YORK is 3!!

York turned 3 this past Saturday... we spent his birthday at the Opryland hotel in Nashville!!  We met Shrek, Puss in Boots, the cast of Madagascar, and Po from Kung Fu Panda!!  Wesley's mother (yaya) took us for the weekend for a Bday bash/ early Christmas Present!  We had an absolute blast and especially enjoyed our breakfast with Shrek...complete with Shrek waffels and oath to enjoy!!  A dance from all of the character and picture time as well!   We decorated ginger bread men, rode the train, peddeled the tiny cars, and enjoyed a ride on an amazing ICE slide.  The Christmas decor was just breathtaking and a nice way to get in the Christmas spirit. 

((I have a BILLION pictures that I will post soon!))

Happy Happy 3rd Birthday to my oldest -the little blonde that holds my heart in the palm of his hand, my perfectly adorable, miracle baby.  Each day I am amazed at all that you have learned, the many things your have taught me, and your continued love for your brother. You make my mornings sweeter with your sugar, my afternoons calmer with your naps, and my nights complete knowing you are tucked safely away in your bed.  You are the funniest child I have ever met... your laughter contagious.  You have the kindest heart and incredible expression.  You are the most amazing little man ...I couldn't have dreamed you to be any more perfect.  You have a little "diva" deep down (but dont we all??) and you are learning about sin as we have introduced an "attention stealer" known as Mr. P.  You have done well with the transition to BIG Brother and are taking on your "bossy' roles without hesitation.  The moments when you reach to hold Perrys hand, help wipe his mouth, or tell him you Love him illuminate my soul.  The moments when you smack him, "accidentally" knock him down, or take a toy remind me that we all fall short of his glory.  You are an absolute gift ...reassurance that our GOD is unbelievably good.  My prayer for you is that you continue to be obedient, loving, happy, and innocent.  I pray for your relationship with Perry and that it will continue to flourish and be the most important bond you will ever know.  I pray that your heart will always be capable of love and forgiveness, for compassion and humility, that you will try to see the good in others, and have a steadfast love for our Savior.  Lastly... I pray that you will feel the amount of love that is surrounding you and know that you are IMPORTANT and mean the absolute world to many.

We are keeping Perry!

Wes and I have managed to "shock the Confederate" (one of my favorite lines out of my ALL TIME FAV movie Gone with the Wind) yet again!!!  We are more than excited to be welcoming BABY number 3 in JULY!  Some of the kind comments we have received include:  "What are you thinking", "You do realize you have a NOT quite 3 year old and 1 year old!", "You have lost your MIND", "you are GLUTTON for punishment, "You do you know what causes that ...right?", and my personal favorite "I though we decided we would wait another year" -from someone other than my HUBBY!
  Our reactions haven't been rainbows and butterflies but nonetheless we are over the moon.  I wasn't able to fully embrace my pregnancy with Perry because of the difficult delivery and NICU time we experienced with York.  Although I was humbled by our God's grace and goodness once again... I couldn't shake the uneasy feelings in the back of my mind.  I went to every doctors visit with anxiety and worry that we would be in labor at any moment.  I clung to prayers and asked my Savior to not walk with me into each visit but to carry me!  If you have never delivered a child prematurely or not been able to take him home from the hospital with you ... you will not understand these feelings.  Feelings of failure, of utter defeat, and unexplainable heartache.  I didnt' want to fail again... I didn't want to put my baby into the NICU fighting for his precious life....  I couldn't relax, I couldn't breathe and enjoy every blessed day that was given to us until I watched week 34 pass then 35 and 36... I finally was able to let a huge sigh of relief and embrace the last weeks of God preparing our sweet P for this life.  And also appreciate his humor since Mr. P arrived after my due date had come and gone... This time I feel more at peace knowing that I am not in charge and have been reminded so many times.  I write this post with overflowing heart, huge smile, and complete confidence that this child will be born at God's perfect time -not mine.
We will choose to do the weekly synthetic progesterone shots that we did with Perry.  Starting at 15 weeks and continuing until 37.  For those of you who didn't follow our blog back then (I say that as if it was SO long ago... HA!) I take the shots to help prevent preterm labor... which worked amazingly well with sweet P!  We are headed back to the doc on the 28th and I'll have more information then.
As far as the brothers... York is totally into the pregnancy and asks for me to open REAL WIDE. . . so he can "talk" to the baby!!  He thinks she can hear him!  I say SHE because York is convinced it is a "girl baby".  Several weeks ago I began asking him, "York are we having a girl baby or boy baby?" and EVERY time without hesitation he replys "girl baby!".  I am NOT sold on his so scientific method but for now it is fun to ask!  He also asked if we were going to give Perry away since we are having a "new" baby.  I explained NO we would keep him.... Now when telling others that we are having another baby he adds BUT WE ARE KEEPING PERRY!  Glad he is clearing that up!! CRAZY KID!  He also has suggestions for names.... Quesadilla for girl and Tow Truck for boy.  Those are debatable.  Perry is totally unconcerned with the growing little one in my belly and contines to "eat up" his time as my precious little baby!  He is such a sweet heart and loves to cuddle (something York did NOT do) and I soak up my little lap baby!  I can't give him enough kisses or squeezes ... he truly makes my heart smile.  I'm a bit taken by my boys and proud to write it.  Check back from more baby talk...

