Harris Family Times

Seeing Santa

2011-12-09T22:37:00.000-08:00

Today we went and visited Santa in our Christmas best. Caden isn't really sure who he is, other than the guy with the white beard that is in the book, The Polar Express. When I told Caden that Santa would bring him a special toy, he asked Santa for a train. Emma was okay with Santa, but wasn't too happy when Mama left her on his lap for the picture...she was doing her archy back, but no tears!

Tourists!

2011-11-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today we played tourists in our own city! We visited the Cable Car Museum - which is great (and free by the way)! We learned a lot about how the cable cars move around the city. Then we rode the Powell and Hyde Street cable car down to the waterfront by Ghirardelli Square and rode it back up to our car. Caden had a lot of fun and kept saying the cable car was "bumpy" and was going "fast, down big hill" He loved it! Emma also had a fun ride and loved watching all the passengers. She's getting so social now. We had a great morning!

Caden looking at the big cables turning around at the museum

Wheels as part of the pulley system that make the cable cars work

Dada explaining the big wheels

Waiting for a cable car on the corner of Jackson and MasonFirst ride on a real San Francisco Cable car!The whole fam on the cable car

Powell and Hyde Street Cable Car ($6.00 per adult each way!)
Emma girl taking it all in!Caden checking out the cable car on the way back up to our carDown by Ghirardelli Square getting ready to head back up the hill

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Boo! We had a fun Halloween! Here are some pictures from the day. Enjoy!

Halloween Lunch

Loving his Halloween pretzels

Family Photo - Emma as a flower - Mommy as Snow White - Caden as a Fireman - Daddy as Prince Charming

Trick or Treating in SF

Dada and his two little Trick or Treaters!

Fireman Caden in Action

Dada and his Little Flower

Caden with his Pumpkin of Treats!

Emma checking out her pumpkin!

Caden loved his pumpkin - he told me which shapes to carve for the eyes and nose and told me to make a happy pumpkin! (He also told me which shapes to cut out for Emma's pumpkin) He was not very fond of the "goop" inside the pumpkin - but Emma was very curious!

Trinity Friends Visit

2011-06-01T03:48:00.000-07:00

Yay! Ellen, Bryce, Christen and Derek came up for a play date in the city! It was great to see these little guys (and their moms)! We had so much fun with you. (I used to teach with Ellen and Christen at Trinity School in Menlo Park.)

Derek, Caden, Emma, and Bryce

Christen, Derek, Ellen, Bryce, Caden and Me - Emma was sleeping in the other room!

4 months old!!!

2011-05-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day in San Francisco! We decided to take a walk down by the Crissy Field Beach. And we can't believe it has already been 4 months since Emma arrived! What a wonderful first 4 months we have had with you baby Emma. We love you so much!
4 months old today!

Walking over to the beach

Crazy hair on my cute boy! (it was pretty windy)

Sweet girl - sound asleep in the Ergo

Caden and Dada checking out the boats on the water - so sweet

Happy First Birthday Colt!

2011-05-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

While we were in Oregon, we got to celebrate my nephew, Colt's first birthday! It seems like yesterday that I flew up to Oregon to meet him - has it really been a year???

Happy Birthday Colty! We love you!

Colt at 3 days old

Colt at 1 year!

My sister and her cute family!
Hunter, Michael, Colt, Stacey, and Hannah aka Stinkeybelle!

The cake we made for Colt

Colt, with Hunter and Hannah, very much enjoyed his cake!

Surprise!

2011-05-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Emma and I traveled to Oregon to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday. Bryan, my sister's and I had planned a surprise get together with all her close friends - some from elementary school, high school, college, and later in life. It was super fun! Here are some pictures from the weekend away.

I also got to meet Liv, my new niece! Clay came to the Portland airport to meet us and she also got to meet Emma. Here are the two cousins meeting for the first time. They will have fun growing up together, being just about 2 1/2 months apart. Yay!

Emma and her Auntie

Emma with Colt and Tata!

Emma snuggled up with Uncle Mark

Emma and her Nana!

All dolled up for the party!

Pastor Don and Emma - He is the one who married me and Chris

Stacey, Me, Mom and Britt

Emma and Nana at the party

Celebrating the big 60!!!

New Skills

2011-05-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Emma is lifting up her head and building muscles

Getting ready to roll over (well, almost)!

Caden has mastered the skill of jumping!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Caden!!!

2011-05-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness!!! I can't believe our baby boy is 2. Where did the last two years go? I know my mom always said that the time seems to fly by especially when you have kids, I couldn't agree more. Our little Caden boy has been such a blessing in our lives. He wasn't the easiest infant, but he was always a happy little guy during the day.
We love you so much mister moo/bugaboo!!! Happy Birthday!!!
Caden has lined up all his little cars into one big train!

Enjoying a cupcake for his big day.
I think this picture captures a perfect toddler - even with a scrape on his eyebrow!

Opening his birthday present

He now loves to unwrap his presents

Loving the choo-choo set mama, dada, and Emma got him

Emma was watching all the fun too!

