A look back

On this day one year ago...

 On this day two year ago...

 On this day three years ago...

I thought that time wouldn't go THIS fast with two kids! I feel like I miss so much just trying to remember to do everything! I haven't taken as many pictures as I want to- I haven't had as many play dates as I want to. Adding one more kid to the mix didn't seem like something too drastic. I figured I'd allow more time to get ready and try to set everything out the night before to help the morning process move right along- well it has helped doing those things, but I still think I forget at least 2 things every day. And to think Harper started "school" on Monday!!! EEK!

I have SO much fun with Chatham at night- we "fly into the bathroom" to brush our teeth! We make silly hair in the bath tub or go on Zoo adventures with our bath tub toys. Harper also LOVES the bath! I can't wait until Harper is big enough to play with the toys, but no rush!  want her to stay little a while longer.

Harper is growing by leaps and bounds, she is almost in a size 2 diaper (I am just finishing up all the opened boxes of size 1 right now). She loves to cuddle with stuffed animals and is a pro at grabbing and holding on to other toys (a teether purse being her favorite) She loves tummy time and mat time, she just talks and talks while she's there. We've started having joint story time at night and Harper LOVES laying in Chatham's bed while we read (Chatham really likes it too).

What I've been missing...

While I'm at work Harper is livin' it up at Gram's house (for one more week, then it's off to daycare with Chatham). Gram's other grandmommy friend (Nana Cindy) came over for a playdate.

Rossi and Harper are about 5 months apart, and I think Rossi will be happy showing Harper the ropes of what to do on a playdate!

Not Much

Not a lot going on at the Donley home! Just board games, LOTS of bike riding, and just day to day routines.

 But everyone is VERY happy!

Happy Birthday T-Thomas!!!!

Thomas had a Curious George party to celebrate turning three!!

What did you expect!

Chatham stayed with Gram and Poppy Thursday night, went to Raleigh on Friday and stayed over night with Thomas! It was his first overnight with Thomas; and the furthest he had ever been from his parents..... he had a BALL! (I will have pictures to prove it once I get a hold of my dad's camera)

 While basking in the glory of the ease of having one- none moblie/verbal- child again, I took a million pictures of Harper and played dress up with her!

 I was productive while I had some "extra" time on my hands, I went shopping for some post-pregnancy clothes, had lunch with friends, cleaned the house and cleaned out closets.

Harper is SUCH a good/easy baby; it is amazing what all I can get done and STILL have time to snuggle her!

To say we missed Chatham is an understatment! I made up for lost time by baking cookies, riding bikes, playing on the swing set, playing stickers, grilling out, spending an extra 10 minutes splashing in the tub, and reading FIVE bedtime books!!!!

Happy Easter!!!

We spent Easter in Raleigh this year!! We were there to celebrate Thomas' birthday and decided to stay the night and have an Easter egg hunt for the boys.

 Jack, Thomas, Chatham, and Harper's Easter baskets all lined up and ready to go!

Fruit Snacks- MAN, that Easter Bunny knows what it's doing!

Harper's Second Easter Dress!

Harper's first Easter Egg!

Chatham hunting eggs at Aunt Beth and Uncle Bens.

Sleeping Beauty

For three days now Harper has been sleeping in her own bed, in her own room. I can't believe it!

Archaeologist Chatham

 I froze one of Chatham's favorite motorcycles in a bowl-

 He had a ball getting it out with his tools-

 I love all of the fun crafts I have found on Pintrest for us to do!

 I did find that "digging it out" worked best outside, because the hot concrete helped speed up the process. Otherwise C would have lost interest before the motorcycle was freed.

Wordless Wednesday

Mini Photo Shoot

I am always worried I don't have "good" updated pictures of the kiddos...

So yesterday evening while Devin cooked dinner I took them into Harper's room and snapped a few shots.

 Chatham is SO into having his picture taken these days, and is happy to pose. Harper however doesn't quite grasp the concept. However, she did look mighty cute in her diaper cover and pink bow! I think I am going to have to dig out a strand of pearls for our next pictures.

 Chatham LOVES Harper! He tells us on a daily basis that he wants to call her Sissy, not Harper. He hugs her and kisses her every time he sees her. He likes to put her paci back in her mouth and ride on the stroller with her.

 Last night was Harper's first night in her crib in her own room. She did pretty well, two 4 hour stretches of sleep. Not as good as what we were getting in her bassinet, but I really can't complain. She loved that her bassinet vibrated and of course the crib doesn't- but she'll get used to it.

I didn't cry moving her to her room like I did with Chatham, but I did check on her a million times just like I did three years ago! I can't believe how fast the time is going with two kids. I feel like her newborn stage is nearly over!

Time to PLAY!

This weekend the sun finally stayed out long enough for us to get the swing set built. In fact, it was so hot that the guys started out building parts of it in the garage!

A HUGE thanks to Paul and Joe for coming over to help Devin.

 Chatham and Lauren were happy to test out their handy work! It is a big hit! I didn't get a final picture of the set- but there is a sandbox, glider, and mini picnic table.

Lauren and Chatham had a great time riding bikes and scooters while the guys worked. Then we grilled out and played with bubbles!