Harper's FIRST Swim Lesson...

Last week Harper started swim lessons.  We weren't sure what to expect considering she is only 7 months old.  The kids in her class are between 6 months and 2 years old.  It was the highlight of my week to watch my little girl swim with her Daddy in the water.  They both did a great job.  Harper was a little hesitant at first but she warmed up and did great.  We can't wait for next week's lesson!  

A little scared at first and staying close to Daddy

 Swimming with her boat

 Back pedaling

 Pushing off the side of the pool

 Happy after the first lesson.  Time to get out of the pool! 

A special thanks to her Daddy for going in the pool.  We LOVE you! :) 

Harper is 7 Months Old...

Harper is now 7 months old.  She is growing like a little pumpkin.  

Updates...

1. Harper sits by herself at all times.  She'd prefer to be sitting so she can look around and explore. She eats her bottles sitting up.  

2. Harper now sits in highchairs at restaurants and shopping carts while shopping. 

3. She now uses the #4 flow nipples because she is such a good eater. 

4. Harper has tried a few more solid foods.  She self fed herself some bananas.  Self feeding is hard work.  

5. She started to brush her teeth.  Her Grandpa Jim would be so proud! He will have to teach her as she gets older.  Right now she just chews on the toothbrush.  

6. She rolls constantly and tries to rollover and grab at things around her.  When you catch her she will stop and giggle at you.  

7. She will push off on your hands while sitting to pull herself up and stand. She loves to stand with your assistance. 

8. Harper will lay on her belly and use her legs to move.  She sometimes uses one leg and spins in a circle.  As soon as she figures out how to use both legs she will be crawling/scooting.  We better baby proof the house! 

9. She eats solid foods twice per day.  She will be starting 3 times per day this week. 

10. She LOVES to look at herself in the mirror.  

11. Harper is still wearing 3-6 month clothes.  She is a little too small for 6-12 months.  

12. She shakes her head back and forth if you ask her a question.  It's like she is saying NO.  It's hilarious.  If you ask her a question -  Are the badgers going to win today? - don't expect her to predict a win! ;) We will need to work on saying YES! 

Happy Hour with Nana Rosa

 First time sitting in a high chair at a restaurant

 This menu/coloring book looks like fun

 A wild night at Menards

 Brushing my teeth with my banana tooth brush

 Bundled up for a bike ride with Mommy and Daddy

 I love riding in my special seat.  My Daddy does a great job pulling me on his bike.  

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins...

Everyone has been asking me about my delicious pumpkin muffins.  I found this recipe on Pinterest.  It is actually a Weight Watchers recipe.  It is only 58 calories per muffin and makes about 20-24 muffins.  

Here is the recipe...

1 box of spiced cake (I've used spiced cake and vanilla...some reviews said to try chocolate)

1 can of pumpkin

Mix ingredients together.  Bake for 24 minutes @ 350 degrees.  

The first time I tried the recipe it said a cup of water is optional.  I tried it with the water and after a day or two the muffins got soggy.  So the 2nd time around I didn't add the water and on a few of the muffins I sprinkled in some mini chocolate chips.

These muffins are so yummy and guilt free!! Happy baking :) and Happy FALL :)
Cara

Great Grandma Helen Hinrichs' Pickles...

We recently made a batch of Scott's Grandma Helen's pickles.  They are delicious "no cook" pickles.  We used the cucumbers from our garden. They should be ready to eat by the end of the week.  Harper helped...

Helping to shake the pickle jars...

 Wow...these look tasty!

 Cheesin'...

One of the reason we LOVED the name Harper is because it is a double H - Harper Hinrichs.  Harper's Great Grandma had a double H too - Helen Hinrichs. 

Introducing Carter Anthony Reneau...

Carter Anthony Reneau arrived fashionably late (10 days late) on Tuesday, August 28th.  Carter was 7lbs 14oz and 21 inches long.  We went down to visit Carter and his parents after he was born.  He is absolutely adorable and we can't wait to visit with him soon.  Congrats to Juice and Erin on their little bundle of joy!

The End of Summer...

We are sad to say goodbye to a wonderful summer.  We had a very low key 3 day Labor Day weekend.  Friday night we celebrated Bridget's Birthday, Saturday was the first Badger home Football game, we spent time with the Bowar's and Dooley's on Saturday night, Sunday a trip to the pool, and Monday was a lazy day around the house.  We are excited for Fall and cooler weather...

Happy Labor Day from Harper!

