Our Professional Photos from the Babymoon!

Well . . . I wasn't sure if i was going to have these done! I went back and forth and knew that if I had pregnancy shots done I wanted Jeff in them and then thought why not do them in Key West! That way it is special! So below are the shots . . . I am putting 2 of my fave below and then there is a slideshow. If the slideshow is too small for your viewing just click on it and it will open bigger! The only things missing from these shots are the Cooper!!!

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It's a . . . and i am offically not playing the "what do you think it is?" game anymore!!

It's a girl!!!!!!!!!! For Caroline and John! That is right my little Graysen will have a little partner in crime instead of a boyfriend! John and Caroline said they had actually looked into ordering a little onsie that said "Future Mrs. Hilburn" for Graysen because they were so sure it was a boy! We are know going to have baby girls just 3 months apart!! It is so exciting! Now if we just didn't live on opposite coasts now in stead of our 4 block difference!

I also reported earlier that I thought our friends the Halberts were having a girl and the Hilburns were having a boy! So I was wrong on both fronts and am never playing the "what do you think it is?" game again!! I actually thought Graysen was a boy too . . . so I am going with the opposite from now on! Just came back from my 34 week check in and the Key west trip added 2 more lbs :-O and Graysen has still decided to lay sideways in breech position so lets hope she goes head down by next week's check!

Return from the "Babymoon"!

Well since I never got a honeymoon (Jeff did to Iraq!) my sweet husband decided to plan a "babymoon"! He had been in Key West for a couple of weeks doing dogfighting (for my non-military friends he wasn't actually participating in Michael Vick activities but flight training!) He said that I should come down there so when he was done we could celebrate!

He spoiled me the whole trip and it was the most relaxing week ever! You can click on the pictures to see the bigger!

We stayed at the Casa Marina after a checking in at their sister resort, the Reach. I wanted to "reach" away quickly!! It is a very funny gross story but we got out of there quickly!! The Casa Marina was amazing! Jeff had already celebrated his birthday down there by treating himself to a fishing trip (oh and buying more fishing clothes even though he was already on thin Ice for the cost of the fishing trip, maybe I do need that LV diaper bag!) and I spent my early bday present at the spa (even though mine was A LOT less, how does that work?)

For those of you requesting ideas of where to go in Key West these are my must do's:
Blue Heaven :for the Banana Heaven dessert, oh my!
Croissants de la France: Where Caroline got her wedding cake which was amazing and they also have coconut cream stuffed croissants. Yes please!! I went 1 time a day!
Banana Cafe: for yummy crepes!
Mangia Mangia: for yummy Italian!
Alice's: the best meal we had!!
Latitudes on Sunset Key: so Romantic! you have to take a ferry and you literally sit on the beach surrounded by torches and watch the sunset!
915: yummy yummy Tapas
Rooftop: very very good!!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE BUNK!!!!

Well when I was away on my babymoon with no internet access we missed being able to post one of the biggest birthday annoucements of the year, Kathryn's birthday!!! So this comes a couple of days late but with tons of love to make up for it. We have been friends for almost 18 years now!!! When I say best friends it is that in deed that but also more like sisters. We have been through so much together through out the years and I know my life would not be the same if I had not met you on that summer day on the beach in Epping Forest!

We used to laugh about when we would grow up and get married and have kids, what it would be like, how it seemed a million years away. . . and here we are! You were the Maid of Honor at my wedding and I will be yours next spring! My daughter will be your god-daughter and will love your children as her own siblings! Now the next thing we can laugh about in the future will be our 40th birthdays! God time flies, but you will always be older then me!! HA!! We love you very much!

Happy Birthday LALA aka Mini aka Lauren!!

Happy Birthday!!! I hope life in Pensacola is bringing you a happy sunny birthday! It is so weird to not have the 5 of us together on a birthday. For the last two years we spent most birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and more together!! I guess we will let you hang out with Rod this year! I love this picture of the Jax Fab Five! Even thought there are so many miles between us all now we will never be apart in our hearts!! I can't wait to see all of you at the end of the month!! Happy Birthday!! XO, Kitty

Happy 31st Birthday Jeffy-Weffy!!

