8 months & 8 years

Harper has been home 8 months. And today marks 8 years since "Gotcha Day" with Jaden. The sisters get along quite well 95% of the time. Just once in a while Harper wants to annoy Jaden, and she knows exactly what to take/touch/move of Jaden's to elicit the desired response. But less and less of that lately, or maybe I am not paying as close of attention! And to be fair, sometimes Jaden has zero patience and knows that saying "bad Harper" will bring her little sister to tears. Pushing each other's buttons is part of the sibling relationship, I guess.

The month of January went fast. It included my first business trip since getting Harper. My usual great sitters (D&W) had the girls for two nights (I was in San Francisco). Harper was happy and did great, but kept asking "where is my mommy?". And did not sleep well. For this month's business trip, I purchased an inflatable toddler bed that D&W can put next to their bed, with Dora sheets, which should be a big hit. Harper LOVES Dora and watches dvds of nothing else. Travel is part of my job and so fingers are crossed this does not become an issue for Harper; Jaden has always done great in part because D&W bend over backwards to make her time with them fun. I am incredibly fortunate to have them.

I can say with conviction that Harper is now a sleeper (except for the travel caveat noted above). Yep, put her in bed and as long as she is not sick (don't get me started...), once she is asleep she is out for the night or maybe a peep and covering her up does the trick. A wonderful thing. I still have to lie next to her when she falls asleep (and we are in Jaden's room, and Jaden nods off super quick), but maybe I will start to sit at the edge of the mattress (aka "mommy's bed"), then by the door, to out in the hall. The problem is the cats that like to sashay around and meow if the door to the girls' room is open. I will have to formulate a plan, but not just yet. I am okay with things just as they are for now.

Harper will turn 3 on February 10. She loves presents, so I predict she will have a great day. I will try to post mid-month with some birthday pictures.

Jan 4. Harper is in the Penguin class at daycare, so occasionally,
Pete the penguin goes home with one of the kids for the weekend.
This was our weekend and Pete fit right in.  Here, enjoying some ice cream.

Jan 5. Harper sharing her beloved noodles.

Jan 5. Musical trio.

Jan 6. Harper pitched a fit about something, came down the hall and laid
down behind me while I was on the computer. Fell fast asleep on Pete.

Jan 5. Jaden and Mickey. Not a great hair day (for Jaden, not Mickey!).

Feb 1. Tonight. Silly girl. Notice the pizza and the Barbie. Adjusted well?
I would say yes!

Feb 1. Eight years ago. Scrapbook page commemorating the big event.