You're 8 Months Old

Baby Girl,

Time flies when you are having fun - right?  I wish time didn't fly.  You are growing up so fast.  Every month now you have new tricks and become more fun!  I often ask Daddy and MiMi what happened to my baby.  They quickly remind me how many things there are to look forward to now that you are getting bigger.  Sometimes this is all the pick-me-up I need, and other times I think back to that first week we brought home that 5 lbs 10 oz baby and wonder where in the world she has gone.

Wow! A lot is going on in your life right now.  Every day you do something different and I feel like I can't keep up.  First, and most importantly this month, you started school!! So far you LOVE it!! You get so excited each morning I drop you off and this is such a blessing.  You see all your friends and just smile.  Your teachers say you are the happiest baby and when you get upset they jump because they know this isn't your personality. I feel so blessed to have found them and for them to be a part of your life.  I look forward to all the fun you will have at daycare and the many wonderful things you will learn.  Not only will you grow up and become ready for kindergarten but you will also develop a knowledge of Christ and the amazing things that he has done and will do in your life.  You are so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful program.

You also got sick this month :(.  This is the first time we have had to call the doctor and take you in for an illness.  Luckily, since Mommy and Daddy have gone back to work, we were able to get you an appointment on a Friday so MiMi could take you.  Thank goodness it is only your sinuses and should be gone within 10 days.  The doctor said, "Welcome to daycare."  Glad it was nothing serious but hate to see you getting sick.  The good news is while you were at the doctor, he noticed your first tooth had just broken through (August 23, 2013).  He said the one beside it is almost coming through as well.  It has taken a long time, but you finally have teeth!  I thought your doctor was crazy when at 4 months (and you had been chewing for at least a month then) he told me you would continue to do this for the next 3 or 4 months.  But he was right!! When we try to show people your teeth by pulling your bottom lip down, you quickly poke out your tongue and won't show anyone!  Silly girl!

Well, I thought by now I would tell you you were crawling....but you are so close!! You are finally up on all fours and you will rock back and forth and back and forth and back and forth...and then sit down.  It is so funny to watch you.  You will sit on your bottom with your legs stuck out in front of you and reach as far as you possibly can for whatever you want.  If you are unable to reach it you just as easily give up and move on to something else.  Nothing makes you mad when you are unable to get it and you almost seem unmotivated to get to it.  We have laughed and laughed at your laid back attitude with this.

You have definitely started to pitch fits if Mommy or Daddy takes something away from you.  A lot of times if we tell you no you just laugh at us, but if we physically take it away you immediately throw your head back and pitch a fit.  We remind you that you aren't hurt, your feelings are just hurt.

You got a new "big girl" car seat this month.  When it arrived, we laughed because you looked so lost in it.  It looks way too big for you to be riding in.  And it is even funnier to think that a newborn could actually ride in this car seat.  However, you love it!  You can see the mirror on the back of your seat and you sit up higher which I think is why you are enjoying it more.

This month we went to Birmingham to enjoy time with Christen, Ben, Mary Hyatt, Jane Reable, Johnny, and Haley.  We got to spend part of our day walking to downtown and enjoying ice cream with each other.  While you aren't big enough yet to eat your own ice cream, don't worry, your daddy shared his and you loved it.  You think you are such a big girl!!

Everything you do, you think you are big stuff.  You will do something and just wait for us to stop what we are doing and clap for you.  Then you will go right back to doing what it was you were doing.  A few minutes later you will stop again and just look at us with your big smile and wait until we clap for you. 

Here are a few other things about you this month:

* You weigh 18 pounds.
* You wear mostly 9 month clothes.
* You wear a size 3 diaper.
* You love to swim.  We put you in the water and you just kick and kick.  You don't have a problem with water in your face, or being put under water.
* You love Mickey Mouse and Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  You tolerate Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First.  You are becoming less interested in the TV but still like these shows.
* You are very interested in all your toys.  You love to sit in the floor and play.  We love to get down in the floor and play with you.  We like to stack blocks and you like to knock them over.
* You love bath time.  We have pulled out all your bath toys and you will just play and play until we make you get out because you are getting wrinkled and cold.
* You don't like to have your clothes changed.
* You can poop with the best of them. We have weekly blow outs and have to clean the car seat.
* You still love your paci and like Piggy when it is nap time.
* You are sleeping in your crib at night.  You don't make it completely through the night yet, but you are close.
* Your favorite thing to eat is yogurt and sweet potatoes right now.  You eat a lot of different things and we have started giving you baby food that we haven't made.  You seem to enjoy this.

