The Olivia Chronicles

1st day of Preschool

2007-09-11T09:36:00.000-03:00

Yes, I have not posted in a very long while. There is a lot to catch up on but today my little angel started preschool and it's such a big milestone that I'm compelled to blog about it. She was so excited about starting school today but Livi likes her sleep and when I woke her up she looked at me and said "I don't want to go to preschool today" and rolled back over in bed and closed her eyes. I told her all the fun stuff she was going to do today....make new friends, go swimming at the pool, play with the sand table, etc. etc. to coax her out of bed and it worked. So, she is at school now until 11:45 on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and while I'm glad she's going to be around other kids it's kind of sad because time is going to fly by so fast and before I know it, she'll be starting grade Primary. It hasn't been an hour and I miss her already. I hope she's having fun. I must run over at 10:30 to peek at her while they are swimming. Here's a few pics from this morning.

Livi & Nanny as we're walking out the door:

On the school steps:

Her new classroom:

TAG

2007-01-27T08:49:00.000-04:00

Ok..Ok Marita. I got it. So, I've been tagged by my girl Marita www.akaltermamaego.blogspot.com to list 6 materialistic things I want, can't be humanitarian, like World Peace. So here goes:

1. A fabulous pair of tall black PRADA boots

2. A week away with Bud, someplace sunny

3. A new pair of jeans (maybe the new Paige jeans Beth was blogging about)

4. To lose a good 20 pounds (I'm with you Marita...is that fair? is that materialistic of just vanity?)

5. To have our yard professionally landscaped (I can DREAM right?)

6. A Louis Vuitton bag (not a fake one! ha!)

Ok...so it's my turn to tag somebody right? Ok - how about Jody (www.brooklynnchronicles.blogspot.com)

Santa Clause

2006-12-01T15:26:00.000-04:00

hmmm....I want a new dolly, a dress-up trunk, a vanity, some DVDs, a Backyardigan ....hmmmm...lemme think Santa...what else?

The Magic of Christmas

2006-11-29T09:06:00.003-04:00

Or maybe I should call this "The Magic of the Santa Clause Threat". Yes, I know. She is only two and a half but she fully grasps the concept that this big jolly man in a red suit is going to come some night when she's sleeping and leave her a dolly. That's what she wants from the Big Man, a dolly. So I've learned something about this and it's so great that I had to share. I pick up our telephone about a half-dozen times a day threatening to call Santa. Yes, I know it's awful but it works. Dammit, I wish Christmas could last all year long. Here is a perfect example:

Me: "Olivia did you just dump that bowl of dry cereal on the floor?"
Olivia: "yup"
Me: "Why?"
Olivia: "I don't know"
Me: "Well are you going to pick them up?"
Olivia: "No, mommy, I can't. I have to get my books."
Me: "Olivia, Santa's watching you do you want me to call him?"
Olivia: "No."
Me: "Well then you better pick up that cereal."
Olivia: "OH"

Sometimes she'll argue a bit more about not picking up that cereal and then I pretend to dial Santa on the phone and she flips out yelling "Don't Call Santa! Don't Call Santa!" After that she usually does what I ask. I'm telling you girls...I wish this could last all year long....better yet, I wish this would work on Jack but I'm pretty sure he gets what Santa is really about. He pretty much told me that he knows we're Santa but will not dare say that again for fear that maybe he's right and once we know that he knows the 'jig will be up' as some say and the presents stop!!

"JOY TO THE WORLD......."

What a booger!

2006-11-17T14:45:00.000-04:00

WARNING: This post is kind of disgusting and I can't believe I'm even sharing this.

Want to know Livi's new trick? It's picking her nose. I know it's so disgusting. Since she was this little teenie tiny baby she's always had a nose chocked full of boogers. But what gets me is that she waits until we're in public to drive her finger up there. Usually when she's sitting in the grocery cart. I should know by now to always always take kleenex when I take her to get groceries because 9 times out of 10 she looks at me (and I swear I don't even see her doing it in the grocery store...I SWEAR! or else I'd make her stop) and says...."EWWWWW MOMMY A BOOGER - HERE! TAKE IT!!" - to which I have to take it off her finger with whatever the hell I can find in my purse....once it was ...nevermind...you don't want to know. If you're totally grossed out now it's your own fault...I warned you!

Hrmmmph!

2006-11-09T15:56:00.000-04:00

69 hits on Livi's little website in the past week and 1 comment? Who's out there reading this? Don't be shy.

Tiny Dancer

2006-11-09T15:39:00.000-04:00

....hold me closer Tiny Dancer.....Olivia loves to dance. She loves her Disney Princess Sing-A-Long DVD with the dance-along bonus features. She wants to be one of those girls I swear! Don't you love her leg-warmers? Thanks for the idea Nita!!!

Airplane!!!

2006-11-09T15:36:00.000-04:00

I don't know what it is about this picture. I just love her wild hair in it. We were playing airplane on the bed and I took this picture. Don't you just love it too?

