Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Remembering. . .

my son, Logan,

my Grandpa Jackson,

and all those who have gone before us.  Remembering the men and women who gave their lives for our country.  May they never be forgotten.  God Bless!

Logan

Because it’s Memorial Day weekend, I’ve been thinking a lot about my little boy.  I’ve been getting quite emotional.  He is so missed every single day.  I thank God, however, for Logan’s time on earth and the chance to name him, love him, see him, touch him.  I thank God for his sister, Olivia.  She reminds me that there are miracles in this world.  What a wondrous God we serve!!  May we never forget our blessings here on earth and those that await us in heaven!

Last Day of School

Today was Olivia’s last day of school and they celebrated with a party that Ryan and I were both able to attend.  They played games and ate hotdogs and Smores.  It was kinda sad because she won’t be attending this preschool next fall.  She will, however, attend this school for Kindergarten – 4th grade.  She learned a lot this year and has come a long way.  I’m so proud of her!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sorry for the delay in writing.  Ryan and I went to Kansas City for a weekend getaway following a really tough week.  We had a good time shopping and relaxing and just being together.  We couldn’t believe how nice the weather was when we returned, so we headed outside to play.

We started off with the water table, but realized that what Olivia really needed was a pool.

So, we dug out Olivia’s old pool and filled it up.

She had so much fun!  What a fun afternoon filled with shrieks and squeals of excitement!

I think this was the first year that she really had fun in her pool!

I had to practically drag her inside after we’d been out there all afternoon! 

And, don’t you just love her giraffe swimsuit that we found at Gymboree?  What a fun afternoon! 

Two Heartbreakers

Monday, May 16, 2011

Olivia, Izzy and Jake at the zoo

It was a beautiful day out today, so we met some friends at the zoo.  I knew it was time to leave, however, when Olivia started complaining because she didn’t want her shadow following her.  The strangest things bother her. . .like, at night she doesn’t like her room to be dark.  That’s common enough, right?  A lot of kids are afraid of the dark.  But, Olivia is not afraid of the dark, she just doesn’t like it dark because “she can’t see Lily’s mouth.”  Ahhh. . .Lily:  Her baby, her companion, her best friend.  If you look back through previous posts, you’ll notice Lily is in about every picture. . .including the one above.  She goes everywhere with us and they cannot be separated.  It’s really very endearing.  Most girls carry around a baby doll, but Olivia carries around a little frog.  Too cute!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

There are many positives to this bout of cooler weather.  Olivia gets to wear her adorable coat and hat just a little longer. 

Friday, May 13, 2011

I had written a blog post yesterday, but Blogger was unavailable and I couldn’t get it posted.  Not too much going on around here except it was cold outside today.  Nothing like going from a record breaking 100 at the beginning of the week to the 40s at the end.  Good thing Olivia got to spend some time outside yesterday with Grandma.  Here she is with her little worm friend.

Fun In The Sun

It felt like our summer officially began today.  The temperatures soared into the 100s.  My sister-in-law and I put the kids in swimsuits, set up the slip-n-slide and water table and relaxed while sipping our iced tea.  The kids had a great time.  I don’t know about them. . .but Olivia and I were exhausted by the end of the day. 

Izzy, Olivia and Ruven

Playing on the slip-n-slide.

The only thing that spoiled my mood is that Olivia’s glasses are missing again!  She’s had glasses since she was 1.5 years old and we have never lost them.  In the past week, they have gone missing twice!  We have no idea where they could be and the thought of shelling out a few hundred dollars for a new pair makes me sick to my stomach.  Praying that they show up soon.

Happy Mother’s Day

Four generations

My mom and I

Three generations. . .me, Olivia and baby Lily.  LOL!

Channel 12 News Interview

Ponita

Remember Olivia’s little pink pony?  We affectionately referred to it as “ponita.”   She zoomed all around the house on that thing.  It truly gave Olivia her first taste of mobility, helped her learn to walk and it holds a very special place in our hearts. 

Best.Toy.Ever!  Why am I writing about this?  Well, tonight we were driving home and one of our neighbors had their trash out on the curb.  My husband exclaimed, “They threw away their ponita!”  Sure enough. . .somebody’s ponita was in the trash.  We just found it funny because I can’t imagine throwing ours away.  It will seriously be one of the toys that we save for the grandkids someday.  We have such fond memories of that pony.  It’s true what they say. . .one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. 

