Birthday Party and a Big Surprise!

Today, we celebrated my nephew Aidan’s birthday with a Pokemon party.

 

 

She was so excited to be drinking Pepsi. 

And. . .we also wanted to introduce you to the soon-to-be newest member of our family:

Ryan’s aunt works at a vet’s office and a litter of kittens were brought in.  There were six kittens and this little guy is the only survivor.  We had been thinking for awhile about getting another cat for Autumn as she might like the companionship.  This little guy’s eyes just opened and he is still being bottle fed and requiring around the clock care.  Ryan’s aunt is coming back into town at the end of the month and he will most likely come live with us then.  We haven’t decided upon a name and thought you could help us decide. 

Our choices are:

Cole (or Coal, Kohl, Koal)

October and we’d call him Tobey.  We thought this name went well with Autumn.  He would be October Cole because Autumn is Autumn Grace. 

Be sure to vote in the poll!!!  Do you have another name suggestion?  Leave it in the comments.

We are all excited about our new addition!  Yes, even Ryan. :)   Autumn has been such an amazing cat. . .this little guy has a lot to live up to.  Hopefully, the two of them will become best friends. 

I wonder if he’ll like to sleep in the hamper like Autumn does.

Friday, September 3, 2010 - Update

Olivia missed out on the dentist today (and on preschool pictures.)  She was up sick all night long. . .runny nose, congestion, temperature, etc.  I don’t know if it was from her flu vaccine or not. . .kind of coincidental timing.  Poor thing is pretty miserable.  We did get her dentist appointment rescheduled for next Friday.  We hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend!

Happy 5th Birthday, Aidan!

 

My incredibly adorable and witty nephew is turning 5 tomorrow!  We hope you have a GREAT birthday!   

3 Year Checkup

Olivia had her 3 year checkup today.  She cried the entire time.  By now I’ve realized that anytime Olivia goes to a doctor’s office or anything resembling a doctor’s office. . .she’s going to cry.  She is fine in waiting rooms, but the second they call us back she starts crying.  Boy, does it take a lot out of me (and her too, I’m sure.) Tomorrow, we have her first dentist appointment.  I finally got her into a highly recommended pediatric dentist in town.  They had not been accepting any new patients and told me to call back the first of September.  So, I called today and was thrilled to be able to get Olivia in.  They could see her tomorrow or in December. . .so, I chose tomorrow.  Lucky Olivia. . .back to back visits to doctor and dentist. . .being 3 years old is tough.  : ) Please please pray that she does okay at the dentist.  I just want at least one place that can be positive for Olivia.  I try so hard to make everything a positive experience for Olivia and almost every time I fail miserably.  She is just so apprehensive about anyone messing with her in any way.  After a rough day. . .Olivia was thrilled to watch her new Dora movies that Aunt Kimmy got her.  She LOVED them!

Anyway, despite my best efforts of putting her in jeans to “bulk” her up. . .her weight is still < 1%  She is still pretty tall considering her weight.  But, the doctor isn’t concerned about her weight gain because she is staying on her own curve, so I’m not going to be concerned anymore.  (Easier said than done, I suppose.)  She definitely has come a long way from 1 lb 1.5 oz and 11.5 inches long.  Here are her 3 year stats:

24 lbs 6 oz        < 1%

34.8 inches         7.3%

Head 47 cm        15%

The Story Of Us

I meant to post this for our anniversary back in June, but I didn’t quite get it done in time.  This time of year is rough on us, so it’s fitting to post it now too.  After everything we’ve had to go through. . .love remains.  Thank you, Ryan, for loving me through it all. 

First Day Of School

Well, I dropped her off at school.  She woke up very excited about going to school.  When we got there, it was a bit chaotic and her normal teacher wasn’t there and they had a sub.  The only person that she knew was the speech teacher from her testing.  I could tell she started feeling a bit uneasy.  Then, she started crying and when I told her bye-bye, she really started crying.  The speech teacher invited her to sit down and play Candyland and she seemed okay with that.  That is when I snuck out the back door. . .I just feel awful for leaving her. . .she seemed so young compared to the other kids who carried their own backpacks in and knew where to sit, etc.  I worry about her and wonder what she is doing right now.  This will be a long three hours!

**It seems that she had a great first day of school.  When I ask her about her day, the only thing I get from her is that she ate pudding.  So, it must have been good pudding. :)  I went a little early to pick her up and her class was out playing  on the playground.  So, I parked and secretly watched Olivia play for awhile.  She was having a blast and it did my heart good.  Since we’ve been home, all of her cars have driven to school and all of her stuffed animals have gone to school.  So, I can only imagine that she had a good time.  Whew. . .what a relief.

