Olivia's 1st Birthday Party

We had Olivia's party yesterday. She didn't really know what to think of it all, but she had a good time. We were so glad that Becky, Jeff, Luke, and Daniel were able to come for a few days and stay with us. Then my parents arrived yesterday and are spending some quality grandparent time with Olivia. Also, my cousin, JD, and his family came for the party.

Becky taught me how to make and use marshmallow fondant for Olivia's cake.

We like frosting!

Presents!

Happy Birthday, Olivia!

11 Months Old

Here is Olivia's 11 month picture (along with her newborn one). It was tough getting a good picture because she has been pretty sick yesterday and today. She spiked a fever yesterday around lunch, and in spite of giving her medication, her fever continued to go up. Thankfully after a very long night, she seems to be feeling a little better today.

10 Months Old

10 Months

5 Months

Newborn

9 Months Old

Teething

Help! Olivia is finally teething, and it isn't pretty. We were up almost the entire night last night with her. At 2am we were watching Elmo and Praise Baby DVD's because they distracted her enough to stop crying.
I called the doctor today, and she told me to give her Motrin and cold teething rings. Does anyone have any other ideas? What worked when your kids were teething?

The Breakfast Club

We had lots of fun with Peter this week. He came over and played while his mommy got some much needed rest. Here they are right before their morning snack. (Olivia is thrilled just to hold a sippy cup - she is still learning how to actually drink from it.)

8 (and a half) Months Old

Here are the overdue pictures! We had a wonderful Christmas with the family. A special thank you to Sara's parents, Keith and Linda, for hosting all of us during the holidays!

She's a daddy's girl.

Olivia loves to grab glasses.

We didn't forget the ducky picture!

Ready for Christmas

All of our Christmas shopping is finally done. Woohoo! Now I just need to wrap the presents and pack for our trip. We splurged and bought Olivia a festive holiday hat.

Peter and Olivia's favorite book right now is the one with mirrors on every page. And of course, Bob's theatrical talents are always a hit.

7 Months Old

The Duckie Picture

Things Get Wild at the Dinner Table

Hide and Seek

Olivia likes to scoot and roll herself all around her bedroom.

Where's Olivia?

There she is!

Her Sunday Best

Olivia is starting to sit up a little bit on her own. Here she is all ready for church this morning.

Thank You!

Thank you cousin Peter for letting us borrow your Exersaucer. We are having a blast!

5 Months Old

Here's Olivia's 5 month picture...

... compared with her newborn picture.

100th Post

Olivia is growing so quickly. She passes the days by "singing" to herself, sucking on her feet, and sleeping. She likes to sit in her chair at the table. Green beans are a big hit. Next on the menu: carrots.
I've also started doing some sign language for her. (Brief history: I used to think sign language for babies was silly until my friend Carrie taught her son some signs. It's actually really cool!) Anyways, the proverbial "they" say that you should start showing your baby the signs for basic things like "eat", "play", "tired", etc. at 4-6 months. Then, whenever/ if ever your baby decides to sign, she'll start anywhere between 6 - 10 months. I don't know if Olivia will ever sign, but at the very least, she gets a kick out of watching me do it.

Happy Autumn

Last week my parents were able to come for a short visit. We really enjoyed our time together. They even got to be here for Peter's first steps!

Inspired by Katie's and Julie's blogs, I bought a pumpkin scented candle and a pumpkin spice latte. And now that the weather has cooled down just a bit, it even feels more like fall. Usually I do a bit more decorating, but this year the focus has been on the not-so-glamorous baby-proofing. With Olivia rolling and scooting and Peter walking, it has been an interesting challenge. But 20-something outlet covers, rearranged furniture, 8 cabinet latches, and 2 baby gates later, I think we're good to go.

I just finished Tea Party by Tracy Stern. A very fun read that I borrowed from the local library. The pictures are gorgeous and the recipes are not too complicated. I also learned a few things about making the perfect cup of tea.

Currently I'm reading Humility, True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney. I'm enjoying it so far and will write more after I finish it.

Oh, if you didn't get to see the video on my previous post, I think you should be able to view it now. I changed some of the settings. Sorry about that!

Mmmmm Rice Cereal

For One Split Second

Hooray! After who-knows-how-many attempts, we got this adorable picture. For one split second no one was crying, trying to squirm away or poke the other one's eyes.

Below are some of the poses we usually get...

4 Month Check Up

Today was Olivia's 4 month check up. She is in the 50th percentile for height and weight and the doctor said she's doing great! We can now start feeding her solid foods. (I'm sure that will be a future post!) She also got 4 HUGE shots. (Ok, actually they were really tiny, but to any new mom they look enormous. She cried, I cried, it was traumatic...)

I got some shopping done this afternoon while Olivia was sound asleep in her stroller. It's amazing how easy it is to get in and out of stores during the day when a lot of people are at work and kids are in school!

Tonight I'm actually going to work on her birth announcements. I know, I know she's already 4 months old. Better late than never, right?

Labor Day

Today we watched some of the Jerry Lewis Telethon, read Gigi, God's Little Princess, and made a pot roast.

On the Telethon, Jerry Lewis made the comment (paraphrased, not quoted) that God was going to look down on earth someday and realize He had made a mistake when He allowed muscular dystrophy.
One of my all time favorite passages in the Bible is Job 38-42. I'm so glad that He is my God. That is what He is like. I don't claim to understand the trials in my life and in the lives of others, but I do know that God doesn't make mistakes. I love how Job answers God in chapter 42.

I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.

You asked, "Who is this who conceals My counsel with ignorance?"

Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things to wonderful for me to know.

You said, "Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform Me."

I had heard rumors about You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes.