't been bowling in years!!! I have to say I I dominated 3 games of bowling with a score of 314! :)

It was great to spend it with friends. That's all I ever really want :)

3rd Annual Tacky Christmas

2011-12-23T19:14:00.001-06:00

Luckily for us our neighbors are all married couples around our age. 3 years ago when we moved in we started a Tacky Sweater Christmas Party. We rotate houses and have dinner and do a gift exchange. This year was a little different than past years. We added 2 babies and one on the way! Susan made a delicious Lasagna and all the fixin's!!

Harper and Susan

The Horton's Tacky Sweaters

The Rooks

The Baldwin's (including Hudson)

Happy 90th Birthday GiGi!

2011-12-23T18:45:00.000-06:00

My grandma Barbara turned 90 on Thanksgiving Day. 90?! Can you believe it? I can only imagine what she has seen!!

All of her grandkids (Minus Matthew)

We celebrated her birthday the Saturday after Thanksgiving at The Bistro. We actually surprised her! She had no idea that all her family and her 2 oldest friends were there. Needless to say she was very surprised.

My grandma told me a few years ago the only thing she wanted by the time she turned 90 was to be a Great-Grandma (GiGi). Well on her 89th birthday Michael and I granted her wish! ;-)

Happy Birthday Grandma!! We Love You!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-12-02T15:06:00.001-06:00

Harper had a great First Thanksgiving. We went over to my Aunt Diane's house for lunch. As always she makes a ton of really delicious food!! We hung out there for a while then went over to Michael's parents for dessert. Unfortunately, we didn't stay very long because we decided we were going to be crazies and attempt Black Friday and someone ~~who shall remain nameless~~ *Cough Harper Cough* was getting fussy and very very sleepy!

First taste of Cereal

2011-12-02T13:59:00.001-06:00

Actually, Harper has been eating cereal for about 2 weeks now. I'm happy to report she LOVES it! The first few days I made it rather soupy (because the box said so) and she would only eat about 1/2-3/4 of her cereal.

Then for whatever reason I decided to make it a little thicker the next time and she LOVED it! She ate the whole thing. So since that day I have made it thick. She has really gotten the hang of it and I'm excited to start veggies!

Six Months

2011-11-19T13:04:00.001-06:00

Harper here's what you have been up to:

-You weigh 14 pounds 13 ounces (27%)

-You are 25 inches long (24%)

-You are in size 2 diaper

-You are in 0-3 month clothes

-You eat every 3 hours during the day

-You are typically going to bed between 8p-9p and sleeping until 7a-8a

-You have found your voice and if we aren't paying attention to you (which isn't that often) you will scream and laugh really loud to get our attention.

-You still aren't rolling over, you have almost rolled from back to belly a few times

-You are smiling ALL the time. You really are the happiest baby, we love it!!

-You still love your baths and you splash around like crazy and make a HUGE mess

-You are noticing people and faces more. You saw your Aunt Ninna this weekend and you started to kick your legs and get excited to see her! (which made her happy!)

-You went Trick or Treating for the first time and you sure did load up on candy!

-You went to your first wedding and you were great!

-You experienced your first OSU Homecoming

-You met your Great Aunt Jan and Second Cousin Jannell from Kansas and your Aunt Karrie from Montana

-You went to your first High School football game with Aunt Amanda and Aunt Stephanie

You are really the happiest baby and we just love when you talk to us and the faces you make. You get so excited to see your daddy when he comes home from work and it melts my heart. I can't say enough great things about you, you are just such a happy baby. Your daddy and I love you so much and you are definitely the center of our universe!

We love you sweet girl!!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-07T16:16:00.001-06:00

This is a little overdue but we had a great Halloween. The night before we went to my best friend Stephanie's church to their Fall Festival. Yes, I know that Harper can not participate in the games but it was another chance for her to show off how cute she looked in her Ladybug costume!!

This may sound silly but Halloween was exactly what I always hoped it would be. We went to my friend Cara's neighborhood to start with and finished up with ours. There were kids everywhere. The weather was a perfect fall night. The streets were filled with Mom's, Dad's, strollers, dogs, laughter and "Trick or Treating". Just looking down the street I felt like I was on Wysteria Lane, everything was picture perfect.

I am excited to start traditions with Harper. I love taking things from each of our childhoods and making them our own. I look at Harpy and I realize we are so blessed to have her and she is all OURS!!

We hope you all had a great Halloween!!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-21T16:43:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday night we took Harper to the pumpkin patch out in Bixby. Yes, it was a chilly night (and I now think she has a cold, oops). But we had a great time! Even though she can't walk, talk, crawl or sit up on her own it was great to spend an evening with family and start our holiday traditions.

Hope you all are enjoying the WONDERFUL weather we have been having!!

5 Months

2011-10-17T17:12:00.000-05:00

Harper what are you up to at 5 Months?

-You weigh roughly 13(ish)lbs

-You are inches long

-You are taking 4 1/2oz every 3 hours during the day

-You are sleeping through the night with the occasionally middle of the snack ;)

-You are still in Size 1 diapers

-You are in all 3mo clothes, there are a few NB shorts you are wearing since the weather is still warm

-You went to your first OSU Tailgate

-I just have to say your name and you flash the biggest smile my way. You are smiling more and more at people that you really recognize.

-You have really started "coo-ing" the last 2 weeks. If we "coo" at you, you just take off "talking" to us. You don't babble just to babble yet.

-You have giggled only twice and we tried really hard to get you to do that! But I at least got one of them on video :)

-Karrie, your Physical Therapist has really been impressed with your strength the last few sessions.

-You rolled over ONCE!! You were so fast I couldn't get it on video! We have been working so hard for you to do it again...no luck :(

-We have been putting you in the bumbo more to work on your core body strength.

-The last several days you have been bringing toys to your mouth. I have started giving you Huggies and you really grab on to her. :)

We are loving how active you are and responsive you have become. We can't believe you entered our lives 5 months ago, it seems like you've been apart of our family forever. We love you so much Peanut and can't wait for the next step!

A Day in the Life...

2011-10-13T23:27:00.001-05:00

I got the idea from my friends Courtney and Tessa to do a Day in the Life. If you read our day verses them we are pretty boring! :)

8:03am-Harper and I start our morning. Warm her bottle, change her diaper, then its time for breakfast!

8:10am- Her bottle looks like this...

8:10-8:20am: Harper and I talk a little and I sit her up to let the milk digest in her belly

8:20am: We have some playmat time. Harper talks to her friends Frog and Giraffe.

9:00am- We do a little tummy time while enjoying our daily dose of LIVE! With Regis and Kelly. Regis was out today so Jerry O'Connell was the guest host.

9:45am- Harper started to get a little sleepy while doing tummy time so it was off to our morning nap! **Harper has been having trouble with her napping abilities during the day, so we have found she needs to be swaddled. But at night she just sleeps in her sleep sack**

9:55am: Karrie (Harper's PT) called and asked if 10:30 was a good time for her to come (she had to cancel yesterday, her son got sick at school). Not wanting to wait another 2 weeks until our next PT appointment I said yes and quickly jumped in the shower, so I didn't look so disgusting when she came.

10:30am-11:30am: Karrie is here and we are working on getting Harper to roll over. She will be back on the 27th so that is our goal (mom and dad's) is to have her roll over by then.

11:15am: Harper is STARVING! So we break from PT to eat.

Noon: Harper goes down for a nap

Mom does these.... :(

12:00p-3:00p: Mom return's e-mails, inputs a Scentsy Order, puts all the 4oz bottles away (she is now taking 4.5oz), cleans up the rest of the kitchen, gets H's bag ready to spend the evening with Noni and Papa, catches up on the DVR.

3:00p: Harper wakes up (if you are keeping tabs she should've eaten at 2) but I let her sleep until she woke up herself.

3:10p: Downs another 4.5oz bottle. Then its playmat time again. Today Harper has really figured out that she can put things in her mouth. She has been bringing her mouth to my thumb and wrist for a few days and she brings her Wubba Nub Animal to her mouth to chew on.

3:30p: UPS man brings these...Mommy is VERY excited about them!!