Birthday Lunch

2011-05-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

Caden's 2nd birthday lunch was so cute! We sat at the new table Nana and Bapa got him for his birthday. I asked him what he wanted to eat for lunch and he said "cratuh (crakers), nah (banana), chee (cheese)" I put a candle in his banana and we sang happy birthday. It was sweet - a moment I won't ever forget!

Clapping while I sing happy birthday

Eating his birthday lunch

Emma loves watching Caden - it is so fun to see them together!

Wagon Ride

2011-05-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

I love our new neighborhood! This afternoon we went for a stroll in the Wagon. Emma sat in her Bumbo chair in the front and Caden was just hanging out in the back. This was such a cute "Kodak" moment!!!

My two little cuties!

This is our new place-an historical duplex in the Presidio

Silly Hair!

2011-05-20T00:06:00.000-07:00

Emma girl, you are too cute!!!

Dawgs!

2011-05-14T00:03:00.000-07:00

So fun to see all of Chris's college friends aka "The Dawgs." What a fun night of catching up!

And the two new "honorary dawgs!"

Hmmm....

2011-05-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, Caden has been arranging his cars, well, anything with wheels really, and putting them into a line to make a train. It is something new everyday. I should have been taking pictures of all his line-ups. I just find this so fascinating and cute too!
notice the horse in the dump truck

Sweet baby girl!

Bumbo

2011-05-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

Emma's first time trying out the Bumbo chair. I think she liked it!

Storytime Before Bed

2011-05-06T23:29:00.000-07:00

Love the story time before bed! Emma likes to listen too!

My 3 favorite people!

Sitting!

2011-05-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

Well...kind of! Emma is enjoying the view from a sitting position more and more these days as she takes in the world around her.

Such a smiley girl!!!

A Fun Day in May!

2011-05-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

Here we are just playing and enjoying our new place!

Caden and his guitar

Emma playing on her tummy gym

Caden reading the five little pumpkins!

Tried to show the size difference, but Caden is too busy to sit still for a second!

Yay Emma! Holding your head up!

3 Months Old Today!

2011-04-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful first three months these have been Emma girl! We love each and everyday with you. You are such a blessing. Thanks for being such an easy baby and so sweet!

Moving Day!

2011-04-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the new place hanging out in the new playroom! I love it here!!!

Thanks so much Mom and Bryan for helping us move!
You two were amazing!!!

Emma in the swing

Caden checking out the new play room!

Two cute kiddos!

2011-04-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

The title says it all!!!

Packing up with Bapa!

2011-04-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

And if having surgery wasn't enough, we decided we'd move the same weekend too!
Here's Caden "helping" Bapa pack up some books.
Caden was silly wearing the backpack again and wearing Bapa's belt like an amunition belt.

Surgery Day!

2011-04-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

So while I was pregnant with Emma, they discovered a cyst on my right ovary. I can't remember what I have already written about it, so here's the latest. The cyst grew bigger during pregnancy, but then shrunk a little bit post Emma's birth...it was still big enough that my OB wanted to remove it just to make sure it wasn't going to cause any problems. It also became more "complex" during my pregnancy as well - went from being simple and fluid filled to looking more complex and bigger. So this morning I had it removed laproscopically. All went well with the procedure and I am feeling great. The cyst was benign and actually mucous filled (gross, I know!) So nothing to worry about - all is good!

Here are some pictures from the morning before I went in.

Caden mastering the fork

success!

Emma and Nana hanging out

Caden holding his little Elmo and watching Elmo on youtube on Nana's phone

Baptism Dress

2011-04-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

The next day, mom and I tried to recreate some of the pictures of me in the dress with my grandma, but with Emma and her Nana! We were somewhat successful! I'll have to scan in the picture of me in the dress...

So sweet with her Nana!

I love that I wore this dress too!

Emma's Baptism

2011-04-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely Baptism for Emma at our church this evening at 5:30. Our Pastor Bruce has been called to do something else and so this was his last baptism at our church. It was a beautiful service and Emma did great. She even wore the same dress I wore when I was baptized. (My grandmother made the dress for my sisters and I) A very special moment.

Emma's cake

Up at the front (Katie is our favorite babysitter and an Elder in our church)

The beautiful flowers and altar

Asking us if we will raise Emma faithfully

Pastor Bruce getting the water ready

Checking out Pastor Bruce

Emma being baptized (she didn't even cry!)

Laying hands on Emma and praying

Pastor Bruce does a walk around the Church after he baptized Emma and shows her to the congregation - I think this is a neat tradition (while the congregation sang "I was there to hear your borning cry").

Easter

2011-04-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came and left Caden and Emma a new book, some bunny ears, a rettle for Emma and a bubble blower for Caden - as well as some eggs for Caden to find. He had fun finding his eggs and putting them into his basket. (Someday I'll get the video on here - it's pretty cute!)

Cute Baskets!

Caden Loving up Daddy

Family photo before church and Emma's Baptism

Dying Easter Eggs

2011-04-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

I bought this dye kit because it said no mess.
Well we certainly had a mess!!! But we had fun nonetheless.

The green cup had a leak

Holding back Caden's hand for a quick picture!

First round done

Putting more eggs in the dye

All the eggs!

Quiet Toddler = Big Mess!

2011-04-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

I think the title says it all! Our hall closet after Caden...
Q-tips everywhere!