Is Santa watching Jesus or is Jesus watching Santa?

We took the boys to see Santa today!  They both did wonderfully and when asked what he wanted for Christmas York replied, "I don't know".  (After practicing 100 times in the car on the way there)  So Santa told him that he could walk over to the table and write a list and bring it back to him later.  York contemplated this for a few seconds and said, "No, that's fine... I would like a tractor, boat, truck, and cables."  I guess the idea of having to write a note and come back was too much trouble! ha!  We headed over to the trains, cars, and other games the Bass Pro Shops had to offer.  After approximately 2 1/2 hours, full bellies, excited babies, and a visit with jolly ole St. Nick our work was done!  York has gotten really excited about the thought of Santa driving his reindeer onto our roof and coming down the chimney.  Although he worries about Santa getting burned by the "fire"... we continue to assure him that Santa will be just fine.  We read the Christmas Story about once a day and dance around to different holiday songs.  I love this time of year and hope my boys will inherit the same love of the holidays.  York recently made a manger at school and has been quite interested in the Baby Jesus.  Telling Perry to "Be quiet!! don't wake MY Baby Jesus" and things of this nature.  We are trying to explain the Birth of our Savior and Santa... but he is so confused!!  His big question is... if Santa is watching us to see if we are being good... Is Jesus watching him?  Or is Santa watching Jesus?  OH BOY!  So we will continue to explain the excitement for the holidays with having a Birthday for sweet Baby Jesus and celebrating our love for family with gifts.  Merry Christmas to everyone... baby post coming soon!

the more the merrier!

Jabber Jaws - What's that horrible stink?

While watching a cartoon York began talking about a character that was in danger... "Mom, I gotta save him.  How do I get on TV?!"

I told Wes to make sure he brushed York's teeth, changed his diaper, and put long PJ's on him because it was cold outside (Wes does the boys nightly bedtime routines) ... Wes brought York over to kiss me goodnight as I finished up my helpful reminders (ha). York kisses me and says "Good night MISS BOSSY!"  I couldn't help but laugh!

I have a TERRIBLE problem with calling York "heifer" sometimes ... jokingly OF COURSE!  I didn't realize he even "heard" this until recently when he yelled to me "Thanks EVAN HEIFER HARLESS"

York has been very interested in distinguishing daytime from night.  We explain when the sun is up we are too and when it gets dark we go to bed.  While trying to get him to nap last week... York says "Mom, it's up time not night time... the sun is out!"

We decorated our massive Christmas tree last week ... York loved helping by placing his Spongebob ornament on the tree and taking it off again.  He didn't really say a whole lot about the tree until a couple of days ago... He walked in the house and walked over to our tree, "Its Christmas time! and the Tree looks beautiful.. you did a great job!"

We were getting out of the bathtub when York notices "Your not a girl your a mommy! and P doesn't have a mommy"

"Mom, you don't have a Spongebob nose -You have a delicate girl nose"  UMMM... how does he know the word delicate?

He took his shirt off last night and said, "I naked like DADDY and I LIKE IT!"

We ate breakfast with "skip" last Saturday and York's biscuit never came.  After a moment of waiting to see if they "forgot" it ... Skip went to the front to ask what happened.  York turns to me and says, "Skip gonna handle this!"

York and I were watching TV in my bed this weekend and he leans on me and states, "What is this horrible stink coming from my mouth?  I need to brush my teeth!"