3:45p: Waiting on Aunt Ninna to come play.

4:20: We go with Aunt Ninna to pick up a few things then she drops Mommy off at the church to work from 5:30-9p. Harper and Ninna go to Noni and Papa's to play.

5:30-9:00p: Harper eats, plays, poops, sleeps, talks, coos, smiles and she plays with Nate. Aunt Ninna and Nate are going to Austin for the OSU vs Texas game in the morning so she had lots of bonding time with them.

10:00p: Daddy feeds Harper her last bottle. Guess who is WIDE awake?! If you guessed Michael, you are ~~right!~~

10:20p: Mom starts this post

10:30p: Mom makes a few bottles just in case we have a middle of the night feeding. She has been sleeping through the night for about 5 weeks now, but we occasionally have a middle of the night snack.

10:40p: Harper is still awake, Mom changes her diaper and puts Harper in bed. Dad is already in bed.

10:50p: Harper is not having this lay in bed wide awake thing, so she ~~talks~~ to us to let her know she isn't havin' it!

11:00p: Mom comes to the rescue and rocks with Harper.

11:10p: Harper asleep

11:11p: Mom comes back to bed to finish this post and dad is snoring.

11:26p: Post DONE!

11:27p: Goodnight!

Day 3

2011-09-24T21:05:00.002-05:00

GO POKES!!!

Her onesie is from Tickled Sew Pink

Pants are from Gap

Socks were a gift from Abby

Bow is from Auntie Mysha

I had to share this picture! It totally makes my heart smile because Chloe is in love with Harper. I pray that they become fast friends!!!

Day 2

2011-09-24T20:53:00.002-05:00

Love this smile!

Her outfit is from Carter's. But I got it at JBF and paid $3! For the whole outfit!!! We are even trying to rotate the headbands and bows. :-)

30 Day Challenge

2011-09-22T21:48:00.001-05:00

Harper is going to participate in the 30 Day Clothes Challenge. Harper will not (or try really hard) wear the same clothes twice in the next 30 days! I saw this on my friend Jaime's blog and I decided that Harper has a lot of clothes and she needs to get good use of them!! I will tell you were her outfit is from. Not that you care, but i'll tell you anyway! :)

Day 1

Shirt- Babies R Us
Jeans- Baby Gap
Headband- Hand-me down
Bow- Kathleen's Kids

Baptism Cards

2011-09-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

I am trying to get a jump start on Harper's Baptism. I have ordered these super cute (or so I think!) announcements. Everyone is invited!!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

4 Months

2011-09-17T23:14:00.001-05:00

Harper what are you up to at 4 months?

-You weigh 10lbs 5oz!!!!
-You are 21 3/4 inches long
-You are taking 4oz every 3-4 hours during the day
-You are now sleeping in your own bed
-You have slept through the night (9p-7a) twice!
-You no longer need to be on NeoSure formula. Dr. Mayberry says you are catching up great and you don't need the extra calories.
-You are in size 1 diapers
-You can wear some 3 month clothes. The pants are to big but the onesie's fit.
-You took your first trip to Enid, OK to see Auntie Allison! :-)
-You had your first College Gameday experience.
-You are starting to smile more and more. I don't have to try so hard to get you to smile like I did a few weeks ago.
-You had your Cardiology check-up and your PDA valve is closed so we don't have to go back! Yippee!!
-You have sat in the bumbo a few times and seem to really like it.
-You are liking tummy time more and more
-You are noticing the TV more, especially Saturdays when dad has football on ALL day!

Harper Jane I say it every month but we are totally in love with you! Every time I pick you up I always find myself kissing your face! We can't believe you are 4 months old and are looking forward to the months ahead!!

We love you!

What to be for Halloween?

2011-09-15T22:13:00.004-05:00

I have really struggled with what Harper should be for Halloween. Silly, I know. But it's her FIRST Halloween, I want her to be something cute and creative. Well, I couldn't come up with anything creative because she can't really sit up on her own. Next year though, next year! So I'm settling for cute! Here is it....I can't wait to get it in and see it on her!

Her treat bag! Calm down, I will get it embroidered with her name on it! (I know you were worried!)
Hope everyone is enjoying this WONDERFUL weather we have been having in our neck of the woods! Fall is upon us!!

Cowgirl in the making...

2011-09-05T01:03:00.002-05:00

Harper's First OSU Game Day was a success!! Even if we did experience it at home, she enjoyed nonetheless!!

Hoping for more "W's" on our schedule this season!!!

Random

2011-08-21T14:13:00.003-05:00

This is a random post. Nothing of substance. Just some super cute pictures of our baby girl!

3 Months

2011-08-21T13:56:00.003-05:00

Harper Jane, you are 3 months old now here is what you've been up to:

-You weigh 8lbs 1oz!!

-You are 20 1/2 inches long

-You are officially in all Newborn diapers & clothes. The NB onesie's are still a little long.

-You are eating 3 1/2 oz every 3 hours

-You have been having your last feeding between 8:30p-9:30p and sleeping for 6 hours!!

-You had your first 2 non family babysitters, "Aunt" Amanda and Susan (our neighbor).

-When we put you on our shoulder's to burp you, you are really holding your head up well.

-You are napping during the day in your crib and you love sleeping in there (I think it's more comfortable than the pack n play)

-You went to the nursery at night for the first time last week (I was okay with it because CiCi was your teacher)

-You are starting to have longer stretches during the day that you stay awake.

-You are recognizing our faces more and are starting to somewhat smile at us (momma is ready for you to smile at her!!)

We are still over the moon in love with you!! We are so proud of how far you have come and what you have overcome to be here with us! We love you baby girl!!

No! It can't be!

2011-08-11T23:05:00.003-05:00

How can my "booger" be THREE?!?! I was looking back on the last three years and it seems like yesterday her mom told me she was pregnant and how we hoped and prayed so hard for a little girl! She already had 2 boys, so naturally a girl would even it out! :) We were beyond excited when we found out she was having a girl! Then a short 20 weeks later on August 1, 2008 Chloe Faith was born (or Booger, as I call her)!! As soon as she was put in my arms I was smitten! If anyone is ever around us they can see that I am totally wrapped around her finger.

Chloe, I can't believe you are three!! I have no clue where the last three years have, but I sure have loved watching you grow up and form your own little personality. You are such a funny, sweet, sassy and sometimes ornery little girl but I love you SO much! I hope and pray that soon you and Harper have such an amazing relationship. Heddy loves you and I can't wait to see the young lady you turn into!!

Newborn Pictures

2011-08-10T21:30:00.006-05:00

Harper had newborn pictures take shortly after she was home from the hospital. Here are a few (ha! that is not in my vocab) of my favorites! :)

Splish Splash Harper loves the bath!

2011-07-29T17:51:00.005-05:00

I feel like we are very lucky that Harper really loves bath time. She however does NOT like the initial merge into the water, but when she gets her little Tummy Towel on she calms down. I bet if I let her just lay in there for about 2 or 3 mins she would fall asleep. It is very relaxing to her. Her bath tub has bubbles and a little sprayer. I have yet to use them because she still scares easily and I don't want to over stimulate her, just yet. I will make sure to video when I do turn them on for the first time. :-)

Happy splashing!

2 Months

2011-07-17T23:00:00.003-05:00

Harper Jane you are Two Months old today. Which blows our minds because my due date is still a week and a half away!!

Here's what you have been up to:

-You weight 5lbs 11oz (you are still not on the charts!)

-You are 19 inches long

-You are still in Preemie Swaddler diapers

-You are eating 2 1/2 oz roughly every 3 hours (I think a growth spurt is coming)

-You got your first round of shots last week and you cried so hard and I felt terrible!!!

-You had your eyes checked again (great report!)

-You are still sleeping in our room.

-You are still wearing Preemie outfits but they are a little snug so you sometimes wear newborn but I feel like it swallows you!

-You had your first Play date with Noah! (you slept right through it)

-Still your favorite place to sleep is on our chests (you are a belly sleeper)

Your dad and I are smitten with you! You are becoming more and more alert and we love it!! We love having you home and getting to snuggle you all the time! We are very lucky that god chose us to be your parents!

