First Steps!

Olivia's first steps caught on video, though dad doesn't agree.  Then repeated when Papa-J and Mama-J were over.  Mom and dad had a quick date night to play some pool in Sunnyvale.  I can't remember the last time we went out together the two of us.  How lovely!   We have to find a way to make this more of a regular thing. 

Love the new padded playmat.  Thank you neighbors for the idea.  Olivia is more confident on it too.

Olivia won't let go of her little Kong balls, so I'm still using them in the car.  Poor Trixie is so confused.  Olivia chases her down to get the balls back, and has now started crying just to get Trixie's toys.  Trixie has a new trick - jumping up on Kevin's desk to look out the front window. She's wreaked havoc on his computer.  It's pretty funny.

I'm on my way to Connecticut and Massachusetts for work.  I'll bet Olivia will really be walking when I return.  Good luck to Kevin in my absence!

Last night was dinner for Papa-J's birthday.  Olivia loves being the center of attention!

The last big beam of the pergola is up and the next step is all the cross beams.  It's looking good!

Otherwise, a good weekend with a little tummy trouble, but mostly happy Olivia.

I'm thinking I'll be falling asleep on this plane.

I keep meaning to mention that Olivia helps out with getting dressed.  She knows one arm, then the other.  She also LOVES the sweater that Mum Mums made her.  When I go to take it off, Olivia gets so upset!   When she sees the sweater across the room, she'll call for it.  Too cute.

Olivia also has learned a few signs... she's very good at the "more" sign when she's hungry.  We are working on "all done" and "stop".

New Friend?

We had a good weekend the last few days.  Saturday we made it to the toddler park and Fremont library off of Stevenson in the morning, then home for a good nap!  Post-nap was a late lunch at the Reilly's (delicious cheeseburgers!) and Olivia loved exploring a new house.  So much to see!  We were originally supposed to have them over for dinner, but Kevin's work travel ran late and he didn't return home until Sunday morning ~1am.   I ended up doing laundry in the evening, eating lots of ice cream, and watching "Maleficent" twice!  How fun to watch a movie about my favorite 'villain' - it was really well done.  Angelina Jolie was *perfect* for the part.

Today, Olivia was up just after 7am and we had a lovely morning of eating eggs, running to the grocery store, walking around outside on the sidewalk with her sit-to-stand toy, and finally having a play-date with our new next-door neighbors!!!  For the car, my new trick is to have a set of those small kong colorful balls that live in the car and they're perfect Olivia-hand size.  Now whenever I put her in the car seat, she's looking for her "ball!" and then holds on tight, or throws them across the car.  At the grocery, she held on to two of them, only dropping one about 3-4 times.  Then she would put them in, and take them out of my purse.  Too funny!  When she'd see a balloon, it was a point and "BALL!"

Olivia loved walking around outside and is really gaining confidence.  We went all the way down the block and back, making friends with a new neighbor that moved in ~4 months ago across the street.  When we came back inside, the next door neighbor had responded to my text and we went over there after lunch for a quick playdate with their son, Lucas.  We've been trying to have the playdate for awhile now, and it finally worked out. :)  Olivia was excited to be exploring another new place, and Lucas, notoriously shy, eventually started showing me all his toys as we toured the house to check out all the renovations.  What a sweetie!  I also love the play mat they have, and ended up purchasing one this evening - waterproof, large, padded... what's not to like?!  Even if the dogs have an accident on it, the play mat will be MUCH easier to clean than the carpets we have around.  The padding will save Olivia's big noggin, and the floor, from crashes.  Finally, Olivia let me know she was done with being social, and it was naptime.

During the precious nap hours, and while Kevin was still catching up on Zzzz's, I made a trip to Lowe's for picture hangers, and Michael's for more picture frames.  My recent project was a set of 9 family photos to hang above Olivia's mini-table so she can learn her family by sight, and lots of B&W photos for along the hallway.  We managed to hang the family photo set today, and Olivia is SO excited about it that she laughs her really loud adorable laugh!  I have 9 5"x7" photos framed, today I purchased a variety of frame sizes to mix things up a tad.  Hopefully, this week I'll find time to pic more photos for all the new frames.  I also need to find time to add photos to this blog!!!  Perhaps tomorrow night when I've gotten all my work hours in.

Kevin awoke about the same time Olivia also awoke from her nap.  We had some down time at home, and at one point, I was on the floor on my tummy trying to read Olivia a book, when she decided that Momma should be rode like Rody!  So she crawled on top of my back and started bouncing.  Too funny!  Kevin snapped a photo or two, but I haven't seen them yet.

