Goodbye January!

It is the last day of January and I am very excited about that. It tends to be the longest month ever in Michigan. February always seems to go by fast being a short month plus we have a little man during 1 on Valentine's Day. Really cannot believe it.

So I changed my mind on the bedding for the baby. I found a set we both like that is a much better quality than the one I originally chose from Walmart and it's still girly and on clearance so it will be fun to put it all together in another month or so. Rumor has it Jeremy's brother is buying the bedding for us which came to a surprise to us but we'll see....regardless, the biggest purchase (the crib) we have already been blessed with so we can pick up the mattress and bedding (if needed) later on. I am looking forward to putting it all together when we get everything.

Ethan has his 8th tooth popping through. We had a feeling he was maybe teething this past week because he's been a little fussy at times and had his fingers in his mouth a lot. He wasn't as fussy as he normally gets so I wasn't sure but sure enough it popped through yesterday. It's so funny to me that he has 4 in a row up top and 4 in a row on the bottom...or maybe that is normal and that is how baby's teeth come in and I just don't know that :) Anyhow, he really is starting to look older to us....definitely has lost the baby face look and is quickly looking like a toddler.

Update on Jer....he is feeling great and all is well....still praising God for that, He's so good!

I am really not excited about Ethan's 1 year shots....each time it gets worse and last time was really bad and hard on mommy and that was 6 months ago. I just really hate going and I've been back and forth with the whole shots things. I read the good and I read the bad with immunizations and I feel a little torn about it. One day I feel good that he's getting them, the next I'm not. There's a lot of debates about autism being linked to vaccinations but there has been no promising proof that the two relate. I did ask his ped. to get me the exact ingredients that are in each of the shots he gets and he took the time to call the companies and get that information for me so I appreciated that. He sent them to me and I looked them over...I didn't see thimerosal in them which was my main concern/question so that made me feel better. It's one of those things it seems that people feel strongly for or strongly against....and I don't really like talking about it with people and hearing their "opinion" I just pray about it and ask God to guide us in each decision we make with our kids and pray he protects them and gives us wisdom. I don't want to live in fear but I always want to have peace about the decisions we make....as I'm sure every parent does. Anyhow, not looking forward to shots....it's kept me up a couple times the past few nights....your heart just breaks for them when you see them in pain and he's a strong little guy and can imagine he will kick and scream and fight it. Sigh.

Well, I am quite sleepy today...I think I might lay down for a nap when Ethan does a little later. Feeling great though and the baby is good and I am blessed.

We are going over to some friends house tomorrow for a Super Bowl Party so that should be fun. We used to always host it but with last year it being so close to Ethan's birth and this year not having tons of space to have people over we thought we'll have to wait for another year to host it again. I'm rooting for the cardinals.....not just because of Kurt Warner but also because they are the under dog team and I like when the under dog's win :)

Have a great weekend all.
Keri

Blessed Beyond Measure

It has been an interesting night/morning. Jeremy woke up at 3am feeling very sick to his stomach....I was praying and praying and praying and just rejoicing that God is our healer, He does NOT give us sickness and I was believing that he wouldn't throw up and that he would come back to bed and get some rest. 15 minutes later he came back to bed.

I was rejoicing and praising God, thank you thank you. There was someone else rejoicing also for the next hour and a half...so rejoicing that she was kicking me and kept me awake until 5am. Silly girl. Needless to say I was very tired this morning and didn't even see Jer or say goodbye before he left for work.

I woke up feeling so blessed. Blessed that God answered my cry of help for Jeremy during the night. Blessed because I am having a little girl who I am so excited to see and meet. Blessed because I have this beautiful little boy who is standing up in his crib waiting for me in the mornings. I felt overwhelmed by God's love and just so excited to start my day with Ethan and to be pregnant with this little girl we call "Bertha."

