Olivia's Birthday Party

Today, we had Olivia's birthday party. Her actual birthday is this Thursday. It was a GREAT party. Ever since Olivia was a baby, she has loved the song, "The Ants Go Marching." I still sing it to her almost every night to help her go to sleep. When I was trying to decide on a birthday theme, I knew I had to do a picnic theme, complete with red and white checkered tablecloths, sack lunches and ants, of course.

Every year, we have a cake for Logan since we also celebrate the day that he was born.

I just had to show off my watermelon cutting skills.


Here is my mom helping me get everything ready. What would I do without her?

Look at all of those presents!

I couldn't believe that all three of them actually sat at the little kids' table.

We even had outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful day.

Katie's doll, Emmy, was enjoying the picnic.

And Izzy was enjoying Katie's doll, Emmy.

Here is Olivia in her new car, the #1 selling car in America. . .the Cozy Coupe.

She got an Elmo Live!

Elmo Live entertained us all. . .young and old. He was hilarious!

Here is Olivia giving her baby a kiss. . .

And holding her new baby for the first time.

Olivia's aunt, Kim, sketched this picture of Olivia. It is amazing!!!


Taking the one and only bite of her cupcake. . .

Olivia had to go for a ride on her new horse that we've named Fred!

Loving her baby with Grandma Mary

Playing with two of her favorite boys, Kaleb and Aidan.

Thank you to everyone for making this day so very special for all of us.

Friday, August 21, 2009 - Update

I hear that you guys are marching two by two to my birthday party!

It'll be so much fun!

I am just giddy about her party tomorrow. It's mainly a family party because with both of our families. . .that's about 25 people. I think my picnic idea is going to pan out because it's supposed to be gorgeous weather with highs in the mid-80s. Who would have thought for the end of August? Olivia is still coughing a bit and her eyes and nose have been itching (which makes it hard to wear glasses.) That makes me suspect allergies and since they are bothering me quite a bit right now, they might be bothering her as well. Hopefully, she'll feel okay for her party tomorrow because I'm so excited about it. Last year, at her first birthday, we were still unsure of the challenges ahead of her. She was not yet sitting up or using her arms to grab toys, etc. I am amazed at how far she has come! The big news of the week? She's pointing!!!! She has a word book and we sat for probably an hour this morning pointing to things in the book. When she saw the stroller, she went and found her stroller. . .when she saw the phone, she found our phone. When she sees the hair brush, she pretends to brush her hair and when she see shoes, she signs shoes. And. . . .when she goes poopoo? She comes up to me and says poopoo. (Remind self to delete that sentence before Olivia is old enough to read it.) We've seen amazing progress just in the past few weeks. Now, if only we could get back to 20 lbs. Sadly, we went back down to 19.5 lbs. If you could gain weight on peaches, grapes, cherries and mac and cheese. . .we'd be set. Anyway, can't wait to tell you all about her party!

Thursday, August 20, 2009 - Update

Okay, so I've been a bit lazy by posting pictures without actually blogging. It seems I have a million things to do at night before bed. Plus, I haven't felt too good today and sadly, it seems Olivia doesn't feel that well either. Tonight, she started coughing and sounded a bit congested. She hasn't quite been herself for the last few days. I really, really hope we're not all getting sick because her birthday party is Saturday! Keep your fingers crossed and send some prayers our way. Until today, however, we've had a pretty good week.

Olivia has been helping mom "organize."

We met daddy for lunch at Pizza Hut and Olivia had some seatsa (pizza.)

We went to the mall and I let Olivia play in the kid zone area. She loved it and ran around squealing. She actually didn't touch a single thing. . .just enjoyed looking at the floor and walking through the clubhouse. I sanitized her up pretty well afterwards, however.

And, we went to Build A Bear and bought a new outfit for William, the teddy bear. I think Olivia approved.

Olivia and Mommy

Outside Fun

Picture

I was so excited to get Olivia's pictures today. Joel did a fabulous job! More pics to come, but I thought I would share one of my favorites.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - Update

My cousin, Rebekah, let me borrow her dog this week.

I can't wait to see him when I wake up in the morning.

