The Orange House

"subtext" 2010 Dallas Video Association 24hr. Video Race

2010-05-25T15:50:00.000-05:00

This year I joined an incredibly talented group of folks to take part in a 24hr video race. The idea is teams receive a theme, prop, location and line of dialog at midnight and then have 24 hours to write, shoot and produce a short video. This year the theme was acceptance, prop -cell phone, location - fast food joint, line - "is that all there is?" My team consisted of two photographers (I was one of the two), a director, an audio/music producer and three actors. We also had a B-team on location in England waiting to shoot some bonus footage if the story called for it. Once we had our story worked out, we started shooting. We shot through the night and began editing by dawn. Due to some technical hiccups we didn't get all of the UK footage in time to include it in the judged video but we made it to the finals and ended up taking third place in our category. Here is the final video we planned to shoot with the missing UK footage added. We may never know if we could have placed higher with the final video but we had a great time making it and the team plans to do something again very soon. Hope you enjoy the video we made. Please share it with your friends.

This is Subtext...

Harper's first shiner

2010-02-17T09:04:00.003-06:00

It was bound to happen... just a matter of time, but it still makes this momma's heart hurt to see my sweet little girl with her first shiner.

Harper was playing in our bedroom early Saturday morning and having a great time until she slipped. The good thing? There was something in place to break her fall. The bad part is that it was the side of our platform bed. She cried, I cried. Motrin, nursing and cuddling saved the day.

This cart was Harper's birthday present from us. It's a nifty little toy that will grow with Harper through three stages! Thankfully, she really likes it! She loves to get in it so she can go for rides around the house, push it around and put toys and other random objects in it.

Harper, her daddy and their guitar

2010-02-15T21:25:00.004-06:00

Harper loves music. Every time she hears it, she does a little dance and it’s the cutest little wiggle I’ve ever seen. We want to encourage her love for music as much as we can, so most evenings after dinner we have a family drum circle. Robin plays the bongos while Harper and I play the maracas. This weekend, Robin decided to throw another instrument in the mix so he bought a guitar for the two of them. He does the chords and strums or helps her strum. It’s cute and completely warms my heart. Here are a few pictures from their first session…

Snow!

2010-02-12T17:33:00.000-06:00

It was beautiful. And she thought so, too– as long as she was watching it from inside her nice, cozy and familiar home. I managed to get one shot before she let me know loud and clear that she’s just not a snow girl — yet.

Nasher + Jaume Plensa = Brilliance

2010-02-06T23:00:00.002-06:00

I immediately fell in love with the genius of Jaume Plensa upon opening the door to the Nasher Sculpture Center. His show, Jaume Plensa: Genus and Species was installed so perfectly that I immediately renewed my lapsed membership so Harper, Robin and I could revisit the exhibit as many times as we have energy for while it is still here. It's just that brilliant. I am eager to see more of his work, but for now, I am grateful for the Nasher bringing his insight to Dallas.

29 Palms

Twins I and II

Nasher scavenger hunt goodie bag. She isn't quite ready for art scavenger hunts, but I'm looking forward to helping her with many in the future!

Watching the endless rain...

2010-01-29T22:17:00.002-06:00

My model

2010-01-29T21:37:00.000-06:00

I’m a huge fan of Three Yellow Starfish. I ooh and aah over the bloomers, petti skirts, pinnies and hats every time I see Margaret and her line at a craft fair. I’m also surrounded by cute babies, so I contacted Margaret to see if I could help her out with some product photography. She currently has a photographer, but agreed to let me try my hand at showing off her style. So, Harper and I warmed the house on this cold and rainy day and played like it was summertime.

If you get a moment, visit her Facebook page or blog and give me props once she posts the pictures, or better yet, shop for the little girl in your life at her Etsy shop! Hopefully you’ll see many more Three Yellow Starfish product shots in the future!

Harper's walking... almost!

2010-01-12T21:54:00.002-06:00

January 12, 2010

Where did the time go?!

2009-12-29T13:22:00.002-06:00

We're behind! Way behind on our blog. One of my goals for the New Year is to catch up and keep current for you, our friends and family! For now, I'm posting pictures, but I'll go back and add text as time allows.

We love each and every one of you greatly and hope to see you soon!

Much love,
Crystalyn, Robin and Harper

Harper's First Christmas

2009-12-25T20:25:00.001-06:00

Harper's First Christmas from Christopher Roberts on Vimeo.

Rainbow Hat

2009-09-08T00:28:00.001-05:00

Bird Shirt

2009-09-06T00:27:00.000-05:00

Tegwyn

2009-09-06T00:26:00.000-05:00

Harper loves her dogs

2009-09-04T00:26:00.000-05:00

Tammy

2009-09-04T00:25:00.000-05:00

Sun

2009-09-01T00:25:00.000-05:00

Standing

2009-08-30T00:23:00.000-05:00

Patterson

2009-08-28T00:29:00.000-05:00

Alison and Luciano

2009-08-27T00:22:00.001-05:00

Skate

2009-08-27T00:22:00.000-05:00

Naked on Deck

2009-08-26T00:20:00.000-05:00

Zoo

2009-08-26T00:19:00.000-05:00

Sara

2009-08-23T00:18:00.001-05:00

Alexia

2009-08-22T00:17:00.000-05:00

Cupcake

2009-08-21T00:08:00.001-05:00

Daddy's going on a trip

2009-08-12T00:07:00.001-05:00

Outside fun

2009-08-11T00:05:00.000-05:00

TTV

2009-07-31T00:03:00.001-05:00

NTFB

2009-07-30T00:02:00.000-05:00

Cam and Rachel come to visit

2009-07-28T23:58:00.003-05:00

Red Head

2009-07-28T00:02:00.000-05:00

Harper and November

2009-07-24T23:57:00.000-05:00

Grammy Lou comes to visit

2009-07-21T23:55:00.002-05:00

Mum Mum Yummi Yum Yum

2009-06-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

Harper's First Meal

2009-06-23T07:44:00.002-05:00

Harper's First Meal from Christopher Robin Roberts on Vimeo.

