Guess Who's Six Months Old...

Ms. Maggie turned 6 months old on Thursday of this past week!
I can't believe that so much time has already passed. We went for her 6 month check-up on Wednesday...only to find out that Maggie had a double ear infection! She was still a trooper through her shots and all.

She weighed in at 15 pounds 14 ounces and was 26 inches long.

I feel like she is more beautiful with every day that passes. Josh and I love her so much and feel so blessed that we have such an awesome little girl in our lives. She is so much fun!

Here are some photos that Josh took today of Mags.

She wasn't feeling the best so we didn't do all that we wanted, we just decided to wait on some of them. Even with her ear infections, she still gave us some really cute ones.

Hope you love them...

Maggie's Taggie...

I have been sewing a bit more here lately working on some presents and orders/requests that a couple of people have placed with me. (thanks girls!)

Yesterday, I decided that I wanted to make something special for Maggie!

She is getting bigger everyday and absolutely LOVES buttons, ribbons, and zippers. She has one Taggie Book and seems to really love it. So, I thought I would try making a taggie blankie for Maggie. I used some adorable pink dot fabric on one side and a super duper soft chenille on the other.

Of course, I spiced it up with some ribbon and button flowers and a cute little birdie on the back.

I thought it turned out really great for my first attempt. Of course the bottom is not as straight as I would like, but hey, that is what gives it personality!

I haven't given it to her yet. I do think that Mags will love it!

What do you think? Would love your opinion!

Josh's First Photo Shoot & Maggie's New Friend...

Today, Josh had his first photo shoot.

It was at our house and it was so much fun.

It was with Heather, Peter, and sweet little Isabella. Heather is a great friend of mine from one of the schools that I teach at. She liked Josh's work and asked if he would be willing to shoot Isabella's 6 month pictures.

Here is a little sample of some of the adorable shots from today!

Maggie for sure found a new friend today. Maggie and Isabella are only 13 days apart and they really seemed to take to each other.

They are such a neat family.

We hope you love them Heather and Peter!

...If you view these, Josh would love your feedback...

Do you like them? Which one is your favorite?

So, I like to Sew...

Last year for Christmas, my wonderful husband surprised me and said that Santa had brought me a present. We had both agreed to not exchange gifts that year, so I was really surprised when there was something under the tree from Santa. It was a huge box and very heavy. I had no idea what it could possibly be.

It was a sewing machine!

I had been playing with the idea of teaching/reteaching myself to sew. I took Home Economics in High School where Mrs. Fentress and Mrs. Williams taught me how to use a sewing machine. I will never forget that I made this adorable fleece pullover jacket in that class. It was really well made, I remember...I just picked a TERRIBLE pattern of fabric. I was really proud of myself though. My grandmother tried to teach me how to stitch, but I just liked what a machine could do better.

Anyway, he got me the sewing machine and I have been teaching myself every since. I love to make things, even if they are ugly. The first thing I made was a shirt for Dexter...It was bad. But I loved that I could "make" something out of a roll of fabric. That is where the love began.

Josh had been talking to me about finding a hobby. I honestly think he just wanted me to find something to do that I enjoyed like he enjoyed playing paintball. I started working on a purse at that point...I still haven't finished it, but I am working on it.

So, I sew. That's my story.

I made some curtains for a wonderful friend, Beth, for her new home. She gave me the nicest compliment saying that every time she pulls in the driveway, she can see the curtains and immediately thinks of me and how much love I put into them. They actually turned out great! I was proud! I personalized them on the bottom, which I love to do.

Recently, I made some burp cloths for my beautiful new niece, Mary Elizabeth. I adored them and I know that Brea did too. She hugged me and immediately said, "OH MY...Did you make these!!!" I was so touched by her reaction.

Currently, I am working on a couple of dresses for Ms. Maggie and a Valentine's Day shirt for Ms. Anna. I will include some pictures of them, but they are not finished at all. I will update the pictures when I am done with them.

(Not of Anna's shirt...It is a surprise!)

