Happy 1st Birthday, Alexia

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

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

Cutie two-shoes

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Harper

Harper's Hiccup Bossa

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

Harper has a toy...