More exciting by the day

Olivia's diction and the complexity of her questions are increasing daily.  Last night and this morning she tinkled, AND had a little poo - poo in her little potty!  Very exciting!  We sometimes skip naps, then crash at night.  

Olivia's manners are becoming ingrained, though she confuses when to say 'please' versus 'thank you'.  She also says "I love you" back pretty consistently.

We do have tantrums.. and they're intense.  Still figuring out how to handle them.

She loves to mimic us.  Yesterday, Kevin was spray painting a birdhouse and Olivia watched intently, then reached for the spray can as soon as he put it down. 

Olivia sings "no more monkeys jumping on the bed"  really well!  (And if c Iurse jumps around while singimg it)  She has the alphabet basically down, twinkle twinkle,  and when she lets me sing Baby Mine Olivia tries to repeat the words. 

Olivia loves dancing- which is basically skipping around the room and singing "shoo fly don't bother me".  Wheels on the Bus is still a favorite.  We have so much fun.

Halloween was a bit of a bust.   Olivia had a great time all dressed up at daycare on Friday, but on Saturday her cough degenerated into and asthma attack so we spent Halloween in urgent care, and then in the ER and admitted into the pediatrics ward overnight.  In the meantime, I completely lost my voice and Kevin had to delay a work trip by a day.

All is better now.  Olivia is on a twice daily localized corticosteroid inhaler and we met the pediatric allergist this past week, who updated her asthma action plan to have us increase med early with the intent to keep her from crashing again.  The med are increased corticosteroid,  albuterol, a nebulizer, and some oral med too!  He said that it seems like a lot but is far less invasive than the full-body steroid Decadron, which is what they've given her at urgent care and at the hospital.

Kevin is home for the rest of November,  which is fabulous!   He'll be gone the first two weeks of December though,  which is not fabulous.  But he should be home for the holidays. 

We are currently in the car headed for the Academy of Sciences.  It rained last night and is windy out, so why not take advantage of our membership and get our money's worth?!  Olivia loves it more and more as she matures, and it's a nice family outing.

Busy Lives... Asthma?!

I'm sitting at the gate in SJC headed to see Kevin in LA.  He's there for the AEHF payload, or wing shipment.

24 hours ago this trip was in jeopardy.  Olivia developed a bug Sunday evening resulting in vomiting, moaning, lethargy, and waking up throughout the night clearly in pain.  Monday I dropped Kevin off at SFO while Charlie watched Olivia sleeping.  He stuck around to watch her while I worked from home.  Olivia's breathing was quite labored, and fast.  After Charlie commented that she really should see a doc... so I was able to make an appointment with Olivia's primary care pediatrician and off we went!  Little girl's oxygen level was around 92%.  Dr Frey said she couldn't let us leave until it was back up to 95% or greater.   We did a nebulizer, the albuterol inhaler again (all with constraining Olivia since she protests greatly), xrayed her lungs (no pneumonia), and finally administered a steroid injections after the doc recommended it to keep us from visiting the emergency room that night.  The nebulizer and inhaler each raised Olivia's oxygen by 1-1.5%, so the injection was needed to push her over the 95% mark. 

After another nap on the couch, while I dialed in to work calls, Olivia awoke with a little more sparkle in her eyes.  She had been super lethargic all day and the change was welcome.  We went to Chipotle for dinner and she picked at a few things while being in a generally happy mood.  So good to see my little girl again!

Back at home, I was pooped from no sleep the night before and the stress of the day.  Olivia and I both crawled into bed around 9 and after telling her a few times to stop fidgeting, we were out.  There were a few bottle breaks at night, and she was kicking me at some point, but overall it was a good night.  Waking together at 7 am was super sweet.  My boss had let me off the hook the day before by telling me to go take care of my daughter today and not worry about making it to a few work meetings.  that helped the stress level tremendously.

At today's follow up, Olivia was back to 100%, and her breathing was obviously better.   She was also back to her normal spunky personality - the best part!  Mommy was relieved,  but not suprised.  After all is said and done, we think she has a touch of asthma.  Now I understand that means constricting muscles around the airways, inflamed passages, and increased mucous production.  It seems to kick in when she's fighting some other cardiovascular bug.  So, we will not hesitate to use the albuterol inhaler in the future... to avoid doctor visits.

New tricks

We transitioned Olivia to her tiddler bed a few weeks back and her new trick is to fall asleep in the hallway, peeking around the corner, or on the threshold of her room on top of a pillow.  She lays there singing her alphabet and talking to herself constantly until about 10 pm.  Super cute.  Last night she was up a few times and Kevin was on duty.  This mama appreciated the break from floor duty.  Apparently Olivia rolled off her bed right on top of Kevin at one point.  This morning I brought her into bed with us and we all snuggled, including the puppies.  Lovely moment.

Olivia's speech is amazing now.  She's really a little person all of a sudden and it's fun hearing her voice over the phone. 

Last week, Sean pushed her over at daycare and apparently jumped on Olivia, causing a scrape on her chin.  They typically don't tell us which child hurt her, but in this case Olivia kept telling us about it- "Seanie did it.  Seanie is a bad boy."  Even today, 5 days later, she brings it up.

Olivia loves to point out BIG BUS!  Or really BIG anything.  BIIIIG SPIDER! 

A few weekends ago, I took a last minute trip to LA to visit Kevin for his birthday.  He was stuck on work travel.  That was the first time we left Olivia overnight under someone else's watch.  Aunt Patti did a wonderful job!  It was clear the second night was rough though... apparently Olivia didn't fall asleep until 5 am.  That was the first weekend of the toddler bed.  On the other hand, Kevin and I had a fabulous dinner and slept in until 10:30, enjoying the freedom for a day and a half.  :)  I think he appreciated me visiting and not trying to scramble home (more flights)  or spend his birthday alone.

Last weekend we hung out, enjoying Kevin being home and not working.  Monday (labor day) we worked on the side yard, I dug a trench, Kevin assembled pvc sprinkler plumbing.  The system isn't connected under the fence yet, but we are getting much closer!  If I were home next weekend we would finish it, but..... Olivia and I are headed to MD!

I have a 3 day training class at corporate HQ in Bethesda and decided to bring Olivia with me so I didn't have to worry about Kevin's travel schedule and to have fun visiting the grandparents.  So, we are spending 8 days at the Country Home.  Kev will have time to catch up on work and maybe go golfing with his dad.

Olivia is doing really well in the 2-3 year old room at daycare.  And now in the moening, after stating "I woke up." With a smile, she says "I want to play."  Or, she'll ask,  "you wanna play mommy?"  While making eye contact and nodding.  It melts your heart, so of course I sit right next to her and play "legos".  Such a happy little girl.  Sure there are tantrums, but overall she's a super happy kid.

Growing up so fast!

So much is happening and it's exponential!  Last week, Mum-mums and Pop-pops came to visit to help me out as Kevin has been working like a madman for the last couple months (including weekends and travel) and Olivia suddenly decided she won't sleep without mommy sleeping on the floor next to her.  She would awake in the middle of the night and scream for an hour until I capitulated.  Doh!  Thank goodness the grandparents were here last Thursday when she really threw a fit from 12:40am (10 min after I closed my eyes) until ~3:30-4am.  Yikes!  It seemed she wasn't feeling well that particular time.  I was also home sick one day while they were here with a stomach something.

Olivia is turning into the absolute sweetest and cutest little thing - and my does she know how to get what she wants! :)  Smarty pants.  Last Saturday we converted her crib to a toddler bed.  Tonight is night #3 and she only came out once.  There was some crying though, don't get me wrong.  In fact, let me go check real quick that she's actually in her bed and not on the floor (that was night #1).  Nope, she was on the floor in her room - I just about tripped over her... but now she's safe and sound in bed.  Silly little girl.  She's so darn sweet.  Uh oh, crying is resuming.

She's drawing better with crayons.  Olivia sang the alphabet through with me twice the other day.  Diction is improving and vocabulary exploding.  She isn't as interested in having you read books, but like to pretend to read them herself a little.  We had a fabulous time the two of us at Ardenwood on Sunday - she was so excited to pet the kids and lambs.  Olivia just about climbed into the rabbit pen and stuck her fingers in with the baby (1-2 week old) chicks!  Too much fun! 