When we were over at Joel and Laura's house, Olivia loved this stuffed dog of Rebekah's. Being the kind and generous cousin that she is. . .she let Olivia spend the week with "Springer." The first thing that Olivia has done the past few mornings is say "Woof Woof" and run out to give Springer a kiss. I don't think she's entirely sure as to whether Springer is real or not. She pets him very cautiously like she does a real dog. I hope this doesn't mean that we're going to have to go out and buy her a Springer look-alike when the dog goes back home and she wonders where he is.

Olivia has said "mama" for some time now. She recently added "mom" into the mix and now. . .she says "mommy." It is the cutest, most adorable thing I have ever heard. Don't tell Olivia this, but all she has to say is mommy and I will pretty much do whatever she asks of me. I took a little video of her saying it that I will try to post sometime. It will absolutely melt your heart. She is just exploding with new words. You can ask her how old she is going to be and she says, "Two!" She is trying to mimic everything we say and it is so cute. I can't believe how much she is growing up!

Monday, August 17, 2009 - Update

Olivia and I went to Target today and while walking down one of the toy aisles, she called out, "Durda, Durda!" I looked around trying to figure out what she was talking about and found her grabbing for a Dora doll. Honestly, I didn't know that Olivia knew who Dora was. The only way she would know is because of a Dora doll that is at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Either that or kids just innately know about certain characters when they're born. Anyway, I gave the doll to her and she held on to her throughout the rest of our Target trip, (except when we had to pay for her) and for about 2 hours after. She loves Dora. Who knew?

Sunday, August 16, 2009 - Update

Making funny faces with Uncle Joel

Playing in Julia and Rebekah's cool under the stairs playhouse.

Tonight we went over to Joel and Laura's house to get Olivia's pictures taken. Joel is an awesome photographer and got some great pictures of Olivia who didn't give him a whole lot to work with. She was up and down and all around and I think she only smiled once. But, we got some inside and outside shots that turned out really well. We were also able to see their basement that they are finishing and the waterfall/babbling brook that they built in their backyard. Too cool! And, Olivia loved it too. I think she felt like she was on a grand adventure along the crooked little path. We had a great day today with family and are eagerly anticipating Olivia's birthday party next weekend.

Izzy's Birthday Party

Today, I went to Izzy's 2nd birthday party! It was a GREAT party!

Here is Izzy with her Papa Oof Oof. Her other grandpa is Papa Cars. Speaking of Cars, she had a Cars birthday party!

I got to play with my own balloon.

And I had to explain to mama that I need to eat at least 3 goldfish at a time.

Here is Izzy's Lightning McQueen cake.

And she blew out her candles. She's going to have to teach me how to do that next week!

She liked the Handy Manny doll and the book that I got her.

She was so good at opening her presents. She is going to have to teach me that too.

She got a lot of nice gifts!

And here I am playing with Ruven. Mama kept joking that I was trying to steal Izzy's boyfriend.

But, I wasn't. . .we're just friends. I can see why Izzy likes him. He's really nice!

Here is Izzy and Ruven jumping on her new trampoline.

And I had to have a cupcake before I left. Yum Yum! What a fun party, Izzy!!

Friday, August 14, 2009 - Update

Our own 2 year pictures

Today, Olivia and I hung out with Aunt Shelley. She had to take her vehicle in for new tires and instead of waiting around for them, we picked her up, went to lunch and hung out. That part of our day was great. Then, I got this crazy, harebrained idea to have some professional pictures done of Olivia. She looked adorable in her glasses and hair bow, and was in a great mood. I figured having an extra adult on hand would also be nice. I have been wanting to have pictures done of Olivia for a long time, but I have been nervous to see how she'd react. I envisioned surprising daddy with tons of adorable pictures and was so excited. Well, my dream ended as fast as it began and I left feeling defeated with a crying child, zero pictures and my tail between my legs. There was too much going on, too many people and she became way over-stimulated. I wish they took the pictures in a room that was closed off from the waiting area. There was no way Olivia would sit still for pictures and we quickly gave up. Then, she had a complete meltdown when I tried to calm her down in the car. Now, I don't know that I'll try again for a really long time. And, I really, really, wanted 2 year pictures taken. I guess I will have to make due with my sub par photography skills for awhile longer. :(