Henry is 5 Months!

Henry is 5 months old today! 

This lil guy is growing, growing, growing! Everyday I look at him and he's changing! Current height- 26.5 inches Weight-18 lbs.

It has been a very busy month for this little dude! He has done soo much! Here's his current resume-

Henry Marshall Heisel

Henry is very alert; he doesn't let much get by without checking it out. He is an active listener with strong interpersonal skills, (although he mostly prefers Momma). He is motivated and determined. :)

Skills & attributes:
Has a tooth! (his front left)
Rolled over both ways-back to belly first and most recently, belly to back!
Pulls his knees up while on his belly-he's gonna be crawling soon!
Can sit unassisted (mostly with arms to support) for a few minutes before he topples over.
Babbles and has said a new sound…mmm
Recognizes Daddy by voice (without seeing him first)
LOVES it when Daddy plays guitar.
Likes texture. He scratches his fingers and nails on everything.
Sleeps well thru the night. (only wakes a coupe times to eat)
Had his first bite of real food- baby whole wheat cereal and applesauce. He didn't care much for applesauce, but he seems to enjoy the wheat cereal.
Notices Bella (the dog) and even laughs when she barks.
Is attached to Mommam like really!
Spent his first night without Daddy. :(
His first outside play time!

We had gorgeous pre-Spring weather today (in the high 60's) so we took advantage by going outside to enjoy the much-needed sunshine! Once Henry warmed up to the brightness, he loved it!

serious baby

smart baby

friendly baby (with Sophie)

happy baby

first tooth!

This little boy is growing so quickly! I read Parents Magazine for the monthly development milestones, and he's always ahead, which I'm always so proud of! I'm so glad that he's healthy and growing, but I wish I knew how to bottle up these days and store them forever!

I have these moments of clarity throughout the day that remind me to take it all in- to stop, close my eyes, and breathe-to remember these fleeting moments, the small ones that get lost in the hustle and bustle of a "busy" day, and to intentionally think about the way I felt right then, right now. Like the way his chubby fingers touch things in discovery, how happy I get when I hear him laugh (I'm certain my heart will explode with love), how his smile in the morning brightens my entire day. I realize that one day I'll be replaced by a younger woman, one that I hope I can give as much love to as him. But for now, right this moment, he's all mine and I'll continue to enjoy him, even on those stressful days when nothing seems like enough.

I'll probably still yearn for these days when he's all grown up, when he depended solely on me, but I hope I can also be at peace knowing that I did all I could to take in each moment, to live for the present and not be a slave to the past. It makes my heart happy and ache at the same time, a feeling I'm not quite accustomed to. I suppose one day I'll get used to it-after the countless bumps and booboos that will undoubtedly hurt me more than him. Until then, I'll kiss and snuggle him as often as I can.

My Mom said to me today, "...little boys hold your heart forever", and I hope that's true because my heart was no longer mine the day he was born.

Five months have come and gone, and if it's even possible, I love him more everyday.

Heisel Rules! 

Simple Cream Cheese Apple Dip

Several years ago my family and I attended a baby shower where they served this glorious apple dip, along side granny smith apples. I admit that I had a little bit of apple with {a lot of} dip. We loved it SOO much that we asked the hostess for the recipe, to which she gave up much easier than I would've thought! ;) We've been making it ever since then, but I've adapted it a little bit...because I kept losing the original recipe…errr I mean, to taste. Let's not get caught up in the details, k? Just look how smooth and creamy it looks! ;)

Not only is this super yummy, but it's also super simple.

The goods:
1 pack cream cheese, softened (just leave it out for about an hour)
4 Tbsp brown sugar (add more or less to taste)
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
splash of lemon juice
tiny pinch of salt
apples, sliced

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. You can mix with a blender if you'd like, but you can totally mix this by hand really easily, and NOT have to clean those dreaded beaters…with your tongue water! ;)

Serve in your favorite piece of Fiestaware with any apples you love. Tastes especially yummy with granny smiths, that sweet with a little sour of the apple. I only had Braeburn apples on hand and I can attest that it tastes amazing with them as well! It's so good that I dare you NOT to eat it in one sitting. :)

Enjoy!

