Miss Harper

Harper was two months old on Saturday.... where does the time go.  She is growing like a weed and is as happy as ever.  She laughs and smiles all the time.  She loves to snuggle and is such a sweetie.  We had her two month appointment on Wednesday December 13th.  She weighed eleven pounds and eleven ounces (61%) and is 21.5 inches long (14%)... yep she's short like Tierney.  She got her first shots which she didn't like.  Marshall stayed in for that... I couldn't stand to be in there.  I knew she'd cry and since she never cries I struggle with that especially knowing it would hurt her.  She was fussy that night but back to her self the next day.  We also got her two month pictures taken after her shots.  I cannot wait to get them on Thursday to share!  Tierney even stated last week "I like Harper".  Well that's good since she isn't going anywhere because we love that girl more and more everyday!!

Little Chickasaw

Harper all decked out for Tay's basketball game.  She is perfect at the games.  The noise and people don't bother her at all... she just chills and checks everything out!

Giggle...

I just have to share that Harper had her first giggle today.  Marshall and I were both there to hear it.  I have to tell you we love that little girl so much.  She is such a blessing!

Happy Birthday Tierney!

It is hard to believe that our little Tierney turned 8 on Thanksgiving!  She is growing up so fast.  We gave her the choice to have a party with her friends or to go to Mall of America.  She chose to go to MOA and decided to invite Hailey and Nate to come along.  Tay and Harper were going to go as well but Tay had ball practice and Nana talked us into leaving Harper with her for the day.  So Tierney had a lot of mom and dad time.  We did some shopping at the American Girl store, the girls and I ate at the American Girl Store (the boys went to Hooters), then we hit lego land, and rode rides.  Tierney had a ton of fun!  We were all exhausted by the end of the day.  Her and Hailey said it was the best day ever, next to Florida:)  Then on Thanksgiving we went to Nana and Papa's and they had a penguin party there for her.  It is hard to believe that she is 8 already.  She is already planning her next birthday and I told her to just enjoy this year because it is all going too fast for me!

Thankful...

I have to share how thankful I am to have a healthy and happy baby.  Harper really is a great baby.  She hardly fusses.  She is just happy to go wherever we take her and to check things out.  She really has been a good sleeper.  Most nights she only gets up twice and last night was only once and she slept for five hours straight.  She generally eats and goes right back to sleep.  I know we are lucky that she is healthy and even luckier that she is so content.  I am so thankful that she doesn't have colic and that she is just so happy.

Pictures

 The girls and I had gotten our pictures taken with my big tummy about a month before Harper was born.  I thought they would be nice for Harper's scrapbook.

 Haper's Halloween pictures (two weeks).

 Our 2012 Family Pictures

School Pictures 2012-2013

 Tierney 2nd Grade

Tay 7th Grade

And it's only Wednesday...

I'm not really sure where to begin but this week is starting out rough.  The past couple of weeks Tierney has not wanted to go to dance.  Since we have only paid for one of her three costumes for her recital Marshall and I have been talking about whether we try to continue to get her to go.  She has tons of fun when she is there and really enjoys dancing but getting her there is a battle.  Well we decided that we don't want to feel like we are making her go even though it is something she enjoys.  So we gave her the choice whether or not to continue to attend and she decided to quit.  

Harper has had a stuffy nose and not really herself.  Don't get me wrong she isn't fussy but doesn't really want to be put down and is having to breathe through her mouth so needless to say last night and today were a little rough.  

This morning Tierney woke up with a tummy ache.  I wanted her to stay home from school but she thought she was well enough to go and thought maybe she was just hungry.  So against my better judgement I let her go to school.  Well at ten I got a call from the school nurse that she was sick.  Of course Marshall was at a training so Harper and I went to get her.  She is so upset that she isn't going to have perfect attendance this year.  She wanted that so bad and has never gotten it.  

On a positive note I am hoping we are over everyone being sick before the holidays!

Life....

I have so much I could write about right now.  We had conferences for the girls and they are both doing quite well in school.  Tierney is always helpful and both are in ELP for their reading.  Tierney has struggled with always wanting to be right... I'm not sure where she gets that from:)  Apparently there have been a couple of times where she missed an answer and when she got her paper back changed it and then told the teacher she corrected it wrong.  The teacher got her to fess up what she did so we are working on that!  That girl is always going to keep us on our toes!  Tay has started school basketball and had three games last week.  They won two of them and lost one.  She has another one tonight.  It is nice to see how well the girls are playing together this year.  They are doing well at passing the ball and working as a team.  We got some family pictures taken a week ago and they will be in at the end of the week.  I am excited to get them and will post as soon as I do.  The girls also got some taken together and those look really cute!  Life is good.... we are just enjoying our girls and watching them grow.  Although I do wish we could slow down the time!