Wow, you are growing.  You are so fun and have the most laid back, sweetest personality.  I am looking forward to watching you grow, but wish I could slow time down.  You are a blessing from God.  You were created by him and your life is planned by him.  I know that he has big plans for you life and can't wait to see you live out your life for Him. 


Love,
Mommy

Your First Week of School

Baby Girl,

Well, the time has come.  You are going to school.  Before I get too sentimental in writing this, let me say I have found the BEST place for you to go to school.  I am so excited about the things you will learn and the Christian emphasis that will be on this curriculum.  You will spend the next several years here and I couldn't be more excited.

We got to go to Orientation on a Tuesday night the week before school started.  While this made me a little more excited to actually meet who you will be with, I also cried several times.  We weren't really suppose to take you with us, but we did because we had no one to watch you.  You were a perfect angel and sat in my lap the whole time the director spoke to the audience and didn't make a sound.

The Friday after orientation was Meet Your Teacher Day.  Your teacher's names are Mrs. Jennifer and Miss Heather.  They seem super fun and seem to already love you!!  When we got there, literally for the first time ever, you cried when someone else had something to do with you.  This wasn't looking good for my emotions.  This actually happened twice.  MiMi went with us and neither of us really knew what to think or what to do because this was so unlike you.  Then when we were getting ready to leave a little boy came in with his mommy and was very upset.  This made you cry again.  I wasn't sure what I was getting ready to put you through.  I was praying for the best, but preparing for the worst on Monday morning.

Sunday I pretty much tried not to put you down!  I was not looking forward to what was coming.  But Monday morning we got up, got your things together, and headed to school....after a quick photo op.

Needless to say I was a wreck.  I cried all day long.  Sweet Mrs. Jennifer did send me a picture that day with a message that said you didn't want to take a nap but that you finally wore yourself out and gave up.  When Daddy and I got there to pick you up, you were asleep in your crib (hanging half out like you do at home) and we had to wake you up.  Mrs. Jennifer and Miss Heather said you had a good day.  They even said you made a friend named Seely.  Ya'll would just rub each other's faces and pull at each other's hairbows.  This made it slightly better.  When we got home you seemed to be worn out and took a nap with Mommy.  Again I don't think I put you down the rest of the afternoon.

Tuesday was better!  When Daddy and I dropped you off you were so excited to see your friend already there.  This made me realize I couldn't be sad. You were happy and this is all I could have prayed for.  Some time on Tuesday morning I got a picture of you in what they call the Bye Bye Buggy.  

They said you had a great time and just waved at people going by.  You love to stroll so this didn't surprise me.  They said you had a great day again today and were looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Wednesday and Thursday I didn't get a picture.  I am so happy though that you are at a place that they will occasionally send me a pic or text about your day.  What an answered prayer these sweet ladies are to all of us.  On Wednesday they said you pulled up on a crib, but before they could take your picture you sat down.  On Thursday they said you never cry so when you make the slightest face, they jump to figure out what you need because you are a very happy baby.  Each morning you have been excited to see your friends and have had great days.  They were sad to learn you will not be coming on Fridays because you will stay home with MiMi for an Olivia Day!! This Friday Nanny came down to keep you because MiMi wasn't going to be home.  

Needless to say, the week was successful.  Mommy only cried on Monday and you didn't cry at all.  I hope when we send you back Monday you are as excited as you were this past week.

Love,

Mommy

You're Seven Months Old!

Baby Girl,

You are seven months old!! Where is the time going.  I promise you change everyday and it seems like you learn twice as fast as you grow these days!  This month we took you on another long trip to Boone, North Carolina and you were definitely more aware than you were last month of how long you were in your car seat.

Here we are in Boone before Katie and Corey's Wedding.  It was outside and it was beautiful.

