Harper Kole Dredla

What a Ham!

2010-03-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

Well I'm baaaackkk!! FINALLY!! Maybe I can get some free time to blog! Well Miss Harper is growing, growing, growing, and busy, busy, busy! She has her hands in everything and can stop moving! She took her first "real" step yesterday and can stand alone for a good 20 seconds...its so awesome! She's a machine when it comes to her walker...she literally runs! She can say "baby", "Daddy", "hi" and "uh-oh". SO CUTE! We're planning her first birthday party, can you believe it?? We're only about 3 weeks away. Enjoy the pics below.

Playing on the back porch and enjoying some rays!

And she's off!!!

Bath time fun! Her favorite party of the day!

December 2009 (263 photos), by Marka Dredla

2010-01-29T19:39:00.001-08:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Christmas...finally.

2010-01-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

Here are a few Christmas eve and Christmas day pics! FINALLY! Enjoy!

Christmas Eve...waiting for Santa

Off to sleep....waiting for Santa!

Excited about her new Dora doll!

Opening up toys.....Mommy was excited too!

Christmas lunch at Grammy's

Bath time toys

Grandpa and Harper on Christmas morning

Playing with her new toys at Grammy and Grandpas

Coming Soon....

2009-12-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

I promise I will have tons of pictures from Christmas morning soon! Harper had such a fun time, she was overwhelmed and definitely slept good that night! She got a swing set and lots and lots of toys to fill up the living room. I promise, pictures within a day or two!

Wrap and Unwrap

2009-12-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

So I've been trying to wrap Christmas presents while Harper is either gone or asleep...but seriously, what's the point??? She crawls right over to the Christmas tree and unwraps them. Is there really a need to wrap them? I think not, but for the joys of Christmas...I will do so and I will smile and laugh every time my child tears open wrapping paper or unpacks a neatly done Christmas gift bag!

cleaning day..or days..

2009-12-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

So my main goal for Monday was to clean house...however, I finished on WEDNESDAY! Since when did cleaning house become a 3-day job?!?!?! I will tell you when...when my child learned to get around......EVERYWHERE! As much as I love the fact that she can crawl and pull up, it sure does make getting things done a big headache! I had to entertain my child in every way possible. It was like the moment I thought, "Okay she's happy, I can really get to work..here would come the water works." Then I'd get her down for a nap and I'd think okay I have an hour to an hour and a half, but NOOOOO she only wanted to sleep for 40 minutes that day..grrr.. So needless to say our house is clean, but instead of feeling happy and soaking in the cleanness, I was more stressed out than when I began! Oh well, I know I'll get the hang of this soon...its only been 9 months (next Saturday). HA!

Enjoy the pics of me entertaining her during my cleaning days....As you can tell, she has different outfits on...proof it took a few days!

Day One In the high chair with spatula and spoon. Entertainment!

Day One-Drinking a bottle while laying on her favorite lady bug pillow from Cousins Brad, Shelly and Karen

Day 2-Playing with Mommy's Plastic or not easily breakable necklaces...

Day 3-Back in the high chair with her spoon spatula and some snacks!!

First time sick

2009-12-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well Harper is FINALLY sick. It only took 8 1/2 months, but the time is here. However, my child does not react to sickness like normal kids. Nope, she is still rolling around, smiling, laughing and dragging her snot with her everywhere she goes! She's on her first prescription drug and is handling everything like a champ! Although its not something I want her to go through, I'm glad she can handle it!

Swim, Swim!

2009-12-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

So Harper has always done what we call "swimming" when she's on her tummy. It doesn't matter if she's laying in her bed waiting for us to come get her or on the living room floor watching Dora the Explorer or the Wonder Pets. No matter what she does the funniest thing. "THE SWIM!" Although we'd love for her to start crawling soon, we'll take the laughs now! Enjoy!!

Hanging out at the ranch.

