Friday, August 13, 2010 - Update

We recently took down the baby gate and Olivia is enjoying her newfound freedom.  She now brings toys from downstairs to upstairs and from upstairs to downstairs.  It was convenient being able to separate them. .  :)  Oh well. . .it was time and it’s nice to see a smile on her face just from going up and down the stairs without restrictions. 

Olivia and I had a great time with Stacie and Madison today.  Sorry that we don’t have any pictures of their visit.  It’s really neat to see the two of them interacting more and more.  Olivia talked about Madison coming over all morning long and was giddy when they came to our front door.  We have enjoyed doing that and watching Dora for the bazillionth tenth time.  :)  Olivia has never been a TV watcher. . . until just recently.  She has always liked Dora, but has never watched an entire episode of anything.  Now, she wants to watch Dora over and over again.  I consider it a good thing that she is finally showing interest in things that normal toddlers do.  I just wish I could get the Dora song out of my head. 

Thursday, August 12, 2010 - Update

I picked up Olivia’s polka dot picture today and thought it turned out beautifully.  Camera Angles did an awesome job as I know Olivia is not an easy child to photograph.  What a sweet way to remember the end of her 2nd year.  I can’t believe she’ll be three in almost two weeks!

Fun At The Mall

My goofy girl

I know, you come here for the pictures. . .admit it. :) I try to have a picture with every post, but that’s been difficult lately.  Why. . .you ask?  Well, these are the kinds of pictures I have been getting lately.

This is what she did when I told her I wanted a picture of her new glasses. (They’re pretty, though, aren’t they?)

This is what she did when I told her to smile.  (Notice she has really pretty teeth.)

And this is what she did when I told her to smile normally. . .what a goof! 

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Update

Well, I was bad today and gave Olivia one of her birthday presents early.  It is incredibly hot outside and we were bored and finger painting sounded like fun, so she got her smock and finger paints early.  She did really good.  She’s like me in that she doesn’t like her hands messy.  After painting for a bit, she asked to wash her hands.  We washed them and I assumed that she was done, but she wanted to paint again.  Each time she dipped her fingers into the paint, she wanted to wash them.  :)  She created quite the masterpiece and we had a lot of fun doing it.  Now, for something else to occupy the remaining hours of the day. 

Monday, August 9, 2010 - Update

We went to pick up Olivia’s new frames today and it seems her pink ones are on backorder until the middle of next month.  So, they gave us a loner pair to use until then.  We now have a brown pair and I’ve decided I actually like the brown ones better than the pink.  They even have cute flowers on the side.  Too bad we’re getting another pink pair. . .at no cost to me so I’m not complaining.  The brown would go so well with the upcoming autumn season though.  Darn. . .maybe next time we have to buy new frames we can do something different. 

And here are her new glasses. . .although you can’t really tell what they look like in this picture with the glare.  I’ll try to get a better pic.

Overview

Just thought I’d give a quick overview of how Olivia is doing as she approaches her 3rd birthday.  I’m sure many of you would like to know and if I don’t write it down. . .I won’t remember it.

Eating:  It’s kind of hit and miss.  She has her good days and bad.  This weekend was a good one as she ate everything from green beans to cheese enchiladas to broccoli.  Her weight remains steady around 23.5 lbs.  We’re hoping to make it to 24 lbs by her 3rd birthday on the 27th. 

Sleeping:  Fantastic!  She basically puts herself to sleep at night around 9 pm and sleeps until 8-9 am.  We rarely hear anything from her at night.  She doesn’t usually take any naps during the day, though.

Potty training:  Not there yet.  We’ve “practiced” a bit here and there.  I know I’m going to have to set aside a few days for nothing but potty training.  I’m dreading looking forward to  it. :)

Vision:  She still wears glasses to strengthen the muscles in her eyes.  We are looking at a 2nd strabismus surgery in the future. . .probably sooner than I’d like as her eyes have been crossing more lately.  We are also looking at another surgery to remove the keloid scar on her neck. 

Language:  I think she communicates wonderfully as she knows how to get her needs across.  She has wonderful pronunciation and her vocabulary is vast.  I know, however, that she is not quite at the 3 year old level.  She LOVES to sing and has amazing pitch and rhythm.  This is definitely an area where she is “ahead.”

PT/OT:  She has some tightness in her left foot that we are keeping an eye on.  Right now, we’re trying to do some stretches with her foot.  Her fine motor skills are vastly improving.  She is able to eat with a fork and spoon!  We’re working on puzzles, stringing beads and coloring.  

Interests:  Gogum, Lily, Abby Cadabby, Sesame Street, Dora, Clifford, balls, books, playing with cars, dollhouses, trains,  music, singing.  And potties. . .she has a fascination with finding the bathrooms everywhere she goes. 