Waffle House and trying on sunglasses

2009-06-20T22:31:00.000-05:00

Paella Party

2009-06-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

Bubbles

2009-06-10T00:04:00.000-05:00

Bubbles from Christopher Robin Roberts on Vimeo.

Summertime fun at the Dallas Zoo

2009-06-07T13:11:00.000-05:00

Eden's Farm

2009-06-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

Harper's Nap

2009-06-05T23:54:00.001-05:00

Harper had the cutest little snore during her nap today.

Harper's Nap from Christopher Robin Roberts on Vimeo.

Focused

2009-06-01T15:13:00.001-05:00

A birthday weekend with Grammylou and Pop and mommy and daddy date night

2009-05-31T18:55:00.002-05:00

I have cherished each and every moment that I've been afforded at home with Harper, but from time to time, I find myself missing conversation with my TI friends and contacts in the community. So, when Robin and I received an invitation to join the TI table at the Obelisk Awards, an awards dinner hosted by and benefiting the North Texas Business for Culture and the Arts, I immediately called Grammylou and Pop to see if they could come to Dallas to stay with Harper. The timing couldn't have been more perfect - not only did Harper get to see her Grammylou and Pop -- she got to help her Pop celebrate his 62nd birthday. What a special weekend!

Yesterday, we had a nice, lazy Saturday morning. Harper is so much more interactive now then when Grammylou and Pop last saw her two months ago -- they really had fun playing with her!

Grammylou and Harper giggling and playing on the deck

They usually put themselves to work when they are here and while we truly appreciate all of their help more than words can ever express, we knew they needed a change of pace (we did, too!) so we took them to the cute, quaint downtown McKinney square for Art Walk. Robin and I love to poke around the McKinney boutique and antique shops a few times a year, so we had fun revisiting and showing off our favorites.

Yesterday evening, Robin and I dressed up for the Obelisk Awards, which this year were held in Dallas' historic Union Station. It was such a special evening -- it provided a perfect opportunity to catch-up with former colleagues as well as my fellow Leadership Arts Institute classmates. It also ended up being a very special and emotional night as we all honored Pat Porter as she retired from the NTBCA after serving as their CEO for the past 21 years.

We were gone for about five and a half hours and came home to a very quiet house -- even Grammylou and Pop had been dozing on the couch. Harper was sleeping soundly and reportedly had a fairly good night, though she refused to take a bottle. I'm beginning to think she may never drink from a bottle, which makes it difficult for me to go anywhere without her, but it also leaves us with one less habit to wean her from. Grammylou and Pop - thank you so much for staying with Harper. We had a great time out and didn't have to worry once because we knew she was in loving care!

all dressed up with somewhere to go

Today was Harper's Pop's 62nd birthday. And, it was this weekend last year that we helped him celebrate his birthday at Oak Ridge with the news that he was going to be a grandpa! This year, we celebrated with a trip to the Dallas Zoo before they headed back to San Angelo. Happy Birthday, Bill, Dad, Pop! We had a great time with both you and Grammylou! We hope to see you again soon!

Pop, Harper and Mommy

Daddy and his little monkey

Harper's bedtime ritual

2009-05-28T19:15:00.000-05:00

Visits with friends

2009-05-28T14:07:00.001-05:00

My sweet friend Kari is one of my favorite friends from TI. We had a close working relationship and became good friends over the years. She came to meet Harper in April and we had a very nice visit over lunch -- I've really missed her creative and giving spirit, so it was great to catch-up, and Harper just loved the attention. We always enjoy our lunch visitors and we hope to see Kari again soon!

Recently, our friend Anne introduced Harper and me to The Pearl Cup - a delicious new coffee house on Henderson. It's a perfect place for long, flowing conversation over a tasty cup of soy Mexican hot chocolate and a chocolate snickerdoodle cookie (I'm sure the coffee is great, also). Anne recently blogged about The Pearl Cup. If you haven't been, Harper and I recommend a visit soon and if you'd like company, let us know -- we'd love to spend the morning with you and a nice cup of soy Mexican hot chocolate on their patio!

Lunch at The Orange House is so much easier than dining out, so we love it when our working friends take time out of their busy schedules to spend time with us over a nice relaxed lunch at home. Our friend Olga recently came over for lunch and Harper absolutely adored her. In fact, she had so much fun with Olga that she fussed and fussed after Olga left. Olga has the cutest kids ever, and I know Harper looks forward to meeting them and Olga's hubby Scot soon!

Linda and John -- Robin's good friends and "extended family" -- were in town from Atlanta for a friend's college graduation and stopped in to meet Harper and bring us dinner. We haven't seen them since our wedding, so it was a real treat to see them! Linda and John were Robin's second parents when he was in high school, so they all enjoyed reminiscing, and I was thankful for the time to get to know them a little better.

Harper and I had a lovely lunch with my friend Janie at The Chocolate Angel -- a prissy tea room in Richardson. Janie is a great friend from TI and I've really missed our hallway chats, so it was extra nice to meet her for a ladies lunch. Harper passed the time by flirting and smiling with Janie and basking in the attention and compliments from all of the lunching ladies. If you ever want to go to a place where almost everybody in the restaurant will stop to coo at your baby -- The Chocolate Angel is the place to go!

Fort Worth's wild side

2009-05-25T22:13:00.002-05:00

Harper, Robin and I took advantage of Robin's day off for Memorial Day with a visit to the Fort Worth Zoo. What an amazing facility! It was our first time to visit, and we were all impressed. In fact, Harper squealed with delight when I first fastened her in her baby carrier -- she was so excited to see all of the animals and people. In fact, she stayed awake and fully engaged the entire time we were there. Robin had fun playing with our new camera and taking pictures of the animals.