2009-12-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

Harper loves going to the ranch with the boys. Although she can't hunt yet, she enjoys hanging in her jumper in the swing. This day we forgot our jumper, so thank you to cousin Brayden for letting us borrow his! She has so much fun. This video does a good job of showing some of the stuff she does. She claps on the video, does a little talking (nothing near her usual) and shakes her head no. Enjoy! (Sorry for my voice on the whole video!)

Thanksgiving Day Festivities

2009-12-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was so much more eventful this year!! What a joy it is to have a child to share the day with. We spent Thanksgiving at my parents and at the ranch. My in-laws were able to join us, which made everything that much more fun!! Justin's parents, Grandma and Jason were all in on the Truesdale festivities! Christy, Joe and the kids also came! Nothing like a full house! We also watched the Texas A&M/Texas game.....fun times!! Here are some photos of the holiday!

Harper and Pa at the ranch

Harper and her great-Grandma Taylor

Harper and Grammie Dredla

Harper and Grammy Truesdale

Christy (my sister), Isabella, Joe and Jonathan

Trevor, Jamie and new baby Brayden!

Mommy, Harper and Daddy trying to take a pic for the Christmas card!

Accomplishments!

2009-11-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

Our little pumpkin will be 8 months in a week!! HOLY COW. She is getting so big. She has so many accomplishments! Here are just a few!

*Clapping-any time she hears people laughing or we say "Yay!", she claps!

*Waving-She waves hi and bye, and she even does in in the right direction..waving at others, not herself!

*Mimicking-She is mimicking noises like crazy!!! When we grunt, she grunts. When we squeal, she squeals. When we cough, she coughs!

*Sitting in the big girl bathtub all by herself to take her baths!

*Pulling up-She has pulled up in the bath tub, crib, coffe table and on her mommy, daddy and grammy!

She is getting more and more fun by the day. Next up, crawling and walking!

Getting warmer...

2009-11-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

Well we are almost back to sleeping all night. Harper is waking up 2 out of 3 nights for only about 30 min. I change her, feed her a full bottle and she's back down within that time. So its not too bad. I know eventually she'll get back to sleeping all night..i just hope it's soon! :)

Here's some pics of our cutie!

1 step forward, 5 steps back?!?!

2009-11-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

So my perfectly sweet angel of a child has slept all night (at least 8 hours) since she was about 8 or 9 weeks old. However, in the past month or so she has not done so. She wakes once or twice a night to eat. What?!? I thougth that it was supposed to be that way in the beginning and then get gradually better over time. Not my kid. Tonight she has officially been crying non-stop for an hour. Mom and I have been switching back and forth trying to calm her down. Its funny, she stops crying for Mom. Guess she's not as frustrated. I am thinking it is severe gas...she's been fluffing (Actually, its full out FARTS) while she's screaming and burped a smelly burp. Guess all that crazy solid food has caught up to her! If its not gas, its teething. However, my child has been "teething" for over 3 months, so who knows. Hopefully we can get her down soon. I'll keep you updated. Here's 2 pics to satisfy you. :)

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-08T15:16:00.001-08:00

Here are some cute Halloween Pics of our little Strawberry!! We had a good time for our first Halloween. Although Harper couldn't trick or treat, she was quite the hit at the Church Festival.

Courtney, Taylor, Brayden, Skylar and Harper at the hospital on Halloween!

The cutest strawberry in the world.

Many people thought she was a lady bug until they really looked.

Harper and Mommy on Halloween.

Cousin Brayden is here!

2009-11-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

Harper's double cousin has made his way into the world! Brayden Hays Truesdale was born on Oct. 30. He was 5 lbs. 12 oz and 18 in. long! Harper loves him already and is obsessed with him as long as a toy or dog doesn't make its way in front of him. Enjoy the pics!

Meeting Tristin Ulrich for the first time!

