Harper Monaé || 18 Months

It's here. 18 months. 1 + half years old.

She's smarter than ever. funnier than ever. and bigger than ever. and she's about to grow up even a whole lot quicker with the arrival of a new baby in our near future!

Oh this girl. She makes her mama and daddy happier than they ever thought possible.

Her sweet, sweet spirit - yet sassy, sassy self :)

And all this post is going to be is a big 'ol photo dump, because that explains better than words what this last month has been like with our little sweetie!

I love you so Harper Monaé. You are the light of my life. The joy to my days. The hopefulness in my mornings. I love how every month that passes, you and I can grow closer and closer. I know you are going to be such a great big sister and I am excited to see you transition into that role. I know your kindness, giving heart, and sweet loves will make you the best big sister. Your little brother/sister is already so blessed to have a sister like you. Thank you for making it so easy to love you and making my days brighter.
I love you baby girl.

xoxo

-Brittney

OUR TABLE || TODDLER FRUIT POPSICLE

I know it's only 'just' January, but there are days I find myself already longing for summer!

the sunshine. the swimming. the summer walks. the food. the flowers. the long days. the bbqs with friends. 

and for Harper... the popsicles!

We've made homemade fruit popsicles and she just looooves them! (and as a dietitian mama these healthy ones give me no guilt in giving to her). She was having them as a snack all the way into November. I'm thinking it's time I make some now just to feel the spirit of summer (this picture here is a couple months old). and I'm certain she won't object. I mean just look at that face :)

So here it is. They are just too easy not to try.

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen fruit (we use mixed berries)

1/2 cup milk

Combine both in a blender until smooth. add more or less milk if you desire a different consistency.

Pour into popsicle molds, insert the stick/handle and freeze.  We like these Nuby Pop Trays. They don't make too big of a popsicle for our little pint-sized-Harper, and have a lip that helps catch the drip! Amen from all the mamas :)

that's it! two very, very healthy ingredients for growing littles in a yummy, mama approved snack!

Enjoy! Cheers to pretending summer is just around the corner ;)

xoxo

-Brittney

CHRISTMAS 2015

Best Christmas to date.

The joy of a child on Christmas makes this holiday (which is already our favorite) that much more magical. I had family come to visit before and after Christmas, which made our holiday extend just a few more days (like 6 more) - no complaints here!

Christmas. A day to celebrate Jesus' birth, and that we did! 

We started Christmas Eve with going to the late afternoon candlelight service. Rather than sending Harper off to nursery, we decided we wanted to share this experience with her. Seeing the amazement in her eyes along with her little innocence, brought tears to my eyes.

Following the service, we headed back to our house to spend the evening with family. It was full of eating, drinking, sugar cookie decorating, and a gift exchange for the adults - which causes more anxiety than should be normal as everyone stresses about which gift they are going to end up with!

Once everyone had left and we finally got Harper down for bed, it was time to play Santa and get ready for the morning. Brandon and I were filled with so much excitement at the anticipation of Christmas morning for Harper to see her gifts. No doubt, more than her! :)

Christmas morning was even more magical that I could've imagined! Harper had so much fun opening packages, playing in the wrapping paper, enjoying her new toys, and then repeat :) Once we finished breakfast + gift opening, we headed over to Brandon's parents' to continue on with 'Christmas morning'. 

We shared a great meal with a house full of family and friends. 

Harper never made it out of her jammies.

Took naps.

And failed at taking a family picture.

It was all just perfect :)

Being that at this point we have also had New Years Eve... here's how the night finished out with family.

A game of Apples to Apples + jammies + chamomile tea.

Happiest New Year to you!!

xoxo

-Brittney