The Harry House

Sawyer's first bath at home

2009-01-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Sawyer got his first bath at home tonight. As you can see at first he was not to crazy about it, but as time went on he actually enjoyed it. I just love the photos of him wrapped up in his towel. He is a great snuggle bug.

GranGran and GranDaddy meet Sawyer

2009-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Sawyer did great his first night home. He woke up about every 2 1/2 to 3 hrs ready to eat and be changed. Daddy had diaper duty and Mommy had nursing duty. I am so proud of Michael, he did great and we are proving to be a pretty great team.

Due to the icy weather GranGran and GranDaddy couldn't come up to see baby Sawyer until today. Thank you Uncle Wayne and Aunt Joyce for bringing them.

GranDaddy with Sawyer

GranGran and Sawyer

Four Generations

Mommy and Sawyer

Going home

2009-01-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

Sawyer and I are doing so great we got to go home today.

Dressed and ready to go

Outside our room. We had such a wonderful birth experience we would definately recommend St. Vincent's Hospital.

Barkley meeting the newest edition to the family.

Barkley already proving to be a great big brother.

One day old

2009-01-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

Sawyer turns one- one day old. He's only been here just a few hours and we are already smitten. He is doing great! He is proving to be a professional eater, sleeper and pooper.
Daddy's first diaper change

Burp time

Pappa and Sawyer

Sawyer and mommy doing kangaroo care

Sawyer's big debut

2009-01-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

With excitement... baby Harry has joined our family. We checked into the hospital at noon on Sunday shortly after my water broke as we arrived at church Sunday morning. We spent a few hours in our birthing room with family before the main contractions kicked in. Of course after I began to experience a few of the longer and stronger contractions we made the call for the epidural which I gratefully enjoyed for the next few hours. At 8:30pm, we were all shocked when suddenly the nurse asked if I was ready to push. The family quickly retreated to the waiting room while Michael and I prepared for the big moment and after a short and speedy labor, we are pleased to announce his arrival.

Sawyer Rhodes Harry
January 4, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Weight: 7lb 2 oz
Length: 20 in.

The day before

2009-01-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

Upon waiting baby Harry's arrival, Michael and I decided to have a date night to celebrate our last days of freedom. Little did we know our wish came true and baby Sawyer came the following day. Earlier in the day we decided to take a few maternity photos since we hadn't thus far. Here is a few that I played around with the editing.

Where is baby Sawyer?

2009-01-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

Michael and I are so anxious for baby Sawyer's arrival we just can't stand it. I know the family is equally excited and ready for him to be here. On Tuesday Michael and I had our appointment with Dr. Cope and he reported I am dilated to 3 cm and already 70% effaced. So right now it is just a waiting game. The other good news Dr. Cope reported was that since my body has done a lot of work already he feels labor will go relatively quickly. I am definitely thankful for that! I just pray that the family is able to make it on time, but other than that he is welcome to come just as they get settled. My actual due date is not until January 10th, but the bets are out that he will come a little early. Not as early as most predicted, but come on guys if you really know me, you know that the chances of this baby coming early or on time are pretty slim to none. Lets just hope that Sawyer has his father's since of time.
We love everybody and will update you as soon as he arrives, in the mean time, continue to keep us in your prayers.

Here are a few 38 week photos to enjoy.

I must of heard something funny.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas.....

2008-12-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

That's right this year we continued our tradition and celebrated Christmas on three different occasions. We had Christmas at our house this year since we didn't know when Sawyer's arrival was going to take place and we thought it would be the best idea to be as close to the hospital as possible. The following day, we drove down to Uncle Johnny's cabin to celebrate the Hooks family Christmas and December 27th we celebrated the Rhodes family Christmas at GranGran and GranDaddy's. We had such a great time getting to see everyone and being able to spend a little time to catch up. We are looking forward to next year when we will have Sawyer to enjoy in the fun.
Christmas at Ashley and Michael's

GranGran, Ashley and GranDaddy

Don

Sassy, Momma D and Nanoo

Betty

Michael showing off his daddy diaper bag and the tongs used to dispose of dirty diapers.

