Happy Thanksgiving!

The Harker Thanksgiving

We went to Jeff and Amanda's house for an early Thanksgiving. All the girls pictured went to Jr. High together and most have known each other since kindergarten. It was so great to see everyone and introduce the kids. And the food was fantastic. Thanks everyone!

From the left: Me, Natalie (5 weeks), Genia, Olivia (19 months), Julie, Liz, Tania, Maren, Theo (10 1/2 months), Amanda, Nikki

Mom's First Night Out

Last night, I went out with Elizabeth, Jer, Tika, and Erick to the Rock Bottom Beer Tapping of the Naughty Stout. The beer was great and the friends awesome! They even let me talk about the baby lots. Although, I did tell labor and delivery stories that made some re-think the baby thing. Sorry! Daniel stayed home sick. So Natalie went to Aunt Amanda's and was gushed over by all of her friends. Thanks Aunt Amanda! It was great to get out- sans baby. And I didn't even call once to check in. It is so nice to have family here to help out.

1 month old

Natalie, you are one month old today. Every new day has been my favorite day with you. I expect that will continue throughout your life. You are 10 1/2 lbs, and 22 inches. We had to move up to the regular size diapers and you have already outgrown clothes. You are an amazing baby. You have just started to learn how to grasp, although I don't think you know your hands are attached to you. Also, you seem to only complain if hungry or dirty. I was going to write how easy you have been, but I would like you to remember last night in which it took 2 hours to feed, clean and put you to sleep (Normal is 1/2 hour). You seemed ready for bed at 10pm and had been snoring on Dad for 1 hour. You ate at 9m, but at 10:15 you screamed for more food. Your screams are sad and pathetic, really. That was the first time I was unable to console you. You were frantic. Let's not repeat that tonight, ok. Dad needs his sleep. And naps don't happen as often as I would like, so really, I need my sleep as well. But... I also want to remember the feeling of rocking you to sleep in the middle of the night, just you and me, and our special time together.

Last week, Dad went back to work full time and we had our first solo adventure out of the house. You and I met Aunt Amanda for our favorite Jaliscos. We also had a great weekend out, your first wine tasting, breakfast with Chloe and company, and dinner with Tony and Kathy at another favorite Casa Lupe. They all loved you there. This week, we start our normal life. So far, I am having having a ton of fun with you. I can't wait for our next big adventure.

Chloe + Natalie= BFF

Natalie meet Chloe, Chloe, Natalie. Chloe is 5 weeks older than Natalie. Adorable. We hope you both will be BFF. We had breakfast with Bill and Vivian and the girls got the chance to meet for the first time. I have known Bill for almost 15 years now. It will be so great to watch our girls (and the future Great Bear kids) grow up together.