Livi's 'Illin

2006-11-02T23:31:00.000-04:00

Is that a word? Anyways, tonight started off good. It was just me and Liv home tonight. I cooked supper. Nothing gourmet by any means but I had a hankering for fried bologna. So there you have it. Fried bologna, potatoes and caesar salad. WHAT? It was good! So I proceed to feed her supper to her while she's taking a bath like I do most nights because she can't run from me in the bathtub. She pretty near cleans it up. She gets out of the bath and she's pretty clingy. Lying on me on the sofa. She tells me her belly and her back hurts and I didn't clue in that her tummy was upset. Did I mention that she drinks the bathwater? Yeah, she drinks the bathwater. Tonight we were blowing bubbles. You know, the kind with the wand that's probably dishsoap. She dumps it into the tub. It was just small. I think from a wedding. Yah, definitely from a wedding. There was a bride and groom on top. Anyhooooo - she's drinking out of it. I know - ick!! It didn't even click with me. So, back to the sofa. She sits straight up and I can tell she's going to throw up so I pick her up and she vomits....on me. In my face. On my clothes. On herself. EWWW!! EWWW! I feel so bad for my poor little angel. I clean myself and her up and she's lying on the sofa again. I give her tylenol because she seems to have a bit of a fever. Five minutes later she projectile vomits on the sofa. Blech! This time I have to cut her shirt off of her because there is no way in hell I'm going to lift that over her head. I get her settled down again and call my sister and ask her if she thinks it is okay to give her tyleonol again. She suggests gravol and I immediately say we don't have any. I get the okay and give her tyleonol again and ask her if she wants to snuggle mommy in mommy's bed. That gets her every time.

Sooo......we go into my bed and I'm rubbing her back and she sits straight up and does it again. I take her into the living room where I proceed to yet again, cut another shirt off her because she's covered in it and well, it's gross. I prop her back up on the sofa and wipe her down with a facecloth and she seems to be feeling a little better when I decide to actually check to see if we do have gravol and yes, we do. I forgot we bought some for Jack when we went to the Dominican Republic. I get that into her and she drifts off....into sleep. She is now in her bed, sound asleep. I hope feeling better. I think I'll sleep in Jack's bed tonight so I can keep an eye on her. Fingers crossed tomorrow will involve no vomit.

Happy Halloween!!

2006-11-01T09:53:00.000-04:00

Yea, I know - Halloween was yesterday but I couldn't get the pic until last night! Here' s Livi & Brooklynn. Liv was sooo excited to see her.

I wasn't sure Livi would get the 'gist' of Halloween. But she went to every door and said "Trick or Treat, smell my feet......mmmmghhh mmmh mmmmmm good to eat!!!" There were a few witches answering doors that frightened her and a BIG man dressed as a gorilla that she would NOT go near. Other than that we slept peacefully last night and there were no nightmares!! Yippeee!!

My Girl is Smooth

2006-10-31T12:29:00.000-04:00

With a capital S. I just put her down for her nap. Albeit a bit early but she was up at SEVEN this morning and we have someplace to be this afternoon. Her Auntie Lindsey has a special Halloween treat for her and Jack and I told her she had to nap early. So, I put her down and not ten minutes later I hear her bedroom door creep open. She comes into the living room, stops to face me, opens her mouth in a big fake yawn (covering it with her hand and full sound effects too) and a BIG stretch and says "I wake up Mommy".

Ummm yeah; you got to get up earlier than that to fool me!!! LMAO

Good Morning

2006-10-27T08:41:00.000-03:00

This is Olivia's morning look.

The picture makes her look pretty good. Her hair is usually a complete bed-headed mess and she's sometimes cranky. This was a good morning. I thought I'd capture it!

Corn Maze

2006-10-24T15:16:00.000-03:00

A few weekends ago Bud & I along with Cindy & Kash decided to take the kids to Truro to check out the corn mazes. It was a beautiful day. We were going to have so much fun. On the way up we were going to stop for lunch at a nice place......until the kids saw the BIG FREAKING play area through the window of Burger King. We had Jack, Mikal and and Livi in the car with us and Jack & Mikal started screaming that they wanted to go there. So we gave in and went there. Needless to say it was gross. But off to the corn maze. Throughout the maze if you get a certain number of stamps on your paper you get a free ice-cream. About half an hour through the maze we said, lets get out of here and we'll pay for the darned ice-cream!! So we proceeded to try to find our way out when Jack & Mikal ran ahead. Yup, we lost them. Great parents that we are...we lost the kids. I didn't panic right away. Cindy & I hung out at the entrance with Livi & Max while Bud & Kash went back in to find them. I couldn't just stand there any longer so we took the kids to the petting zoo on the grounds. Half an hour later the guys come out.... with no kids!! I'm kind of freaking at this point and we told them to stay with the little ones and we'd go in. Cindy went in without me and I talked to the staff and described the boys to them. Another half-hour later they come out with another family. I asked them if they were scared and they said..."nah, not really - but we got SIX stamps!" little friggers - I wanted to knock their heads together!!!

Here's Livi and Max hanging out while we're waiting for the lost boys:

Very much enjoying this hot-dog:

Livi the cow:

Another New Look

2006-10-24T15:15:00.000-03:00

....don'tcha love it? I do!

