The Hardy's

December 2010

2011-02-05T20:24:00.008-05:00

Still trying to catch up on the photos and I haven't even looked at the videos yet!
Here's December...James had cereal for the first time and of course there's Christmas and all the fun it brings. The snow was wonderful and Catherine truly enjoyed it this year. We were blessed with our parents visiting throughout the month as well. David, how'd you escape the camera?

Moving across the country!

2011-01-28T20:45:00.003-05:00

We found out last week that Jonathan's next duty station will be Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. We will be reporting there in July and will be there for 3 years. Thank goodness it will be during the summer months when it can get to 90 degrees. As you can see it is really cold otherwise.

There are definitely some things to look forward to like the beauty there; living by North Pole; ice fishing; becoming experts about driving in snow/ice; kids sleeping a lot during the winter because of limited sun; and 18+ hours of sunlight during the summer.

The biggest adjustment is going to be living so far from family and friends. So come visit!

November 2010

2011-01-04T21:37:00.004-05:00

Not as many pictures from this month. Being back to work is really taking it's toll. I'm way behind on notes because I refuse to bring work home or stay after. Catherine continues to learn so much and surprises us daily with her vocabulary.
Chriss was able to come at Thanksgiving. Catherine has now deemed her "Nina".
Catherine and James are getting along great. She is such a big help with him. We often will catch her giving him hugs and kisses. He absolutely adores her and will watch her constantly and laugh and smile when she comes near. They are so entertaining.

Below you'll see my Thanksgiving cake. I try to be creative each year with something different.

October 2010

2011-01-04T20:29:00.008-05:00

October was a very busy month for us. We finished our trip to Kentucky with lots of activities. We got to spend some time with Rebekah, J.R., Jacob, and Rhiannon (ReRe per Catherine). The fall gave us plenty to do with going to a pumpkin patch where we took a hayride to pick pumpkins, pet goats, and went through a corn maze. We also went to an apple farm where Catherine picked apples off the ground and then ate an apple pie. YUM! Halloween was also a fun time. Catherine loved being a bee and wore her costume several times. James was a skeleton. This was the costume Catherine wore last year when she was 9 1/2 months. He's catching up to her quickly.
James started giggling and smiling a lot more.
I started back to work, a week late though. I am working 3 days a week again and am very busy there. We have hired a nanny to watch James in our home. Catherine still goes to 'school'. She gets so much education and socialization which is a plus for us all. Jonathan is chugging along in his residency and looking forward to the end.
Here are some pictures from the month.

September 2010

2010-11-22T08:55:00.002-05:00

Lots pf firsts happening...bath, smiles, meeting great granny. We, minus Jonathan, took a trip to Kentucky to see family. It was a lot of fun but traveling with two young children alone was too much.
Catherine really enjoys watching herself in home videos.

August 2010

2010-11-22T08:39:00.003-05:00

I've got a lot of pictures to post. I can't believe how hard it is to find time these days to do anything other than work, hang out with the family, and keep the house clean. Whew!
Catherine has been so great adjusting to being a big sister. She has her moments but few and far between. She is such a big helper around the house and with James.
James is growing way too fast. And he is such a happy baby. We are truly blessed by our children.
Jonathan is busy with the residency, working most weekends as well. We will all be glad when it's over and he can spend more time at home with us.
I have returned to work after 9 weeks off. James didn't get into daycare with Catherine so we had to take an extra week to find a nanny. The nanny has started and I love not having to take him anywhere in the mornings. We have kept Catherine in daycare because of the learning and social interactions. And she loves her friends there.

Late Introduction of James Thomas Hardy

2010-09-21T17:05:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the late posting. We've been adjusting to life as a family of four. So here's the story of James Thomas.
I had already stopped work due to lack of energy and discouraged that I was going past the point at which Catherine had come (39 weeks). My mother was gracious enough to come at the beginning of August to help with Catherine and house stuff. It was my due date and I had an appointment with my provider. At that appointment I still had not progressed beyond 2cm. I had not really had many contractions previously. However, I went to bed around 10pm and contractions began shortly thereafter. They weren't regular at all. But as they did not go away with anything by 3:30am, we decided it was time to go to the hospital. Once there, we waited for a good hour before any doctor ever came to check me. A resident was hesitant to say that I was 4cm but luckily a nurse got another more experienced provider to verify the progress. I was admitted and quickly got an epidural. They're great! At one point I wasn't progressing quickly enough. Another time the doctor thought that James was having heart decelerations. However, once reviewed again it was just that the monitor was not picking up his heart beat consistently and I was ready to push. Just a few contractions later and our little boy had arrived.
He was born at 10:58am at 9lb 2oz, 21.5in.
And 32 hours from getting to the hospital we were released to go home as a family of four.

Inflatable Slide Party

2010-08-16T16:00:00.003-04:00

Shortly after we moved in we decided to have the residents and their families over for a cookout at our new home. We rented an inflated bouncer and water slide. The kids had a great time. Catherine was able to enjoy it for a while before all the kids came over, and Jonathan too.

36 weeks

2010-07-21T21:11:00.004-04:00

I don't think I've posted any pics of me with the baby bump. Here I am (tonight). I have been having a lot of pain especially when I walk, move, etc. My doctor said that I'm barely dilated and James is not fully engaged. But he is head down and has been for the past month. Heartburn still is plaguing me despite the maximum dose of Zantac I can take. His room is nearly ready. The crib hasn't come in yet though. Running a bit more behind this time around. It will all work out though.

Random July Pics

2010-07-21T20:58:00.003-04:00

Here's a compilation of the past few weeks.