You are in to EVERYTHING.  You aren't crawling but you will sit with your legs bent under you and reach out as far as you can to reach whatever it is you want.  If you can't reach it that way you seem to be content with the fact that you just can't have it right then.  One night after I had folded laundry your daddy called me into the living room where I left the two of you (him watching TV and I thought you were playing with all your toys that I pulled out for you).  When I walked in you were pulling all my underwear out of the laundry basket that I had just folded.  Then because you were so interested in the laundry we put you in the laundry basket with the other clothes that needed to be folded.  You thought this was really funny.

 Also this month, after we returned from our trip we decided to have your pictures made again by Mrs. Stephanie.  She took your pictures when you were 7 weeks old and I was so excited when I found out she was offering some mini sessions and I could get them done at 7 months.  She is so wonderful and you looked beautiful.  Before we stopped to get your pictures made we got to have fun with Aunt Kristin, Uncle Clayton, and Micah!! It was so much fun.  Micah loved playing with your toys at dinner and when he dropped one on the floor was very upset until his mommy would let him down to get it back for you.  When the daddies were paying, we sat ya'll on a couch they had in front of the restroom and snapped this cute picture.

Even though you can't see y'all's faces very well because of the sun, it was too cute not to post.  Y'all are holding hands.  Now remember, this is your future husband. And apparently it is going to take less coaxing then I originally thought.  We love Micah and his mommy and daddy.  We only wish we lived closer so we could see them more often.

Once we were finished with dinner they showed us where to go to get your pictures made.  The set up was so cute and you did a great job.  Even though you were sleepy and we had to wake you up to change you and start your photo session you just smiled and were so happy! Here are two sneak previews she sent us.  I can't wait to see the whole CD.

You are trying really hard to pull up as well as crawl.  Next month you will start school and I have a feeling these two things will be accomplished quickly once you see your friends doing it.  Mommy is trying to spend as much time with you as possible these days because I know I am not going to be excited to leave you every day.

We have spent a lot of time swimming lately.  You LOVE to swim.  We will hold your belly and you just kick and throw your arms.  You are not afraid and you love the water.  You have no problem with it being in your face or us splashing you. You are so much fun and just play!!  Here is a picture of you and your daddy at Aunt Reagan's pool (which is beautiful).

Well, I told you in last months post I was afraid I would have to tell you you weren't sleeping with us or in the same room with us anymore.  This is partially true.  When we got back from North Carolina we decided it was time for you to try out your crib at night.  We also felt that you might sleep better having your own space.  This is somewhat true.  Honestly, starting you in your crib is pretty easy.  We give you a bottle, rock you a little, and lay you down. We use our wonderful video monitor to watch you throughout the night.  However, around 2 o'clock you start that kicking business and rubbing your paci against your crib so it makes a loud noise over the monitor.  Typically I just come get you because I know at this point you are awake and I want you to go back to sleep and not think that it is time to get up.  So we have been partially successful!  I am counting it as a success.  I think at this point you have made it until 6 o'clock one time.  But that's ok. I do enjoy cuddling with you in the bed and do sleep better I think with you next to me.  I know it is time for you to start growing up though and this is just part of the process.

Here are few other things about you this month...

* I am not sure what you weigh or your height but you are definitely growing.

* You wear a size three diaper.

* You wear 6-9 month size clothes.

* You wear a size 1 shoe.

* You are still eating 6 oz bottles 3-4 times a day depending on how much food we give you throughout the day.

* You drink 4 oz. of apple juice or pear juice which you really like.

* You love a bath.

* You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and are starting to like Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

* You love to stroll.

* You like to sit in the floor and play with your toys better than being in your exersaucer now.

* You do not crawl.

* You are still drooling and chewing, but no teeth.

* We started giving you yogurt, which you love.

* You are VERY talkative.

* You love to have us sing to you.

* You take naps in your crib at least 2 times a day.  Most of the time we are able to lay you down awake and you will put yourself to sleep.

* You love our phones and the remote and get very upset if we take them away from you.

* You are starting to have a temper when you don't get what you want.  For example, there is a picture behind your head when you lay down to get your diaper changed.  You will roll over and try to get the picture and I will tell you No.  The first several times you will laugh and continue to do it. But the more I tell you No the madder you become.  Eventually this results in a lot of tears.

* You are not still anymore! You roll over when we change your diaper and you squirm out of our laps.