Potty Training 101

2006-10-18T11:07:00.000-03:00

So we're in the middle of potty-training fun. It's going pretty good at home but she's terrified of the toilet. She will only sit on the potty and she won't poop in it either. Did I say it's going pretty good? Anyways, we went out yesterday and I forgot to bring pull-ups and she pooped in the one she had on. So I took it off and said, "Oh well...you're just going to have to use the big-girl potty today". Fast forward to about an hour and a half later and we're in Home Depot and she tells me she has to go potty. I thought, WOW - this is going good. We ran through the store to the bathroom and all she sees are big toilets and she completely FA-LIPS out. No way will she go on it. I thought 'well crap! what am I going to do?' - I pull up her pants and go out to the store and told her if she has to pee we'll have to go back to the bathroom and she said "I no wanna pee Mommy". Fine, whatever right? We're in the aisle looking at pot-lights for our kitchen and she's yells, I POPPED! I POOPED! I look down and she's peeing right on the floor. Proud as a freaking peacock at the puddle on the floorl. I was mortified and Bud & I kinda looked at each other and laughed. I went to a guy working and said, we're potty training and my daughter had a little accident on the floor. He just pointed to another guy and said "Tell him". We couldn't get anybody to help us with our lights so we then took Livi and walked out the store. Poor thing peed all over herself. Note to self: Don't leave the house without a pull-up EVER again.

Dear Webkinz,

2006-10-01T13:22:00.000-03:00

....Yes, I know this has nothing to do with Olivia but bear with me.

Jack has a Webkinz. I truly think I play with the darned thing more than he does. When he goes to bed or isn't home I'll play with it to try to win him some Webkinz moolah!! Yesterday I won 1254W on the Wishing Well. Their darned server had issues so it booted me out before his account got credited. Today I did a job for him that pays 175W and the same thing happened and then I played some silly game and had racked up 172W and it happened, yup, you guessed it, yet again. It ticked me off. I know, get a life right?

The Discovery Center

2006-09-22T14:36:00.000-03:00

This summer we went to the Discovery Center. Livi enjoyed it alot. We met up with a lady that I met on my 'expecting board'. She lives in Washington and was visiting Nova Scotia. We decided to meet up here. I must take her back. She had a great time. She especially loved the "Bubbles Room" - She got soaked!! Look at how wet her shirt is!!

Yeah Yeah - I know I know

2006-09-22T14:08:00.000-03:00

Bad Mommy Blogger I know. Let's see now. What has Livi been up to this summer? Not a whole lot sadly. We did manage a two-night getaway to Digy Pines so Daddy could golf. That was fun. The kids loved the pool. Livi and Jack would have stayed in it until they shriveled up.

We managed to get to Upper Clements park. That was fun. Olivia didn't know what to do with herself there. She loved driving the big truck, the race cars in the arcade and the train too. It was real nice when they BOTH napped in the afternoon. And those that know Jack know that he is too darned nosy to take a nap!!! haha

I Ask You

2006-06-25T10:23:00.000-03:00

Does she look like a two-year old? No. I don't think so. She looks so grown up. Yesterday Olivia went to a birthday party and wore some build-a-bear clothes. I look at this picture and I have a glimpse of what she's going to look like in say, eight years. Kind of freaky!

My Bud

2006-06-24T16:01:00.000-03:00

This is my cousin Brookie. Sometimes we fight. I love her though and I know we'll be BFF. This morning she came over and we had breakfast together and watched a Dora movie. We snuggled. It was fun.

It's beginning to look a lot like summer....

2006-06-22T16:04:00.000-03:00

Finally. I think the rain has stopped and we can spend our days hanging outside, going to the playground, running around in the sprinkler, going swimming, etc., etc. On Sunday it was beautiful out. Uncle Rick filled the pool and the kids were swimming. Not you though Livi, it was still a bit chilly for swimming. However, the Dora sprinkler was a BIG hit!!! You are too cute in your little bikini. I LOVE it!!!

Oh Gosh

2006-06-14T14:30:00.000-03:00

....I better not find you dancing on a pole in sixteen years!!! Check it out:

SOOKIE BE GONE!!

2006-06-06T07:54:00.000-03:00

The other day I told Livi to throw her soother in the garbage and that she was a big girl and didn't need it. To my surprise she did. Then she threw her other one in the garbage too. I, of course, dug them right out of the trash without her noticing. All day we talked about what a big girl she was and that she didn't need her sookie anymore. She has seven of them. Yes, I said seven. I keep them stashed everywhere.

Fast forward to bedtime. She's dead-tired. Which I thought was great because I figured she'd fall asleep easily and not be overly concerned about not having her sookie. WRONG! DEAD WRONG! I read her five billion stories, rubbed her back, played with her hair. That kid was not going to sleep. EVER. Not without her sookie! I let her cry it out for a bit thinking I can handle it. I'm tough. WRONG AGAIN! I caved. I know I probably should have stuck it out. I was ready darnit. I'm sure I could have but she was breaking my heart. I went upstairs to give her her sookie(s). That thing barely touched her lips and she was out like a light. Soooo sleeeeepppy she was. The irony of it was that she had one in the bed with her the entire time and didn't realize it. Neither did I for that matter.

So, I've come to the conclusion that I don't really care if she has the soother or not. It makes her happy. She's two-years old. Don't get me wrong, she won't be taking it to school or anything like that. I will, eventually, take it away. Just not yet. She's growing up way too fast, I think I'll just hang on to my baby for a while longer.