Olivia's fine-motor skills are still impressive, and she can open screw-top lids.  She's better about brushing her teeth and sometimes even lets me help (all with some assistance from Elmo and Youtube).  We are phasing out the bottle again - it had a resurgence during the rough nights of the past three weeks.  Olivia loves fruit and veggies, but won't touch hamburger still, or really any meat at all.  She likes the 2-3year old room at daycare, but lately has become VERY clingy when we drop her off.  Tomorrow might be tough as it'll be me dropping her off for the first time since last Tuesday.  I think Kevin being gone is rough on her.  She is hesitant to go to him when he's back and has become quite a momma's girl (never was the case before).

We were supposed to go camping this coming weekend for Kevin's bday but he'll be on travel.  So now we're thinking that Olivia and I, or maybe just I will travel to LA to see Kevin since he has to stay down there for the weekend. 

We thought potty training was imminent, but that has simmered down as we concentrate on the crib-to-bed transition instead.  Oh, we bought a new mattress for ourselves last Sunday and it arrives tomorrow - very exciting!

Today we took the dogs for a walk to the park, but the playground was cordoned off for some reason - major bummer.  But all were happy to be out of the house for a bit.

I know there's more to talk about, but my brain is stalling.  At least I got a few things down.  Now to start the transition to new job and maybe go to sleep a little earlier than usual tonight.

Jamba Juice

It's official, Olivia loves Jamba Juice!  Kevin has introduced the treat to her and when we picked Olivia up yesterday,  he gave her a little cup of JJ and she was do into it, she wouldn't stop for a moment to say hello.  So cute!

Doing well!

Olivia's second day in the new room went well!  She is doing fabulously and lives being with her friend, Ely, again.  Those two are like peas in a pod.  Last night, kevin and Olivia shared a moment, out on the patio couch, eating grapes.  Olivia was learning how to pick the stems off of the grapes.  She was tired early again - so much stimulation!  Olivia is mimicking all sorts of words and is generally a happy little girl. Oh, she colored on the hardwood floor with crayons again last night.  :)  fortunately, it rubs off.

First Day in Big Girl Room, and I Love You

Olivia had a good day for her first time in the 2-3 year old room!  She was up late last night after a fun family bday party at home and her Gymboree bday party with friends Sat afternoon.  Olivia was pooped when we arrived home this evening and was acting up.  So mom decided it was bath and bed time!  Stat!  She hated the bath (it's a phase) and daddy gave us a milk bottle for Olivia and I to cuddle in her room.  I sang songs, she hugged me, I told her "I love you" ... and Olivia said it back!!!!  Twice!   I'm still reeling!

Then we set Olivia in her crib and she talked to herself, happy as could be, for about 2 hours before falling asleep.  Too sweet! 

Bummer to be back at work.  Trying very hard to keep the stress hormones down.

Talking up a Storm, and a Week OFF!

I am taking the next week off for a stay-cation!  Hopefully the weather will cool off a tad, and I can't wait to get a few things done around the house - find a new housecleaner, choose pics for the frames on the walls, figure out printing the blog, update the blog, work on the garden, maybe finish caulking the crown moulding finally - YAY!!!  The variable at the moment is Olivia - she's been pretty sick today.

Yesterday was a wonderful "Christmas in July" party at Steve & Patti's house.  Olivia was a party animal, socializing with everyone, skipping her nap and being in a good mood virtually the entire time.  The party started at noon, we arrived around 12:40 and stuck around until ~7:30pm.  The food was catered street tacos - delicious - and they had a photobooth which was loads of fun. :)  The weather was perfect, all good things.

This morning we met up with Annie, Joel & Walter at the Academy of Sciences for a lovely morning.  Olivia was a little more chill than usual, and as the time progressed it was clear she was quite sick.  We had fun watching the penguin feeding, and the fish feeding frenzy in the main tank.  Olivia really enjoyed everything, but at lunch time it was definitely time to go home.  She was whimpering in the car on the way home and has been coughing and in and out all afternoon.  After a dose of medicine and albuterol she perked up for a bit, but went to bed early.  She's been coughing and I may try to give another albuterol dosage here in a minute.

Hm, so what else has been going on?  Well, Olivia is picking up words daily, and it's so much fun!  She repeats every word she hears and is stringing together 3-4 word sentences.  I put together storage furniture from Land of Nod the last two nights which has really helped to straighten up the family room.  Olivia continues to point out everything she sees, asking "What's this?"  She had two of those bad bug bites the last week - one on her foot, one on her knee.  They turned into nasty blisters, but don't seem to really bother her.  Lots of neosporin and bandaids has been the answer.

We've been trying to hang out with some other LM moms who live in Fremont, including a playdate at Newark Community Park last weekend - fun.  When we tried to join them for the Fremont summer days festival the next morning, Olivia lasted for 10 minutes before throwing a severe tantrum such that we had to go home - and she went right to bed.  Kevin was on travel the last two weeks and worked through both weekends.  He gets a little break right now and then will be one for about a month, or so he says.  But who knows, it always changes. Kevin is going to try and take Thurs & Friday off this week so we can do some projects together.

I'm bringing Olivia with me to MD when I have training 9/14-16.  She'll get to see my parents for a week, which will be fun.

Oh yes, and I'm restarting the no-carb diet tomorrow, and gosh-darnit, I'm sticking to it!

Oh so fun!

Olivia counted to 10 with me last night.  She's learning the letters of her name, with the help of the wooden letters above her changing table and daddy's coaching.  Olivia is picking up words left and right and creating 3-word sentences.  How fun!

Today we went to our second swim class (not a fan of being on her back) at Silliman Center, then hopped in the car and went straight to Del Valle Regional Park where we met up with Toni and her son James.  They live way out in Mountain House now, so Livermore was somewhat in the middle.  We had a BLAST!  Toni is super chill and the two little ones were totally into one another.  All four of us waded into the lake for a bit and had a picnic lunch.  We had so much fun that we're planning to return there next Friday for the Fourth of July holiday. :)  Very much looking forward to it.

Otherwise, Kevin is shipping MUOS to the launch base tonight.  I just called him and could hear the propellers in the background - they were going wheels up right at that moment.  He did not join us today for the activities because he'd had a late night transporting the container to the airstrip and onto the plane.  There was an internal auditor watching him this time, and apparently Kevin was complimented at the end that it was one of the best operations the auditor had ever witnessed!  This is a big deal because earlier in the week there was a full ATLO stand down for a day due to errors that had happened in both Sunnyvale and Denver.  So one would expect extra attention to be paid to Kevin's op since it's a big deal transport.  Yay sweetie!

Work is ridiculously busy for me.  We are working through multiple personnel items and trying to roll the Tech Refresh into the SBIRS baseline.  It's funny, I know what needs to be done, but now that I have a family, I don't have the energy to put in the long hours and do things as fast as I'd like.  Apparently I'm doing fairly well though - HR put in a good word for me with our VP and I was asked to attend a Happy Hour with the execs last week.  But.... my heart was aching a bit again, so clearly I need to cut the prolonged stress somehow.  Or at least my anxiety about it.  In the meantime, they want to give me more people in Systems Engineering.  It makes sense, but I hope we can prolong the transition for a month or two so I can get a little more momentum going with the Configuration Management folks.

Tomorrow, Olivia and I have a fun day planned.  We have music in the morning, then a playdate, then nap time, then hopefully swim in the neighborhood pool in Quail Run with my new friend Sasha and her two little kids.  It's possible that they'll just lend us a key, but I'm hoping we get some bonding time.  Maybe we'll play at their house for a little while first, then go the pool.  I need to fit in a run with the dogs too, and would like to make some camping reservations... maybe at Del Valle.  In fact, I'm going to look into that right now!

