Its been too long.

I can't believe a year has almost gone by. It is a bitter sweet moment, I am so excited and blessed to have made it to a year with such a good baby.

Medical updates: Harper is doing so well! I couldn't be a prouder momma. He is eating really well, despise the tube still in. He is crawling everywhere and into everything. He is off oxygen and growing so big. He is jabbering and acts like he's talking. He cracks me up every day. His new thing is to listen on the phone for Daddy. 

Here are a few pics of the latest going on in the Rich Family.

We had a friend of ours take our family pics for a Christmas card, it was hectic trying to get the tube out and getting pictures taken but I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. (I know, I'm a psycho mom for pulling his tube out for pics and then putting it back in....)

We had our first get away with this little guy down to St. George with our good friends Josh and Dana Dunyon. We had a blast and Harper had his first kiss with the cutest girl around! Stud already. (Bonus= she's an older women)

Our first trip to see the lights at Temple Square with Harps

First time sitting up at Harper's cousins house. We were so excited!

I love this two boys, and who can resist that laugh and smile on the little one

New Year's Eve with Pop-pop

Cardiologist check-up, took him off oxygen. Such a good big boy

My birthday was a blast. I was able to stuff my face with yummy food and take a weekend trip with my parents down to St. George to see family and the Home Show. (It's what I love, I know CRAZY!)

These two fight over toys, but I'm worried because I think Harper really wants to be a dog when he grows up. He learns too much from Lucy.

So I'm introducing you all to someone very special in our family. This sweet boy was in the same room at Primary's when Harper was flown up there. They were together 10 days before they switched rooms. Look how good Bronco looks. I was able to get in touch with his Mommy and he is doing so good. It is so nice to hear of these amazing warriors and they're success so far out from surgery. It is so nice to know sometimes that moms go through the same struggles and heartache as we have. He is a special boy and he has been an inspiration to us. They share the same defect, but Harper's hole is obviously larger so we had to take another route. This family helped lift us in dark times and help us understand what to expect as a parent. We love them and will ever be grateful for their friendship and their sweet boy, Harper's first friend. 

Harper's first time crawling. We were just playing and all the sudden he just went. I couldn't be a happier mommy. It was a special moment for me. He had been seeing a therapist to help him with his development. Once he crawled, I cancelled our next appointment and haven't gone back since. He isn't behind, he's right on track! (MDB)

We had our first trip away with Harper. We went to Arizona with Pop-pop. Harper's first airplane ride was amazing. He did so so good. Everyone kept coming up to us and telling us how good he did and what a good traveler he is. I agree. We were able to go to a little farm petting zoo for just a bit, Harper was a little unsure but loved touching all the animals there. 

While in AZ, we were able to see our good friend's baby boy Cooper. He is such sweetheart and already such a cutie. It was so good to catch up with Amanda and BJ our good friends. 

Our first time in the pool with Harps. He loved it. Couldn't get enough of the pool, every time we took him out he wanted back in. He kept trying to pick up the water and eat it....silly boy

I think I have been pumping way too long.... (need I say more)

We had an opportunity to go to Quinn's good friend's concert, Imagine Dragons. We used to go in Provo at the Velour to watch him, but I guess he's big time now. Most of my family was able to go, it was so fun to dance and have a good time. 

Harper was getting into trouble at Grandma Jod's house while we were away

Harper's first haircut by his Aunt Amber

Cute itty bitty bum bum

For some reason at Grandma Bev's house, Harper kept trying to get on his head... Silly boy

Growing up so fast, already looks like a little boy

Bike ride with Aunt Coley and cousin Lexi

He will hate us when he's older....

Grandma Jod took us all to the Hogle Zoo, such a great day. Harper loved the bears and the seals. My favorite were the giraffes. 

We had a fun day at the park with cousins on a warm spring day. We had a little picnic and played. Such a good day. Harper loves being outside, we missed a lot last year when he struggled with the heat, so we will live it up this year!