Jeremy called me an hour or so later telling me he was still feeling sick but went to work. I had no idea. He went on to tell me that everyone prayed for him at work and that he was feeling better right now. Praise God. Little did I know that today is a potentially big day for Jeremy at work. He has 3 big appts. to go on that potentially could be huge clients. We both felt the enemy was trying to attack him physically (this isn't the first time) because he knew what a big day this would be for Jeremy. His big meetings are at 10:45, 1:00 and 2:00 and I am praying that Jeremy feels great, for favor and just for God to wrap His big arms around him today and pour out His love for Jeremy.

Jeremy is a private person and I'm not even sure he would want me to share this....so please don't bring it up to him if you see him tonight (for those who are going to Bible Study) unless he shares it with you. Just pray for him today if he comes to mind. I think sometimes the more we "talk" about sickness or the enemy attacking us physically the easier it is to be consumed with those thoughts....especially for Jeremy. He has struggled with this many times before and just the enemy having this strange attack on his mind and body so we are constantly praying about this. I felt God's love so much though for Jeremy last night and for me that he answered my prayer completely and that he did not start throwing up like he has in the past. We feel it's the enemy, not a flu bug so I was in deep prayer about this at 3am. Just praying against it ya know? We are God's children and His will does not involve His children being sick....just like I would never give Ethan a sickness to "teach" him a lesson. That is such garbage and it burns me up everytime I hear people say stuff like that.

Jeremy and our friend Adam went to pick up the crib last night....they have a van so we didn't have to ask my dad to borrow his truck which is a blessing and a big time saver :) I so want to set it up but think it makes the most sense to wait until I have her bedding and mattress...then we will put it all together and wait for her to get here:)

I feel more anxious and patient at the same time for her to get here. Does that even make sense? I feel anxious because I am so excited about having a little girl and just really looking forward to having a newborn again. I feel I will enjoy things a bit more this time around as I just did it all with Ethan so I won't have the frustration of trying to learn how to nurse and just all of those little things that can be nerve wrecking the first time around.

I say I feel patient at the same time because I am really enjoying these days with just Ethan and him being the only baby and getting all the attention for a few more months. I'm also enjoying my sleep ;)

When I go to get Ethan in the mornings he is normally always standing up waiting for me and it's so cute because as soon as he sees me he bends down and picks up his blanket and hands it to me. I'm not really sure why as I have never done this with him but I think it's the cutest thing and I wonder what he's thinking when he does that.

Anyhow, I feel so blessed today...because God is bigger and better than the devil and because He loves me so much to DIE for me. I don't think there are many people we could honestly say we would die a horrible death for....let alone a stranger.

Blessed beyond measure,
Keri

Our little girl's bedding :)

I have been looking online ever since we found out we were having a girl for bedding for this little princess that is on the way. I found this one set that I liked but it was $160 for the set and I just couldn't justify spending that much. I found Ethan's online at Kmart for $60 for the whole set.

I haven't had much luck but decided to look on Walmart's website again....or maybe I didn't look as much as I thought I did I'm not sure. Anyhow, I found this one that I like....I think it's so pretty and just looks like the perfect set for a summer baby. The best news is it's $69 for the set which is awesome! That means $100 cheaper than the other one I liked....looks like Walmart is going to get my business a lot with this baby. First the crib (ok I didn't pay for that) and now the bedding. Maybe I will go into labor when I'm at Walmart also? :)

22 Weeks

I really cannot believe I am already 5 1/2 months pregnant. When I was pregnant with Ethan I felt the days went by so slow but with this one it is going by so fast. I'm sure it is because I have an 11 month old to chase around and he keeps me busy and makes the days go by pretty fast. I am feeling great as this is always the best time as far as feeling good for being pregnant. Well, not for all but most. My sciatic nerve hasn't bothered me nearly as much as it did with Ethan. Maybe it was his position? I don't know but it's only once in awhile that it's been giving me pain and with Ethan it was bad for months. The ultrasound tech did tell me the baby is low so maybe that's why. I am hoping that means a quick delivery too but am not getting my hopes up.

Nothing really too new with us. Ethan is doing great, it's always wonderful when they are happy and healthy. I booked his 1 year portrait session today online at JCPenney's and am hoping they do a good job. I've heard good things and I have a coupon so that works.