Grandpa and Ona Visit

2011-04-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

My Dad and Ona came down to meet Emma and play with Caden.

Smiley girl meeting Grandpa

Love those dimples!

Big Girl!

2011-04-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Being such a big girl and lifting her head up!
Way to go Emma!

Boo Boo

2011-04-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we went to the Children's Discovery Museum up over the bridge in Marin. Caden was having so much fun playing in the water and collecting all the little fish from the river. He tripped and hit his chin really hard on the side of the river rocks. He had a bloody mouth and of course huge tears. Chris and I felt so badly for him. He's so happy playing and then the next second is crying hysterically - you know the kind where it takes them a while to catch their breath again? These are the hard things to watch as a parent...but I'm sure this is just one of many bumps and bruises to come. Poor guy...

Here's the chin 3 days later

Just being funny!
He went and got Emma's tub out of the bathroom and was playing it like a guitar!

Just Being Cute!

2011-04-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Emma girl just hanging out being cute! I love that little face!

Reading!

2011-04-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here is Caden early on Sunday morning just reading his Thomas the train book to himself on the couch. He loves to read books by himself...in fact, I'll find him up in his room reading to himself in his little chair. He must be a teacher's son!

Bye Bye Butterflies!

2011-04-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

So after Caden got up from his nap today, I decided we could let the butterflies go. I was glad to see them go and Caden had fun watching them fly away! Hmmm...what's next? I was thinking about getting tadpoles so we could watch them turn into frogs. Stay tuned to find out what our next discovery science adventure will be!

Opening up the butterfly home

There they go!

Up close...our Painted Lady butterflies
(sugar water cotton balls and sliced oranges are what the butterflies like to eat)

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

I love our little neighborhood! Every year they have an Easter egg hunt and all the neighborhood kids get to run around and find eggs. It is super cute! So here are some pictures of the egg hunt this year.

Caden listening to instructions!

Let the search begin!

Found one! He was very interested in opening them.
We had a little bit of practice this morning so he would know what to do.

Emma after the hunt...all dolled up!

I decided to let Caden try drawing again since last time he ate about an inch of the green crayon! (that's a post for another day!)

Move over Picasso!

Phones and Cars

2011-04-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Just some cute photo ops from our house today! Love my little ones!
Hello?

Caden loves his cars!!!

Snakes!

2011-04-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

So probably about 3 weeks ago we came home from music class and lo and behold there is a snake slithering across our front walk and into the bushes. Caden was of course very interested and kept making the "hhssss" sound of a snake. Every time we left the house he would bend down and look into the bushes and say "hhsss" hoping to see the snake again. So I got creative and made some snakes out of rolled up newspaper. Here is Caden showing his "hhsss" to Daddy (and Emma is rather interested too)!

Backpack

2011-04-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

Caden has been so funny lately! He's been wearing around this little fabric ABC book that also happens to be a backpack. He loves to run around with it in the house. Silly guy! Maybe he's just telling us he is very ready for preschool...

Snuggles

2011-04-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Oh I love how Caden loves to snuggle Emma! It is just so cute and totally unprovoked. Caden will stop what he is doing to go give his "sih" (sister) a kiss!

Kisses!

Caterpillar Adventure!

2011-04-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

A while back, Caden, Emma, and I were walking to the park and we found a caterpillar on the path. Caden was very interested in the "caa." So I decided to get some of our own to watch and see grow into butterflies. Here are some pictures of the caterpillars turning into chrysalids. Pretty cool process! After all my years of teaching and having butterflies in my classroom, I was actually quite surprised at myself for doing this again - since butterflies give me the creeps. (long story about a family vacation and a walk through a butterfly exhibit - yuck!) Anyways...here they are so far.

3/31 Caterpillars

4/2 Some forming a J

4/3 Some chrysalids, some J's

4/4 All chrysalids

Now we wait for about 10 days to 2 weeks and they should all be butterflies!

2 Months Old Today!

2011-03-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! That was a fast two months! Emma is the most precious baby girl. She has a very sweet temperament. She is very laid back and easy going and happy all the time (except for when she is hungry or tired and then she cries just a little). All I can say is that I am truly blessed. I love you Emma girl!
Sweetheart!

Big boy!

Caden drew C's for Caden on the drawing table!

Love those smiles! They are coming on demand now!

I love little hands - they can be so expressive!

Hi sweet girl!

Rockstar!

2011-03-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

I decided to have some fun with Caden's hair before bed time. He was running around playing his "tar" (guitar) so I gave him a little mohawk. I think if I were famous and lived in Hollywood, Caden could certainly rock the mohawk look. But alas, I am not famous, nor do I live in Hollywood...so we keep his hair normal!

Snuggle Time!

2011-03-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Emma loves to snuggle her Nana!

Emma's First Plane Ride

2011-03-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Chris, Emma and I flew to Las Vegas so that Chris could participate in the "Showdown at Sundown" triathlon in Henderson, NV. Emma did a great job on her first flight there and back. She is truly such an easy baby! Our flight was delayed 2 hours too and she still just ate and slept. Chris took an earlier flight during the day to get checked in for the race and Emma and I flew out that night. My mom came down to watch Caden while we were gone for the weekend. Sounds like the two of them had fun together while we were gone! Here are some pictures from the weekend away.