We looked at the animals in the petting zoo, but didn't touch them. Maybe next time.

the wise Ibex

Spoonbills -- one of Granbee's favorite birds

The lion yelled at the noisy crowd for a bit before curling up to take a nap.

the black rhino

it was a lazy meerkat Monday

stripes

After our zoo adventures, we popped in to Jenny and Paul's annual "Memorial Day Mojito Madness" party. We weren't able to stay long since it was late in the day and the time was quickly encroaching on Harper's bedtime, but I was so grateful for the opportunity to see Jenny and Paul and for them to meet Harper. They are overdue for a visit to Richardson, so we hope to see them soon!

cutie patootie

Harper's first trip to Austin

2009-05-24T20:36:00.001-05:00

Earlier this week, Robin and I came to the conclusion that we were in desperate need of a quick get-away, so we escaped to Austin to visit our good friends Erin and Jason and their eight month old, Weston. It was great to get away and just what we needed. Thanks, Erin, Jason and Weston for being such gracious hosts!

It rained off and on during the weekend, so we ditched our hiking plans for poking around the shops on South Congress. Pictured above: Padre Luchador Loco aka La Amenaza Rosa

We didn't plan well for the rain and forgot our umbrellas, but Harper stayed dry under her blanket.

We stopped in at the South Congress Cafe -- one of my favorite cafes in Austin -- for lunch. I am absolutely crazy about their Tomato Stilton soup and wish we lived in Austin so I could savor it more often. Weston and I played patty cake while we were waiting.

Weston is just the cutest little guy and he is a spitting image of his daddy.

He loves his Baby Mum Mums. I tasted them and while they are not for me, I am sure Harper will love them when she's a little older!

While we were waiting, I let Harper play with an ice cube in my hand. She was really curious about it, and didn't startle at the cold sensation.

We spent the evening back at Erin and Jason's, and it was fun to watch the kids interact. Harper studied Weston's each and every move and even started trying to mimic his vocal play. He is at the stage where he is pulling up on everything and scooting around the house with lightening speed. Robin and I quickly realized that we are nowhere near ready for Harper to be at that stage. We really need to focus on making our house safer for Harper because we know mobility is just around the corner.

It was so much fun to watch Jason interact with Weston. He is so proud of his son and just loves babies.

Erin has the coolest job. She is the Executive Director of the Colorado River Foundation. She gets up every morning to support the health and prosperity of so many Texans and beyond by promoting stewardship of the Colorado River through educating adults and children (with an increased focus on low-income school-aged kids) about the importance of the river and how everybody can do their part to keep it clean and in turn contribute to a chain of ecological events that affects millions of people. On Sunday, she took us to one of the coolest places in Austin -- her office, which is in the Lower Colorado River Authority's Wilkerson Center at Redbud. The Center is a LEED certified gold facility and features a way cool replica of the Colorado River, complete with interractive stations that allow users to generate hydroelectric power and cause floods or droughts for farmers and homes down the river. It is open during the week for public self-guided tours, so if you haven't been, you really must!

On our way out of town, we stopped by Mozarts for a snack and to give the kids one last opportunity to play. Harper had so much fun studying and then trying to emulate Weston. I really look forward to watching them grow up together. The next time we see them, Harper will be sitting and mobile -- a whole new world!

Erin, Jason and Weston -- thank you so very much for being such gracious hosts. We loved spending the time with the three of you and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Harper and her love bug

2009-05-22T10:19:00.001-05:00

Harper Noelle - Almost Standing

2009-05-20T22:49:00.005-05:00

Happy 4 months, Harper!

2009-05-19T22:56:00.000-05:00

Sweet Harper, I can't believe you are already four-months old! Time has passed way too fast and you are growing up right before my eyes. I dearly miss so many of your newborn mannerisms -- the way you would cuddle with me and sleep for hours during the day, the way you would root around on my chest and neck when you were hungry, the little piggy grunting noises you made when you were trying to nurse, your newborn cry and sighs and the chipmunk noises you made when you were unhappy. But, while I will always miss your newborn idiosyncrasies, I have fallen even more in love with your hugs, your quirky smile and flirty nature, and the way you shyly nuzzle your head in my hair when you're unsure about new people or surroundings.

Four months has been a magical age for you. You are happy, chatty and playful for the majority of the day. You've settled into a napping routine and you will put yourself down for your morning nap, though you sometimes need encouragement for your afternoon nap.

You look forward to our long walks and prefer for me to wear you in your baby carrier, though you will settle for your stroller if I am too tired to carry you. You love bright colors and people and delight in going places with your daddy and me. You are a great shopper and we talk to each other the entire time we are in the store, even though we tend to get strange looks.

You are eager to stand and sit up and just need to hold onto my fingers to help you balance. In fact, you sometimes fuss if I don't realize that you want my help with sitting or standing.

You love playing with your toys and immediately bring them all to your mouth. You have always refused a pacifier, but you have learned to soothe yourself by sucking on your fists or your thumb. You also enjoy sucking and gnawing on my knuckles. You are a champion bubble blower and have hours of fun each day blowing bubbles and even spraying them on mommy and daddy. In fact, my shoulder is usually damp from your bubbles, and you almost always wear a bib to keep your chest dry.

You have taken to putting yourself to sleep at night, though you still wake up once or twice for me to feed you. I look forward to you waking up early every morning so I can bring you back to our bed so you can nurse and nap with me while I get a little more sleep while daddy gets ready for work.

You have my heart wrapped around your raspy little voice and I relish every coo and squeal. Sometimes I know I hear words in your vocal play and I am so eager for you to find those words to share your thoughts with your daddy and me. For now, we're learning sign language so we can communicate better.

I love you sweet girl, and I am so proud and happy to be your mommy. I never imagined a love as deep as my love for you could exist. But it does, and it continues to grow with every passing moment. Happy four months, sweet Harper. You'll always be my sunshine!

Four month check-up

2009-05-15T10:53:00.000-05:00

Harper had a great four month check-up today! She measured 25.25 inches, which put her in the 80th percentile for length and she weighed 12 lbs, 15 oz, which put her in the 25th percentile for weight. She is a long, lean baby just like her momma was.

Dr. Porter was very pleased with her growth and was happy with our decision to wait until her half-birthday before we introduce foods other than my milk. He was also thrilled with her development and encouraged us to continue working on sitting, standing and rolling over. She has developed great core strength, and she has focused determination when it comes to sitting and standing, so I expect that both of these may be right around the corner.