2009-10-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Since we were within an hour of Buda, we decided to make a day trip to meet Tristin! Cari and Kevin's little boy is absolutely precious!!! Although we enjoyed holding such a tiny little bundle, it was hard to say we miss Harper being that age. Cari is doing great as a Mommy! Tristin is SOOOO lucky!

Tristin slept the ENTIRE time we were there!

Cari, Harper, Mommy and Tristin (Harper looked so big compared to him!)

Aunt Cari and Harper

Chad and Heather are married...and Harper was at this wedding, too!!

2009-10-25T11:02:00.001-07:00

Well we made it through the wedding weekend and 2-night stay in a hotel. All in all it went pretty well. She had a little trouble sleeping the first night, but did great the second night. She did a great job of entertaining herself. She was a hit at the wedding of course!

Here are some great pics from the weekend!

Watching Dora the Explorer in the car on the way to Boerne. The kid used to sleep all the time in the car...not anymore!

Harper, Daddy and Mommy at the Rehearsal Dinner.

Daddy and Harper hanging out after the first night in the hotel.

It is a lot harder to feed her in the Bumbo versus her high chair! We ended up getting applesauce all over ourself.

Harper getting ready for a day out on the town.

Harper and Daddy at the wedding.

Harper and Mommy at the wedding (Harper is starting to blink in pictures!!)

Harper, Mommy and Heather. Harper thought that Heather looked like a "princess." She couldn't stop looking at her!!

Mommy, Harper and Daddy at the wedding

That Boerne/San Antonio water does something to this child's hair!

EXHAUSTED!! Sleeping with her bunny, Daisy on the way home. She slept for about an hour and 45 minutes on the ride home...she was pooped!

Wish Us Luck

2009-10-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

So this weekend will be the 2nd hotel stay for Harper. Though we are excited to see Chad and Heather get married, we're not necessarily jumping for joy at the idea of staying two nights in a hotel with a 6 month old. Wish us luck...we'll update you soon.

In the mean time, here some cute pictures of our little ladybug! :)

A few new pics

2009-10-15T20:13:00.001-07:00

Just a few new pics of our little pum'kin! (actually she's going to be a strawberry for Halloween..but we call her pum'kin)

Tanya and Dustin are married...and Harper was there!

2009-10-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Daddy's best friends finally got married this weekend! We met Dustin and Tanya as soon as we moved to Portland. Dustin and Justin are firefighters together at PFD. From the moment we met them, we've been together! Here are some pics of our families at the wedding enjoying ourselves!

Mommy and Harper

Miss Tanya (the Bride) and Harper

Pa and Harper

Uncle Trevor and Harper

Harper and Grammie D

Aunt Jamie and Trevor "practicing" with Harper and Pa looking on!

2009-10-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

So the other day I was looking through pictures and realized how far we've come in just 6 months. It's hard to believe how quickly it goes by. My little one has been such a blessing! Don't get me wrong, this has been the biggest challenge and hardest moments of my life but I wouldn't change any part of it. I am not ready for her to grow up, but to see her do things on her own and become more independent is so awesome! She's discovered her hands the other day, sits up on her own, is trying to drink from a sippy cup, is eating 3 meals a day and so many other things! Before we know it, she'll be walking, talking and heading off to Pre-K.

Harper at about 3 weeks old.

Harper at almost 6 months old.

Best Pic to Date

2009-10-05T19:41:00.001-07:00

A good friend of the Dredla's (Rose) took a pic of Harper at Jamies Baby Shower. It is so adorable and I had to share. Look at those cheeks!!

Pre-Church Festivities

2009-10-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Even though we don't look that great in these pics. I had to share a few pics of what goes on before we get ready for church.

Hanging out with Mommy and Daddy (Grammy taking pic). I think Daddy was wishing Harper would go back to sleep!

Daddy and Harper love cartoons! They were watching a little Dora the Explorer. I'm sure Harper and Daddy were singing "Backpack, backpack!" in there heads!