Sip N' See

2011-07-16T22:08:00.007-05:00

Michael and I are pretty blessed to have such amazing sisters.

Since Little Miss came early we never had a family baby shower. Well our creative sisters got together and planned a Sip N' See! There was everything from Mimosa's, to mini cupcakes, fruit and huge sugar cookies!

It was a come and go so no one felt like they had to stay and they could fit it into their saturday afternoon schedule!

Here are a few pictures from Harper's first party! (if this is a foreshadow as to what her 1st birthday will be like...i'm in for it!)

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T09:56:00.004-05:00

Happy Independence Day from our family to yours!!

"It feels like home to me"

2011-07-03T22:01:00.009-05:00

Last Sunday when Dr. Anderson was doing his rounds he told us that he was going on vacation for 9 days and didn't expect to see us here when he got back. Michael and I just squeezed each other's hands in the hopes we would be bringing our little girl home within the week!!

I spent everyday from 8a to midnight in her room, being there for every feeding was very important to me. Harper was lucky enough to have all of her favorite nurses her last week in the NICU.

Sweet Sarah, was her very first nurse the day she was born. Come to find out Sarah's dad works with my dad. Sarah not only loved on Harper when we couldn't be there but she also kept me company when I spent all day everyday in her room. Thanks Sarah for all you did!

Kodi was the calming voice I heard on the other end of the line when I called in the middle of the night after you were born. I had this gut feeling something was wrong. Boy, was I wrong...you had just been taken off the vent!!! Kodi always gave you extra love and attention at night when dad and I couldn't be there! Oh and Kodi always made sure you looked cute and had a matching bow! :)

I totally forgot to get a picture with Jenna. She was kinda busy being in charge and admitting babies, but don't worry we will see LOTS of Jenna! Just like Sarah and Kodi, Jenna has also been there from the beginning. When I found out you were coming and coming via C-Section I asked Jenna to be there. I knew that no matter what happened Jenna would make Harper #1 and be sure that they did everything possible for Harper and her survival. It was very hard to watch them take her away from me but knowing that Jenna was right by her side was very comforting. Its almost as if she took over as your mom!

Friday morning came and we got the phone call, "Guess who gets to go home today?!" Michael and I raced around getting ready and making sure we had everything we needed to bring you home!
We were beyond thrilled to finally be able to have you at home, but we were sure going to miss the wonderful Nurses and Doctors. I'm not sure anyone can fully understand the love those NICU nurses have until you actually experience it first hand. They really do love their job. They act as parents to babies whose parents can't visit as often as we did, they are our advocates and they make sure that we fully understand everything that goes on!

When it was finally our turn to walk out the doors of 503 and the Children's Hospital, we made sure Harper did it in style!!!

We are home and trying to adjust to our new "normal". Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and for Harper. One day she will personally thank you!!

Father's Day

2011-07-02T22:25:00.003-05:00

Our Father's Day was very low key. We spent the day just sitting in Harper's hospital room telling ourselves how lucky we are that she is here and she is healthy. Of course we held her and loved on her.

Harper is such a sweet little girl, she knew exactly what her daddy wanted... A Diaper Dude's diaper bag! Once we found out we were having a girl Michael immediately starting searching for HIS diaper bag, he needed his own (so he says!). So Harper got online and ordered it for him! Here is the one he picked out...

One Month Birthday

2011-06-19T00:07:00.007-05:00

Harper Jane we can not believe you are 1 month old!

Here is what you've been up to:

-You are still currently staying in the most expensive hotel room you will ever stay in! :)

-You are completely breathing on your own and have been since you were 7 days old

-You weigh 4 pounds (double your birth weight!)

-You are 15 1/4 inches long

-You are eating 38mL (a little over 1 oz.) every 3 hours

-You are doing non-nutritive nursing (which means you are nursing just to get the hang of it)

-You are taking a bottle at your 2am feeding and the night of your 1 month birthday you took 30mL!

-You are showing signs of a little bit of reflux (which if that is all we walk away with from this experience, I consider that fantastic!)

-You are more awake in the evening then any other time of the day

-You have had at least 2 visitors (non-family) a day

-You are actually in Pampers Premie Swaddlers not in the Cuddle Buns the hospital provides

You have stolen the hearts of your daddy and I, our family, friends and the nurses!! We are so proud of you baby girl and are so anxious to see what the future holds for you!

Q & A

2011-06-16T15:57:00.002-05:00

Several of you have asked some questions and I figured I would take some time and answer them.

Q: How are you feeling? How's your BP?

A: I am feeling fantastic!! Once I was released from the hospital and was home sleeping in my own bed and showering in my own shower I started to feel like a million bucks! I had a check up the week after I was discharged and my BP was 118/70. My doctor started to scale back my BP meds and she would check up on me at my 6 week check-up.

Q: How is Harper?

A: She is doing wonderful! We couldn't be more thrilled with her progress. She is gaining good weight (averages about 2 oz a day). Her nurses say she is the least High Maintenance baby in her hallway and she's the easiest! Which we like to hear!

Q: Have the given you a time frame of when she will come home?

A: No. She has to complete a check list of things before she can come home. We don't want them to give us time frame because if something happens and they have to retract their statement we would be devastated!

Q: Once she weighs 5 pounds she can come home right?

A: There is no weight requirement to being discharged. I asked her nurses about the 5 pounds question and they said that they aren't sure where people heard that but there is no weight requirement.

Q: So, what are the requirements for her to come home?

A: She has to complete 3 things (as far as we know).

1. She has to be completely breathing on her own. (she had this accomplished by her week birthday)

2. She has to be taking all of her feedings from a bottle and/or nursing. (We started nursing last friday and she has done wonderful. The most she has taken is 14 mL. She has taken the bottle twice, 10 and 12 mL at each feeding)

3. She has to past the car seat test. If you watch Grey's then you know what I'm talking about!

I hope I have answered everyone's questions. We don't have much to report, which in my world is fabulous! That means she is just growing and eating, which is what we like! :)

A picture post

2011-06-13T16:59:00.004-05:00

I feel like I can't keep up with blogging since Harper got here and she isn't even home yet! I am going to make today a picture post because she is changing daily. Michael and I are truly blessed to have such a healthy growing baby. She has captured the hearts of all of her nurses, I'm sure if we ever need a night off one of them will babysit...RIGHT?!

Her First Bow

Her PICC Line is OUT!

Daddy's first time to hold her "like a baby" as we call it

Humidity was turned off at 32 Weeks and she is now in clothes!

Seriously, she loves her Daddy. She just stares at him :)

One of MANY hats

Sweet Dreams

My precious, feisty, beautiful bundle of joy!

Her first bath, given by Mom and Dad (well Mom, Dad took pictures)

I say it often, but we are BEYOND blessed by the people that have reached out to us. Just to know that complete strangers are praying for us warms my heart and I want them to know we are praying for them and their families.

Thank you to our own families, our friends and co-workers for your constant prayer, support and unconditional love for our little miracle. She has no idea the amount of people that she has praying for her, but don't worry we will make sure she knows!

Love,

3 Weeks Old!

2011-06-07T10:08:00.004-05:00

Harper is 3 weeks old today and is doing fantastic!!

Just wanted to give you a rundown of what we have been through the last 3 weeks.

Week 1:

When she was born she was on the ventilator, she cried out 3 times when she was born but just needed some help breathing. I called in the middle of the night after she was born to check on her and her nurse told me she had just taken her off the vent and she was on C-Pap and breathing 21% (we breath 20%). Her doctor was blown away that she was off the vent so fast.

I saw her for the first time on Wednesday night and that was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Looking at her with all these wires and tubes and really seeing how tiny she was took a toll on my emotions. I knew she was in the right place and they were providing the best care for her possible! But our little girl is a fight and was only on the C-Pap for a day!!

After the C-Pap, Little Miss was on the Nasal Cannual only needing 5% oxygen! Again, she was amazing her doctors and they took her off the Nasal Cannual at her 1 week birthday! They also turned off the Phototherapy light because her Jaundice had been cleared. We were finally getting to see her beautiful eyes!