Robin and I haven't read The Vaccine Book, but we understand the controversy about administering so many vaccines to such a young baby and we've really wrestled with our decisions and just hope that we're doing the right thing. We haven't refused any vaccines to-date, but we have decided to spread them out -- we just don't think it is a good idea to pump so many foreign substances all at once into such a little body. I consented to one vaccine today. Harper and I both cried the last time she got a shot, so Nurse Needle let me hold her this time. Brave Harper let out a brief whimper, but neither Harper nor mommy shed a tear!

a visit with Aunt Summer and Uncle Greg

2009-05-13T19:31:00.001-05:00

Harper's Aunt Summer and Uncle Greg live way far away in Boston so we don't get to see them as often as we like. Harper did her best to charm them into moving closer on a recent way-too-quick visit. We're hopeful that they will find a way to move to Dallas once the economy improves. In the meantime, we'll have to enjoy short visits, frequent phone calls and Internet chats.
Harper took Aunt Summer to lunch at one of our favorite lunching spots -- the Nasher Sculpture Center.

I had to go to the hospital for a scheduled procedure while Summer was here, and had to be put under anesthesia, which meant I had to wait 24 hours after the procedure before I could nurse Harper. She still really fusses when we try to give her a bottle, so Summer experienced the fury that our sweet girl expresses when faced with a plastic nipple. Poor Harper finally decided she was hungry enough to eat, but we were only able to get her to take 6 - 8 ounces in the 24 non-nursing hours. We were all relieved when it was okay for me to feed her again!

Harper loved playing with her Aunt Summer and looks forward to visiting her this fall in Boston!

Aunt Summer and Uncle Greg - thank you for visiting -- we hope you will visit again soon and we promise to take more pictures next time -- I can't believe we don't have a single picture of Uncle Greg with his niece! Aunt Summer - thank you for taking such great care of Harper!!

Harper reads B&W Magazine

2009-05-04T17:42:00.000-05:00

(click image to enlarge)

Catching up

2009-04-27T16:49:00.000-05:00

I've fallen way behind on posting blog updates, and I've set a goal to be up-to-date by May 1. We've had a whirlwind of activity at the Orange House -- visits from friends, Grammylou, Pops and Granbee, early rollovers, evening strolls and thousands of pictures (though we'll just post a few.) So... be sure to check in later for back-posts.

In the meantime, pictures of Harper from this past weekend are below...

She's thrilled by her new found ability to grab onto things - especially rattles and mommy's hair

Look at what I can do!

tasty, tasty knuckles

this kid has huge feet!

details: eyelashes

2009-04-20T20:56:00.001-05:00

Harper has the longest eyelashes. I absolutely love them.

on a walk

2009-04-15T21:06:00.000-05:00

Harper and Daddy

2009-04-13T16:00:00.002-05:00

Granbee's Easter visit

2009-04-12T17:53:00.000-05:00

Harper's Granbee came from Florida to meet her first granddaughter and help Harper celebrate her first Easter. It was a short, but good weekend full of activities including visits to the Dallas Arboretum and Nasher Sculpture Center. Harper really interacted with her Granbee, which made it a fun visit!

Granbee love

Granbee kisses

Granbee had great fun playing patty cake and "knees and toes" with Harper

Harper met the Easter Bunny at the Dallas Arboretum

Granbee and Harper posing in front of pretty foxgloves.

Harper at the Nasher on Easter Sunday in her new Easter outfit from Granbee

Granbee and Harper at the Nasher

Happy Easter! Love, the Roberts family -- Crystalyn, Granbee, Harper and Robin

our first baby-free date

2009-04-05T17:26:00.003-05:00

Grammylou and Pops came to visit this weekend so they could care for Harper while Robin and I enjoyed our first baby-free dinner date -- what a treat! Though it got off to an emotional start (I missed my little girl and cried a bit when we drove up to the restaurant), it was really nice to savor a romantic and leisurely dinner with just the two of us. Thank you, Grammylou and Pops!

(I can't believe we didn't take any pictures the entire weekend! Grammylou, I know you took some. Please send me a couple so I can add them to this post. Thanks!)

a second anniversary celebration

2009-03-31T20:00:00.003-05:00

I have a new belief that the family should take off work on all birthdays and anniversaries. Robin and I hadn't discussed this prior to my birthday and he had a day full of meetings scheduled. So, we counted Sunday's trip to the Arboretum and a nice sushi dinner yesterday as my birthday celebration. Next year, we'll treat ourselves to a mid-week day-long celebration for my Tuesday birthday.

Robin was able to take today off and it was great to spend our second anniversary together! We treated ourselves to brunch, poked around several stores, shared an afternoon milkshake at Highland Park Pharmacy, took Harper for her first visit to the Nasher Sculpture Center and enjoyed Italian take out for dinner. It was a full day, but we really enjoyed the extra time together and our new tradition of work-free birthdays and anniversaries.

My favorite picture from our anniversary trip to the Nasher
Sculpture: "My curves are not mad" Artist: Richard Serra

Sweet Harper had a full day and decided she was not in the mood for a photo session.
Sculpture: "Tending, Blue" Artist: James Turrell

Harper's first visit to the Dallas Arboretum

2009-03-29T17:19:00.004-05:00

the photographer and his muse

the muse

Mommy kisses

Mommy love

Daddy love

Harper rolls over (phase 1)

2009-03-27T12:00:00.002-05:00

Harper's first tummy to back rollover caught on video

the garage freezer

2009-03-26T14:44:00.000-05:00

I'm a committed vegetarian and Robin is an omnivore, so we rarely eat the same dish for dinner. So we each get some variety during the week, I'll spend a Saturday cooking several meals and I freeze them individual portions. Knowing we would have an easier time transitioning into parenthood if we had a good stockpile of individual ready-to-heat meals and knowing that I was planning to pump and freeze breast milk and prepare and freeze Harper's baby food in advance, Robin and I decided a garage freezer was going to be a necessity.