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tonight we went to Olivia’s cousin, Izzy’s spring preschool program.  It was all about dinosaurs! Izzy currently attends Kidslink Preschool, where Olivia will go next year.  Olivia loved it!  She clapped and yelled “Yay!” after every song.  She tried to sing along with the songs and even tried to do some of the actions.  She even wanted to get up on stage with the other kids.  I think she will love going there in the fall. . .and especially love singing.  I think I will probably cry at Olivia’s first program.  I was impressed with the preschool and how well they engaged 90 or so preschoolers.  And, with how well they teach kids about God and make Him a part of their life.  Olivia has just recently requested listening to my old Kids Praise albums (put on a CD by my brother.)  She’s been listening to them since she was a baby, but now it’s like she “gets” them.  And, she wants to sing the songs and talk about what she hears.  I couldn’t be more thrilled.  She’s maturing right before my eyes.  Today, she had an eye  appointment and it was like she didn’t even need me.  She sat in the chair and did everything all by herself. . . like it was no big deal.  Gone are the days when she would scream and cry throughout the entire exam.   My baby is growing up. . .

Story Time

I thought I would share a funny video of Olivia.  I had just finished reading the books I Was So Mad, Green Eggs and Ham, and The Very Bad Bunny.  Afterwards, Olivia wanted to read a book to me.  This video is a hilarious combination of those books along with some of Olivia’s own additions.  Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/3zQRVgQ7YW8

The Story

Last night, Olivia wanted to “hold mommy” in the recliner.  So, we snuggled up together with our blankets and rocked.  She wanted to hear a story and since I didn’t want to get up to retrieve a book, I told her a story. . . .a story about the day she was born.  Olivia had never heard this story before.  It’s a tough story to tell since it was the best and one of the worst days of my life.  But, I began to tell it. . .

“Daddy had jury duty that day and mommy was at home on bed rest with two babies in her tummy.”

That part really piqued her interest. 

“Two babies in mommy’s tummy?” 

I explained that it was her and Logan.  She’s heard all about Logan and she asks about him quite a bit.  It’s hard to answer some of her questions, like why he can’t come over and play.  His shadow box contains a bear and a giraffe just like the ones he was buried with.  Olivia wanted to get them out and play with them one day and I had to explain that they were Logan’s.  Now, she always tells me Logan is playing in heaven with his bear and giraffe. 

I told her about how daddy and I went to the hospital to make sure the babies were okay. . .

“Like James went to the hospital when he lost his wheel?” she asked.  Yes, her train lost a wheel and she was so heartbroken that we had to send him to the train hospital. 

Olivia got very concerned when I told her mommy and daddy were really scared when we learned something was wrong.  It was interesting to tell the story in a way that a 3 year old might understand.  I wasn’t sure if I was telling it exactly the way I should or that she even understand a portion of it.  But, I have told that same story over 20 times today.  The first thing Olivia asked for this morning was the story about the two babies in mommy’s tummy.  And, I’ve told it again and again.  Each time I tell it, it’s as if she becomes more and more miraculous and more and more dear to me.  I’m sure I’ll be telling it for years to come.  It’s not the happiest of stories, but it’s our story and that makes it special.

Olivia’s First Movie

Olivia went to her first movie in the movie theatre today.  We were joined by Shelley and Izzy and went to see Hop.  I realized before the movie that Olivia was not quite ready for the experience, but I really wanted to take her.  The only way we made it through the whole movie was because we were the only ones in the cry room (those are pretty cool, by the way . . .kinda like your own private VIP room.)  Olivia doesn’t sit down for movies at home, so I knew she wouldn’t sit down at a movie theatre.  She likes to watch certain shows, but she has to be doing something else simultaneously.  You will very rarely catch her sitting still for much of anything.  The cry room worked out perfectly because she could stand up and walk around if she wanted.  The whole thing was worth it for the adorable picture that I got of Olivia and Izzy at Olivia’s first movie!  We had a great time, but it will probably be a little while before we try the experience again. 

We did also manage to somehow leave Olivia’s glasses at the movie theatre.  Luckily, I called about it and they called me back saying that they had found them.  I promptly picked them up and we now have her glasses back in our possession.  Whew. . that was a close one. 

Happy Easter!

Olivia awoke to many Easter surprises!

More Squinkies!!  She loves squinkies!