We were going to spend time together as a family, but it was also a good time to see Papa-J, and Mama-J so we went out for dinner.  Olivia was a little tired and a bit of a handful, but it was a good visit.  We decided that next time we'll just order take-out and it'll be easier to chat and Olivia will be happier at home.

Back at home, Kevin put little girl down to sleep (I snuck in later and clipped her long fingernails), and I took Trixie & Kiwi for a short walk in the nice evening.  Now we're watching the recorded 49ers game, it's a nail-biter!  Kevin has to be in early tomorrow so we'll probably head to bed shortly.  Kevin thinks he may take a day off this week to work on the pergola.  The poor guy did work two 21-hour days in a row, there's no reason for him to work a full normal work week.

I really loved hearing Olivia's laughter today!  KinderCare folks have mentioned how much she laughs, but I hadn't really heard it until this afternoon.  She's such a little ham!  Still reaching for the doorknobs, and uses her little chair as a walker around the house (I put baby socks on the feet to protect the floor, and she promptly took one off).

I'm starting a low-carb diet today (hence the ice cream binge last night!).  It's sure affecting my energy levels, but I'm sure that sugar binge yesterday didn't help.  So, I'll stick to it for the next week and see how things go.  I'm hopefully that the slightly reduced stress at work will also help the waist (and butt) line.

Looking forward to heading home to MD for Turkey Day!  That's just right around the corner now.

So we'll see how this week goes at work.  There are a few things hanging over my head, but it's all good.  I'm still waiting to hear back about a position I applied to awhile back, but it sounds like the hiring manager is very excited to have me on her team and it's just a matter of time.  Apparently she spilled the beans to my manager (who was already aware), talking as if I was already going to be a part of her team.... when we haven't even had the interviews yet!

Whoops!  49ers won in overtime!  Yay!  Nighty Night!

Uh oh! Doorknobs!

Olivia opened the back patio door today all by herself!   Time to keep the doors locked!

She also didn't want to eat her banana slices, but preferred to eat off mommas banana.  Big bites!

We had a nice morning walk with the dogs this morning after a good night's sleep.  Olivia and momma are both much healthier today after fighting a little cold.

Halloween was somewhat uneventful.  We took Olivia around to a few neighbors and then passed out candy to about 30 kids during the rest of the evening.  I don't even remember what we watched on TV.  Exciting.

New tricks!

The last two days,  when Kevin dropped off Olivia at daycare she turned around and immediately waved bye bye!   Super cute!

When bringing food to Olivia in her highchair she says "Mmmmmmmm!"  And is very excited for her food to come to her. 

Olivia still loves her new table and chairs. 
Almost walking.  Much better in the car seat, less crying.  We are working on brushing her teeth. 

Developing Personality, and New Table!

Olivia has received rave review from daycare.
10/24:
Today I enjoyed drawing using chalks on the ground.  She loves the sand box activities.  Olivia did some walking today and said Bubbles and Ball.  She loves bubbles.  Olivia was cheering for her friends outside when anyone catches the ball Olivia goes "YEA" and laughs our very loud.  She had a great appetite at lunchtime. and her favorite was the fish sticks.

10/27:
Today I enjoyed the outdoor activities.  Olivia is developing a new personality of her own.  She is developing her own taste towards everything she eats, touches, sees and plays with.  Olivia is now trying to do things on her own.  She is not asking to be held up as much.  I am very proud of Olivia.  Ms. Arwa.


The daily reports are so much more fun these days!

Olivia loves her little table and two chairs that are hand-me-downs from Darren and Wyatt.  As soon as that little setup was in the house, she couldn't get enough!  Charlie brought them over Sunday per my request.  The first thing we did was get out the big paper and crayons and drew a pic together.  THat little girl was so happy!!!  She's a bit too small for the chairs, but she'll grow into them.  She needs a hand to slide off the chair onto her feet, and tries to "mount" the chair like her bike or Rody and gets all frustrated when she tries to sit on it.  Pretty cute.

Next weekend we'll have lots of time to play again while they work on the pergola out back.  The first two big crossbeams are up, but cutting the detail on the ends takes awhile.  Hopefully all the big beams will be up this weekend and the stain selected.  I think having the smaller beams across is asking way too much.

Olivia is also very attached to Mommy right now.  I love cuddling with my little girl!

 I'll have to add photos later.  Just trying to get the text down at least.

Nighty Night!

Olivia's Day at Daycare

Olivia's report from daycare today is just too fun, I have to record it here:

"Today I enjoyed... walking :).  Olivia is showing interest in walking today, so hands held by teacher and she did good amount of time walking.  Olivia is now involving herself in kids group in classroom.  She loves sliding down in the tree house outside and the spongey slide in class.  Olivia's appetite was very good and she had fun singing along (her way) song."