I can't wait for my week off before Olivia's birthday.  I plan to add photos to this blog, and finally put pics in the frames on our walls.  I'm hoping for a lot of cleaning house and maybe some actual relaxing at home (imagine that!).  I miss my husband - we hardly get to see one another.  Perhaps tomorrow I'll set up a date night for next weekend as well.  Hmmmm....

My parents are in Alaska having a blast.... vacations are such a good thing!

Nighty Night!  (I just have to figure out why there's a high level of background stress for me... wondering if I should go on Zoloft or something like that.)

Artist!

Olivia found the sharpies in my desk drawer last night and made beautiful artwork on the kitchen cement floor.  Thank goodness it wasn't the hardwood!

Books!

I still need to make a longer entry about our fabulous trip to MD over Memorial, but for this morning.....   as we dropped Olivia off at school (where she's always excited to see Ely and Gigi) the teacher Ms. Gurdeep was there early and commented on how much Olivia lives books!  Apparently,  she's always bringing them over to the teachers and they read for some time yesterday.  They say Olivia's words are really good, and she understands a great deal if things.  That made mamma and papa proud. :)

Our trip to MD was a hoot.  We took the Thursday night red eye and Olivia had a bit of trouble during the first half of the flight, but mercifully slept for the second half.  Friday we made it out to the zoo in the afternoon following a good nap for the West Coast folks.  The elephants were moving around and monkeys / gorillas were fun.  The other animals were mostly hiding.  Oh!  The tiger was in his pool for a bit and then fairly active.  That was fun.

Our evenings were a little tough due to the time change, and Olivia had a fever the first night.  Saturday we basically hung around the house and Mum Mums had a number of fun activities planned.  We spent quality time on the deck in gorgeous weather for an extended brunch. Olivia had a blast decorating cup cakes with Mum Mums!  Several Litwin clan folks, the Dunkelbergers and Morrissons  came over for dinner and to celebrate Dad's 70th birthday early.  A lovely evening!  Olivia continues to be a social butterfly. :)

Fun Little Updates, Exponential Learning

Olivia is a sponge from the ocean floor, sucking up all sorts of new information!  Cute things:

- heard the dogs barking outside, went to the back door and called them both inside by name.... and they listened! !!!

- she is turning into a monkey.   I turn away to wash a dish, turn back and she's on top of the table!!  She's done this a few times now.

- Olivia does not like getting dressed in the morning.   I've resorted to occasionally bringing her to daycare in PJs... if they aren't soaked through with pee.  Today I changed her into clothes at daycare, worked like a charm.

- Olivia is picking up new words like crazy, "bedsheets" when I was doing laundry, "shells" and knows the name of her vook, "Bark Park" from Mum Mums.

- we had dinner night with the Reillys Sat night and had a blast.   Olivia was showing off like crazy and Sat next to Michelle, talking up a storm. 

- True to form, when Kevin left for Denver last Monday, Olivia and I went to urgent care that night.  Hard to say, but it seemed like a UTI.  She didn't sleep well and Tuesday morning she was up at 4:45 am crying like crazy.  I had to call on the network for help as I'd been out last Thursday with her when she was sick and couldn't miss another day so soon.  Drama.

- We saw Helen, Wes, Cooper and Nina at the Fremont kite festival on Sat, a fun outing.

- Yesterday on a run/walk, I met a neighbor in Quail Run with two children.  She was super excited to meet me and after our Memorial Day trip to MD I'll have to schedule a coffee with her.  How fun!!

- Google contacted me out of the blue on Sunday about a phone interview,  which is now scheduled for Thursday afternoon.  It's to work in Google X on project Loon as a Systems Engineer.   We will see what happens!  A little stressful, I will admit.

Kev is home now, yay!  Time to watch Game of Thrones and go to bed! 

Mother's Day, Mermaid 10k

Kev is on travel this week.  Booo!

Last weekend was the Mermaid 10k that Deanna invited me to.  I managed to run 4 miles of it and walked the last 2 due to my knee issues.  I was pretty happy with the 4 mile run as I am incredibly out of shape and figured my knee would go out at mile 2.  Annie also came down with a few friends from Berkeley and they all did the 5k.  We went out for delicious Indian food afterwards and it was a super fun morning.  I couldn't believe how sore I was the rest of the weekend!  Inspired, I managed to fit in a run Monday and tonight (Friday) for this week.  Stretching could be better though.

Deanna and I are going to try Zumba next....  can't wait!

Mother's Day was a hit.  We all went to music class at 9:30, then Kevin made us eggs and bacon for brunch - he's the best hubby there is!  Olivia bought me a balloon and flowers and a card - love it!  :)  We cleaned up the house, Kevin worked his butt off prepping food, and we had the Janeiros & Browns over for dinner.  It was a very nice and relaxed family dealio and Olivia was loving all the attention.  She was so amped up that she refused to go to bed with all the people in the house.  We are all excited that Kathy is very close to being offered a new job!

Charlie & Delores brought over a toy fire engine, which is a total hit. 

Kevin left on travel Monday morning for Denver.  Olivia and I went to Urgent Care Monday night - she has/had a UTI or bladder infection.  Daycare told me when I picked her up that Olivia would grab her diaper and cry "Pee Pee" every time she went number one.  She was clearly in distress.  Olivia seemed fine at home during our little run around the neighborhood, but when we were out in the backyard and I was just about to work on swapping out some plants, she came over to me fussing/crying, grabbed her crotch and cried.... so we were off to Urgent Care!  Charlie was a trooper and came over later in the evening to put O to bed and watch her while I picked up the prescription... and then.... Tuesday morning Olivia was up crying at 4:45am.  She must have really been hurting.  I ended up calling in the troops to help out and Charlie was back at the house by 6:45am to watch Olivia so I could go to work.  Since I stayed home with her last Thursday when Olivia had some 24 hour bug, I really couldn't miss another day so close.  Thank goodness for the support network!

Work has continued to be very busy, but I think progress is starting to be made, so that's good. :)

Kevin returns Tuesday morning... that's still some time away from now!  Booo!

Olivia now climbs in and out of her high chair, which is super cute.  She pets the dogs gently (most of the time) and gives them hugs.  When people she knows come in the door she gets SOOO excited, she starts screeching, shaking her hands and runs all over the family room, somewhat around and around the coffee table, then stands between the couch and coffee table still happily screeching and laughing.  It's SOOOOOO cute!  Maybe I'll get it on video Sunday if Dave & Kathy come over.  Olivia is picking up more and more words, very fun.  Tonight we ran to what will be her Elementary school (Warwick) just to see how far it feels to walk there - not far at all!  The puppies enjoyed their exercise too, but I didn't stretch at all (all three of them attack me if I try to stretch in the family room)

I meant to work some more tonight, but a blog update was needed.

Can't wait to visit MD next weekend - hope to pack this weekend.

Looking forward to John & Michelle coming over for dinner tomorrow - something easy, like ordering pizza, is perfect to me!  I need to go pick up some goodies for appetizers though.

Ok, I think it might be bed time. :)

Terrible Twos have Arrived, and Pismo

So many things going on, I'm falling down on the blog job!

Olivia has turned a corner and has amazing displays of emotion at the drop of a hat these days.... Terrible Twos are here!

Yesterday,  Olivia started saying her "name".  She will point to herself and say "Loo Loo" and then keep her lips pursed.   So adorable! 

We went to Pismo last weekend for our anniversary,  and Olivia proved her skills at opening the hotel door and bolting after Kevin.  Yikes!  The trip was nice and relaxing, gorgeous weather, we ended up falling asleep each night while waiting for Olivia to fall asleep.  Olivia was a bit scared of the waves... probably because one little one got her feet wet the first day... so she only wanted to be held on the beach.   In the last 10 minutes we were there, she finally figured out that playing in the sand was fun.  I guess we will have to go back! 

Olivia is getting quite good at putting on shoes, climbing into her high chair all by herself, and is picking up new words daily.  This morning she was fascinated by inspecting my hands for "Boo boos".   When she finds one, she picks at it! 

Earlier this week, she walked all the way to the park for swings.... and then all the way back!!  But she still prefers the stroller. 