Heisel Rules! (the Kitchen}

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I've made this soup countless times before and had every intention of posting on the blog. Well, I suppose I got busy because it never happened. But today was particularly cold outside and soup seemed the right thing to make for dinner.

This soup is really creamy and yummy. Although not the healthiest, what with the bacon grease an all, but it's so good! You won't regret making this yummy goodness! The best part? It's a one pot meal!

Ingredients-
1 pack bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
4-5 medium potatoes, chopped
1 broccoli head (or 1 bag frozen), chopped
3 cups milk
3 cups water
5 tsp chicken bouillon
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1/4 cups all purpose flour
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (set aside 1 cup for garnish)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 package cream cheese

Directions-
Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in tall pot until crispy. Pull bacon out, leaving the "juices" in the pot. Add all veggies and simmer for 5 minutes to start to soften them. Add water and chicken bouillon. Bring to a boil. Add 2 cups milk, salt and pepper, and allow it to boil another few minutes (to soften the veg). In a separate container, combine flour and 1 cup milk until combined, then add to the pot to thicken. Stir well.

Allow the soup to come to a simmer again to get really hot. Reduce heat and add all cheeses. Note- the cream cheese takes a few minutes to combine and become creamy, but I promise, it will combine.

Garnish soup with cheese and crumbled bacon, green onions if you don't forget them at the grocery store like I did. :) And get some really good crusty bread to use for dipping.

Get creative and mix up the cheeses. I always add mozzarella and cream, but I've used pepperjack and colby jack in place of cheddar. I like to buy cheese in the blocks and shred it myself. I'm not a glutton for punishment, they just taste fresher. :)

Enjoy!

Heisel Rules! {the Kitchen}

FREE diapers!!

Who doesn't want free diapers?? Or free money?! This is NOT a scam, just a simple, free way to put a little cash in your pocket just for shopping online (which I do anyways).

Here's the scoop-you can get free diapers, and a small moneymaker, by signing up for Top Cash Back. It's a rebate site similar to Ebates (if you're familiar with that one). You use this site to search for stores with deals/cashback offers. The site redirects you to a store's .com site and you just shop like normal! Easy! The rebate site keeps track of your cash back credit. Ebates issues credit to your paypal quarterly and Top Cash Back issues it either to Paypal or directly to bank account whenever the cash is available in your account- basically anytime! Love that!

Serisously, this is free money! I've been using Ebates for about 5 years now and this past year alone I got over $100! Sign up for Ebates here for free as well.

This morning, though, I signed up for Top Cash Back to get the free diaper credit!! If you're interested, here's how in 8 simple steps-

*The deal is through Top Cash Back and it's at Kmart.com This is only for Huggies Snug and Dry-any size.

1. Sign up free for Top Cash Back here.
2. Once signed up (and authenticated via the email they send you), search for Kmart at the top in the search box.
3. Click on the orange button that says "Get cash back"
4. Click once again on orange button that says 'Get cash back now".
5. You'll be redirected to Kmart.com.
6. Add Huggies Snug and Dry (only diapers that qualify) to your cart $10.99 (easiest to search for it at the top)
7. Select shipping or FREE pickup in store.
8. Pay, and you're done!! Go back to your Top Cash Back account and it should show a credit of $12.50, but it'll be pending until Kmart approves it.

TIP- if the site isn't allowing store delivery for the specific size diapers, it might be that they don't carry that size in store. In store pick up just means that they sell what they have on their shelves, some stores are limited. Your size not available? That's ok, sign up for a free 90 day trial membership of Kmart's Shop Your Way MAX for free shipping to your home!
TIP- (Optional) Be sure to use your Kmart Shop Your Way Rewards Account (FREE) to get a little more credit! Makes the deal a little sweeter!

