Christmas 2012

 This was Harper's first Christmas. Even though we had the whole family together -- both girls and their husbands at my parents -- it appears the only photos we came away with were of baby Harper! That should not imply that we didn't enjoy seeing everyone.

The little elf herself

 

 

 

 

Lounging in her "Baby's First Christmas" pajamas
with a ribbon in her hair.

Conversing with Grandpa

With Mom and Copper

Being rocked to sleep by Grandma

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Grandparenthood

I suppose it's an occupational hazard for new grandparents to want to share baby pictures. I've been very conscious about not imposing them on people with whom I converse (unless, of course, someone asks to see them). But if you are one of the few who are reading here, I assume you have an interest. So just to keep you up to date, here are a few photos from the last month or so.

 

Sarah and Harper visited us for over a week at Thanksgiving. Above, at just more than one month old she is enjoying a bath in our kitchen sink. She loves the water. Perhaps she'll be a swimmer like her Mom?

 

We were all invited to a Christmas party at the home of Katherine's in-laws in the Twin Cities. Harper, of course, was the "belle of the ball" in her party dress (although she wasn't overly happy with getting it on). 

At two months she can hold her head up quite well, but she has been strong enough to lift her head, even from birth.

Sleeping through the night was a big victory (especially for her Mom). We can imagine that she's giving a big victory wave, even if it probably was just stretching.

We look forward to seeing Harper and her parents again at Christmas, and hope it's a happy holiday for all.

Harper's Baptism

We drove to Kansas City last weekend for Harper's baptism at her Daddy's home congregation. 

My parents, Harper's great-grandparents, met her for the first time.

We all took turns holding her and getting re-acquainted.

Brandon's pastor briefed them before the service.

The introduction to the baptism.

The children's sermon concluded the baptism,
and most of the kids who came forward
happened to be Harper's cousins.
They got to help introduce Harper to the congregation.

It is Finished

It's been a very long haul, but the kitchen project is now complete.

View from the entry, same viewpoint as many previous posts.

Looking back the other way.

View from the living room.

Our furniture and other belongings were only delivered to us from storage about 10 days ago, so we're still unpacking and getting settled. But no more construction dust, noise, or intrusions now, so we can begin to make this home.

Harper Elizabeth Lucas

I'm a bit behind on blogging. The last week has been a bit hectic. We were in Virginia to celebrate the birth of our first grandchild. Our daughter, Sarah, gave birth to a little girl on Monday, Oct. 15, at 6:05 Eastern Time, 8 lbs. 10 oz. 20.25" at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, VA. 

The following day she was named Harper Elizabeth (sharing the middle name with her Mommy). Mother, daughter, and Dad, too, are all doing very well.

On Wednesday she came home to meet the other family member, the red dog named Copper, who was anxious to sniff her and figure out what she was all about.

There is little more to say other than that we are delighted!

Welcome to the world, Harper.

Cupboards

This is beginning to look like a kitchen now, with the cupboards and cabinets installed.

Here is the installation in progress. The floor is covered to protect the new wood.

And here is the complete installation. Lights are still bare bulbs, so the electrician needs to return to install the lights, switches, and outlets. Counter-tops are being cut, and won't arrive for another 10 days or so. Then plumbers will install the sink. Add appliances, and all will be complete.

The floor is in

The drywall work is finally finished and the new floor has been installed.

The floor is Minnesota red oak, grown and processed locally.

With one coat of lacquer applied -- one more coat to go. This weekend we paint. Cupboards will be installed next week. Appliances and counter-tops won't come until later in the month, so there's still a few weeks to go before our furniture comes out of storage and we are REALLY moved in.