Balding

2009-09-27T14:17:00.001-07:00

Well some of that beautiful brown hair is starting to come out. We believe its from sleeping on her back, but we had to compare her's and Grandpa Truesdale's head. Its funny how they resemble each other so much from this angle.

Lovin' the Dredla and Taylor ladies

2009-09-27T14:09:00.001-07:00

Harper really enjoyed visiting with the Dredla and Taylor women at Jamie's Baby Shower. Harper is SOOOOO excited because cousin Brayden Hayes will be here before we know it. Jamie's due date is actually Nov. 11 but we will all be surprised if she makes it until then. Harper can't wait to play with him!! Here are some cute pics from the shower.

Harper and Grandma Taylor. She loved her!! She kept sucking on her face! Grandma was so happy that she didn't cry when she held her!

Grammy D came to visit Harper at Grammy T's this past week. Harper told her Mommy with smiles and giggles how much fun she had. Grammy D seemed to have a blast! We wish she was here all the time, but when Brayden gets here, Harper will get to see her a lot!

Here's a pic of the hostesses at Jamie's shower. What a great time!

Mum Mum's

2009-09-27T14:01:00.001-07:00

Harper has a new obsession with Mum Mums. They are a delicious rice cake (I assume) that she can hold in her hand. They are a great baby sitter! She is so good at restaraunts, in the car or while i'm cooking if she has one of these. They have them at Walmart if you want them!

First night away.

2009-09-22T16:23:00.001-07:00

Well tonight is the first night Harper is away from her Mommy. Almost 6 months without a night away, but the time has finally come. Justin was diagnosed with the flu today, so we came to the decision that it would be best for Harper to go stay with her Grammy T until Daddy gets better. I decided to stay home and take care of the sick hubby (plus it is an hour drive to work in the morning). It is going to be a hard night, but at least I know she's in good hands!

No mas swaddler!

2009-09-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Grammy took this hilarious picture of Harper waking up one day. I think she's trying to "tell" us she's done being swaddled! It has always worked so well for her! She's been sleeping all night (8-10 hrs) since she was about 7 or 8 weeks old. We felt we'd keep it up until she no longer wanted it. Now we hear her grunting in the middle of the night, fast asleep trying to get out. Aunt Christy gave us a great technique to use to make the unswaddling process simple. So far we've gone 4 nights with one arm out and she's done great! Soon we'll add a leg, then another arm and then bye bye swaddler! We'll keep you updated!

Loving on Mommy and Daddy

2009-09-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Harper is getting so loving and snuggly these days. Her little personality is really shining! Here are some adorable pics of her with Mommy and Daddy!

She loves to visit her Daddy at work. She misses him when he's gone (so does Mommy!).

Playing on the blanket with Mommy after school one day. I hate being away from her all day long. I always said "I couldn't be a stay at home Mom." I was wrong.

2nd wedding but 1st hotel stay!

2009-09-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

Harper attended her second wedding over Labor Day weekend. Mom's lifetime friend, Sarah Mayo, got married in Houston. Justin was working and couldn't attend so we headed up there with Grammy and Grandpa. Harper was perfect! She did so good on the drive, was an angel at the wedding, didn't go to bed until after 11 (and didn't even get cranky!) and slept in her pack 'n play in the hotel! Woohoo! Here are a few pics of her 2nd wedding and 1st hotel stay!

Mommy and Harper sitting outside after the wedding about to head in for the reception.

Harper drinking her bottle (Grammy thinks we should send this in to Avent for an adverstisement!)

Harper after her bath in the hotel! She's sittin up so well these days. Look at that crazy hair!!

Worn out!! Passed out on the drive home from Houston. She had a great time!

Sitting Up!