Yesterday was our 3rd wedding anniversary and Kev took me out to dinner. Olivia had a blast with the Janeiro's.   This upcoming weekend we had a last minute change to Kevin's travel schedule and are hosting Mother's Day and Delores' birthday.  On Saturday,  I'm running a 10 k with Deanna and Annie is coming down with Berkeley buddies.

Singing Baaa Baaa

Earlier this week, Olivia was singing the tune to Baa Baaa Black Sheep (aka Twinkle Twinkle, and ABC's) in the car on the way home from daycare.  Super cute!  She has also figured out how to put on her own shoes.... although, it's not easy.

She still loves to crawl into Trixie's house (never Kiwi's, always Trixie's) and wash her foot with the water in the bowl.  That's good for 15 minutes of entertainment! 

We had a fun dance night yesterday, and she's going down easily again.... but continues to talk to herself until about 9:00 or so.  

Growing soooooo Big

Good weekend!  We stained one section of the pergola, and I started training 3 jasmine up their posts.  It was so nice to have hours of time to work together with Kevin for the first time in a long while. We had a lovely time at dinner in Berkeley For Annie birthday- a nice little date.  Olivia slept a ton - 5 hour nap Saturday,  then slept from 9 pm until 12 pm the next day when Kevin finally woke her up.  She remained awake until 7:45 ish when she went right to sleep.  And I swear she grew an inch!  Happy as can be and not sick...

Olivia demonstrated her affinity for climbing ladders while we were all on the patio and was very sad when I moved the cooler out of the kitchen and she can't climb up on it anymore to play with her cups and bowls.   Olivia tried her first Jamba Juice yesterday, and is a big fan!  Strawberries wild.  Delicious!  She's been climbing on the coffee table and bouncing around, because she knows that's not where she should be.  We switched to her new size 5 tennis shoes that light up, they are surely fun. 

Saturday morning, Olivia and I caught up with Megan and Poppy for the first time in a long while.  When Poppy had to go home for her nap, Olivia and I went to the Palo alto junior museum just because we were on that side of the Bay.  Fun morning.

Yesterday we took it somewhat easy as we recovered from the wine at dinner.  We took a family trip to Ardenwood for a few hours and had a blast feeding the animals.

Easter and Colorado

Last weekend was a busy one.  Friday I successfully had LASIK and my eyes are still settling in.  It's pretty nice to not have to deal with contacts in the morning

Chips & Guac, Putting on Shoes and MORE!

Fun evening tonight.  We went to Chili's for dinner just to mix things up a bit and Olivia was very into the chips and guacamole.  We didn't think she would like it, but she tasted it, thought for a second or two, then nodded her head and went for more.  Now we have to teach her the social rules of no double (or triple or quadruple....) dipping!  She sucks the guac off the chip, then dips it again.

Back at home, Olivia finally was able to put on one of her own brown shoes!  She's been bound and determined to accomplish that task for some time now.  Success!!!

I was excited to play with two work ladies tomorrow who live in the area and their little ones.  Sadly, the week has been so hectic that I have to work tomorrow.  There's no getting out of it.  This sucks.  Sure is hard to have a social life.  So much for the cushy CMDM job.  It's very busy to sort out new processes, etc.

I'm pooped!  Long week.  Olivia was sick on Monday and I enjoyed staying home to be the Mom.  We snuggled and she fell asleep on me out on the patio couch.  Gorgeous weather, sweet moment for sure.  I could use a few days off.

Last weekend I managed to rearrange the linen closet to put all the pills up high, definitely a good feeling to have that danger tucked away.  Monday we even disposed of all the old pills.  The rest of the week was just super busy with work  - booo hissss!

This coming weekend Kevin and I will join the party up in Berkeley for Annie's birthday.  I have to get her a present.  I'm hoping to hide the knives away off the kitchen counters since our little one now likes to climb up on things in the kitchen.  Her favorite game lately has been to hop up on the cooler that's temporarily in the kitchen and rearrange all the items on the Olivia table next to the fridge.  Super cute.  Maybe I'll see Megan too.  It's been awhile.  I'm so sleepy I can't really even think about the weekend.  Super bummed I have to have a busy day at work tomorrow.  Hopefully I'll actually be able to spend some time getting my tasks done and not just in meetings all day.

Other FUN things:
- Monday night, Olivia and I were watching the Science channel version of jackass where they showed diving bloopers (belly flops), guys running into each with with the big exercise balls and then bouncing off (going flying), and horses missing jumps - Olivia was *cracking up* at the bloopers.  She thought it was soooo funny - clearly, she has Kevin's sense of humor.  It was hilarious.

- In the sideyard we have a pile of plywood and buckets of rocks from building the pergola.  Olivia likes to climb up on the pile of plywood and we're always worried about splinters and her falling off.  So one day I ran over and took her off the plywood pile, saying No, and set her down by the patio.  Well, the little trickster goes over to the buckets of rocks and acts all interested in those, then when I walked a few more feet away onto the patio she turned and beelined for the plywood pile, laughing the whole way and so proud of herself for tricking me.  So funny!!!  It's impossible to keep from laughing.

Hm, what else... 

Fun fun fun!

MyWe had a fabulous weekend! 

Friday evening was beautiful.  We did a little yard work and Olivia helped.  Kev had the day off and worked around the house.  I'm a little stressed at work so I tried to do some email after O went to sleep.

Saturday,  Olivia and I met Toni and Baby James at the Newark family day Easter egg hunt. The egg hunt was a little too intense for the little ones (and JJ missed it by 5 min) so I called him and Kev picked up some eggs and candy from the store for our own hunt in the backyard.  Toni, JJ, O and I hung out at the fabulous park there and the kids had a great time.  They played follow the leader down th e slide, loved the swings,  and bossy little Olivia wouldn't let other kids twice her size by her on the jungle gym.  We will have to work on that attitude. 

Back home,  we had lunch of fried chicken that Toni picked up and had our own little egg hunt.  The kiddos had fun playing in the yard and the mommies really enjoyed catching up.  :)  they left when it was clearly past naptime for Olivia.  Toni was clearly very happy to hang out and photos of her house in Mountain Home are gorgeous!

After naptime, we went over to Helen ' s home  near central Fremont.  Finally met her husband, Wes, and Kev came with too.  We all played in the community pool.  Definitely need to find one for us to play in throughout the summer.  We all had a great time, and Wes had brought down to go margaritas for poolside enjoyment.  Fun times.  Olivia was a little nervous at first, but then loved the pool.  Cooper is the cutest little 5 year old and was happy to play catch with Kevin. 

Olivia went down for the 6th night in a row without a peep.

Sunday we skype with mum Mums and pop pops, the I had to work a bit and put Olivia to sleep.  I even managed to take the dogs for a little walk.  When Olivia awoke, we hit up Ardenwood Farm And She Was So Excited About The Bunnies And chicks.  She was excited and scared of the sheep, or Baaa Baaas.  Super cute.  She was happy as can be just wandering all around and exploring.  I'm in love.

We hit up the grocery and returned home where Kev had finished the pavers next to the veggie gardens.  Looks great!  He also cleaned up a bunch of the backyard.  It gets better every weekend!

Olivia had been just so super cute lately, it's just that much harder to leave her at daycare in the mornings.  I'd way rather spend more time with her.

Kev favorite saying lately had been, "that's a whole lotta horchada!"  Whatever that means!

Olivia is stringing together short sentences, and picks up all sorts of words.  It's so fun watching her figure things out!

A relaxing weekend

Sat, after music class, I volunteered at a women in engineering event at SJSU.  It was energizing and good to give back.  Oh, and we made a fort in the family room and had fun laughing when daddy monster surprised Olivia with tickles.

Sunday, Olivia and I went to anne's baby sprinkle and had a good time.  Olivia was chasing bubbles all around and being cute.  Back at home, kev was installing more pacers along the veggie garden and I took a load to Goodwill.  I also removed a few grass plants in the back yard and it looks way better.  Olivia enjoyed helping. 

Olivia is stringing words together in little sentences, and really wants to help around the house.  She gets really excited about books and helps with the dishwasher.

