A Good Day

We had an eventful and pretty good day.  The morning was relaxed, Dad watched Olivia while Mom slept in.  Then I got up in time to administer Olivia's medicine and put her down for a nap.  I read two books in Spanish to her in the rocking chair from my parents (love it - perfect size for my short legs!) and Olivia hardly cried when I put her down.  I ran off to the grocery for a few last ingredients to cook Olivia some tasty yum-yums for while I'm gone.  (I feel like we're raising a fruitarian and desperately need to introduce a little variety into Olivia's diet)

Olivia hopped in the shower with me for a few minutes around 12:30, then we dressed while Pops showered and all went over to Kailani's First Birthday party at Shinn Historic Park.  (Kevin will be quick to point out that we tried to go the party on Saturday because I was all confused.... and there was a big Indian birthday party going on that looked like fun too!)  What a lovely event!  Deanna and I complimented Shonna (the mom) on her choice of venues and announced that we plan to steal her idea for next year. :)  We also agreed to get on the calendar for another Mom's Night Out - it's been far too long!  Olivia was a little fussy during the party because I think she has several molars trying to come in.  The little girl is constantly chewing on her fingers on the sides of her mouth.

Next stop, The Counter to celebrate Charlie and Delores' 54th anniversary!  Steve & Patti, Kathy & Dave were there as well.  Delicious food  - and too much of it, of course.  Afterwards, they all returned to our house for cake.  I ran off to have a massage at 5pm (scheduled a month in advance) and when I returned, they were just having dessert - more calories.

Right after cake, I took tired Olivia (it was 6:30 and way past her bed time) to her room and rocked her in the same rocking chair with her bottle.  I wanted to read more books and brush her teeth, but I looked down and Angel's little eyes were rolling up and she was shortly out asleep on my chest.  I love those moments.  So I sat, and rocked, and enjoyed.  I can't imagine my little girl growing up and not being able to cuddle with her.  I love the cuddling.  Gosh, it's hard to think back to when she was so small it felt as if you couldn't hug her.  I love that little girl!

After everyone left, I cooked up two delicious batches of food for my little girl - a pasta dish with tomatoes, yams, onion, garlic, cheese, delicious.  And a salmon corn chowder - also delicious.  Both recipes are from the Baby Lead Weaning book that Annie lent me.  As fate would have it, I cleaned out the freezer a bit to be able to fit all this tasty food.... and threw out the last of the breastmilk I had pumped (likely on my last business trip).  I figured I had to write a blog entry tonight to remember that milestone!

As it turns out, Deanna is still nursing Leo - I'm so impressed.  Part of me is jealous, but I know that Olivia would be biting like crazy and that just wouldn't work for us.  We really have determined that Olivia is happiest with LOTS of stimulation.  I think part of why she gets to antsy with us at home is that she is bored.  Olivia wants people and activity all around her.  I'll just have to play more games with her.

So at the end of the day, I actually didn't spend that much time with Olivia since I'd slept in during the AM.  Tomorrow I fly to the East Coast.  There are several chores to do in the morning (like pack), but I hope to spend some time with Olivia and drop her off at daycare after she awakes on her own.  Maybe we'll even eat breakfast together and read a book.

Oh, Kevin say that Olivia's been trying to say "balloon" while they play with the balloons from her first birthday.

What a bummer to have to travel this week.  I still need to figure out how to pick up Olivia from daycare earlier in the day so we have some happy time with her during the week.  We're missing out, and she's so tired she bites other kiddos. :(

I'm sure there's more to write, but I'm at a loss.  Olivia was very very cranky on Saturday.  Kevin and I were both at wits end.  She only slept 20 minutes, so the rest of the day was tough.  I think that again, it's because she's teething.  The sores / welts are much better, Olivia scratched off the crusted blisters on her legs today, they must've been healed and itching lots.  Oh, and I've witnessed Olivia sitting there in the crib, slowly pulling off band-aids from her legs - and crying in the process.  Kinda funny really.

She's also supposed to be drinking from a sippy cup during the day and only using a bottle at night - at least that's my plan.  But we didn't stick to it very well this weekend since she's been so fussy.

OK, sleepy time for Kate-ba-Date.  Kevin had to go into work tonight for a few hours.  I'm at least proud of myself for cooking up some tasties for Olivia.  Now I hope she sleeps through the night.  I didn't set up a milk bottle for her 4 am wake-up.

Nighty Night!  Don't let the bed bugs bite!