The dentist

This week, Peyton visited the dentist for the first time. He was a champ! The hygienist was impressed with how well he behaved and was amazed he had never been before. Sometimes kids surprise you, don't they? We've always taken good care of Peyton's teeth so we were pleased that there weren't any cavities!

And Elliana is sporting her first pair of jeans. Too cute! I'm having fun dressing her in all kinds of cute outfits.

Siblings

Here are pictures of both kiddos on their first outing to the pediatrician at just a few days old. Elliana is on the left and Peyton is on the right. What's with the grouch faces?

Big Brother Peyton

Peyton has done well adjusting to the new addition so far. This morning I had her laying in bed with me and he was watching cartoons in our room. He peeked over me to look at her and he said, "Look at how cute!" He's very sweet with her, but we do have to remind him to be gentle. Having my mom here has been a big help because there are 3 adults and 2 kids, so at any one point, someone can be giving him undivided attention, playing outside, or playing games with him. And sweet Mrs. Lauren (many of you remember she took care of Peyton for 2 years) brought him a big basket of big brother stuff to help him feel important. Lots of activities and things to keep him busy, which is helpful too. My mom is leaving Thursday, so that will be the big test. Once its quiet and just us around here, I expect he may not find this too fun anymore, but who knows, I may be pleasantly surprised.

Good Times

My friends Laura and Michelle stopped by today for a visit. Laura had stopped at World Market and picked up some Abita Beer, Zapps potato chips, pralines, and king cake mix. Ahhh...a little taste of home. With all the Mardi Gras talk on Facebook, I really needed that. She also brought Peyton a silly straw which he used at dinner tonight, of course. While wearing his Mark Vader costume. Yes, he calls him Mark Vader.

Miss Elliana is up to business as usual. Eating a lot, some for nutritional value, but I'm starting to suspect some is purely for comfort. And she definitely knows who the food source around here is. I keep assuring myself that she won't be nursing by the time she goes to college, and she'll be fully potty trained. I won't always be changing poopy diapers. In the meantime, I do enjoy how relaxed and happy she is after getting a belly full.

Today in the Life of the Harrells...

The boys are hard at work building stuff

And Elliana is learning how to accessorize.

Pictures

I'm trying something new here.....uploading pictures to Flickr directly from iPhoto. I've played around with privacy settings, etc. But I think you should be able to click on this link and see a bunch of pictures from this last week.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76699604@N04/sets/72157629329398585/

Daily Dose of Harrells

Peyton likes to read his "Seuss-y" book

And Elliana is only happy if she's eating.

She has Arrived!

Elliana Jane Harrell arrived at 11:36 am on February 9, 2012 weighing 8lbs 14oz. She's happy and healthy! Mom and Dad are doing well too.

Big Brother Peyton

Peyton is very excited to be a big brother. We're trying to encourage touching and kissing her feet rather than her hands and face since he always seems to be harboring germs. He seems to be doing pretty well and adjusting to the new addition. He likes keeping an eye on her and knowing where she is. He just asked if Elliana could go outside and ride bikes with him. Hmmm...may be a little while before she can do that!

Heading to Hospital

Contractions are picking up finally. Headed to hospital. Hoping they don't send us home!
Peyton is beside himself with excitement. My mom arrived yesterday so she's taking him to school.

Still Here

Not much has changed. Contractions are probably a little more intense but farther apart. Definitely not close enough to get excited about. Patrick and I had a good day together though. Went for a walk around and around and around the neighborhood to try to speed things up. No luck. Went to babies r us and target to pick up a few things, hoping other preggo mothers would give off some good pheromones to stimulate labor. No luck. So... Now we're just waiting. Maybe the excitement from the UNC - Dook game tonight will help get things going.

Is it time?

Contractions have been about 10 mins apart since about midday yesterday. For awhile they weren't very painful or intense but I think that's picking up this morning.
Who knows....this could go on for days. But I certainly hope not!