We got to hold her for the first time just a few days after she was born. We had to wait for her arterial line to be removed before we do what they call Kangaroo time. Kangaroo time is where she is skin to skin with us and we wrap her in warm blankets to keep her body temp up but she also gets that one on one connection and time with us. This is our favorite time of the day! We love snuggling with her!!

Week 2:

Harper had her feedings increased almost every day during week two! We had a few days where she wasn't pooping but she made up for that right before her 2 week birthday! She had a BLOW OUT diaper every single diaper change!! Michael and I were beyond excited about that but also felt bad for the nurse! :) Who knew that our lives would revolve around praying for poop! The day before her 2 week birthday they took her PICC line out. She was getting all of her nutrients from my milk and wasn't in need of the IV fluids so they stopped that and removed her PICC line. During this week she also gained the majority of her weight!

Week 3:

I called to check on her this morning and Dr. Anderson came in to check on her and he upped her feeding to 29 mL (30 mL is 1 ounce!!). Our baby girl is weighing in at 3 pounds and blowing the minds of her Doctor and Nurses. She has done nothing but improve every day and we are so proud of her!! I can't believe she is almost a month old!

Hopefully we will get to start trying to nurse and bottle feed this week! Stay tuned to how that turns out! :)

We still want to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support!

Harper's Story

2011-05-28T12:20:00.003-05:00

Our Precious Baby Girl Harper Jane was born into this world on Tuesday May 17, 2011. Here is her story (as told by her dad)...

As most of you knew Heather was put on bed rest last thursday (May 12) because of her high blood pressure. Monday (May 16) we went back to the Dr. to have her blood pressure checked again and the best we got was 162/112 (that was the best out of three) and she was leaking 4+ protein in her urine (which is a big indicator of preeclampsia). Her doctor told us she wanted us to go to the Hospital to be monitored for 24 hours and see if we couldn't get it to go down. We got all checked in and settled in our room and we started to get her BP down and get lab work down to make sure her kidney's and liver were still functioning properly. Lana (Heather's Dr) came in and said she had gotten her lab results back and she said her kidney's and liver were looking great but she was worried about the protein so she said we would be residing at St. Francis until Harper got here.

Tuesday morning we didn't get much sleep not knowing what the next day held (and the nurses were in and out all night!). Lana came by about 7am and told us that she had Dr. Beeson (a high risk OB) and Dr. Jackson (from the NICU) coming to talk to us about what all was going on and that we would most likely be having a baby by the end of the week. By lunch time we had talked to both Dr.'s and had an ultrasound to make sure Harper was still growing and not under any stress.

Lana came by a little after 1pm and told us that her and the other Dr.'s had conversed and it was best to get Harper out. The ultrasound had shown that she was under stress and her BP was fluctuating. Heather had a reaction to a Steroid drug in HS and we couldn't get enough info on it fast enough to see if it would be safe to give Heather the Steroid shot to help Harper's lung mature, so they made the decision...C-Section at 3pm. (They gave Harper surfactant after she was born to help her lungs mature, since Heather couldn't have the steroid). We frantically called our families to tell them we were having a baby in less than 2 hours. Our friends were nothing short of fantastic, they went to our house got clothes, camera's, her baby book, etc.

3 o'clock comes fast and Heather was in the OR getting prepped and ready. While I was waiting outside until I could go in and be with her. A few minutes later (it felt like hours though) I was by Heather's side and a few minutes later at 3:37pm we had our baby girl, weighing 2lbs 1oz and 15 inches long! She cried 3 times and that was music to our ears!! Dr. Jackson, Nurse Jenna (which is her Aunt Kiki's sister and has been in the NICU for years and we personally wanted her to be there to take care of our baby girl!) and a few other NICU Nurses wisked our tiny precious baby girl away, cleaned her up and put her on a ventilator brought her to Heather so she could kiss her and tell her she loved her and then off to the NICU we went! After we got there they asked me to wait in the waiting room while they got her all prepared for visitors and us to see her.

Heather was stitched back up and back in the room a little after 4. I stayed with Harper until about 8 and then came to be with Heather and show her pictures of the Daughter we longed to have. Needless to say we didn't get much sleep that night either! Heather woke up in the middle of the night and had a "Mom moment" and needed to call the NICU to make sure Harper was okay. Just before we called they had taken her off the ventilator and she was on a C-Pap and breathing 21% oxygen (we breath 20%) and the nurse said "She is doing so great!" That is just what Heather needed to hear, since she could physically go see her until after she was off the Magnesium (which they give after a spinal tap so you don't cease).

Wednesday night after we were moved to our post pardom room, Heather got to shower and she rested for a while and then we made the trip over to The Children's Hospital to see our baby girl for the first time as a family of three. That was very emotional for Heather but the nurse let her hold her in her hands and immediately she grabbed Heather's finger. We talked to her and she opened her eyes for us a little more than she had earlier in the day for me. Before Heather went over last night I had been over to see Harper and I got to change her diaper and take her temperature. I personally was very happy that Heather go to see Harper last night because everyone else had been over to see her and I know it was killing her she couldn't see her and everyone else was.

Apparently Harper is a fiesty little nugget! She had pulled her feeding tube out a few times and her temperature monitor she pulled off twice right after the Dr. walked out of the room. The NICU nurses have been great and always tell us that she has herself a little personality!! *Which I think she gets from her momma!!*

So in your prayers if you would just keep praying for our Precious baby girl and the Dr's and nurses that take care of her and for Heather to keep her BP low and stable.

We have felt everyone's prayers and we can't tell you how much that means to our new family of three.

So much has happened in the last 11 days, I will post more later!

Much Love,

Blood Pressure=the Devil

2011-05-15T12:27:00.002-05:00

It all started a week ago Thursday when I went in for my Glucose test, which I passed by the way! :) I had to go down to the lab first and drink this awful flat orange pop that was luke warm! Then I went back up to the office for my appointment. When I left the lab she told me I had 1 hour to be back down to the lab or I had to take the test again! Well I didn't want that to happen, because it was GROSS!!

So I go into my appointment and she tells me my BP is a little high, well the bottom number was a little high for her. It was 124/90 and it's typically 118-120/80. So she wanted me to come back the next thursday to have it checked again. Keep in mind I had just drank 6 oz of pure sugar and I was on a time constraint and she came into the room and I had 12 minutes to be back down to the lab...whose BP wouldn't be high?!

Fast forward to this last Thursday. I went to my parents before my appointment to rest and not think about my BP being high. I get to my appointment and the nurse takes me back right away and weights me and take the dreaded BP...well it was even higher! It was 152/100!! So the nurse says she is going to talk to Lana and see what she says. The Dr. comes in a minute or so later and says the dreaded words...BED REST. I just look and her and say "Okay well what does that mean exactly." Needing a little more explanation... She tells me that I am on bed rest (i can get up and shower, but that is it) I can lay in a recliner or on either side but not flat on my back. I asked how long I was on bed rest and she says "6 to 8 weeks after she is born" HUH? Come again? What did you just say? **Sidenote: I am all alone at this appointment, get a lot of info dropped in my lap.**

She tells me that she does not want me to get Preeclampsia and have to deliver her early. She also said that I was leaking protein in my urine (which can be a sign of Preeclampsia, if you leak to much). So I am having to do a one time 24 hour Urine collection (to make sure i'm not leaking to much protein) along with 10 weeks of bed rest.

I have to say that so far Michael, our families and friends have been amazing! Michael is making breakfast and lunch and every time I get up to go to the bathroom he says "Where are you going? What are you doing? You need to be sitting!" My mom and sister came out to keep me company and my mom picked up around the house and did the dishes. Kara has brought out ribbon for me to start making Little Miss some hair bows! The In-Laws brought dinner one night. Cara has brought lunch and dinner and even came over and watched movies with me one evening! Everyone has been fantastic and I can't thank everyone enough for their prayers and willingness to help out!! I know Michael appreciates it!