Back in the Saddle

We are back to a regular work schedule with Kevin much healthier and Olivia back at daycare early in the morning.  Olivia and Kevin definitely bonded over the last couple weeks with Daddy taking her to daycare.  Olivia's little antics of holding her hands up while thinking, and then pointing when the light bulb goes on are ridiculously cute.  Last night she would say "oh no!" And put her hands on her cheeks.  Too darn cute! 

Last weekend we spent in the yard.  About 24 bags of mulch later it looks much better.  The lawn is mowed, the veggie garden planted, the drip system rearranged, and weeds mostly attacked.  All in time for the weather to warm up and the drought to stare us all in the face.  We will have to really take advantage of our outside room as much as possible now before everything tanks.  I have to get up earlier to pump my shower water in addition to Olivia's.   Our salvia out front which hasn't been watered at all is doing great right now so that's encouraging.

Olivia helped me plant her first tomato plant.  She couldn't wait to get in the dirt.  Super cute. 

Saturday we attended music class but Olivia was still recovering from the latest sickness and was a little clingy.  But by the end was having fun.  After working in the yard (kevin had some serious weed fighting next to the fence), we had a lovely dinner with Rich and Debbie while the Janeiro's babysat.  What a nice date!  Especially since we are both healthy again. 

Ok, work time....

'Helping'

Olivia has become quite the helper around the house.  She can't wait to hel0 empty the dishwasher (including when the dishes are still dirty), and is miffed if anyone else carries the empty 5 gallon water bottles back to the bathroom after the plants are watered.  Yesterday I snapped a quick video of the water bottle activity.  Now, if only we can foster this enthusiasm before we know it she'll be scrubbing the bathroom floors!

In the last few days, Olivia has gotten into the wooden animal puzzles and we are teaching her the names and trying to talk about colors and shapes.  I hope to make a field trip to the Sausalito discovery museum this weekend to check out the fish.

Last weekend, while Kevin was sick sick with pneumonia, Olivia and I had a blast at music class.  She was literally the center of attention, insisting on being in the middle of the circle and clapping, searching out bubbles, playing with the instruments standing on drums,  all around good time!  Saturday afternoon i sprayed weeds and we tooled around the backyard. 

Sunday I spent a lot of time fixing the irrigation in the backyard and weeding.  Olivia and I went to the mustard fields for the annual yellow flower picture shoot, it was semi successful.  We really needed Kevin to come along but he was too sick and not interested.

Kevin is going to work today and seems much better finally.  Not 100%, but getting there.  He's been sick for almost 2 months!  My cough is lingering but also decreasing,  thank goodness!  I've been sick the entire time I've been in the new job which has made it more of a challenge.  I'm hoping the volume of work will subside soon.

Almost Healthy!

Olivia is happy and off and running!  My cough is just about gone.... and Kevin went to the doctor on Friday, was diagnosed with the beginnings of pneumonia, and is now on antibiotics (but still coughing really really loudly, poor bloke).  I'm holding out hope that tomorrow evening (the day of "Spring Forward") we will be able to take sunset pictures in the bright yellow mustard flowers fields by Coyote Hills.  I'd like to make that an annual tradition.  Olivia's 8th month photo shoot was in those flowers last year. :)

A couple fun things to add for Olivia development.  The other evening she was happily playing on the couch with Daddy when I asked, "Olivia, do you want to take the girls for a walk?" and her response: "Oookaaayyy!" and she slid off the couch, grabbed the leashes and headed for the front door.  Of course the dogs were also very excited.  It was a quick 'walk' and I carried Olivia most of the way, but fun nonetheless. :)

Tonight, the little trickster was not interested in bed.  It was probably my fault - after reading in Baby Center about how at this age they should be matching things, I pulled out a couple wooden puzzles with animals and she was loving playing with them.  Not good to introduce something new when it's bedtime.  Lesson learned.  But I'm looking forward to playing puzzles with Olivia in the coming days.  We'll have to play "match" with the sea animal cards I bought her for Christmas, and make shape matching cards.  She's funny, when you ask "where's the rabbit?" (or any animal) she holds her hands out, palms up, and then when she sees the animal says "Oh!!" and points to it.  I tried to capture that on video today.  Super cute.

Last night I had dinner with Shonna and Deanna, very nice.  Shonna is due with her second child in late April and is looking fantastic.  Natalie is due this month and is safely nestled in down in San Diego.  Lots of fun!

Gorgeous weather out here.  I did a little yard work today (killing weeds) but what a shame that we didn't have nearly enough water this winter.

Kevin just announced (whispered) that ice cream makes his throat feel better.  I don't know that I buy that one.

Guests and LASIK!

We have been very busy the last two weeks!  Between ramping up in my new manager position and hosting my parents and the Dentons (Keith, Lauren, Marea & Sawyer), it's been a blast!  Today, in about 5 min, we're heading out for me to have LASIK done.  Very exciting. :) 

Three weekends ago the whole Janeiro family was sick.  Aunt Patti took Olivia to the mall in the afternoons for entertainment while Kevin and I slept both Saturday and Sunday.  Patti also babysat on Monday when I stayed home sick and we were monitoring Olivia.  I think Patti & Olivia had a blast!  Olivia even had a little boyfriend at the New Park Mall playground.  As luck would have it, the weather was also rainy all weekend - perfect for staying in bed!  Kevin and I needed all the rest we could get... and our coughs haven't quite gone away yet!  But at least we're functional :).

Two weekends ago, my parents came to town and enjoyed the warm, sunny California weather.  It was ~10 degrees in MD.  Their timing was perfect - the weather cleared up and the Janeiro household was almost healthy!  We had a great time.  Thursday night I picked up M&D at SFO, and we all crashed.  Friday morning M&D joined Olivia and me at Music Together class in Niles and then grabbed a delicious gourmet hot chocolate.  Back at the ranch it was nap time and enjoy-the-patio-and-pergola time. :)

<time to go to LASIK.... will write more tomorrow, if I can see!>

<Day after LASIK, which did not go as planned.. apparently I am 1 in 5,000-7,000, but my eye is healed/healing and we can try again in a week or so, if I feel like it>

So where was I?  Ah yes,  Friday was lovely and relaxing.  We met up with Annie and Walter at Paradiso restaurant in San Leandro for an early Valentine's Day dinner.  While the kiddos were not particularly interested in sitting still, the food was delicious!  M&D went home with Annie from there and we came home to continue trying to sleep off the cold/flu. 

Saturday, we worked on cleaning up the house and yard for later in the evening when A&W were coming down to play.  Around noon, feeling a sinus infection settling in, I finally made the call to take myself to the doctor and get some antibiotics.  After a solid week with the chest cold, then a solid week with the Flu, another solid week with a sinus infection was going to break me!  So Kevin watched Olivia and it all worked out well.  A, W, M&D were here sometime around 4pm and we played in the back yard.  Dolores, Charlie and Kathy joined us all for a cookout and it was a party!  Kevin of course out-did himself making crazy tasty bacon avocado burgers.  Mmmmmm!  How nice to enjoy our patio and pergola after all the work that went into it!

Sunday, M&D and the Janeiros went to Sunol to hike up and see "Little Yosemite."  That was just the right length of hike for everyone.  We took a few breaks up the hill, and Olivia fell asleep in the backpack on the way down - perfect!  But that was mostly the extent of her nap for the day.  Back home, Mom and I returned to the toy store for some fun things for the kiddos (bubbles, brooms and dustpans, wooden animals).  I totally forget what we did in the afternoon and for dinner that night.  There may have been pizza involved.  I think there was also watching-Olivia-scramble-around-the-patio-and-climb-on-every-chair involved.

Monday, I had to go to work (new job, I feel obligated) for a few hours.  Kevin hung out at home with M&D and A&W came down to hang out and play in the little sandbox and the yard.  The new toys from Mum-Mums and the bouncy ball that Kevin found all were a big hit.  Olivia has also improved drastically in throwing the ball for Trixie to chase. 

