Having Fun with Mema and Pepa

We have had a busy few days since Mema and Pepa arrived!

Wednesday we had Susan's day care party at Everland! Then we waited for Mema and Pepa to arrive!

 

Thursday: Mema and Pepa babysat while we worked and then we played outside and hung around the house! Olivia and Mema made some cookies too!

  

Friday:  Mema and Pepa babysat again while we worked.  Then I came home and did a marathon grocery shop.  Then we went to Emily's house for game night!

All the kids watching a Christmas sing along movie!

Today (Saturday): We got up early and went to Atlanta to the Center for Puppetry Arts to see Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.  It was so cute and the kids loved it.  We couldn't take any pictures there =( .  Then we went for lunch at The Varsity! Such a fun day!

Enjoying the yummy Frosted Orange

Snuggles with Pepa

Secrets

No secret or surprise is safe in this house anymore! Don't tell or show anything to Olivia that you want to be a secret (for example Christmas presents)!! So far last night she told me that her and daddy got me new running shoes and deodorant (They went to Fleet Feet).  Then today when I got home today she told me that they made a snowman at Gymboree and bought some popcorn.  She then told me that it was, "Shhhh...a secret!" We tried to explain to her that if something is a secret you don't tell other people!

I know later we will have another conversation about secrets and when to tell them (the whole stranger danger conversation).

Olivia CAN'T!!!!!!!!!!!

2nd visit to the dentist

Olivia had her 2nd visit to the dentist.  We talked about it a few times this weekend and she seemed to remember from last time.  She said they would shine a light in her mouth. squirt water in all of our mouths, and seemed pretty happy about it.  Brendon said they gave her the option of sitting in the chair or his lap but she said she wanted to sit in the chair like a big girl.  Brendon said she did great.  She listened and followed directions and did a great job!!  My only concern was her 2 year molars...every time I think they are coming in they don't.  I don't even bother to get my hopes up about them anymore.  But the dentist said she thought she saw some swelling on the top...but I am not holding my breath.  She said not to really worry unless they don't come in by her 4th birthday. Olivia was very excited to come home and use her new toothbrush too and share her story with me about her visit to the dentist and her pink balloon!

All ready to get her teeth cleaned!

Breakfast with Santa at Church

Today we went to church and had breakfast with Santa after.  We bribed Olivia to sit on Santa's lap and then she would get a candy cane...it worked and she was so excited that Santa liked Lamby.  Didn't really get a smile...but she sat on his lap! We had a good breakfast and then came home for coffee.  Then Olivia had poopy pants the rest of the day....gross! She was acting fine and didn't say her tummy hurt at all...so I think it was the dose of Miralax catching up with her.  Sorry...TMI....hoping and praying for not a poopy pants night....she had some banana and toast for dinner so that should help.

1st Dance Recital

Went into the dance recital with little or no expectations...therefore I was surprised.  At first on the stage she sat on her circle...finally when it got to the jumping part she participated and had fun.  The take 1 video is sitting on her circle and take 2 is much better.  I was proud that she didn't cry on the stage and she liked it!

Countdown

Got some videos of the train count down and the tree countdown!  So cute!!

Loving Chirstmas Lights

Olivia is obsessed with Christmas lights.  When we are in the car she likes to look for them.  She also loves the lights on our house and our neighbor's house.  She also loves our Christmas tree lights and likes to countdown from 10-1 and plug the tree in.  I need to get that on video.  It is super cute.  I think she is very excited about Christmas and asked me today if she could open a present and I told her she had to wait until Santa comes...which she thinks he is coming every day!

Every year with the holidays is getting better and better =)

To whoever you are....

We live in a different world in 2013.  There are so many things and items that people want instead of need.  Today I experienced that myself.  Someone felt the need to want something but used my debit card to obtain what they wanted.  I admit it made me sick at first...my stomach did a total belly flop.  I don't understand...I know people have issues...but still...why me? I probably have never met you, never done anything to hurt your feelings or you personally, but you have done something to me.  I feel violated.  I know that this person probably doesn't know that the precious money they spent on video games and what not, is our/my hard earned money that we/I have worked for, pay for groceries and bills for.  So to whomever you are...enjoy all that if that makes you happy for the moment.  Because I am sure whatever video games you are playing, you will lose interest in and not play forever.  But maybe if you would have just asked, I would have helped you but instead you stole from me/us. 