On her first plane ride!

Hanging out in the hotel room

More hanging out...we were probably putting Chris's bike together

We crossed over into AZ and drove across the Hoover Dam, we are on our way back to NV

Getting ready to start the bike - they canceled the swim portion of the Tri because of high winds. They couldn't keep the buoys anchored in the water - they were blowing around too much. Chris still did the swim portion anyways since they delayed the start of the race by an hour or so.

So they sent each biker off by number every 30 seconds...

And off he goes...up a big hill to start the race

Coming in off the bike

Coming in from the run for the finish. Chris placed 2nd in his age group division. He did great! Although, he says he'll never do this race again because they only had 1 water stop on the bike in 56 miles. Very poor planning by the race officials.

On our way home!

22 Months Old Today

2011-03-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Can it be??? That last month just flew by! Caden is already 22 months. We love this little guy and the way he makes us laugh. He is such a wonderful little guy and is really developing his fun personality! We love you Bugaloo!!!

Love that smile!

Being silly!

Too Cute!

2011-03-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

Caden wanted to "ho Ma" (hold Emma). Of course I had to say yes! He is so sweet to her. Still hasn't done anything naughty to her. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these two will be best friends and "never" fight!

Emma does her best "talking" in the bouncy chair. It is so sweet to hear her little voice. I just love all the little gurgles and coos. I think she may be a talker too - like once she starts, she'll talk nonstop. Time will tell!

Talking up a storm!

Wet day at the park

2011-03-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I just thought this was cute! Caden and daddy went to the park in Caden's raincoat. Dada was smart and brought a towel to wipe down the swings and slides.

Ready for the rain

Walking through the wet field to the park

Love my boys!

St. Patrick's Day and Haircut

2011-03-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

So I decided Caden needed a "real" haircut - not one done by me, since last time was a near disaster! I took him into this great little place called "Snippety Crickets" up on Sacramento street. The woman who cut his hair was fast and did a great job! It took two of us to keep Caden occupied and lots of toys to keep him entertained!

In the midst of his haircut

All done! (don't you love that little cape!?!)

Back at home with a smile!

So we didn't do anything special for St. Patrick's day, but I did have both kids wear green - just in case! Here are my attempts at getting a photo of them together.

Cuteness!

Giving Emma loves!

Just making sure she's okay!

Hugs!!!

Ear Infection

2011-03-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Poor Caden! He got his first ear infection on March 13, 2011. He was very clingy and things would make him upset easily (things that wouldn't on a normal day). We couldn't be out of his sight. So, I took him in to the Saturday Pediatric Clinic at CPMC and sure enough, they diagnosed an ear infection. I then picked up his prescription for antibiotics and began the 10 day treatment for his ear infection. On Sunday he even took 2 naps - he fell asleep on me while I was feeding Emma on the couch.

Here he is on day 2 post antibiotics in much better spirits

Emma on the "tummy time" mat

I could tell something was up by the look in those eyes

I Love Facebook!

2011-03-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

Patrick is our old friend from high school. We hung out a lot back then, but hadn't really kept in touch. Thank goodness for Facebook! I saw him post something about Berkeley on his wall and so I wrote back to him about being just across the bay. We hadn't seen Patrick for something like 12 years or so, but when we saw him, it was just like old times! He is in the midst of becoming a Jesuit Priest. We had a wonderful dinner catching up and he (I think) had a great time meeting Caden and Emma. We hope we'll get to see more of him since he's out here for a few years. Anyways...it's fun to have him out here and reconnect!

Katie comes to visit

2011-03-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

Our very near and dear friend Katie (who we met at church) came to visit and meet Emma. She is also our very favorite babysitter! Her patience with Caden is endless - she knows all about his past sleep issues first hand, but still loves to come and play with him and now Emma too.

Sweet baby girl - she is just so precious when she sleeps (well, all the time really!)

Getting a taste of what's to come! Katie also can speak Spanish to Caden.

Hanging Out!

2011-03-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Caden and Emma just hanging out together. I hope that they will be best friends when they can play together. I love these little people!

Quiet Moments

2011-03-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love moments like these. Just hanging out with my Emma girl (late at night). These are the moments that pass too quickly, but ones I will keep in my heart forever!

I love you baby girl!

Gramps

2011-03-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

Emma, Gramps, and Caden
Gramps came to visit us this weekend. We also got to see his younger sister, Annie, as she was out here for work (she lives in Salem, MA). It was great fun! Aunt Annie got to meet Caden and Emma for the first time. Somehow I didn't end up with any pictures of Aunt Annie

4 Weeks Old

2011-02-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

Today Emma is 4 weeks old. That went by really fast! I am loving and cherishing every moment I get to spend with my little ones. Life couldn't be any better! We had a busy day full of new visitors. Emma got to meet Dave, Luis, and Grandpa J and see her Sadie again. What a day!

4 weeks old!

Emma and her Dada

Caden saying cheese

Meeting Grandpa J

Loving up Sadie

Meeting Luis (I have to say he looks more comfortable holding a baby this time around!)

Meeting Dave King (soon to be father in August 2011 - yay!)

