California or Bust!

Over Spring Break we were able to go to California to see my mom, friends, and family.  It was such a great trip.  Harps (And Matt!) did amazingly well on the flights.  She hardly fussed at all. Now, she has 5 states under her belt :)  Pretty good for a 6 month old!

We had so much fun visiting with so many people.  But we were still unable to see everybody we wanted to see :(  So thankful that we'll be back in Cali in the summer!  Maybe Harps can get another state on that trip....Nevada! Mommy and Daddy miss Vegas ;)

Matt always likes the window seat.  Harper liked looking out the window too! 

Safely made it to Long Beach.  Thanks Jet Blue!

Harper liked In-N-Out! Well, only the cup.

We had to stop at Rainbow Sandals in San Clemente to buy more shoes. 

Next time, Harps gets her first pair :)

San Clemente Pier.  Gosh, we miss living at the beach :(

Searights!!! Only one missing was Jen :(

Harps' instant bffs, Hayley and Lindsey

Harper loved meeting Matt's old babsitter, Rita.

She used to feed Matt just like that when he was Harper's age!

Oma, Matt, and Harper

2010 'Garcia' babies in da house!!  Jonathan, his mommy (my cuz Ruth) and Harps

Tia Nena and Harps. 

It was sooo great seeing Ruth, Tia Nena, and baby J!

My mommy and my baby!

Proud Grandmas :)

Out of all the pics that Matt took, this was probably the best. 

Squirrely babies in need of their naps!

Auntie Jenn

So happy we were able to get to see Lisa and meet baby Massimo!!

4 months old!

Our beautiful Harper turned 4 months old on the 13th of January.  I can't believe how quickly time has gone by.  She continues to just amaze us each and every day! Here are some pics of our 4 month old sweetheart!

She continues to love the swing!

Harper enjoys bath time now!  It was such a struggle in the beginning.

January 13, 2011.  Our 4 month old beauty!

It's Tummy Time!  She's holding her head up so well :)

I love bathtime pictures!

Her cool onesie.  Thanks Auntie Brig and Uncle Eddy!

Attempting rice cereal.  As you can see, she didn't like it the first go-round.

Daddy's little girl

Baby's first Christmas

Well, needless to say, Harper had an amazing Christmas.  We are so fortunate to have family here in Texas to spend the holidays with.  Of course, the only ones missing are my family :(  But, we were lucky to spend time with them at Thanksgiving.

ALL of the presents under our tree were for Harper.  As for her dad and I, we had the best present....our baby Harps.  Who needs gifts when we have her???

She finally got to meet Santa after waiting an hour and a half! What a trooper!

                                       Christmas Eve, ready to party in her party dress!

Christmas morning, ready to open presents. Thanks for the Mickey hat Grandma Tita!

First present from Santa, her exersaucer!

Christmas morning with Grandma :)

Let the fun begin!

Thanks Uncle Eddy and Auntie Brigid for my toy!

Harps and all her loot!

Christmas night at Grandma's!

Harps with Auntie Kelli

3 Months and Counting......

I can't believe our baby girl turned 3 months this past Monday.  Where has all the time gone?!?!  She continues to amaze us each and everyday! 

She is now weighing in at 12 lbs. 6 oz.!  She's outgrowing clothes she hasn't even worn yet! (Harps has more clothes then I do)

We had big plans for her 3 month birthday.  We were going to take her to see Santa and get her picture taken.  We had her outfit all picked out. BUT......my appendix had other plans :/ I had severe pains on Monday and on Thursday night my appendix had to be removed.  Boo! We plan on taking her this week to see Santa Clause.  Should be fun.  Until then, enjoy these pics of her first week as a 3-month old :)

Bath time in the sink is getting a little tight.  She's getting so big :)

Mr. Mom

Well, after almost 12 weeks off with my precious Harper, I had to go back to work.  My first day back was December 2nd.  I'll be honest, I cried daily for a couple of weeks leading up to that day.  I just wanted to stay with my girl.  But once I was back at work, it felt like I had never left.  I guess I missed my job and my friends at work. It was still hard leaving that first morning, but what made it easier to leave was knowing that Harps was going to be at home with daddy.  Matt was able to take 3 weeks of leave. Coupled with holiday vacations, Matt has a total of 6 weeks off to just be daddy!  What an amazing time! 

Matt is having a blast at home taking care of our girl.  He hasn't complained once about all the poopy diapers, diaper explosions, or spit up :)  I am so thankful that he is able to have this time all alone to bond with our girl.  Not an opportunity many dads get.  We know how lucky we are to have this special time with our baby girl!

It's hard taking a picture and holding a baby at the same time!

Harper helping daddy in the kitchen.

Thanksgiving 2010

As some of you may know, my sister turned 40 on November 19th and her husband, Galen, was throwing her a surprise party a couple of weeks later.  Unfortunately, my brother and his family, my mother, and my family and I would not be able to attend it.  After talking about it with Galen, my mom, and my sis in law, Maria, we decided to surprise her the day before Thanksgiving as a birthday/Thanksgiving day surprise. So my mom flew out from California, we made the drive to Chicago as did my brother and his family from Princeton, NJ. The day before Thanksgiving we surprised her at a local restaurant. Her reaction was priceless! It was so awesome to see!

The next 4 days were filled with food, family, fun, and of course the newest addition to the Garcia clan, Miss Harper Marlee! 

Galen and Angelica were such great hosts!  Galen was in on the surprise, so he and his parents (who were also visiting from Cali) stocked up on food and were ready for us! Thanks so much for making this possible!  We also got to take family pics and pics with ALL the grandkids! Thanks Angelica for setting up your in-home studio.  You are awesome and we love you so much!!

Harper did great on the 1,200 mile drive.  She is a great little traveler, just like her parents! So far she has been to 4 states (Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois).  Only 45 more states to go to catch up to mom and dad, Harper!! 

All in all, it was a great first Thanksgiving for our little family.  We got to spend it with family we don't get to see very often. For that, I am EXTREMELY THANKFUL!!

City Museum in St. Louis.

Matt said he wanted to take Harper here.  We all know he's the one who wanted to play!

St. Louis Zoo.  A little chilly, but the bears and the Schupperts were all good sports!

As were the elephants! AMAZING!

Rose, Harps, and Bella anxiously awaiting Angelica's arrival.

 Aaron and Harper.  He asked if he could take her home!

SURPRISE!! 

Most of the Garcia ladies.

Harps and Uncle Ben

Harper's two "little mommies", Sienna and Alina

Everyone ready for their Thanksgiving feast!

Angelica working her photography magic!

 These photos were taken with our camera.  Angelica's professional photos will be posted soon!!