Happy Birthday Zander!

One year ago today, Nicholas James Alexander "Zander" Harris was born. I still find it hard to believe that a year has passed already.

Mom gets her first look at her firstborn child.

We eagerly awaited his arrival on that rainy dreary day in October. Things moved amazingly fast for a first time mom and Zander was born at 9:30 Monday, October 12, 2009. Surrounding him with love at that moment were his mom (of course), his dad (waiting in the back corner), his MeeMee by his mom's side, his Aunt Becca by his mom's side, the doctor and two nurses, and lots of family waiting outside.

MeeMee wouldn't be anywhere else.

Aunt Becca was in charge of keeping Marj hydrated during the afternoon. Her ice chips were the best in the world.

Nicholas James Alexander Harris - Date of Birth: October 12, 2009

He stole our hearts from the very beginning. Aunt Becca couldn't take her eyes off of you.

Your mom and dad are your best friends and love you with all of their hearts. Your mom has been beside you every step of the way. She will always hold your hand and your heart and will always steer you in the right direction. She will love you, laugh with you, cry with you, pray with you and always have your best at heart.

Marjorie and James Harris

Zander has grown and changed so much in the past year. He has overcome so many hurdles and yet has so many hurdles yet to overcome.

Zander's first (of many different) brace in an attempt to correct erb's palsey.

Ms. Debbie is the best physical therapist in the whole world.

Look at what I can do MeeMee. This was such a huge accomplishment. We were all so excited.

You are now one year old and have become a little boy right before our eyes. You walk around here with your cowboy boots on and you are so cute. You have blonde hair, blue eyes, and three teeth. You are walking and saying a few words. Your best friend is Tic Tic. You look so much like Uncle Wade. You light up with a huge smile when you see Uncle Wade walk into the room. You love to talk to MeeMee on the telephone.

And now, a brief glimpse at your first year of life...

Probably one of MeeMee's favorite pictures.

Edisto Beach - June 2010 - Hastings Family Tradition

Aunt Becca and Tic Tic make sure I always have Clemson attire to wear.

Charleston Aquarium - Simply Amazed by all the fish.

Happy Birthday Zander. MeeMee loves you so much.

This Monkey Birthday Cake was so much fun. The more they laughed and cheered, the more fun he had.

Continue to dream and reach for the stars!!

Growing Up Way Too Fast

For those of you who haven't seen my precious grandson in awhile, here he is. For people like me who see him often (but not as often as I'd like to), even I was shocked and amazed by this picture. My how I forgot how fast children grow up right before our eyes. Seeing this picture just tells me that it is past time for me to push Marj and Kristen to the curb and start stealing you for the day on the weekend. You two have had him long enough. It's MeeMee's turn. Of course, now they've taken my car seat base out of my car - now what will I do? Hmmmm...don't worry Zander, that won't stop us. I have the hooks in my car! We have things to do and people to see.

Zander was such a handsome young man in his Easter outfit. His mom had him styling and profiling. She is such a great mom and I am so proud of her. Zander is such a happy baby and loves his mom more than life itself. He's also just a tad bit spoiled.

I love you little man. You make life a brighter place every day. I'll see you soon. You and I have a date this weekend. Tell your mom and dad to go celebrate their anniversary and leave us alone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

How can you resist kissing a baby this cute when he is wearing a shirt that says "Kiss me I'm Irish"? Look at that smile! I love you Zander!

Don't Everyone Pass Out at Once

You all have been pestering me to blog blog blog. Here I am - exhausted, but hopefully prepared and ready to put everything in the car in the morning. My "topamax" mind isn't computing what time I need to get up in the morning in order to get the ice, water bottles, hamburger patties, hotdogs, and cheese slices in the cooler and into the car; get showered and dressed and out the door on time. Marj is then counting on my "topamax" mind to remember to go by and pick up Marlee on my way to church. Marlee I love you. I sure hope someone calls me and reminds me. I wrote myself a note. I hope it makes it to the car, but that's not always a guarantee anymore.

Zander is now five months old and weighs fifteen pounds. He is being dedicated at my home church, Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church, tomorrow morning. A very dear friend of mine, Linda Whitmore, gave him the outfit he will be wearing for this ceremony. Her parents, Mr. Robert and Ms Teenie, bought this outfit for Linda's oldest child. They are both with the Lord now and will be smiling from heaven tomorrow. Linda and I will be wiping tears of pride and joy.

After the service, Linda and I are hosting a family lunch of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, coleslaw, baked beans and a special cake that Linda had specially made for the occasion. Linda, you are the best friend a girl could ask for. Thank you for always being there.

Stay tuned for more after tomorrow's festivities.

Such a Handsome Christmas Gift

Once again, Robbie Durham has outdone herself and has taken some amazing photographs of Zander.

Everyone agrees, I am the perfect gift.

Such a handsome fella in my Santa hat.

All wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree.

Absolutely adorable stocking stuffer.

What's with all these lights mom?

Hmmm, what do I want for Christmas? Let me see....

Merry Christmas - 2009!!

Zander's First Christmas

Saying Goodbye to a Special Friend

During the first two months of my life, a very special person entered my life. He had eagerly awaited my arrival for months and was so excited to hear when I was born. I'm not sure who was more excited in his house - he or Granny Linda.

Mr. Robert and I met for the first time November 7th.

Over the next two months, we became dear friends and Mr. Robert was quick to tell MeeMee that she was not allowed to come back without me, even though she did it anyway. Mr. Robert was diagnosed with lung cancer around the time I was born and went downhill very fast. He died Tuesday, December 9, 2009. This may seem kinda grim to put on a baby's blog, but for those of you that know us best, this is quite appropriate for our family. We were quite close. This is my final tribute to a wonderful man and my way to remember you always Mr. Robert.

As a retired US Marine (GYSGT Drill Sargeant), he was buried December 11, 2009 with full military honors.

Granny Linda needed a little loving and a hug after the service.

Ms. Donna couldn't be left out. She needed a hug too.

Uncle Wade needed a break and I needed a nap!

Meet my wonderful family - Aunt Becca, Uncle Wade and my amazing mom. I love you all so much!

Hummingbirds will abound next spring. We'll think of you often when we see them.

Mr. Robert promises to protect and watch over me from heaven. There's a special star in the sky twinkling just because of him.

*****ZANDER*****

MeeMee's First Babysitting

Mom finally felt the walls closing in around her and needed to get away by herself for a couple of hours - even if it was to go to WalMart to buy groceries. So, MeeMee had the pleasure of spending some one on one time with Zander. He is so awake, alert and is such a happy baby, except when he is hungry. When he is hungry, he thinks he should eat right now, not when you are ready, but when he says so.

He was cooing with me for the first time.

What are you doing MeeMee?

I'm so cute!!