I go back to the Dr on Monday so stay tuned, hopefully we have better news!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-15T12:16:00.005-05:00

Mother's Day I know was a week ago but a lot has happened since then (stay tuned for that post). My mom wanted a very low key Mother's Day (which is very unlike her) but I think we all know that these are our last "low key" Holiday's until Miss Harper gets here! So we are taking advantage of them.

One of my mom's favorite place to eat is Goldie's, so that's where dinner took place! It was nice and quiet and no one had to do the dishes!! :)

Even though little Miss isn't here yet she must've talked to her dad and told her that since she was growing so was mom's belly and I wasn't fitting into my summer clothes from last year. So dad did a little shopping and bought a few tank tops and shorts so I don't sweat to death in the Oklahoma summer heat!

Hope everyone else had a great Mother's Day!

28 Weeks

2011-05-07T22:33:00.004-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 28 Weeks

Size of baby: An English Hothouse Cucumber

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 21lbs...ugh! :-(

Maternity Clothes: Well since it has been in the upper 70's-90's here recently I am in all Maternity clothes, my tanks/shirts are getting a little to short

Gender: GIRL!!! Harper Jane Horton

Movement: Yep! She is moving more and more. I would like to take this time to thank her for not punching me in the stomach, ribs or bladder...it just feels like flutter.

Sleep: I'm currently sleeping very comfortably. Stay tuned...apparently that changes!

What I miss: My ankles being normal size

Cravings: Pretty much anything

Symptoms: Let the list begin...

1. Reflux

2. Acne

3. Carpal Tunnel in my right hand

4. My ankles started to swell on Friday when it got very hot here

5. VERY oily face

6. My BP is high, so the Dr. wants to check it again next week

Best Moment this week: Getting to drink the wonderful drink they provide for you for you Glucose test...NOT!!!

One busy week!

2011-05-02T15:47:00.005-05:00

What a whirlwind the last 7 days have been! The best way to show you is...PICTURES!

SUNDAY

Happy Easter! Next year we will be egg hunting with Harper!

MONDAY

The ladies at work through me our first baby shower! I was so fun to see all the things we are going to need for this tiny person!! Michael and I are beyond blessed with all the people we have in our lives and are supporting us as we entering this new chapter in our lives.

Harper is one spoiled little girl!!

TUESDAY

Michael turned 30!! Being the wonderful wife :) that I am, I took birthday donuts and birthday cake up to his office for a little office party! His co-workers were very grateful for the sweet treats, needless to say...Michael came home with an empty cake platter. :(

WEDNESDAY

27 Weeks! WOO HOO!! I am feeling FANTASTIC!! I went to the Doctor a little over a week ago and I have only gained 13 pounds. Which she says is great! Harper on the other hand is a wittle bitty thing! I think she may be little like her daddy was when he was born (which I can tell you thrills me!) :)

SATURDAY

We had a birthday party for Michael to celebrate him turing the BIG 3-0 and to show off his pride and joy...the deck!

It is so funny to me because I know some couples who stay by each other the whole time they are at a social event. But Michael and I are NOT one of those couples! Michael knows how to work a room, he can mingle and chat it up with the best of them.

Singing Happy Birthday to Michael! The little bit he is holding is what I pray Harper is like. Chloe 100% absolutely adores Michael! She would choose him over me ANY day (which breaks my heart sometimes) but she loves her some Michael. She wanted soo bad to blow out the candles, so Michael being the great man he is...let her!

One (of the many) things I am thankful for is he friends Michael has made at work.

Hope everyone had a wonderfully busy week/end like we did!

Prideful

2011-04-23T21:21:00.003-05:00

Michael is finally done with the deck! The only thing we are missing is patio furniture, so if you have any unwanted Target gift cards you can send them our way! :)

I am soo proud of Michael! He has really wanted a deck since we moved in 2 years ago and I just said "Okay honey, whatever you want!" Well I have to say I am blown away at what he did ALL ON HIS OWN!

We put up Tiki Torches with Citronella oil in hopes to keep the 'skeeters away! We lit them just to get the full effect.

A small project occured (well 2, one is a work in progress...stay tuned!) while I was out on the deck friday morning. We have 2 trees that have survived the last year and we wanted to perk them up! So we took yet another trip to Lowe's to pick out some bricking and rocks. I think it looks really good!

Before...

After...

We are ready to break the deck in next Saturday at Michael's 30th Birthday Party!!

26 Weeks

2011-04-21T20:06:00.002-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 26 Weeks

Size of baby: An English Hothouse Cucumber

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Went to the Dr. today and I have gained 13 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Jeans & Tops, I finally broke down and bought capri's

Gender: GIRL!!! Harper Jane Horton

Movement: YES! She doesn't like when I sit, she is constantly moving around when I'm sitting. And she moves when I get in bed at night and when I get up to go to the bathroom.

Sleep: I'm currently sleeping very comfortably. Stay tuned...apparently that changes!

What I miss: Not really anything yet.

Cravings: Salty things!

Symptoms: Reflux and my face has become really oily lately!

Best Moment this week: Just being able to feel her move! I love it!!!

GIVEAWAY!!

2011-04-20T22:07:00.002-05:00

Terra over at Tickled Sew Pink is having a Giveaway!! She is giving away these SUPER cute new Seersucker totes that are perfect for the Summer. Really I don't want you to enter because I want to win but HEY try your luck! Maybe you will win the tote?! While your over at TSP you can check out the other AMAZING things Terra does! Oh and you can "LIKE" Tickled Sew Pink on Facebook as well!

Good Luck!

25 Weeks

2011-04-16T13:46:00.004-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 25 Weeks

Size of baby: Rutabaga

Total Weight Gain/Loss: As of 20 weeks I had only gained 6 pounds total

Maternity Clothes: Jeans & Tops, I finally broke down and bought capri's

Gender: GIRL!!! Harper Jane Horton

Movement: YES! She doesn't like when I sit, she is constantly moving around when I'm sitting. And she moves when I get in bed at night and when I get up to go to the bathroom.

Sleep: I'm currently sleeping very comfortably. Stay tuned...apparently that changes!

What I miss: Not really anything yet.

Cravings: Not really anything specific!

Symptoms: LOTS of sneezing, reflux & acne! :(

Best Moment this week: Just being able to feel her move! I love it!!!

Summer is in our sights

2011-04-10T21:03:00.005-05:00

I am ready for summer, so I can sit on this....

Talking to Michael about how our lives are about to change and we can sit out on our deck that Michael has put his sweat and hard work into for months, with our precious baby girl.

I am very proud of Michael and how he has seen this project thru, even though it may have cost a little bit more than we budgeted for, but there is nothing better than seeing the pride in your husbands eyes as he sees his hard work paying off!

Mr. and Mrs. Stell

2011-03-28T20:59:00.005-05:00

My "Twin", Big T or Tor (whatever you chose to call her) tied the knot with a man who stole her heart and moved her to North Carolina! :( I have never seen anyone who has made her happier and quite giddy when she talks about him. Their wedding was beautiful and I am so thankful I was a part of it!! I love you guys and wish nothing but happiness in your new life together. Don't forget to come back and visit!! :)

No break in this Spring Break!

2011-03-21T22:00:00.007-05:00

Last week was Spring Break for me and boy was it busy!!

I knew it was going to be my only "free time" until after school is out (which is a week later now, Thank you Blizzards 2011!) So I rallied my mom, Kiki and Cara together to help me paint Harper's room. Don't worry when it came time for the chair rail Daddy put his blood, sweat and choice words into her room! :)

Her crib is together and her dresser and stroller will be here sometime this week. I can't wait to get her dresser in her room and I can start to put all her clothes in drawers. Speaking of clothes...lordy this child has so many clothes already and I think I've personally bought 3 outfits! Chloe has been so sweet to let "Baby Harp-er" have all of her clothes. Harper will be just shy of 3 years younger than Chloe and I pray that they are great friends! I asked Chloe what she was going to teach Harper and she said "I teach her to pee pee in da potty and scoot way back!" You can tell mom has repeated that Chloe scoot back! :)

During Spring Break we rolled over week 21!! As Aunt Nenna says..."Only 18 more weeks!!"

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 21 Weeks

Size of baby: 10.5 inches (a carrot)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I went at 20 weeks and I have lost a pound.