Catherine ready for Sunday morning. She was posing for me at different places throughout the house.

Squatting down like I was. Too funny.

"I think it's time to go to church"

Lobster hands!

Completely zonked. She didn't wake up and I was making lots of noise picking up toys around her.

Rummaging through the pantry for a snack or finding a good hiding place?

Caught in the toy box

She loves playing in there.

First look at her new toy box. She loves it!!

Catherine and Jonathan after eating chocolate chip cookies. She was a mess.

Backyard Fun

2010-07-21T20:49:00.003-04:00

One of the best things about our new house is the fenced backyard. It's so nice to go out and not worry that Catherine is going to run out in the street. We've been outside more (except on the over 100 degree days) to play and eat. We love it!

Some views of the yard

The swing set that I (Elisabeth) put together over 2 days while Jonathan was at a conference. I was 34 weeks.

Checking out the slide

Time for the swing

4th of July

2010-07-21T20:46:00.002-04:00

We had a laid back July 4th. We stayed at home and played in our yard and then watched Jonathan light some small fireworks. Catherine liked them for the most part. But covered her ears and held tight later on.

Vacation 2010

2010-07-04T21:06:00.010-04:00

Jonathan and I had a week off and took a trip to see family before the baby comes. We moved houses (just up the street) on the Saturday before vacation. We went to TN first with Jonathan's family. Then traveled to KY with my family. As in the pictures, we spent a lot of time outside during our trip.

Catherine loves wearing her hat and also reading.

Catherine and dad playing in the pool. It took her a bit to warm up to the pool.

On a picnic lunch with Papa and Nana.

Eating some fresh blueberries.

There was a waterfall. She said "Whoa!"

Hanging with Nana.

First horse ride. She really liked it.

Climbing on top of the couch to get to the rocking horse on the ledge.

Reading books on the floor.

Playing with cousins Jacob and Rhiannon.

Everyone is ready to play outside in the sprinkler and slip and slide.

Ready, Set, GO!

Getting a little help.

In such a good mood during the trip.

Playing with Aunt Rebekah.

Follow the leader.

Silly girl playing with her blanket and pillow in the backseat.

Sound asleep on the way home.

James Thomas

2010-06-12T21:23:00.004-04:00

We had our 3D/4D ultrasound today. Here are the pictures from the visit. It was 30 minutes and they cut it off right at 30 minutes. He is still transverse and was in an awkward position to get good pictures without limbs in the way. They had me lying in different positions in order to get better angles as he is super active too.

Video of Catherine's First Time at the Beach

2010-06-08T20:32:00.002-04:00

Myrtle Beach

2010-06-08T20:14:00.008-04:00

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Myrtle Beach over Memorial Day weekend. Catherine loved picking up shells and sea grass. She didn't care too much for playing either in the ocean or pool. If Jonathan or I held her she did a little better. It was rough though for me to be in the ocean with her or help her jump over the waves. She didn't mind the sand either which we were surprised about because if she falls she immediately wipes her hands.

Coming Soon

2010-06-07T21:18:00.002-04:00

Over the past month we've had a lot going on. Both of our work has been very busy. Catherine has had 3 weeks of ear drops since her ear surgery but is now all cleared and fortunately doesn't have to have the tubes replaced. We went on a short trip to Myrtle Beach for Memorial Day weekend. This was her first time at the beach and in a pool (beside the blow up one last summer). We also found out our landlord wanted to raise the rent at our house significantly so within a weeks time we gave our notice and found another house to move to. Luckily it's on our same street just about 6 houses down. It's cheaper but really nice and has a fenced in yard!!!!!
So I've been downloading lots of pictures and videos tonight and will post them soon, hopefully. We move in 2 weeks so there's packing to do. And yes Jonathan will be doing most of it since I'm 30 weeks along.
We'll get to do the 3D/4D ultrasound this weekend as well.

Happy, Happy, Happy

2010-04-25T20:08:00.003-04:00

She said "cheese" for this picture

She is such a happy kid.

Well maybe not all the time

Tired pumpkin

2010-04-25T20:02:00.004-04:00

Catherine didn't get her afternoon nap today. She instead played in her crib for over an hour. This is the result of not napping, other than the tantrums for no reason. Needless to say she went to bed early.

Falling asleep with a handful of shrimp going into her mouth

Mommy and Daddy laughing so hard it woke her up and she was trying to smile too.

Then she couldn't fight it any longer.

When we were getting her out she still had shrimp clutched in her hand.

First Surgery

2010-04-05T21:09:00.002-04:00

Catherine had her first surgery this morning. She had a rough few months with ear infections, runny nose, cough, fluid constantly on her ears, and fevers. She had 4 rounds of antibiotics but many more infections we believe. We went for tubes in both ears this morning. We waited for 2 hours before the surgery started. And Catherine was such a trooper. She didn't fuss one bit while waiting. After the Versed, she was loopy. She would sit up, lay down, flop around, try to give her toys insistently to the hospital staff. The doctor said we should notice instant improvement with her hearing due to suctioning out so much mucus from behind her ear drums. She also had an infection recently so we have special drops for 1 week to give. She was cranky just for a bit while in the hospital but was good the rest of the day.
We are so thankful all went well and pray this helps her hearing.

Her she is pre-op. Reading a book she got on Easter.

Hanging out with Daddy before surgery

Poor thing. She was so out of it but loved that popsicle.