Vickie is very excited with her new color changing pen set that has a clock, temperature gauge and calendar.

Hooks family Christmas

Vickie, Shannon, Michael, Ashley (Sawyer), Pappa and Sassy

Uncle Johnny, Sassy, Uncle Robin and Nanoo

Jim, Sara, Johnathan, Uncle Robin, Aunt Sandra, LuLu and Pokie

Garrett, Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Johnny, Tim, Tara, Savanah, Brittany and Carter

Rhodes family Christmas

Aunt Shannon and Ashley

Sassy, GranGran and GranDaddy

Kristen, Clayton and Uncle Wayne- Congratulations Kristen and Clayton on your engagement we are all so happy for the two of you.

Pappa, Michael and Vickie

Greenwood baby shower

2008-12-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

December 13th was the date for the baby shower in Greenwood. Thank you to the many hostess that made it a success- Ashley, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Brown, Janet, Holly, Angela, MaryAnn, Nicole, Story and Mrs. Rush. It was absolutely fabulous, definitely full of food, fellowship and fun. It is so much fun having baby Sawyer around the holidays and being able to see Ashley's gorgeous new home decorated for Christmas.

One thing my showers were not short of was delicious food.

Gifts

Guest

Mrs. MaryAnn telling the Saint Giraurd story

My best friends from high school

All of Sawyer's too cute gifts!

Bible study shower

2008-12-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

The second shower on December 9th was hosted by my bible study. Thanks to Jennifer for hosting at your beautiful house and Jenny for helping out with the food. Everything was fabulous and I am so greatful to have you ladies in my life.
Jennifer, Ashley and Jenny

More yummy food. I was so full from the first shower I wasn't that hungry for the second. O.K. if I am being honest, I probably ate about 6 (or 7) of those delicious sausage stars and two pieces of cake.

Fabuolous guest

Sawyer's sweet gifts

CVICU baby shower

2008-12-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

December 9th I was blessed with two baby showers in one day. The first was at the hospital in the CVICU breakroom. Thank you to the wonderful hostess- CVICU APNs, Cindy, Heather, Stacey and Shannon- I have never seen the breakroom look so good. Thanks to everybody that was able to attend prior to and after the code, who says healthcare professionals can't multitask.
Yummy shower food

The delicious cake and gifts

Profile at 35 weeks

A couple of photos of the guest

All of the fabulous gifts outside of the packages. If you pay close attention, you can get a sneak peak of Sawyer's room in the background.

Michael gets dunked

2008-11-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

November 30th, Michael makes a public profession and gets baptised. I am so proud of him and everything he has worked through to get to this huge step in his life. We are so thankful to those who were able to attend and wanted to let you know that you play a very special role in our lives. Michael, I love you and I am so unbelievably proud of you.
It was so special for Michael to be baptised by one of his closest mentors. Thanks Jim, we greatly appreciate everything you have done for the both of us.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

WARNING, the picture quality is going to get a lot better. On Thanksgiving, Momma D presented Michael and I with a wonderful gift of a really nice camera. Michael and I really wanted one and we are so excited to be able to capture baby Sawyer (and everyone else) at their best. We are so greatful for this wonderful gift that will allow us to cherish the most precious moments in our life.
Here are couple of Michael's first photos with the camera. I have to say, I am pretty impressed.

Thanksgiving at GranGran and GranDaddy's
GranGran

Michael flexing for the camera as Shannon is trying not to laugh out loud.

Yes, the pregnant one gets to make her plate first.

Michael and GranDaddy

Ashley, baby Sawyer and food baby

Shannon and Sassy getting GranGran and GranDaddy's house ready for Christmas

Hot Springs Thanksgiving

2008-11-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

Michael and I went to Hot Springs Village to celebrate Thanksgiving with Moma D, Betty and Uncle John. Here are a couple of profile shots Moma D took at 33 weeks.

4D Ultrasound # 2

2008-11-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

At 32 weeks we tried to take Sawyer's picture again. We tried and tried and tried some more, but baby Sawyer really does not want us to get a sneak peak prior to his big debut. This time he was facing up, but the umblical cord and placenta was in the way and there was not enough amniotic fluid in between them to get a clear photo. Our ultrasound technician offered to try again at 34 weeks, but we decided that baby Sawyer hasn't reavealed himself thus far and we would be happy to wait to see him in person.

