Apparently, riding a pony is not like riding a bike. If you don't do it often enough. . .you will forget how to ride it. This is especially true if your new favorite toy is a bouncing zebra.

A Baaaad Day

Despite a fun visit to the petting zoo. . .Olivia is not having a very good day. Soon after we visited the sheep, Olivia fell on the pavement and bloodied herself up. That's on top of an already sore mouth because of 4+ teeth coming in. She had 7 teeth for the longest time and now she's getting the rest of them all at once. She was crying on the way home. . .I'm sure because she was hot, tired and hungry with sore gums, a fat lip and a bloody chin. Right now, daddy is trying to get her to take a second nap. . .she needs some rest. She has not been very happy today. . .poor thing. Hopefully, my sweet girl will be feeling like herself again soon.

Birth Size Doll

June 2008

June 2009

Last June, we got Olivia's birth size doll and took comparison pictures. I thought we would take a few again today. Unfortunately, I think Olivia has only gained a few pounds in the last year. Olivia was a lot more interested in the doll this year and didn't want me to take it away. I hope the doll becomes as special to her as it is to us.

Another Cousin

Well, you met Kyran last week.

Now, let me introduce you to Gus. . .Olivia's other furry cousin. We're hoping to go meet him tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 - Update

Kelley, Trevor and Emily

Kerrick, Shawna (with a baby girl due in just a few weeks) Marilee and Olivia

I had a great time in college. . .primarily because of great friends. After we graduated in 2000, we decided to keep meeting about once a month. Sure. . .we've missed a few months here and there, but the four of us have been doing it for over 9 years now. We've been through a lot and it's nice to sit down and catch up with our lives. Olivia went with me today and did a fabulous job considering it was her nap time and she has 3 molars coming in at once. Hopefully, we'll continue meeting for many more years to come.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - Update

I believe micro-preemie parents look at the world entirely different than most. Every little thing that our little ones do is exceptional. I just beam with pride every time Olivia drinks out of a straw. Watching Olivia get on her zebra and bounce by herself just astonishes me. One day, she just figured out how to do it on her own. Of course, I'll never get over her walking. I remember when she was in the NICU, my dad told me how he saw some kids laughing and running out of a school bus. He told me that would be Olivia some day. I appreciated the optimism, but at that time. . .no one was sure if she would even be able to walk. When you are given a 90% chance of a disability. . .the odds aren't in your favor. I don't see my astonishment ending any time soon. . .I think it's something that will stick with me all of my life. Who knows what amazing thing she will do tomorrow and I'll be grateful to share it all with you.

Monday, June 8, 2009 - Update

Olivia, Ella and Kyler

Making friends

Today, Olivia had another eye appointment. She hated it just as much as ever. Her eye doctor, however, felt that her glasses might be helping. . .at least enough to hold off surgery for now. She doesn't go back for over 3 months and we're continuing with the glasses. But, best of all. . .no surgery for now!!

After her eye appointment, we headed to the zoo and ran into some familiar faces. Many of you follow Heather's blog and have been reading about her fight with Stage 4 melanoma cancer. If not, be sure to head over there and show your support. Olivia made friends with her daughter, Ella, who is around Olivia's age. They were too cute!!

Sunday, June 7, 2009 - Update

Birthday party times three

Today, Olivia had her first big gathering with Ryan's side of the family. We celebrated my nephew and nieces' birthdays. There were a lot of people and you'd think Olivia would be a bit intimidated. Nope. . .not one bit. She has never met a stranger and always becomes instant friends with everyone that she meets. Today, she happily walked from one person to the next with a big grin on her face. It was a joy to watch her today and I worry less and less about her socialization as she does awesome around all people. . .young and old. Olivia and her cousin, Kaleb, were especially cute as they kept patting each other on the back and smiling. Kaleb would bang on the folding chairs and then Olivia would do the same. The day would have been a lot better had Ryan not thrown his back out which rendered him immobile. I'm hoping he feels better soon. Thanks, Kim, for some really good pictures. It was nice to be together with the whole family.

Ryan stayed on the couch for most of the afternoon.

Kaleb and Olivia plotting mischief.


She had such a good time.


Olivia's new furry cousin, Kyran.


Kyran (the Jack Russell terrier,) Katie, Aidan, Kaleb, Alex, Olivia, Julia and Rebekah

Hey, I want what he's having!

Olivia and Uncle Kris.

It's not a party without cake!

An Award

It seems that my dear friend, Stacie, at Thoughts on Everything and Nothing has nominated me for an award. Thanks, Stacie.

The Rules:

1 - Thank the person who gave it to you. Thanks again, Stacie.

2 - List 10 honest things about yourself.

3- Put the Honest Scrap logo on your blog.

4- Select 7 other bloggers that you think deserve this award.

Okay, so I'll try to think of 10 things that you may not already know.

1. I am not a good swimmer.

2. I have never smoked a cigarette in my life.

3. I get headaches a lot, which is usually the reason that I'm awake at 4 in the morning.

4. The biggest fight that Ryan and I have ever had was over a dog.

5. In kindergarten, I lied to my teacher and it haunted me for years.

6. I've been given many blogging awards over the last few months and have felt bad that I haven't posted them. They really do mean a lot to me.

7. In high school I played the bassoon and the flute.

8. I'm tired a lot. . .oh, I guess you probably already knew that.

9. Ryan and I are, unfortunately, not planning on having any more children.

10. I love my Lord, my husband, my daughter, my family and friends.

Okay, and my 7 other honest bloggers are:

1. Anne at Life with Eliza Grace

2. Julie at Life is Good

3. Angie at Bennett and Ellie Grace

4. Jamie at Southern Babies

5. Devon at The Mikels Family

6. Emily at Emily's Adventures

7. Cristi at Jesus Is

8. Ann-Marie at Pray for Coy

Okay, so I decided on 8 instead. :)