Here is a picture of Miss Harper in her Hawks outfit!

Halloween

Tierney was so excited for Halloween.  She loves any holiday.  A couple of months before Halloween she was sure she wanted to be Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz.  I'm not sure why since I'm not even sure if she's seen the entire movie but she did make a cute Dorthy.  Two days before Halloween the girls went to a Halloween part that our Parks and Rec sponsored.  Harper was a zebra and Tierney as Dorthy.  Tay was happy to go and show off Harper but didn't dress up.  Tierney was picked to help the magician and was pretty proud of herself!

Four Weeks...

How is it even possible that Harper is four weeks old today?  Time is flying by.  I keep thinking I should get on here and post some updates but I've been so busy enjoying my new girl that I haven't made the time.  Harper is a wonderful little girl.  For the most part she only gets up twice at night which is really nice.  She is taking after her big sister, Tierney though and not liking to sleep in her bed.  Her preference is to sleep in her bouncy seat which I'm not fighting right now!  Marshall and I feel like new parents all over again since it has been so long since we have had a baby.  So it took us some getting used to with getting ready to leave the house, giving baths, etc. but I think we have the hang of it now!  The girls are loving their new sister as well.  They both love to help and Tierney was so excited that she got to change her first diaper last night!

I'm not sure if I posted this before so I am going to again so I have it!  Harper weighed seven pounds and seven ounces when she was born and was 20.5 inches long.  At discharge the next day she weighed seven pounds and three ounces.  Because we left the hospital early we had to go back two days later for a newborn assessment and she weighed 6lbs 14oz.  She was sleeping quit a bit so we began waking her up to eat every three hours during the day.  At her two week appointment on October 29th she was up to 7pounds and 13ounces!  The funny thing is they had her length at only twenty inches so we aren't sure who measured wrong!  Harper's first smile when we talk to her was November 10th and it was to me!  This past weekend she also figured out that when she hits some of the items hanging from her gym that they move!

Harper still sleeps quit a bit but when she is awake she has the most amazing blue eyes!  Here are some pictures from the day she was born and since!

 Proud big sister.  She wasn't too sure about being a big sister but has really started to enjoy it!

 Leaving the hospital.

 The day Harper was born.

Harper's first walk!

Miss Harper

On October 11th I went to my doctor's appointment feeling miserable.  At the appointment my doctor decided that he would induce me on Monday the 15th at 7am, which would be a little less than a week before my due date.  He also stripped my membranes hoping to possibly start labor on Thursday the 11th.  Well basically that led to me having contractions on and off for the next couple of days and continuing to feel miserable.  Well on Sunday the 14th my water started to "leak".  Marshall and I left for the hospital around 2 and were all checked in and on the OB department around three.  It took three tests before they determined that my water was leaking.  It hadn't actually broke it just had a high leak.  This pregnancy had so many firsts.  In the past my water never leaked or broke until the doctor did it.  My labor was slow going at first until the doctor came and broke my water all the way just before midnight.  At 1:29am on Monday October 15th Miss Harper Mathison was born weighing 7pounds 7ounces and was 20.5 inches long.  She is our first little girl to have hair and it is dark.  She is just beautiful and we love her so much.  I will post pictures from our hospital stay soon but here are some of her just over a day old.  (yes, crazy me had her pictures taken as soon as we left the hospital)

Tomorrow we have a teenager....

How on earth is it possible that tomorrow we have a teenager?  I just cannot get over that.  Tay will be thirteen tomorrow.  WOW!  Where has the time gone.... I can remember the day she was born and the day before when I was in labor all day just like it was yesterday.  I remember the panic Marshall had when it was time to go to the hospital.  We had to bring my dog along and had to stop and put gas in the car in the rain.  I don't think he has ever driven so fast.  I remember the day she came home from the hospital and how my mom drove us home and was so mad because a semi was following us way too close with her new granddaughter in the car.  That all seems like yesterday.  Tay has been such an easy child for us which is probably good since we were so young and clueless when she was born.  She is growing up to be a beautiful young lady.  She wears her heart on her sleeve.  She is a wonderful daughter and a great big sister.  I wish she could stop growing up because I remember what I was like as a teenager and how mean I was to my mom.  Right now I am hoping that she won't be as mean to me as I was to my mom.  Happy 13th Birthday Taylor Anne!