When we picked her up, the teacher said that she's a funny girl.  She loves the rocking horse outside and rocks really hard on it, then starts making noises like a cowgirl.  Then she'll stop and look at the teacher with an expectant smile (I think it's with a sparkle in her eye).

Apparently, it takes most children awhile to acclimate to the toddler room and they're loners for a little while, so it's great to hear that Olivia is getting more comfortable with the other toddlers.

Our little girl still screeches when she sees us through the window, puts her arms out for a second, then turns and crawls (slap! slap! slap! go the hands) as fast as she can to the door to greet us.  Too.  Darn.  Cute!

Our big welts are just about gone.  The little bites/bumps on her legs are just about gone.  Yesterday's mystery rash (1cm splotches all over her torso) is also gone!  Little one has been sneezing today, but in good spirits.

I'm looking forward to checking out Oakland Zoo on Saturday for "Boo at the Zoo" with Olivia in her pumpkin costume!  We are going to make ourselves scarce as Kevin works hard on the pergola - hoping to get most of it done this weekend.

Olivia still loves her Curious George monkey, and is fascinated by lift-the-flap books - especially my favorites - "Where's Spot?" and "Dear Zoo".

Things are good.  Work is somewhat calming down, and we're looking forward to the upcoming holidays.  Funny to think that a year ago I was on the verge of returning to work from maternity leave.  What a change our life has been since then!  Okay, time to head to bed.  Tomorrow is Olivia's 15 month well-child checkup, and then I have to go in to work (yuck!) for a few hours to finish up and accomplish a few items.

I'll have to concentrate on laundry and chores tomorrow night after Olivia is asleep so we can have quality time this weekend and not mom-trying-to-do-chores weekend.  No cooking Chili Verde this weekend!  Heck, how about no real cooking at all?!?!?!  Sign me up!

A Few Quick Updates - Tahoe, Welts, Almost Walking!

A couple weekends ago we went to Tahoe with the Bellenger clan.  Mum-Mums and Pop-Pops stayed with us Thursday night and then we all slowly made it out to Tahoe during the day.  Kevin and I had to pack the car, including the bikes and Olivia's bike chariot so we were running a bit late... and ended up catching every bit of traffic along the way.  Olivia was a trooper, but we ended up pulling off the road in Davis to give her a break from the car seat (and we were stopped in traffic anyway).

The time share was a perfect size for everyone with a big common area to spread out and have toys everywhere. We brought up quite a few toys and books for the sharing.  We were on the first floor which made move-in and move-out very easy (but was a little scary when bears were sighted in the area).

Friday night / Saturday morning, poor little Olivia was up just about every hour crying hard-core.  She was hot with fever and just not feeling very good.  Funny part was - when she was finally asleep for a bit, the smoke detectors started going off in all the rooms!  Coffee was a good thing in the morning.  Mom and I took a walk down to the Tahoe shore (1/4 mile from the condo - perfect!)  and it smelled so lovely and fresh outside.  Kevin and Joel napped for most of the morning / early afternoon due to our long night (Joel and Dad fought the smoke alarms).  Annie, Walter and Dad went exploring and we were all anxiously awaiting Sarah to arrive from Reno.  All good things.  I ended up sleeping in the afternoon with little Olivia - we both had a good long nap.  Poor little sweetie was still sick and not drinking or eating much.

At some point, most folks hung out at the shore for happy hour.  We were back at the ranch cuddling with Little Loo.

We all enjoyed hanging out and practiced playing black jack at the kitchen table in preps for hitting the casinos on Sunday.

Sunday the Dunkelberger's swung by to say hello and we all ended up going for a bike ride.  I really enjoyed getting back in the saddle after all this time and Olivia's chariot is lovely.  It was gorgeous and Kevin and I needed a little time as a small family without Olivia crying.  She kept pushing the button on her Baby Einstein Beethoven music player so I had a lovely soundtrack to our ride through the woods.  We eventually caught up with everyone but the Middletons at the Beer Fest and had a beer and a pretzel.  That was the one time of the weekend when Olivia was almost herself and we practiced walking around a bit.  She was pointing and saying hello to everyone - much better!  

Sunday evening we were back with Tylenol and a cuddly, sick kiddo.  She was fussy and hot.  We had a tasty dinner of tri-tip and Kevin made a joke about cooking meat outside at the grill as a call to the bears to come since Mom and Dad had seen a bear by the dumpster early that morning when they went out to go star-gazing.  Funny thing..... after kiddos were asleep when we left to go to the casinos, we were warned by persons across the way and up a few flights that there was a bear right near us!!!!  The drought is driving bears down the mountains. :(  Poor things.

