Updated photos of Ashlyn

Here are some updated pics. I took these about 2 weeks ago but for some reason they wouldn't upload. I was trying to upload a sequence that shows Ashlyn go from happy to crying. It was just so sweet.

She is doing well. We have her 4 month check-up on the 4th of June, even though she'll be 4 months this coming week. We love her so much!

What's On Your Plate?

So I know that some of you make wonderful Sunday Dinners that might include a roast or stew, vegetables, and maybe some bread. Well seeing that Sam doesn't eat a lot and I don't like to put a lot of effort into a meal that only takes about 5 mins to eat, I decided on Twice-baked potatoes. If anyone else is itching for an easy meal to serve you'll definiitely like this. If you would like the receipe let me know. Can't wait for next Sunday, Josh will be home and I will probably do a roast and homemade bread w/veggies. Have a happy Sabbath!

One more week

Josh comes home next week. We are both excited! He was able to do his briefing today instead of on Thursday and they are hoping that his papers will clear processing within the next day or two. We will know more as soon as his papers come back. It could be as early as Tuesday but Josh said not to plan on Thursday or Friday. Either way we are happy to be able to be back together. We also will be able to spend our anniversary together (as long as everything goes like it's suppose to, cross your fingers) I can't believe we are going on 3 years! It seems so strange to think about but we are grateful for the wonderful relationship we have with each other and are excited to continue growing with each other.

Ashlyn is almost asleep thankfully which means I can go to bed soon, hooray! She's been pretty good the last 2 days but tonight she's been pretty fussy. My goal is to have her moved out of our room by the end of May and to be sleeping soundly through the nights. Right now she only wakes up once each night so it's pretty nice, especially where I'm the one getting up with her. I can't wait to have Josh back to help with that responsibility. We love Ashlyn very much and can't wait to see more of her personality come out. She is our joy!

Ashlyn's Past Week

Ashlyn hasn't been feeling well lately. I finally took her to the doctor. He feels that her tummy is just upset because she was constipated and then the laxative I gave her at my sister's house seemed to irritate her tummy a little. He's having me try a little bit of yogurt to see if that helps her. Her teeth are also giving her some discomfort so I'm grateful for tylenol. I can't wait for her to start feeling better. It's not fun to have a fussy little baby who isn't getting her sleep either. She has actually been really happy this morning thus far, which is nice. I give her a few days to get back to her sassy little self. Wish us luck!

End of May

Well it' looking like the end of May before Josh comes home. They said it will take about 4 weeks so that is the timetable we are looking at. Josh is just going to go back to school in the fall, he's got about 60 credits left before he graduates.

Ashlyn's 2 month appt

Well today we took Ashlyn in for her 2 month appt and we are happy to say she is growing and developing right on schedule. She weighed in at 11 lbs 3 oz and is 23 in. long. The doctor said she is in the 75th percentile for both height and weight. WE are hoping she gets Josh's height gene and it looks like she will, yeah! The only sad part of the appointment was that she had to get her shots. She actually did pretty well. I'm glad that our ped. makes the nurse's hold her down and lets the parent's comfort her. It makes it easier to calm her down and then she also doesn't get mad at mom and dad. She's actually been really happy and has only cried once since being home. She feels like she's getting a slight fever, which is to be expected, so we'll be watching her to make sure she's okay. Right now she's just laying on the floor watching her daddy play Halo with Uncle Neil and she's been talking and smiling like crazy. It's actually funny to watch her and listen to her as she discovers her voice. The other day it actually sounded like she was trying to laugh, it'll come in a little while, but it's funny to hear it slowly developing. She's also discovering her hands more and likes to take her plug out of her mouth and try to grab things like her blanket. WE love this little girl and are so grateful that she is blessing our home. As the months continue to go by it'll be fun to see her personality develop.
Well I'd post a picture of her with this post but I don't want to mess up the internet connection for the guys, so I'll have to post tomorrow an updated pic, hopefully of her smiling.

Update on Us

Well we are doing good up here in Rexburg, ID. We havenl't really been enjoying the snow or cold but we look forward to when it warms up. Josh has only 8 more days home, before leaving for basic. This week is just going to be getting him ready for basic and going to dr. appointments. Ashlyn will be 9 weeks on Tuesday and then will have to go to see Dr. Jones on Thursday for her 2-month appt and shots. Hopefully she does okay with the shots. She isn't one for going to the doc. so we'll just have to hope it goes good. My last day of work was going to be on Friday but they have asked me to stay on another week, due to training purposes. Well not much I can think of to say, so we'll post later. Hope you all have a wonderful Conference Sunday.