Saturday, August 7, 2010 - Update

The three of us took a trip to Imagine That Toys and Olivia was in heaven.  She pushed a little shopping cart with Abby Cadabby all around the store.  When it was time to leave, we put Abby away and it just broke Olivia’s heart.  She didn’t throw a fit. . .she just kept asking where she was as if she’d lost her best friend.  I didn’t even know that she liked Abby Cadabby that much.  So. . .we’re suckers and we bought it for her.  The two of them have been inseparable ever since.  She’ll fit in quite nice to Olivia’s Sesame Street birthday party in a few weeks.

 

Here she is feeding Abby.

Ryan got back last night from a business trip to Seattle.  We’re so glad to have him back home. 

Thursday, August 5, 2010 - Update

Before gymnastics. . .in the car. . .Olivia and I had to have a little talk. It went a little something like this.

Me: Olivia, we're getting ready to go to gymnastics.
Olivia: gynastics!
Me: Now, we have to remember to listen to the teacher and do what we are told and NOT run around everywhere.
Olivia: And don't touch other people's socks.

Last time, I was grossed out when she took some little boy's socks out of the cubby. Of course, she remembers not to do that, but everything else? In one ear and out the other. . . .

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 - Update

Olivia and Lily

Those people who have seen Olivia in person know that Gogum and Lily are never far away. She takes them everywhere and absolutely adores them. She cannot sleep without each of them laying at the top corners of her bed. She adores them so much that they are filthy!! I can take the battery out to wash Gogum, but not Lily. I've considered just buying her brand new ones, but after watching Toy Story 3. . .I can't bring myself to do it. LOL. It's just amazing the things that your child falls in love with. I hear her in the morning just giggling in her room saying "Silly Lily!!" or "Gogum, that's silly." Apparently, they communicate with each other as well. It's just the sweetest thing watching her interact with them. They definitely feel like part of the family.

Gymnastics

We have missed a few days of gymnastics and they allow you to "make up" your missed days. We decided to go tonight so that Olivia could take a class with her cousin and best friend, Izzy. We had the added benefit of my brother being there to take pictures. I finally have pictures of Olivia in gymnastics class! Thanks Donnie!

Izzy made sure Olivia felt welcome in her class.

Olivia stepping over the teddy bears. Occasionally, she had to bend down and give them a nice, loving pat.

And she rode the pulley!!

Yay Olivia!!!


Her favorite part of all, however, is singing the bye bye song.

Here's a short video of Olivia and Izzy practicing the snake.

Sunday, August 1, 2010 - Update

My beautiful miracle.

Saturday, July 30, 2010 - Update

Today, we celebrated my nephew's 10th birthday and my niece's 8th birthday. It was great to have the family all together. . .especially since learning that Ryan's sister's family will be moving to Arkansas within a matter of weeks. We are happy to hear of Kris's promotion, but saddened nonetheless that they will no longer live 10+ minutes away. It made get togethers like today that much more special.

A gift for me?

Friday, July 30, 2010 - Update

Around here, we do whatever it takes to get Olivia to eat a good meal. Today, it happened to be eating at the table with a big giraffe. Whatever it takes. :)

Notice how well she is using her spoon. Yay!

Cheese!

Playing in the sink. . .one of her favorite things to do.

Thursday, July 29, 2010 - Update

After a short hiatus, I am back. I have not felt well the past 2 weeks. . .extreme anxiousness and an inner restlessness that only allowed me 1-4 hours of sleep per night. After two visits to the doctor. . .I think I'm doing better and actually able to write an update tonight. Things are going well. . .except my grandpa has been in the hospital and instead of returning home, he was moved to an assisted living facility. My grandma will join him there next week and leave the house they've lived in for 30+ years. My grandpa has Alzheimer's and as some of you might know. . .that's a tough thing to watch. Please pray for my grandparents and my mom and her siblings who are dealing with a lot right now. Other than all of that. . .we're doing well.

I got Olivia's picture taken today. She does not do well with things like that and I was a bit worried. But, the photographer was great with her and even got a smile. I don't get the pictures back for 2 weeks or so, but I'll be sure to share! I'm definitely taking her back!

Monday, July 26, 2010 - Update

My goofy girl :)

I haven't been able to get a good picture of Olivia lately. She's hard to capture. . .always doing silly things. She has such a joy about her that pictures can't show. Right now she is laying in bed singing Scooby Dooby Doo. Olivia always keeps a smile on my face. :)

Sunday, July 25, 2010 - Update

I found this old picture of Olivia today. . .it was taken in July 2008. . .about a month before her first birthday. I don't remember her having such cute, chubby legs. :) I can't believe she is going to be three next month. She has been growing up so fast lately. She speaks almost in full sentences, uses utensils really well, and puts herself to sleep at night. That's been the biggest thing and one of the greatest and hardest, as silly as it sounds. I used to have to rock her until she was asleep and then quietly tiptoe and lay her down in bed being careful not to make any noise. That was exhausting every night, but it was also such a special time between us. Now, she wants me to cover her up, give her a kiss and leave. She sometimes falls right to sleep. Other times she sings and talks with her stuffed animals and babies for over an hour. . .crying for mama only when she misplaces one of them. It feels like the end of an era and such a big girl thing to do. Today, she told us she was going to take a nap, walked back to her room and shut the door. Really? My no nap little girl is putting herself down for naps now too? She's starting to make it too easy on me. LOL. Just don't grow up too fast, my sweet little girl. My niece, Katie, turned 8 years old today which doesn't seem possible. A Happy Happy Birthday to you!

