Sleepover at the Lake

Last weekend we decided to head to the lake for a night to enjoy the fall weather. We went up Friday night and roasted marshmallows and told stories around the fire. Pawpaw had "campfire" with all the girls. He gets them in a circle and makes ups stories and gets them to interact by letting them add to the story. We have the best time watching their faces as they truly believe that they went on all these adventures. Saturday morning we woke up and after a good breakfast decorated turkey cookies, which the girls enjoyed a lot. We also made fall place mats after collecting leaves and such to decorate them with. Then we headed to Dalhonega where my parents treated us to a great lunch or should I say feast at the Smith house. Then we walked around Dalhonega before heading home. It was a quick trip but a lot of fun.

Clemson vs FSU weekend

This past weekend we went to Nana's for the Clemson vs. FSU game. It was a beautiful fall weekend to spend near the mountains. It was Harrison's first of many trips he will take to Lake Keowee to make family memories. Harrison and I stayed home for a date night while everyone else went to the Clemson game to see the Tigers defeat FSU. On Sunday the Goforth's came up to spend a few hours with us which was an added treat. It was all around a great weekend!

James Harrison Gadd

Well, Harrison was born October 5th weighing 6 lbs 3 ounces. He surprised us by getting here a few weeks early. I was at work the night I went into labor. I realized I was in labor around midnight, but hung in there at work until the contractions got to be about 6 minutes apart. At 3 o'clock I called Jonathan but could not get him to wake up and answer the telephone. I quit trying and called Kristen to come and drive me to the hospital. Jonathan got there about an hour later after my parents drove over to wake him up. My labor was wonderful and quick. We are enjoying Harrison and he is such a delight to have around. It amazes me how much love your heart can hold.

I had one of those overwhelming moments the first week when I walked by their rooms while each of them were taking a nap. It was overwhelmingly wonderful as it hit me that I have three precious little people with unique personalities to love and enjoy. Could life get any sweeter?

The girls have adjusted great and adore their little brother. Payton, thinks he is just the best thing. She calls him little buddy, loves to hold him, kiss him, and often tells me how much she loves him and likes him too. Claire calls him baby Harrison, wants to know where he is all the time, and is incredibly gentle.

Daddy and I have adjusted great to having three kids too. I really do not feel there has been much change to our daily lives. I know this is because of all the help we have had. My parents stayed with us for almost three weeks, and I will welcome them back at anytime. My mom was an angel. She took care of cooking, cleaning, organizing, grocery shopping, errand running, entertaining the girls, preschool, and more. I know she must have been exhausted. All I had to do was hold and feed Harrison. This was the best gift. I had three weeks to focus on getting to know my tiny little man. Payton and Claire loved having them stay with us. They enjoyed having Mimi to pretend with all day and Pawpaw to play "campfire" with at night.(My dad would put out a blanket and they would sit around it and pretend it was a campfire. They would tell stories about adventures and roast pretend marshmallows. It was the highlight of their night.) They amaze me with their patience and love for the girls. Thanks Mimi and Pawpaw.

The next week Nana came and stayed with us to get her fill of sweet Harrison. So yes, I am super spoiled with help. Nana helped me split the time between Payton and Claire at their preschool party, and watched Harrison as Daddy and I took the girls to do some fall activities. Daddy and I even got to sleep in one morning while Nana watched the kids, we have not done that together since Payton was born. Yes, life has been good.

Here are some pictures of our first weeks with Harrison and some fall activities.