This summer in an attempt at frugality, we bought a used one at a garage sale. As soon as we got it home, we realized the guy who sold it to us hadn't been completely honest about the condition. Instead of hassling with taking it back, we cleaned it up, plugged it in, crossed our fingers and started stocking it.

Grammylou and Summer are both excellent cooks and also helped us stock it with tasty, tasty dishes. In fact, they slaved over the stove while we were in labor and recovering at the hospital. It was great to come home to preservative-free, delicious meals that we just had to pop in the oven or microwave.

In March, I walked out to our second-hand freezer stocked full of food and breast milk to find that it had reached the end of its life and everything in it, including 70-ounces (that's a little more than half a gallon) of breast milk had defrosted. If you know our history with freezers and refrigerators, you can imagine the panic that ensued. (We've lost ALL of our perishable food twice in the past two years.) Since the food was still cold, we decided it was okay to refreeze, and we crammed it into the kitchen freezer. However, breast milk must be used within 24 hours of being defrosted and should not be refrozen, so our lactation consultant advised us to throw it all out. If you've pumped, you understand my pain.

We had really grown to depend on our second-hand garage freezer, so we took Harper on her first trip to Lowes to pick out a shiny, new garage freezer. We are slowly re-stocking it with nourishment for both us and for Harper. We joined the bulk-purchase masses with a Costco membership and Robin now has more steak than he can eat in a month. I am diligently attempting to rebuild Harper's milk reserve, though it it's a much slower process now that she is eating more during her feedings. Now if only Grammylou and Summer would come back to cook for us...

Harper and her new freezer

an outing, turned cullinary adventure

2009-03-25T17:00:00.002-05:00

The weather has been a bit rainy and cold and Harper and I needed to get out, so we met our good friend Anne at NorthPark Center for a brisk walk, light shopping and a chat over a lemonade. Conversation with Anne always meanders nicely and somehow I learned that she hadn't yet discovered Jimmy's Food Store in east Dallas. I had just received an email announcing that they had just received a shipment of Burrata cheese and I wanted to try it, so the three of us headed across town for a little taste of Italy. You can read all about our adventures at Jimmy's from Anne's perspective on her blog.

Not only is Anne a fabulously colorful friend and great conversationalist, she's a talented wordsmith who is committed to introducing folks to her community through her Worldstory's blog. If you haven't already found her space on the Web through ours, you should -- you're certain to learn of a spot in Dallas that you'd like to experience, as well.

Harper snuggled with Anne at NorthPark Center

Harper's newborn portraits, continued...

2009-03-24T20:15:00.000-05:00

Here are some of our favorite pictures from our session with Kate that were not included in the previous post...

Our sweet girl has perfected this face. We've decided that it's simply hard to be a baby!

Cutie pie!

Our budding music aficionado

Harper's newborn portraits

2009-03-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

Robin and I both have a love affair with photography -- especially now that Harper is in our lives. We had talked about commissioning a series of family photos, but decided we would just try to capture the moments ourselves. That's until we discovered Kate Mefford.

A friend of a friend commented on one of our blog posts. Out of curiosity, I followed the link to her blog. She had just posted a link to portraits that Kate posted of their newborn photo shoot and I loved her style and begged her to fit her into her busy schedule.

Kate stopped by on March 17 full of personality, decked out in green and camera in hand, genuinely excited to meet our family and ready to get to work. It's refreshing to have somebody who doesn't know you come into your home and capture their perspective of your family. Kate saw angles that we no longer see in our home and lives -- details that we take for granted or overlook. For an hour, we loved on Harper while she captured the special moments -- the in-between moments that make life special and endearing.

A few of the photos from our session are below and more are posted to Kate's blog. She's editing the bunch and will give us a CD of our session in a couple of weeks. I'm sure we'll post more of our favorites then.

I love Harper's look in this photo -- she's a daydreamer.

Most of my time is spent just like this -- entertaining Harper with exaggerated expressions and funny faces

This mirror is one of my most prized possessions and one of the only things I have from my Grandma Holubec, who passed away when I was three. She loved to spend time at garage sales and made this mirror from costume jewelry she found during her many treasure hunts.

This picture of Harper in Robin's lap is so endearing to me. Her daddy would do just about anything for her.

Aside from the picture Robin took of Harper and me just a few hours after she was born, this is my new favorite. I cherish every second of our playtime.

I really like the effect the wide angle has on this chair.

Music appreciation by osmosis.

Harper's recent visitors

2009-03-23T22:32:00.004-05:00

Our friend Matt stopped by for dinner while he was in town for work. His wife Liz is expecting a little girl in May and Harper looks forward to a great long distance friendship with her. Matt's little boy is almost four, so he reacquainted himself with fussy baby syndrome as he tried to comfort Harper. It's all good practice, Matt -- come back soon!

Amber came by to cuddle with Harper and brought yummy homemade low-fat blueberry muffins. She works very close to The Orange House, so we hope she can come for a visit someday during her lunch break or for a walk after work.

Leah snuggled with Harper and made fun and goofy faces that kept her entertained. We hope Leah will come back soon and bring her boyfriend so he can learn to change a diaper! (and so we can meet this guy who makes our Leah so very happy)

Our friend Eileen just accepted a great job in the Washington DC area, so she and her husband Michael came over to meet Harper over brunch before the big move. There's always a nice, relaxed flow to the conversation when we spend time with Eileen and Michael. They are so warm and open -- we'll definitely miss them in Dallas, but look forward to visiting their new digs in DC. Congratulations, Eileen!

Signs of spring

2009-03-23T22:21:00.003-05:00

My gardens have been terribly neglected since I found out I was pregnant. There isn't much growing in them and spring fever has me eager to clean them out and plant my spring vegetables. Last week, I wandered out to the back garden and noticed my artichoke plant -- the only living thing other than weeds -- was enormous! I've never grown artichokes, but I bought a seed pack last year out of curiosity and planted five. Only one came up and though it was pretty, it never produced anything. Since I didn't tend to my gardens this winter, it continued to grow and it thrived on gross neglect. Much to my surprise, it now has six chokes growing on it! I just can't wait to harvest them in a couple of weeks... yum!

... hopefully my luck will double and my asparagus will start to pop up.