21 Months Old Today!

2011-02-25T22:30:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! I can't believe that Caden is already 21 months old. Seriously...where has the time gone? I have enjoyed each and everyday with my Caden Boy. Some days are better than others, but he makes me smile eveyday :) I love that little guy so much!

Saying cheese!!!

Always something in those little hands

Discovering gravity!
Emma celebrating her brother!

Preschool Visit Trauma!

2011-02-23T22:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from February 17-23
On February 22, we went to visit a potential preschool for this fall. It is called Marina Tots. So while we were there, Caden was playing with a big truck by himself and then a little girl came up to him and tried to take it out of his hands. He wasn't quite sure what to do...the first time he just ran away, but the second time, the little girl pried the truck out of his hands. (I think she was a little bit naughty...and why didn't her mother do anything about her little bullying daughter???) He immediately burst into huge crocodile tears...it broke my heart. I guess these are the social skills he will be learning next year in preschool.
Caden is very into the phone and loves to play with it saying "he-oh" (hello)

Always has 2 things in his hands! Love that!

We may have a thumb sucker!

First time on her tummy time mat! Emma liked it for about 2 minutes!

Kisses from Dada at dinner!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

Today I am feeling mixed emotions...Mom and Bryan have to go back to Oregon today. I am so sad to see them go. I am also wondering how I can do this on my own. I guess you just take it one day at a time. My mom's best words of advice upon leaving were "You can do this Jamie. You are a wonderful mother. Your biggest job is to love those babies everyday and keep them safe. It's okay to have pajama days!" I just wanted to say thanks for all that you did Mom! You are the best and I love you!!!

Caden kissing Emma! So Sweet!!!

Beautiful flowers from my Hubby!

Visitors!

2011-02-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

This evening Malcom and Kelly came by to meet Emma! They had just finished playing the Presidio Golf Course. It was great to see them.

Sleepy girl!

Oh!!! I think someday they'll have one of their own!

Meeting Bapa

2011-02-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

Well...I think Bapa is in love! So is Emma!!!

Announcement

2011-02-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

We had fun taking photos for Emma's birth announcement...this is the winner!

Goings on from week 2

2011-02-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

Well, the best thing is that Emma is a great sleeper! She eats and then goes right back to sleep at night. I couldn't ask for anything better than that! I feel like a whole new woman this time around being pretty well rested. Having two children is such a blessing. I love it and couldn't be happier!

Multi-tasking (I have a feeling I will be doing a lot of this)

Melts my heart everytime...Caden giving kisses to his baby sister!

Caden got a great new towel from Aunt Debbie! He looks like a little Yoda!

Daddy and his baby girl!

I wonder what she is thinking about!

First Bath!

2011-02-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

I love that my mom has been here to show me the ropes again...like how to bathe an infant! Emma's umbilical cord came off today, so she got to have her first "real" bath in her little tub.

She liked it!

Just relaxing

All done!

Tuckered out from her bath

First Week Home

2011-02-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Emma's first week home...Enjoy!
On February 3, we had Emma's first appointment with Dr. Aicardi. She also had her first Hep B shot. Of course she turned red and screamed (just like Caden did with his first shot). I was more prepared this time around and it wasn't quite so shocking! Emma had lost about 10 oz since she was born, so we had to go in for a weight check again on February 8. Dr. Aicardi was thrilled that she had gained 6 oz. in 5 days so we won't have to go back to the doctor until her one month check up. So far, so good!
My two little loves! Kind of fun to say two!

Asleep on the changing table

Sweet baby girl!

Smiling while she sleeps!

Let the balancing act begin...

Caden loves his "Bay" (baby) sister!

Emma likes the bouncy chair!

Trying out the pacifier too!

Love that face!!!

Emma's First Day Home

2011-02-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

We were ready to come home! The hospital was nice, but we were ready for our own beds and being home with our Caden boy too. I missed him while we were there!

Resting on the boppy

Snuggling with her Nana

Sleeping on Mommy - I love these moments!
Beautiful flowers for Emma from her Nana and Bapa

At the Hospital

2011-01-31T12:25:00.000-08:00

I delivered Emma at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) on California Street. We were taken care of very well while we were there. We had great postpartum nurses that were all very friendly and helpful. Emma also slept very well her first night! I hope this is a trend going forward!

Good morning little miss!

Loving up my precious baby girl!

Love that face!

Welcome Emma Grace!

2011-01-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

Emma Grace Harris arrived Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 3:32 pm weighing 7lbs. 11oz and is 20 inches long. She has a full head of black hair and looks very similar to her brother Caden, but has her own distinct features. She is absolutely precious and looks like a little doll with beautiful blue eyes!

Emma's birth story:
I started having painful contractions at home starting about 11:30am and they were pretty far apart. By 12:30 we decided to go to the hospital because they were getting closer together and stronger. We checked into the labor and delivery triage first and they took blood, made me do a urine sample and then hooked me up to the monitors and checked me. I was 4cm dilated and 75% effaced - so that was great progress! (The nurses down at the triage couldn't believe I was going to go totally natural and I think were glad they didn't have to start an IV)

At 1:30pm they brought me up to my labor and delivery room. I walked the halls some and had a few very strong contractions. I remember thinking that I needed to breathe deep and try to relax as best as I could with each contraction. Between contractions, Chris was happily singing the "la la la la Elmo song" because we had just been watching the little video on my iphone on youtube with Caden. It will be funny to tell Emma that my birthing theme song was the "Elmo Song.!" I met the Doctor on call in the hallway about 2:15 and she told me she was on til 6pm and that she would probably by the one who would deliver for me (and I remember thinking yeah right...I won't have this baby before 6pm).