As I sat at the kitchen table with a police officer dissecting my every purchase, and my child quietly napped, you probably were out having fun and may never know what you have caused today. I am thankful for some things today...the bank for calling me, Brendon for being supportive and helpful, my mom and Bill listen to me cry (I did good until I called them!), and for Olivia who told me, "I love you!" before bed.  Those things you cannot take from me...

Proud of her artwork

Olivia was pretty miserable for Brendon this morning.  She usually wakes up before I leave for work and goes potty with me.  Well today she didn't wake up and I left for work (I was NOT going to wake her up!) So when she did wake up she gave Brendon a really hard time about going potty...crying, screaming...the whole tantrum show! But she finally went.

We had lunch together and then she helped me get some student gifts together.  She is a great helper! After rest time she was super happy! She wanted to do her stamps and color.  She then said, "Take my picture with my stamps!" So we did and she said, "Cheese! Big smile!"

I had to laugh because before bed tonight she was telling herself to wake up after mommy takes a shower and when she hears the blow dryer...I guess she has a plan for tomorrow morning already!

Rain, rain, go away!

It rained again today...it has been like a week of rain...we are tired of it.  I think my students are tired of it.  Today it was cold and rainy an even better combo.  Olivia keeps looking outside and saying, "Yep...it's still wet!" She wants to play outside!

Today we cleaned and packed away some of her toys that she doesn't really play with anymore. I was happy and sad at the same time.  Happy to put some of it away and know that she is growing up.  Even she was calling them baby toys.  I was sad because she is growing up so fast and those toys used to be so fun for her! Now we just wait for Santa to bring her some big girl toys! Sniff, sniff...

Christmas Party

Last night we had our group Christmas party.  It was such a good time and Olivia had so much fun.  There was yummy food, good desserts, laughter, and of course a few tears.  We are so blessed to have such great friends!

Great group of friends and mommies!

Don't ask why but she wanted to get in Ethan's crib...and then all the kids wanted to get in

Sweet ice cream set from Emma!

Rethinking last night

I admit I was frustrated the last 2 nights putting Olivia to bed.  After she goes to bed that is when I finish school work, clean up, sometimes exercise, and have a few spare minutes to myself.  I think I have been more frustrated with not getting to MY things.  Then I saw this post about bedtime

because-sometimes-bedtime-takes-forever-and-should

and tonight I had a different attitude.  Olivia isn't a robot and doesn't always do what we ask of her so bed time should get added to that too.  She isn't always going to go to bed on time and I should savor these moments.  I thought about it tonight that one day she won't ask me to read her books anymore or help her blow her nose.  The things she does independently already blow me away...like brushing her teeth, including getting the toothbrush, toothpaste, opening the toothpaste, putting it on her tooth brush, and turning on the water and then brushing!

So from now on instead of getting frustrated with bed time I need to remember that in the future she won't ask for the goodnight song we made up and to sing and snuggle as long as I can with her!

2 Late Bed Times

No post last night because at 9:45 p.m. Olivia was still awake.  She started a lovely, clear, runny nose yesterday after her nap.  So it took forever to go to bed.  Tonight still working on going to bed at 9:30....I am sure she will be out of bed in a few minutes. 

Here is another cute picture from our breakfast with Santa.  Now I need to figure out how to crop myself out of the pciture!

Here's Charlie

I got to move Charlie the Elf this morning before I left for work! He was ready for breakfast.

And then since he is downstairs he will be waiting for her tomorrow morning!

I am trying to do some no mess movement of him because we already have a daily mess so we don't need a mess on top of that!

