So Long, Farewell...

A couple of weeks ago- Jason, Keet and I packed our bags, loaded up a Uhaul and took a 9 hr journey from Kansas City to Jonesboro, AR. What a whirlwind weekend.

The 98 degree sun beat down on Jason, his bro Aaron and friend Ty as they went up and down a flight of stairs carrying all of our belongings to a 17 foot truck. While we did have a ton of stuff, it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be thanks to all the garage sales we've been having. It pays to get rid of junk. By the end of that day (father's day) we were cooked.

Saying goodbye to our 5th home in less then 5 yrs was tough. It was my favorite apartment by far and it held so many good memories-Jason passing the OAT, getting accepted into School.

9 months of pregnancy and of course, bringing Keet to his FIRST home.

That evening we had a mini Father's day celebration (post to come) and stayed the night at Patti's house. It was great to hang with family that we have grown so close to over the past 2 yrs in KC. Jason has really treasured the time he has been able to spend with his brothers the most and will miss them a lot.

I am so happy to have formed such great bonds with our niece and nephew-Ansley and Ethan. They are such special little ones. From Ethan's charming quirks, big brown eyes and Cheshire grin to Ansley's kind heart and sense of humor they are a bundle of fun! We will surely miss seeing them grow and change.

KC will be missed too. We loved living there. It was such a refreshing place to live after the dirty gray streets of NYC. While I can't say my job was the most glamorous, I did make some great friends that I will keep forever. We Bought our first car.

Saw two friends get married. Discovered the song "Christmas in Kansas City". Jason reconnected with an old pal. Saw Stevie Wonder, Jason Mraz, Martin Sexton and James Taylor in concert. The birth of our niece.

Called 911 while a lady tried to jump from a bridge. Had a wreck. Saw 2 lines on a pregnancy test.

The list goes on and on...

As the tires hit the pavement and the sound of my baby's sleepy breathing filled the car, my heart swelled with thankfulness that we had crossed paths with a place that helped us form such meaningful memories but also graciously propelled us forward to new opportunities.

I am sad to leave but happy to go. So Long, Farewell...Until we meet again.

Sitting Up

Check out our little man sitting like a big boy. He just turned 5 months old a few days ago. So happy to see him developing but so sad to see him grow so fast.

5 months

My Dear Sweet Keet,

Today you turned 5 months old. Every month you change so much that I can hardly keep up.

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Lately, our apartment is filled with baby giggles, bubble blowing and shrieks of delight as you marvel at the world around you. The sweet sounds are music to mine and your daddy's ears. I am so happy to see that you are forming a little personality vocalizing your likes and dislikes. Clicking our tongues ALWAYS get a chuckle while laying you down for a nap turns you into a little monster.

Your Aunt Kristin is letting you borrow a bouncy toy that cousins Ethan and Ansley once enjoyed. Daddy and I think you've got some dancin' feet the way you bounce in that thing. You'll go crazy for about 3 seconds and then stop suddenly so we can clap and whoo-hoo for you.

This month you have officially found out how to get from point A to point B by rolling. The only problem is you can only roll one direction. Naturally, this means getting stuck and not liking it. You've started doing this in your crib at night resulting in dramatic screams of protest until daddy saves you. (I love you Keet, but this is getting on my nerves. hehe)

Socially, you have had a BIG month!

*Your Nana got to keep you while daddy and I went to the James Taylor concert. We had a wonderful evening but missed you like crazy.

* We took a mini road trip to St. Louis and you were introduced to your Great Grandma "GG". You were very sweet to her and didn't fuss and squirm when she held you. I think you brought a lot of joy to her that day.

*You gained an Aunt. Uncle Phillip popped the question to your future Aunt Jenny and you were there when they came home to announce the happy news. I can tell she already loves you even though she is scared of your projectile vomit;)

*Mommy's friend from work got married so your Nan and Pop came up to KC to hang out with you while we went to the wedding. You had so much fun playing with them minus the scary toy that made you cry. haha

*Daddy and Mommy's friends, Cessy and David asked us to sing in their wedding. Nana kept you for the wedding and then you accompanied us to the reception. You laughed and smiled when daddy got you out on the dance floor. I love that we can take you almost anywhere and you are so well behaved.

*We finished up the month at a BBQ celebrating Phillip and Jenny's engagement. It was a big noisy crowd but you managed to sneak in a nap on my shoulder.

Keeton, you are such a amazing addition to our little family. I am so excited to see your emerging personality and sense of humor develop. Your smile continues to warm my heart.

When I'm weary from life's daily ups and downs or the unknown future seems scary, seeing you renews my spirit and reminds me that this moment, right now, with you is PERFECT!

I love you baby boy,

Mama

Harpers on a diet (formerly known as "Project Nick and Jessica")

I'm just gonna put it out there. We are on a DIET! Wow...I said it. That wasn't horrible.

In the past I've made my diets public knowledge and the second I do, I go eat a super value meal somewhere and blow the whole thing. I'm still not sure this won't happen again. But this time I am trying a new tactic: Put in on my blog and then I'll feel reeeeaallly guilty when I cheat. And it's working already-I am feeling really guilty about eating Jose Pepper's for lunch;)

Jason has lost over 15 lbs and I have lost about 10lbs. It's feels so good to slip on a pair of jeans that used to be tight and be able to button them...right out of the dryer! Don't get me wrong, I have a couple mountains to climb before I will truly be happy about my size but there is nothing wrong with celebrating a small victory.

I am really proud of Jason. You may think Jason doesn't need to lose weight but sir packed on 25 lbs when I was preggs with Keet.

(beat for gasp)

You need to know this about Jason though-he is very dedicated to this diet and will lose those last 10lbs- NO QUESTION! In fact, when Jason sets a goal about anything, he achieves it every single time. It's really respectable and I may go as far as saying it's one of his best qualities.

These last few weeks have been a struggle for me as I am tempted 7.5 hours a day with shelves of giant candy bars such as Twix, Snickers, Kit Kats and worst of all TURTLES!

Case in Point: Jason called me one day to check up on my eating and asked if I'd eaten a candy bar. I said 'no' proud of my restraint. The minute I hung up the phone I got a candy bar. It was as if he reminded me I needed to stuff my face with all that sweet goodness.

I think just leaving my job will help me lose 5 lbs. As with a lot of things in our lives, my motto has been "we'll see". That isn't necessarily a positive motto just realistic.

So wish us luck and we'll see...

Jumpin' Bean

Someone has a new toy and HE LIKES IT!

Daddy Daycare

So I guess this is what happens while I'm at work. Priceless...

Cousins part 2

Horsey Ride with Uncle JJ

Ethan- 3 yrs, Ansley- 2 yrs, Keeton- 4.5 mos