Daddy's Girl

It was so much fun to celebrate Joel's first Father's Day! Harper and I loved having a special day just devoted to Daddy. He is SUCH an amazing Dad to Harper... he is so gentle and patient with her and she just lights right up whenever she sees him. She is a complete Daddy's girl! He is equally awed and amazed by her as I am, and we have so much fun just staring at our precious little girl and wondering what kind of person she will become.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband that works so hard for our little family. Joel never complains about working, chores, errands, etc. is always helping me with anything and everything-- cleaning up the dishes, helping fold laundry, catching bugs (yuck!), fixing things, taking out the trash, and especially getting things off of high shelves! He takes such good care of Norman, too. In fact, Norm and I could duke it out over who lays claim to the title of "Joel's best friend". I say me, but a strong argument could be made for Norm given the insane amount of time these two spend together. I am so lucky to have married this sweet, handsome guy. And even happier that he's "my baby daddy"! :)

Joel and his baby girl before church.

Daddy's little monkey.

After church, Harper changed into a special little shirt declaring that she has Daddy wrapped around her finger. Couldn't be more true! This girl may end up S-P-O-I-L-E-D by a Daddy who can't say no to her! :)

Harper just can't get enough of her Daddy, literally!

We made Joel a special Daddy cake that said "We love Daddy". Hear, hear!

Before bed, Harper and I gave Joel his presents-- a new sports watch and some shoes. If money were no object, we'd have bought him a new car, too! He's certainly earned it (and also happens to really need one! ) :)

And of course I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the other two very special Dads in our life. My Dad, who continues to sacrifice so much for me, my sister, and my mom. I love you, Dad-- thanks for everything you do for us and for being the very best Dad in the whole world! And Joel's dad, who has raised 3 wonderful sons--one in particular :)--and has provided an awesome example of a father to Joel. Harper absolutely loves her Pops and her Grandad... and so do we!

Harper Highlights- 3 months

Harper is 3 months old and is doing so many fun things these days. I just love being at home with her all day... she is my little buddy! Here is what she has been up this past month:

Harper holds her head up and likes to look around.

She can reach out and grab toys or links, especially on her playmat.

She is totally into her own hands. She loves to stare at them and move them around. Who needs toys?!

Her cooing is much louder and she seems to now recognize the sound of her own voice. It's fun to have little conversations with her now, as she will coo and gurgle back to you.

She has started drooling, sometimes a lot. Perhaps an indication of teeth in a few months?

Harper sleeps about 9 hours a night and she wakes up SO happy. (Apparently a morning person, unlike her mommy!) I just love to see that big smile when I peer over the crib!

She is not the best napper. She goes down fine, but often wakes up after 30 minutes and can't get herself back to sleep. We are working on it! :)

Her 0-3 month clothes are all pretty much too small now. She still wears size 1 diapers. She also has teeny-tiny feet like her mommy. We have SO many darling shoes that we are anxious to wear, but are still too big!

Harper weighs almost 13 pounds.

Miss Harper at 3 months.