Pics from Cami

Photos Taken by Karen Anderson in Rigby,ID

We used Karen's services when Ashlyn was 3 weeks old. Karen did a great job. We are very pleased with her photos.

Ashlyn's Baby Blessing

Ashlyn was blessed on March 1, 2009 by her wonderful dad. It was a very special day for her. She was so proud of her dad for holding the Priesthood and being able to be worthy to give her the blessing from her Heavenly Father. She had lots of family come and support her on her big day and wanted to tell them all thank you for coming. She hopes to see you all soon.

Ashlyn at 1-2 weeks old

2 Wk Check-up

Today Ashlyn had her 2 week check-up with Dr. Jones. She has grown another inch so she is now at 21" and she went from 7 lbs 13 oz last week to 8 lbs 3 oz. For height she is in the 75th percentile and for weight she is in the 50th percentile. It seems so crazy that she's been in our lives for the last 2 weeks,but at the same time it seems like she's been here so much longer. She is eating about 3oz every 3 hours now. I'm working with her on getting her nights and days switched around, hopefully by next week we'll get it figured out. Ashlyn's cord also came off today, yeah! We are just so grateful that she is doing well and continuing to grow and develop. Pictures will be coming soon, we promise.

Surviving the first week and then some

Hello everyone,

I haven't posted since the pics but I wanted everyone know how Josh and I are surviving parenthood.

Ashlyn is doing great! She had her 1st DR appt. with Dr. Jones last Monday and was already back up to 7 lbs 13 oz (birth weight was 7 lbs 15 oz). She doesn't have anymore signs of jaundice and is eating a ton! She'll go in for her 2 wk check-up on Tuesday. She loves to sleep still and we haven't gotten her nights and days straight yet, therefore I'm not getting a ton of sleep, so if I'm on the grumpy side please forgive me. The last few days she has really figured out smiling and grasping her hands together. It's so cute! Luckily for me she doesn't dirty too many oneies or blankets in one day so the laundry isn't building up as fast as I've imagined, but the diapers are a different story. Josh is a little stressed at the moment, but that's understandable since he's working, school, doing the housework, and helping me out when I need it.

I'm doing better as well and seem to be healing at a good rate. I had my post-surgery check-up on Wednesday and everything is looking good. I'll go back in 4 wks to do my other check-up and then all restrictions will be off for me. I can even drive starting this coming Wednesday, if I can get in the car (I have to use a stepping stool at the moment to get in). I'm working on getting off my medicine too. I didn't think I could do it very easily but I haven't taken any medicine since 3pm yesterday (I take them every 4 hours, so I've skipped 4 pills already) and I'm going to see if I can make it until 3pm today. I'm becoming very mobile now and love to get out of the house when I can.

Well overall we are all doing well and can't wait to really be able to take Ashlyn out to see everyone.

In closing we would like to thank everyone who has brought us meals or who has come to visit or help out around our house.

WE hope you all have a super great day! 

More Family pics

Ashlyn has had many visitors and I'm sure she will continue to have visitors for a while. Aunt Chandi and Aunt Melissa are the ones in these photos.

Ashlyn with the Great Grandparents

Ashlyn with Grandpa & Grandma Craner and Grandpa & Grandma Rasmussen (Grandpa Dye's picture had a file error and Grandma and Grandpa Harmon haven't seen Ashlyn yet)

Ashlyn with Mom and Dad & Grandparents

Top left: Mom, Dad, & Ashlyn

Middle: Grandma and Grandpa Brown with Ashlyn

Bottom left:Grandma Harmon and Ashlyn (the picture with Grandpa Harmon had a file error so we'll post one later when we get it)