Don't need the diapers? That's ok, you can donate them, give as a gift or send them to me! ;) This offer is good until 2/23 or when they run out of stock! So, RUN!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me…tiaeharris@hotmail.com

Heisel Rules! {deals}

Letter to my Loves on Valentine's Day

To my Big Love-

2008- The day I met you. You made a big impression; I was enamored by you. I was ready for some adventure, and we'd find just that every weekend when you'd come visit me in Chattanooga, or I'd go see you at Fort Benning. And for the first time in a long time I thought, "This is happiness; I don't know if it can ever get any better than today because I feel alive again. I am happy, I have you. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

2009-2010- Your deployment. If there was ever a trying year, this would've been it. Despite the distance, we held it together. I started this blog to document your journey, our journey, to share with family and friends. I won't lie. It was a tough year. Wondering if you were alright, if you were safe. But you made me still feel loved and protected, from all the way across the world. The day you came home, I breathed again for the first time in a year. I remember the plane arriving and seeing you walk into the room in formation. I've never been more proud. Our first embrace, our first kiss was nothing short of amazing. And I thought, "This is happiness; I don't know if it can ever get any better than today because you are safe, you are alive, you are home. I am happy, I have you. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

2011- Your birthday. We had a great visit in KY to the Corvette Museum and to the Caves where you serenaded me with an acoustic guitar performance and you shared your heart by asking me to be your lifetime birthday present. I was shocked because I truly did not expect it. And I thought, "This is happiness; I don't know if it can ever get any better than today because we're getting married and our future is bright! I am happy, I have you. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

2012- Our wedding day. What an amazing day! Surrounded by friends and family, cowgirl boots and rustic decor, we said "I do" in our laid-back style. And I thought, "This is happiness, I don't know if it can ever get any better than today because we are man and wife. I am happy, I have you. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

2013- The day I gave you a son. Early on October 10, 2013, we welcomed our little love. The product of two once lonely souls roaming this world, now so in love, we brought a beautiful miracle into the world. And I thought, "This is true happiness, and I can't imagine anything better than today because I have you. And we have Henry. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

Year by year life keeps getting better and when I'm sure that this year was the best yet, the next one tops it. Whatever life brings us, wherever we may roam, I pray that we always remember we have each other. It started with just the two of us, and one day when we're old and gray it will be just the two of us again, and when that happens I want to think, "This life was happiness, I don't care if it doesn't get any better than today because I am happy, I still have you. And that's all I ever hoped for in this world." Two souls, unexpectedly finding love, figuring out life together. And that, my Dear, that is love.

…………

To My Little Love-
Of all the responsibilities I've ever had, being your momma is my favorite! You make me smile in so many ways that I never knew was possible. You are the BEST Valentine that I could ever ask for. Watching you grow and learn is such a joy. Daddy time with you melts my heart! I love you little guy! Happy FIRST Valentine's Day!

I love you both to the moon and back, and that's a lot! ;) Happy Valentine's Day!

Heisel Rules!

Henry is Four Months!

Four Months ago, today, at 1:46am, we welcomed our baby boy into the world. As I say every month, I really cannot believe it's been four months. In some ways it feels longer, like he's been here all along, but most days I can't help but focus on how fast it has flown!

Two days ago (February 8) my baby's innocence was taken...by is first tooth, breaking his new skin that I made for him and marking his precious, once gummy grin. :( I'm sad, not just for the future of my nipples (YIKES! Piranha on the loose!), but also because my baby boy is growing too quickly! I should be given months to adjust, right?! ;) However, we are counting our blessings because other than drool and fist gnawing, there's not been any other symptoms; we wouldn't have even known he was cutting a tooth!

This dude has perfected tummy time with great neck and head control, reaches for things in front of him and he even tries to tuck those knees and scooch…skooch?…scootch?…oh heck-scooch. He gets those legs a'going so quickly I'm sure he'll just project himself forward! He'll be mobile before we know it. For now, I'll continue to contain him in his "office" aka his jumper. He dominates the that thing! He gets that it rocking with his jumps! Hopefully it doesn't tip over! Although, I'm sure he's nearly met the max weight at 4 months.

This baby can reach with the best of them! He can almost touch the birds on the mobile above his swing! Speaking of his hands- he loves to touch and feel e.ver.y.thing. Everything. Most everything in the hands ends up in the mouth. It is sweet, though, while I'm nursing him, he'll reach up and touch my face. It really is precious.

He's still a phenomenal sleeper. We set the pace with a calming bath at 8:30pm, followed up by either swing time or momma's snuggles, and then he hits the hay around 9pm. He's been waking up for boob around 1:30am and every 2 hours after that. I think it's just because he's teething though, I'm not convinced he's starving. However, I can't let my chunky dude go hungry! ;) Gotta support the rolls!