Maternity Clothes: Jeans & Tops

Gender: GIRL!!! Harper Jane Horton

Movement: Nada! But I'm hoping it's any time now!!!

Sleep: I'm currently sleeping very comfortably. Stay tuned...apparently that changes!

What I miss: Not really anything yet.

Cravings: Not really anything specific!

Symptoms: LOTS of sneezing, reflux & acne! :(

Best Moment this week: Getting her nursery started!!

Babes & Bachelorette's

2011-03-14T13:33:00.005-05:00

This has been one busy weekend! I traveled to OKC on Saturday morning to celebrate Mackenzie and soon to make his world debut Baby Noah!! Katie was a FANTASTIC hostess and the food was de-lish!! It was so fun to see Mackenzie open all her gifts and it made me more excited (if that's possible!) about Harper! Mackenzie is graduating from Med School less than one month after Noah is born!! If there is anyone I know who can handle being a resident, wife, mom, daughter and doctor Mackenzie can do it!! I can't wait to meet little Noah Tyler, he is going to be one loved little boy!!

After we celebrated Mackenzie and Baby Noah, we celebrated Torri!! She is getting married NEXT saturday and then moving 22 hours away to Raleigh, NC. :( We had appetizer's at Torri's High School friend Audra's house where Torri opened her gifts (which are not going to be shared via the internet!) and then we went to Zio's for dinner and drinks, no worries I had Tea! :) It is so fun for us to all be together (Chelsea and Jaime we missed you!) and just talk weddings, babies and our futures. As we walked out of Zio's there was a Pink Limo waiting for us!! We took advantage of us all driving together and made a few pit stops! We made our first stop, which was fun, embarrassing for some people but very educational ;) our next stop was at the Purple Bar for some fun drinks and a toast to Torri! I think Torri had a great night and it may have been a little educational but nonetheless it was a great night for us all to be together one last time together before she moves away!

Gender Reveal Party

2011-03-06T20:37:00.007-06:00

Michael and I found out last Tuesday that we were having a precious baby girl! BUT the hardest part of it was keeping it a secret from everyone until Saturday. My sister was in a program in Stillwater and couldn't be home until Saturday.

So we decided to have a little party to reveal to all of our family and friends what our baby was!

I made cupcakes with a pink jelly bean in the middle and iced them. So when everyone bit into the middle they would see the PINK!! (well I need to give all the credit to Cara, she put all the pink jelly beans in the cupcakes and iced them all!!)

Once everyone got there we passed out cupcakes and on the count of 3 everyone bit into them!! Needless to say my sister (Aunt Ninna) broke hers in half so she could be the first person to see what color was on the inside!

As always my sisters reactions are PRICELESS! She was jumping up and down and screaming!! She is sooo excited to have a niece!

We had picked our names out before we were ever pregnant. We really like the H thing. I am am and was an "HH" and my sister is an "HH". So why not keep the trend going! We decided on Harper for the girl and her middle name was going to be Marie (which is mine and my mom's middle name) but the more I ran it together I didn't feel like it flowed. So we pulled all the middle names in our family to see what we liked and Jane was the 2nd one and it stuck! We loved it!! My grandma's name is Mary Jane (my mom's mom) and I felt like if we had a little girl naming her Harper Jane was a great way to honor her (she is still alive). My grandma has given soo much to my sister and I and even to Michael and I. I pray that Harper has a heart like her Gigi!!

We could not be more thrilled for our precious little girl!! She is going to be the first Grandchild and Great Grandchild so we know she is going to be extra loved!!!!

Team Blue (sorry guys...maybe next time!)

Team PINK (AKA the winning team!)

We can not wait to meet her, snuggle her and love her!!! She already has her daddy wrapped around his finger and she is the size of a tomato!! :)

19 Weeks

2011-03-06T20:22:00.002-06:00

19 Weeks--As you can tell by the bow, we are having a GIRL!!!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 19 Weeks

Size of baby: A Large Heirloom Tomato (Not sure what that is!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: We go to the DR. Monday so I will have a weight update.

Maternity Clothes: Jeans & Tops

Gender: GIRL!!! Harper Jane Horton

Movement: Nada! But I'm hoping it's any time now!!!

Sleep: I'm currently sleeping very comfortably. Stay tuned...apparently that changes!

What I miss: Not really anything yet.

Cravings: Not really anything specific!

Symptoms: LOTS of sneezing, reflux & acne! :(

Best Moment this week: Seeing our baby girl on the ultrasound and she looks healthy and was moving around like CRAZY!!!!!

17 & 18 Weeks

2011-03-06T20:06:00.005-06:00

WOW! I am so sorry, I have been slacking BIG time!! Here is my 17 & 18 Week updates!

17 Weeks

18 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 17 & 18 Weeks

Size of baby: 17 Weeks size of a Turnip. 18 Weeks the length of a Bell Pepper.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 5 lbs. (that's from my 16 week check up!)

Maternity Clothes: Jeans and Tops

Gender: March 1st

Movement: Nada! But we did see the baby moving on the ultrasound!

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping really well! I figured out to stop drinking about 9pm so I'm not up 30,000 times in the middle of the night!

What I miss: Not really anything yet.

Cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary

Symptoms: LOTS of reflux!! :(

Best Moment this week: Knowing we will soon find out the sex of our baby.

16 Weeks

2011-02-14T17:38:00.002-06:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby H is the size of a Mango

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 5 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: I was getting tired of wearing the same 6 long sleeved shirts so I went to Motherhood and bought several new tops to get me through the spring!

Gender: 15 days!!! (not that we are counting!)

Movement: Nada! But we did see the baby moving on the ultrasound!

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping really well! I figured out to stop drinking about 9pm so I'm not up 30,000 times in the middle of the night!

What I miss: Not really anything yet.

Cravings: Besides the Cheesecake, nothing.

Symptoms: LOTS of reflux!! :(

Best Moment this week: A few people commenting on "my bump"!

15 Weeks

2011-02-14T17:26:00.009-06:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 15 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby H is the size of an orange or apple

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I actually remembered to ask the Dr. this time! I have gained 5 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans but everything else is regular.

Gender: ONE month from today!!!

Movement: Nada!

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping really well! I figured out to stop drinking about 9pm so I'm not up 30,000 times in the middle of the night!

What I miss: Not really anything yet.

Cravings: Besides the Cheesecake, nothing.

Symptoms: LOTS of reflux!! :(

Best Moment this week: Knowing that we will be able to put a name with this baby soon!!

Under Snow Arrest!!

2011-02-05T14:03:00.005-06:00

Unless you are living under a rock you know that ALL of Oklahoma was hit with the worst Blizzard in years. So i'm not going to bore you and tell you about! :)

I enjoyed Tuesday staying home with Michael, we caught up on our DVR'd shows and watched the snow fall and tried to get gizmo out to play in it!

Wednesday mid morning all the neighbors got out and had a driveway shoveling party! That evening work was cancelled (no surprise) so we went to Kellen and Lindsey's and played games!

Thursday, I was getting little stir crazy. By this point church had been cancelled for Sunday (so any hope of me leaving soon was out the window!) and I knew I was going to be in this house for the next 3 days at least!!

Friday morning I'm on FB and I see everyone's status about "Really, more snow?" "No more snow!" "Hey, the North called and they want you back!" So I look outside and guess what? IT'S FREAKING SNOWING AGAIN!!! We turn the news on and they say 2''-4'' and more snow on Sunday and Wednesday! Don't get frustrated Heather, it's just snow. Be thankful that you have plenty of food, electricity, a warm home and water. Well that mind set didn't last but a few hours. I had hit my breaking point. I had a cabin fever breakdown. I cried. The ugly cry. I'm sure the hormones had something to do with it, but I just couldn't fathom spending another 3 days in this house with the possibility of more snow. Poor Michael, he didn't know what to do, he told me to call my mom. So I did! I felt better after I talked to her. It just felt good to cry!