I made it home right after lunch (naptime) and we all enjoyed the beautiful weather and playing broom ball on the patio.  With the antibiotics kicking in, I finally felt like a human being again. :)  So much so, that I trimmed back the liriope bordering the patio and Walter had fun harvesting snails. :)  We didn't tell Walter what ended up happening to those snails once Auntie Kate added a little soap to the water.  A&W left shortly after 3pm and we had Happy Hour on the patio.  A quick dinner at Claim Jumper's and then a trip to the airport concluded the visit from Mum-Mums and Pop-Pops.  Olivia had seemed excited to see them and I'm just happy my parents had the chance to see her toddling all over the place and being her silly little cheerful self.  They've now really witnessed first-hand her effusive personality.

Everyday when we return home from work, Olivia beelines for the sandbox in the backyard and tells us to "sit" next to her while pointing at the floor beside her.  Adorable.

DENTON VISIT
I managed to cram in about 10 hours of overtime the week my parents left, which made the Denton's visit the following weekend that much more of an even to anticipate.  Keith, Lauren, Marea and Sawyer arrived in Berkeley around 2 or 3pm Friday.  While they had play time with the Middleton's, the Janeiro's tried to put our house back together, turning over sheets, etc. and fighting the last bits of the cold.  I was also starting to prep for LASIK (eye-drops, lid scrubs).  We were exhausted from the week - I had an all-day training on Friday which is prime catch-up-on-email day.  We ended up sleeping in until 8:30 Saturday when Olivia awoke and made it up to Tilden Park by 10:15am or so.  By that time, the early risers had already seen the animals, so we joined in a walk to the pond nearby.  How nice to see Keithie and his family!!! They're so cute. :)

The kids started melting down shortly thereafter and we returned to the Berkeley Bungalow for lunch and naptime.  Or in Olivia's case, instigate laughing with Walter and play mischievous games to prevent him from sleeping!  So while the other children napped, I brought Olivia out in the courtyard and we played with all the fun toys around... especially the balls, Auntie Annie pushed her on the scooter, and the push-cars... it was a blast!  We chatted with Keith and Lauren a bit... and eventually took a stroll to the local Peet's for coffee and up through the Claremont Hotel.  I enjoyed catching up with Lauren - they're such chill, real people.  It's refreshing.  Olivia, thankfully, took a little snooze in the stroller.  We had planned to stick around for dinner, but then I realized the dogs were locked up all day, it was their dinner time, and Olivia was getting testy.  So we left around 5:15 or so. 

Sunday we took Olivia to Disney on Ice at 11am since Kevin had tickets from work.  Olivia lasted through the first half and was pretty interested... then naptime hit with full force!  She wasn't too fussy, but we knew it was just a matter of minutes, so we left.  It was a fun family outing overall. :)  Back home, we prepped food and fine-tuned the guest room for the Dentons.  Sometime around 5 they all arrived, along with Annie and Walter and we had a lovely cookout: London Broil marinaded for two days, roasted veggies, potatoes, and bread.  Of course Kevin's favorite chili cheese dip too, and chocolate cake from Annie!  Marea was like a moth to Olivia's flame - totally in love with the little girl!  Poor Sawyer had a little tummy flu and was cuddling with Mom all evening.  The Kraft Mac n Cheese went over well with all the kiddos and I think the adult food turned out well too.  Dusk decended fairly soon after everyone arrived, but the kiddos were still able to play for a bit in the yard.  Annie and Walter left just before dessert and the bedtime routines began shortly thereafter.  Somehow we fit all the Denton's into the guest room and the kiddos all went to bed easily - even Olivia.  Kev and I stayed up for a bit chatting with Keith and Lauren and then it was time to prep for the work week.

THIS WEEK
Well, I already mentioned the LASIK... and Olivia spent Wednesday home sick with me on my 'recovery' day, so it all worked out well. Delores and CHarlie came by to babysit a little so I could make my follow-up optometrist appointment and they brought the cutest little purse and sunglasses for O.
Today, Kiwi had her teeth cleaned (and 6 pulled) and Olivia was sent home early with a fever.  Kevin also is coming down with another cough!  By the time I arrived at home with Kiwi, Olivia was down to her diaper and looking a bit glazed.  She seemed better WEd night, but apparently not.  They said she was not interested in anything and not eating anything (didn't eat yesterday either).  All she wanted to do was cuddle with mommy.  So we spent some time together, and then went and cuddled in the gues room where she promptly fell asleep.  Poor little thing, at least she's drinking milk like crazy.  We just changed her diaper and she was fever spiking.  I'll be she's better tomorrow.  Kevin, I'm not so sure about.

FUN OLIVIA THINGS
- She's been fighting us when we undress AND when we dress her - "No!" features prominently.
- Loves the sandbox
- Makes an elephant trunk with her arm when you say "elephant"
- Does the "Beep beep" motion to "The wheels on the bus" song, and the "round and round" motion
- Teething and drooling everywhere
- I'll have to remember more.... it's late.

I'm behind on pics because dropbox is full.  I'll have to fix that this weekend and upload photos to smugmug!

This Sat we have music class and a playdate with Helen (Urgent Care friend) and her kiddos.  Sun I have a birthday party to attend....  all assuming there is good health.

Good night!
Kate

"No!" "Ok!"

Olivia's two favorite words.  Yet somehow when she says "No!" in her adorable little girl voice, it's the cutest thing ever!

She says "OK!" just like her mom, pick up a pen "OK!", Put something in its place, "OK!"... any little accomplishment and it's "OK!". 

Then, the little girl goes and tells everyone what to do.  "Dad, sit there!" (by pointing and whining).  "Cheese!"

Olivia has a blast with 'pretend food' and pretending to feed everyone out of her "can" of green beans, or corn, whatever.  She's really emulating everything we do.  Tonight, she watched Daddy sweep the patio and wanted to help.  (I didn't get a pic, cuz I've been in bed with the flu the last few days :( ).  On several occasions, Olivia has walked all around the house with the dog leashes and poop bags, and has tried to put the leash on Trixie.  Too funny!  She pretend feeds the dogs as well, and still loves hanging out in their dog beds in our bedroom, and splashing in their water bowls (a favorite who-can-get-there-faster game with Mommy and Daddy).

She really enjoys playing with her large legos, and kitchen.  Today Aunt Patti babysat again and they had a blast at the park (Patti visited Sat and Sun afternoons and took Olivia to the mall for several hours - they had a BLAST while Mommy and Daddy slept to get healthy.  Olivia apparently had several admirers, one little boy kept holding open the play-car door for her!)  Thank goodness for Aunt Patti!

We can't wait for Mum-mums and Pop-Pops to visit!  We just hope the cold and flu bugs have more than departed our house beforehand.

I'm a little stressed by the new job and being sick for a week and a half has not helped the situation.  I'm sure it'll improve soon.

Ok, nighty night!  "OK!"

Dog Treats. 'Nuff Said

This post is inspired by the fact that last night Olivia figured out pulling over the container of dog treats, opening it, taking out a biscuit and walking over to Kiwi to feed it to her.... then go back to the container for another one, and we showed her to give it to Trixie.... then had to hide the container to break the cycle!  She was having so much fun!

Tonight, Olivia went back to that fun place on top of the dog houses and pulled out a full roll of puppy poopy bags and a leash, then proceeded to parade around the house dragging both behind her - couldn't be happier!  Adorable!

What other tricks.... she's been happy at daycare the last few days when we dropped her off (more or less).  Olivia is almost over her chest cold.... Mom and Dad are certainly not.  In fact, last night I was up until 1am working (ramping up on new job) and coughing, and today was just miserable.  Kevin has also been coughing up a lung.  I can't wait to finish this quick entry and turn out the light.

I do have to say that it's amazing a child can start so adorable and innocent, so beautiful, fun and happy, and then somehow deteriorate into the terrible, violent people that we're watching on the news in the ISIS group in the Middle East.  All those people were toddlers at one time, how does such hate and violence grow out of familial love?  I just don't understand it.  Today, the group released a video of burning a Jordanian pilot alive.  Why?  For some ideal?  How could you debase human life, something not yet found anywhere else in the Universe for some intangible story?  And why is no one really fighting back?  Most of all, the peaceful people of the same religion who are being demeaned because of the ISIS tactics.  During our walk around Lake Elizabeth Sunday, it was apparently World Burka day, and people had picnics and signs up saying why they wore burkas and trying to say that it doesn't change anything.  I just don't trust someone if I can't see their full face. (And there are plenty of people I don't trust even when I can see their face!)