I just wanted to take a moment and remember how blessed I am. I have a happy, healthy, strong little boy. He amazes me every day. I can't get enough of him. He makes me laugh and cry, but most of all he's taught me what true love is. I couldn't have been through everything this year without my best friend. Andrew has been such a great strength to me and I couldn't have been the mother I am without his love, support, and encouragement through everything. 
One night I was watching this sweet boy sleep, I just thanked the Lord that he is healthy. I could see his chest rise and fall at a normal rhythm. It's a miracle he can breathe on his own, without oxygen. I have been so blessed, this little boy is so special and I couldn't be luckier to be his momma. 

Growing up...

Time is flying by. My little guy turned 6 months old. I can't believe it has already been one-half a year since I had this miracle. Harper is such a strong and funny boy. Lately, he has been feeling so much better. He is developing more and more physically everyday. We laugh at his sense of humor and personality he's developing. 

He is learning to sit up, eat baby fruit and veggies, and already gives us quite the personality. It is so fun to watch him grow up, but so sad to have time fly by so fast. 

Doctor updates. We met with Dr. Tani (cardiologist). He said Harper looks the best he has EVER seen him. His heart and lungs look the best they ever have, and he physically looks well. He looks and acts like a normal baby, he just has a few defects inside.
We met with the GI specialist. Unfortunately, we didn't find out anything new. We are very frustrated with his eating and feeding tube. No one seems to have any answers as to why he doesn't want to eat. We've wanted this tube out for a long time, but I don't see the end of it anytime soon. The more active Harper gets, the harder it is feeding him this way.
His therapy for his neck is going really well. We only have to go to therapy every 2 weeks now because he is doing so much better. His head seems to be getting a better shape now that he isn't laying down so much. His neck is also stretching more so he can look both ways without straining his neck. 

To say the least he's growing up. As for us, we just love being parents and watching this boy grow every day. When I seem to have a bad day, Harper just smiles and it makes everything gloomy disappear. He's such a light in my life. 

Can't get enough of this smile

First time he rolled over, he was very confused where he was to say the least 

6 month birthday

 We walked down to this cute pumpkin patch just down from our house to find they had already picked all the pumpkins for the year. We bought a few out of their trailer and headed back home. We snagged a pick of Harper's first pumpkin but it was getting late so the pics didn't turn out (sorry).

 Since it's hard taking a 6 month old trick or treating, we decided to have a party at our house. We just invited our families to come enjoy good food and treats. It was required to dress up, but as always you get the party poopers who don't dress up (aka Andrew). We had chili and lots of treats. Andrew claims he was a missionary on p-day but I beg to differ. Harper was a cute little lion and Lucy was Frankenstein. Lucy was so embarrassed to be dressed up, her costume didn't last long.

 Harper has figured out the lower half, but can't seem to get his arms out of the way. A little stink bug with his bum high in the air. He is rolling all over the place.

All of the kiddos got together at the park to have lunch. It was Harper's first time in the swing and he loved it. Lexi kept playing "peek a boo" and Harper laughed everytime. According to the scale at the park, Andrew is just over 5'6". We had to take a picture. He also pulled out his elementary recess sweater trick, tied around his waist. :)

Harper dressed up for the election even though we didn't get out that day to vote. Andrew voted for the family I guess...

He is loving some sweet potatoes. I love this boy...

We had the chance to go up to the farm again. Harper got to spend some fun time with the cousins. Everyone ended up being sick though, so we spent most of the time indoors. Harper loves playing with his cousins. As you can tell, Brecken is loving Harper as well. I can already tell these two boys are going to be trouble together.

Once again, I slack on updating this blog. In the meantime, we will be enjoying and loving on this boy as much as possible. Never knew I could love someone or something so much as this boy. I love being a mom.

I guess since it is November, just before Thanksgiving, I better give thanks. I am so grateful for the little family I have. They bring me so much joy, happiness, and love in my life. I am thankful for a loving husband who treats me so well. I don't know how I got so lucky... I am grateful for the friends and family who surround, support, and love us. I am grateful for the Lord and all he has blessed me with and His sacrifice for me.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL! 