4D Ultrasound

2008-11-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

On November 3rd we went for our 4D ultrasound at 30 weeks. Sweet baby Sawyer was facing down and just a little too active to get really good shots. Here are a couple that if you are really creative, you can figure it out. We appreciate our ultrasound technican for really trying hard to get a clear picture and appreciate the offer to try it again in 2 weeks. In the first one he is facing to the right with his hand up and the second one he is facing to the left.

Here are a couple of traditional ultrasound photos.
Feet

Still a boy!

Our little pumpkin baby shower

2008-11-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

November 1st was our first baby shower. It was too cute! Thank you to the wonderful hostess Jennifer, Jana, Mrs. Byrd, Shannon and Vickie. Everyone came dressed up and looked absoultely fabulous. Thanks to everyone that that attended and participated.

Everything was decked out including the food. Below our a couple of photos of some of the goodies. Jana's yummie mummies, Shannon and Vickie's too cute baby carriage fruit collage, the fabulous cupcake cake and and Jennifer's famous peanut butter balls and oreo balls.

Ashley and Micheal or better known as Marilyn Monroe and JFK

Here are a couple of photos of the wonderful guest.

A couple of pirates (Shannon and Vickie) with GranGran and GranDaddy.

Sassy and Pappa or Don Jauan and his lovely senorita.

Michael and Momma D.

This was a special gift from Betty (Michael's grandmother) that was unable to make it. This rocking horse was Micahel's when he was a little boy that his father made and Betty put a unique touch with her artwork.

Doughnuts, doughnuts and more doughnuts. Here is a picture of the delicious party favors.

Profile shot

2008-10-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the first profile shot of the pregnancy. I am 27 weeks along. Please excuse the exhausting look on my face, this picture was taken after a crazy 12 hr shift.

Baby Harry's first Razorback game

2008-09-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Baby Harry went to his first Arkansas Razorback football game September 6th against Louisiana- Monroe. It was a close one, but we were able to pull out a win. Here are a few photos from the game at 22 weeks pregnant.

21 Week Ultrasound

2008-09-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

The votes are in and half are right. September 3rd we had a double treat. We had our 21 week ultrasound to find out what we were having and it was mom's birthday. He is absolutely georgeous. We are so happy. Everything that was supposed to be closed was closed and everything that was supposed to be open was open. We were so glad to share this wonderful experience with my family and so sorry Mama D and Betty couldn't make it due to Gustav's aftermath. Thanks to everyone that voted.

Sassy, Ashley, baby Harry and Pappa anioxiously awaiting the ultrasound.

Ashley and Michael acting silly while we wait.

Ashley, baby Harry and proud aunt Shannon.

Here is his sweet profile. His hands are the two big dots up top. We haven't decided if he is going to grow up to be a boxer or if he is in party mood ready to raise the roof.

It's a boy

Here is the "money shot." Just in case, you can't see it, the arrow is pointing to it. Check out those healthy looking thighs on each side.

Thanks for everyone praying for the health of me and the baby. I feel great and the baby is doing wonderful, keep them coming.

World traveler take two

2008-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Baby Harry isn't here yet and is already a continental playboy. We had such a wonderful time in China! The Olympics, Great Wall of China and Terra Cotta warriors where my favorite highlights just to name a few.

Ashley, baby Harry and local mother and daughter inside the Forbidden City. It was so cute that the Chinese people wanted to take pictures with people from different countries. Baby Harry and I felt like celebrities.

Micheal inside the Forbidden City.

Michael and I on ski lift up to the top of The Great Wall of China.

Michael and I on The Wall.

A portion of The Great Wall of China. I included this picture to show everyone how long and steep the wall can be and yes to brag a little bit on myself. We climmed up 18 out of 23 guard towers while I was 18 weeks pregnant and we would have climmed more except they were blocking off that portion for President Bush's arrival.

