Resemblences

Who does Harper look like? We are not sure yet. Jordan was so obviously a mini version of Craig, but we are still trying to figure out Harper. In the interim, I have been telling people she looks like me. :)

I think Jordan and Harper have distinct looks, but I do notice some similarities. I see it primarily around the nose/mouth/cheeks. For fun, Craig recreated one of our favorite baby picutres of Jordan with Harper. Both pictures were taken at three weeks.

Jordan

Harper

One Year

It has been one year since Jordan died. It is odd to celebrate the birth of our second daughter while marking the anniversary of the passing of our first daughter, and I struggle to find words. Jordan's physical absence is achingly obvious to us everyday, but we are so grateful for the time we had with her and feel that we carry her presence with us in our hearts.

We have been looking for ways to contribute to the pediatric oncology community and have participated in a few projects this past year. One of the projects is the National Angel Quilt, a quilt comprised of panels representing children who have lost their battle with cancer. The quilt is sponsored by the Make Some Noise Foundation, a local organization that raises research funds for pediatric cancer.

The angel quilt is touring the country to raise awareness and happened to be at a local mall the day before Jordan's eternal life anniversary. The quilt is a beautiful tribute to the angels, and I'm glad we were able to include Jordan. We met they family that created the Make Some Noise Foundation while visitng the quilt. They have a tremendous amount of energy for this cause and we made plans to work with their organization.

Jordan's panel

Jordan's panel happened to be right next to another neuroblastoma angel that we met at the Morristown clinic. Shane and Jordan were both Yo Gabba Gabba fans.

Baby Harper Arrives

The newest member of our family, Harper Erin Plauschinat, arrived on Friday, September 23 at 12:04 pm. 7 lb 4 oz. 20.5 in.

Craig and I had been anxiously awaiting Harper's arrival. She was due on the 23rd, but I suspected she may be early because Jordan was three weeks early. When my doctor advised in early September that I was already dilated and Harper could arrive "any day now", it seemed like we were on course for an early birth.

But Harper held out until the end. At my appointment on the 22nd, my doctor suggested scheduling an induction for the next morning and I jumped at the chance to meet our little one. Craig and I were already prepared for the hospital since we expected Harper to come early so we decided to go on one last date night. We went to a dinner Craig described as the best meal he has ever eaten...the food was fantastic but I think our excitement and joy contributed to the sentiment.

We went to the hospital early on the morning of the 23rd, and the doctor broke my water at 7:00 am. That nudge was all that Harper needed because I began contracting every five minutes immediately. Five hours later, Harper entered the world and joined our family.

These first two weeks have gone well. Thankfully Harper has been patient as Craig and I adjust to having a little one in our lives again. (It took me ten minutes to remember how to open the stroller and pop in the car seat.) Harper already had her first doctor appointment and gained back all of her birth weight plus two ounces within the first week. Craig, Nola, and I are enjoying spending time with and getting to know Harper.

On our way home

Bundled up for the first family walk