 Family Photo at the Badger Game

 Check out my mini foam finger...

 Sitting in Erin and Monica's "bear chair" at the Bowar house

Harper has been attempting to "sell feed" herself.  She has experimented with avocado and puffs.  Here are some pictures of her eating her puffs.  It's really funny to watch her.  

Eating my puffs...

 I have a few puffs on my bib...

Kirby and Harper having a stare down - Kirby wants the puffs! 

 Swimming with Daddy...

 This is so much fun!

 Swimming...

Stoltz Cabin @ Summit Lake

This past weekend we headed North to Summit Lake.  It's about 3 hours straight North from Madison.  It was nice to have a short drive.  Kyle, Alex, Adam, and Carissa were up at the lake when we arrived after work on Friday.  You can't go up North without a trip to a fish fry so we did that upon arriving.  The boys went out to the up north bars and to Scott's favorite - "Our Place" - aka Larry's - where the short beers are $0.75 and the tall beers are $1.00.  We spent Saturday on the boat, shopping in town, drinking, and hanging out with friends.  It was a great weekend! We miss Kyle and Alex but we hope to see them soon...

I only took 2 pictures all weekend...enjoy! 

The calm waters on Summit Lake

 Harper wishing her Auntie Bridget a Happy Birthday from up North.  

Harper 6 Month Update

On Monday, August 13th, Harper had her 6 month check up.  I was so proud of my little pumpkin, she took the shots like a champ! She barely cried and smiled at me as soon as she was done.  She's so tough!

Height = 25.75 inches (43%)

Weight = 15lb 12.2 oz (43%)

Head Circumference = 43.3 cm (76%) 

I can't believe how big she is getting.  Her weight and height growth dropped a little over the last 2 months.  No concerns with her stats right now.  She's been a little under the weather so that could be a factor in her minimal weight gain along with her being more active.  

1. Harper is almost sitting up by herself.  On Monday, August 13th she sat up by herself and I was able to snap a few pictures.  

2. She is constantly reaching for everything.  When she sits on my lap at the dinner table she tries to grab my food.  When she sits in her high chair she will grab at her food which can result in a giant mess.  She will reach at things in front of her during tummy time.  

3. She will put EVERYTHING in her mouth.  She constantly is pulling her pacifier out and then putting it back in.  

4. She rolls all the time now.  Back to front and front to back.  She will roll if she wants to grab something out of her reach. 

5. She is in love with her puppy and loves to get kisses. 

6. She likes to put her thumb in her mouth but she doesn't suck on it.  

7. She has tried rice cereal, sweet potatoes, squash, bananas, and green beans. She likes sweet potatoes and squash the best.  

8. Harper has learned cause and effect and knows that if she cries we will pay attention to her.  She loves to be held and knows that will be the result.  When Mommy is making dinner Harper is usually in the baby bjorn so she can be close by and involved.  

9. Harper is trying to use her hands with her new transitional sippy cup.  

10. Harper wears size 2 diapers, size 3-6 month clothes, and uses the #3 flow nipple on her bottles.   

11. Harper is very cuddly.  We love to snuggle and give kisses.  

Watching her grow everyday is incredible.  We are so in love with baby Harper Rose!

Helping Grandma Linda cook in the kitchen...

Starting early on the computer.  Grandma Linda's computer is so much fun! 

The Adventures of Harper Rose...

These past few weeks we've been very busy in the O'Hinrichs house.  My parents recently moved to a beautiful new condo in Middleton.  We were busy packing up the old house and then helping move into the new place.  The same weekend we were moving my parents, Harper got a nasty cold.  It took a week or so for Harper to feel better.  During the past few weeks I still managed to take lots of pictures...enjoy! 

Harper lookin' cute as a button

 Harper's first trip to the Monona Terrace

 Monona Terrace with Mama

 Harper flirting with Kirby.  She just learned how to pet Kirby and likes to feel her fur. 

 Mama & Harper after dinner

 Harper's first trip to the Capital and Farmer's Market

 Sitting outside after our long walk

 Hanging out before daycare in a new outfit from Nana Rosa

 I just discovered my tongue...look what I can do! 

 Playing with my food cover before dinner...

 After dinner...wearing the food in my hair, on my face, and all over my hands.  Yum!

 Harper got a package in the mail from Auntie Amy! 

Look at me - I'm trying my new transition bottle/sippy cup...

 This spoon is so much fun to play with...

 Some more of my favorites from our family picture session...

Scott and Harper

 Harper and Mama

 Hi Everybody!