Life on the Harbin Front

FIRST BIRTHDAY!

2010-05-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

He has already changed so much in the last three weeks! Anyways, we celebrated Blayne's First Birthday with family and friends in our church gym. It's a great space and he loved playing with the basketballs! Of course, the next Saturday he started walking, so my family missed it by a week. :( Luckily, we are flying out to Texas Memorial Day weekend so my parents can see him toddling around! He's near full out running now! Pretty adorable!

More beach pictures!

2010-05-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

1) Family pic on beach

2) Blayne and Rory (our friends' 18 mo. old)

3) name in sand

4) cool dude w/bruise from fall the night before :(

5) loving the waves

Spring Beach Trip to Ft.Morgan, Alabama

2010-04-26T18:44:00.001-07:00

Again, I get the worst blogger award for the month. Oh well! As soon as we got back from the beach, we got ready for Blayne's birthday and family visiting plus work on top of that. I'll talk about the big 1st birthday in another post with pictures.

Now about the beach! We decided to share a condo with our friends, the Oleksik's, this year b/c we knew we'd both be planning vacations around the same time. It was super! They have two girls, ages 4 and 18 months. We love them so much!

We left on Tuesday afternoon and spent the night in Prattville at Ben's Aunt Cindy's house. All his other aunts and uncles came over for a yummy cookout. Blayne tried to stay awake as long as he could. It was nice to be with all of them.

Wednesday morning, we got up and got on the road headed south! About 10 minutes before our exit, we got pulled over. It actually was quite hilarious b/c of the officer's accent. He said, "where ya headin?" and we told him the beach. Then he proceded to say, "well, alby darn, you almost made it!" He let us go with a warning, thank goodness, and a good laugh!! Only in LOWER Alabama!!

We got to Gulf Shores, ate lunch, went to Walmart, and then headed to the condo way out in Ft. Morgan. Little windy the first day and half, but then the rest of the week was perfect! We ate at the Orginal Oyster House, Lambert's, and a new to us place called Cottons (filet mignon was amazing!). Good eats, good tan, lax schedule = great vaca!

Another good, relaxing vacation! 3rd time to the beach for Blayne. our neighbors actually make fun of how many times we've been to the beach in the last 9 months. I LOVE IT!

Masters Sunday

2010-04-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

The Masters Golf Tournament is a big deal in our household. Ben has been fortunate enough to go to one day of practice rounds there the last two years. This year it didn't work out, but we all wore our shirts in support.

It was a beautiful weekend here, but unfortunately the pollen is back again. Thankfully, we are headed to the beach for the rest of the week! We are so excited and all packed! April is a good month for us to get away before both of our busy summers kick into full gear. Plus, when we get back, Blayne will be moving up to the one year old room at his daycare. He goes two days a week for five hours. I thought he had to wait until he was walking, but the director said he could go when we were ready! YAY! Although, I have a feeling he's going to be walking by his birthday anyway, which is only two weeks away! WAH!!!

I know after being off the rest of this week I will miss him so bad when I go back to work next Monday. He's such a sweet boy. As soon as he starts walking, I'll be sure to post a video! He's very very very close!!

So the next post will be about the beach!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-12T18:06:00.001-07:00

Easter weekend my dad from up from Auburn. Saturday, Ben and I both had to work. Our church egg hunt got postponed from the previous Sunday because of rain. Dad watched Blayne while I ran the egg hunt. Then, we went to Moe's for lunch with Ben. After everyone got an afternoon nap, we grilled out and ate on the deck.

Of course, on Easter we all went to church. I had to leave early b/c it's such a big day at church, but before I left I made sure to dress Blayne in his Easter outfit (which was a handy me down from a friend). After church, my dad made his way back to Auburn and we went to Manchester for the afternoon with the Harbin's. Josh and Alisha came over too. Poor Ben's allergies got the best of him, so he took another two hour nap like he had Saturday. Meanwhile, Blayne was the energizer bunny and kept going without a nap. He even made it all the way back home that evening without falling asleep! Go figure! Needless to say though, as soon as we got home and gave him a quick bath, he laid down and fell asleep within five minutes.

My mom (from Texas) also sent us an Easter basket or should I say carrot with a bunny. It's cute. Can't wait for Blayne to use it next year, when he'll be a little more into the egg hunt rather than just throwing them. I'll try to post a picture of that and our Easter basket for him later.

Next post....Masters Sunday!

Catch up!