Charlie the Elf

Our Elf on the Shelf arrived Friday night.  We have been calling him Mr. Elf for the past few days.  All of a sudden today she said, "Mommy that is Charlie the Elf!" Well excuse me! So now we have been calling him Charlie all day.  I was hoping she would be asleep when I left her room but she wasn't so I could move Charlie for tomorrow morning.  Maybe I can sneak in but that usually don't go to well.  But sometimes when I mention that Charlie is watching she will change her behavior...too funny!  Charlie better work his magic!!

Breakfast with Santa and Putting up the Christmas Tree

Yesterday we went to Vines Mansion for Breakfast with Santa.  We have gone there the past 3 years and love it.  The best part is your time with Santa...you kind of get as long as it takes and can make several visits with him.  Olivia didn't cry but was shy.  Santa got her close with a Candy Cane and we got a family picture with Santa.  We ate some breakfast and then visited with Santa again with our friends.  Then we did some crafts and went outside to the garden.  It was chilly!!

Today we put our tree up and watched the Bills game!

It only 12 weeks and some dancing bribery to get the Bills shirt on!!

Blue Pants and Logavnille Tree Lighting

Well this morning was how should I put it...a DISASTER! Brendon worked today so Olivia and I had breakfast.  Well 3 attempts at breakfast...3 different choices and she ate a little of each. Then we needed to stop at a few stores- just Kroger, Walgreens, Publix and the bank.  Well when it was time to get dressed she had a complete melt down over her pants.  She just did not want to wear these blue pants.  Not sure why...I guess because she hasn't warn them before...complete hot mess.  So I finally got them on but she wouldn't put her shoes on.  She said she would put them on when we got to Kroger..fine... picked my battle.  But then I had to carry her to the 3 stores because Kroger was the last stop! Grrr....but after that she was fine! After groceries we had lunch and did some laundry.  Then it was rest time.  Thank goodness she rested today!! After dinner we went to the tree lighting in Loganville.  We didn't wait in line for Santa...it was too long.  But we saw the tree get lit up and visited with the neighbors.  When we got home our Elf arrived with a box of Christmas goodies- pjs, Charlie Brown movie, some snowflake silverware, a penguin cup, and some popcorn! We are all ready for December!!

The big tree

She liked the snowman- didn't like any other characters!

Our Elf and his present he brought!

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

I have come to realize to lower my expectations about anything that is supposed to be special.  It softens the blow when things don't go just right.  Olivia woke up about 7 but we snuggled until 8 and we had breakfast.  She ate ALL of her breakfast! YAY!! We then watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade which she liked...she saw some Sesame Street characters, Chica, and a few others.  Then she saw Santa at the end.  Brendon fed her lunch when I took a shower and she ate everything! YAY!  Then she didn't take a nap...oh well I think she was excited about turkey.  She helped with a few things in the kitchen and then played outside with daddy.  Then she watched Brendon carve the turkey.  She ate about 1/4 of a dinner roll, a few bites of corn, a few bites of turkey and we gave her a little bit of toast which she ate.  But then we had some pie...my first piece she tried a bite...loved it and she ate the whole piece.  So I tried to eat a second piece...she ate all of it except 2 bites.  So she at least at something and liked it!

But we are truly blessed, thankful, and grateful for everything on Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2013 - slideshows

Day Before Thanksgiving Prep

Well we had lots of tears today and Olivia would not eat a lot of anything...chasing her around and nagging her to eat is getting on our nerves.  I had to take a time out for myself during lunch which made the situation worse.

But today we did some baking...we had a ton of bananas...so we made banana bread.  I also made a fresh pumpkin pie, a pecan pie, and the stuffing for tomorrow.  My expectations at this point are pretty low of Olivia actually eating Thanksgiving dinner...I can only hope that she tries something...anything at this point.  She is eating...like a bird and we are practically forcing her to eat.  We are offering all her favorites so I hope nothing is wrong or else we will be heading to the doctor which I don't want to do!!

But I think Brendon and I are excited to eat turkey the most! Yummy!!

