Harper spent the day at "Lola Jon Leo Maria house" today because Darren and I had to work and daycare was closed. We are insanely lucky to have our Sklaburton family in DC. Who else has friends like this who literally take your child to hang out all day, anytime it's needed in a pinch?! Feeling so grateful.
And Harper had the absolute best day ever. These two make my heart explode.
Between the Christmas party at Gladys' (and Gladys-gifted tea set!), "REAL Santa" with the Faulkners (not into Santa), and gingerbreading with Leo and Caroline (very into the eating, not so much the decorating), this girl is ready for Christmas!
Harpers current response when asked what's in mama's belly. 35 weeks!Â
Harper and I had an extra 45 minutes together the other morning because I had a doctor's appointment. A few times, things became eerily quiet as I was getting ready, and I discovered these things happening:Â
"Bruno sit! Here. Play!"Â
"Mama, my go on adventure." (With all of the baby brother clothes, gift bags, and toys I could assemble in my caravan.)Â
It's impossible to imagine compressing any more fun into 36 hours. Christmas tree and train viewing, tubby-time and hair time with best friends, and Medieval times! (What better way to celebrate a 38th birthday?)
Until next time, Old Ebbitts!Â
A cool, crisp, quiet Sunday morning at the zoo was just what this family needed to round out a lovely and busy Thanksgiving weekend.
"SEAL!"Â
We had the absolute best time with the Rays and Quinns on Saturday, complete with Christmas markets and trains, bags of "favorite things" passed down with love (a real Cabbage Patch doll!), and nonstop giggles. Harper was smothered with love in all the very best ways, and my heart was so full after a day spent with these dear older sisters of mine and their little ones. Little John and Jack apparently asked if they are Harper's cousins. The answer is, of course! 💖
Great friends, family, beautiful weather, all day team cooking and toddler playing, delicious food and the best excuse to dress up our table. We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving and have so much to be thankful for.
Harper wasted no time declaring, "my need him. My hold him." A preview of what's to come...Â
We took a blustery walk this weekend to get some air and exercise to break up a cold afternoon spent mostly indoors. Harper's love for fetch and leaves are boundless.
A year ago today, and today.
With weekend travel plans and next week's work travel cancelled due to bronchitis and the flu sweeping through the Fernandez household, we hunkered down for a no-plans family weekend when it was really just what was needed. After the emotional rollercoaster of last week, I made an effort to tune out the news and social media and focus on the little ball of joy in front of us. We managed to get out for a few outings in between long and necessary family naps, and we soaked in all the innocent, boundless happiness that Harper has to offer.
The weekend was the best reminder that despite all of the vulgar, depressing, swirling events associated with this election and its aftermath, and despite my own anxiety about what this will mean for me professionally, we are truly lucky. We will do what we can in the next four years to keep fighting for what's right, to teach Harper and munchkin #2 about values, respect and diversity. We will laugh and play and visit the seal and the turtles and the swings and the pool. We will commit to optimism, even when it feels downright impossible.
Mostly, we will hold this family tight.
This week's election and a rough bout of bronchitis (the two are correlated) have driven blog posts to a grinding halt. I'm still processing what it means that our country elected Donald Trump, but in the meantime, I want to be sure to capture what was still and will forever be a very proud moment for me: casting my vote for the first female Presidential nominee - someone I am endlessly inspired by - with Harper by my side. Obviously, this was the one day when our munchkin decided she did NOT want to take a photo. She could be heard saying "no cheese mama!" while strategically placing our voting stickers on my cheeks, my nose, and her face. More to come. #werestillwithher.