Just Say No

2009-03-23T17:48:00.004-05:00

When it comes to a bottle or pacifier, Harper's motto is and has been "just say no." Since we weren't looking forward to fighting the weening battle when she's six months old, we're fine with her anti-pacifier stance. Plus, she's discovered that sucking on her fist and arm is mighty satisfying, though probably not as pacifying as a little silicone nuk or nipple might be.

After a couple of weeks, the experience of trying to get her to take a bottle became so excruciatingly painful that we decided she just wasn't ready and we gave up. We consulted experts on different tactics to take and tried almost every bottle and nipple we could find but sweet, pertinacious Harper has it in her mind that the breast is best.

Luckily, we've been able to take a bottle break. Due to a turn of events shortly after she was born, I am now fortunate enough to be able to stay home with her until at least June. However, since I'll eventually go back to work and since I'd like to be able to go on the occasional girls outing or date with Robin, our break is coming to an end. Wish us luck... we've now added a new bottle to our collection -- Adiri Natural Nurser. Let's hope it works!

This arm is mighty tasty

I don't care what the experts say, she IS talking to me.

2009-03-22T19:22:00.004-05:00

Harper and I have been spending a few mornings playing together while her mommy gets ready for the day. One of our activities consists of me repeating the word "hello" and waving my hand. After several minutes of this I noticed she was mimicking my actions by raising her hand to me (as best as she can) and blurting out a two syllable coo that sounds frighteningly similar to my hello. She even seems to be honing in on a distinguishable H sound and, to my own surprise, an L sneaks in from time to time. I know eight weeks is a bit early to expect speech but I'm convinced that she is watching me very closely and is ready to chat when I am.

I just know it. :)

Two month check-up

2009-03-20T17:40:00.003-05:00

Harper had a great two-month check-up with Dr. Porter today. She only cried twice and who could blame her? The first was when it was time to check her weight (I don't know many girls who like anybody to know how much they weigh) and the second was when Nurse Needle shot her in the thigh.

Harper measured 23 1/4 inches (76th percentile) and weighed 10 lbs and 12 oz (50th percentile) and received a glowing report. She was scheduled to have three vaccinations, but I'm not comfortable with her having so many foreign substances introduced into her tiny body at once. Thankfully, he allowed us to spread them out. She received one today and will get the next two over the next few weeks.

We really like Dr. Porter -- he has such a gentle touch with Harper and is patient to sit and answer all of our questions. We look forward to seeing him in May for our 4-month check-up.

Mommy watches as Dr. Porter makes sure Harper is healthy and on track with development

Dr. Porter helping Harper practice her one-handed push-up. What a strong baby!

Thank you Dr. Porter for taking such good care of Harper!

Green Apple Guacamole

2009-03-20T11:35:00.003-05:00

Green Apple Guacamole is a favorite at The Orange House and almost every time we make it for guests, they ask for the recipe. I'm not sure where the it originated, but Grammylou got the recipe from our friend Kim Cole several years ago. It's the perfect quick dish to whip up for a party hit or tasty snack. Enjoy!

Green Apple Guacamole
1 Granny Smith apple
1/4 c chopped onion
1 minced jalapeno, seeds removed
1 large avocado, cubed
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon lime juice (I use key limes if I can find them)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Finely dice onion and apple. Toss with remaining ingredients, cover and refrigerate until serving. This is best made the day (or hour) you want to serve it. Serve with plain bagel chips.

Hint: the guacamole should be chunky, so don't over blend when stirring. The avocado, because it is soft, can get too mushy and lost in the dish.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

A captured smile

2009-03-17T20:07:00.000-05:00

Graduating from the swaddle

2009-03-16T10:16:00.008-05:00

Until now, Harper has slept swaddled tightly every night of her life. In fact, we couldn't get her to sleep at night unless she was swaddled. The first six weeks, she slept wrapped tightly in a flannel swaddling blanket. When she started wiggling out of the blanket until she was bare-chested and otherwise trapped, we moved her to the Baby Bonkie. We love the Baby Bonkie because it is so very soft and quick and easy to use, but our daughter has superhero strength and she is now able to kick free of its hold.

Sweet Harper is growing up and seems to have graduated to the next level of sleep gear: the sleep sack.

Cozy and ready for bed in one of the sleep sacks that Grammylou made

Harper has a new blanket...

2009-03-15T12:30:00.002-05:00

Harper just received this very special blanket from the Hopkins Family (Robin's Dad and sisters). She snuggled up with it during a nap this morning and she loves it -- it's super soft and cuddly. She especially likes soft things on her nose and cheeks, so it always ends up over her face despite our many attempts to pull it down.

Sunday morning nap time

There's not much better than a mid-morning nap

Rollin'

2009-03-14T20:00:00.004-05:00

We enjoyed a nice, laid-back morning at The Orange House today. Robin hung out in bed with Harper, gave her tummy time on the Boppy pillow and read a book to her while I cooked breakfast.

I had just started cooking when Harper belted a frightful scream followed by inconsolable crying. It turns out our sweet sunshine rolled from her belly to her back and I missed it! Poor thing, it scared her half to death but Robin, being the sweet daddy he is, was there to witness her acrobatic feat and then love and console her. I'm not sure when it will happen again, but hopefully I'll be there to cheer her accomplishment.

Getting my photography out there.

2009-03-11T23:31:00.003-05:00

MOMA - Christopher Robin Roberts

So I have submitted a few photographs to JPG Magazine in hopes of being published. Some of my pictures were submitted into categories that the public can vote on. Below is a link to one of them.

http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/1523203

Take a look and if you like it, vote for it. Maybe I'll be in the next publication. :)

Thanks

8 lbs

2009-03-11T11:42:00.003-05:00

Harper Noelle
February 22, 2009
4 weeks, 6 days old
photo by daddy

Bum Genius!