2010-04-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

So it's almost been a month since my last blog post....sorry! I'll try to catch you up!

First, Blayne and I went to my grandma's house in Florida for a long weekend. My cousin Erin is expecting her first child in July, and we had an early baby shower for her. This was also the first time Jarod and Erin got to meet Blayne! They live in Louisiana, so we don't get to see each other much. We also got to see April and Ella! April and I are 6 months apart, and Ella and Blayne are 4 1/2 months apart. It's so fun to get them together, and we hope too as often as possible so they are close like we are.

The next post topic will be Easter! More to come...

A visit to Auburn and Monkey Park!

2010-03-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Pictures (top to bottom): my dad holding Blayne after his nap, static hair from slide, train ride, swinging, sliding again, on campus w/our neighbors abby and rebecca, dad and blayne at becca's game!

The first weekend of March we went to Auburn for a visit. Friday night, we ate at Cock of the Walk with dad. It was super good! SO much food! Then, Saturday morning we had a big breakfast as always with Dad and we headed out to Becca's soccer game. She is a 17 yr. old neighbor who plays on a select soccer team in Chattanooga. Her team played in a tournament in Auburn for a college showcase. One game an Auburn scout was at her game! She'll be a senior next year, so we have high hopes!!

After the game, we took the Whiteside's to another classic Auburn restaurant, the Barbeque House! After that, we took them on a driving tour of campus and pictures in front of Samford Hall! Then, Ben went to play golf with Rick, our new brother in law, while dad and I took Blayne to the Monkey Park in Opelika! He loved sliding, swinging, and watching all the other kiddos! I grew up going to that park, so it was fun to take him there!! Many mores outings there in the future I am sure!

The rest of the weekend flew by. Cookout Saturday night, visited with more friends, and then attended 10th St. for worship. It was fun for everyone there to see Blayne and to get so many hugs from people who've known me my whole life! Then, we hit the road to get back home before small group at church.

Great weekend "home"!

More posts to come! This month is loaded with fun happenings!!!

little stinker and big eater: Part 2!

2010-03-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

little stinker and a big eater!

2010-03-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

10 Months and First Visit to the Aquarium

2010-02-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

Well, my pictures are not in order, but at least they are loaded. Today we went to the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga! Luckily, Blayne got two good naps in before we met Ben's family down there at 3:30. It was Blayne's first time to the aquarium, and since the Harbin's like to scuba dive, it was a must they be with him on this day. Plus, we got to celebrate Ben's brother, Josh, turning 31. It was a fun evening!

It takes a few hours to go through both parts of the aquarium. So after all that walking and taking turns holding a 20 lb. baby (he did sit in stroller at times too!), we were ready to chow down. Where did we go? Sticky Fingers, of course! Super good bbq if you are ever in town! Yum, ribs!!

Blayne turned 10 months old on Thursday! I can't believe he'll be one in two months! This time last year, I had just entered my third trimester and passed a kidney stone. We also said goodbye to Ben's papa who passed away at age 88. It was an emotional two weeks. I'm always amazed at how things change within a year.

Now, it's time to start planning the big party! Any simple, cute ideas? I think the colors will be baby blue, red, and green!

more milestones...

2010-02-21T17:00:00.001-08:00

This picture was taken Valentine's Day! He's kissing the flower. But what is on the left of this picture, you'll never see Blayne drink out of again! The bottles are all gone. I've been thinking about transitioning him to a sippie cup for a while, and tried over the last few months to see which one he'd like. No luck! He could care less! So, Tuesday, I just packed them up. If he wanted to eat, he had no choice but the new cup. Little much at 9 1/2 months? maybe. But now after 5 days, it was worth it to go cold turkey! will probably do the same with the pacifer before his birthday too! baby boy is becoming a big boy!!

In other news, I'm continually reminded of how blessed I am to have a home, a family, a job, and friends. Some of our friends are really struggling with what life has dealt them at this time. My heart is saddened and cries out to the Lord on their behalf. I pray he answers our pleas! Be sure to praise Him this week for all the blessings He has poured out upon you. ~Psalm 20

GROWTH SPURT!

2010-02-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

This month Blayne has been snoozing! When I returned from Savannah, he spent the next week sleeping in past 8 a.m. and still taking all three 1 1/2 hour naps everyday! One morning, he didn't wake up til 8:55! He goes to bed every night between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Can we say major growth spurt?!

I SURVIVED!

