Prayers Needed

There is another micro-preemie that needs our prayers. Isabella Danielle was born on December 5th at 24 weeks. Please keep this family in your prayers. Today, I was looking through all of our old cards (yes, I kept them all) that I received after Logan and Olivia were born. All of your love and support really helped us get through such a difficult time. Please shower this family with support and prayers.

I also recently heard about another little baby girl born at 27 weeks whose family is also going through the NICU roller-coaster. It's such a hard thing to watch your precious, anxiously-awaited child so fragile while you stand around helpless. This holiday season, please think of all the babies still struggling for each breath. May they continue to grow healthier and stronger each day and soon learn what it's like to be home. There is not a day that goes by where I don't thank God for allowing me to take my precious little girl home.

Saturday, December 13, 2008 - Update

Ryan and his brother, Joel, always have an annual Christmas shopping day. They spend all day shopping. . .mostly for Laura and me. I think he's mostly done with me, so hopefully he doesn't go over the budget. Ryan and Joel always have a really good time. So, since Olivia and I were left home alone all day, Kerry came over to see us. She had not yet seen Olivia ride her pony and was amazed at all she has learned to do. Thanks Kerry for a great afternoon!

Friday, December 13, 2008 - Update

After mommy took pictures of me, she let me watch Baby Signing Times.

That silly Hopkins!

She loves that show. I have yet to see her do any signs, although I swear she might have done the sign for "brush teeth" as I was brushing mine. It's nice that she'll sit down and watch something instead of always wanting on pony. When she crawls (scoots rather) she goes straight to pony. When we walk with her, she walks straight to pony. She can't look at pony without wanting to ride the pony. Her face lights up with such a sense of accomplishment as she rides around the house. Everything Olivia loves. . .she loves to the extreme. Hopefully, she will someday learn to walk by herself and isn't riding the pony to kindergarten. She isn't yet able to stand unassisted. . .mostly because she doesn't stay still that long (she's gotta get to the pony, you know.) The pony may have to find a secret hiding spot, just occasionally. :-)

Quest For The Perfect Holiday Picture

Hold on. . .I think I have something in my teeth.
Ooops, I think I blinked.

Smile? Like this?

I don't want this dress on anymore!

I don't know why I can't just ride my pony.

Okay, but I will not smile!

Teehee. . .Fozzie Bear doesn't want his picture taken either!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - Update

12-10- 2007

12-10-2008

Today is a very special day. We brought Olivia home from the hospital on this day last year when she was 105 days old. I promised to keep her safe. I promised to keep her healthy. I promised that we would never spend another night apart (until her first sleepover, that is.) As she grows older, she will not only celebrate her birthday, but her homecoming day as well. It's a very special day for all of us. I am not sure how we're going to celebrate it this year, but I do know that she will be enjoying an oatmeal raisin cookie!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - Update

Oh, internet, sweet internet. . .hello again. I have my husband to thank. He stopped by Best Buy after work (on this blustery, snowy day) to pick up a new cable modem. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Of course, that was $80 that we could have held on to a bit longer this Christmas season.

Olivia is doing well. You wouldn't believe the maneuvering skills that she has on that pony! She steers, backs up, gets herself unstuck. . .it's amazing! My dad said it best. . ."She commands that pony." Sadly, her jumperoo has lost some of its appeal. She tries to get it to move and seems a bit disappointed to stay in one place. I also found out today that Olivia LOVES oatmeal raisin cookies. I've never seen her eat anything with such. . .gusto. She even made sure to get all of the crumbs left behind.

Internet Down

Our internet has been a bit flaky the last few days. Now it is only up for a few seconds to a minute at a time. So, I'm having trouble responding to emails, finishing Christmas projects or doing anything that involves the internet. I'm not sure what my posts will be until we get it fixed. We might need a new cable modem. . .don't know for sure. I've found that I'm addicted to my laptop and being without internet is pure torture!! It's my only connection to the outside world! :)

Monday, December 8, 2008 - Update

Spreading Christmas cheer!

Don't forget to send me your Christmas tree pictures! It looks like our tour is going to be a little bit. . . .short. You can also send me pictures of your other favorite Christmas decorations. For those who missed the previous post:

Some people go on holiday tours to see Christmas decorations of their friends and families. I thought. . . .why not have a tour right here on the blog? (Can you tell that I don't get out much?) Just email me a picture of your Christmas tree. My email can be found on the sidebar of the blog. Please include the state, territory or country you live in. You may also include your last name if you'd like. Try to get the pictures to me by Dec. 12th. Oh, this will be so much fun.

My Little Pony