2009-03-09T13:13:00.001-05:00

At first, I was a bit apprehensive about using cloth diapers. I mean - ick! But, they've really turned out to be a blessing to Harper's sensitive little bum. It turns out Harper has sensitive skin just like her mommy and hypersensitivity to chlorine may just be in her genes. Whenever we use disposable diapers (most brands have chlorine and other harsh chemicals in them) -- it doesn't matter if it is one, two or ten in a row, our poor daughter gets the worst diaper rash. However, when we use the bum genius, the rash quickly heals and her sweet bum stays nice and healthy.

We currently have 16 of the Bum Genius, so I'm doing laundry once a day, but we'll continue to build our supply so we don't have to substitute disposable diapers when all of the cloth are dirty or in the wash. For now, we've completely made the switch to chlorine-free disposables and hope that they will keep the rash at bay when we do have to use the occasional 'sposie.

Harper's diapers - washed, folded, ready and waiting

Harper's first trip to San Angelo

2009-03-08T20:41:00.003-05:00

Harper made her first trip to San Angelo this weekend to make her debut at a "sip and see" shower hosted by some of Grammylou's closest friends. It was very special to have the opportunity for so many of our family friends to meet Harper as a newborn. We feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such a loving and supportive group of friends -- we were overwhelmed by everybody's generosity!

It is certainly a weekend of fond memories that we will cherish always.

Grammylou and Pops after a yummy Saturday morning breakfast at Mr. T's.

Robin during a downtown photo hunt. A few of the pictures are posted to his Flickr site.

{Pictures from the sip and see are on Grammylou's computer. She is currently a chaperon on a church ski trip, so I'm not able to post them until she gets back in town and sends them my way. Grammy Lou - hint, hint!}

All of the weekend activities wore sweet Harper out so Grammylou wrapped her in Aunt Summer's baby blanket and rocked her to sleep.

Walking with friends

2009-03-06T13:14:00.004-06:00

I really look forward to warm days because it means that Harper and I can get out to go for a walk. And though our walks are nice, they are even more fun with friends!

(Harper has recently decided that walks are a time for crying, so I've ended up getting more exercise than I had originally planned. The last several walks, I've ended up carrying or wearing Harper while pushing the stroller. On our last walk, I couldn't get her to calm down, so I ended up nursing her in a park -- good thing I had my trusty nursing cover! Hopefully she'll grow out of this phase soon so we can save my arms and back and resume our long enjoyable strolls.)

Jessica and Harper after a recent walk to Cottonwood Park

Harper and Conner after a nice long walk on the trails in Conner's neighborhood. Conner is my friend Gerlanda's son and he's exactly one week older than Harper.

Maggie and Harper after a walk on the Katy Trail. Maggie is my friend Jennifer's daughter and is five and a half weeks older than Harper.

Six-week postpartum appointment

2009-03-06T13:12:00.004-06:00

I had my six-week check-up today and took Harper so she could meet Dr. Nokleberg and thank her for taking such good care of us throughout my pregnancy and during the delivery. Dr. Nokleberg was out on a delivery when we arrived, so Harper kept the waiting room entertained with her bright eyes, full head of hair and need for constant motion.

Dr. Nokleberg said that I am healing beautifully, which means I can now lift more than ten pounds. The dogs will be excited to know this, as it means they get to go on a walk soon! (Since they collectively weigh 160 pounds, I haven't walked them since I was in my second trimester. Hopefully we can get into a good exercise routine soon.)

Harper and Dr. Nokleberg
March 6, 2009

A severe case of mommy brain

2009-03-01T09:18:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, I came down with a severe and concerning case of mommy brain that I hope clears up rather quickly.

Robin and I left the house midday to visit some friends and were gone about six hours. We have a one car garage and narrow driveway, so we often have to swap the order of our cars. We decided to take my car because we needed the GPS. It was first in the driveway, so Robin moved his car to the street. While he was moving the car, I put Harper in the car, and pulled back to pick Robin up and we were on our way.

When we returned home, we were both jolted by adrenaline when we looked at the house and noticed that the front door was open and all of the lights were turned on. Harper and I stayed in the car while Robin investigated the situation.

It turns out that my mommy brain interfered when we were leaving and I completely forgot to turn out lights, close the front door and lock it! Luckily, everything was just as we left it.

Hopefully this case of mommy brain clears up soon... who knows what could happen next?!

Happy 1st Birthday, Alexia

2009-02-28T17:16:00.001-06:00

Harper's friend Alexia is a leap year baby and doesn't have an official birthday again until 2012, but we had a ton of fun helping her celebrate her faux-1st birthday on Feb. 28.

Happy Birthday, Alexia and congratulations, Muna and Chris!

Muna, Alexia and Chris -- ready to celebrate with cake

Daddy's little girl

2009-02-27T20:00:00.001-06:00

Nice and warm in her cozy cute sweater outfit from Grandma Bonnie

Cutie two-shoes

2009-02-26T19:25:00.005-06:00

My friend Amy is the director of the Crow Collection of Asian Art -- a gem in the Dallas Arts District. Harper and I met her for lunch the other day and she gave Harper the cutest orange and pink Chinese-inspired shoes that I absolutely adore!

Harper's cute matching outfit is from her friend, Patterson Pearl. We love hand-me-downs!

Cutie two-shoes

wearing the snuggle bug

2009-02-26T15:05:00.003-06:00

It turns out that our sweet daughter is a snuggle bug and likes to be held as often as possible. In fact, she can quickly move from peaceful to raging, inconsolable fit if she isn't being held. she Being a fellow snuggler, I love to hold her all day. However, it hinders my ability to get much done around the house.

Recently, in an attempt to get more done and attempt to simply catch up in life, I've resorted to wearing Harper both around the house and when we go out. I can now make the bed, do the dishes and laundry, scoop the yard, vacuum the house and do other light cleaning, pay bills and catch up on email and prepare and eat my lunch before Robin comes home from work! It has made a huge difference, and my days have become much more productive and peaceful.

Harper snuggled close in the Maya Wrap
La Reunion TX, February 7, 2009

Happy 89th Birthday, Grandpa Copie

2009-02-24T19:01:00.003-06:00

Harper's Great Grandpa Copie turned 89 today, and Harper was in Lubbock over the weekend to help him celebrate and make her Copenhaver family debut.