Cleaning the tables later that afternoon

Happy Easter

2010-04-05T20:40:00.013-04:00

I'm not going to go through and write captions on all these. But here was our wonderful Easter. Catherine had her face painted like a bunny at daycare the Friday before. She didn't seem to mind the paint until it had to be scrubbed off. On Saturday, we dyed eggs outside. I found this spinner that allowed us to have Catherine involved in the fun. The next morning she found her basket with all kinds of surprises. She even found an egg with animal crackers inside. We got all dressed up for church, which was a wonderful sermon about the Resurrection. After church and some lunch, Catherine went on a hunt for Easter eggs in the front yard and sometimes would humor me with wearing her rabbit ears. She then got to play with her bubbles. That was a huge mess if you can see her dress. But this past weekend was wonderful.

March Happenings

2010-03-30T10:36:00.006-04:00

We found out earlier this month we're expecting a boy. It's much harder this time around deciding on a name for some reason. Catherine doesn't quite get it yet but is unsure why mommy's lap isn't as comfy as before. She is becoming more vocal and loud. Can't wait to see the difference after tubes next week. Jonathan has treatment planning boards this week and has been super busy, especially with his oral surgery rotation currently. We're excited to have him around more often after Friday. With the weather becoming warmer we are outside more and more. Catherine loves running around, chasing bubbles, sliding, finding flowers (really weeds or dead grass). And the more she's outside, the better she naps!

Catherine loves to play in the kitchen while I'm cooking. She pushes me out of the way to get to whatever she needs at the moment.

This was her hair-do after daycare one day. She loves to have bows in her hair.

Jonathan and I ready to go to the Dentac 99th Birthday Ball. We didn't get very good pictures do to being distracted by her running in and out of the photo.

The residents' wives at the ball.

We're were so thankful my parents were able to come to babysit that weekend. We had lots to do so that got lots of time with Catherine while here. She really liked to snuggle with Grandpa before bedtime.

She's not that into popsicles because they're cold

Going for a ride

Instead of wearing her bathrobe to stay warm while sick, she opted for mom's sweater

She's taking care of her doll.

God's Promise

2010-03-30T10:32:00.003-04:00

We had storms off and on over the past couple of days. Last evening this beautiful rainbow appeared. I can't remember ever seeing such a vivid one. There was at least one other one above this. We tried showing Catherine but she was more interested in the puddle in the front yard and the dog across the street.

Feb 2010

2010-03-14T17:22:00.008-04:00

Here are a few pictures of our February. I can't imagine how hard it is going to be for me to blog once the second baby gets here. I have found since Catherine is more active and we're going/doing more it is quite difficult. But I try to do my best.
By the way, we are taking her in April 5 for tubes.

Catherine loves to play outside. It was still chilly here but nonetheless fun.

Not sure who she talks to on the phone but it is often.

Pretty with her bracelets

Un-folding her laundry

She can push herself back on her bike and will peek around the corner

Catherine will constantly pull things out of the cabinets especially when mommy is cooking

Caught in the fridge again

But she thinks it is funny

January pictures

2010-02-21T16:02:00.002-05:00

She had so much fun playing with this box. She was on top, in it, everywhere for quite some time.

Snuggle time with mom!!!

When she was just getting the hang of walking distances she was so proud of herself.

Not sure where she gets being so independent?

Goofy faces

1st Birthday!

2010-02-17T20:15:00.005-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I can't believe how quick this year has gone by. Catherine definitely is a blessing to our lives. We just wish we were closer to our families to share her more often. She has a funny personality and is learning so quick. We have fallen a bit behind in pictures for no reason and various reasons but here are some pictures of her party with the family.

She finally warmed up to the balloons with daddy around.

So excited hanging out with Uncle JR

Time for presents!

Opening presents can be so serious.

It's more fun to play with the ribbons.

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for the popper.

Let me explain...Catherine loves clocks. She will find every clock in every room we go in. When she's upset just show her a clock. She also received a toy clock for her birthday.

Jacob and Rhiannon helped decorate the cake.

Her whole hand is in her mouth

HA! There must have been a UK game that day.

Christmas in KY

2010-01-11T22:34:00.011-05:00

On Christmas Eve, we left TN and headed towards KY. It was not a long drive this time thank God. We were able to go to the Hampton Christmas that evening. This was the first time many of my cousins, aunts, uncles have seen Catherine. We had a great, relaxing Christmas. Aunt Rebekah and Uncle JR with their kids came and stayed with us too. What a house full. But lots of good quality time. Catherine had a blast getting into the tree, tearing bows off the presents, rocking in her chair, and talking on her phone. We were there for a couple of more days before heading back to NC. Around this time of year it makes living in different states so difficult.

Christmas morning

Santa brought Catherine a stocking full of fun toys. The rocking chair is from her grandparents.

Happy to tear the paper off

She was into everything

Opened her presents like a big girl

Then she got into the tree

All the guys got matching UK pants that play the fight song.

Loving on Uncle JR

Jacob, Rhiannon, and Catherine in their Christmas outfits

Rocking and feeding the baby doll

Ready for church

Let's see who is paying attention!

2010-01-11T22:33:00.001-05:00

Christmas time in TN

2010-01-11T22:02:00.007-05:00

We left for TN the week before Christmas. To our luck, we ran into the "Blizzard of '09" on our way. We went about 2 miles in 2 hours before getting to the first exit. We then got stuck in the snow on a hill trying to get to a hotel which had no vacancy. (They should've put a sign at the bottom of the hill) We found out the interstates were closed due to the snow and ice. At this point it was about 11pm and we decided to head south to find a hotel. About an hour and two other hotels later we found a place. It wasn't a great hotel but at this point it didn't matter. We waited until late the next morning before continuing on by a very non-direct route towards TN. We finally reached Jonathan's parents 25 hours after we left our house.
We had a wonderful visit. Catherine had another ear infection so she wasn't too happy but it made her more snuggly. Jonathan and I were able to go on a date. We also were able to visit Chad and Amy and their daughter Audrey who is 4 days older than Catherine. We also had dinner at Uncle Christopher's house one night. It was such a good time with family.

