We had a wonderful weekend and I was so sad to see today come. On Friday we headed to Dallas to get a new mattress!

Y’all. This is embarrassing but its our first new mattress since we’ve been married and the mattress we had before had been handed down to us from someone who had gotten it as a hand-me-down as well. So it was TIME.

And OH MY WORD is it amazing. We slept so hard the first night that Rory got right on up in the bed with us without us even knowing… along with a couple of stuffed animals and her blankie. HA!

I mean, she did help pick out the mattress so I don’t know why I expected her to stay out of it when it got home!

(why is that picture so small??)

We also ate at the ChickFilA and who doesn’t love that?

On Saturday we spent time at the house and we all took huge naps (again, as soon as we hit the mattress we were out!). Saturday night was parents’ night out at our church and we have been counting down the days to it! Of course, not a single movie was showing during the time (all started before or too late) so we were totally bummed about that but we went to eat and rented a movie and had the best time getting to be at home without kids.

Sunday we all went to church and were so glad to be back after two weeks out with sicknesses. The girls wore matching outfits and looked so dang cute!

Today we got invited to a playdate at Kayla‘s house. Rory and Ryder had the best time playing with their friends and I had the best time getting to socialize with my friends!

PS: I owe Kayla approximately 6 oranges and apples, a lime, and a potato since Rory felt the need to eat all of the above RAW and unpeeled (but honestly is anyone surprised by this?!); plus cleaning for her carpet and pillows that my children spilled and spit up on. Sorry!

I stole these pictures from Kayla as well. So I owe her a lot.

Rory looks like she’s about to get into serious trouble in this next one…

Ryder played with her friend Daxton.

And oh my word, is she taking a toy from him?! Already?! She’s too young for this!

I totally am going to have another stinker on my hands with her.

So we got home and I thought Rory would immediately crash because thats what she ALWAYS does after playdates.

Nope. That heifer WOULD NOT go to sleep and then all of a sudden I went into her room and she’s passed out in her bed. Problem is it was after 3 so I’m pretty sure she’s going to be up late tonight and I’m totally going to regret letting her nap at all today. Dang.

And that sweet Ryder fell asleep playing on the floor today. I put her in the crib and she’s been asleep for 3 hours.

Dear Lord, let my children sleep tonight even if their days were messed up. Amen.

but y’all, I can’t keep it in anymore!

Ryder is eating SO GOOD and you can tell that she is feeling SO GOOD.

Honestly, I am in tears right now because of how wonderful its been.

Its so hard knowing that your child is struggling even for a minute, but we have been in this same feeding struggle for six months. We have had a few good days here and there, but its always been a struggle and it has killed me.

I am praying with everything in me that we have found the solution in this new formula. Thank you Jesus for this relief!

So Sister (Ryder’s officially nickname) has been such a fun, happy baby this week! She has played and done things she’s never done before. She rolled across the room yesterday and today sat FOR AN HOUR and played with her toys and books. She’s also sleeping and napping so much better. HALLELUJAH!

Ryder’s favorite toy is Rory though. These girls are melting my heart every two seconds right now. They have played so hard together this week and its blessing my soul to see it. Its wonderful to see that they are already becoming best friends (and funny that they’ve already had their first fights!).

Yesterday, Rory had school and she chose her own outfit. Why does she look so grown up? How can I already be having attitude issues? Ha!

She has discovered her pockets and its been the highlight of her life.

Ryder and I had a great time playing while she was gone- its so rare that I get to really play with Ryder and I loved it. She woke up from her nap so happy. This reminds me so much of Rory… she always woke up the same way.

When Rory got home it was playtime! Rory’s favorite thing is playing peek-a-boo with Ryder because she laughs SO HARD everytime.

And Ryder’s favorite thing to do is pull Rory’s hair! Ha!

When Ryder woke up from her afternoon nap, Rory ran as fast as she could to go play with her. Hello, melt my heart!

These are the best days, my friends. They really are.