Happy 31st my sweet sweet husband!! I hope we have a million more of these dances in our life together, I love this old picture from good ol' Kingsville circa 2002! I hate that we are apart on your birthday yet again but I understand your mistress (the navy!) must keep you away!! You are truly the most amazing man I have ever met in my life and I don't know how I ever got so lucky. Just think next year on your birthday Graysen will be here to help her daddy celebrate!! I have fallen more in love with you just watching how excited you are for her arrival. Happy Birthday to my rock, my hero, and above all, my true love. Can't wait to see you in Key West!!!

Pancreatitis . . . a New Family Past Time

Well no sooner do I get the pup over his bout of pancreatitis do I get a call from my step-dad tonight that my mom has been admitted to the hospital . . . for pancreatitis. The poor thing! I am worried sick for her but Jim assures me that she will be just fine. We think it might be from too much drinking and food fun on her honeymoon! She is expected to be there for at least 3-4 days though and I know how much my mom hates being alone at night let alone in hospital! Plus she can't eat for all that time. IV only. So if you are ready this and you pray . . . if you could throw a little mention in there for me mom. I know she will be just fine but I know she is miserable right now and it just breaks my heart.

BTW . . . I am becoming an official WEBMD addict. My doctor called me today too and found some stuff in my last test she didn't like so now I have another pill to take! Between the dog, my mom, and me I will keep all online medical research websites well visited :-) So just call me Dr. Kitty

UPDATE: Tuesday: Poor Penny! They told her today at least 5 days of more hospital time while they run more tests or let this thing run its course! She has a tube going into her stomach and has been told no food or water for 5 days so she is so hoarse. She told me today she hasn't been in the hospital since the day she gave birth to me almost 28 years ago! So she has been very lucky but she is miserable right now! Everything still points to a positive outcome and she appreciates being in every one's thoughts!

UPDATE #2 Wednesday: Well it looks as though surgery is the next step. They let her know this AM. She is pretty stressed and upset but it should be a relatively easy surgery. We don't know when yet but will keep the updates coming!

UPDATE #3: Thursday AM: Well my mom has started having irregular heartbeats on top of her high blood pressure so things are taking a slower course of action. Today she spiked a fever due to the infection raging in her gallbladder. So they have removed her pain meds and given her Tylenol instead to bring the temperature down but she is in a lot of pain. We are waiting for the cardiologist to look at her EKG before they go any further with surgery plans. We just need to get this thing out of her!! I think now she is just more miserable than scared and we def. think all will be well once the surgery is done.

UPDATE #4: Friday at noon: I was just talking with my mom as they came to get her for surgery. She sounds pretty nervous. They tried the ERCP yesterday but couldn't finish . . . they couldn't get the scope in so they let her know she is not a candidate for the surgery we were hoping for which is the laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder. Instead she is going in for the big boy surgery that is done with a 5-8 inch cut. So recovery will take longer but it is time to jsut get the thing and the gall stones out of her and let the infection in her pancreas clear up. Poor thing hasn't had food, water or a shower in 6 days. She hates the hospital! Well have an update after the surgery! Please say a little prayer if you happen to read this! While it is a common procedure I just worry as she has never had surgery before!

The Cooper-McPooper Drama Seems to be Over!

I haven't been on the blog for over a week partly because we had a really bad scare last Friday evening. Cooper went from not being himself that day to virtually being unable to walk, hold his head up, or keep anything in his body. He was admitted to the Emergency Vet for obstruction and surgery seemed the only option. 3 diagnoses later (obstruction, pancreatitis, and gastroencentits)and a little bit of coin after a many night stay at the ER he is home! He actually likes food again which we all know when Cooper is isn't eating something is wrong. Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes for our golden boy. He truly is my 1st child. I literally couldn't have handled if we weren't so blessed to have a positive outcome!