Gymboree and Hunger Games

This morning we went as a family to Gymboree.  Olivia had lots of fun.  She played and did the parachute.  After Gymboree we stopped at a few stores on the way home.  She took a car nap for a little bit on the way home.  We all had soup for lunch because it was so chilly and rainy today.  After lunch, Kristy came over and watched Olivia and Brendon and I had a date at the movies.  We went and saw Catching Fire.  It was sooooo good!! I am glad that we got to go on a date on such a rainy day...perfect day for the movies!  Then we came home for dinner and Brendon made an awesome peach cobbler! Now time to relax by the fire and enjoy some Saturday Night Live.

Haircut and Bass Pro Shops

Brrrrr...it was so chilly this morning.  Brendon went out hunting while Olivia and I enjoyed the warmth of the house.  We made bacon for breakfast.  Olivia kept calling it ham so I explained that they both come from a pig...she added..so do pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.  I guess she associated her piggy bank with the bacon we were cooking.  We went for a hair cut this morning.  I got the bangs trimmed and the back.  We needed to tame the curls a little bit.  After her nap and a fussy 45 minutes and finally going to the bathroom we went to Bass Pro Shops.  I wanted to test out the water with Santa.  Well 2 years ago we were able to walk right up and see Santa, last year it was a mad house because we went pretty close to Christmas, so I thought going earlier would help.  There was no line for Santa when we got there...BUT we couldn't see him...they were handing out these passes with times on them...well they wanted to give us a 6:00 p.m. time...it was 4 o'clock when we got there so no thanks.  We walked near him and she seemed a little leery of him.  So we just walked around the fun stuff and Brendon got some Christmas presents for himself.  Then we finally got home and guess who didn't want to eat dinner again...cereal again for her...tomorrow is another day and try for dinner!

Chilly Sunday

Oh my it was chilly today!! Olivia got up at 2:45 a.m. asking where her turkey was and said she couldn't find him.  Luckily I found him snuggled in her blankets but then she made me lay down in her bed...totally zonked out in her bed  until she woke up at 7 a.m.  We got up and had breakfast and went to church.  Last night she discovered gloves and put them on...she totally freaked out last year about them...so I was glad she thought they were pretty cool and wore them and her hat to church today.  Brendon and I were both disappointed with the homily today....it was all about giving more "tidings" which means more money.  I thought it may have been a good Thanksgiving homily today but I guess some Sundays are better than others.  Olivia was really good during church which made us happy! We came home for breakfast and coffee.  Then I went to run...it was chilly at first but then I got warm.  Then this mommy needed her nails done which was very relaxing.  Brendon went back out into the woods tonight but didn't see anything...then he went through the 1,400 pictures on his game can of raccoons and squirrels and there were 2 pictures of deer =(  Olivia hated dinner again tonight...so she ate bananas, turkey, and a bowl of cereal.  This does not give me any hope about Thanksgiving...while we enjoy turkey and all the fixings she will probably be eating toast or cereal...I can almost bed on it!

Some forgotten photos...

Bringing home the turkey on Friday!

Snuggling before daddy left on Friday

Playing ball with daddy today!

Mommy and Me Day

Since Brendon was hunting today it was Olivia and me ALL day today!

Olivia woke up at 5:40 a.m. and thankfully crawled back into bed with me and went back to sleep until 7:13 a.m. then wanted breakfast at 7:30 and then it took us an hour plus to eat breakfast! So annoying since we were going to meet friends at Catch Air...well that didn't happen! So by the time we got ready we just went to the jewelry store because my engagement ring had a rough spot that I felt the other day.  Well I chipped the diamond...major frowny face.  So I won't have that back for 12-16 weeks.  Lovely...I feel horrible and I don't even know how I did it.  Then we went to Aldis and got some snacks and then came home for lunch.  Lunch took awhile too and she didn't eat much.  Then we vacuumed downstairs and then it was nap time.  Which she didn't want to nap and told me that it wasn't part of the plan.  But she slept for almost 2 hours.  Then she was a bit crabby when she woke up but then was fine.  Dinner was another disaster...said she would eat it then took a few bites and then stopped.  But she ate some muffins before bed so she has something in her tummy!

We were so excited when daddy came home!! Hooray!! He didn't get a deer so he was sad.  But he did shoot at one.  Better luck next time!

Pizza Party Friday

Late, late post...