2010-02-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

I survived three days of not seeing this precious face! I went on my first overnight trip since Blayne's been born. It was for a church conference in Savannah. Well worth the trip, but did miss my boys! Ben and his mom took great care of Blayne! I know he had fun! He's such a daddy's boy. Loved seeing his sweet smile and receiving love from him ALL day Saturday. We had a lot of catching up to do. He's so wonderful. I thank God for him everyday!

Speaking of surviving, I can't tell you how excited we are for the new Survivor: Heroes vs. Villians to debut this Thursday. Ben and I really enjoy watching this together. Then, the Amazing Race starts again! Woo hoo for reality TV! lol!

Shout out to the SAINTS for surviving the Colts! WHO DAT? The Super Bowl Champs, that's who!! Well deserved!

SNOW and FIVE YEARS!!

2010-01-31T17:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend we had one of the best snows ever! We had almost 6 inches starting Friday afternoon through the night. Saturday was a blast sledding with our neighbors. Ben and my dad made a life-size snowman too. I was impressed! Can't wait til Blayne can help Ben with one someday. Then, Ben and I got to go on a quick date to the movies. Thanks to my dad for watching Blayne! He made it through the icy weather Friday night and enjoyed the beautiful snow covered mountains on his way home today. It was a nice weekend to stay indoors and hang out.

In other news, tomorrow (2/1) marks my five year anniversary as the Children's Minister at our church. Normally, I would not mention it, but five years is a big marker (especially in ministry)! I've definitely had my favorite moments and not-so-favorite moments. Overall though, God has been lovingly and patiently by my side each step of the way. I look forward to seeing how He will continue to use me in this place. Glory to God!

Home with baby boy!

2010-01-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

So I go to drop Blayne off at daycare today, which he only goes to two days a week. The first thing I find out is that his normal teacher is home with the stomach bug. Great, I thought! This means there is strong possibility she got it from working here. I really didn't want to leave him, but I did. 45 minutes later, I get the phone call..."Blayne has thrown up. You'll have to come get him". URGH!!

Since we already had an appointment today for his 9 month wellness visit, I wasn't too worried about getting him to the doctor. I get there to pick him up, and come to find out he only threw up once. Recently, we have learned he has a sensitive gag reflex as we have been trying chunkier foods. AND...he does puke alot when this happens. Sorry if this is gross. The director said it stunk though. I bit my tongue b/c I knew I had to take him regardless. It is just the sick policy places have even at church. Let me tell you though, the boy had yogurt this morning, and anytime he eats this....even his burps want to make me gag b/c of the smell! Of course his puke is going to stink...it's digested food and stomach acid! WHATEVER!

I took him with me to do one errand for work and then home until his appt. Before we could even get out of the parking lot, the child was gabbing and laughing! He ain't sick!

I'll just chalk this one up as a little blessing from God for me to be at home with my son on a day I really didn't feel like leaving him. Thank you God for this extra time him (and a good nap)!

9 months old!

2010-01-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

Blayne is 9 months old today! He changed so much just since Christmas. Crawling..eating finger foods...laughing hard...standing up in crib...and getting sweeter by the day! I'm so thankful for our precious son!

The New Year!

2010-01-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

I had a feeling I didn't post these pictures right, so read below first. In order from top to bottom...Christmas day, reindeer bootie, by tree, at 1st Christmas parade in Maryland, New Arrivals Day at church (not the best of ben--sorry), Ben and I at the Auburn/Alabama game (Nov. 27), our new grass, blayne at 6 months, and blayne at 5 mo. pushing up.

Well, 2009 wasn't the best blogging year for me, so this year I hope to do better! Since the holidays, Blayne has been changing so fast. He'll be 9 months old on the 25th. He probably weighs around 20 lbs. and began crawling on Dec.30 at 8 months old! He's really moving now! It makes me sad for our parents who live out of town and miss so much. Hopefully, we can see all of them again soon!

Not sure what 2010 will bring for our family, but 2009 was fantastic! Blayne has been an absolute joy! Everyday I try to remind myself this is as easy as it gets b/c I know soon I'll have to start disciplining a little toddler. Then again, he's a super sweet boy, so maybe I'll be lucky!

Here's a few pics from the fall and holidays! I'll post some January pics in the next post!

Summer 2009 - Part 1

2009-08-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

Playing with my daddy!

My "Aunt Jenny" came to meet from Texas! She's was a huge help to my mom and so fun!

Blayne at 2 months

At church bike parade!