* You are definitely a Mommy's girl! But you do love to play with your Daddy.

This time at home has been super sweet with you and I have truly cherished every moment I have spent with you. Next month when I write you will have started school and Mommy will have gone back to work.  Our time may be more limited now, but I love you more than ever and each day I love you a little more than before.

Love,

Mommy

Boone, North Carolina

Baby Girl,

This month we took you on another long trip.  This time we went to Boone, North Carolina for another wedding.  This drive was shorter but you were definitely more aware and did not like being in your car seat for that long.  We left on a Thursday morning and met up with Uncle Dusty and Uncle Bogan in Chattanooga.  I think they were excited to see you.  The last time they saw you you were only 2 months old.  You have definitely grown and changed since then.  After lunch in Chattanooga we hit the road again.  Aunt Reagan had to stop and pee more than your diaper needed to change.  You offered her one of your diapers but she didn't take it.

Once we got to North Carolina and unloaded we decided to get back in the car and head up the road to a Mexican Restaurant that Uncle Dusty had scoped out on an earlier visit.  It was very good!!  After this, it was time for bed.  Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Dusty, Uncle Bogan, and you all slept in the same room.  Lucky for us we got to sleep in the bed while they had to sleep on an air mattress.  Unlucky for us the bed was very uncomfortable.  You also slept in the bed with us because you haven't been sleeping well in your pack-n-play.  After a good nights rest the next morning we hung out at our cottage.  Daddy, Uncle Bogan, Uncle Dusty, and Aunt Reagan went zip lining.  They had a blast!!!  Then we went downtown for a little shopping.  Aunt Jenelle bought you a cute cat lunch box and Mommy bought you a few books.  Then it was time to go back to the cottage to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.  We got lost and went 20 miles out of the way but finally found it and enjoyed an evening out together.  Everyone thought you were precious.

The next day MiMi, Aunt Jenelle, Uncle Bogan, and Uncle Dusty had to help put together flowers for the wedding.  So Aunt Reagan, Mommy, and you went down to the outlets to see if we could find you some school clothes.  I ended up finding some, but we couldn't really find you any :(  After we finished it was time to come home and get ready for the wedding.  It was outside and we were really afraid it was going to rain but it ended up being very pretty.  Here are a few pictures of you with the family at the reception.  Oh....during the wedding your daddy had to walk you back up to the inn to sit with Ry because you kept talking.  You could see the wedding from the deck of the inn and even then during the ceremony MiMi and I could hear you talking!!

Daddy was so sweet and ended up bring you back early so you could go to bed but let Mommy stay at the reception and enjoy some time with my family.  When I got home you were sound asleep and I was ready to cuddle up next to you to do the same.  

The next day we decided to head out a little and go to some cute shops downtown.  We found some really interesting things and enjoyed getting to walk around such a cute little community.  This is where your bird painting with "You are my sunshine" came from.  This was such a great find since I sing this to you a lot when you get upset.

Finally on Monday we decided to cut our trip a day short and head back home.  Again you weren't a big fan of the car trip but you handled it pretty well.  I know you were glad to be home.  Two long trips in one summer so close together was a lot!  

Daddy and I have loved making these memories with you this summer.

Love,

Mommy

You're 6 Months Old!

Baby Girl,

First, let me say...I am WWWAAAYY behind.  I don't know where time has gone.  I have enjoyed spending summer with you and am not looking forward to my limited hours with you once school starts.  But right now...you are 6 months old!! That is half way to a year and a lot closer to a toddler than a newborn!  I don't know what I think of this.  You are growing up so fast, but every month you are so much more fun!

This month you took a long trip to Chicago.  This was the first vacation since we took you to the beach back in January.  Your temperament is so good.  You are happy all the time and everyone we come in contact with makes a comment about you being a happy baby.  I know people think we are biased when we tell them you are like this all the time, but it is so true.  The only time you cry is when you are hungry, so obviously this only happens 4 times a day!

You are still sleeping in your pack-n-play next to Mommy.  I am afraid on your 7 month post this is going to be different.  You don't sleep through the night anymore...it is almost like we are in sleep regression.  About 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning you will start lifting your legs and slamming them down in your pack-n-play.  Mommy will pick you up at this point and put you in the middle of the bed for the rest of the night.  Of course once I put you in the bed you go right back to sleep and continue to sleep until about 8:00 a.m.  I love cuddling with you, but one of my Mommy worries is something happening to you in the middle of the night, so I worry all night long!

