Family Photos by Todd Westphal

Already August? How did that happen?

Okay, so I'm a bad mother and blog-keeper and its been way too long since I've updated. We just celebrated Brice's 20 month mark and Sloane's six month birthday. It is absolutely amazing how quickly they have both grown up. I'll admit that sometimes it makes me laugh and other times it makes me want to shed a tear. So let's get to the updates, yes?

We haven't had a doctor's appointment for Brice recently, but at his 18 month check up he topped the scales at 30lbs and 34.5 inches. Dr. Lialios predicted that Brice will be at least 6'2" by the time he's fully grown. Scary to think of him being such a big guy! Brice has already made the transformation from a baby into quite the little man. This summer our number one activity has been swimming. He absolutely loves the pool and can spend countless hours jumping in off the side, blowing bubbles and going up and down the steps. His love of the water also keeps us on our toes as he is completely fearless and hasn't yet realized that he has no idea how to swim. Needless to say, we have signed him up for swimming lessons starting in September and we hope that by the time we head down to Florida in November, he'll be doggy paddling along.

Brice is also finding his words, which is so much fun for me. We still enjoy reading our favorite books and now Brice reads along, pointing out the tree in "Runaway Bunny", the cheese in "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and the baby that looks like his sister in "Everywhere Babies." When I got home from work today, Brice ran up to me, wrapped his arms around my legs and said, "I gotcha!" We've also filled his vocabulary with some random words just to keep things lively... its amazing to hear him say octopus or "awwww man!"

Sloane is also growing like a weed. At her six month doctor's appointment she weighed in at 18lbs, 10oz and was almost 28 inches long putting her in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. She's sitting up on her own and rolling from back to front and front to back. She's also teething like none other. We're still awaiting the arrival of her first teeth and we've determined that its a race between the toppers and the bottomers.

We've had a great summer so far and selfishly, its been my favorite in three years since for once, I'm not pregnant. We've spent some time in New York City going to the Central Park Zoo and visiting friends and we've traveled down to Ocean City for some beach time while we visited the Ladd Family. Joel and I have managed to take in a few date nights too, hitting up the Arcade Fire concert at MSG and seeing the Green Day Broadway show. On one of our post-work walks this week, Joel and I determined that we don't have much to complain about. Sure, we're overworked and underslept but we have a wonderful, healthy family and so much life to live.

So, I promise I'll try to be better about updating with greater regularity. Stay tuned for some updated photos!

Photos: Sloane at 9 weeks and Brice at 16 months

Brice at 16 months and Sloane at 9 weeks on vacation in Florida.
Daddy and Brice taking a stroll at the beach.

Sloane enjoying the bouncy seat in the sun.

Loving the sand and the waves.
Brice training to be a future Olympic gold medalist in swimming.
Sloane's big hair and big blues.
Brice rocking the noodle poolside.

Welcome Home Harvills.

I realized its been quite awhile since I last updated. We just got back from a fantastic trip down to Florida to visit my parents. Brice and Sloane loved the pool, beach, park, playground and zoo. Joel and I even had the chance to go out for a nice dinner on the town. We're finally feeling like human beings again. We've got some tan on our cheeks (the ones on our face, of course) and a couple of nights of great sleep have (temporarily) removed the bags under our eyes. My parents were great with the kids... it was so nice watching them all play together!

Today I took Sloane for her 2 month check up with Dr. Lialios. At just over 9 weeks, she is now 13 lbs and 23 inches long putting her in the 95th percentile for weight and the 75th percentile for height. Dr. Lialios was pleased with her development and she even showed off by holding her head up and giggling. I have to say, Sloane is really shocking us every day. On average, she sleeps 5-6 hours at a clip during the night and one night during our vacation she actually slept from 10pm-7am. I have to believe that this wonderful sleep is payback for the months of sleepless nights that we endured with Brice (or simply setting us up for years of torment when she hits those tough teenage years).

Brice is really growing like a weed as well. He's gone from cute baby to sweet little boy. In the last couple of weeks he's started saying a few words. Mama, Dada, ball, woof woof (for dog), vroom (for car), growl (for bear), shoes, baby (for Sloane) and of course the all important NO are among his favorites. We're working on car, banana, monkey (he does make monkey noises) and a few others. He babbles constantly though, so its pretty funny to carry on a conversation with him. These days he's really into his cars, coloring with crayons (sometimes on paper but most frequently on our hardwood floors) and reading his books. His favorites are Brown Bear, The Hungry Caterpillar, Everywhere Babies and Goodnight Moon. We read them over and over each night so I'm practicing my skills at memorization and animal noises. We've also been doing a lot of swimming and Brice is already comfy blowing bubbles and putting his head under water.

I'm sad to report that I'm returning to work in just over two weeks. I've really enjoyed my maternity leave and it will be hard to leave my sweet babies at home again. I keep telling myself that I've worked hard for my career and I should be happy to go back as it will make me really appreciate the time that I get to spend with Brice and Sloane on the weekends and at night, but I can't help but feel a bit teary when I think that someone else will be getting to spend all the fun playtime with them during the day. Perhaps we'll win the lottery and we can quit work and move someplace with perpetual sun! Ah, we can dream.

Two Week Update: Harvill South Arrives and Our First Playdate

We've survived the first two weeks. My theory is that at this point, the Mayor of New Babyville should show up at our house and present us with some sort of medal or award (or perhaps a magnum of champagne). Somehow, Joel and I have made it through without argument, home destruction or massive bags under our eyes. I even survived my first night of handling both kids solo. Okay, so I plopped them both down on the couch and turned on Yo Gabba Gabba but hey, you do what you have to in order to get by. Sloane is sleeping and eating well. Brice is sleeping and eating per usual and is a magnificent big brother. We've entertained family and friends and even made it to a few doctor's appointments.

The two week stats on Sloane: She weighed in at 9lbs, 7oz and is now 20 and 1/4 inches long putting her in the 85th percentile for weight and the 75th percentile for height. Dr. Lialios was pleased with her development, muscle tone and alertness and told me that I have a very relaxed baby. Who would have thunk it?

Here are some new photos:

Sloane showing off her long limbs.
Baby Abbie and Sloane enjoying their first playdate. These little girlies are 5 days apart and Leila and I are determined to make them BFFs.
Sweet photo of Daddy and Sloane in one of her few non-pink outfits (yes, Mommy bought this one).
Post bath relaxation.
Sloane and Aunt AJ taking a nap.
Brice thinks Daddy is the coolest toy in the house.
Brice catching a quick snuggle with Aunt Meredith.
Brice on the go... as usual.

Week one photos

Tummy time!
Stretching out.
Tunnel time! Daddy's best purchase yet!
Tunnel makes for static-head.
Looking sweet (and sleepy).

What you come here to see... the photos!

Joel rocking his funky outfit!
Showing off the fully baked belly.
Sloane Laura Harvill, born February 8, 2010 at 1:40pm and weighing 8lbs, 7oz and 20 inches.
Proud father and daughter.
Mommy looking exhausted but happy.
Our sweet girl blowing kisses.
Big brother Brice and little sister Sloane enjoying a snuggle on the couch.