Catherine and Audrey meeting for the first time.

It looks like Catherine is trying to get one of Audrey's toys without her watching.

Eating half of a bagel in the hotel.

Dad and Catherine having a breakfast picnic on the hotel floor.

Papa David getting some quality time with Catherine.

She constantly would crawl into the coffee tables at her grandparent's house. It had a glass top that she would make faces through.

Checking out the train with Nana Chriss

Crawling in the table again

Her first baby doll

Sick baby while opening presents

Where's the dog?

Random happenings

2010-01-11T21:46:00.004-05:00

How deep is this bag?

TOUCHDOWN!!

Loves to talk on the phone.

Giving Ernie a ride in the basket.

Her first Christmas ornament from Grandma

Here's the rash Catherine had with the allergic reaction from her antibiotics. It was scary.

Such a big girl eating an apple.

So funny acting like a dog I guess.

After the dishwasher is emptied, which she helps to unload, she licks the water. Strange kid.

She will play with anything.

Let the celebration begin!

2010-01-11T21:33:00.004-05:00

Our little girl will be 1 tomorrow! It's so amazing how much she has grown in personality and size. We love her so much and pray the best for her everyday. She is walking, eating almost anything, drinking milk from a sippy, saying a few words, and is still so humorous.
I will have lots of posts to download. Hopefully I will get to it tonight.

Here's the almost 1 girl before a big day of shopping.

All that shopping made her hungry. She was licking the bowl clean.

Her hat and balloon from Toys R Us. It doesn't look it here, but she is a little afraid of the balloon.

Loves music, loves to dance

2009-11-30T15:51:00.011-05:00

Catherine has been a very active baby. She is cruising more, standing on her own, will take a few steps with us holding her hands up, has all 8 teeth, walking behind her push toy, and playing more on her own. Another first for her last week was an ear infection. She had a high fever but wasn't pulling at her ears and was sleeping fine. She wasn't herself for almost 1 week. But, boy, is she back to full energy now.

Playing with dad

I think this was the beginning of the ear infection

Cleaning out the pantry for mom

Even though she was sick she still showed comfort to her toys

Relaxing with mom

She was so pitiful

At moments she would pick up the energy level

Going for a ride

Playing with Brady. Catherine can say woof or so we think.

Now there's a smile.

All tuckered out from thanksgiving and the grandparents

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T15:45:00.001-05:00

Don't you wish you were at our house this year? Look at this beautiful turkey and stuffing.

Learning to walk

2009-11-12T20:12:00.004-05:00

We got this toy yesterday and thought for sure she'd be walking by night's end. She would get so upset if she ran into something or got stuck at the end of the hallway. I didn't get any more video of her walking with this because we were having to chase her and turn her around constantly. Wow, it won't be long now.

Who's pumpkin???

2009-10-31T20:26:00.004-04:00

Here's our 3rd annual pumpkin carvings. Who carved what?

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T20:19:00.002-04:00

We had a lot of fun today. We went to the church for the fall festival and then came home for the trick or treaters. It seemed she had a good time too.

Catching up

2009-10-21T21:47:00.005-04:00

Wow! What a whirlwind of the past couple of weeks. Catherine luckily has been great, other than really dry skin and a persistent cough at night. Jonathan and I on the other hand have had better days. But I won't go into that illness. We're good now and back at work. Jonathan is actually on call this week but so far no calls! He's preparing for a big presentation on his patient in the next few weeks so he's been pulling some late nights. I have started a new job. I'm still doing psychiatry but am at a different practice now. I have a lot less stress there and am really happy with the change even though I have increased my hours. Here are some pictures of us recently.

Catherine loves to tell stories and gets real comfortable in her high chair in doing so.

Jacob and Rhiannon were such big helpers when they visited. They kept Catherine entertained for hours.

I'm not sure who has the bigger mouth.

Catherine is ready for her bedtime story

Daycare said she needed shoes so here's her first time wearing her Pedipeds. Good thing because she quickly went from crawling to standing and to cruising (very little right now)

This was when she had viral exanthem

Cheese ball

Go CATS

Jonathan and I finally going on our anniversary dinner a month late

Catherine didn't know what her teeth were capable of

Now she will have a reminder of her destruction the rest of her life with this bed

Movie star

Getting ahead for medical school by reading mom and dad's text books

Fall Fun

2009-10-12T21:15:00.002-04:00

While our family was visiting we all went to Gross Farms. We all went on the hayride and then Jacob and Rhiannon (our nephew and niece) went through the corn maze, pumpkin jump, and playground. It was a wonderful day!

Catherine with her cousins

Such a big girl with the pumpkins, she liked the hay even more

On the hayride with dad...

and mom

Loving the wagons

Game Time

2009-09-21T14:25:00.003-04:00

She is crawling everywhere now. She likes to crawl with her knees off the ground too. I'll try to get that video soon.

Here are some of her silly faces...

Where's Catherine?

2009-09-19T10:22:00.003-04:00

There are all kinds of toys at our house from having our church group over. She has thoroughly enjoyed the new toys.