I have been busy busy with Mom and Dad H. here to help me around the house while Jeff is vacationing( flying :-) in Key West! They have helped me with so much! We are almost done with the nursery and it is the most amazing, beautiful thing I have ever seen. When we made the crib up today I cried! Mom H. has done such an amazing job that she is already getting requests for more business! It is very real that all of a sudden she will be here in a couple of weeks! Sleeping in that room! Dad H. has done tons of manual labor around the house so they may never want to come visit again! I feel bad! However, they have accomplished more this weekend that Jeff and I have in months so I am so relived and thankful for their help!

Pics to come tomorrow!!

Special Treat for GG Penny and Grandma Mary!

Thought you two might like this since you haven't gotten to hear her heartbeat yet!! Make sure you go scroll down and pause the music player at the very bottom on the page before you hit play on this video or you won't be able to hear it! Yesterday we could finally tell what was what inside my belly! She scooted her bum to the surface and when I put my hand on it she scooted even more towards it and moved her hands on the other side! Pretty crazy!

Jeff's Take Your Wife to Work Day!

While it really wasn't an offical day it was a lazy sunday and he had a flight to fly with one of his friends so I went along to watch (I watched a Lifetime movie in the OPS building hile he was flying! Ha). Try to control yourself on how hot he looks!!!!!!! This was my first time seeing him fly the Super Hornet . . . and I was very impressed!! I still very nervous about the plane (but i was about the S-3 too) but I am very proud of him!

A Great Picture! But a predication . . . we'll see!

Our friend Tom just sent me this picture of Jeff and me with his amazing children! He joked it is his prediction for us!! He and Lynne have 5 kids, Carson, Sully, and the triplets, Cooper, Keegan, and Colin!! I have to say I have a whole new respect (I already had the highest level of respect!) for Lynne after being pregnant with one! I can't imagine 3!! While his prediction is great . . . I think I will just enjoy watching them! Tom start a blog so we can!

Plus seeing as I spent the day cleaning up after a very sick dog and then the cat started getting sick and then I almost got sick cleaning it up I think I only need 1 baby at a time to care for!

Announcing Leah Catherine Bledsoe!!!

Our dear friends Mike and Adrienne and their little boy, Curran are proud to announce the arrival of their baby girl, Leah Catherine Bledsoe!! She was born 5-16-08, 8 lbs. 9 oz. , 20' long, at 10:47 a.m in San Diego, CA! Adrienne didn't find out the sex with either baby (even though I begged) and she and the rest of the family are so excited to spoil the little princess in their life now!!

We love you guys and miss you so much!! I promise my trip to San Diego will happen sometime soon!!

Happy Birthday Mom H!!!

Happy Birthday to Jeff's mom!! Happy Birthday Mom H!! I love this picture from the fab birthday celebration you gave me last year in St. Simon's!! What an amazing time! I hope you drink as much as we did last year!! Ha! Thanks for being such a great 2nd mom to me, well and first mom to Jeff!! We can't wait for Graysen to meet her grandmother!!! Thanks for being you and all the love you give! We love you, Jeff, Kristen, Graysen and Cooper!

I don't have diabetes but . . . there is "something wrong with me".

As much as Jeff tells me "there is something seriously wrong with you" he usually says this right after I have said something inappropiate but rather hilarious in a large group of people. However, I hear it so much sometimes I think he is right. . .

Since my cravings have gotten over the top. This week I have made chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter brownies, and strawberry cupcakes!! I had my glucose testing done ans was sure I had diabetes. Just heard back from the doctor and my score was a 92 and the cut off is 132 . . . so I am in the clear. Except it seems my little darling Graysen has made me anemic. Great!! One more prescription I have to take!! I officially hate pills (bet you never thought you would hear me say that!!)

Happy Birthday Dad Harper!!!

Happy Birthday to Jeff's dad!!!! Happy birthday Dad H. and soon to be Grandpa!!! Thanks for being such a great dad! I know my toy loving, flying, adventurer's spirit , easy going husband gets so much of it from you!! I know he looks up to you so much and so will Graysen!! Happy Birthday!!

I love this picture of you shopping for toys!!

Happy Birthday Katie!!!!

I hope you have an amazing one!!! Enjoy your trip to FL! I am wishing you lots of love and lots of happiness this upcoming year because you deserve it!! Can't wait to see you soon! Miss you! Lots of love, Kitty

WOW!! What a Weekend!! Birthdays, Anniversarys, Weddings and More!

