Outer Banks Trip

We almost didn't take our vacation this year because of Harper, but lucky for all of us, she is such a good baby, we couldn't resist. Both girls did pretty well on all the flights (one was a little easier, but I'm not naming names!). It took Hadleigh a couple of days to get used to the ocean, but once she finally got in, we couldn't get her out. Here are some pictures from the Outer Banks portion of our vacation. Richmond pics to follow. Sorry there are so many! Kristen (i.e. KK) and Harper

Can you tell who hates getting her picture taken?!

My friend, Emily, from college was vacationing in the OBX as well.

Mad face because it's time to leave

Enjoying her own tent on the beach

This is the life!

Feeding the turtles

This is not at the beach...Christian and Hadleigh took swim lessons before we left (well, Hadleigh did and Christian accompanied).

What have we been doing?

I really couldn't tell you! When you stay home all the time, the days run together, you never know what day it is, much less the date, and everything becomes a blur. We've been busy though. From swim lessons to dance class, play dates, parties, pictures, and much more, it's been a whirlwind around here. Harper is doing great. She is content most of the time and unlike her sister was, she loves to be held. The past few nights I have gotten down to 1 middle of the night feeding. She eats around 10pm and then sleeps until 3ish. After that, it's about every 3 hours most of the time. She is very easy to take places, as she sleeps great in her car seat and in our arms. I get lots of shopping done with her while Hadleigh is in school...not a good thing since I'm not working! Basically, this girl sleeps a lot.

Hadleigh tending to "Haw-pa seeping"

Hadleigh has been the busiest of us all. She started swim lessons last week which went great after a disastrous first lesson. I'm not sure how it went down, but apparently it was pretty bad. Christian got questions like "Has she ever been in a pool before?" and "Has she taken a bath before?". Of course we bathe our kid...do you think we'd go almost 2 years without a bath! Anyways, the second lesson was much better and on Friday she was a rock star! Let's hope this week continues to go well.
Dance class is going pretty good. She got her tap shoes Friday, so they all pranced around making lots of noise. She is still a little hesitant to stay in there without me, but once the teacher shuts the door and she cries for a few minutes, she is fine. The parents can watch the class on a tv in the lobby. We're still waiting on her ballet shoes and leotard to come it. I can't wait to see her all dolled up. We've been enjoying a cooler spell around here and spending lots of time outdoors. We've been to the playground several time, but mostly just play in the neighborhood. Hadleigh loves to go on walks and see if any other kids are outside to play with. She is very social with all of the neighbors and proudly announces to everyone she sees that she is on a walk.
Hadleigh continues to do great with Harper. She is very quick to find a paci at any hint of a cry. She loves to "borrow" Harper's blankets, burp cloths, socks, toys, and even tried some of her bottle the other day (yuck!!!). Overall, she is being a fantastic big sister.
Daddy's little drummer.

Story time with Marlee, Hadleigh, and Scarlett Swimming at the Athletic Club

The different faces of Hadleigh...

and my favorite:)

Tummy time for everyone! Notice Harper is sleeping--this is how most tummy times end.

Dance Fever

Hadleigh LOVES to dance. It may take her a few minutes to warm up, but once she gets going, she is unstoppable. We went to the concert at the park this week and Hadleigh had a wild time dancing. She is so happy when that music is playing (as long as it is a danceable song), it's hard to pull her away. Even after a long night of dancing, she was ready to go the next morning to her first dance class. Her leotard and shoes will be in next week, so she just had to wear her street clothes this time. Once she got used to her new teacher, she had a ball. I think she is going to love her new class.

Dancing at the park

Dance class

Peyton with Harper at the park

I think Chandra may want one of these and Marlee approves!

Cake time at Brookelyn's first birthday party. The cake was from Shelby Lynn's (she has been on a couple Challenges on the Food Network...her cakes are amazing and so yummy). Neither girl would stop eating to pose for a picture.

New Best Friends

Harper was so excited to finally meet (after 3 1/2 long weeks!) her new friend, Adriene. Adriene joins her big sister, Scarlett, in becoming the Baldwin girls' best friends. Casey and Robbin welcomed their little girl on the 4th and tonight Hadleigh and Harper got to meet her for the first time. Lots of fun times ahead for this foursome!

Here are some pictures from the 4th of July. Hadleigh had a big day swimming, swinging, and socializing. She wowed the party-goers with her booty-shakin' dance moves and then watched a few fireworks in her daddy's arms (not a huge fan)!

Poor Daisy somehow scratched the heck out of her eye and has an ulcer on it. Luckily, it's not too deep, but the vet said if we don't treat it aggressively, she could lose the eye though she doesn't feel like it will progress to this. We are doing around-the-clock eye drops and she gets to sport this lovely cone. Not a happy dog, to say the least. We go back Wednesday to make sure it is healing correctly.

Random Photos

Not much to update. We had a good 2-week doctor's appointment. Harper has gained all her weight back plus some. She was at 6lb 15oz on Monday. As long as she continues to be healthy, we won't go back until August when I'll take both girls in for their shots (I'll need lots of prayers that day!). Hadleigh continues to adjust. She constantly wants to know where Harper is and what she is doing. I can hear her asking about her when she first wakes up in the morning (Christian has been getting Hadleigh up for school) and she is so thrilled when Harper comes to pick her up in the afternoons. She really has been sweet for the most part. I am ready, though, for the day when I can take my eyes off Hadleigh when she is around Harper.
Here are random photos from the week. I've been working on the announcements, so I've had a camera with me at all times and have taken lots of photos that didn't make the cut. Thank goodness for digital cameras!

Harper is crying because someone just ripped the blanket out from under her....hmmm, wonder who?