Weekend at Nanny's

2006-05-24T14:01:00.000-03:00

Well this past weekend we went to the country to see Nanny Faus. Livi had a ball hanging with Aunt Jam and the kids. Little stinker that she is wouldn't go to bed so on both Friday and Saturday nights, after about four or five attempts, I ended up falling asleep trying to get her to settle down. She loved being one of the 'big kids' here:

And here is Livi hanging at the beach with Aunt Jam. She loved throwing rocks in the water:

Now that summer is almost here I hope we have lots of more weekends with Nanny!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

2006-05-14T10:38:00.000-03:00

Aren't they the cutest? I love 'em both so much!!!

Awww.....

2006-05-14T10:35:00.000-03:00

.......don't you just love pics of Daddies with their baby girls? Me too!

mmmmm....ice cream sandwich

2006-05-14T10:34:00.000-03:00

No text required. The pics say it all!

As Mother's Day is Around The Corner...

2006-05-10T14:00:00.000-03:00

....it gets me thinking about how much being a Mom has changed me. Gone are the days of spending all my money on myself, hanging out with my friends, going on vacations, coming and going as I pleased. Here are the days where I practically live Monday to Friday in yoga pants and tank-tops. I've traded in my shoes & boots for sneakers and flip-flops. Fashion for comfort. I even learned how to cook!!! I never thought that would happen....and neither did your Father. And you know what? I wouldn't change a single thing. I love my life. I love being your Mom. I so much enjoy seeing the world through your eyes. The excitement you get when you see a balloon in the grocery store. Or when you recognize a shape on a street sign. The sheer joy in your eyes when I mention the playground. When you wake up in the morning and run to me yelling MOMMY! MOMMY! I don't know anybody in the world that gets that happy to see me.

You are everything to me Liv. I promise to be the best mother I can be and to be the best person I possibly can. I want you to grow up knowing that everything I do and evey decision I make I think about you first. I want you to grow up to be a good person. I don't care if you are a doctor or work at McDonalds. As long as you are your true self and are happy, then that is all I want for you. I want you to always be my little girl; but I promise you I will give you the space and freedom you need when the time comes. Gosh, you are growing up so fast. You're TWO. The last two years have flown by and before I know it you will be starting grade primary. I am going to cherish every single moment of being home with you. I love you my angel.

Always and Forever,

Mommy

xox

Just a reminder

2006-05-08T08:38:00.000-03:00

I think you should know this Liv:

I'm the Queen of the Castle

And you are my understudy

WHOO HOO - the rain finally stopped

2006-05-07T19:58:00.000-03:00

Yes indeed. The sun came out. We got up....had breakfast and were going on a 'family' walk to the playground. Ok. It started out, Mommy, Daddy, Jack and Livi but we picked up Allison, Becca and Brooklynn on the way. We had so much fun. Slides, swings, sidewalk chalk, sandbox and popsicles. Good way to start the morning. Here are one of the very, very, few pics of me and you O-Dog:

You're getting to be such a BIG girl now. No more baby-slides for you:

Ahhhh....nothing like a nice popsicle after spending the morning at the playground:

Ok. Liv I promise, now that the rain is letting up we will get out lots and lots more. I promise. I really, really promise. More long walks in the mornings and playgrounds in the afternoons. Gosh, I've never seen a kid love slides like you do. I take my chances everytime I drive up Lady Hammond Road because you know exactly where the playground is and I hold my breath every time we drive by a playground in the car because I'm afraid you'll see the slides.

And I also promise that I will update your blog on a more regular basis. I'm going to print this entire thing off. It's your baby-book since Mommy was too slack to do a proper one!

A Sign of Whats to Come

2006-03-03T12:03:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, Livi's cousin Brooklynn came over to play. It wasn't a long visit because Liv wasn't feeling too good. In fact, she was pretty miserable. Every time Brookie even so much as looked at one of her toys she had a fit. I don't know what happened but you two disappeared upstairs and it *sounded* like you were having fun so your Aunt Kathy and I just left you. And then we heard a big THUD and you crying. We went upstairs and there was water EVERWHERE. The bathroom floor, Jack's room and both of your clothes' were soaked.

Fast forward about an hour later when Mommy has to go to the bathroom and the toilet isn't flushing quite right. I figured there's probably something in there but I couldn't see it and it would probably just eventually flush down. It was like this until the next morning when the darned toilet overflowed. Everywhere. All over the bathroom floor. Oh crap I thought!! The plumber showed up at 6 o'clock to fix it.

There are two morales to this story:

1. YOU TWO ARE GONNA BE TROUBLE!!!

2. KEEP THE BATHROOM DOOR LOCKED WHEN YOU TWO ARE PLAYING UPSTAIRS!!

Livi & Maddox

2006-01-26T09:24:00.000-04:00

This is Livi's cousin Maddox. She loves him to death. Seriously, she dotes on him. Always hanging around him waiting for him to spit out his sookie so she can put it in his mouth. Always kissing him. They're too cute together I just had to blog them!!

Gosh...I could just eat him with a spoon!!

Best Friends For Life?

2006-01-19T08:08:00.000-04:00

Gosh I hope they turn out to be best friends. Olivia and Brooklynn BFFL!! Sometimes they just love love love each other. Sometimes I'm not so sure. The other morning Brookie came over for a few hours before Livi was even out of bed. Livi woke up because I'm pretty sure she heard Brooklynn. We could hear Olivia yelling "BROOOOOOKKKLYNNNNNN........ BROOOOOOKKKKLYNNNNN! So Brookie and I went upstairs to get Livi out of bed. Well, she was beside herself the second Brookie went in her room. I mean Beside. Herself. Didn't want her touching anything that was hers. This is going to be a fun morning. We go downstairs and the girls are playing nicely.