This morning my WONDERFUL husband got up (played a few rounds of his video game) and the shoveled the end of the driveway/street so we could make a path to get our cars out come Monday. **Sidenote: we live on the curve of a turn and the bubbled our street out so no one was driving close to our driveway. So there was 3 feet of snow at the end of our driveway. The non 4WD 4-Runner and Jetta weren't going to make it out of our driveway.** Luckily we have FANTASTIC neighbors and Kellen came out to help pack the snow down and make a path for us to get out. Once Michael got the 4-Runner out the driveway and ventured down the street he came inside and said "Get dressed we are going out!" I asked where we were going and he said "Anywhere! I need to get you out of this house!!" So we ventured to GNC and then to lunch. I was so excited to just get out and see other humans!

Needless to say I have a better out look on the next few days! Thanks Hubby! You're the best!!!

I leave you with a video of Gizmo "playing" in the snow!

14 Weeks

2011-02-01T10:23:00.004-06:00

This is a few days late (i'll be 15 weeks on wednesday) Sorry! I was enjoying the fantastic weather we had this weekend!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 14 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby H is the size of a Lemon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I think I've gained 4 pounds

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans but everything else is regular.

Gender: ONE month from today!!!

Movement: Nada!

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping really well! I figured out to stop drinking about 9pm so I'm not up 30,000 times in the middle of the night!

What I miss: Being able to go out with the neighbors (the bar they go to is a smoking bar!) But I know they are having fun on my be-half!

Cravings: Had my first craving on Jan 27! I wanted Cheesecake!!

Symptoms: LOTS of reflux!! :(

Best Moment this week: Someone actually asking me if I had a baby in my belly! Granted he is 3 :)

1st REAL craving

2011-01-27T21:01:00.004-06:00

About 6 pm I saw a commercial for the Sonic Cheesecake Blast and that was it I had to have some cheesecake!

I have actually had a hankering for cheesecake for the last couple of days but I never acted on it (or had Michael act upon it :-) )

I asked Michael if he would get me some and he said "No." Simple as that. So I didn't ask again. UNTIL...about 8pm when I was still craving cheesecake! So I went in to the bedroom where Michael was watching his nightly political shows (SNOOZEFEST!!) and cuddled next to him and told him and that I posted my Facebook status that I was craving cheesecake and he wasn't looking so good on facebook. So I said "Are you sure you don't want to go get some cheesecake?" His response.. "Ok, sure. But I'm not driving all the way to the Cheesecake Factory to get some! Target or Wal-Mart will have to do!" I of course complied and was thrilled to be getting cheesecake!

He went to Wal-Mart and came home with this...

*Back story on the Book*

A few nights ago I was talking to a co-worker and she asked me if I was reading my pregnancy bible every night. I stared and her and said "Oh I don't have 'What to expect when your expecting' She gasped! I said "Yeah Michael said he was going to get it for me for my Birthday." "When is your birthday?" "It was December 4th"

I told Michael this story and his response "You do to have that book, its right there on your nightstand!" "Michael, that is a baby name book!" "Oh is that not the same thing? " *facepalm*

13 Weeks

2011-01-21T21:41:00.005-06:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 12 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby H is the size of a Lemon (3in, 1.5oz)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I think I've gained 4 pounds (not sure we don't have a scale at home!)

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans but everything else is regular.

Gender: TBA on March 1st @ 4pm!

Movement: None so far

Sleep: I'm getting up at least twice in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and the last time is typically about 4:15ish, by the time I fall back asleep Michael's alarm goes off, then again by the time I'm back asleep he's telling me bye and my alarm is going off in 20 mins...UGH!

What I miss: Sleeping thru the night!!

Cravings: Still eating cereal, but there isn't really anything I HAVE TO HAVE. I'm just enjoying eating whatever I want because the first 11 weeks I was so nausea that I couldn't eat hardly anything.

Symptoms: Mostly tiredness!

Best Moment this week: We had 2 snow days and my friend Cara came over and we started to clean out the office to make room for baby!

Snow Day 2011!!

2011-01-21T10:06:00.005-06:00

The Tulsa area got a few inches (that may be a stretch) but who cares how many inches we got because school was cancelled!!! Cara and her live less than 5 minutes away and they came over and..

played in the back yard

had a snowball fight!

Made snow angels!

had pizza, watched Toy Story 3,

and Chocolate Chip Cookies!!

We got lucky again and got another snow day today!!

12 Weeks

2011-01-16T17:49:00.004-06:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 12 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby H is the size of a Peach

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I think I've gained 4 pounds

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans but everything else is regular.

Gender: TBA on March 1st @ 4pm!

Movement: None so far

What I miss: Sleeping thru the night!!

Cravings: I'm having LOTS of Cereal...I know weird but for some reason its the only thing that I know I always will eat! I'm also eating popsicle's and goldfish!

Symptoms: Mostly tiredness!

Best Moment this week: Making it over the 12 week hump and getting to share the news with EVERYONE that we are pregnant!

Merry Christmas

2011-01-01T14:54:00.004-06:00

Christmas was very low key this year. Which for me (who didn't feel well the 23rd and the 24th) was fantastic! I started off Christmas Eve with making my annual Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls to have Christmas morning and to pass out to the neighbors! I had a little elf in the kitchen helping me this year, which made the rolling of the cinnamon rolls that much easier!

The only problem with making these cinnamon rolls is they make such a mess!! I feel like I use every pan I own!! :) But if you have ever tasted them it's all worth it in the end!

Here is our tree Christmas morning.

Gizmo is ready to tear into his stocking! He has been "Sniffing" it out for a few days now.

Christmas Morning we went over to Michael's parents house to have breakfast and open presents and visit with his sister, Aunt & Uncle.

Later that afternoon we went to my parents house to open presents and have dinner. It was so nice to just be able to be with both of our families Christmas Day!

My mom always out does herself but Hanna and I sure do appreciate it! :) She wraps everything individually so it may make it look like there is more than there really is!

My parents dog Cowboy (or Wubbie) as Hanna and I frequently call him likes to be right in the center of the action!

I love this bib my sister got me! You can purchase them here!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas! Next year's Christmas will sure be different!

100th Post

2010-12-29T14:50:00.005-06:00

WOW! It's been a while since I blogged. Thanksgiving, my Birthday and Christmas have come and gone and I am soo sorry I haven't reported about any of it!

With this being my 100th post and haven't blogged in 3 Holidays (yes, my birthday is considered a holiday!) It should be something fantastic! I have thought long and hard about what my 100th post would be about. I wanted it to be something good, something interesting, something exciting for my 100th post. Unfortunately I couldn't think of much except for this...

WE ARE PREGNANT!!!

How we told my parents at Thanksgiving! The Gigi's are my Grandma's.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Michael and I with my parents who have yet to pick out their names.

Aunt Nenna!

Our Nugget at 8 weeks

We can't wait until 12 weeks when we can hear the heart beat!

We were going to tell Michael's family a few weeks after Thanksgiving when we went to Kansas for his cousin's K-State graduation, but we didn't want to rain on her parade and we couldn't wait! So we told them on my birthday when we went over for breakfast that morning. I am so sorry I have no pictures and no video! We just did it spur of the moment!

Our due date is July 27th, yes I know, I'm going to be hot! But it will all be worth it in the end! Michael and I are very excited! We know that are lives are about to change but we couldn't be happier!!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T15:14:00.003-05:00

We had our Annual Halloween Party down the street at Jason and Susan's. The costumes just get better and better!!

For your viewing pleasure!

Happy Trick-or-Treating!!!

Punkin's and Pumpkins!

2010-10-26T21:53:00.005-05:00

Ellarie Paige Hillman is the little Punkin' that arrived Monday!! Momma and baby (and dad) are doing Phabalous!!!!
I can't wait to snuggle with her! When I was visiting Mysha and Ellarie in the hospital she was wide awake the whole time and just cooed and talked to me and occasionally stuck her tongue out at me! She is precious!!

Our schedule's finally worked out to carve pumpkins!!

I'll leave you with pictures, well because everyone knows that's what I'm good at! :)

The Wright's

The Rooks'

The Baldwin's

The Horton's

All the neighbors and their pumpkins

"Act like your pumpkin!"

8 years later and I wouldn't carve pumpkins with anyone but him!