We started nap time boot camp with you at the end of the month.  I began to worry about you going to daycare and crying when they laid you down for a nap.  I wanted to believe that they would cuddle you like we do every day.  However, realistically I knew this wouldn't happen. So, this provoked boot camp.  Honestly, you have done very well so far!!  Every day at nap time we lay you down with a blanket and piggy and a paci and for the most part within 5 minutes you are asleep.  This makes me worry less about you at daycare!  Just another example of your wonderful temperament.

When we took you to the doctor this month, you got your last round of shots (well, at this time).  It breaks my heart each time because you are so happy and have no idea what is coming.  Then it just hits you!  It is the worst thing ever (for both of us).

You are still not crawling, but you sit in the floor and play with toys now!  You still love your exersaucer, but are becoming more interested in other things.  This is so fun to watch!

Boy, you have become a chatty Cathy this month.  You just jabber and jabber.  Daddy and I like to think you say DaDa and MaMa, but I am not totally sure that you say them and associate them with us. Although you will say DaDa sometimes and look at him (especially in the car) and you will say MaMa when you are tired.  But we may be getting way ahead of ourselves and hear something that isn't truly there.  You also cackle at us, which is one of my most favorite things to hear!

Here are a few pictures from this month....

You and Daddy sleeping.  Daddy gives you your nighttime bottle and loves this cuddle time with you.  The second picture of you is the first time for you to wear your keds! You looked like such a big girl.  You DO NOT like shoes on your feet, but we know you are going to have to wear them at daycare so we are trying to prepare you.

You have been to the school to help Mommy get ready a lot this summer.  Here is a picture of you playing while Mommy works.  The second picture is of you and Daddy on Father's Day.  We decided not only to buy him a shirt, but to take him to do something he enjoys doing - Golf.  We had a great time driving/riding in the cart while Daddy played.  

A few other things about you....
* You weigh 15.15 lbs.
* You are 26 1/2 inches.
* You LOVE Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - you look like you are having seizures because you just shake and get so excited when you hear it.  Infact, if we are playing with you as soon as you hear it, you will turn and have nothing to do with us.
* You wear a size 3 diaper now.
* You have now had sweet potatoes, sweet peas, apple sauce, bananas, peaches, and apple juice.
* You still drink 6 oz. of formula about 4 times a day.  Sometimes at night we give you 8 oz.
* You love bath time.
* You love Mommy to sing You Are My Sunshine when you are sad.
* You started playing Peek-A-Boo this month.  You will put anything in front of your face and wait for us to say, "Where's Olivia?"  Sometimes you quickly pull off what is over your face and other times we still have to pull it off for you.
* You still like to sing You Are My Sunshine and Patty Cake as well as The Wheels on the Bus.
* You wear 6 month clothing (a few 9 month bubbles).
* We noticed your first freckle this month on the back of your left arm.

Each day I don't think I could love you anymore than I already do, but then I wake up the next day and love you a little more!  You are a blessing.

Love,

Mommy

A Long Trip

Baby Girl,

At the beginning of the month we loaded up the car and headed to Chicago.  Your daddy's cousin was getting married and we didn't want to miss it. Although we were very apprehensive about taking you at 6 months on such a long car ride you were excellent.  This was about a 12 hour ride for you and you hardly got upset.  Of course we had a large bag of tricks with us to help entertain you.  Once we finally got there we had dinner with Aunt Dar at Chicago's famous Portillo's.

After dinner we checked in to our hotel and you were fast asleep.  Riding in the car will wear a girl out!   The next morning we were up  and at 'em and decided we would visit the Shed Aquarium.  I am sure there were many exciting experiences to be had here, but we took the cheap experience since you were really too young to enjoy it all.  We only stayed on the first floor, but there were so many cool fish to see.  You were very intrigued with the fish and it was hard to take pictures of you because you kept looking at the fish.  They also had an exhibit of monkeys and I think these were your favorites.  Although Daddy says it is because when we got to the monkeys I was making monkey noises and this is what you really liked.