]]> http://theharrislife.com/the-best-days/feed/ 6 http://theharrislife.com/pictures-and-pringles-sticks/ http://theharrislife.com/pictures-and-pringles-sticks/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:01:21 +0000 Tiffany http://theharrislife.com/?p=4522 Continue reading →]]> The sickness continues at the Harris house, but looks like its coming to an end, finally!

Besides being a little bit puny as a whole for us this weekend, we did have a good one at home together. We didn’t get to go to church because two of us were running fever, and I miss it so much! Two weeks away is too much.

On Sunday, Rory had a full day with her Daddy! They went grocery shopping, worked outside and cleaned up the garage. By the end of the day she smelt like a sweaty little boy. She had a blast!

It felt pretty good out, so I decided to try and get some pictures of the girls. And low and behold, Rory thought it was a great idea! …. and of course, Ryder just stared at me like I was crazy the entire time. Whatever, Ryder, whatever.

Well, I guess she did do her little half smile thing that she does. I think its so cute and hilarious.

Then it was swinging time! Ryder likes to swing, but not nearly as much as Rory always has.

Today I had to take Rory to the doctor because she started coughing pretty bad last night. So, I figured I might as well see what was up and if there was anything we could give her. She has a sinus infection and on an antibiotic so I’m hoping that means an end is in sight for all the sickness in the house!

Anyways. When we got there they kept talking about how “laid back” and “chill” Rory is and it made me laugh so hard. Obviously they have seen Ryder at her very worst a whole lot, ha! And obviously when people say, “oh my, you have your hands full!”, they mean it.

When we got home the girls both napped and so did I… it was GLORIOUS.

Then they woke up both ready to play together.

Do y’all know how much better life is now that Ryder is sitting up? It makes things so much easier. She sits up so so good and very rarely topples over. Rory is loving this too because now they can play together better.

Rory let Ryder play with her laptop while she went potty. That’s love, folks.

One of Rory’s favorite things to play with Ryder is tea party/cooking. She loves to bring Ryder plates and cups. Ryder loves it too!

I gave Rory a snack of Pringles sticks and some juice after she woke up. I was trying to pick up the living room because they had trashed it…

case in point- look at this pic.

Stuff everywhere in our living room.

Well Ryder, as we all know, is what I’d like to call a “high maintenance” eater.

I’ve tried giving her all sorts of things to eat and she hates and gags at everything.

Anyways, as I was cleaning I look over to find…

First of all, how guilty does Rory look? Ha!

So Ryder sucked on that Pringles stick until it was completely gone. What a little turd!

But I love that little turd.

Ok! Happy Monday!

]]> http://theharrislife.com/pictures-and-pringles-sticks/feed/ 3 http://theharrislife.com/grac/ http://theharrislife.com/grac/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:15:37 +0000 Tiffany http://theharrislife.com/?p=4498 Continue reading →]]> We’ve all had the crud in our house for the past 5 days. It started with Rory and has now been passed to all of us. Exciting news, right?

Lately I’ve been feeling stuck. Life is going on, not as easily as I had hoped or envisioned when I was pregnant with Ryder, but I’m stuck.

My heart is still stuck at the hospital with Ryder before and after surgery. Its been almost 4 months since her surgery, but all I can do is think about that time. I close my eyes and I still see her sweet face struggling to eat and breathe.

And yet, my body is here. I am going through the motions of being at home with the kids but some days are blurry. I have moments of “how in the world did I get here? why is this my life? did I sign up for this willingly?”.

All of those thoughts give me so much guilt and shame. I should be living now joyfully, especially after all we’ve been through this year. I should be enjoying each new moment with my girls instead of wanting to flee as soon as I get the chance.

How did I stand so strong and with unwavering faith when Ryder was in the hospital and now I’m acting as though God turned his back on me?

I know many of you have gone through this or are going through this now. People don’t talk about it because its so shameful. But being a stay-at-home mom is hard. I’m not just a mom- I’m a secretary to Andy, a cook to everyone, a maid, a doctor/nurse, an errand runner, etc.

I don’t know how my life ended up like this where all I get are mom showers every other day and have constant snot and spit up on my clothes, but I do know that God is intentional with His plans for my life. Which means I should be intentional with the life He has given me.