At the golf course for the first time for fireworks!!

July was a very busy month! First, my friend Jenny came to visit from Austin, TX. She stayed through the 4th of July weekend. We had fun hanging by the pool, eating at cool places, being outdoors, and watching fireworks together. Blayne slept through them all and it didn't phase his wonderful sleep habits of 5-6 hours straight back then.

Father's Day, Big Smiles, and Playtime

2009-06-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Ben!

Big Smiles!!

The below video is of Blayne in his bouncy chair. Needless to say he has a fun time! Sorry about the craziness at the end.

Blayne has grown so much this past month! He's definitely getting heavier, sometime stretching feedings to 4 hours, sleeping so well, smiling and cooing, and being our favorite snuggler!! Friday we go to the doctor for his two month appt. and shots. :( The only part I look forward to is seeing how much he weighs. He's the best!

Hanging out!

2009-06-09T12:25:00.001-07:00

Talking to my mommy!

Our neighbor Abby, who has a spit up phobia! haha!

Playtime!

I forgot to mention in our last post that my sister came up as well last week. That was fun and nice to have someone to talk to during the day. She's totally a proud aunt!

Blayne smiled for the first time too last week! When I dropped him off yesterday morning before I left for work, he smiled three big times at me! I just take it as a little present from him saying, "I'll be okay mommy. You go on to work now." It totally made my morning!

Now I am anxiously awaiting the days of his laughter! It's not like he doesn't hear us laugh a lot. Every time the boy poots, I almost can't control myself. He's had some classic sounds come out of that tiny bottom of his.

Grandparents Galore

2009-06-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Blayne at 1 month

Bathtime

The Harbin's

My Dad

Over the last few weeks, Blayne has been able to see all his grandparents, which they LOVE! Memorial Day weekend my dad and brother drove up from Auburn b/c my brother had not met Blayne yet. When they weren't hanging out with Blayne, they checked out all the cool things downtown to do here like the Chattanooga Market. There they kicked off the summer by buying a bucket full of locally grown strawberries that were oh so sweet! It was a great to have them here.

Then, on May 27th, Ben and I took Blayne to Manchester for the first time. We had dentist appointments, and since the Harbin's do not work on Thursdays we decided to spend the night. Needless to say, it was a bit too much too soon for little bit b/c he did not sleep well at all that night. He traveled in the car good though.

That weekend my parents flew in from Texas on their way to vacation in Gatlinburg for a few days. They couldn't believe how much he had changed over the last few weeks. When they came back through on Wednesday, they both thought he looked completely different from just that Sunday. hahaha! He's a growing boy. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures with them this visit, but below are some recent ones including a couple of his first baths.

So after sending my parents off to Texas again, I decided yet again to go to Manchester to let Blayne visit his grandparents again and meet one of his great aunts, Iva Kate, and several cousins. They came up for a day to hang out at the Harbin's. The kids had a blast swimming and exploring at Old Stone Fort. It was cute how excited they were to see Blayne and hold him. He's got a really big family (on both sides) to enjoy!!

In other news, yesterday I went back to work at church. My six weeks is up. This month I'll only be working part time to help me ease back into the swing of things. I am very proud of myself for not crying. My neighbor, Kelly, is going to be keeping him for the most part, which is so great! She's right across the street and has a little boy too! What a blessing! We are so thankful!

Seriously, I need help on how get the pictures where I want them. Fellow bloggers help me!!

Doctor Visit and more pics!

2009-05-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Monday, we got ambitious! Over the weekend, I noticed Blayne's cord getting ready to fall off but what was underneath not being pretty. I called and the nurse told me what to do, and to call back in a few days. So yesterday I called for further instructions. While waiting two hours for a response, I figured it out online. Sure enough, the nurse called back she told us to come in and the doctor diagnosed it as umbiblical glascioma (sp?). Not an infection! He told me that this was the way it was going to be and we couldn't have prevented it. He clipped the "hanging on by a thread" dried up cord, and then froze the gooky stuff with silver nitrate. All that to say, Blayne is going to have an outie! :o) He also weighs 8 lbs. now!! Growing boy!

After that, I was craving some McD's $1 sweet tea, so through the drive-thru we went. Then, we paid the water bill and stop by the church to pick up some more gifts. Said hi to everyone in the office and came home for a bit.