I think I am "nesting" early. I swept the kitchen floor, got down on my hands and knees and washed it, cleaned the sink out (it was getting kinda gross), wiped down all the countertops real good, cleaned the microwave inside and out and cleaned the stove and took off the burners and washed them all and everything. Needless to say my kitchen is now spotless and I don't want to cook tonight in fear of getting it messy :) I wanted to clean the fridge out too and wipe everything down but we'll save that for tomorrow.

I got an email today saying the baby's crib is in (thanks Ray and Jude!) so that is exciting. I'm thinking it's probably too big to pick up with our car so I'll have to wait and borrow my dad's truck or something soon and go get it. We'll probably wait to set it up....at least until I get a mattress and bedding...then we'll set it up and have it all ready for her :)

Well, Ethan just went down for a nap and I'm sleepy too so I think I'm gonna try and get a quick nap in. Hope all is well with everyone and much love to everyone from the Harrison's.

Keri

Ethan=Cuteness

Just Another Day....

I'm sorry for my boring post title but there is nothing specific I am writing about today...just in the mood to write:)

Our little man Ethan is doing great. He's finally over his forever long cough/cold/croup thing and we are staying in the house a lot to make sure he doesn't get sick again. I went to church by myself Sunday morning and Jer stayed home with the baby and I think we may start doing that for awhile. There are so many kids coming in and out and as blessed as I am by the nursery at church there just is no possible way to keep the germs away. I know how it is, I had a daycare and as much as I sprayed lysol, sanitized, etc. there is just no way to completely keep one sick kid from getting all the other ones sick. It seems every time he is in the nursery he's sick a few days later so I think we'll keep him out of the nursery for awhile....at least until spring time when kids don't get sick as often. A few months after E was born I stopped going to Bible Study on Friday nights since Ethan was starting to get active, loud and it just wasn't working well with his schedule. I expected this, it's part of the change that comes with starting a family. Anyways, Jer still goes every Friday night so I told him well I'll go to church on Sunday's without E since you get fellowship and the Word in on Friday nights...so yeah....that's what we started this past week and I enjoyed church a lot.

Our sweet baby girl is doing just fine. She kicks and moves everyday so that is fun and exciting. My sweet in-laws once again offered to buy the baby a crib (a convertible one at that, they are the best!!) so I found the one I like and it was ordered this week. I found one almost $200 cheaper than Ethan's too so that made us feel good. I got a white crib this time as I really wanted white for Ethan but ended up getting a stained color. So, white will be really cute for a girl and I am excited to set it up and get pink bedding for it:)

I feel so blessed that God is giving me a girl. Of course if it was another boy I would love him and be excited also but God knew how much I really wanted a little girl and I feel he gave me the desire of my heart with her. I'm so happy to have one of each and that baby girl Harrison will have a big brother to look out for her and keep all the boys away :) People ask us if we are going to stop at two since we have one of each and the answer is we really aren't sure. Jeremy would be happy with just two but I think I might want more and he is totally open to that which is great. I say we'll take it one baby at a time and go from there. Some days I want just two and other days I want four. There's a part of me that feels so blessed to be able to get pregnant so easily and have healthy babies that I think why would I stop at two? Don't worry, I'm not going to turn into Mrs. Duggar and have 18 babies:) So, we'll see what the future holds but for now we will have two precious babies....one boy and one girl and we are so blessed!

Change of topic....Ethan is totally sleeping through the night now and that is another huge prayer answered. It really was starting to wear on me and getting up multiple nights in the night with him and not sleeping with Jer all night long was just getting old. I was really praying about it and I feel God answered so quickly. He still cries when we lay him down but now it's usually only 1-5 minutes and he is out for the night. The last two mornings he slept 11 hours! He's been waking up around 8:30-9 instead of 7 like he normally was so this is awesome! We'll see if it sticks.

Well, it's noon and I have yet to shower. Ethan is napping so I think I'm going to go take my long hot shower that I enjoy so much. We are going over Grandpa and Grandma Harrisons tonight to hang out and eat chinese....mmmm!