Speaking of chunk- he weighs 18 pounds and he's 26 inches. I swear he's half my height!! Keep in mind, I'm 5 feet nothing. That's 60 inches, people. He'll have to carry me before long! ;)

This guy is trying hard to sit up on his own. He can almost do it, but still falls over. He's also working on the roll over. He gets half way and can't roll past the 5 arm rolls! Soon, son, soon!

He babbles and laughs and smiles and is an all around joy. To stare at him with amazement (I still can't believe I made him) and to see the wonderment in his eyes when he's discovered something new is beyond amazing. It's the best feeling in the world when I look at him, smile and he smiles back, almost shyly. It makes my heart so happy! Never been happier. Never felt more settled. Never felt more joy. I've found my place in this world-in the comfort of my family and in the embrace of my son.

Heisel Rules!

PS In an effort to get pictures OFF my computer and into print, I've vowed to print a quarterly picture book for Henry. You can view it on the side bar -------------->

PPS Stay tuned for a Valentine's post- you are NOT gonna wanna miss it! :)

Henry is Three Months!

Three months ago this little guy stole our hearts! Even though it's only been a short time, he's adjusted so seamlessly well that it feels like he's been here all along!

I know I say this every month, but truly, I'm not sure how we lived life without this little guy! I look at him in amazement, mesmerized by his sweetness, and it almost feels surreal, like it's a dream and I'll wake up any minute. If it is a dream, please stay asleep!!

Most people that I've talked to or read their blog have pregnancy in the distant past, but I remember it like yesterday. One of the few things my mommy brain remembers so well! Although, I did find myself, for the first time, missing being pregnant. Well, not the pregnancy, but being so close to my baby boy. I loved feeling his movements, his hiccups, his tiny kicks back when I'd tap my belly. I would've grown him in there til college if I could've. But not really! Ha! It's much more fun with him out here!

I love love LOVE watching this lil big guy learn new things! This month he's perfecting holding the noggin up. It makes tummy time much more enjoyable for him! He's even started to pull his knees in when he's on his belly.

He's also discovered his hands-he folds them together, like he's praying, and he just stares at them, almost cross eyed. Just take a minute and put your hands close to your eyes, now move your fingers. It's such a small, unthinkable action that seems so small, so insignificant, but to Henry it's discovery!

Now Henry likes to chew on his hands. He's not hungry so I can only deduce that he's teething. We got an amber teething necklace and we're hoping that helps!

I read in my monthly Parents magazine that by 4 months he is supposed it be grasping things. Up until this past month his hands were so tightly fisted that he had white knuckles. He wouldn't even hold our fingers. He wasn't quite showing interest in doing this yet, and I wasn't worried, but it made me aware to encourage him to try. Last week I did, and now he's starting to grasp things. I TAUGHT him this and now he's doing it! I'm a proud momma! :) Just proves that parenting is so hands on! And he catches on quickly!

Henry had his first encounter with his jumper this past week. At first he was unsure, but now he really enjoys it! He is a little too short still so we had top put a pillow under his feet so he can get traction to jump. We call this his office! Momma is his secretary and I hold his calls while he in there! ;)

And the BEST thing he's learned this month is laughing! We love hearing his sweet baby chuckle! His ticklish spots are his chunky thighs and his neck!

Henry loves his momma and daddy equally. He rarely shows signs of preferring one over the other. This makes life easy because I can depend on Matt's help! Lets hope it stays this way!

Daddy and Henry snoozing.

I had a chiropractor appointment this morning and I took the little chunk with me. He got his own lil baby adjustment which consisted of stretches and massage! Lucky him! Plus, he was a BIG hit with the ladies of the office! Such a socialite! ;) Speaking of which, he likes to try to talk to me while he's eating. This makes for longer mealtimes for him. But his precious, almost devious little grins that he flashes me, makes it all worth it!

And last, but most important (ha!)- Henry sleeps really well at night! With the exception of the last couple of days, he's been sleeping until around 5am, when he nurses and sleeps until about 8:30am! Good sleeper=happy momma! :)

As I'm sure you can guess, Henry is doing very well! He's such a JOY and we are loving watching him grow and learn! What more can a momma ask for?! :)

Heisel Rules! {the nest}