Tierney soccer...

New Hampton decided to join a soccer league beginning this fall.  Marshall and I are not huge soccer fans but feel the girls should try what ever activities interest them.  Tierney was very excited to take part in the league.  She will have six games and they have their first game this morning in New Hampton.  Of course she was up early and ready to go!

Tay 7th Grade Volleyball

I cannot believe how old my baby looks here!

Updates

Time sure flies.  It is hard to believe that is almost the middle of September and the girls have almost a month of school under their belts.  School continues to go well for both of them and they are in the full swing of their activities.  Tierney has soccer practice on Mondays and Thursdays and games beginning this Saturday, dance on Tuesdays, and we are working on getting Girl Scouts started for the year.  Right now Tay just has school volleyball Mondays through Thursdays but Sunday she starts a fall UNI volleyball club.  She really seems to enjoy volleyball.  She is also doing Scouts again this year with her first meeting next month.  I must be a crazy woman thinking I can still help with both troops!  We will see how that goes this year with everything.  We are still trying to get somewhat of a routine down with games, practices, homework, etc.

I have just under six weeks left before baby number three joins us!  We have everything ready for her arrival.  She has a new outfit to come home in and Marshall got her carseat in the car in case she decides to arrive early!  I even got all 1400 pictures off of my camera and have the battery charging now so we can get some pictures of her arrival!  I know I haven't posted tons about my pregnancy... but I'm finally ready to.  A couple of months ago I was measuring big but as of last Thursday I am right on.  At the end of July I failed my first glucose test and at the beginning of August I failed my second one and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes.  That was very difficult for me at first and the last month and a half has been quite the adjustment.  I can only have so many carbs per day and have to check my blood sugars.  I have also been meeting with a diabetes specialist who goes over my sugars and what I've been eating.  So far I have been able to manage them with only have a couple days of high sugars.  I have one more meeting with the specialist and that should be it.  I'll have to continue to check my sugars for six weeks after the baby comes and will have to be tested at my six week appointment and after the baby comes but right now I'm just trying to focus on managing the situation now for the baby's sake.  Let's just say the last month and a half has been a roller coaster.  Luckily Marshall has been great.  He has gone shopping to find things I can eat and just been very supportive.  So needless to say I'm pretty sure our baby girl will be here on or before my due date (and not past like I was expecting).  At my appointment last week my doctor thinks she will be between 7 1/2 and 8 pounds.  We are all getting so excited to meet her.  The girls love to feel her kick and Tay got to see her have the hiccups the other day.  I cannot wait to meet her!!

So far so good....

So far this year is off to a great start for Tierney.  That is a nice change!  Tierney loves her teacher and even though she didn't get any of her friends in her class she has made some new ones.  We were worried since she has some naughtier kids her class but the teacher has done great managing the class!  Tierney last year was hoping to have her name drawn for the bucket filler t-shirt all year last year and the first drawing this year her name was drawn!  Tay is liking how she can be by her locker and visit during their open gym time after lunch and the fact that she has a few friends in each of her classes.  I am hoping this year continues to go great for the girls.  It's nice to have them both come home happy from school!  Oh and the other big news is Tierney is going to ELP now for reading!  She is so proud of herself and her reading skills.  She thinks it's cook that she can read the same books as her big sister!

Hollar Cousins

Nate, Jordan, and I took the girls to get their picture taken for Nana's birthday.  Tierney and Hailey were so wound up that night that the poor guy taking their pictures probably needed a drink after the session.  They turned out really good and you can't even tell how hyper they were!

Tierney First Day of Second Grade

Tierney started second grade on Friday.  She is our little princess.... she loves to dress up, put on make-up, etc.  So of course she chose a skirt for the first day of school.  She also had to get a messenger bag this year and it has a "T" on it.  She was so excited when we found it since they are usually out of her letter!  She thinks she is big stuff this year since she is upstairs now.  And how is it that she is in second grade already!  She got the teacher she wanted so she is very excited about that!  Here's to a great school year for her too that also goes by slowly!