Oh yeah and one more thing...even though our new President may not have gotten my vote I like him a lot. Of course the abortion issue is huge to me and I completely disagree with him on that but I think he has a lot of great qualities as a leader and I guess I just feel as Christians it is our job to pray for him and not talk bad about him....it's only God that can change his heart on abortion and why don't we start praying for that instead of saying he's evil? Just a thought.

Love to all.
Keri

Our Little Pele :)

For those of you who don't know who Pele is he was the best soccer player in the world. Ethan is following in his footsteps ;)

My little boy is 11 months!

I cannot believe Ethan is 11 months today. Where has the time gone? I still feel I was just in labor with him, up every 3 hours in the night for feedings and now he is talking, walking and a little adult! I can't believe he will be one years old next month. Wow.

I am planning his birthday party and having fun with it. Since he's a valentine's baby it will always be fun on birthday's for him....hmm, I wonder what the theme will be? :) I am curious what he will think of having his own little cake....I forsure think he will dig into it but since he's still not eating pieces of real food I'm not sure what he'll do....regardless I'm sure he'll love the frosting :)

I'm 20 weeks along with baby girl Harrison....she loves to kick and move around and I enjoy it. It's such a cool experience being pregnant and I am so excited to meet her this spring and see what she looks like. I'm thinking she may have her daddy's hair color and green eyes....we'll see!

I haven't taken my 20 week belly picture yet and will make sure Jeremy takes it tonight. Gotta shower first though....oh the joys of being a stay at home mommy....you can stay in your pj's as long as you want :)

I've been so refreshed this week by getting in the Word everyday and I've been making it a priority to do before other things. It's so easy to do the dishes, laundry, check email, etc. and I just want to be spending time with God each morning before I start my day. So, I've been doing that this week and it's been wonderful....duh! God is wonderful! I've been challenged this week with what I've read...just the simple things like doing everything without complaining or arguing...it's so easy to complain and I know I'm guilty of it. Getting in the Word really helps me apply it though and think before I speak.

Anyhow, hope everyone is doing well and having a great week.

Love,
K

IT'S A...................

It's 2009!

It is officially a new year and that is very exciting to me. So excited about 2009....continuing to watch Ethan grow and also for the arrival of our next sweet pea. I am excited that I am a stay at home mom going into this new year and thankful for the hard work and many hours my hubby puts into his job so that I can be home with our kids.

Ethan is still trying to get over his cold....it really has dragged out. I'm so thankful he is happy though and getting better by the day. I was just thinking how much I love him and all the little things he does that makes him Ethan. I love how he smiles when I smile at him. I love how whenever he's in his walker and I say, "I'm gonna get you!" and chase him he laughs and gets so excited and goes really fast trying to get away. I love how he laughs everytime I cut one of his fingernails. I love how he lays his head on my shoulder when I sing to him. I love when I sing the "Noah" song to him and he says Noah back and tries to sing along. I know each baby is different and that our next one will do different cute things than Ethan and I just love all the little things Ethan does to make him him. He's the cutest little boy and I really feel so blessed that he is ours to keep forever....ok, until he meets the girl of his dreams and marrys her but I think we have at least 25 years until then :)

We find out this Weds (2 days!) if we're having a boy or girl and we cannot wait. Jeremy just said to me last night how he really will be so happy with either one. I will too. As much as I would love to have my little girl I know if it's a boy that I will be really excited to have two little boys and that Ethan will have a brother. I think it would be fun...and of course work too :) We've had our girl name picked out since the day we found out we were pregnant but not a boy name. There is a boy name that we are leaning towards right now if it should be a boy but it's not definite at all. Boy names seem to be harder for us. Our ultrasound is at 2....the plan is to have the ultrasound tech write it down on a piece of paper for us (boy or girl), put it in an envelope and we are going to open it in the car. Jeremy is going to tape me opening it so I can share it with all of you. I'll probably post the video on my blog and facebook, etc. so be looking for it sometime Weds night :)

We hope everyone had a great New Years and is enjoying all of God's blessings in 2009....He sure is a GREAT God and is worthy of all our praise.

Stay tuned for the gender of the baby on Weds...

Keri