The Downbeats

Did you know that my dad is an amazing musician/songwriter/pianist? Years ago, he was in a band called The Downbeats. . .ten points to anyone who has heard of them. They played many local venues as well as places throughout the country. Anyway, just thought my dad would get a kick out of being "featured" on the blog. Olivia will get to hear all of the stories as she grows up, I'm sure.

The Downbeats on the All-American College Show

My dad is the one kneeling in the middle.

A Snowy Day

Because of the blizzard that's coming, my mommy and I rounded up all of my woodland creature friends. Do you remember them? They couldn't stay outside in the snow.

We had so much fun together eating snacks,

telling secrets,

giving relaxing massages,

singing songs. . .la la la. . .

Ah-Ah-choo. . .I think I'm allergic to one of you.

Let's see. . .what else can we do. . .

I know! Catch me!

Friday, March 27, 2009 - Update

Why can't we go outside?

Olivia will be quite disappointed when we're stuck inside for the next few days with what is forecasted to be blizzard-like conditions! I thought it was supposed to be Spring? She loves getting out of the house. . .even if it is just for a drive in the car. Of course, I love it too. I seriously feel like the walls are caving in on me and I can't stand to be inside for more than a few hours at a time. I made it through the last 2 winters fairly well and I don't know why I'm feeling this way now. Olivia and I are always up for visitors (of course, you must be a healthy adult and remember to wash your hands when you first come over.) Once RSV season is over, I really look forward to her playing with other kids. I can't believe that we've kept her healthy this long, but I think it's starting to take its toll on me. She really enjoys it when people come over to play with her and has perfected her shy little smile. Olivia just does the cutest things lately. She likes to hug/kiss her stuffed animals, but she also does it to her favorite storybook characters. In Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear she adores the peacock and will stop and lay her head against it. The elephant occasionally gets this kind of affection. She does the same thing in Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See with the goldfish (and sometimes the teacher.) She loves it when we tell her that she's, "Oh so sweet!" It is the most adorable thing in the world. She is such a loving little girl and just warms my heart every day.

More Bathtime Fun

Olivia Lou Who

A Big Thanks

I just received this email from March of Dimes and it just brightened my day. What a testament to the love and support that Ryan and I continue to receive! What a way to show that Logan will never be forgotten! What a way to honor Olivia! All of you who have donated should feel so proud that you are giving other babies a chance at a healthy life. Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart. Anyway, this is what the email said:

Is your March for Babies team in the Top Three?

Many teams have already signed up and started fundraising – has yours?

As of March 25, these family teams have raised the most money on-line in Wichita

#3 Wilson Triplets (new to the top 3!) has raised $275.84 – congratulations to captain Maranda Wilson!

#2 Keegan’s Krusaders (still in 2nd!) has raised $345 – congratulations to captain Sally Duncan!

#1 Olivia and Logan (still in the lead!) has raised $650 – congratulations to captain Jodi Glunt!

To continue to stay in the lead, I will enter everyone who has donated into a drawing for a fabulous prize. All that you have to do is donate online or send me a check for a minimum of $10 by April 1st to be entered in the drawing. Good luck and thanks again!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - Update

My first Happy Meal toy. . .

Things are going good around here, although I hope we don't have anymore "bloody" falls this week. That is twice now that she has scraped her chin and given herself a fat lip. I'm really pondering the significance of this walking hullabaloo. (I don't know if that word fits here but I kinda felt like using it.) Her primary means of getting around is still crawling or walking while holding on to your finger. We're working really hard on getting her to release from furniture and she's doing great. She still wants to mainly walk to someone or something. . .she doesn't really just cruise around the house. But, it's a start and if we could get rid of some of the falls, we'd all be happier.

Let's see. . .what else is going on with Ms. Olivia. . .eating is going well and yesterday she had a few bites of a chicken mcnugget. I was thrilled that she at least tried it because she doesn't like to eat a lot of meat. Drinking out of a straw is coming along fairly well. Olivia is now up to almost 18.5 lbs, still not a lot but I was just glad she broke the 18 lb mark. Hopefully, she'll be over 20 lbs by the time she is two. And. . .currently, she has seven teeth. She tries to say quite a few words, such as juice, shoes, boat, duck, tweet tweet, woof woof. . .but no mama yet.

We're still eagerly anticipating warm weather (without wind) so that we can get outside more. I hear it is supposed to get rather cold by the end of the week. Olivia cries every time I open the door, but don't let her go outside. We should be getting "something" by the end of the week that Olivia will enjoy. . .we'll have to see.

Prayers for Baby Stellan

Many of you already follow www.mycharmingkids.netand some of you know of Stellan's heart problems in the womb. He is now in the PICU with the same heart problems and needs a lot of prayers. Many of you know that I have struggled in the past with why we pray. Does it change God's mind? Does it matter what we pray for when God already knows the outcome? Stellan's mom describes it beautifully in her post and I think it's something everyone should read. Please keep Baby Stellan in your prayers.

Girl Of Many Talents

This video cracked me up. Olivia had just gotten up from her nap and had no real desire to do what I was telling her to do, but she went through the motions anyway. The look on her face was probably similar to that of all the students who went back to school today after spring break.

Olivia just recently started clapping and now she does it all of the time. She loves waving bye-bye and shaking her head no. Put them all together and she's a girl of many talents.

Do You Know What Today (March 23rd) Is?

Hmmm. . .let me think.
Oh, I know!! I know!!

It's my daddy's birthday!!

Look! No surprises up my sleeve.

Happy Birthday! I love you daddy!

Just Pics

Daddy and Me
Mommy and Me