Whew. playing nicely I thought. I get them some breakfast and that went okay for about a second. Here they are while all was good eating toast and bananas:

This is Brookynn. Aint she cheeky lookin'?

There were a few moments like this. She's having a fit...but won't take her eyes off Brooklynn.

All in all the girls get along really well. It's when they haven't seen each other in a while that this happens. Olivia gets very territorial and she had a few timeouts that morning.

The end.

Puh-lease stop growing

2006-01-09T12:51:00.000-04:00

Livi, you're getting to be such a big-little girl. I mean, COME ON you're now sleeping in a toddler-bed. I was ready for this. Really, I could have sworn I was ready for you to move out of the crib. Daddy and Uncle Walter set up your big-girl bed on Saturday and you slept like a trooper. Well, except for when Sebastian was running up the stairs and you opened your bedroom door to see 'what was up' - who knew you could open the door? Not me thats for sure. Anyways, you went straight back to bed and slept until 8:50 Sunday morning. I was so upset that you weren't in your crib anymore. I asked your Daddy "Do you think she's ready to sleep in that bed?" and he replied with "SHE'S ready....I'm not so sure YOU are though!" - He was totally right. I was pretty emotional. I mean, MY GOSH you're outta the crib. This morning you woke up, opened your door and came running into Mommy and Daddy's room! I don't think I'm ready for this! Really, I'm not so sure anymore.

Happy New Year!!!!!

2006-01-03T14:09:00.000-04:00

Well another year over and another Christmas has passed us by. Olivia, you and your brother sooo cleaned up this year. All that behaving must have paid off. Now, listen kiddo.....you have to be good ALL YEAR if you want Santa to come again this year. Remember....he's always watching....so....You better watch out, you better not cry.....you'll get to know the rest - trust me!!

Aren't you pretty posing under the tree in your new bathrobe from Auntie Lindsey:

You love this new kitchen. I think you'll have tons of fun playing house with your best bud Brookie:

THIS art table is a big hit:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2005-12-09T08:26:00.000-04:00

Since I was a bad mommy last year and never took you to get Christmas pictures done for your very first Christmas (I know...BAD, BAD Momma!!), I thought I'd try it this year. It probably would have been much easier last year. You just couldn't sit still. We left the Superstore and I was sweating from chasing you around the photo studio. Your brother Jack was a pro. That kid can sit and smile for the camera all day long....you'd think he was some kind of supermodel or something. Looking at these pictures I seriously should have taken you for a haircut beforehand, but heck...it was a last minute thing and there was no time!!! I did kind of try though. On our way we had to stop to get Jack's haircut and when I asked them to trim your bangs they kindly told me "We don't do girls" - They did try to trim your bangs when the owner left the room but you looked at him, shook your head and said "NO"....he then gave you a sucker and went towards you with the scissors again. You shook your head and said "NO" again. I left it at that.

A few milestones for the baby book

2005-11-13T07:55:00.000-04:00

The baby book! ha! Sorry Livi but Mommy's really slack in that department. Sweetie, you don't HAVE a baby book. I know...bad momma!

So yesterday we took you and Jack to a movie! Chicken Little. You've been in a theatre before with Mommy watching movies but you were just itty-bitty then and slept through the entire thing. At Reel Babies. But this time was different. You were like a BIG kid now. You sat there for probably the first hour in awe of the big screen. You ate so much darned junk food. Let's see....popcorn, doritos, chocolate covered raisins, sour candies....I had brought a juice box for you with watered down lemonade but you downed that so fast that I filled your box back up with .....um.....I can't believe I'm tying this for everyone to read......diet coke..... Ahem....so anyways, the last twenty minutes or so of the movie, Mommy & Daddy had to take turns letting you run around. That was okay....all in all it was definitely a positive experience!!!

THAT was the first milestone...the second milestone is you actually RAN FROM ME at bedtime. You love love love going to bed. I couldn't believe it. "Come on Livi....let's go 'night-night'" - "NO, NO, NO" you said running. WOW! I looked at Daddy kind of stunned...I wasn't sure what to do? Do I say, 'bed-time' and take you upstairs knowing that you are WAY overtired and really need to go to bed.....or do I let you stay up for a few minutes and try again. I let you stay up for a few minutes and tried again and got the same response from you. This time you came with me. And thank heaven's you went to sleep. I was afraid with all that sugar you had injested you would be up all night!!!

Milestone number three!! Last night was the FIRST time you jumped out of your crib! I hope that was a one-time thing. Lucky I can lower your mattress just one more notch. I hope that does the trick!!!

Christmas At The Forum

2005-11-04T15:42:00.000-04:00

Today Mommy, Aunt Jo-Anne, and Aunt Paula took me to Christmas at the Forum. I don't know what the big deal was. Mommy didn't buy me anything. She spent her money on food stuff (popcorn seasonings, christmas suckers and dips and cheese) She then took me to this lady that kinda scared me. Her face had all sorts of weird stuff drawn on it. She tried to talk me into putting that stuff on my face but she looked kinda funny to me and I said NO. Mommy then took me out of the stroller and let me sit on her lap while this silly scary lady drew this ladybug on my face. Everyone said I look really cute but I don't know. What do you think?