It was a weekend full of laughter, tears and great memories that I will always hold close and that Robin captured through pictures for Harper to cherish.

Grandma was overwhelmed with emotion when she met her first great grandchild

The oldest and youngest family members meet

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Grandpa fell earlier in the week and hit his head. He ended up with stitches and a black eye. One of my favorite things about my grandpa is his humor. He is always a great sport!

The Copenhaver Clan (minus Summer, Greg and Donnie)

Four generations
... and we are each the first-born!

Crystalyn, Great Aunt Marsha (or is it just plain Snookie?) and Harper

Pat Dorsey, Grandpa and Grandma's neighbor and dearest friend, came over to help Grandpa celebrate 89 and she enjoyed holding Harper.

My beautiful cousin Kendra posing for the camera. Her sister was a little camera shy.

My cousin Katie is currently pre-vet at New Mexico State University. I am so proud of her and hope she decides to go to Texas A&M for her graduate work so I can see her more often.

Harper's Great Aunt Ellen and Uncle Mike made the trip from New Mexico to help Grandpa celebrate. I am so glad they were able to meet Harper!

Ever so curious

Meeting so many family members at once can wear a little girl out

bathtime = trance time

2009-02-20T19:00:00.001-06:00

Harper wasn't a bath fan at first. She seems to have inherited her momma's thermostat and being wet during the winter in our cold, poorly insulated house just didn't jive with her sensitive system.

Robin and I quickly adapted. On cold evenings, we now turn on the heater and run the hot water to warm the bathroom to near tropic conditions. We pour warm water over her bath sling before she gets in it and make sure we're constantly pouring warm water over her so she doesn't feel even the slightest chill. After the bath is over, we quickly wrap her in a warmed towel and even dress her in the bathroom if it is too cold (per her momma's thermostat) in her room.

Now, she seems to love her baths -- so much that she seems to be in a trance-like state. They've really turned into a peaceful, enjoyable experience for everybody involved.

A bath with a conscience

Sigh

A few of Harper's first-month visitors

2009-02-19T23:59:00.002-06:00

I've been terrible about remembering to take pictures when Harper has visitors, so I only have a few pictures to share. If you come over for a visit and I forget to bring out a camera, please remind me!

Tonya came over for dinner and to see Harper while Grammylou, Pop and Aunt Summer were still in town. We hope she'll come back to visit soon!

It had been several years since I had seen my friend, Robyn, so I was thrilled when she and her new husband Andrew called to say they were in town for work. Robyn is such a nurturing and warm soul -- Harper took to her immediately.

Dachelle lives in Santa Fe, but she comes to Dallas at least once a month to spend time with her lively grandson, Jack. She'll really be able to watch Harper grow up since she is in town so often!

Harper's Great Uncle Steve/Copie was in town from Lubbock on business and stopped by to meet the newest family member. He was a little nervous holding her, but I was glad he did because this picture is very endearing to me.

Kalina and Akassia (and Beto and Iliana) are moving to Dubai in March and we're really going to miss them. I am so thankful that they were still here when Harper was born and that they have been able to spend a little time with her. Hopefully they will move back to the US in a few years. In the meantime, we'll have to watch each other's families grow via photos and video chat.

Like mother, like daughter

2009-02-15T14:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Harper

2009-02-14T17:00:00.000-06:00

Harper's Hiccup Bossa

2009-02-09T20:43:00.003-06:00

Directed by: Daddy
Choreography: Daddy & Harper
Editing: Daddy and the Mac
Music: João Gilberto & Antonio Jobim - So Em Tues Bracos

Harper has a toy...

2009-02-04T09:04:00.001-06:00

Our first family walk

2009-01-31T14:03:00.002-06:00

I am determined to speed my healing process as much as possible and have really built up my core strength by going on walks with Harper. In fact, our very first walk was a short and slow walk around the block with Grammylou and Aunt Summer the day we came home from the hospital. We went on the same walk a couple of times the next week, and though it was painful and exhausting, it was easier with each passing day.

Robin and I live exactly a mile from a great park that is next to a Whole Foods market. When the weather is nice, we enjoy walking to the market to do some light shopping and we always cut through the park.

We had been home about a week-and-a-half and I was going stir crazy, so we decided to take Harper on her first walking shopping trip. The first leg was great and it was great to get out of the house for longer than a 15-minute stretch. On the way back home, I learned that a two-mile walk less than two weeks out of major abdominal surgery was a little ambitious. Ouch!

Harper and Crystalyn - Cottonwood Park

Expressions

2009-01-28T20:36:00.001-06:00

gassy grin

the yawn

A day at home...

2009-01-23T15:13:00.003-06:00

Nap time. (notice the tiny little finger in the bottom left?)

Closer look: Peeking Pinky

She's got her daddy right where she wants him.

Mommy loves to hold her close

First visit to the doctor. She is gaining weight right on track. But she's not very happy about having to be naked in front of these new people.

She loves being swaddled and her daddy loves to kiss her head.

Harper Comes Home

2009-01-23T00:26:00.008-06:00

At the hospital waiting to be discharged, Harper wasn't quite ready for her close-up.

Maybe she is just a little camera shy.

Or maybe she is just bored with the whole "daddy takes 100 pictures (a day) of me" thing.

Or maybe it's just a dirty diaper.

Crystalyn wore this "Little Me" outfit home from the hospital after she was born. Grammy Lou saved it all these years for this very special moment.

Yep, it was the diaper all along.

Paperwork is done and we are headin' home!

Thanks to Pam (Grammy Lou) and (Aunt) Summer, we have a sparkling clean house to come home to. Thanks you guys!!!!

Harper and Mommy take the rocking chair for it's first (baby) spin.

Grammylou can't wait to get a hold of her first grandbaby.

Aunt Summer was right behind to spend some close time with Harper in her new room.

Pop adored Harper and rocked her in the mesquite rocking chair he gave her for her birthday.

We hope she loves her new home and family as much as we loved bringing her in to it.

She is our little angel .

Harper Noelle 01.19.2009

Details

2009-01-22T16:45:00.001-06:00