Labor Day Weekend

This is what we were doing on Labor Day weekend! Relaxing with friends and getting some crazy good shots of our "spoiled rotten angel." That's my newest name for Harper Elle.

These shots are taken by our buddies Will Zuill and Angela Bowden. They are so talented and have such a great eye and asked us if we would let them practice on us for a photo day! UM, gosh, I wasn't sure how to respond so I just said okay, just this once! Yeah right, the princess of taking photos...because my Mom definitely holds the Queen title in my family.... said yes please may I have another. And we are so glad we did. See for yourself.

In this shot, Harper was standing about an inch from Will's camera just staring at him.

Will says this was a raw shot for him, no editing. I adore it.

We say thank you so much Will and Angela.

Harper's Baptism

What a chain of events we had on the morning of the 29th of August. Harper woke up bright and early to make sure she wasn't missing anything have both sets of grandparents underneath one roof. Also, a Great Aunt they spoils her rotten as well. We had a nice morning and Harper went down for her morning nap. The rest of us raced around to get ready and get out the door for the 9:30 event. I had already texted Kelly and Brian (godparents and long time friends of ours) to be there at 9:00. It wasn't mean, I had to if I wanted them there in time for the Baptism at 9:30:)

After we arrived at the church, we were doing okay but then we had to wait and wait and wait. Well, let's just say, when Harper is woken up from her nap and not fed, mostly likely a meltdown is a sure thing. And Mom unfortunately is always right!

Although Harper wasn't very happy, it was such a special morning for Bob and I. Just seeing our parents and close friends there to support Harper made it complete. We went to Brunch at Cafe Margot and "chowed" down. And so did Harper, after that, as good as gold.

Thanks to everyone, you are so appreciated and loved!

Godparents: Kelly Crowe and Brian Breagel

My parents: Larry (Poppie) and Audrey (Nana) Terry

Bob's Mom and Aunt: Aunt Monique and Bernice"Grandma" Cietek

http://gallery.me.com/jrcietek#100251

Family Fun Weekend

Grandma Cietek and Aunt Monique came down to see the babe and have a little fun in Country Music City. They adored spending time with Harper and spoiled her rotten:) With clothes and jewelry, hugs, kisses, and lots of good food! They cooked our favorites and stocked our freezer full of pizza, meatballs and tomato sauce that makes you wanna smack your Momma. Not really!

At the pool

We had a blast and we will miss you, especially Harper and Moss!

The Country Music Hall of Fame

Sunday after Birthday Bash

On Sunday after Harper's birthday party, she and Daddy had fun time while my Mom and I made lots and lots of sauce. Tomato sauce that is, with lots o tomatoes! I'm thinking we probably had 30-40 pounds of tomatoes and now I have b e a utiful tomato sauce stocking my pantry shelves. This is my first canning, in my home, with all my new fancy canning gear. I say fancy because the gear is quite basic and very simple to use. All I needed, was my Mom to be here and hold my hand I suppose! Next time around, I will be flying solo.

Fancy Baby

Can you even believe how adorable this ensemble is? My sister bought her this for her birthday! LOVIN IT!

Mini Milestones Everyday

Harper has blossomed so much over the last month. She took her first steps when she turned 11 months old and by her 1st birthday, she is practically running when she doesn't bobble over and fall with reckless abandon. Yesterday, I asked her if she wanted to eat and she held her hand up to her mouth and signed to me "Eat". I was thrilled because the one and only sign she uses is "all done". We work on "more" all the time but she basically just screams! Also, Grandma Cietek and Aunt Mo "Miny" came in town for the weekend yesterday and she expressed her ability to shake her head NO, for the first time....to her GRANDMA! Not what I was hoping for for a first in the milestone category but it has been quite funny watching her explore her new form of communication today.

The morning after her birthday I found her in her "toy store", as her G-Aunt Miny calls it, hugging one of her baby dolls. So sweet and I was so glad she wasn't throwing her across the room! I fixed a room for all her toys and books in the front of the house but really all she wants is Moss' toys in the other room. Go figure, but it is wonderful to see her exploring and learning. She also loves to bring you a book and plop right down in your lap so you can read it to her...of course jumping up less than a minute later and moving onto the next project. Told you that's why I love rocking her to sleep at night! It always last more than a minute!:)

Oh, PS, the best milestone. She gives the BEST hugs lately. Like the kind you know she means it with her generous mouth open coming at you with a larger than life smile, arms wide open, and falls into your arms!

Photo booth at The Bash

Who knew Photo Booths were so fun! I made the back drop and Angela and Will provided the props and pictures! This was hysterical and sooo ridiculous. I LOVE the photos and hope you do to!

http://gallery.me.com/jrcietek#100243