I then went back to my room and decided to labor in the shower with warm water on my belly because I remember that it felt really nice when I was in labor with Caden. The nurse told me I could be in the shower for about 20 minutes. Well, after about 15 minutes, the contractions really started picking up in the shower and were coming about every 90 seconds. I told the nurse that I thought I had to go to the bathroom. She said she was going to go get the doctor. Sure enough, when I was out of the shower I was having the urge to push. The doctor checked me and I was 9 cm and totally effaced. She then broke my water which felt like a warm gush (not a huge pop, like with Caden) and about 1 minute later I was pushing. I only had 3 pushes and Emma was out at 3:32pm. It was incredible! I couldn't get over how fast it was this time around. I just kept saying, I can't believe she's here already, that was so fast! I even told my mom I didn't even have time to work up a sweat!

The Doctor and nurses were absolutely fantastic! They were so encouraging. It truly is amazing what your body can do. I am proud to say that I have delivered both my babies without any medication at all! Life is such a miracle!

Just checked in at the OB triage

laboring on the birthing ball

Chris must have been singing the Elmo Song!

Our wonderful doctor and nurse

Hi Emma Grace!

Proud Daddy!

Sweet baby girl!

Hi Nana!

Big brother Caden meeting Emma for the first time!
So sweet with all his kisses!

Caden and his new baby sister

Mommy and Caden

Deepti and Nick were awesome! They watched Caden and brought him to the hospital so he could meet his new baby sister! Thanks you two!

Emma Grace!

Mommy and her little girl!

Prenatal Massage

2011-01-28T23:20:00.000-08:00

Okay! I've been getting very antsy! I've tried all sorts of things to get his baby moving again in the past few days. I've been eating pineapple (which is supposed to help with efacement), looking up acupressure points and making mom and Chris rub those spots that are supposed to bring on labor, I made "labor cookies" that are just like ginger cookies, only you add cayenne pepper to make them spicy, I even tried a castor oil and pineapple smoothie (totally gross). This little girl is staying put! I made an appointment for a prenatal massage this afternoon with the hopes that I will go into labor...no such luck, but the massage did feel very relaxing. So...I am just waiting, waiting, waiting for this little one to come on out!

Jungle Gym again!

2011-01-27T14:14:00.000-08:00

Well, after our false alarm yesterday we decided to go to the jungle gym at the YMCA today to see if I could get the contractions going again by chasing Caden around the gym! Chris came down to join mom, Caden and I.

In the police car

Pushing the cart!

Slam dunk!!!

False Alarm!

2011-01-26T23:42:00.000-08:00

So I started feeling some contractions and they were pretty regular starting about 8pm. I called the nurse, and she said to head into the hospital because this is a second baby and things go quicker. So we went in when the contractions were about 6-7 minutes apart at 12:00am. Nick and Deepti came over to watch Caden, so Mom, Chris and I could go to the hospital. However, when we arrived at the hospital, the contractions stopped after being monitored for an hour...nothing! I think she must have gotten stage fright! So we came back home. Here are some pictures as we are about to leave for the hospital.

39 1/2 weeks

We thought we were about to be parents of two!

20 Months!

2011-01-25T23:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm feeling like a bad mom! No pictures from Caden's 20 month birthday! We went to playgroup and then I had a Doctors appointment at 10:15. Sorry it wasn't a very exciting day!

Follow up

2011-01-19T22:50:00.000-08:00

Today we had our follow up eye appointment with Caden's eye doctor. She says everything looks great. The surgery was a total success! No more goopy eyes around here. Let's hope the baby doesn't also have a clogged tear duct (I'd rather not have to go through surgery again). I also discovered a new park today! After his appointment I decided he needed to run around a bit, so went to this park that we drive by on the way to our appointments. It was super cute! Here he is at the park playing!

loves the swings!

driving the choo choo

holding hands leaving the park - just cute!

Mom's Group Surprise!

2011-01-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

Oh! The sweet moms in my moms group threw me a surprise baby shower! It was so sweet of them! If I had known I would have brought my camera to take pictures of all the cute things they did. I got quite a few little pink outfits! So fun to get some pink around here!

Construction and Belly at 38 Weeks!

2011-01-17T23:26:00.000-08:00

So we have been having some construction done in the parking lot outside our house. Caden loves watching all the "Truh" (trucks) come and go with dirt, cement, etc. He can watch outside for many minutes - like 20! He just sits on his little stool. I think it is super cute!

watching the "truh"

38 weeks!

Swim Lesson with Daddy

2011-01-16T23:22:00.000-08:00

Well...the time has come! I am no longer able to take Caden to swim lessons, so Chris took Caden today. So cute! Enjoy!

floating on the "Magic carpet"

love the goggles!!