USA Women's basketball game

Ashley, Vickie, Michael and Shannon with the man who discovered the Terra Cotta Warriors.

The Terra Cotta Warriors

Michael and the man who made him two custom suits, four custom shirts and one custom overcoat in a matter of two days. They look great on him! I love this picture because it also shows the Chinese faviorite hand signal- the peace sign.

USA Men's basketball game

USA Men's soccer game

14 Week Ultrasound

2008-07-19T14:47:00.001-07:00

14 weeks and 4 days

Wow, can you believe it. The first trimester is over and we are ready for round two. Baby Harry is getting so big! For those of you who are not a professional at reading ultrasounds, the baby's head is on the left and is facing down.

Michael and I had our first OB appointment this week and it was surreal. It was pretty much a usual GYN exam with added labwork and urine samples. The best part of our visit was taking another peak at our little baby. I was extremely excited to have a transabdominal ultrasound. Hopefully the days of invasive va jay jay ultrasounds are over!!!!! Everything looks good so far and we couldn't be happier. Our next visit is in 3 weeks, the day before we leave for China. I will be 17 weeks and 2 days and we are hoping to find out if we are having a boy or a girl. The anticipation is killing us. So, in the meantime, we thought it would be fun to have a survey for everyone to post there guesses.

10 Week Ultrasound

2008-06-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Baby Harry at 9 weeks and 6 days.

Micheal and I knew the baby was growing, but we had absolutely no idea by how fast. The baby's huge head is on the far left and you can see the two arm buds on each side. It was a joyous event to get to hear the heartbeat again and it has rapidly increased to 170 beats/min. What a wonderful surprise to see the baby move. We had no idea this would happen so early. It made us so happy to see the baby has two arm buds, two leg buds and they both moved.

The best news about this appointment is that we have finally been cleared to see our OB Doctor. Adios Arkansas Fertility Clinic.

Nicole's wedding

2008-06-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

On June 21st my good friend Nicole got married. Michael and I are so happy for her. Here are a couple of photos at the wedding while I was 11 weeks pregnant.

World Traveler- Puerto Vallarta

2008-05-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

Since Michael and I put our lives on hold the last couple of years, we planned two trips this year back in December. One to Puerto Vallarta with the family and one to China with Shannon and Vickie for the Olympics. Little did we know that we were going to be blessed with baby Harry so he was along for the ride. The trip went very well and I was so happy to be able to travel 7 weeks pregnant without any major sickness. However, it will be a long time before I even want to look at shrimp.
We were so happy that mom and dad's life long friends Gary and Sally Cullor were able to come with us. We had such a great time catching up and hope to make this an annual event.
Pappa and Sassy at Cafe de'Ola

Nanoo

Gary and Sally

Ashley and Michael celebrating our 4 year anniversary

Pappa's belated suprise 60th birthday party.

6 Week Ultrasound

2008-05-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Baby Harry at 6 weeks, 6 days

This is the very first picture of baby Harry. I know it doesn't look like much, but it looks absolutely beautiful to Michael and I. What a wonderful treat to hear the baby's heartbeat beating strong at 120 beat/min, especially on Michael's birthday.

Since we were considered "infertile," (ha, we showed them) the clinic wanted to follow us a little bit closely. I had a little light bleeding at the beginning of the week and they moved our appointment up several days. What a scary time! Our follow up appointment that week was great and we got to enjoy hearing baby Harry for the second time. Everything was cleared for us to go on vacation, but we were advised to find a Doctor in Mexico "just in case" anything happens. Thank you to all our friends and family that prayed for us. We truly feel blessed.

Paws on the pavement

2008-05-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Michael, Barkley and I participated in paws on the pavement this year. We all had a great time, but the heat was just a little too much for newly pregnant (6 weeks) mommy.
Barkley and Michael

Ashley, baby Harry and Barkley

Barkley showing off his newly made reversible bandana made by mommy

The famous pee stick picture

2008-05-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here it is in all of its glory. Micheal and I just couldn't believe it, so it took about 5 sticks to help convince. Excessive amount I know, but after years of negatives even on ovulation sticks, it was actually fun.