Tay First Day of 7th Grade

Tay started school on Thursday.  It is hard to believe that she is in seventh grade already.  Where does the time go....  She is only half an inch shorter than me and now wears the same size shoe.  It's just crazy!  As you can see this is dressed up for her.  Tay loves to wear running shorts and t-shirts.... I'm just glad she picked an outfit that matches for the first day!  With seventh grade comes school sports.  She also started school volleyball on Thursday.  This is such an adjustment not having her home right after school.  Luckily she has a study hall at the end of the day so she will have time to get her homework done especially on game nights.  Hopefully this year goes slowly and is a good year!

Where has the summer gone...

I cannot believe that summer is just about over.  Tay starts school on Thursday and Tierney starts on Friday.  It seems like they just got out of school.  They have both been so busy with activities and then went on a couple day trip to the zoo and Mall of America with my brother and last week were gone three days with Marshall's parents to the Dells.  We spent this past weekend spending some quality time together before they get busy again.  Saturday we went to the pool for about an hour then went on a picnic and Tay worked with Tierney on her soccer (since that starts in two weeks).  Yesterday we ditched church and went to the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie.  Then we headed to Waterloo and bought some stuff for Tay's locker and had ice cream.  Last night we got Tierney's supplies labeled (she has been on me to do this for a couple of weeks but the label maker needed new labels).  I'm not sure what's on the next few days agenda.  We need to get a routine going again but I don't think any of us are ready for that!

I do have to share that last week during church my little Tierney looked at Tay did a fake yawn and patted her mouth.  Oh that child.... how can you not laugh but that was  so naughty!  After church she then informed me that summer is not for church or learning.... real nice. 

Also, a quick baby update.  I am down to going to the doctor every two weeks.  I'm not sure how that is possible.  In less than ten weeks we should be home with our little angel!  The girls are so excited.  We have been picking out clothes and other fun stuff for her.  She will be here sooner than we know it!

Oh Tierney...

The things you say that just make me laugh.  Yesterday I got dressed and went to run some errands.  Well we finally got rain and I was cold when I was doing my errands so I came home and changed clothes.  Tierney tells me "I know why you are changing..." so I ask why is that "you wore that out so no hot guys would hit on you".  Yep what goes through that girls mind is something!  I had to inform her no hot guys would hit on an old married pregnant lady.  Oh course that got her going because you know I'm not old:)

Snow Valley Basketball

Well Tay survived basketball camp.  They had sessions begining at 6:15 each morning and some nights didn't get back to their rooms until 10:30pm.  Lets just say she was pooped on Wednesday afternoon when I picked her up.  She said she really learned a lot.  The coaches were from all over.  Two from Italy, one from New York, one that won an ESPY award.  Her coach was really nices and coaches at Wilton in Dubuque.  They played games everyday so I was able to make a couple of them which was nice.  On Tuesday afternoon I got a call that she twisted her ankle.  She had a pretty good limp but worked through it.  Let's just say we are investing in some ankle braces before the basketball season begins.  They got report cards and Tay's coach said she was the best rebounder in her division.  They had two weeks of boys camps and two weeks of girls camps and over 1500 kids attended.  It was crazy! 

Only three more days....

Last night Tierney informs me "only three more days until we get to pick up Tay".  Yep we dropped her off at camp yesterday afternoon and by bedtime last night Tierney was missing her.  Oh how I wish they would remember that when they are home together and fighting!  Tierney has been a big help with Roscoe since Tay is gone and is stepping in.  I think that's good for both of them since they both miss Tay.  Tonight we are going to go watch Tay's basketball game so at least she gets to see her big sister!  And she said that she got two mom days (mom to herself) and then she gets two dad days since I go to work tomorrow.  She just makes me laugh!

Perkins Cousins 2012

Tierney Softball 2012

Here is Tierney's softball picture for this year.  She is really excited for next year since she gets to travel like her big sister!

Snow Valley Basketball Camp

 Hannah and Tay

 Hannah, Savannah, Tay, Isabel

We just dropped Tay off at Wartburg for a basketball camp.  We pick her up on Wednesday afternoon.  Their schedule looks pretty intense... their day begins at 6am and some aren't done until 10pm.  We are really hoping she learns a lot and have heard really good things about this camp.  Parents are also allowed to go and watch their games at night so we plan to do that one or two nights this week.  I am hoping that seeing us during the week won't let her get homesick this time!  Their rooms are also really nice as they are suites so all four girls are basically in the same room with two separate bedrooms so that should be good too!