Motherhood is nothing short of a mission field. I am raising my children to be able to go into the world with integrity. I am raising my children to be able to give others grace like Jesus has done. I am raising my children to be followers of Christ so that they may spend an eternity in Heaven and be saved from an eternity in Hell.

Wow.

And yet, I’m getting so frustrated I want to hit a wall because Rory deliberately disobeys me over and over and over again. Just as I do to Jesus every day. The difference between the two is that God gives me His grace to pick back up and try again. And I’m not always so gracious.

If you are finding yourself in the same place as me, know you are not alone. We all have those thoughts, though few like to admit it.

I’m so thankful for a fresh new day full of God’s grace. Now, to just use that grace on my family.

Good thing she’s a good friend so I got over it quickly. ha!

But the truth is. I don’t shower everyday. Do I want to? Absolutely! But there are some days where if the stars align and the kids’ naps are somewhat at the same time I have to choose between the following a) cleaning b) resting myself c) shower or d) blogging. And we all know that most of the time I choose to blog (you’re welcome but don’t smell me or my house! ha!). Its my hobby, my sanity saver.

Showering during naps is tricky too. If Rory wakes up she could get into so much without me knowing. And if Ryder wakes up crying really loud when Rory is sleeping it could be disastrous on many levels.

Anyway.

Enter “the mom shower”.

I have to set everything up perfectly to take a shower.

I set Rory up with Sesame Street or Tangled because it is THE ONLY thing she would ever sit and watch long enough without getting into trouble. I give her a drink, a snack, and the movie. With Ryder, I either put her in her bouncy or swing and pray she cooperates. (Well that was what I did until Ryder came into the bathroom carrying her because she got her out of seat.) Now I put her in her crib and let her play and put herself to sleep in the afternoon. Thats my only window to shower.

Is that not insane? I get a tiny window some days to shower.

And lets be honest. The mom shower isn’t a shower like other people take. Its goes like this: jump in after checking that everyone is still cooperating, soap up hair, peep out to check on everyone, rinse hair, peep out, soap up, peep out, rinse off, and exit. I mean, showers are 5 minutes around here.

But can I tell you how many times I’ve had to exit the shower mid-hair wash? I mean its crazy how many times I’ve had to question whether or not I even washed my hair.

Anyone else out there relate to this? Am I the only one with insane kids that can’t be trusted during showers?

Doesn’t Rory look so cute watching Sesame Street while I got ready today? Doesn’t she look SO BIG?!

She loves to dance and copy what they are doing on the show too. So cute. So big. And I’m so sad.

and then she dances and sings.

Just in case you are wondering, I did get a mom shower today and did wash my hair. I think.

So this year, I have decided that I’m tired of resolutions and instead I want to be a do-er and not just blow it off. Here are some things I’m wanting to do this year:

- Be more active in our church. Sure, I go every Sunday and sit in the front. But I often skip on Sunday nights and never go on Wednesdays. This year I want to be there and be active in the church more than just the fun functions and Sunday mornings. I want my children surrounded by Godly people as much as possible and I want them to love to go to church.

- I want to be a better mom and wife. I found a blog a while ago and then my friends mentioned some things she was doing on there this week, its called Women Living Well. I am reading the Proverbs 31 free ebook she has and am starting the Gentleness Challenge. Thats one thing I have failed on with Rory is being gentle. My frustration level is constantly at the boiling point from the crying and no sleep, but that is no excuse to how I respond to my children. Life isn’t easy on them right now either. So, I am going to change myself as a mother this year and become more gentle and intentional. I also want to be more submissive and kind to Andy. Again, because of the frustration level with all the crying and sleepless nights, I tend to snap at him for silly things and immediately hate myself for doing that.

- I want to be heart healthy. I don’t want to talk about it on the blog much right now, but Andy and I are determined this year to be healthier. I have given up cokes completely (this is huge, y’all) and we have started exercising. I figure the least we can do after having a child who had open heart surgery was to be heart healthy ourselves and teach our children to be as well.