At the end the silly scary lady said I was a very good girl and that she never did one on anybody so young.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2005-10-31T21:26:00.000-04:00

Livi had fun today in her costume. The day started when she went to daycare at the gym. They had a little halloween party and everyone there was dressed up. She had that darn costume on pretty much aaaalllll day!! Here she is with her little cuz Mad-Dog:

And here she is later with her big brother just before they went trick or treating:

And last but definitely not least....here she is with her best bud Brookie! Check out the size of the feet on this kid!! LMAO

It was soo much fun taking her out. I'm not much of a Halloween person but I already can't wait for next year.....it'll be even better!!

No more BA-BA

2005-10-26T13:32:00.000-03:00

....that's right! No more bottles in this house!! Well, they are in the cupboard but she hasn't had one in three...that's right....three days!! She naps in the daytime with nothing but her soothers (that's another story) and at night time she's going down with just a sippy cup with a little milk in it. She doesn't really drink much from it though.

We are sooo happy here! No more washing those little freakin' nipples, no more bottle brushes, no more BA-BAS!!

we have them still in the cupboard though - just in case!! LOL

Just look at the big girl! Ain't she a cutie?

18 month stats

2005-10-10T10:04:00.000-03:00

Livi got her needle last Friday. She was so brave. The nurse told me to be sure to have a good grip on her leg and her arm so that she doesn't squirm when the needle goes in. Okay I said, I've got her. No sooner does the needle touch Livi's leg when she jerks her leg away and grabs the needle with her hand. I thought I had a good grip. Really, I did. BAD BAD Mommy. That made it a bit more uncomfortable than it really needed to be. Oh well, the needle did go in anyways. That's it! We're done. No more needles until she starts school. Oh gosh, that's just around the corner or so it seems. Livi, STOP GROWING!

As of last Friday Livi weighs 25.7 pounds and is 32 inches tall.

Apple Picking

2005-10-06T10:06:00.000-03:00

Yesterday we went apple picking. It was big brother Jack's field trip day and they were going apple picking down the valley so I thought we'd drive down too and hopefully we could see them!! It didn't happen. We had a good time anyway.

Here's Livi just chillin' out:

And here she is looking like an angel from heaven:

One of these buggers nipped my elbow looking for food:

Picking apples:

And eating them:

Girls!!

2005-09-24T12:26:00.000-03:00

Yes Livi, your cousin Brookie is a monkey. No Livi, it's not nice to laugh!!

Temper, Temper

2005-08-25T15:20:00.000-03:00

ooohhh is Mommy ever in trouble. I figured you were going to have a temper. I've seen glimpses of it here and there. Today I had a front row seat to the main feature. I hear a blood curdling scream coming from you. I look to see what you're doing and you are trying to get your bubble popper thing (the thing that drives mommy absolutely nuts) out of the toy cubby. It's caught on your little bike. There you stood screaming and screaming and yelling some type of gibberish baby talk at the top of your lungs (okay, not the TOP, but loudly nonetheless) And bad mommy I am, I stood there trying not to laugh because honestly it WAS funny and I wish Daddy was here to witness it too. In fact, I wish everyone who knows you could have witnessed it because it really was comical. So you figured out how to get it; along with every other darn thing in there. I hope you don't trip over the hockey sticks again!

Loungin'

2005-08-23T10:43:00.000-03:00

I don't know where you learned to lounge like this on the sofa. You sure as heck don't see me doing it!!

Now I know what you and Daddy do together!!

Baby!!!

2005-08-20T00:50:00.000-03:00

For as long as I can remember I always pictured myself with a baby girl that loved girly things. Imagine my surprise when last week you suddenly took interest in your dolls. You carry them around the house, hugging and kissing them saying "BABY". Yesterday I bought you a stroller for your baby and you walked her all the way to the store. You were too darn stinkin' cute! One is just called BABY and the other for some reason you call MIMI. Here you are playing with BABY.

What a cool babysitter....

2005-08-20T00:47:00.000-03:00

....you have. See how much fun goes on in this house when Mom & Dad go out for the night? I bet you just love your God-mother Sarah....she's so much fun!!!

I took this one whatever time we got home (I honestly can't remember):

And this one the next morning:

Yes readers....this is my picture window!!!

Mom!!!

2005-08-20T00:34:00.000-03:00

Look what I can do!!!

Nothing Like It!!!

2005-08-10T14:29:00.000-03:00

There is nothing like sitting on a brick wall on a hot summer day and sharing a bag of cheesies with your cousins!

Brooklynn, Livi and Max.

The Waterfront

2005-07-08T15:47:00.000-03:00

Livi, today Daddy had a slow day at work so he was able to spend some time with you, me & Jack....yippee, spending time with Daddy on a workday is fun!!! We hung around the house most of the morning, you napped, Jack played, Daddy did paperwork and Mommy cleaned the car. We went downtown for lunch and ate on the waterfront. Boy, there sure was lots to look at down there. You were so good in your stroller. You did get to run around a little bit too, but there were quite a lot of people around. Maybe I need to get you a leash? Just kidding!! After lunch you & Jack played a bit on the playground ship thingy down there and then we went to COWS for an ice-cream. You didn't get one....sorry kiddo. You were wearing a nice white t-shirt so Jack let you have a couple licks of his. You really enjoyed the waterfront today. I think we'll definitely have to go back!!! Here's a few pics:

You and Jack, sitting on the picnic table after lunch:

Here's you climbing at the playground:

Here you are getting ready to take off:

And....there you go!!!!