Poor Baby

2009-09-13T20:27:00.004-04:00

So we've had a stint of illnesses over the past 3 weeks. Catherine had a virus and was out of daycare for nearly a week, which meant I was off work. She was better for about 2 weeks then this Thursday it all started again. She has been teething with her 3rd tooth which could be contributing to her crankiness. I may be taking her to the doctor tomorrow depending on what information I get from the nurse.
Otherwise, Catherine loves to eat all kinds of vegetables, fruits, and well whatever we give her from our plates. She is crawling, pulling up to stand. She says 'dada' and 'mama'. She loves to sing and play in the bath. She still sleeps through the night which is such a blessing.
This is my last week at my current job and I'd like to not miss it (well in a way). I start a new job still doing psychiatric PA but at a private practice. I'm really excited about the change. Jonathan is working hard in his residency. He stays late, works on the weekends, takes call... But he really is enjoying getting to do different procedures now. So that's what is going on in our house lately. Y'all come see us, or to avoid a sick baby at least call.

Catherine sneaking a nap with Dad.

Posing for Mom

"Come play with me"

Waving

Cheesing at the camera

Diaper-free time due to the horrific diaper rash she got while at daycare

I can't help taking pictures of her while she sleeps. She's too precious.

Random Photos

2009-08-24T21:19:00.005-04:00

Sorry it's been a couple of weeks. Here are some random shots from after the pool, sleeping with dad, eating and crawling!!!!

I'm so excited

2009-08-06T13:50:00.005-04:00

This is Catherine in sheer excitement about getting a new toy. It was hilarious seeing her bury her head down and giggle.

Here she is with her new stacker. She does really well and actually tries to put the donuts on the stick.

Happy baby after her nap. Look closely at her right eye...she fell on the kitchen floor and bit her lip and her eye bruised up for a couple of days. So sad.

Pool Party

2009-08-01T14:47:00.003-04:00

So this is Catherine's first time in her pool. It took her a bit to warm up to playing in the pool so I edited out the part where she just sat there. She really enjoyed herself though. Check out the reddish hair.

I love Ernie

2009-07-28T14:00:00.005-04:00

Here are some more recent pictures of Catherine.

She loves her Ernie that her cousin Jacob gave to her. Here she is taking a nap with him.

Ok, who woke me up?

Playing with all her animals.

In her new highchair.

It's so much fun to eat!

This was right after Catherine came in from playing in her pool. A video of this will come soon.

Hat Show

2009-07-28T13:54:00.006-04:00

These are the hats that Grandma Margie has made for Catherine. She also made the cupcake dress, as well as the pink elephant. Catherine did a fashion show and was a complete ham for the camera.

Lullabies

2009-07-20T21:43:00.004-04:00

Catherine was singing herself to sleep, at least that's what we like to think. Sorry this is hard to see and you may need to turn the volume up a bit.

50th percentile

2009-07-19T19:46:00.003-04:00

We went for Catherine's 6 month check up. She was pretty much at the 50th percentile across the board. She weighs 15lb 9.3 oz, 25.4in, 16in head circumference. No problems so far. And she was a trooper for her shots.

By the way, I'm working on editing video to post soon.

Happy 6 months!

2009-07-13T14:08:00.005-04:00

Catherine is now 6 months. We go for her check up on Friday, so I will post her stats later this week. She has her first tooth, and it's sharp. So are her nails...she got me good last week on the face. She's becoming a bit more clingy as well, especially if she's hungry. Plain oatmeal or rice is not her favorite. She prefers it to be mixed with a vegetable. (We're waiting on fruits a bit longer). She loves carrots, peas, sweet potatoes. She tried green beans today and didn't care too much for them. We'll keep trying though.

She sits very well now. She's holding on here but doesn't usually.

Eating peas, or rather spitting them all over the house.

She loves to put things on her head. Another favorite is playing with Daddy's hats.

Talking about 'bla bla da'. It was a funny story

Big smile.

Playing with her animals.

Shopping trip to Wal-mart.

Waiting patiently in the sun.

Little pea pod

On her way across the living room.

I can do anything

2009-07-13T13:59:00.004-04:00

Catherine is showing off lately. Talking non-stop, spitting out her food, sitting up, rolling. Here are a few of her most recent stunts.

She's trying to turn on the vibration below her chair. So smart.

I'm stuck

Her new jumper. She doesn't jump so much as twirl around.

She likes to drink some water with her solids.

Sunday mornings

2009-06-27T21:54:00.002-04:00

Ok, so this first one is not on a Sunday but it's cute. She is sitting up holding on to her toy. This is right before she fell and took the whole thing down and on top of her.

Sleeping in with dad. Notice they are both sleeping the same way.

Dressed and ready to go.

Sitting pretty

Good Ol' Kentucky

2009-06-27T21:38:00.005-04:00

Jonathan and I were able to go back to Lexington to introduce Catherine to our friends. It was a wonderful time. We were able to meet lots of new babies too. I think Catherine was in shock from all the new faces and was worn out. We stopped at our parents' for a bit on Father's Day. It was a wonderful, quick trip.

Chillin at the hotel

Catherine trying to figure out what Roman is doing with her chair

Jonathan and Mark with the kids

Catherine, the bat

Attack of the killer baby

Sweet smiles

"I need to hold my hat down, it might fly away"

Play Time

2009-06-13T20:40:00.005-04:00

I'm getting a little behind in posting. Catherine is doing great. She is doing so much now... rolling over all the time, new sounds every minute, and chasing toys around the bath tub. Her teachers in day care think she is very loud and should also be crawling in a couple of weeks. Watch out!
Jonathan is on leave for a couple of weeks now before starting his residency. He's going to be staying home with Catherine while I'm at work. We've been traveling, having company, and getting ready to go to Lexington next weekend.
Here are a few pictures from recent days.