- I want to help our financial situation. I’m selling Thirty-One now and thats a start but its more than just making money, its saving. I want to be a help to Andy with our financial lives instead of being a burden. We have always done well with our money, especially for how young we got married, but this year has been hard on us just because we were scared insurance wouldn’t come through for a lot of things. I’m so blessed to be able to stay at home, but that means I need to also make sacrifices so that I can stay home. That means not running to grab lunch all the time, not shopping in excess for the kids, and sticking to the budget Andy has made for us.

- I’m going to read through the Bible this year. I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time and never have, but this is the year. I have my iPad and phone set up to remind me several times a day to read my passages for the day and I’m excited to dive into the Word. If I’m going to achieve any of the above goals for my family and myself this is the only way I will be able to have the power to do it.

What are your goals for this year? How are you planning to stick with them?

Anyway.

Her acid reflux hit a whole new level recently and I think she has a milk intolerance. When she eats most of the time she acts like she’s eating fire (stole that phrase from Hannah). She screams to eat and then screams when she eats. So I took her into the doc (because we couldn’t possibly go a whole week without seeing him…) and he said he didn’t see anything more than just mild acid reflux.

And he said that it seems to be a “behavioral problem” with Ryder. She’s pitching fits and acting like she’s in pain when she’s not, basically.

She’s 4 months old? I’m confused? Does it start that early? Am I dumb or does that sound off? Can I hit him in the face a little?

So.

I decided that it won’t hurt anything to switch to the lactose free formula to see if it helps. I will keep you posted.

But really. A behavioral problem.

My kids would NEVER have behavioral problems.

I guess I should explain the above pictures.

You see, Rory and Ryder were being so cute yesterday morning watching Sesame Street together.

(Interruption: Yes, Rory ate a marker/drew all over herself with a marker. Does this surprise anyone?!)

(Interruption two: how hilarious are their faces in this picture)

So, naturally, I decided to try and get some pictures of them in their matching outfits.

I should have abandoned the mission when neither of them would wear the vest that goes with the outfit.

But I am a) dumb and b) a glutton for punishment.

Rory was not interested in any part of the photo taking process.

Can you tell?

I have approximately 9929 pictures like the above. (Ryder continues to smile though. She is my favorite child at this point of the process. ha!)

So I promise “special treats” and bribe the mess out of Rory and the child could care less. Rory is smarter than me sometimes.

But in the end I got one cute-ish picture.

Rory insisted I take pictures of the babies and Ryder. She was so ticked off about this whole ordeal that she had a permanent scowl until I stopped trying to get her in the picture.

I want you to know that Rory took the following picture. Like for real, she took it by herself.

I wish I could go back to the day that Rory loved having her picture taken.

But since I can’t, I will just take Ryder’s picture as much as possible until she outgrows her love for the camera too.

Oh that precious smile.

So say a little prayer that we get things figured out with Ryder so she’ll start eating well again.

Happy Thursday!

]]> http://theharrislife.com/behavioral-problem/feed/ 12 http://theharrislife.com/parties-excersaucers-and-playdates/ http://theharrislife.com/parties-excersaucers-and-playdates/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:05:57 +0000 Tiffany http://theharrislife.com/?p=4115 Continue reading →]]> We have had a very busy week/weekend last week. My mom (Hi Mom!) texted me today and said “ok I’ve looked three times now and no new post”, so I guess that means I have fallen behind! ha!

I just started selling Thirty-One gifts so I’ve been a little consumed with setting up parties, throwing parties, and then the orders and such after the parties. I had two parties, one Thursday night and one Friday night, and they were both great! I’m excited to host another 3 so far this month! Plus I’m doing the trade show in Cooper, TX this Saturday. So, I’ve been busy.

Anyways! On Saturday we decided to get Rory’s old excersaucer (is this what its called?) out of the attic. Because Ryder wasn’t able to be picked up under the armpits she has zero leg strength and is having to learn to push on her legs. So we thought we’d try it out! Poor thing is so tiny though it just didn’t quite work.

She did enjoy being able to see the TV though! ha!

But Rory thought it was awesome and has played nonstop in it since we brought it out. Yesterday while getting ready for church, I stuck Ryder in the excersaucer to finish getting ready. When I came back through living room, Rory had gotten in with her and stuffed herself behind Ryder. Hello heart attack! So we got the walker down that Rory HATED when it was age appropriate and she’s had fun in it. Whatever works.