Saturday, July 24, 2010 - Update

We spent the day painting our living room. Baby steps is our motto and someday we will have painted every room in the house. Someday. :)

Early Birthday Surprise

Olivia managed to get her birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa Sailing over a month early. Not quite sure how she managed that, but when she woke up today. . .she got a big surprise!

Wow, is this for me?

It's spacious, yet cozy. . .

Making herself at home

Gotta call grandma and grandpa

Thank you for my playhouse!

Logan

Sometimes. . .out of the blue. . I think of Logan. Not that I don't always think of him, but there are times when he is at the forefront of my mind. He was such a cutie. . I often wonder what he'd look like today, what he would be like, how Olivia and him would interact. . . I can think of him now without feeling myself falling into a deep depression. There is often sadness and even tears, but I am thankful for the pictures and the memories. . .even though there aren't many. I had a son and his name was Logan and nothing can ever take that away. Time goes on, but he will never become just a faded memory. He'll always be my precious Logan. . .

Thursday, July 22, 2010 - Update

Olivia LOVES music. She loves listening to music, singing to music, playing the piano, anything that has to do with music. She has always been that way. . .when we sang to her in the NICU, all of her stats would improve. It was always interesting because Logan's oxygen saturation would go down whenever we sang to him. I could just see him now, "Mom! Tell Olivia to stop singing." :) Olivia sings and claps her hands all the time. She can sing amazingly on pitch. My hope is that her love of music will help her through any other areas where she has difficulty and that she finds great joy in it.

Ambien

Wow, so I took Ambien last night and I don't think I'll ever take it again. For one, I woke up feeling awful (headache, upset stomach, tired) and two, I couldn't remember anything that happened. According to my husband, I knocked over the kitty's cup of water, fell twice, asked him to go sleep on the couch, posted comments on facebook. . .none of which I have the slightest memory of. How scary is that? If I ever do take it again, I'm going to have to ask my husband to lock me up before I go to sleep and hide my computer. Scary. Maybe my doctor will prescribe Lunesta. . .the little butterfly seems harmless enough.

Monday, July 19, 2010 - Update

When Olivia was a baby, she went through a brief period where she would cry when I left the room. She has been through with that for at least a year or more. Usually, I can leave her somewhere and she doesn't even care to say good-bye or give me a hug. Recently, she has started crying and clinging to me when I leave her. It's breaking my heart. I know she only cries for a few minutes after I leave, but I'm having such a hard time with it. She wouldn't even let daddy put her to bed tonight without tears and cries of "Mama!" Kids sure know how to tug at your heartstrings. I can't say that I'm not enjoying all of the extra hugs and cuddles, though.

I've been having a tough week and averaging 1-2 hours of sleep per night because of awful insomnia and restless legs. I finally went to the doctor today because I can't continue to run on such little sleep. I was prescribed Ambien. Has anyone had luck with that? For restless legs? I'm down on my knees praying for a good night's sleep. My friend, Amanda, heard about my rough week and sent me a care package. You wouldn't believe everything that I received!!

What an amazing friend she is!! How do you even go about saying thank you for something like this? I really needed a pick-me-up today. Did you know that we met through my blog and have never actually met in person? She is stunningly beautiful with an even more beautiful heart. Thank you, Amanda, for always brightening my day! :)

I have been blessed with wonderful friends and family who have helped me every step of the way. For that I am forever grateful.

Sunday, July 18, 2010 - Update

Playing with dad

Thanks for letting me share the story of my dog, Tyrone. My hope is that Autumn becomes Olivia's Tyrone. It makes me smile when I see Olivia playing tea party with Autumn. Poor kitty has cups and plates and food all around her and looks up at me as if to say, "What is going on here?" But, it's as if she knows it makes Olivia happy. Both are so gentle with each other. Autumn will not get close to any other child. . .she runs and hides anytime someone under the age of 10 comes to the house. She's a little afraid of children, but with Olivia it is totally different. Some days when I have to wake Olivia up early, I send Autumn in and she tickles Olivia's face with her whiskers. It always brings a good morning smile to Olivia's face. I look forward to seeing their bond grow as they get older. You may be wondering why we don't have a dog? To explain that, you have to know the story of Brady. . .maybe I'll share that at a later date.