Cowboy Nation (The Rainy Version!)

2010-10-23T09:29:00.008-05:00

I found this poem and I think it is very fitting!

"If you're not from OSU you don't know Homecoming.

You don't know the exhaustion of pomping over 80 hours in 2 months and then 14 straight hours the night before walkarounds.

You can't know the relief and excitement and hundreds and thousands of people roam the streets looking at your tissue paper masterpiece.

You can't know the feeling of elation when they call your name at the football game because you've just won 1st place.

You don't know the pride of the Alumni as they watch the parade, take pictures with Pistol Pete and cheer their Cowboys on to victory.

If you're not from OSU, you don't know Homecoming!"

We should take stock in Lowe's

2010-10-21T17:48:00.005-05:00

Between Michael and his dad building the shed and my painting projects, we should have stock in Lowe's!!

Michael and his dad are hoping to finish the shed this weekend. They need to put the siding on and shingles on the roof, then its time to clean out the garage!! One thing Michael is so great at is making sure we can fit both cars in the garage, I mean what is a 2 car garage if you can't fit both cars in it?!

My wonderful, wonderful, wonderful friends Kara and Cara came over yesterday to help me paint the guest bedroom! We knocked it out in less than 3 hours!!

Before: I realized that I didn't have a picture of the room before...so this is the best I can do! :/

After:

I saw this pretty cross at Hobby Lobby that I will put in between the windows!

I plan on moving the paintings to above the bed and getting a shelf to go where the paintings are now!

Next Post...America's Greatest Homecoming!!!

Mysha's Baby Shower

2010-10-04T16:49:00.004-05:00

I helped Host a Baby Shower for one of my sorority sisters Mysha and her almost here Baby Ellarie! Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure! :)

Let the projects begin!

2010-10-04T16:34:00.003-05:00

After we painted the kitchen Michael's dad came to us and said he wanted to build a shed in our backyard. Michael was happy to oblige!!

So bright and early Saturday Morning Michael and his dad went to Lowe's to get the supplies they need for the flooring.

They will start the walls this coming saturday! I am personally very excited about this because we do not have a ladder attic so getting in the attic is a huge PAIN!! I have to get on the ladder, okay that's a lie, Michael has to get on the ladder! But now in a few short weeks Michael will never have to get in the attic again!!

Next project...painting the guest room!

Worth a thousand words...

2010-09-17T16:59:00.005-05:00

...Or a thousand dollars! :) (not really)

The night before Easter I was taking a timer picture while babysitting and my camera fell on the tile floor and it was dead! The lens was extended out and it smashed one side of it. It was a sad day in the Horton house! I can't live without a camera! I am constantly taking pictures! I have 103 albums on Facebook, if that tells you anything!

I had been asking for a camera for my birthday and Christmas this year. I wanted a really nice camera for when we have kids. Michael came to me on Tuesday night and said that Best Buy was having bundle deals on cameras and if I wanted one to go look and see which ones I like the best.

So Wednesday evening my wonderful Hubby came home with this....

A Nikon D5000DX! I absolutely LOVE IT!!!! I have taken pictures of Gizmo and my kids at school and it is so awesome!

Here are a few pics I've taken:

A camera wasn't enough for us we (Michael) had to uprade our TV from a 46" to a 55". Michael is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to electronics! Here are the pictures with our new electronic of our other new electronic!

Michael was so tired after putting the TV together that he needed to take a snoozer!!

Party in the Sac!

2010-09-12T21:30:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday we had our 1st Annual Block Party. It was really fun! We (well the HOA board members) grilled hot dogs and all the neighbors brought the side dishes. We had a guy named Justin come sing for us and he was great! I really liked all the music he played (it was all song i knew!)

We had a clown Flora Bell doing face painting and balloon animals for the younger kiddos (and a few of the adults).

We also had a Jupiter Jump and the kids loved it (and a few of the adults!) :)

It was really a great time to get to meet some of the neighbors we see everyday but never really stop and talk to! Here are our immediate neighbors.

Colby and Carisa Wright

Kellen and Lindsey Baldwin

Hubby and I

Soon-to-be Jason and Susan Rooks

Living up to it's name

2010-09-11T23:25:00.005-05:00

Labor Day weekend lived up to its name this year at the Horton house!

About 2 weeks ago I painted my friend Cara's little girls room and it sparked my painting bug! So I "talked" Michael into it and we started with the kitchen. Something easy, not a lot of wall space. Well that lead to painting the kitchen, laundry room and pantry!

Cara and I had picked out a few shades of green that I though would look nice against our cabinets, which are a dark cherry. Michael and I agreed on a color "Weeping Willow" it was! So on Thursday we go to Lowes and purchase our paint and all the things you need when painting. Michael and his dad were going to paint the ceiling on friday while I was at school, so we could start bright and early Saturday morning with the wall color.

Well we get home and I can't wait! We painted a small portion of the wall next to the cabinets, so I could see what it looked like! I HATE IT!!!!!! I looks like a pea yellow!!

I wake up in the morning still hating the color and Michael is telling me to "live with it, because we can't take a $25 can of colored paint back!!" His sister comes over later that evening and some how Michael has changed his tune from 'living with it' to hating it! They go to Lowes and buy these little paint testers for $2.49 (genius! Why didn't we think of this before!!!) and they buy 3 colors and paint them on the wall, then it is up to me to decide the final color!

We picked the far right color! I absolutely love it!! It is exactly what I was expecting it to look like!!

My mom, Cara, Michael's dad, Michael and I knocked the kitchen, laundry room and pantry out all before 4:00!!

Michael and I were headed to the season opener in Stillwater so we needed to be done by 4:00 to be at the game by 6:00. I have to say that we could NOT have done it without everyone's help!!

It's so nice to walk into the kitchen and it feels homey (I know its not a word, but I'm making it work here!).

Next project...the guest bedroom!!!

Day 13-A fictional Book

2010-08-23T16:47:00.003-05:00

I really liked this book...and the movie!

Day 12-Whatever tickles your fancy

2010-08-22T16:48:00.004-05:00

Live from Chicago...It's Saturday Night!!

Katie so graciously hosted our girls night last night in Oklahoma City. We were celebrating Torri's Engagement, Mysha's Birthday and just enjoying being together! (Delicious cake!)

We decided that since our friend Chelsea recently moved to Chicago that we should Skype her in so she could be apart of our night!

It was SOOO much fun!! I have never skyped before but it's something I'm definitely going to do more often!!

Since we have so much to be thankful for in our lives, we thought it appropriate to toast to friendship, engagements, babies and the future! **That's right Chelsea had her own glass of wine too!!**

Chelsea wanted a picture of her and Torri...So I delivered!! :)

I love getting to spend time with these girls (and the ones we were missing, Mackenzie & Kaylyn!) we never have a dull time when we are together. We talk about wishing we were still in Stillwater, the Phi Mu House, whose dating who, Weddings, Babies, when people are going to have babies, Sam's Cards, jobs, the brand of toilet paper we prefer, things we wish we knew when we were in college because we would be so much smarter now, etc! The list is endless!!

These girls will be my sisters for life even if they live in Chicago or soon to be North Carolina we will always be there for one another and really that's all that counts!

Thanks girls for a fun evening and Chels thanks for a walking tour of your apt! We loved it!!

Day 11- A Photo taken recently

2010-08-19T23:27:00.003-05:00

I'm breaking the rules I'm doing two pictures!!

My sester!!!

Kiki & I and our bebe!!!

Day 10- A picture taken over 10 year ago

2010-08-19T19:54:00.001-05:00

How about 26 years ago.....

Day 9- A picture I took

2010-08-19T19:35:00.002-05:00

This picture M.E.L.T.S my heart! I pray that our child adores Michael just as much as Chloe does!

Day 8-A picture that makes me sad

2010-08-12T21:47:00.003-05:00

This makes me sad because there was nothing we could do about it. We were doing it because we wanted him to feel better!

He is all better now and loving being cone-free!!

Day 7- A picture that makes me happy

2010-08-12T08:59:00.003-05:00

Walking into our first house...FINALLY!!!