Enzo

2011-01-14T22:42:00.000-08:00

Fridays we go down to Sports Basement in the Presidio and watch Breakfast with Enzo. He is a local musician who plays a lot of different instruments for the kids. He even plays the saw...its pretty cool! Here's Caden watching Enzo looking a little bit serious!

Jungle Gym at the YMCA

2011-01-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

Every Thursday from 10:30 to 12 the Letterman Gym in the Predisio has a "Jungle Gym" where kids get to run around and play! It is great, especially for Caden who needs to get some of that extra energy out! They have a bouncy house, lots of basketballs, push carts, those little red cars that you pedal with your feet (like Fred Flinstone), a little slide, and lots of space to run.

Eye Surgery

2011-01-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

Today was the big day. We decided to get Caden's clogged tear duct opened up. We went to the hospital (CMPC - the same hospital where he was born) at 6:30 am, and his procedure was at 7:30. We had a lot of waiting to do... Chris took him back when they gave him the anesthesia mask, I don't think I could have handled that! The procedure took about 15 minutes, so around 7:50am Caden was out and waking up. I think that was the hardest part for me, watching him "come to." He was just crying, and we couldn't really comfort him as he was so confused. Poor baby! The surgery went great and our Doctor, Susan Day, was able to open up the clogged duct. His eye looks wonderful! No more tearing and goop in the mornings!
I'm so glad we had this done.

Pre-operation - having fun in the wagon!

Caden and Daddy, post operation (isn't he cute in those little scrubs?)

Discovery Museum

2011-01-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

Caden loves playing at the Discovery Museum.
Here he is playing with the "Truh!!!" (truck)

Playing with the trucks like the other "older" kids

Classic!

2011-01-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

What kid doesn't have this picture??? Dinner rubbed all over his head and face!

Just a funny moment :)

Oregon for Christmas, December 16-31

2010-12-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

We headed up to Oregon for Christmas to be with both our families. Caden and I flew up the 16th, and Chris came up the 19th. We had a wonderful time while we were there. Here are some pictures from our trip.

December 19 - Eating cereal and reading the comics!

December 20 - loving cousin Colt

...and that's enough!

Caden and Liam playing the day before Liam's first birthday!

December 21 - very serious about Santa and not sure what to think!

December 22 - First carousel ride ever! He loved it! (riding on Kate)

Riding Glad Tidings - he also rode on Francis

Riding on Abby -Caden's first horse

Abby

December 23 - Playing catch with daddy's help

Who knew it could be so much fun!

December 24 - Playing with his new "Truh" on Christmas Eve

Last Day of Swimming

2010-12-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

I am so sad to be ending our swim class with Teacher Theresa.

We had so much fun with her and will miss her. She's been Caden's teacher for the past year or so. I just can't take Caden anymore with my big belly! So we have signed up for a new class with Teacher Ben on Sunday's that Daddy will be taking Caden to instead.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It was also Caden's 18 month birthday!

Here he is enjoying his feast!

30 Weeks!

2010-11-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Just 10 weeks to go...here's a belly shot!

Big Game

2010-11-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

We had some friends over for the Stanford VS. Cal "Big Game." Most were Stanford fans, but our good friends from church (Ryan, Hayley and Preston) were Cal fans. Here's some cute pictures of Caden and his friend, Preston.

I should have dressed Caden in his Stanford gear!

Hey big guy!

Funny Story...

2010-11-20T13:22:00.000-08:00

We decided to do a make-up class for Caden's tumble bug class on a Saturday so that Chris could come with us. Caden had a great time with Daddy! To our surprise, we also met 3 other Caden's in his make-up class...so much for being original on the name.

Running on the long trampoline and loving it!

Climbing through the big tunnel

Playing Basketball! Daddy was so proud!

First Stanford football game

2010-11-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

We went down to Stanford today to watch the football game against Arizona. It was a great day and beautiful weather! We stayed for the first half and then headed home to get Caden to bed. We also got to hang out with Auntie Sarah, Nick and Arjun. So much fun! Caden loved watching football, but really loved watching all the people around him (especially the brilliant mom who brought bubbles to the game). Here are some pictures from our little adventure...Enjoy!

Too busy watching to give me a smile!

A very proud daddy with his little fan!

He was busy with his fingers in his mouth most of the game!

Perhaps the cutest Stanford fan EVER!!!

Mommy and one tired little cookie!

Similarities

2010-11-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but think how similar Caden looks to both of us in this photo! He certainly has features from both of us! What do you think?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

Boo! We had a great, low key, Halloween this year. We celebrated on Saturday with our playgroup friends and then later attended our neighborhood party on Liggett Avenue. Caden had a lot of fun just running around! He didn't quite get trick-or-treating this year...he kept giving the candy back to the neighbors! It was pretty cute! Auntie Jennifer was also visiting from Peru and came along with us to the parties - she was a good sport! Caden was a "Dragonsaurus" - the cutest little guy ever! And his baby sister was a pumpkin!

just being cute!

a view of the back

side view!

such a little cheese!

liking his friend Jonah's Superman costume!

Jonah, Evan, Caden, Maeve, Flora, Mitchell, Madeline, Reyne

what a cute bunch!

the three of us (almost 4!)

Caden's little pumpkin

our little pumpkin!

