Happy 6 months to Harrison!

It's so crazy that it's already been 6 months. It seems like just yesterday when I was screaming for my epidural at 7 cm! Harrison continues to amaze us everyday. Not a week goes by where I'm not calling David at work reporting the accomplishment of the day! You would think this would drive anyone crazy, but every new development is HUGE in a parent's eye!

We saw Chris Pielop, Harrison's pediatrician, today and got a great report. He is right on track for all the developmental milestones and was just smiling away almost the entire visit! Since Harrison has not relapsed for several weeks with his acid reflux, I had almost forgotten the blood curdling, "IT HURTS MAMA," scream. These shots that these precious babies get are awful! I absolutely HATE them! I think the nurse must have seen how upset we both were and assured me that for the 9 month appointment, Harrison would not have to have any shots! Anyway, Harrison continues to be 35-40th percentile for weight at 16bs. 11oz. and the 75th percentile for height (27 1/4"). Looking back at my babybook, I was 14lbs 14oz and 26 5/8 inches at 6 months! And, need I explain the electric mosquito's height and weight??!!? So, it seems like Harrison is falling right in line with his Mama and Daddy!

On another note, after spending over a month interviewing many nannies, David and I have hired one! I met with her several times before hiring her and I feel completely confident that she is going to be perfect. She's from Colombia, and went to university and was a teacher there. She taught in NC for a few years and quit to raise her little boy, who is now 4 and absolutely darling. It seems like she comes from a nice family and she loves her husband and little boy more than anything. She is incredibly gentle, intuitive, and intitiates playful activities for Harrison. She is so excited about the job, as are we, so I think we will make a perfect team! She starts tomorrow and is going to work part time with us until I return to work May 11th. This will definitely make going back to work so much easier.

Our next trip to GA will be for July 4th weekend to walk the 10K Peachtree Road Race with my Grandmother (who will be 89, mind you!). We are so excited to be a part of the festivities! We're also planning a beach trip with Harrison's best friend, Nathan, at the end of the summer - this is something I have been looking forward to for many years! In September, we are hoping to get to the Hamptoms for David's cousin's wedding. And, maybe back to GA for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Well, before we know it, our little Harrison will be turning 1 and 3 days earlier, I'll be turning 30. An exciting week for all of us! But, what I do know is that the past 6 months have been the best months of our life. David and I love being parents. We love watching Harrison grow and we can't wait to have more kiddos bouncing around in jumperoos!!! (no time soon, though!!) :) I must say that if I could freeze any moment in time, it would be right now!

Thank you all for your support, guidance, and love over these last 6 months!





Before shots

After shots

Several hours and some nanas and milk later!

Mommy, you are so funny!

The best toy in the world!

Harrison absolutely loves his jumperoo. He will sit in it for 45 minutes at a time, jumping and looking around the entire time. If we are sitting on the couch, he will jump, then look at David, then at me, then jump and repeat! We can't get over how much energy this kid has! But, it's no wonder - David was dubbed the "electric mosquito" when he was little because of that same reason and the sheer fact he was tall and skinny. Harrison might have the "Smith chin," but he definitely is going to be an electric mosquito just like his Dad!

Watch my fancy footwork, Dad - I'm your next running back!

Photo Shoot!!! :)

Harrison hates green beans so much! Not only did he make this face for all 4 bites I fed him, but he gagged on the last bite, which was my cue to try again another day!



Rice Cereal = yummy

I took a few mintues to snap a few 6 month shots of Harrison - I can't believe that

Monday will be 1/2 a year.

More pics,

http://picasaweb.google.com/Aubreyslye/Almost6Months?feat=directlink

More Phone Pics

My phone is about to freeze and crash because I have so many pictures saved on the hard drive! Sometimes the moment arrives and all I have time to reach for is my phone!

I'd like this propeller removed, MOM. Do you really think I look cool?

Loving the new highchair!







Laid back, sippin on Sim-i-lac. Got my mind on my nap and my nap on my mind.

Mom, guess what type of fish I am....

Maxed Out

About 2 weeks ago, Harrison went from just rubbing his eyes when he was sleepy to just flat out covering them. He's created his own blindfold and goes to his "happy place" by placing his hands over his eyes and leaving them there!! We all know when he's overstimulated and has had enough because he makes it totally clear... there's no guessing anymore! He's getting more peculiar by the day - definitely his father's son!!! ;)

Airplane Photos

Harrison is becoming an expert on flying! He knows how to charm the flight attendants and the people on the row behind us! I took these pics with my phone...