 This tank had seahorses in it.  I really liked this!

After the Shed Aquarium we went for some lunch, a Target run, and then to Aunt Dar and Uncle Tom's house to visit.  Of course, we went out to dinner later on (this family doesn't skip meals and really plans their whole day around what they are eating for each meal).  We were lucky to get to spend some time with them before the wedding festivities began.

The next day we decided we would visit the famous Navy Pier.  This is located on Lake Michigan.  It was really beautiful out there (and a little cold - Mommy didn't think to check the weather forecast before we left and we only had our summer clothes).  We walked the entire pier and enjoyed looking at the boats that you could ride on and the view of the city.

 While we were at Navy Pier we were able to tour the stained glass museum.  It featured a lot of Tiffany's pieces and was absolutely beautiful.  We took your picture in front of one of his guardian angel pieces.  Then, what Mommy had been waiting for, the Ferris Wheel!! It was huge and I was so excited you were able to ride on it.  It was really cool in that it never stopped for you to get on or off.  You had to be quick and jump on when it came back down.  It was a 7 minute ride for one complete circle around.  I think you liked it, I know I did!!

After Navy Pier we came home and took naps and got ready for the rehearsal dinner.  I didn't take any pics but it was beautiful with wonderful food.

The next day was the wedding.

The wedding was small, but wonderful.  So excited for Sam and TJ!!  After the wedding we had to wait several hours for the reception dinner, but this was good because you got to take a nap!  Then we were off to a remarkable reception.  We were greeted with appetizers and cocktails and then led into a dining room with a four course meal.  You were very interested in Daddy's cousin's new husband.  After the meal the DJ kicked up and we headed to the dance floor.  Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of us on the dance floor (luckily Nanny took some), but you LOVED it!!  We danced a couple of songs and then had to leave everyone because it was past your bed time.  It was a beautiful wedding and amazing reception.  I am glad we were able to come and be a part of it all!

Sunday was a day of rest!! We were all worn out and spent our day at Aunt Dar and Uncle Tom's just catching up with everyone that we don't get to see often.  You were very taken with Grandpa (Uncle Tom's dad).  And he loved you!!  Right before we left we took your picture with Grandpa.  He is a Pearl Harbor survivor and had many stories to tell.

 The next day, Uncle David, Aunt Kristina, Anna, Kyle, Rob, Mommy, Daddy, and Baby girl headed to do some sight seeing.  We started with a train ride to downtown Chicago.  This was my first time on a train.  When we got to the train track we got stopped by a train passing.  I didn't think about this scaring you at all.  Your whole body shook, then you looked at us and just stuck your tongue out and started laughing.  You were so funny, I wish I had it on video.

 Here we are on our train to downtown Chicago.

 Our first official tourist stop was Willis Tower.  After taking a picture outside we headed in.  Daddy and everyone else went on to the top and out onto the SkyLedge to enjoy a view of the city. However, Mommy had no interest in the height of this excursion and we weren't sure how your ears would handle being up that high with the pressure.  So Mommy and Baby Girl stayed downstairs in what we thought was the gift shop (which ended up not being) while everyone else enjoyed the view.

Next we walked to Millennium Park to enjoy the Chicago skyline on the bean.  Although it may not seem interesting it was!! It was beautiful to see the whole skyline.  It was a very busy place to congregate apparently.  In the first picture you can see the base of the buildings!

 After the bean it was time to do some shopping.  We walked the entire stretch of Michigan Ave.  We enjoyed lunch, shopping (very little - but we did go to the American Girl store.  I can't wait for you to become interested in this), and the historical views and scenery.  It was absolutely beautiful.  After walking down Michigan Ave. we had the grueling task of walking back which was about 2.5 miles on top of what we had already walked.  Needless to say we were all very sore and tired when we returned!! You did such a great job being out all day and strolling.  I think you really enjoyed yourself!

Finally, it was time to go home.  Although we had a great time, it was definitely time to come home.  You didn't sleep well while we were there, which made for a couple interesting nights when we got home and I know you missed your home, toys, and routine.  Daddy says next time we go we are not driving we will be flying...we will see.

It was great to spend our first "vacation" as a family and I look forward to taking you many more places!

Love,
Mommy.