Saturday, May 30, 2009 - Update

I've been walking for so long now that I'm sort of a "professional."

I can even walk sideways and backwards.

Sometimes I throw in a little electric slide.

And, I can get on and off of my zebra.

I always make sure that when I fall. . .I fall backwards.

It's easy to get caught up with the things that Olivia isn't doing yet and forget how far she's come. Some 23 weekers aren't able to walk unassisted and each time I think about that. . .it brings tears to my eyes. Today, she started walking backwards down the hall. It was so adorable and it just reminded me of how lucky we are. And, many thanks to Emily for Olivia's cute shirt. I just can't get over how many generous and thoughtful people are in the world.

March for Babies Team Picture

Friday, May 29, 2009 - Update

Cousin Katie and Aunt Kimmy came over this afternoon and brought these yummy, adorable cookies along with a present for Olivia.

Katie and Olivia had a tea party with her new tea set.

Of course, Olivia still needs to learn how to play tea party. She doesn't yet know how to pretend play, so she kinda threw the cups around. We'll have to practice for the next time that Olivia and Katie play together. We also pushed Olivia on her swing, took her for a walk and played with the water table. Well. . . .Katie and I played with the water table and soaked each other. I think the girls had a good time and hopefully they can spend a lot more time together this summer.

Thursday, May 28, 2009 - Update

I'll sit here, but I won't smile.

I might as well get comfortable if you're taking pictures again.


Silly mama

I'm so proud of Olivia. This morning I was thinking. . . I don't even remember the last time Olivia woke up in the middle of the night. She has been such a good sleeper. And. . .she has been sleeping in until almost 9 am! Thank you sweet girl!! Of course, that makes for one heavy diaper and she has leaked through the past two mornings. I think I'll try one of those overnight diapers.

She has also been hovering around 19 lbs and if she keeps eating as well as she has been, maybe we'll make it to 20 lbs soon. I credit the recent weight gain (for Olivia and me) to Sara Lee's cheesecake bites. Boy, those are yummy and it seems Olivia likes cheesecake just like me.

Better go. . .I just thought, "I don't remember putting a purple bow in Olivia's hair." Well, I didn't. . .it seems she has stuck half-eaten, sticky yogurt melts to her head.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - Update

My sweet girl

Olivia playing at Izzy's house

Izzy, Olivia and Abbey

For those of you who have been around Olivia, you realize that she can't sit or stand still. She is also constantly shaking items. Last year, she was evaluated by an occupational therapist and found to have some sensory processing disorders. Many of us have them. . .we have just learned to live with them. My husband, for example, cannot stand to listen to people eat or chew gum. He is a bit hypersensitive to sound. I have to sleep with a heavy comforter on top of me. .even if I'm extremely hot. Olivia has a sensory processing disorder of the vestibular sense and wants to be in constant motion. Remember her jumperoo? She could jump for hours. She craves the input that movement gives her. It's difficult to sit down with her and teach her to stack rings, etc. when all she wants to do is walk around and shake her arms. Maybe some of this will improve as she ages? From what I understand, the best thing for her is to provide her with the input that she needs by bouncing toys, rocking chairs, swings and such. I thought I would provide some links for anyone interested in additional information on sensory processing disorders. I'm a little nervous about going back to church and expecting Olivia to sit still. Can I propose the addition of bouncing pews?

Vestibular Dysfunction

Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - Update

Two of mommy's new favorite pictures.

I love that Olivia is playing with other kids now. I'm actually not as stressed about germs as I thought I'd be. It feels normal, actually. . .like I'm a normal mom with a normal child. For months and months, I have just been praying for a bit of normalcy. I think I'm more stressed about her falling down the stairs at houses without gates. Another little former preemie fell down the stairs and broke his leg! Yikes. . .so children don't always "bounce!"

Anyway, on a happier note. . .I thought you'd enjoy two pictures that Ryan took over the weekend. Doesn't she look adorable?

Monday, May 25, 2009 - Update

Today we had a cookout at grandma and grandpa's house.

This is my cousin, Izzy. We got to play together and she taught me all about Cars.

So, this is Lightning McQueen?

And this is the mean one? I don't remember his name.


Mater!


We played with a dollhouse.


And grandpa took us on a wagon ride.


We even stopped and saw some doggies! It was a good day!
P.S. Izzy: my mom added Life Is A Highway to her music player just for you!

Remembering Logan

We went out to Logan's grave today.

Olivia went with us this time.

She even spun her brother's pinwheel.

Sometimes when Olivia is playing, I picture Logan right beside her. I think that he would have had darker hair and maybe even my brown eyes. I often wonder what they would be like together. Sometimes I feel that Olivia really needs her twin brother and we really need our son. We still miss you, Logan, very much.

Sunday, May 24, 2009 - Update

My new water table

I love to play outside.

I'm never happy when mom and dad make me come inside.

It's official. My little girl is not a baby anymore. She is 100% toddler. . .complete with an attitude, independent streak, desire to be outside and little tantrums thrown in here and there. She loves to play outside and has the grass cuts all over her legs to prove it. My days of keeping her protected are over. She is into everything and there's no holding her back. She won't sit still for a second. . .she just goes and goes and goes. Of course, I love being able to watch her explore her world and blossom into this amazing young girl. I still can't believe how far she's come.

Today, daddy asked her to come into the kitchen to eat lunch and she looked at him and said, "NO!" and walked away. That was the first time Olivia has said "no" before, so it took me by surprise. She's definitely starting to test her boundaries! I am going to have to start saying "no" a lot more as well.