This weekend was a busy one!! First we had the love of my life's birthday . . . no not Jeff . . . but COOPER!!!! He turned 6 on Friday!! My heart breaks as his face turns whiter with each year. He is the most amazing dog and everyday I remind him he is "my best friend". He is actually sitting here telling me he doesn't believe me because this is his 2nd birthday I spent away from him!! Then on his 4th birthday I scolded him in the AM before I left for work for eating kitty litter and then got to work to see it was his birthday on my calender!! I called my mom crying telling her I was the worst mommy ever!!!! I left work to go buy him toys at PetSmart and went straight home to make all right!! I picked my fave picture with him and of course his daddy picked the 2nd. I love that the box isn't even good beer!

Then on Saturday . . . my mom and Jim finally got married!!!! YEAH!!! What a fun time and our whole family was together Brady Bunch Style!! It was such a great time.
The Wedding . . .

My new brother Jim and I . . .the matron of Honor and Best Man
The Brady Bunch . . . 6 kids all together. I am waiting for the picture with all the spouses and grandchildren!
The Toast!
My Mom's friend's has a tea party for her the day before! The 1st picture is of me, Nikki (Toni's daughter), my mom, my new sisters Toni and Ryen.

My sister in law Beth! We are 8 days apart!! We don't know if Graysen will have a Delaney or a Cedric to play with yet! My guess is a Delaney!
My mom and I before the tea party!
Then Sunday was out 1st wedding Anniversary!!! I can't believe it was a year ago!! I also can't believe I waited 5 years after we got engaged to get married and then 3 months to get pregnant!! Ha!! You can see from the pictures how quickly things have changed . . . well OK i have changed by adding on the LBS.

Also a huge HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of you moms!!! You are what makes the world go round and I can't wait to be one of you!! You never cease to amaze me!! Love, Kitty

Happy Birthday Uncle Catfish Yates!

A big birthday posting for Justin's birthday!! Otherwise know as Uncle Catfish otherwise known as the person who isn't allowed around Graysen after she turns 16!!!! Miss you tons!! I know you miss me too!! We sat next to each at work for a year and you were always a good "work husband" when you weren't throwing dead cockroaches at me or making disgusting bodily functions! Those were the days!!

The 3rd Trimester is HERE!!!!! Plus, the 3rd best day of my life!!

The 3rd trimester has arrived!!! WOOHHHHHHOOOOO!!! I am so excited!! I mean besides the fact that I can't bend over and sleeping has become impossible everything is going great! Plus now I can rest my plate on my belly while I am eating in front of the TV. It is so sexy!! I am stooping to new lows though . . . like eating a stale donut from Thursday's dozen talked about on the blog. Jeff could not believe I had eaten a 5 day old donut . . . I couldn't believe he thought it was odd. Apparently, I am a bunny snob but would be more than happy to eat out of a dumpster at Dunkin Donuts.

Well apparently the 3rd trimester started on the 3rd best day of my life!!! The first being of course marrying Jeffy!! The 2nd being the day we found out we were having a little girl. The 3rd best day . . . the day a dream came true . . . the day my wishes were answered . . . the day I got my DYSON ANIMAL. Let me explain that I have wanted this vacuum for 3 years . . .I watched my friends buy them one by one and dance around the house in glee cleaning like children on Christmas day. I watched people's shocked expressions when they found out I did not own one and contemplate if I was homeless because, I mean who and what type of sociopath did not have a Dyson??? Alas, Jeff said NO! Over and over again. I was working . . . so we had splurged on a housekeeper and Jeff said he was never buying that expensive of a vacuum cleaner for the maid to use. Then we moved and I stopped working and suggested since I was cleaning myself we should get one and he said NO! Now that I wasn't working we couldn't buy that expensive of a vacuum cleaner. I couldn't win!!!!!!!!! I even put it on my wedding registry hoping that one of my friends would win the lottery a couple of days before the wedding (or start stripping) and decide, "what the hell!" So, I kept buying the 2nd and 3rd tier runner ups on consumer reports and year after year they broke with Cooper's dog hair laughing in their face and calling them "WEAK Suckers!!" So for 3 years every time someone mentioned they had the Dyson Vacuum I would lean in and intently listen to every glorious moment of praise they gave it and knew someday . . . just someday I may get to know what they have experienced! Jeff said all those people just gave it glowing recommendations to make themselves feel better for spending that much on a vacuum. At moments like this I wondered if we should get an annulment because how could I love someone who didn't understand.