Ashlyn Paige Harmon

Ashlyn arrived on Tuesday Feb. 3, 2009 at 8:02 am. She weighed in at 7 lbs 15 oz and was 20 in long. She is absoultely perfect! Josh and I couldn't ask for a better gift. We can't tell yet who she looks more like, she's got a pretty even mix in her. We were able to come home from the hospital on Thursday afternoon. She did pretty well despite the fact that she didn't want to nurse. We finally ended up giving her a bottle and she downed it so fast. In about a 12-14 hour time period she went through 7 1/2 bottles and has been very content. She only woke up 3 times that first night home to eat or have a diaper change.We went back to the hospital to meet with the lactation consultant and were able to get Ashlyn to nurse again. Last night she only woke up once to eat. Luckily for me, my sister spent the night so I was able to sleep all night long, except for the 2 times my alarm went off for my medicines. Ashlyn is such a sweet baby and is so good. It's hard to think that she's here after so long sometimes, but at other times it's like she's been here the whole time. Josh and I are so grateful for this chance to be parents and we are excited to see how much she changes and grows. It's fun to see each little smile every day and to have her grab our hands. We know that it won't always be easy being the parent but it's going to be worth it.

Here are some pictures of our little sweetheart, I'll post some more tonight as well when she is awake.

Due to Request...

Well it's my last day being prego, actually less then my last 10 hours of being prego, and have had some requests to post a couple of pics. As one can see when I'm this big I don't have much options in the clothing department, so I'm sporting one of Josh's shirts. Please disregard some of my facial expressions, I was trying to finish the pc of bagel that I had in my mouth before Josh took the pics.

One More Day!

Josh and I just got home from running errands and being at the doctor and hospital. We saw Dr. Barton and sure enough Ashlyn is still breeched. After our appt he sent us up to the hospital to do our pre-op labs and pre-admission for tomorrows c-section, Dr. Barton will be doing the surgery. The only thing that would cancel our c-section is if the US that they do before we go into surgery shows that she suddenly changed positions, but those chances are really slim. We have to be to the hospital by 6 am and I'll go into surgery at 7. They predict that I'll then be in recovery for 2-3 hours before I get moved into a normal room and they allow visitors in. We are just so excited and a little nervous; luckily I have a wonderful husband who holds the Priesthood and who could give me a blessing, thanks Josh.

Well we've got a lot to do and a lot of rest to try and get before the big day. We will keep you all informed and we'll post pics and info tomorrow. We love you all and can't wait for you to meet our little Ashlyn.

Our Doctor's Appointment

WE just thought people would like to know about our dr. appt yesterday. Ashlyn is still breeched and we will go in again on Monday for an us to make sure the baby is doing well and is still breeched. If she is still breeched then we'll go over all of the paperwork and my lab work and we'll find out on Monday what time we need to be to the hospital on Tuesday. The doctor thinks that she's around 8 lbs already, so she could be around 8 1/2 lbs by next week. We'll keep everyone updated as we know more.

The Date is Set

Hello family and friends,

We just thought we'd let everyone know that Ashlyn will be arriving on Feb. 3rd, 2009 by c-sec. The only thing that would change that possibly is if obviously I go into labor sooner or my pain continues to get worse.

Our next appointment, the last one before Ashlyn arrives, will be on Tues. Yeah!

A Surprise Baby Shower

Can I just say that I work with some of the most amazing women in the world! They were so sweet and threw me a baby shower today. I was completely surprised, especially with the fact that I hardly ever leave my desk so I don't know how they planned it without my knowledge. I'm also surprised that Josh was able to keep it a secret from me. We had a lot of yummy food and everyone gave me a little piece of advice. I got the following things: baby gowns, onies, sleepers, socks, some outfits for when she is a little older, washcloths, a baby seat cover, blankets, skin products to pamper myself, booties, a cross-stitch for Ashlyn (when I get pics or the cross-stitch back I'll post it on the blog); a bottle and thermometer, some toys, and a few other things. Sorry ladies if I forgot anything ;) you know how spacey I can get being pregnant. Here are a few pics I took of the things I got. Again I will have to post later a picture of the cross-stitch and also the car seat cover, they are both so cute. Everything turned out so well. Again thanks again all of you wonderful ladies, I love you all and it meant a lot to me.

Some pics of the nursery

Ashlyn's comforter for her bedding set.

This blanket was done by Josh, Mother Harmon, and I.

Grandma Craner made the blanket on the left and Josh's mom, Josh and I did the one on the right.

Here is our closet we still need to organize it better. As one can tell we are well stocked in diapers.