Enjoying the outside with Dad

For a couple of days she would suck on her bottom lip.

Dad is teaching bad habits... Mt. Dew. And he's a dentist?

Learning to drink from a cup...

or just playing.

Swimming in the tub with her toys

Sleeping with a book over her head

4 months

2009-05-24T16:54:00.007-04:00

We went for Catherine's 4 month check-up on Wednesday. She is in the 50th percentile across the boards weighing 13 lbs 14 oz, and 24 in long. She did so well with shots too, giving the nurse a smile afterwards. Last weekend we were in Somerset visiting my parents. This was the first time Granny and my sister's family have seen Catherine. We all had a great time.

Did you know she can read?

Snuggling with Mom on Mother's Day!

Eating Ernie

Cupcake hat Grandma made. Catherine loves wearing hats.

Meeting Granny Ann for the first time

Aunt Rebekah with Catherine for the first time. (JR how did I not get a picture of you?)

Cousin Rhiannon

Cousin Jacob

Catherine had a good time playing with her cousins

Jennifer was in town and stopped by to see Catherine too.

Jacob and Rhiannon were learning Catherine's bedtime routine

All tuckered out

Turn your volume up

2009-05-19T21:06:00.004-04:00

Jonathan and Catherine gave me a video camera for my birthday. This is the first video when we were at my parent's house this past weekend in Kentucky. Catherine has become quite the entertainer with her squeal.

First Cereal

2009-05-08T20:48:00.004-04:00

With Catherine turning 4 months (WOW, time flies) we decided to start rice cereal once a day. She's still learning.

As you can see, more food can back out of her mouth than she kept in.

After a couple of days, she's begun to lick the bowl

"More please"

Time for an upgrade

2009-05-08T20:43:00.004-04:00

Catherine is becoming more interested in her surroundings, rolling, and grabbing things. A couple of weeks ago we decided that she should have a new toy. This gym has all the bells and whistles. We love playing with it. She is able to play with herself for quite some time.

New Tricks

2009-05-08T20:37:00.002-04:00

It's been about a week now that Catherine has found her feet. She will continue to hold her feet even after we've picked her up. She hasn't tried putting them in her mouth yet. She's grabbing everything and putting it her mouth now. At least for the time being we can control what goes in her mouth.
Getting both feet at the same time!

"I can't get my foot to come to me so I'll come down to it"

This is her typical pose throughout the day now. One hand on foot, the other in her mouth

April 2009

2009-04-27T14:30:00.006-04:00

Here are some random pictures from this month. Sorry I've been behind in things. It has been a very busy month. Catherine seems to be hanging on to this congestion and constantly has a snotty nose. Jonathan has something like it too. He went to DC for a training for a week recently. While he was gone my mom came down to help us out. Catherine really enjoyed hanging out with Grandma. She even woke up early to play with her everyday. Lucky me!

My little koala bear.

Loves to be like dad.

She can fit her fist in her mouth.

Getting ready for a nap with her bunny.

She loves chewing on clothes.

Easter and Visit to Tennessee

2009-04-15T20:49:00.004-04:00

We drove to TN this past weekend. This was her first trip and she did great. She slept the entire time and we stopped only to feed her and ourselves. She did wonderful being in a new place and different crib too. We are so lucky.

Chatting with Papa David

She likes to be flown up and down in her seat

Wiped out

Holding her feet. She just rolled over too!!

Fell asleep in Nanna's lap.

Easter Sunday

3 month pictures

2009-04-04T16:27:00.004-04:00

We've been trying to get pictures made for a while now. This was our second shot at getting pictures. She did not cooperate the first time we took her in. She'll be 3 months next week.

2 month check up

2009-03-22T19:39:00.003-04:00

We went to the doctor for her check up on March 9. She weighed 10 lbs 13.5 oz and 22.5 inches. She's our very average little girl, right on the 50th percentile.
This is how she reacted after her shots. We're so thankful that she didn't have any type of reaction.

Family Visits

2009-03-22T19:22:00.005-04:00

We've had both our parents come to visit over the past few weekends. It has been so nice for them to get acquainted with Catherine. And it's been good to have a break because they would watch her in between feedings.
Sorry Chriss. I don't know how I didn't get any pictures of you with her. We'll get them at Easter.
Catherine loved to stare at Papa David

Our venture outside in the beautiful weather

Uncle Christopher's first time meeting Catherine

Family Portrait

Grandpa Gary could make Catherine giggle at any time. She's his "cupcake"

Grandma Margie talking with Catherine. She is trying hard to talk back.

Catherine lying on the quilt Grandma Margie quilted for her. Some of the pieces were embroidered by her Great-grandmother Goldie. She is also doing a great job holding onto objects like her purple Easter bunny.

The Many Faces of Catherine

2009-03-22T19:11:00.003-04:00

Here are some recent photos of Catherine. She makes some funny faces.

Thinking about how to reach that fan on the ceiling.

She likes to kick around

Having a serious discussion with Dad

Laughing at Dad's funny faces

She's so proud of herself standing

Fun times at home

2009-03-06T08:34:00.005-05:00

Here are some recent photos. We plan to get portraits done now that her baby acne has gone. YAY!

Fast asleep

She still sleeps a lot. But is active when she is awake.

Playing with mom and dad. She has such a big smile.

Watching herself get a bath.

YAY! Bath time

Say Cheese

2009-02-22T20:19:00.004-05:00

We've gotten Catherine to smile some lately. She's even laughed at us while playing. We're so excited to have reached these milestones. (Sorry for the washed out picture. I didn't get the flash turned off in time).