So the other day when Jeff was cleaning the handle of old vacuum flew off and he announced "this thing is a piece . . . we need a new one". I was like "well there is thing called the Dyson . . ." it was met with a glare. BTW, I heart Bed Bath and Beyond. We wheeled our 1 yr old broken vacuum in there and no questions asked they gave us 100% of our money back . . . then we had a 20% coupon which took $150 off, then we had 2 gift cards from our wedding!! My mind was racing . . . this might actually happen, I might actually become one of the lucky ones!! Jeff said "wow, we really won't be out of pocket to much!! Lets get it" Thus began the 3rd best day of my life! As we drove home, I kept looking in the backseat wondering if it would really be all I had imagined!

It is . . .Below are the pictures of me and my new baby, Donna the Dyson. I promise you I am already that person. I called like 20 people begging them to go buy it right away. We vacuumed with our vacuum right before we left and came home and ran the Dyson on the seagrass rug and literally 1 inch of dirt filled the canister! I was gagging to think I thought it was clean before!! Buy one . . . sell something . . . even one of your children if you have too . . . it is worth it. You know maybe I shouldn't be blogging because every time I finish one of these stories I realize I have less and less of a life. Oh Well just call me a loser . . . because I am a loser with a DYSON!!

A Big Day in the Harper Household!!

Today is a big big big day!!!!!!!!! For a couple of reasons . . . on a smaller note I went in for my hour long diabetes testing since my 3rd trimester starts tomorrow! I was not looking forward to the testing but off we went (Jeff hasn't missed one appt!!!) We got there and they hadn't scheduled me for the right appt. so we got to escape!! Yeah! Well until next week!

So, on my way home while Jeff headed off to LSO duties I stopped to look for bunny accents for the nursery (why didn't I buy them after Easter when they were all over the place is beyond me). However, apparently I am a bunny snob because it has to be a very certain kind of bunny accent that is not tacky because I can't find any I like (or afford, who are these people that spend $200 on a lamp for a nursery??)! So after no bunny being "up to par to my bunny standards (yes, this is what my life has come too) I headed over to some other sections of TJ Maxx. Let me state for the record of how my life has changed. I never even made it over to the shoe section or the women's clothing section. Yes, life has become 100% about Graysen. Anyway, I passed the dog section and found dog beds. OK for many of those who know me . . . know my past experience with dog beds. Yes, it seems my little Cooper believes dog beds are for one reason. This reason is not relaxing or sleeping on but for . . . humping. Yes, he is fixed and yes we have no idea where he learned this from. We have bought numerous dog beds only to give them away because he would not sleep on it . . . just embarrass us in front of guests, with his "look at what I can do with my bed" motions.

Now that Jeff and I are actively trying to get Cooper to sleep off the bed (even though we bought a king size bed for him) and the couch, I thought I could give it another try as we are tired of waking up with dog hair in our mouths. I brought it home and made a big fuss of how it was a present and low and behold. . . he actually laid down on it!!!!!! He did not try and "make love to it" and he laid on it for a good 5 minutes!!!!! This is a big step for us. When it was time for bed we took the bed upstairs and placed it next to the bed and he laid on it again!! I heard "alleluia" playing! Well, I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't find him. He had left his bed to go sleep on the guest bed . . .spread out with his head on the pillow. I guess old habits die hard. As I write this he is sleeping on the couch. I am such a push over for my golden baby, but I mean look at that face????!!!!

The ending to our big day was Jeff stopped on his way home at Dunkin Donuts for a treat (the doctor says I am below normal weight gain so this just give me more reason to eat dozens of donuts) and they were closing so they sent him home with a whole dozen for free again!!! Right in time for LOST!! I mean can a pregnant women get it any better! Ha!!