Jan. 16th, Ashlyn's Baby Shower

Well tonight we had Ashlyn's baby shower at my sister's house. Bree you did a great job with it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Attendants were my mom, Bree and Jess, Grandma Craner, Aunt Brenda and Ashley,and Aunt Maxine; 2 of my friends were unable to attend along with some of my other sisters. The shower was more of an open house event, so people could come and go as they needed.

We got a lot of fun things. Lots of clothes, books, and other basic necessities( i.e, bottles, diapers,baby, washcloths and skin care products, a baby bather, etc) . I was really grateful for those who could come and support us. I also have some awesome sisters that sent gifts since they were unable to come up.

Mom and Grandma both put their skills to work and made really beautiful gifts. Mom made me Ashlyn's baby blessing dress. I can't believe how perfect it turned out. Grandma Craner also made a beautiful blanket. I know that Ashlyn will always treasure these gifts and keep them forever.

As a group we also tied a baby blanket, ate yummy treats (brownies, rootbeer floats and/or shertbert with 7-up), played a game, and just visited. It was a really nice evening.

Next week I'll have another baby shower with Josh's side of the family. Most of them couldn't come so my sister-in-law is throwing one so that they can make it.

Life is definitely great and changing quickly, but we look forward to all the many new challenges that come with becoming parents.

Again, thanks for everything.

Some pics of the things we got at the baby shower

Grandma Craner made this blanket for Ashlyn, I had to fold it in half because I couldn't get a good picture of it spread out on the couch.

Here are the outfits and other gifts that we received from the shower. SORRY the pics are great quality, my camera is being sort of weird.

My mom made this blessing dress this morning. Isn't it beautiful. The pics don't do it hardly any justice. My mom really is talented when it comes to things like this. I just can't believe that a masterpiece can be made in a day.

3 Weeks to Go!

Josh and I had our 36 week appt yesterday and found out that our little Ashlyn will be coming a week early. We are so excited and a little nervous. Ashlyn is continuing to grow on schedule but she is breeched and the placenta is too close to her that the doctor's don't feel comfortable trying to turn her; which means we will be doing a scheduled c-sec. At first it seemed a little nerve-racking but now I'm a lot more comfortable knowing that it will be planned. We'll find out at our next appt or the following when they will schedule me.

As for our every day life, it's going great, even though some days it feels hectic. Josh and I are both still working up at the hospital in medical records and Josh has started up the semester again. He seems to really be enjoying his classes. I'm staying busy with work and trying to rack my brain to make sure we have everything for Ashlyn.

Well we are excited for everything that is going on in our lives and the lives of those that we love. We hope you are all doing well. Have a great day!

Holidays gone and past

Hey everyone it was great to see you all at Christmas. We had a lot of fun playing games and just spending time with the family. Now that the Holidays are over it is time to take the next step in our lives, Ashlyn will be born in less than two months and we are so excited. We still have a ton of things to do and get before she is born. Today we are going to go to town and get a couple of the things we still need. School starts this next week, I think it is on the 7th, I am really excited by this time next year we will be on my internship and then only one more semester after that and then we will move to wherever my first job takes us most likely out of Idaho. Well hope everyone has a great new year. Love Jamie and Josh

Bring on the Holidays

WE are so excited for the holiday season, especially Josh since he's only got about 2 more weeks before the semester ends. I just love Christmas time! Drinking hot chocolate (and if Josh is lucky hot cider), the music, being with family and friends, and remembering our Savior's birth.
We can't wait to see all those who are able to come home for Christmas this year. From what I hear it sounds like mom and dad are going to have a full house.

Well I just want to take a minute and share our good news (or what I consider good news I guess)...

Josh is almost done with another semster, I didn't have to use PTO for Thanksgiving (thank goodness cuz I've got to have it for maternity leave), Josh's sister had her baby girl on Friday (9 lbs 20 in. Wholly Cow, that a big baby! :)), we only have a few more days before we get to finally meet little Ellie, and I'm down to 10 weeks left i(that is if everything goes well and if Ashlyn doesn't take after Ellie, lets hope not), and we are all done Christmas shopping this year for everyone.

Well have a great week!

Tis The Season

I just wanted to share our FHE activity with you all. Josh and I made a count down chain for Christmas, a gingerbread house, we read one of the accounts of Jesus's birth, and got out the decorations. Now our tree has been up for a couple of weeks already, so we didn't do it today. We just wanted to share it with you all.