Slacking...

First, I want to apologize for slacking. We have been enjoying the time we've had with our sweet boy. I guess I have been putting this off because there is so much to update (but if I would do it more often, there wouldn't be so much...).


Harper is such a trooper. 

Lately, we have had a ton of doctor appointments and check ups. He had his 4 week post-op check up and they were pleased with how well he was doing. They were able to take him off the oxygen during the day. He only has to put it on at night, just as a little boost in case he falls asleep a little too deep. :) 

We were also told he could catch up on his vaccinations and shots. It's important Harper keeps up on these, we don't want to catch any sickness or infection going around. Shots aren't fun. Harper gets a little sick with shots so it was hard for him to bounce back after those.


Our big boy was weighing in at 15 lbs 12 oz and 27 inches long at 5 months!  


We also met with an Orthopedic Therapist because we were concerned with a flat spot on his head. The therapist is working with us to stretch out his neck on one side. If we can get him better before 6 months, hopefully he won't have to wear the hideous helmet.

Lastly, we met with a Speech Therapist to help with his feeding. He is doing good with food orally. He acts like he really wants the bottle, it just hurts to eat. So they think Harper has a bigger problem with reflux than we had originally thought. We see a GI (stomach) specialist the end of this month to see if we can help him feel better when he eats. We figure if he feels better, he will eat better and we can get that stupid feeding tube out. Fingers crossed. 


Other than these minor things, Harper is doing really well. We have enjoyed every minute with him. It is so great to be home and see him progress. 

Harper's 6 week post-op mark will be on Tuesday. This means his incision and bone has healed from the surgery enough to start activities with him. 

Harper has already shown signs he is feeling better. He rolls to his side (not all the way over yet), he sits on our lap and looks around. His favorite is to watch football with dad or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the morning. We are trying to strengthen his legs, because of surgery he is a little behind in some things. 

 

Such a happy boy after everything he's been through. Couldn't be a prouder Mommy

 

Lucy and Harper are best buds. She lets him grab and pull. She licks his toes and he smiles. Best friends for life.

 

Grandma Bev came to visit after his shots because he was having a rough time. It's always good to have Grandma come and help out a little.

Andrew's birthday. Turned 27! We had his family down for dinner. His mom made his favorite beef burgundy, I made him a carrot cake. For his birthday, I got him a remote starter for his truck. He loves not having to get into a cold truck on those chilly mornings.

 

We love these jammies! So cute for Halloween, our little bones

 

He puts everything in his mouth.... even toes! Mmmmm 

One fall Sunday afternoon, we took a drive up the Provo Canyon and decided to go on a stroll at Bridal Veil Falls. It was so pretty. I love the fall and I love the Provo Canyon in the fall, it is breathtaking. 

 He eats books

 

Harper was showing off his new kicks "Pop-pop" Rich got him...

Andrew went hunting up to Deseret with his Dad and Josh for a weekend. He shot an elk. So proud

Dana and Bella came to stay with us while Andrew was hunting. So much fun to spend time with them. We went to our favorite place, Cubby's

 First weekend in October, we were able to finally go up to the farm after surgery. Harper loved riding in the tractor and looking at all of Grandpa Alan's toys. We loved spending time on the farm during sugar beet harvest.

                                            

 At night, Harper was fed continuously through his feeding tube on a pump. It would release so much milk every hour. That way we wouldn't have to spend our nights up feeding him. 

When we were in Idaho, we forgot some supplies for the pump. We decided to see how he did throughout the night without food. He slept the whole night without waking up. 

We got home and decided since he didn't need the pump, he didn't need to sleep in our room anymore. We put him in his crib for the first time, he loved it and has slept soundly every night since. He loves his room and his crib. So happy to have our room back. 

I can't believe how much my little boy is growing up. He changes every day. I love spending every minute with this sweet boy. He makes me so happy and I never thought I could love anything more.