Sorry to get all political in this happy family blog, but we don't live in a vacuum and I struggle daily with the dichotomy of this happy life in America and trying to understand the motivation behind such hate and malice in other parts of the world.  I don't want Olivia growing up in such a hateful world.

Super Bowl! Childproofing!

Last night was a great time with the Middletons joining us for the Super Bowl (Seattle VA New England... patriots won).  It was a great game, and the cousins  had a blast playing with each other.  I made stuffed mushrooms and we had sandwiches for dinner. 

Sat night I was inspired and finally child proofed the lower cabinets.  Now the questions are:
1)  how long until Olivia figures out how to open them?
2)  How long until the parents are used to the latches?!  I haven't adjusted yet, that's for sure!

We had an awesome trip to Ardenwood on Sat.  All 3 of us went and Olivia had a blast playing hide and seek on the side porch of the patterson house.  She was all smiles and giggles.  Sunday morning we all 5 of us went for a walk around Lake Elizabeth.   We tried the dog park, but Kiwi was so protective of Olivia that we had to leave.  The walk was lovely, gorgeous weather and exercise before the super bowl.

Ok....  almost to work.

Chasing the Dogs, with a Big Smile!

Olivia's favorite game of late is chasing the dogs around the house.  She gets this sneaky look on her face and takes off!  Then starts laughing and laughing - adorable!  Kiwi is the better dog to chase, and she'll tease Olivia by coming up and licking her face then going just out of reach.  They also play the 'lick my face' game when Kiwi is in a dog bed and Olivia crawls up to her, leans in and out repeatedly and when she leans in, Kiwi gives Olivia kisses.  Super funny!

Daycare is going well.  Olivia has a bit of a cough right now, fortunately her 18-month appointment is tomorrow and we'll have her checked right out!  Last weekend, Olivia and Kevin had a little stomach bug.  Olivia was fussier than usual and made a few messes, but we still made it to Saturday's music class and she had a ball!  Kevin, however, was an absolute mess.  Poor guy.  He was mostly sick on Sunday and took Monday off to recover.  The happy bonus was that Monday night Olivia and I arrived home after work/school to dinner on the table!  Kevin made the best green beans, cooked perfectly... and I ate every last one of them!  Mmmmmmm!  Olivia threw hers on the floor.  Hmmmm.

Olivia's vocabulary is expanding daily.  She asks "What's that?" and today was trying to say "Walter" when Kevin was pointing at the family photos on the wall.  She'll put together what sounds like ~3 word sentences.  She still loves to dance, and is such a happy girl now that she can move around.  We have to watch out because she gets into things quickly.  This weekend we may finally childproof key cabinets.  This past week, Olivia got into one and broke a glass pitcher.  Of course, I was right next to her and swooped the little one out of the kitchen and back to dad on the couch, where she belonged!

Olivia will pretend to cook at her kitchen while I'm cooking, which is adorable.  

Tonight we cuddled  a bit on the couch - she clearly isn't feel well since she never cuddles!  I enjoyed the moment for sure.

Tomorrow I have off and both of us are taking Olivia to her 18 month appointment.  Then I have an eye appointment - trying to do the LASIK again.  I'm not sure what to do in between the eye doctor and going to Anne's house to pick up some 24 month clothes.  Yay for hand-me-downs!  

Saturday we have another vet appointment follow-up, and Olivia's music class.  In the afternoon we have a playdate with Helen and Nina from Urgent Care. :)  Sunday is the Super Bowl and we currently have no plans.  

I just signed up for a 10k in May with Deanna.  So now I have to get off my butt and start stretching!  I'm getting into a routine of taking the dogs for a walk after Olivia goes down, but it would be really nice to go to Silliman Center pool and gym once a week with Kevin too.  I have to ask Charlie and Delores if they'd be interested in regular babysitting for us.

Olivia continues to be 'nothing but persoality' and I love that little girl so much!!!  I love cuddling with her in our bed early in the morning when she's had a bad dream.  She's getting so big!  

Mom and Dad Bellenger are coming to visit in a few weekends and we are all very excited for them!

Ok, bedtime!

Bubbles! New Job!

Tonight Olivia got her hands on an empty bubble container and was in heaven!  It went to the bath with her, and Olivia had super fun putting the wand in and out and chasing Trixie around, trying to "blow bubbles" for Trixie to chase.  Trixie didn't quite get the idea and was more scared and running away from Olivia than anything else.

We FaceTimed with Aunt Sarah tonight for a few minutes, which was super fun.  Holding a coherent conversation is a little challenging with Olivia going after the iPad when she sees the person on there.
Olivia's teeth are clearly hurting as the 8 come in.  She's having trouble sleeping at night.  While she goes down to sleep easily, when the first sleep cycle completes, she awakes and cannot fall back asleep.  Sunday night, Kevin helped her about 5 times through the night!  Last night, she awoke at 9:30 and I somehow administered infant motrin, and cuddled her in bed with me until she fell asleep for reals.  At 11:11pm I put Olivia in her crib and she was down for the night - thank goodness!

Kevin was in Denver last week and is in Florida this week.  I've been lucky to have help on various days and things are going well.  Olivia's ears seem to be clear now and she's happy other than the teething.

This week is my first real week in the new management position.  I'm slowly pulling back the layers of the onion and learning the lay of the land.  This will be a challenging position, but for very different reasons than my previous position.  I believe if I learn enough variety of things, this one will be a good thing on my resume for a career outside of LM in a few years.

I missed President Obama's 6th State of the Union tonight, but it's just all disheartening the whole way our Government is operating.

Oh, if I didn't mention it earlier, another behavior Olivia learned from the dogs is trying to catch the bubbles with her teeth!  HA!

Trixie had 4 more teeth pulled last Friday.  Very sad.  Speaking of which, I have to brush their teeth tonight.  She still has the four canine teeth up front though - so can still play tug of war!

My parents are contemplating a trip out here in February - that would be a delight!  Maybe we'll go down and visit Sarah in April before she moves to Nashville!

Okay, time to do a little personal email then switch to the work email...  Lots to learn!

Fun Olivia Tidbits

Pulls on high chair cushion with her teeth when standing in the floor... a habit or trick learned from Trixie!

Missing Kevin right now as he is on travel, asking for him and constantly looking for him around the house.  Tonight she snuck out the back door onto the patio, calling out for him.

This past week, Kevin and I FaceTimed and Olivia was SOOOO excited to see him.  She held out her arms for her Daddy to pick her up.  That pulled at my heart strings.

Olivia has learned to pull the string of her See and Say from Roxanne.  She doesn't pull it quite far enough to engage the sound, but she's *almost* there!

Olivia has eight teeth coming in.  They're the next two on either side of the four front top and bottom teethies.  I think that's why she's been biting a little more than usual.

She proved once more that she knows when Daddy goes on travel, and I received a call from daycare on Monday saying she was acting like she had ear infections.  After several hours at Urgent Care, it turned out to be excess ear wax and they dug / flushed it out.  Another pull at my heart strings was watching her be all swaddled (straight-jacketed) up and two nurses and me holding her down to do the flushing.  Olivia was looking at me, crying super hard, with a look like "save me Mommy!  Why are they doing this to me?"  She's all better now.  We'll just have to keep an eye on those ears.  She did have a little cough as well, but that has subsided.

Olivia seems to have grown an inch or more in the last couple weeks - her clothes are looking smaller!  My little girl is growing up!

I think I mentioned that I was promoted early this year and I'm working through the transition.  The more I learn, the more excited I am about the new role... and hopefully lower stress.