Brendon is hunting therefore Olivia and I had some girl time together.  We went to our friend Emma's house and had pizza (Ok..I had pizza...I fed Olivia before we left).  We had fun with our friends!! The kids played well together tonight.  Other than Olivia getting her hand caught in the door she had fun even though she said she didn't! She also pooped her pants 3 TIMES while we were there!! So basically we ran out of underwear and had to wear a Pull Up home =( Hoping her tummy is ok! I asked her if her tummy hurt and she said no.  I am thinking it is from giving her some Miralax the other day. 

Off to bed I go...one tired mommy!

"Reading" her books

I have been trying to catch her on video "reading" her princess books.  She likes to make up her own stories with the pictures.  She used to say, "Once upon a time..." when she opened the Cinderella book but tonight I didn't get that.  It is kind of hard to hear so turn up the volume...also please excuse the mess in the background...it looks like a bomb went off of sticker letters ALL over the floor.  She dumped them all out and then was throwing them around...good times!!

Waiting for the video to upload...I guess YouTube is a little overloaded tonight.... I will repost later with video...well if it ever finishes!

Finally finished!

Best Dance Class Yet

Tonight I would have to say we had the best dance class yet.  Here is why....the mommies stood in the lobby!! The class went much better with us out of the room and the teacher teaching the girls the dance for the Winter Show.  We could watch them through the glass.  What a world of difference.  Olivia stood on her spot and watched the teacher.  Now she didn't do all the dance moves but she did the jumps and stuff.  I wish I would have had the camera because she did so much better without me.  I love going with her but I think I am more of a distraction to her. Sad to me but true!

Not Feeling the Best

For the past week I have not been feeling the best.  I have had a soreness in the area where the Ectopic was.  It is a nagging pain...nothing sharp.  Since it has been a week and it hasn't gone away, I went  to the doctor today.  Guess what? Nothing was wrong...nothing on the ultrasound that they could see.  As the ultrasound lady complimented me, "Your uterus is beautiful!" What a great compliment to receive.  Little does she know...nothing in there is operating correctly.  It may be beautiful but to me it still seems broken.  So basically I just need to monitor the pain and if it gets worse then come back.  I can take some Motrin if I need to.  I just want to feel better...I thought my body was ready to be better and function normally...guess not.

I also read this great post that also explains some of the other feelings I have had in the past few months.  It is a great read...click on the link to read the blog post by Scary Mommy.

Secondary Infertility

Not Much

Not much excitement today...a very long afternoon with no nap...this no nap thing is killing me on time management.  I usually do a good bit of school work while she naps.  When she doesn't nap I try to still get some stuff done which gets interrupted 5 million times and I lose my focus. So everything gets pushed back to when she goes to bed and if she goes to bed on time.  Last night she didn't go to bed until 10:15! I ended up falling asleep in her bed for quite awhile until I heard Brendon take Jake out.  So not much got done last night either.

Soggy Sunday

Well it was weird overcast day today...on the warm side.  These two old people were pretty tired this morning from last night but we had fun.  Brendon went out scouting today for his deer hunt this weekend.  Olivia and I did lots of laundry, dishes, and made lunch.  She is really interested in helping in the kitchen- dishes, cooking dinner, and today she did a great job helping with lunch.  We made some turkey and cheese crescent sandwiches.  She would put the cheese and turkey on them and I would roll them up.  Then we read some books and nap time.  Brendon came home and I went and did some errands.  I thought the misty rain would clear and I could squeeze in a run but it started getting darker about 4ish so I just came home and went on the dreadmill.  Olivia was a hot mess when I came home...she is miserable when she wakes up.  Brendon said she woke up about 3 and then fell asleep on the carpet downstairs....but then once we convinced her to do something fun- paint in her princess book and play Play Doh she was fine!

Imagine It and Bike Race Banquet

We had a busy day yesterday! We met our friends at the Imagine It! Children's Museum in Atlanta.  We had a fun time and then we went to lunch at CNN Center.

Then we went to dinner with friends at the Copper Creek Brewery in Athens and then to the Chainbusters Bike Racing Banquet at Terrapin Brewery!