Oh, and BREAKING NEWS PEOPLE: Rory is sleeping. And I mean, SLEEPING. She goes to bed between 7:00-7:30 and gets up 6 or later. Its been AMAZING. She absolutely loves her toddler bed. She’s such a big girl!

This morning I met my friend Caroline to have a playdate with two of her boys, Thomas and Jude. Rory loves them both so much. Every time we go to church she says, “Thomas Jude be nice” because I tell her to be nice to her friends. Ha! Jude and Rory are SO MUCH alike (meaning, both little stinkers!). They were super cute today holding hands.

Have a great week!

And please, dear Lord, have mercy on me and never let me have to do it again!

We get in there and BOTH little precious dainty girls of mine decide to have blow out diapers. So that was a fun way to start! I was about knee deep in crap when the doctor came in and Rory yells, “I pooped!”. Oh how lovely. He suggested we start potty training. Um ya think?!!!!!!!!!

Speaking of…. Rory did, indeed, go #2 in the potty this weekend!

Well. Kind of.

You see, she tells us she had to go. So we put her on the pot and then when it started… um… happening…. she FREAKED OUT and jumped off the pot and runs as fast as she can in the living room. Andy and I are freaking out as well because its clearly going to land on the carpet. So finally we coaxed her back into the bathroom and she had to be held while sitting on the pot (don’t ask how that worked) and it half way dropped in there. We were laughing so hard I almost wet myself!

So now she is scared to go potty. Oh well, try, try again!

Aren’t you glad you stopped by on this here blog today? You didn’t have any idea you’d be getting an earful of poop did ya?!!

Ryder has been eating much better the past couple of days and has gained two ounces since Thursday! Yay! She had a nasty reaction to the antibiotic they put her on over the weekend so we have been dealing with that. But over all, its looking up today!

And now I will erase the images of poop from your brain by showing you some pictures that I guarantee will melt your heart.

You’re welcome.

PS- did you enter the giveaway??!!

Rory was in a mood this morning and that made ME in a mood. Ryder was screaming because she seems to be starving all the time but isn’t eating well. I was short tempered and a total butt. Therefore, Rory was the same. Isn’t it funny how that works??

Then we get to school and a friend of mine’s kid threw up in the car  in the parking lot and I just totally lost it. Cried like a crazy woman for a good hour. Threw myself an awesome pity party.

So all in all… fantastic morning! ha!

In fact, I’ve been throwing a pity party for a couple of days now. I’m mad that we have had to go through all of this. I’m mad that Ryder just can’t get better with her eating. I’m mad that people say things they THINK are helpful but honestly are just rude. I’m mad that Rory won’t sleep at night. I’m mad that things are completely out of control with every aspect it seems at our house. I’m mad that I can’t get a break without feeling guilty for being away, for leaving Andy with crying kids, and the list goes on. I’m mad Andy gets to leave to go to work (because clearly that is so much fun all of the time for him). I’m mad that I can’t write a dang blog post without it being about something heavy. I mean, who wants to read sad/depressing stuff all the dang time?!

And yet, even through my pity party, Jesus loves ugly ole’ me anyway. Isn’t that crazy? I sure wouldn’t love me right now!

So there you have it.

Let’s move on, shall we?!

Rory had a much better party yesterday- a painting party!

See the paint, Mommy?!

Are you seeing this, Mom?

Hold that thought, I’m getting inspired…

hold it…. hooollllldddddddd it….

okay, what were you saying again?

mmmhmmm I’m listening, I’m listening…

har har har, that was hilarious, Mom!

Did you notice my pink fingernails and toenails, yet?!

Let me just take a second to enjoy my amazing artwork.

After the paint party, I threw Rory in the shower (I thought it was more humane than hosing her off with the water hose outside). You tell me if you think she enjoyed it.

I believe she did.

Have a great Thursday!

P.S. : You are all going to want to come back tomorrow because I am hosting an awesome giveaway thats starting tomorrow! Yay!