I have added some of my fave pictures of Cooper claiming he owns the house. The furry friend in the picture with his is Hoat's cat, Raz (short for Raspberry and yes Hoats has a cat and yes Hoats named it that, and yes we should be concerned)

Happy Birthday Future Mrs. McNair!!!

Happy Birthday Katie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just think on your next birthday you will be Mrs. Tom McNair!!! We have been friends for just about 10 years and I am so lucky to have you in my life! From Tri-Delt to $1 vodkas to weird landlords and air conditioners being put in backwards (ha!!) to Dukes of Hazard jokes (oh lord!) to sitting on the "window seat" discussing life to weddings and more, you have always been a friend I could count on! I am so glad you stood by me on my wedding day and I can't wait to stand by you on yours!! Thanks for always loving me enough to making me brownies or cookies (even when Mo and I had laughing fits that drove you crazy!) Here is to the next 10 years!!! Happy birthday KT!!!!!!!!!!! Love you!

Beaming with Pride . . .A Must See Documentary

I am very open about the fact that I am so proud of Jeff that sometimes I can't contain it. When we met in college I knew he wanted to be a Navy pilot and I have been blessed to watch and be part of the journey. What a journey it has been . . . we have had incredible heartache and loss with our squadron VS-32, and the loss of two great men, Tom and Scott. With that same squadron we have had tremendous love and joy. Some of closest friends or who I call family have come from our time there. We have been through moves, goodbyes, work-ups, deployments and more. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not proud of our country, our servicemen and women, and our Navy.

Now that Jeff has embarked on his new journey of flying the Super Hornet I always have mixed emotions. Incredible awe at the incredible piece of machinery and that he lands it on a carrier. With those same thoughts come the apprehension of more deployments and fear of the obvious fact that he has a dangerous job. I am beyond proud of every single person who devotes their life to the military. They are the braves souls who fight for us, who dedicate themselves to our safely, and who give up months and years away from their families so selflessly.

In ending . . . PBS has completed a 10 hour documentary titled "Carrier" that has started airing tonight. Below is the website with information and times. Lets just say I had teared up in the first 5 minutes after seeing all the families say goodbye. It is an amazing program that is the most in depth documentary I have ever seen on life on the carrier. I just wanted to spread the word so everyone can watch it (you can ever watch full episodes online). I also want to thank every single serviceman and woman. Thank you and God Bless you!!!!!!!

http://www.pbs.org/weta/carrier/?campaign=pbshomefeatures_1_carrier_2008-04-27

Happy Birthday J9!!!

Wow!!! We have some April birthdays!! Todays is Janine's (J9) birthday! I wish I was in J-actionville to celebrate with you, even though you are younger!!! You are such a sweetie and I hope you are having a great time and I miss you!! Love, Kitty

Babies, Boozing and Naps!

Our friends Matt and Kim are here this weekend!! Everyone including Cooper and Bailey (their weimaraner) are napping (too much food and booze for the boys at 4pm . . . they are getting old) and I am up and thought I would post some pictures from today!! Kim and I are both pregnant except she still looks skinny!!!! Lucky, it is crazy how pregnant I look and feel just in these last 2 weeks!! I am at 26 weeks and she is at 14 weeks!!! We have had fun comparing notes and I am stating for the record I think she is having a girl (and Caroline is having a boy), we will see how good I am at guessing!! We are trying to talk them into taking us to see the movie Baby Mama while they are here!! We will see if they cave to even more baby stuff!!

Happy Birthday To Chloe!!

It is Chloe's 4th birthday today!!!!!! Not only is she the cutest and sweetest thing in the world but she is the coolest!! She will be all dolled up because she is such a girly girl but will want to play with dinosaur's and sharks!! She has a heart of gold which just gets bigger every year and we are so blessed to have her in our lives. I still remember the first day I met her when she was only a couple of months old . . . with her little trumpet socks! It seems just like yesterday! We love you Chlo-Chlo!!! Love, Aunt Kitty and Uncle Jeff (Uncle Jeff says "GOOOOOOOOOOO")