2009-09-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

Harper Kole is doing her best to sit up these days. She can't sit for long and we topple over every now and then, but all in all she's doing a great time sitting. She'll be 5 months old tomorrow, Sept 2, and is quite the mover and shaker! She is rolling over like crazy and start to push with her legs. She'll be crawling before we know. Daddy is ready for it but I don't know how ready Mommy is!! Enjoy the pics of our little chunker :)

Harper loves her dogs!

2009-08-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Every time that Harper plays on her mat, Izzy wants to get in on the action! She just loves to play with her and watch her. Izzy thinks that Harper is her baby.

Izzy even lets Harper grab on her ears and tail. Instead of pulling away like most normal dogs, Izzy just moves in closer and keeps that tail wagging!

Getting Better at Veggies

2009-08-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Harper has been on vegetables for about 2 1/2 weeks now and she's gotten the hang of it! She sure loves her peas and squash! We can almost eat without a huge mess. Sometimes she's so hungry she lets us know it by screaming at us when there is no food in her mouth!

Daddy & Grammy Day Care

2009-08-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Now that Mommy has gone back to work, Harper is enjoying time with her Daddy and Grammy T. We are so blessed that Justin can watch her on his days off and Mom retired to watch her on the other days. From the looks of the picture, she's enjoying her time with them!!

Meeting Miss Kendall Jane Keller

2009-08-17T19:59:00.001-07:00

We went to see some of Mommy's friends from college this past weekend. Harper finally got to meet Taylor, Garrett, Cari, Kevin and Heather. She really loved them. But the most special person she got to meet was Kendall Jane! Kendall is Taylor and Garrett's little girl that was born about 6 weeks after Harper. They will be great friends! Harper also got to spend some time getting to know Tristin who will be here in October! (Cari and Kevin's son-to-be)

Harper "getting to know" Kendall with the help of Cari.

Harper and kendall hanging out. (My child is a drool machine now!)

Cari and Harper hanging out.

Daddy Day Care!! Garrett, Kendall, Harper and Justin headed out to play outside while Mommy's went to get pedicures. (And yes, my child is holding a beer can.)

Shelly and Karen's Visit

2009-08-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Harper's Cousin Shelly and Cousin Karen came to visit her before Karen went back to school. They were here for 5 days and we had a great time. Karen even came and helped me decorate my classroom for the new school year.

Harper at dinner with the family.

Cousin Karen feed Harper. She was such a big help!

Cousin Karen and Harper before dinner one night.

First Solid Feeding

2009-08-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Harper tried her first solid feeding today....CARROTS! She loved them. Here are a few shots. Hope I can get the video up soon. Got to figure out how to do it, first! Enjoy these funny pics!

4 month check up

2009-08-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

Harper had her 4 month check up today. She is now 14 lbs., 13 oz. and 24 1/2 in. long! She's a growing girl!! She got 2 shots and an oral med today. She did pretty well. The doctor said she looks great and is in such perfect condition. She's really happy with everything. She gave us permission to start spoon feeding her. We'll start rice cereal for about a week and then start with veggies-one new one every 3 days. Excited to see how this pans out. I'll be posting pics and maybe a video of her first solid food feeding!

Round Rock/Austin Trip

2009-07-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Harper had a great time with her Aunt Christy, Uncle, and cousins Jonathan and Isabella. We stayed at their house for 2 nights and besides a few break downs, Harper did well and enjoyed her first stay at their house.

Aunt Christy, Harper and Grammy

Uncle Joe hanging out

Jon excited about the baptism

Isabella chowing down!

Harper was baptized in the Lutheran Church on July 26th. The ceremony was attended by most of our immediate family. It was great to have everyone there to share in this special day!

The Dredla Family

The Truesdale Family

Daddy, Mommy and Harper

Pastor Meyer baptizing Harper.

Harper also got to spend some quality time with her cousins Skylar and Taylor. I think they like her...A LOT!

Hanging out with Dad

2009-07-21T09:02:00.001-07:00

I just had to share some pictures of Harper hanging out with her Daddy. She was even dressed up in her camo!!