Goal 2, accomplished!

2010-10-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

Caden has been going down the stairs by himself the past couple of days! I just tell him "it's time to go down the stairs" and he happily (now) gets down on all fours and schootches backwards down the stairs! Now we are just working on putting away his toys...which he will do, when I make it a fun game, so we're getting there!

Raincoat and boots

2010-10-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

So after the wet pumkin patch, it was time to invest in some rain gear! He loves the froggy on his pocket! I have it hanging in our coat closet and just laugh everytime I see it in there. It is so little and so stinking cute!

too cute!

17 months old today!

2010-10-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

Just our little cutie at 17 months! He's such a little love!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

We decided to go to the pumpkin patch today in the drizzly rain. It was really raining in San Francisco, so we drove up north over the bridge to Marin and found a cute little roadside pumpkin patch. It was still raining but not too much. We let Caden explore the pumpkin patch for about 3 minutes, before we decided he was getting too wet. Looks like we need to invest in some rain gear for this little munchkin!

exploring!

"puh! puh!"

not too sure of the pumpkin goop!

checking out his pumpkin

mommy's pumpkin

Our little family of pumpkins! Chris commented that next year we'll have four!

Hair cut and throwing a ball!

2010-10-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

Daddy has been teaching Caden how to throw a ball. Here he is in the midst of it. He loves to throw the balls into the kitchen or to anyone who is willing to throw the balls back! It was also time for a hair cut! So I gave him one this afternoon.

just about to throw

very impressive ball stacking!

new hair cut - looking good!

"Love a pumpkin"

2010-10-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

I just thought this was incredibly sweet! We got Caden a little pumpkin for trick-or-treating and he loved it! Here he is giving it some loves. He also gets very excited every time he sees a pumpkin and enthusiastically says "Puh! Puh!" Caden is a little sweetheart!

There have been better days...

2010-10-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

in the Harris household! This weekend, we experienced Caden throwing up for the first time ever. Poor guy! He was a champ, though. He was vomiting all of Friday night, beginning about midnight. I had heard him cough pretty loudly around midnight so went to check up on him (as mothers do) and found that he had thrown up all over himself and his crib. It was a mess. I decided that he needed a bath to make him feel better and to get the throw-up out of his hair. He was happy to be clean and with mommy and daddy. Chris stripped his crib and threw everything in the washer. After his bath, I took Caden downstairs to sleep in the guestroom with me. By 2am, he had stopped throwing up and I got him back to sleep. I just felt so sad for him. He had never experienced anything like this before and was probably scared and confused about what was going on.
Well, two days later, on Sunday night, the bug hit both Chris and I. We were both vomiting on Sunday night. It was awful! One thing I will never forget is when Chris and I threw up at the same time - me in the toilet and Chris in the kitchen sink, all the while Caden is sitting on the couch watching his Signing Time video. Getting Caden to bed was also a real challenge as we were both in the middle of feeling pretty miserable and on the verge of yakking at any second. I called the advice nurse around 2:30 am to see what I could take (since I can't take the usual medicine being pregnant) for the fever I had developed. I also asked about the contractions I was having after throwing up so many times - the good thing is they stopped when I stopped throwing up. At 3am I drove to Walgreens to get some children's tylenol, and to my surprise, wasn't the only one in the store at that hour! We survived the night and were feeling better by Monday. Chris worked from home on Monday and we just took it easy the rest of the day. We knew exactly how Caden felt, and he was a little Champ through it all.

Pure preciousness!
Caden during one of his extra long naps, recuperating from being sick.

Toddler messes!

2010-10-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to capture Caden in the act of making a big mess! He's pulled out everything from his little toy/book shelf in the family room! I have decided that I have two goals for Caden before his little sister arrives...
1)being able to help clean up or put away his toys
2)being able to go down the stairs by himself
We're working on both!

oh my!

Just being cute!

2010-10-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

Playing on the keyboard is one of Caden's favorite things to do!
Look how fast his little hands are moving!

I love my new pants! Thanks Nana!

Babymoon number two!

2010-10-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

So Chris and I were able to get away for 3 days to Hawaii. (Thanks for watching Caden, Nana and Bapa!) We went to Oahu and stayed in the Marriott at Waikiki. It was great to have some time together just the two of us. We went out for some great dinners, a movie, and lots of walks on along the beach. Don't get me wrong, we missed our little mister a ton! It sounds like Nana and Bapa kept Caden busy while we were away, too - a trip to the zoo, a birthday party, and lots of parks! Here are some pictures of our little getaway!

Sunrise

belly at 23 weeks!

Chris after a swim in the ocean

beachside, Waikiki

Nana Arrives, Little Bugs Gymnastics, and Swimming

2010-10-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

Today my mom came to visit us in SF! We had a great time hanging out and going to all of Caden's classes. Nana arrived to watch Caden while Chris and I went to Hawaii for a little "babymoon" before the little miss arrives! We went to Little Bugs Gymnastics class, swimming, and music! Caden loves having his Nana around and so do I! Here are some pictures and a video from Caden's classes this week.

crawling through a tunnel at gymnastics

loving the long trampoline!

after class, Nana couldn't believe how sweaty Caden got!

rockin' the flippers!