And trains!

Percy is her absolute favorite train!

All dolled up!

Happy Easter everyone!!!

The Easter Story

By Joanna Fuchs

Jesus came to compensate
For all the wrongs we do.
He came to earth to die for us,
So we’d be born anew.

"This bitter cup, let it pass from me,"
He cried, in a plaintive voice;
"Yet not My will, but Thine be done;"
He said, in His faithful choice.

The Judas kiss would seal his fate;
He faced a hostile crowd;
The governor, Pilate, saw through it all;
Jesus’ guilt he disavowed.

"I wash my hands of all of this,"
Said Pilate, "Let Him be."
But the crowd yelled "Crucify him now,
And set Barabbas free!"

Pilate yielded to their wish;
And Jesus was led away.
The soldiers beat him, and mocked Him, too,
Yet He continued to obey.

A crown of thorns lay on His head,
As His sentence was carried out;
His hands and feet were pierced with nails,
But He did not scream or shout.

"Father, forgive them for this crime;
They know not what they do."
He said this despite His torment, because,
He was thinking of me and you.

"It is finished," he sighed in His anguish and pain,
As His body gave up to death.
The curtain tore, and darkness fell,
After He took His last breath.

The best of the story is the very last part;
It’s why on Easter we’re filled with pleasure:
Death could not our Savior hold;
His power is beyond all measure.

He rose from the grave, and was seen all around;
Ever since, He’s inspired devotion,
And we’ll be with Him for eternity,
When we get our heavenly promotion.

That’s why Easter is a major event:
He suffered and died in our place.
He rose and forgave us and loves us still,
Our Savior of matchless grace.

Olivia Met The Easter Bunny

And loved him!  She was beyond excited and couldn’t wait to talk to him!  It was too cute.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

We learned this week that Olivia will probably not qualify for the special education preschool next year that she is currently in.  This is awesome news, but it had us scrambling to find another preschool.  She still needs occupational therapy, but I’m not sure about physical therapy.  She will still receive her therapy at her new preschool.  Ryan and I went and visited our top choice preschool this morning and decided to go ahead and enroll her.  The mornings are full, so she will be going in the afternoon which really won’t be a big deal for her.  If she naps, she does so around 4 pm.  This new Christian preschool is AMAZING!  My niece currently attends and I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.  After Olivia gets over her initial apprehension about it, I think she will love it!   We just have some hurdles to get over in the meantime. 

I just can’t even express how well Olivia is doing!!  She amazes me every single day with her charm and her wit.  Her two babies are Lily (Leapfrog Lily) and Gogum (her gloworm.)  The other day, she found a pair of baby doll shoes that fit Lily.  Naturally, she wanted a pair of shoes for Gogum and I explained that Gogum doesn’t have feet because he has a worm body.  Her eyes lit up and she said, “And Lily has a cold body!!” LOL.  That girl always keeps me laughing! 

Monday, April 18, 2011

So proud of Olivia working on her upper body strength.  This is something she has always struggled with.  You should have seen her holding on to the bar and kicking her legs out straight.  What a great job!

Having fun at grandma and grandpa’s!

2011 March for Babies Team

http://sallycavanaughphotography.zenfolio.com/marchofdimes/e1102e369#h1102e369

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Olivia LOVED the March for Babies yesterday.  It was so awesome to see her thoroughly enjoying herself.  She still doesn’t get what it is truly about, but you could tell she felt special to have her family and friends there with everyone wearing a picture of her on their shirts.  This morning, she wanted me to come wake her up again and tell her we were going to the march.  It means so much to have people there supporting us, honoring Olivia and remembering Logan.  I contemplated boycotting the March for Babies this year because of the Makena/FDA approval ordeal, but I just couldn’t.  I’m truly grateful for all that they have done to help save my little girl’s life.  While there, I get to see some of the nurses that took care of Olivia and Logan.  And, it’s a way to remember Logan and how much he meant to us.  It’s something that I look forward to each and every year.

Also, I hope you weren’t looking forward to watching our news interview.  It aired Friday at 5 pm and we all missed it.  Ryan’s grandma and Stacie’s mom were the only two people, I believe, that actually saw it.  It wasn’t on their website either.  I feel a little slighted to have it air only once.  I’m going to see if I can get a copy of it, but there are no guarantees.  I heard, however, that I did a good job. LOL.