I'm looking forward to the weekend and hanging out with Kevin and Olivia - Saturday morning is Music Together, then I'm using up a MassageEnvy credit, then I'm hoping we'll make a family trip to Ardenwood Farm after Olivia's nap.  She'll love seeing the animals especially since she's walking now!  Tomorrow night I'm meeting with Deanna for dinner - it's been quite awhile since catching up with her.

Today Olivia was putting her sunhat on and keeping it there!  Amazing!!!!

One of her favorite toys is Mommy's cell phone (and her Kindle Fire for Kids from Daddy)

A Few Olivia Tidbits

Last night when kev asked if Olivia was ready for her bath, she picked up two stacking cups and beelined from the kitchen straight into the bathroom,  with a smile on her face.  :)  she also understands when it's time to brush teeth and heads for the bathroom.  The other night Kevin was reading Olivia a book, asked if she was ready to brush her teeth and she slid right off his lap, headed for the bathroom.

She's really responding in 'sentences' back and forth with us. 

Still plays peek a boo and is super excited to play! 

Olivia is figuring out her kitchen.  Yesterday we plated making sandwiches and eating them. 

I'm trying to teach her to bring toys over to the mat to play with them, and need to follow up with cleanup afterwards.

Yesterday, Annie and Walter joined us for breakfast and a little play time.  The kiddos are interacting more.  Walter is teaching Olivia the idea of throwing the ball for Trixie, but really, Olivia just wants all the balls herself.

My little girl was just so adorable this morning I want to spend the day with her!  She understands giving hugs.  Yesterday early morning we were all cuddling in bed and Olivia would go back and forth giving Kevin and I hugs when we were asking for them.  She came and gave me a hug this morning when I asked for one, and sometimes she'll be wandering around and then will come over just to give a hug and then wanders off.  I love that little girl! 
We now put the dogs in their houses and are preventing them from eating human food to protect their teeth.  Olivia misses feeding her buddies.

Olivia still tries to put her own socks I n and helps the velcro her shoes.

Ok, that's all for now.  We are almost at work.   Here's to 2015, though i wish i could be home with Olivia and taking her to the park.  Can't wait to read the Toddler activity book from Annie for some new ideas as well.

First Steps for REAL, Playing with Trixie, Prepping for Christmas

<This should have been published on 12/14>

It's been fun and exciting around the Janeiro house since Thanksgiving. 

Olivia has officially taken her first steps, as approved by Kevin.  We were hanging out in the family room, I had Olivia on her playmat and set her on her feet, let go, and she took ~3 steps to me!  Kevin approved.  Very exciting!  I think that was last Tuesday.  She stands up occasionally straight from the floor, and stands on the couch often.  Then she'll go and grab the phone, or slide off the couch to go after a toy.

Olivia has taken to babbling sentences to us, and to herself.  Although, she does not seem to have picked up many new words.  She has learned "duck" and is very excited whenever she sees one.

The West Coast has seen a couple good rain storms, including a particularly intense one last week.  I was ostensibly working from home on Thursday during the worst of it and had the local news on to watch the flooding in various areas - crazy!  Trees down, some power outages in San Francisco, and they even closed school in a number of areas to basically keep people off the road.  (Traffic was light, but several accidents)  Good news for our drought-stricken state.  It still didn't bring the snow pack to normal, but it's better than nothing.  There were large pockets of standing water on Paseo Padre as I drove home from dropping Olivia at day care in the morning.  We're supposed to get a bit more rain over the next few days as well.

Olivia now tries to put the kong balls in Trixies mouth - she holds them out to Trixie, but the dog is too scared / confused to take it.  Olivia's also slowly learning to throw the ball for Trixie to chase.  At first, when Trixie would grab the ball and run off, Olivia would start screeching and look at me while pointing at Trixie, clearly wanting the ball back.  But lately, she'll throw the ball, Trixie will get it, and Olivia will just watch her.

The shape-sorter drives Olivia crazy.  She'll pick up a shape, try it in the first hole, be ticked when it doesn't go in the first time, and then FLINGS the shape across the room.  I mean FLINGS IT!  Look out!  Today she was so upset, she picked up the whole box and threw it!  I need to do some research on how to decrease / redirect that behavior.

We finally went to the pediatric dermatologist (the morning of the "storm of the era") and discussed the lesions - this doctor also thinks it was flea bites.  But, if we see them again, we can now bring Olivia straight in to the dermatologist - good deal!

The 49ers are just stinking it up this year.  Sadness.

I just accepted a promotion to a Level 5 manager position which will start in the new year.  More work for less stress and no work travel - thank goodness!  I'm ready for a change.  While the actual tasks of my group will lead some to believe it's beneath me, I will be integrating two stovepiped teams, have more exposure to internal LM, and formally managing a team of people (I don't know how many yet) so it's a growth position nevertheless.  Besides, I won't stay in it for long, just enough to integrate the teams and set everyone moving forward together to the same beat.  Who knows, in that time maybe a new program will magically appear in Sunnyvale... maybe.  Scary times around our work.  Hopefully this position will also give me some time to learn new, marketable skills.

This past Friday I went to the work Holiday Party stag - we didn't have a babysitter, and Kevin's not a big fan of those parties anyway.  It was a pretty good time - mostly because I was excited to fit into a dress that was tailored pre-pregnancy.  I had several folks come up to say hello, and ran into my new Director, who is clearly very happy to have me joining his team.  All good things. 

Yesterday, we picked out a Christmas Tree at Home Depot, Olivia practiced walking down the aisles of HD - her own personal heaven.  (A huge space filled with bins of STUFF to be touched and all pulled out and thrown on the floor!)

Olivia likes to point to herself and say "Ma-ma".  She's really in to playing peek-a-boo where she hides her eyes with her hands... if you say "Where's Olivia?" to get her to point to herself, she starts playing Peek-a-boo; too funny!  She still loves playing with the light switch when we try to change her.  She's taken to putting the strap of the diaper bag over her shoulder, then turning to me, waves and says "Bye-bye!"  Also funny.  Olivia loves checking out my shoes and Kevin's shoes, and is always interested in my yellow list pad.  I ended up giving her an extra one and she was so tickled!  Olivia also still likes to help me type on the laptop (makes it impossible to electronically shop for Christmas gifts when she's awake).  She's just so close to walking, I can't wait!

Kevin spent the afternoon putting up the lights, only to find at the very end that ~1/3 of them don't work.  Booooo!  Olivia and I were in and out of the house, keeping him company and practicing walking down the sidewalk and crawling through the (wet) grass.  Fun!


We went out to dinner and didn't do much in the evening.  I was suffering from allergies to the new tree in our family room, so I tried to finish some online Christmas shopping.  I tell ya, while I'll miss seeing the Bellenger family at Christmas, I am also VERY happy not to be facing two cross-country flights and look forward to time around the house to do a few projects.  Olivia will still go to daycare most days, so I'm excited to finish caulking the crown moulding, touch-up the paint around the doorframes, maybe get the last two doors (bathroom and guest room) hung, hang pics in the hallway and maybe .... insert more projects here!

Today Annie and Walter joined Olivia and I at the Academy of Sciences up in Golden Gate Park.  We used our membership to get in at 10am (an hour before general admission) an enjoyed the rainforest exhibit in peace and quiet.  Walter and Olivia were in heaven!  Annie and Kate were happy to be out of the house and checking out something new.  We only had enough concentration to last through a couple aquarium exhibits before it was lunch time and time to nap during the car ride home.  What fun!  Overall a successful adventure!  I can't wait to have more adventures with Olivia next year - need to make an annual bucket list for things to check out. :)

The pergola is coming along - the side outside the kitchen is DONE!  The side by the master bedroom is in-work.  All the wood is marked for notches and the end that goes over the roof (as I'm sitting here in bed typing late at night, the rain has started again.  I love hearing it!).  Kevin's main goal over the holiday is to finish the pergola!  It's taking much longer than any of us anticipated.  Obviously, the rain doesn't help (raining harder now).  But it will be totally beautiful when complete!  There's still the whole center section (higher and longer) to go.

The weeds are starting to pop up all around - maybe on Friday I'll do some major weed-control.  That's best done now as the ground is so soft!

Okay, nighty-night time.

xoxo
Kate