Livi No!!!

2005-07-06T14:16:00.000-03:00

Livi, you are starting to get sassy with Momma and she's not too proud of that trait!! Last night we were out on the deck and you kept on ripping flowers off Mommy's plant. I kept saying "Livi No!" "Livi No!" and you would just look at me with your hand kind of hovering above the plant and the second I would stand up you would rip off a flower and take off. We did this about five times. The last time I said "Livi No!" I stood up and do you want to know what you did? You ripped the flower and took off saying "Livi No!!" - I think you're gonna be a handfull!!!

My Aunt Jam Went To Portland........

2005-07-06T12:14:00.000-03:00

.....actually, this t-shirt is not crummy. This t-shirt is not yours either. Aunt Jam brought this back for Jack but you were so darned and determined to put this on that I had to let you wear it around the house for a while just to make you happy. Aren't you cute?

Actually, Aunt Jam brought you back the cutest outfit and bathing suit...wouldn't you know the weather isn't that nice today so you won't be wearing either!!!

Happy Canada Day

2005-07-02T17:20:00.000-03:00

How cute are you all patriotic and stuff? I meant to post this yesterday....so it's a day late....Happy Canada Day everybody!

Wild THING!!!!

2005-06-28T19:21:00.000-03:00

.... You make my heart sing
.....You make everything groooovy!!!

Daddy's not a fan of this look but Mommy thinks you look cool!!!

The Beach

2005-06-27T15:12:00.000-03:00

Well Livie this weekend past was our first weekend together at the beach. I know you've been there before with your big cuz Sarah but this was OUR first time. You had the time of your life there. Jack couldn't go because he had to go to his cousin Jake's birthday party but we'll have fun with him the next time we go. I told everyone that the next time I take you to the beach I was going to have to bring some babysitting reinforcements. You were such a busy girl!! I had to pay Logan 5 bucks to watch you for 20 minutes just so I could take a break!!

By the end of the day your face was full of sand and strawberries....(and so was I!!)

Kissin Cuzins

2005-06-22T08:46:00.000-03:00

Have you ever seen anything cuter than this? This is you and your cousin Max at Grampy's house on Father's Day!!

You & Jack

2005-06-17T00:10:00.000-03:00

Here's a pic of you and your big brother Jack. You love him more than anything I think. The best part of the day is when you wake up in the morning and we sneak into Jack's room to wake him up. You walk right up to his bed and look him straight in his sleeping face and scream!! It's become a game to you both. He pretends to be still asleep (even though you woke him up) and you scream and scream until you get a reaction from him.

Looking Back

2005-06-16T23:54:00.000-03:00

It's been a while since I've written anything about you Olivia. It is now June 16th, and it's five minutes to midnight. Daddy is away for the night and I had a much needed nap when you went to bed....kicking and screaming I might add. You're teething these days and right now you have what looks like about six teeth coming in. Bed time is a challenge. Your gums are hurting and my GOSH I wish there was something I can do to take the pain away. It takes anywhere from one to two and a half-hours to get you to settle for the night these days. You go down fine and just when I think you're asleep I hear you upstairs in your crib. On a normal, non-teething night you may be up there talking to yourself in your mirror, but not now....now you just scream....UH UUUHHHHH!!!! UGGHHHHH!!!!! Me and Daddy have been averaging about three or four trips into your room a night to comfort you. I'm not normally one to endorse medicating children but thank heaven's for tylenol. I should be wise now and give it to you about an hour before you go to bed. I love you sweetie and I hope these teeth come in real soon so your pain goes away.

Anyways, this post was supposed to be just short and sweet. I wanted to show how much you've grown since last year. Here you are exactly one year ago today in your cousin Becca and Mitchell's pool on Aunt Annette's deck:

And here you were last week in the backyard. You're such a big girl now! You love this swing!

Come Out, Come Out Whoever You Are

2005-05-26T09:42:00.000-03:00

I just KNOW there are people reading this entry. You probably check in here and there to see what's new with Olivia. You read, then you move on. Come on people, I know who some of you are....Jody? Lindsey? Sarah? - I would love to show this to Olivia someday and she would love to hear your comments.....so come on! LEAVE EM!!! funny? sarcastic? whatever....just write something!!!

Seriously, is there any need?

2005-05-20T09:06:00.000-03:00

I think not!!

It Appears That I'm It

2005-05-16T10:08:00.000-03:00

Tagged by Nita, ...passing on the favor to the 3 at the bottom.The rules are simple when you're tagged.Choose 5 items from the list to write about.Tag 3 other individuals when you're done.

If I could be a scientist...

If I could be a farmer...

If I could be a doctor...

If I could be a painter...

If I could be a gardener...I would know immediately when gardening season came around exactly what I wanted to plant instead of going from market to market, trying to pick out what flowers or shrubs I want. And it would look fabulous! Absolutely fabulous!!!

If I could be a missionary... I would devote my time to feeding and clothing children in third world countries.

