last weekend in the city

We are saying goodbye to Los Angeles tomorrow and mostly we are ready to be returning to our little home in Tucson. We have been away for three months and it feels like even longer. Harper will finally get to try out that beautiful crib of hers, we won't have to tip-toe around on creaky wood floors, and as far as we know, our yelling neighbors are staying here. But we have had a great time, had many weekend adventures and let's be honest, it's been great to be away from the Tucson heat.

We spent our last Saturday here exploring the Fashion District. How did I not know about this place until our last weekend? Apparently it is known to be one of the best places to shop for clothing, accessories, cosmetics and shoes, as well as textiles and flowers. There are more than 1,000 stores and although the majority of shops are dedicated to wholesale business, there is still plenty to buy at 30% to 70% off of retail prices.

It was crowded and hot, but we are really glad we went. Brady and I both got watches and Brady bought a new suit - they threw in a shirt, tie, belt, and socks. We even went down Santee Alley, a famous "back alley" shopping path where I bought a new diaper bag. It was a very successful, enjoyable trip. Harper and I decided we'd better go back on Tuesday and we found two pairs of jeans, a shirt and a pair of red Converse for Harper when she starts walking. I wanted her to have a little something from our time here.

Santee Alley

On Sunday we met Susanna and her family at her in-laws in Santa Clarita. It was a treat to spend the afternoon with them. I couldn't believe how much our girls had changed in the six weeks since we last saw each other! Susanna is such a fantastic mom and I am grateful for all her help and advice. I have looked forward to us having babies and them growing up together and I still can't quite believe that it's happening. We snapped a few pictures of all the girls. I kind of think Josie stole the show.

Harper, Josie and Delia with their moms

a very new trick

Soon after Harper woke up this morning, she did this (see below). I couldn't believe it. The way she did it seemed so effortless, like she had been considering it for a while and worked it out how to do it in her head. It shows what a good night's sleep can do for you.

Thanks for watching. Mainly I posted this video for her adoring grandparents, but any Harper fan is welcome.

celebrate!

Friday was Brady's birthday so Harper and I decided to ride the metro in to the city and meet him to celebrate. We were supposed to meet for lunch, but Harper slept right through that so we met for dinner instead. We went to this little Greek restaurant we found our first weekend in L.A.

On our way there we saw a little strip of street vendors and I asked Brady if he wanted to take a look. It turned out it was actually a movie set made to look like New York city--complete with cars with NY plates, guys in NYPD garb and smoke machines to mimic the subway. It was fun to watch for a while and see the people in the background walk back and forth or "recycle" as they say. I actually thought they were just regular people at first and snuck in to take a picture, but quickly realized my mistake when a woman called out "Ma'am, ma'am back up please." and motioned for me to get out of the shot. Sorry lady. We ended up talking to one 'extra', a woman who was doting over Harper, who told us that it was a commercial for the new 2012 Fiat 500.

the street vendors I was excited about

the new Fiat (not in NYC)

As we made our way home from our metro stop, Brady picked Harper up out of the stroller for the last few blocks. I'm not sure if that's why she was so excited, or if she thought she'd better let everyone know it was her dad's birthday and she was celebrating, but I'm glad I had a camera. Watch for Harper's "happy eyes." The crescent shape her eyes get when she especially happy are our absolute favorite.

the happiest little lady

let's celebrate!

Happy Birthday Brady! We love you and clearly, Harper is thrilled to have you as her dad. She is one lucky girl.

four months!

Our sweet Harper girl is four months old and I cannot believe it. I am completely in love with this little girl and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars that we have her. She is joyful and sweet and seems to be changing every day. I have tried to make sure Harper gets some tummy time every day even though it's not her favorite thing. Then from one day to the next, she could push up on her arms and look at me! I was so excited.

Harper loves her hands and is always sucking on them. Oh how I love those tiny, delicate hands and holding and kissing them!

Her newest sound is the letter B and she seems to love the way it sounds and feels (and the resulting bubbles she can make). I love that I've even caught her making the sound as she's trying to fall asleep.


She loves kicking her legs and usually squeals as she does. I absolutely adore the moon shape her eyes get when she is really happy. There is something mischievous about that smile.

And she seems to love to show us her tiny tummy which we readily tickle and kiss. Oh how we love and adore you sweet Harper!