harper's first bath.

harper had her first official bath last night, 

and i think it's fair to say she's fearful of the next ones to come.

i was looking forward to using the puj tub for months, 

but unfortunately it didn't go over so well—

it didn't fit any of my sinks, 

harps was freezing,

and i could hardly maneuver between the washrag, 

hot water, and soap on my own. 

that said..... 

the after effects of the bath were marvelous!

after exerting so much energy in the water, harps was exhausted when bedtime

came around and slept 5 hours straight!

you win some, you lose some,

and while the tub was an utter failure,

last night's shuteye was not!

on our own.

it was our first day together without daddy or grandparents, and despite my worries, harper and i had pretty great day! the weather was beautiful, so after a long {and much needed} morning nap, we took a stroll down to the seaport. it's amazing how much longer it takes to get anywhere when you have a cute little baby against your chest that everyone wants to see, but luckily we weren't on any time table, and honestly, who can blame them? after getting some fresh air, we enjoyed some tummy time, singing, cuddles, and a few more naps.

i love this whole "mommy" thing and can't wait for tomorrow!

grandma & grandpa lu came to town.

harper inducted my parents into the grandparent's club, and it was such a joy watching them take on that role. not only are they great parents, but dang, they also mastered the grandparent position with ease! it was sad seeing them go after a week and a little scary knowing it was officially just the three of us to fend for ourselves. i feel like we should have received a certification of sorts before being allowed leave the hospital with a child!

the past couple days without them have been pretty good though—harper is just a doll who feeds well and sleeps fairly well, leaving little for us to worry about {although i sure do miss my dad taking the midnight to 3 am shift!} it's also been so nice having todd on paternity leave this week. he's the greatest husband and dad, and i love our new, little family of three.

next up, grandma & grandpa matheny will be visiting in a few weeks to meet baby h, and we can't wait!

first week home.

and what a joy this week has been. 

xoxo

my girl.

{harper, just seconds old}

these last five days have been the most rewarding of my life. i never knew i could love a child as much as i do until i found harper lu. she has been the best baby we could have ever asked for—she's mild natured, happy, and content. and although the doctor says this might change in a few weeks, we like to believe she got her daddy's temperament and will stay this way forever. 

harper loves feeding time and works it with ease, which i greatly appreciate! while she sleeps around 20 hours a day, the other 4 are occupied with cooing, crooked smiles, and cross-eyed gazes. my parents are in town, and it's amazing what a trance a little baby can put four grown adults in to. we absolutely adore our little harper lu!

welcome baby girl.

harper lu matheny

........

yesterday we welcomed our beautiful & healthy baby girl into our family.

born at nyu hospital on 2.13.12 at 12:05 a.m.

8 lbs. 6 oz., 21 inches long.

she is so beautiful & we are thrilled to finally have her here!

black history month.

this video is hilarious, but oh dear, byu...

{check out my cute sister and fiancé starting at :37}

twiddling my thumbs.

baby girl,

you are due any day now {3 to be exact}, and the anticipation is killing me! i've finally come to grips with the likelihood that you're not coming early and have now decided that i would like you to come on valentine's day. {because clearly, we get to choose the exact day our children arrive.} but if you do, you'll be our little love child and everything will be perfect!

from last week to this week there hasn't been much activity down there if you know what I mean, despite my lunging and nightly dance parties with your father—our top dance pick being "i'm sexy and i know it". a true classic of my day. check it out.

you're active as ever and growing bigger by the hour. the doctor estimated you are currently 8-9 lbs, and she's not shy about reminding me that you're a "big baby". she dared suggest I go off sugar and carbs, but little does she know that those are my two favorite food groups and the only two that are going to get me through the rest of this pregnancy!

I love you baby girl, and i will be twiddling my thumbs until you arrive. 

love, 

your ever-growing mother

as of late.

hubs and i have been out & about enjoying life together

  just the two of us.

------

l.o.n.g. walk through lower manhattan

cheeky sandwiches—cajun sandwiches & beignets

super bowl sunday :: ticker tape parade {go giants!}

pre-baby pampering 

one week to go.

if all goes as planned, i'm officially one week away. 

and for the first time in 39 weeks, i'm feeling pretty darn nervous. 

not so much about the labor itself but just about, well, everything else.

 i am more than thrilled to meet this little girl and touch her tiny fingers and toes 

{and hopefully chubby cheeks}, 

but i just can't believe it's all happening...and at any time. 

reality has hit!

i'll keep you posted, but for now i'm off to take a nap and savor my last few moments of alone time.

a day at the park with the babies {those here and on their way...}