Sewing has been a great way for me to relax and make something beautiful all at the same time. Even if it is ugly and I am the only person that likes it, I still made it from the heart.

~Please excuse the terrible photography...That is not my talent!!~

Sick Ole' Maggie...

What a crazy past couple of weeks here at the Harris Home...

Maggie and Josh have both been sick here lately. Josh came down with what we thought was the flu but just turned out to be the "funk" and was sick most of my break from school for Christmas break. Maggie got sick on New Year's Day and is just now starting to feel better. She had the "crud" with some nasty drainage out of her nose and eyes. Thankfully, they are both getting back to their happy and healthy selves!

Here are some pictures that Josh captured of her this morning.
Mom and Dad got her these adorable PJ's...We love them.

You Can't Get Any Cuter Than This...

~TURN UP YOUR VOLUME~

So...
Maggie, Josh, Dexter, and I returned from Indiana today after celebrating the Holiday with his family this past weekend. We were winding down in the bonus room tonight and since Maggie is becoming quite the pro at sitting up, I decided to play a bit with her.

Little did I know that beating on the floor would thrill her so.

You just can't get any cuter than this!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christ-MOOSE from Maggie...

Merry Christ-MOOSE from Maggie, Alie, Josh, and Dexter!

Our Christmas this year was out of this world. We had a fun filled Holiday season. On Christmas Eve, we headed over to Long Hollow Baptist Church for their Christmas Eve Service. It was wonderful. Maggie loved all the singing! I can tell she is really going to have a true appreciation for music as she continues to grow. I wish you could have seen her dancing, swinging her legs, and "talking" while the choirs were singing. Too funny!

Christmas morning we headed over to Brea's house to celebrate with them. It was awesome. Maggie opened her presents and honestly, loved the ribbon that JuJu attached to one of Maggie's gifts the best. Go figure. She got an awesome Tickle-Me-Elmo from the Freeman crew that is too cute. She really enjoyed playing with her goodies. JuJu and Poppy Eddie got her tons of goodies including clothes and some great toys for the car. Grandma and Papa Charles got Maggie (really Josh) this cool Build Your Own Straw kit and a 12 Days of Christmas Elmo. Aunt Janie and Uncle Dickie got Mags an adorable outfit. We loved everything!

After Brea's house, we returned home. We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas with Maggie. We "Santa" got her a ride on car for when she is little bit bigger, Taylor the Talking Turtle that is too cute, some clothes, building blocks, and some other smaller toys for playing around the house with. She is really starting to get into her toys because she can really hold and pick up stuff now. It is awesome to watch!

She is learning everyday more and more. Now she is really working on sitting up, which she loves to do so she can play with her toys.

As you can tell, the building blocks were a HUGE hit with Mags. Taylor the Talking Turtle is adorable as well (you can see it behind Maggie).

Then it was time for pictures with Mommy and Daddy!

We had a great time hosting the family Christmas Get-Together for Mom's side of the family this year. Everyone got to come and it was wonderful to see how much our once small family has grown to about 40 adults and children. We had a house full, but it was for sure filled with lots of love.

Hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas!

So Normally I Am Not That Competitive...

Normally, I am not that much of a competitive person. Sure, I teach PE and I am always wanting my kiddos to win in games, but in life, competition doesn't matter much to me.

Until today!

Our awesome photographer, Angela Crutcher, who did Maggie's newborn pictures is having a contest. She is allowing the public to vote on their favorite picture of 2007...

Guess who just happens to be Number 9...Ms. MAGGIE!

I am pumped and would love to win the awesome prize that she is offering of a mounted 11X14 or 12X12. Check it out and vote for Mags if you feel she is the cutest one.

What a great idea!

Click here to get to her site!

Go Maggie Go!

...Happy Birthday Honey...

Today, Josh turns 27...I wish him the best birthday yet.

I am so proud of him and all of his many accomplishments.

He is the best father to Baby Maggie.

He is so brave and such a happy person to be with.

Thank you for always loving me!

Happy Birthday Joshie!

Mags & Mary Elizabeth

How cute is this?