Dentac Ball

2009-02-21T11:26:00.003-05:00

Last night was the Dentac Birthday Ball. This was also the first time that Jonathan and I have been out without Catherine. We had some friends take care of her while we went out. We had a good time going through the formalities and I got to meet all the people that he works with.
Jonathan looked great in his uniform (I still don't get the different color jacket and pants).

1 month

2009-02-21T11:14:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the backlog of pictures. I was sick again and haven't felt up to much of anything until the past couple of days. After talking with the lactation consultant again she thought that Catherine's frenulum may be the cause of the recurrent mastitis. We took her to the pediatric dentist yesterday and even though Catherine is feeding great we went ahead and had him cut her frenum. She's doing great and doesn't remember a thing...so we think.
She's so cute!

She likes her monkey rattle

Sweet Valentine

My view of her from the carrier

Splash!

2009-02-07T21:10:00.005-05:00

Time is flying by already. Catherine continues to remain healthy. We are trying to figure out our routine at home and help her get adjusted to a good sleep schedule that benefits us all. Her cord fell off this past week and we finally gave her a real bath. She seems to like the baths but doesn't want to put her feet in the water. Her faces are adorable but we can never capture them on camera. We'll try harder in the future!

She's gaining weight

2009-01-28T16:20:00.006-05:00

Catherine had her 2 week check up today. She weighed 8lbs and 6.5 oz. That's 10oz over her birth weight. Thank goodness! Now we can begin letting her sleep through the night. Otherwise, she's doing great. "Average" the doctor says. Jonathan and I are also looking forward to sleeping more, especially since he goes back to work next week.

Napping with daddy

Napping with mommy

Friends from church. Aiden was singing to her and it was so precious.

She likes her recliner

Sleeping on her side

Getting adjusted

2009-01-20T17:36:00.011-05:00

This week has been rough on all of us. Catherine is gaining weight, which is a blessing. We've had to go to the dr twice to check in. We're working on the 2 hours of sleep at a time. We are so thankful for our church family bringing dinners to us. This was a huge help as we came home. Here are some pictures of Catherine during her first week.

Here are the details.

2009-01-14T16:55:00.002-05:00

I started having contractions as soon as Jonathan left for work on Monday morning at 6:45am. I didn't think too much of them other than they were more intense than ever before. They were not at all regular and were 15 minutes or more apart. By 9am Jonathan called to check on me and all I could say was "Come home now". He rushed home and then rushed me to the hospital all the while having contractions with no relief at this point. By 10am I was already 7cm dilated. (Mind you on Friday I was 4 cm). Within another 20 minutes or so I was 9-10cm and was begging for an epidural. I really do think the epidural slowed the progression of labor down because for another 1 and 1/2 hours I was pushing her head through the pelvis. Then all of the sudden my nurse said "ok don't push anymore." I could tell that Catherine only needed one more push and she would be delivered. However, my doc was in the middle of a c-section and the standby was at the office down the street. So I really did have to shut my legs to keep her in. Once the doc arrived all it took was one push and she was completely out.
Catherine Renee was born at 1:40pm on Jan 12. She weighed 7 lbs 12 oz and was 20.5 inches. She is doing great. She does have a heart murmur but that was checked and there are no problems. She has lost about 10 oz so far so we are to see the dr tomorrow as a follow up.
Jonathan was wonderful at the hospital. He changed all of the diapers and got up at each cry as I am still in a lot of pain from a severe tear. I'm really tired but working on that. We all are so happy to be healthy and at home.

Here are some pics from the past few days.

Catherine is home

2009-01-14T16:30:00.008-05:00

Just after the epidural.

The spacious L&D rooms

World meet Catherine Renee Hardy

Going home

A family of three

She's not excited about her bed being taken over by stuffed animals.

Halfway there?

2009-01-08T15:19:00.002-05:00

I went to the dr yesterday and found out that I'm 4 cm dilated and 75% effaced. This was an improvement from 2 weeks ago when I was 1 cm and 50%. Contractions are a little more intense but still irregular. If I make it to my next appt the dr is going to strip the membranes to further along the labor. So right now we're taking advice on anything that could help the process along before that appointment.
We'll keep you posted on the progress.

The Prettiest Pink Room

2008-12-26T15:18:00.006-05:00

Jonathan did the base coat of pink to cover the yellow.

Christopher did the glaze on the walls.

Chriss painted the flowers and butterflies. Sorry, David, we didn't get any pictures of you painting the stripes.

Here's the finished product!

The end (or beginning) is in sight

2008-12-24T11:50:00.003-05:00

Things are coming right along in our household. We're both staying busy with work and preparing for Catherine. We're excited to have family come and visit us for Christmas too. Right now, Chriss and David are here. Chriss is painting away in the nursery with David's help. Christopher is on his way and will be here later this afternoon. I will post pictures of the room when they are finished. It is looking so cute. My parents will be here on Friday for the weekend. Both sides will have to turn around within the next few weeks and come right back.
I went to the doctor last week and he said that from the way I was looking and progressing that I was most likely to deliver early. But come on, who really knows. Today I went to the doctor and I am already 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. But that makes no difference to me because that just means I'm doing what I'm supposed to. Catherine is still moving every minute of the day and especially night. I have also started having Braxton hicks contractions. Fun times.
Ok, so this picture is from 35 weeks but I'm posting at 36 weeks. There probably isn't any difference.