York made a manger at school today complete with Baby Jesus.  While on the way home from school Perry began yelling and York sternly says, "P don't wake my baby Jesus up.. enough!"

While caring Baby Jesus into the house he was "accidentally flung" out of his manger... York sympathetically asks, "Did Baby Jesus get a boo boo?"

Our MONKEY is ONE!

REWIND to last year as I watched the Iron Bowl from my trusty ole recliner... wincing in pain as contractions began.  40 weeks pregnant -I watched my due date come and go!  I was eating all things spicy, jogging around the neighborhood, and lets not mention the acts of desperation I may have given into to have this BABY!  Wes begged me to wait until the game was over before we went to the hospital... so I did.  I was able to get a couple of hours of sleep that night and headed to the hospital the next day to find out I was 5 centimeters and ready to go... Perry made his debut a short 2 hours later.  I remember telling my mother "that was SO easy I can totally understand why people have multiple pregnancies" (not quite my sentiments after giving birth to York)!  He joined our family November 27, 2010 weighing a perfect 6 lbs 9 ounces.  He brought new beginnings and changed our world in a way we couldn't imagine.  He made me a boy expert, York a big brother, and Wes a nervous WRECK! hehe!  He brought more happiness than I can ever record on paper.  The best way to describe it... is to remember the way York looked at him in the early days after the hospital.  It was a look of innocence, hope, trust and overflowing love.  The way that Perry looks to his big brother now -a look of absolute adoration.  I hope my boys will grow to be closer than I can ever imagine, to walk with our Lord and develop a bond that can not be destroyed, to love others the way they have been loved, and to teach their children the value of family.  Perry lights up my every minute and illuminates others with his smile.  He is kind, happy, and most importantly a perfect fit to our puzzle.  Perry Daniel Harless is our little monkey that we celebrate today and thank God for.  Thank you Lord for allowing me experience this kind of joy.  Thank you for choosing me to be Perry's mother and equip me with the right words, thoughts, and actions to raise him in a way suitable for your kingdom.  Happy Birthday to a beautiful boy... MY baby! 

 "Perry we love you with all of our hearts" -mommy

HARLESS Halloween extravaganza!

I'm in a bloggers funk... SORRY!  I was able to upload some pix from the last couple of weeks.  school days, cousin love, and Halloween!  enjoy (I have some better pix that I'm trying to upload of our 1st Annual Halloween party that include a not so successful pumpkin chunkin, cutie pa-tutie babies, and a whole lota fun!)

York getting ready for school!

Addy, Lily, and Perry hanging out

loving this weather!

sweet little Witch Addy!

Pirate York and Elmo

Hubs and Parrot Perry

BIG BOY

This is a picture I took this morning after we bought Perry his first pair of crocs.  I didn't think much about it (other than it being super cute) and uploaded it to facebook (naturally).  My facebook family brought to my attention that is is getting so BIG.  After looking at the picture for a second time I noticed that he is beginning to grow out of that baby stage and into a little man.  Oh how my heart aches... not for middle of the night feedings, spit up, or colic-like screaming!!  But for just a little more time...time to savor that newborn smell, those tiny coo's, great big yawns, and gummy smiles.  It seems that each stage comes and goes before you can really enjoy it... That there isn't enough time in the day to hold on to those fleeting moments.  I will blink and the current babble talk, wobbly walking, and speed crawling will quickly turn into talking, walking, independent toddler!  Just like that and I will long to have him that size again.  I have to remind myself that the next stage is just as exciting and important in their development and our relationship.  ((And who are we kidding... I don't know of anyone that would want a "baby" to stay 10 months old forever!))  In the meantime, as I watch my boys grow I will make sure to give too many kisses, snuggle a little longer,  and continue to update my blog (although it can be a pain) because I want to remember exactly the way I feel at this moment.  FULL... my HEART is FULL!

when I wake up, you are still with me...

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!"

Psalm 139: 13-18

WAR EAGLE... first of all! Wes and I had the best day (just the 2 of us) at the game... We tailgated like old times and enjoy adult conversation and visits from old friends. The weather during the day was warm but cooled off perfectly for kickoff. Missed our boys but was glad to get a little break with the hubs. ((Thank you Henderson's for supporting my Amsterdam addiction.)) On Sunday we traveled to Montgomery for a sweet friends baby shower I helped host. So I dropped the boys (all 3) at Pop Pop's and headed over to the shower. Below are some pix of their time with Pop pop (my dad).