Pics from GA

Sick baby asleep with Grandaddy














Grandaddy reading his Sailing book to Harrison

Aunt Jan (Mom's sister), who told us the story of getting caught chowing down while she was babysitting. She was spraying whip cream in her mouth from the bottle, choked, and had to the the Heimlich maneuver on herself, just as the parents were walking in! (i'm thinking this is another exaggerated story!!!) ;)

Reaching for Mr. Frog, but

fustrated that he can't gasp it!

Miss Fern and Harrison

First experience with a horse in his St. Pattys outfit that Harriet bought him!

Thelma and Harrison

Our trip to Griffin was very relaxing! After arriving in Griffin, I spent the first few days under the weather with a cold. After I pulled through, Harrison got the cold and spent the weekend sleeping it off. By the time we flew out on Monday, we were both feeling better and the week had just passed us by!

But, we had so much fun just hanging out with mom an dad and during the week Harrison continued to change - it seems like he is doing something new everyday! He's now sitting up by himself, unassisted for a little while; he is grasping at anything and everything, including whatever I am drinking, upon which he wants a sip; he's rolling over in all directions, however he hates being on his tummy so he does anything possible from rolling in that direction; he is "blowing kisses" with his lips and smacking his gums and lips constantly; he gets frustrated when he wants to walk and move around or when he can't reach a toy; Harrison is so ticklish on his tummy, underarms, feet, back, spine, really anywhere and he smiles an laughs all the time; he LOVES standing, walking, and stomping! In general, he's a happy baby and we are so thankful to modern medicine, as his tummy feels so much better!

More pics,

http://picasaweb.google.com/Aubreyslye/TripToGA?feat=directlink

Mitchell and Brie's Wedding Celebration

The weekend was so much fun! We arrived in Jacksonville around 3pm Friday afternoon and headed for Darien, GA to check in and prepare for the celebration of Mitchell and Brie's wedding! Saturday my parents arrived and we made our way to Kenny and Judy Todd's beautiful bay house (the REAL 'Marshes of Glen'), where we met the beautiful new bride, Brie! The celebration was awesome - a low country boil, GA-style with shrimp and oysters, awesome music, great toasts, and great friends! We all had so much fun! On Sunday, we had a wonderful brunch at my Aunt Sherron's house (also a gorgeous bay house) and said farewell to the happy newly weds. I already am missing my wonderful cousins! Congrats, Brie and Mitchell!

David and I were amazed at how well Harrison traveled - through the layover in Atlanta to the later-than-usual bedtime Saturday night, he was content and happy as could be! The drive to Griffin was 4 hours on Sunday and the car was packed to the brim! Ofcourse, Harrison decided to grace us with a "present" during the 4 hours - one that he had not graced us with for 4 days, so you can only imagine how we all looked with our heads hanging out the windows, gagging for fresh air! But, we made it safely to a cold and rainy Griffin where we have been cozy by the fire, playing Boggle and Who's Smarter Than a Fifth Grader all day!

For the complete album,
http://picasaweb.google.com/Aubreyslye/MitchellAndBrieSWeddingCelebration?feat=directlink


Hanging out in the hotel room Friday night!




Nighty Night!



Mom and David

Harrison was so excited at the celebration that he did not nap for 5 hours (usually he's clockwork, every 2 hours)- he smiled and laughed the entire time! This is me trying to get him to go night-night, without any luck ofcourse! :)

"A goooche gooche goo!" We are such the doting parents!

The Newlyweds - Mitchell and Brie Smith

Mitchell's twins are adorable! Jack (in Green and Cream) and Ben (in Navy and white) are 5 years old now, and HUGE! They were having a blast on the dance floor!

Leaving the party for the hotel - Harrison is a little delirious at this point.

"Button=chew toy!"

We thought Harrison was great advertisement for Kate's restaurant, Farm 255 (in Athens, GA).

His advertising partner, Sam (Liv's son), showed up to the Sunday brunch also!

Can I feel your pearly whites, Grandaddy?!!?

Smith cousins.... Valyn, Kate, and myself

David shackled Harrison after he stunk up the car!

I love my Daddy!