...Maggie Holland Harris 4 months 3 weeks...

&

...Mary Elizabeth Freeman 4 months 1 week...

The Holland Girls...

I love these pictures.

Josh took these pictures recently and I just adore them.

This one is of myself, my sister Brea, and our beautiful mom, JuJu.

I also love this picture of my sister, Brea.

I swear...I have never seen a bad picture of her...This is no exception. She just looks like she is glowing!

I love them both very much!

December...

Already? Seems like the days are just flying by.

Are you ready for Christmas? We are so thrilled this year to be able to host our family Christmas Get Together for my Mom's side of the family. It should be a lot of fun.

We traveled up to Indiana after Thanksgiving to visit with Josh's side of the family. We had a great time visiting the new West Baden Dome Hotel and French Lick Hotel and Casino. It is amazing to see how much that small town has grown. The sights were just amazing! Everything was decorated for Christmas and it was a great time to spend with Grammy Pammy and Papa Jerry!

Maggie Moo is starting to eat cereal and some veggies...How exciting! She is really getting the hang of opening her mouth when we say "bite." It is so cute to watch her eat and the excitement she has when it is time to eat. (Notice Dexter in the second picture...Just waiting for a turn!!!)

Ms. Mary Elizabeth sure is growing! She returned to the dr. this past week and is up to 7 pounds 6 ounces. Thought I would share this picture Uncle Josh captured on Thanksgiving Day...This was taken on Mom's hardwood floor. How great is this???

Don't we have the cutest kiddos?
This was on Thanksgiving Day!

Today is my Dad's birthday...I wish him the best birthday yet. Some of my favorite memories of my Dad are from when Anna Boo was born. I will never forget those times. Papa Eddie also stayed with Josh almost the whole time he was in the hospital. I know that still means the world to me and I think Josh still can't believe that Dad would have done that for him. He is an amazing man and I love him very much!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Thanksgiving...

I know that there are so many things in my life that I have to be thankful for. I find that everyday that list just continues to grow. I know this Thanksgiving I am thankful for beautiful Maggie. I remember that last year at JuJu's house for Thanksgiving we announced that we were pregnant. What an exciting time! We wanted our family to know so that they could pray for a healthy pregnancy...Baby Maggie has been the biggest blessing in our lives. She is so loving, happy, content, peaceful, and just plain fun. I love to watch my family interact with her. She has grown to have great relationships with everyone around her.

My mom, JuJu, is determined to teach her how to say the word "good." She is actually getting really good at it! My dad just loves to talk to her and Maggie just soaks it all in. Aunt Brea loves spending Tuesday time with her. It is so awesome to see Maggie look at Baby Mary. She is just fascinated with her. Anna Boo is adorable with Mags. She just loves on her and helps out anytime she can! She is the best little "personal assistant" ever!

The sweetest relationship of all I have to say is with her daddy. Josh just loves her to no end. They have started this little routine of him feeding her at night and then just falling asleep on his chest. Josh is so warm that she just feels so safe and peaceful with him. After her evening bath, Josh will sometimes dance with her around the bedroom to settle her and get her ready to sleep. It is such a blessing to watch his relationship with her grow.

I am thankful for my sweet Josh. To think that he was so sick three months ago and to see him now recovering everyday, makes my heart feel complete. The Lord worked a great miracle in his life and I am so thankful for that.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

~Photographer Josh took all of these awesome 4 month shots of sweet Maggie~

What A Sad Day...

My school received some really sad news this afternoon. Our dear friend and fellow co-worker, Mr. Brad Keitzman, passed away this morning. It brought me to tears and even still does. I just can't believe that he has passed on. If you were given the HONOR of meeting Mr. Keitzman, you were a better person for it. He was a fantastic teacher and a great friend.

We did find out that Mrs. Keitzman started a blog for Brad's journey...keitzman.blogspot.com. It is amazing to read and see just how fast the Lord decided to take Brad home to Heaven. He had only been diagnosed about a month until his passing.

Please pray for the Keitzman family. What a sad day...