Pop Pop and Perry worn OUT

York, Pop Pop, and Bailey on the tractor

off the chain...

Perry D is about to take off... he has been cruising the furniture for several weeks but recently began letting go!  He stands by himself and has taken a step or two.  He is still very wobbly but it is just a matter of time and this household will be "of the chain" as York would say.  (thanks to our outside influences)  I am excited for sweet Perry because he is so proud of himself!!  He is also a little daredevil and will attempt stairs, uses York's back or hair as stability to stand or pull up, and loves bathtub standing (YIKES).  It is getting a bit dangerous in the Harless Hood ... York will jump on your back or throw a ball when your not looking, "help" his brother walk on the hardwoods (SCARY), picks his brother up when he is "in the way", and racing Perry at high speeds in his walker through the Harless Speedway.  It is definitely a boy zone and I'm loving it!  York has recently taken an interest in dressing himself.  He wants to wear pants with pockets because he can then carry his "monies".  He is very generous with his monies.. I asked him the other day to pay for our lunch and he said "sure mom" and got his monies out.  I think he was a couple bucks short... but it's the thought that counts!  I want my boys to always give and never be selfish.  I want others to say 'those Harless boys will give the shirt off their back' if you asked.  So we are starting early with giving him offering for church or giving toys away that we aren't using.  I hope theirs hearts will be so big that it feeds their soul to help others.  That is very important to me and I will do my best to instill those values and lessons whenever possible.  These boys keep me on my toes but also melt my heart.  What an amazing gift to be a mom.  What an amazing God to choose these 2 sweet boys for Wesley and I.  I am crazy in love!  

Jabber Jaws UPDATE:

My sister and Brad joined us at the lake a couple of weekends ago and we were walking out to meet them and York screams: "her brought a him!!"

On the way home from dinner the other night York yelled out his window "War Eagle, God!"

We were laughing and York interjects:  "That is just hilarious"

York loves to roll his window down on the way home and the other night I noticed him pretending to cast a fishing pole then reel it up.  I asked him what he was doing and he replied:  "God I reel you in"  I hope one day he decides to "catch" God and puts him in his heart forever!

He was running around the house yelling "I'm stupor York"

We were watching television and York grabs my hand and says, "Mickey Mouse is a cool dude like me!"

"I wanna be a garbage man mommy"

I turned the cartoon on that he likes and he said, "That's what I'm talking about!"

I finished dressing him and was combing his hair and he looked into the mirror and stated, "I be looking too good!"

"Look, mom, It's the home de-to" as we passed the Home Depot

We went to Children's Hospital to check out York's cough (it is Croup by the way) and a male doctor can into the room and York says, "I need lady doctor... you not doctor!" 



Happy 10 months sweet PERRY!

Perry Daniel Harless is 10 months old!!!  I can not believe it.. he is such a big boy and steals my heart with every look!  He has absolutely NO interest in pacifiers... York also gave his up around this age.  No complaints here!  He loves finger foods and his bottle.  He gets very excited when you show him the bottle.  We will begin introducing a sippy cup in the next couple of weeks.  He already drinks out of my straw at dinner... little heifer!  He is in a "big boy" car seat and is enjoying seating more upright!  He is a sweet heart with an infectious smile... we adore you P!  You make each and every day that much better! xoxo-mom

York is back in Mother's Day Out and making new friends and this mom is enjoying time alone with sweet Perry.  York had a couple of rocky mornings walking into MDO but he is now a pro and it warms my heart to see him run into class so excited.  And thrills me more to watch him race to the door when I come to pick him up...  What wonderful moments!  We have been cheering on our tigers, playing with friends, and enjoying some cool breezes.  Below are some pix from the last couple of weeks.

MR. YORK - first day of school!!

York with his puppy Chip!

Walking out to the car... he feel asleep 45 seconds later!

York, Hollee, sissy, Brad, and P enjoying the Auburn vs Miss State game!
Thanks for watching our rugrats!!!

Hollee and York hanging before lunch

love these kids

T and York enjoying some park time on a beautiful Saturday!

BFF's

Little Brother's taking a break...

War Eagle from our backyard...

A butterfly in the backyard... so pretty!

3 of our 4 boys taking a "cart" ride!