At the Casino, Annie and I were the big winners, both coming home with ~$135 more than we started with - very fun. :)  Kevin was up $2.  All fun times. :)

Sunday night at some point, Olivia vomited in bed next to me (she never has tummy problems).  Monday morning Olivia was inconsolable.  Her mouth was white and sticky, she still had a fever, though it was a little lower.  So I made the executive decision that it was time to go around 9am, maybe even earlier.  So we packed and left as fast as we could to take Olivia to Urgent Care.  Mercifully, Olivia slept for most of the way home.  We made it to Urgent Care - Roseola and a stomach flu have been going around.  They actually posted at daycare that there had been a case of Roseola (high temp followed by head-to-toe rash that does not hurt or itch, just a rash).  No more temperature by that point, but clearly still dehydrated and not herself.  Apparently the white sticky mouth is a sign of dehydration.

ON the drive home from the doctor, Olivia was perking up - talking to herself and happy.  What timing!

We had an uneventful week at work and Mom and Dad Bellenger stayed with us again Saturday night.  We all went to the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum during the day on Sat and Olivia was as bright and sunny as ever!  How nice for my parents to finally see Olivia healthy and happy!  The Museum was fun - the water area and sandbox/table were a hit, as was the toddler crawler area where Olivia 'salamandered' down the wavy ramp.  Too funny!  She was so happy!

All in all, we really enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time with my folks.

In other news, Kevin, Charlie and Uncle Steve have been working on the pergola and great strides have been made!  All the support posts are currently installed and Kevin is planning to finish most of the work next weekend!  How exciting!  It sure makes my TALL rosebushes seem too tall, and closes in the space by quite a bit.  It'll be super nice, but I think I'll miss the openness as well.  I can't wait to see the finish product, I hope Kevin is ultimately happy with how it turns out.

Work is work.  It's been busy, but is slowly calming down, which means I'm starting to look for something new to do.

Kevin traveled last week and leaves again in two weeks.  I have to head back East at some point as well.  We'll have to figure that all out.

Olivia is absolutely adorable.  Yesterday she and I went to Joan's Farm in Livermore to check out the pumpkins and she was enamored by the gourd trough.  We spent some serious time there checking them out!  Today, Aunt Kathy came over and the four of us went to Ardenwood and actually bought some pumpkins - fun!!!

Olivia's trick this week is to point to my nose and say "eye!".  Too funny.  She has such a sparkle in her eye and loves to crawl under your legs when you're sitting on the couch.  Today Olivia came up to me, pulled herself up on my leg and gave it a BIG HUG saying "mamma".  So I think I can official say that she says "Momma".  That makes me happy. :)  She still says "Hi" "Bye Bye", "Bub Bub" for bubbles, "Ball!", "Dah!" for dog, "Da Da" for dad, sometimes says "Balloon", once said "Butterfly", sorta says "Kiwi" and "Trixie", "Uh Oh!" is a favorite, and occasionally says "Thank You" or some rendition of it.  She and James are still best buds at daycare.  Her "Hi" on the phone is the sweetest, softest voice.  She picks up phones, remote controls, whatever and holds them up to her ear saying "Hi".  Olivia still loves her monkey, George, and now carries around her soft duck too (both at the same time).  She crawls out the back door without a second thought and loves playing chase ("I'm gonna get you!")  Today she was checking out the dishwasher, and had a blast with a plastic spoon she found in my lunchbag.  Olivia is starting to learn to eat with her own spoon - that's a fun little mess, thank goodness for our dogs!  But on the other hand, she is so interested in feeding the dogs that Olivia throws them food all the time and doesn't eat for herself!  My little girl is so into Momma right now and I love it :)  She loves me so much it makes my heart warm. :)  

Poor thing had another bout of those welts / lesions.  The dermatologist on Tuesday said they were flea bites but Kevin and I have our doubts.  They are healing, but if there's another round, we'll go in for a second dermatologist opinion.

That's all I can think of right now.  Olivia is *almost* walking.  She's really close, just needs the confidence now.  I wish I could stay home to play with her tomorrow.  Today I spent a bunch of time making chili verde from scratch - it was tasty, but it would have been fun to play with Olivia instead (little stinker dind't nap at all today!  Just a few minutes in the car)

ok, gnight.  I'll have to post pics tomorrow, and update smugmug.  I know Mum-Mums is waiting for them... but our Tahoe pics won't be great since Olivia was so sick.  THank goodness she's all better now!