Hippo Swimming Pool

2009-07-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Harper really enjoys her Hippo Swimming Pool in the backyard. Just thought I'd share a few photos of our little fish lounging!

Just an update

2009-07-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Well just wanted to give an update on things in our life. Harper is growing like crazy! She's 14 lbs. and 24 in. long. It's so hard to believe how time flies. Before we know, Mommy will be having to go back to work and Harper will be spending some quality time with Daddy and Grammy T. Harper is getting baptized this weekend in the Lutheran Church that her Dredla Grandparents go to. It will be nice to see family and spend a weekend out of town. Harper is starting to really get the hang of sitting up. She won't be there for another month or so, but she is definitely giving it a valid effort! She loves playing in her jumperoo. She is so funny, just bouncing around like crazy. Only bad thing is, she can't sit still anymore! Now when you hold her she just moves around and jumps! She's cooing up a storm and is starting to really giggle often. She's also smiling at any person who will look at her! She has also started teething...3 1/2 months and she's teething!! You can see to white caps on the bottom middle. We'll probably have a tooth or two in the next month or so. The drooling is uncontrollable and she won't stop biting on her fingers, mommy and daddy's fingers and anything she can get her hands on! All in all she's doing wonderful! I hope you can come see us soon! Harper loves visitors!!

Baby Dedication

2009-07-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Harper has now had 2 baby dedications. Her first one was at Grammy and Grandpa Truesdale's Church on Mother's Day. The second dedication was at our church-Real Life Fellowship. These pictures are some that Aunt Bonnie took after the dedication! They came out so well and look professional!! We have one final "dedication". On June 26, Harper will be baptized at Grammy and Pa Dredla's church. This little girl is very blessed!

Visit with Daddy at work

2009-07-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Harper loves going to visit her Daddy at work. Last time we were there, we decided to take a few pics!

July 4th with the Zickefooses!

2009-07-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

July 4th was such a great time! We had the entire Zickefoose clan over to visit! Harper especially had a great time with her buddy Kadyn! Kadyn couldn't stay away from her. He even got to help give her an evening bath!

Aunt Christy is the best!

2009-07-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

So my sister has continued to give and give to us! We are constantly being offered clothes, toys, etc. I cannot express how awesome this is! We are truly fortunate to have someone give to us continuously! Aunt Christy, Uncle Joe, Jon and Izzy sent Harper a glow sea horse and she loves it! Thought I'd put a picture up of her loving her toy and sitting in her Bumbo they gave her! :)

Harper's First Party!

2009-06-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Harper attended her first big girl party Saturday! Aunt Allison had a jewelry party at our home and Harper had to get dressed up for the occassion! Here is an adorable picture of Harper and her Grammy T at the party!

A few new pics

2009-06-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

Harper had a great Father's Day with her Daddy! We went Spaghetti Warehouse with Grandpa, Grammy T, Uncle Trevor and Aunt Jamie!!

Harper Loves her Bumbo and Jumperoo!! I can't believe she is big enough to use them!!! She's 12 weeks old today!!

August Riedesel came to visit Harper. They are about 5 weeks apart. Amazing how quicly they grow!!!

This outfit was just too cute not to share! Headed out to lunch with Grammy T and Uncle Trevor..then off for a little shopping at Best Buy and Target!

Giving it a try!

2009-06-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Well Taylor sent me her blog and it FINALLY made me get on here and start this! Hope I can keep everyone informed as to what is going on in Miss Harper's life. She is growing so much! She will be 12 weeks tomorrow! Time is flying.....everyone always said enjoy these times because it goes fast, but I didn't believe it..now I do! Harper is holding her head up on her own, loves playing in her jumperoo we finally set up for her and her favorite things are her bathtime and playing on her mat outside in the evenings. Here are a few of the latest pictures and one of her 6 week photos. I won't be on here daily but will try to put things up one or two times a week! (Maybe more or less!)