Monday, August 30, 2010 - Update

Now that Olivia is three, she has suddenly been able to do things that she couldn’t do before.  For example, she can say her name now (Olivia instead of O-yah-yah.)  And, she can take her pants off all by herself. LOL.  We’re excited about Olivia starting school tomorrow and praying for a great, positive experience!  Her little backpack is packed and she’s ready to go. . .sniff, sniff.  I just know she will love it!

In other news. . .it’s official. . .I’m getting braces.  My husband is forever making fun of reminding me that I’m going to have “adult” braces.  The other night he said that I should be thankful that I’m married.  When I asked why, he said, “Can you imagine getting a date with adult braces?”  Hardy har har.  And, he told me that for Halloween, I should dress up as a high school cheerleader.  They are the clear In-Ovation C braces, which I don’t think are that noticeable.  I had braces in high school and can’t believe I have to have them again.  My teeth have shifted a lot since then.  Now, they’re saying I should have continued wearing my retainer for life.  My goal is to have them off before I’m 35!  As I get old, at least I’ll have beautiful teeth, ya know?  Now, we just have to figure out how to pay for them. 

Me. . .the first time I had braces as a sophomore in high school.  LOL!!!

Sunday, August 29, 2010 - Update

Olivia has had such a good time playing with all of her new toys.  She has literally played with every single one and loves them all. . .from her Dora Mega Blocks to her fairies and her trains and her dollhouse. . .from her Color Wonder paper and markers to her My Littlest Pet Shop and My Little Ponies . . .from her tricycle to baby doll crib.  And, she’s played with them all while watching her new Dora videos.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen her quite so excited.   She doesn’t quite know what to play with.  I am learning that I’ve never been very good at building stuff with Legos  or putting train track together.  :)  Now, to get my house put back together and find new homes for everything. 

Daddy and Olivia putting the train track together.

Olivia’s new dollhouse.  I think I’ve enjoyed it as much as she has.

Playing with her trains.

And. . .sometimes the trains go down the staircase.  LOL.

A Sesame Street Party!

Today, I had a Sesame Street Birthday Party.  It was so much fun!

Here is my birthday cake with all of my favorite characters! 

 

I was so excited that today was the day. . .my party!

A party isn’t complete without birthday hats.

Elmo and my Great Great Aunt Mary

Elmo also posed with my Grandma Sailing

and my Grandpa Sailing. 

My mom, the mastermind, with her Big Bird hat.

Silly Julia

Finally, it was time to open presents!

Look at all of those presents!

Katie and Elmo

 

I had so many presents to open, some people fell asleep!  :)

Better hurry up!

My cousin, Izzy, wore an I Love Olivia outfit.  I felt like a superstar with everyone making such a big fuss over me.

Finally, it was time for cake. . .my other favorite part about birthdays! 

I blew out the candle before everyone was finished singing. . .oops.

  

I sang along with everyone else.  It’s one of my favorite songs!

The cake was delicious!

Later, we played “Stick The Nose On Elmo.”  Here is my cousin, Katie, who was the winner!  Mom and dad couldn’t find a blindfold that worked, so they stuck a bag over everyone’s heads.  Silly.

I was so excited to try out my new tricycle.  I’ll get the hang of it.

After a nap, I am enjoying my new dollhouse and daddy is putting together my train set.  Thank you, everyone, for making my third birthday so special.  I love you all!

A Year In Review

Some people had trouble viewing the video on YouTube, so I reposted it here. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Olivia!

Tomorrow, August 27th, my baby girl is turning 3!  I put together a short slideshow of this past year.  Click the link below to view it. Enjoy! 

Olivia is Three!

Last year, I put together a short slideshow of Olivia as well.  I cried the entire time because I felt so guilty not making one for Logan. . .it’s his birthday too.  So, THIS year, I made his slideshow first (but, you don’t get to view that until next month.)  Then, I didn’t feel as awful knowing I’d devoted my time to him as well.  I struggle on this day. . .I think I always will.  I am torn between making the day happy and joyful for Olivia, but also remembering Logan.  Each year, I say, “I’m not going to cry,” but I still do.  I cry for Logan.  I cry because I’m crying and I shouldn’t cry for my daughter’s sake.  It’s her special day!  I thought maybe this year it would be easier, but it isn’t.  It’s really tough.

No Words. . .