At 3 p.m., it was feeding time and then we went to JCPenney's for Blayne's first photo shoot! ha! He did wonderful and they turned out really good. I only walked away spending $60. Feel a little guilty, but not really. Probably will not get anymore made until his 3 month.

By the time we got home, he slept for another good hour while Ben and I were able to fix and eat dinner (leftovers reheated). Then, I fed baby and slept!! Ben recorded all my shows and gave him a bottle at 11 p.m., so I could go to bed and sleep until the 2 a.m. feeding! It was nice and Blayne slept until 7:30 this morning. I really do not know how I got so lucky, and I'm praying it sticks!

All in all, we had a full day!

First Mother's Day and Ballgame!!

2009-05-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Let me explain why i haven't posted anything. I keep forgetting my stinkin password. Seriously, I've had to reset it like 5 times b/c I can't remember. I'm going to write it down this time though!

We've had another great week. He has had his nights and days mixed up, but not too bad and I think we've almost reversed it. last night, he slept from 12:30 to 6 a.m. It's all about not overstimulating and keeping things quiet at this point, so he learns the difference. He only cries when getting his diaper changed, of course, and if he has a gassy tummy. We're getting used to his cues. He's such a good baby!

Here are some pics from the last week or so. (I don't know how to get them in order or to show up below. I'll figure that out later. ) Sunday was my first Mother's Day, and the Harbin's came down to take us out to lunch and spend the afternoon with Blayne. Last night, Blayne went to Ben's softball game, so we had him all decked out in baseball attire! Enjoy!

I know! I know! It's been a while!!

2009-03-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't kept up with this blog AT ALL! My sincere apologies! haha! I just remembered my password honestly!

Baby Blayne will be here in two months or less (or a bit more)!! We are so excited to meet him! I'll try to post new pics soon! The last few months have been a whirlwind, but for the most part I've enjoyed being prego!

The holidays were awesome even with all the travels! January was perfect! We had our first baby shower in Texas, and was very blessed! February....could have been a better. I had two events at church, which wore me out. Most of the month, I had a LOT of aches and pains. Then on Feb. 17, we learned the real reason for those aches and pains. A kidney stone!! I'll let you know how the pain really compares to labor shortly! no fun! gave us a scare too, but Blayne was not affected in the least bit. After that ordeal, I felt great again! Whew!!

Then, sadness, b/c Ben's Papa died. This was his last grandparent, so it was hard. It was good to be with all the family though and remember his amazing life.

Now, we are half way through March, and it's been fun so far! The baby belly has definitely grown, and he is getting stronger and stronger in his movements. Not so fun though when he kicks down low..if you know what I mean! HELLO!

MARCH: I went to a Baby Fair and won a photography session and small package, so I'm trying to decide when to use that! I'm thinking 6 months as of now, but I also like the idea of the newborn pics too.

Last weekend, we had some friends visit! The weather was amazing. They blessed us with Blayne's first preppy outfit! White polo with light blue sweater vest and searsucker pants! Love it!

This weekend Ben's mom and I took a trip to Alabama. I had a wedding and wanted to visit my home church in Opelika. Thanks to Ben's mom for driving us! My feet have been swelling, so it helped to be able to prop my feet in the dashboard! Ahhhhh!!

This coming week is Spring Break, so it will be a quiet time at church/work. We have our last childbirth education class on Tuesday. I'm hoping it will not be as scary! Oh my! Most of last week, I think I had complex look on my face. haha. Like I said early, I'll let you know how the pain compares to passing a kidney stone. If I can do that for hours without drugs, I'll be just fine! Next weekend, we get to take a tour of the hospital and register. Our final choice is Erlanger-downtown. After that, it is on to the very large consignment sale. First time parents get first pick and get to go early! Hope to find some good deals, but not get too much b/c on the 29th we have a Clear Creek Baby Shower! This weekend is going to be so much fun! My mom is flying in from Texas, and we are hoping to see a lot of old friends too! I'll be sure to post again after that!

Blog Debut

2008-12-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog! Hopefully, this will be a way we can share about our life adventures, especially the beginning of parenthood.

Ben and I have been married for five years now and have loved living in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We both have great jobs with awesome people. Ben is the assistant superintendent at one of the mountain golf courses and I serve as the children's minister for our church.

We are expecting our first child in May. However, our rat terrier named Hoppers has been our "baby" for nearly five years. While spoiled rotten to the core, she keeps us entertained and shows us love everyday. Life as we all know it will change soon!

That's us in a nutshell! I'll try to update regularly. Enjoy!