6 weeks and counting

2008-12-09T18:47:00.003-05:00

Sorry again for not updating in a timely manner. It seems as though as the due date gets closer there is less time. And I'm sure that even after she's born there will be even less. Everything is still going well per the doctors. She's measuring right on track and there are no concerns thus far. I begin weekly visits to the dr starting next week until she arrives. I also plan on working up til I go into labor. Who knows how that will go since work is so demanding right now. I'm trying my best not to become too stressed.
Jonathan is working hard as well. He has been working on weekends due to all the military returning from overseas and others getting ready to deploy. He found out the day before we were to leave for Thanksgiving that he had to work instead. The holiday weekend was so different without him around.
We have the nursery almost prepared. We're waiting on the final painting touches during Christmas. I'll post pictures of the finished product. The car seats are halfway installed, clothes washed. Just a few things left on our list. We're definitely not ready as far as the house is concerned but ready to meet our baby girl.
Catherine is more and more uncomfortable as she doesn't have much room to wiggle anymore. Sleep is bad, breathing is hard, and it's hard to get up the stairs to this computer. But she's still kicking me as much as ever before, just a little more painful now.
Here's a picture of me today at 34 weeks. Sorry for the red nose. I've got a horrible cold right now.

9 weeks to go

2008-11-17T19:40:00.006-05:00

I can't remember if we've been busy or just lazy!
We went to Lexington, KY one weekend to see friends again. They even had a baby shower for us. But we both enjoyed catching up with everyone. It was a refreshing weekend and got us ready to power through the next few months. We miss you all!
Jonathan has been working so hard and even on the weekends. I went to a military baby shower with 1000 other pregnant military wives. The community gave some nice presents to everyone and some really nice things to raffle off. I didn't win anything, not even the new car. I did meet some other women and hope to hang out with them soon though.
We are really enjoying the church we've found, Village Baptist. We have become involved with the Sunday School and will be care group leaders in the class and will join the church.
Catherine is kicking and moving as much as ever. She is not feeling too comfortable these days as she likes my right side especially up under my ribs. I am so blessed to have not had any problems thus far. I may have had some Braxton Hicks contractions but I'm still not sure. I have another dr appointment this week, and then every other week for a while. We plan on going to Somerset for Thanksgiving and then we're staying in NC until after she's born. Pray that this is God's plan too!

3D and 4D ultrasound

2008-11-02T20:52:00.006-05:00

Jonathan surprised me over the weekend with a trip to Wilmington. There he took me to an office that does 3D and 4D ultrasounds. It's so amazing to see Catherine's face and what she's up to inside. We have a video as well but I haven't figured out if I can download part of that or not. I'll do that as soon as I can! Enjoy our beautiful baby girl.

Sleeping propped on her elbow

Her legs crossed in front of her

Eyes open

Big yawn or cry

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-26T21:08:00.004-04:00

Jonathan doing the dirty work.

First time carvers, Dana and Nam. The camera died after this so I didn't get pictures of everyone's pumpkins.

Our pumpkins on the front porch.

Jonathan's pumpkin

Elisabeth's pumpkin

Sorry for the delay

2008-10-26T20:48:00.005-04:00

Things are picking up around our house lately. We've both been busy with work and we've also been to visit Jonathan's parents and had a baby shower while there. Everyone was so gracious with the gifts and we had a wonderful time. Catherine will be spoiled! A couple of ladies from Jonathan's office brought in quite a bit of baby clothes and we've been doing laundry for a while. We are so blessed to have such giving and caring people in our lives!

With all the UT fans there, my mother brought this gift down.

Cute booties on the cake for each person.

And here I am at almost 28 weeks.

The crib is in

2008-10-11T14:57:00.004-04:00

Our crib was delivered today. It is beautiful too. Thank you so much Chriss and David for this gift. Pay no attention to the color of the room or anything in it right now. We still have a lot to do.

Sorry for being behind in the pictures. But this is 25 weeks and 4 days.

24 weeks and 2 days

2008-10-02T20:20:00.003-04:00

I wasn't feeling well earlier this week but I'm back to it now. We had a Dr. appt last week and it was just a check up. He said that everything looked good. Her heartbeat was in the 140s and she was moving around quite a bit. I have another appointment in a couple of weeks to do the sugar test. Yuck!
Here I am as of today.

Her first UK gear

The first thing that I bought for her when we found out she was a girl.

My parents bought this to bug Jonathan about "girly" stuff coming his way.

22 weeks and growing

2008-09-17T20:27:00.002-04:00

Not much to report on with the pregnancy. She's still moving, a lot. We did go and register at Babies R Us and Target. We'll get Walmart on the list too for those in Somerset. It was a bit overwhelming. But I had done my research and knew more about the products than the employees at Babies R Us.
We're settling into our jobs. Still looking for a church home. We pray that God shows us where He wants us soon. We sure do miss everyone!
Here I am at 22 weeks.

She's a dancer

2008-09-09T20:56:00.003-04:00

Things are going well for us. The baby is moving all the time. I almost have the times when she is most active down. I don't know if it's good or bad that she is really active when I'm going to bed. It is so amazing to feel and see her move. My belly can conform to various shapes when she nestles in a corner. Jonathan has been able to feel and see her move too.
Here I am at 21 weeks.

We're having a girl!!!

2008-08-29T20:29:00.003-04:00

19 weeks along

We had another ultrasound on Thursday. This was the first time Jonathan was able to go to the doctor with me.

And we found out we're having a girl!! Here's her face and huge belly, we're hoping she looks a little different come January.

So, the baby pool is locked now. We just have to wait until she arrives to find out who wins.
We're off to Myrtle Beach to visit with my sister and her family!