If I could be an athlete...I would be a gymnast. Not only are they extremely bendy and stuff, they have nice lean muscles.

If I could be a lawyer...

If I could be an innkeeper...I would have a nice old victorian home in the mountains that had the most breathtaking view that there would never be any vacancy.

If I could be a professor...

If I could be a writer...I would write books for children about bullies, abuse, etc. in a way that is fun and educational for children to read.

If I could be a llama rider...

If I could be a bonnie pirate...

If I could be an astronaut...

If I could be a world famous blogger...

If I could be a justice on any one court in the world...

If I could be married to any current famous political figure...

Okay now Liesl, Marita and Beth....you're it!!

Baby's First Haircut

2005-05-12T21:18:00.000-03:00

...well, not a baby anymore. I can't believe how a few snips of the scissors and you don't look like a baby anymore. I had this cute little rhinestone barrett in your hair when I took you to the hairdressers to hold back those crazy long bangs of yours. Gosh, you sat stiller than a deer with it's head caught in headlights. You watched every single move she made. You were such a good girl. I picked up your hair from the floor and put it in an envelope. It took no more than five minutes I think. We walked out of the salon, I went down the hall a bit and took that barrett out and tried to get enough bangs to get that barrett back in. I got it in.....but it just looks different now. I can't even explain. I think I could cry. I wish I could turn the clock back 10 hours because I'm not so sure I was ready for this.

Before the tramautic (for me) haircut:

The new, older Olivia:

Walkin' and Whinin'

2005-05-04T12:23:00.000-03:00

What? Do walking and whining go hand-in-hand? You're walking....you're really walking. It's so bloody cute to see your wobbly legs coming towards me, arms outstretched.....whining!! WHAT? whining? What the heck is that about? You're not a whiny baby? How come this started. There's no escape, wherever I am, you're walking towards me....whining. I'm not sure what you want. Actually, you want everything now. Now that you seem to be a little taller because you aren't crawling on the floor, you "see" more. You want everything you can see. Now I get it....I gotta put stuff out of eye-sight!!!

The Toothberg

2005-04-28T16:17:00.000-03:00

Finally, teeth are coming in....you have one that's half-way up and another one that's just poked through the gums. 13 months old and just getting teeth. I tried to capture them on film, but as you can see, you really weren't that cooperative. I really truly will miss your toothless grin that I've come to love so much!!

I think that by this point I was starting to 'tick' you off!!

FIVE MINUTES

2005-04-28T16:10:00.000-03:00

Leave you alone for FIVE minutes so I can check my email and look what you get into!!

The Party

2005-03-28T10:07:00.000-04:00

Well, the day didn't get off to a great start. Before I knew it it was 12:30, Daddy had gone to work, I was home with you & Jack and I forgot to do a ton of things. I thought I was so well-prepared. I still had to pick up the cake, the meat tray, go to the Italian Market, make the veggie tray, get you dressed and put away the dishes. The party was starting at 2:00 and I had no idea how I was going to get all that done. Aunt Paula came over at 1:00 while I picked up the few things I still needed. I think Jack was getting a bit upset because he sensed it from me. I know you'll never remember your first party, but I will and I wanted it to go off just perfect. Well, we managed to get everything done and I think you had a lot of fun with your little friends. You 'really' enjoyed messing in the cake. I'm so glad Daddy got the job of cleaning you up afterwards.

Your First Year

2005-03-26T07:50:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd show some pictures showing how much you've grown over the past year. I still can't believe your ONE!

Here you are....only four days old:

Almost two months old:

Your christening:

Holding A Tiffany bag:

Standing up in your crib:

Tub time:

My Brown-eyed girl:

Dinnertime:

And here you are just yesterday:

Happy Birthday To You

2005-03-26T01:20:00.000-04:00

I will never forget the day. It was 5:45 on this very day one year ago that you came into my life. I woke up that morning with contractions 2 minutes apart. You see, you were a bit late and I had two doses of Prostin the day before to help you along. I got up that morning, took a bath, tried to shave my legs but I was so huge! Called your Aunt Kathy from the tub and asked her if this was labor? She said “Yup, when you going in?” I said when will you be ready? Your Aunt Kathy is a nurse at the hospital so I figured we’d give her a ride to work. She was great to have with us too. She knew where to go, how to get past all the admissions stuff, etc. They tried to talk me out of drugs but darling, I couldn’t do it cold turkey. I NEEDED that epidural. You see, you are blessed with your Daddy’s side of the family for large heads. I pushed, and pushed, and pushed (for about 2 and a half to three hours!!)…..you were not coming out with a little assistance. That’s when the anesthesiologist came in with the second epidural, boy, I felt GREAT!!! In no time the doctors were able to snag you outta there with the forceps. I have watched you in wonder ever since.

WOW! I can’t believe it has been a year to this day since I was blessed with the most precious, beautiful gift of you. You have brought so much joy to my life and I can’t imagine ever not having you in my life. Although you are only one today, I have loved you for years and years. I have dreamt about you and wished for you for so long. I promise you my sweet angel that I will love you forever unconditionally. I will always be here for you and I will always support you in whatever you do. I feel so lucky to have you. I promise you that I am going to be the best Mommy I can be. I will teach you about love, friendship, respect, honesty and all the other stuff that Mommy’s are supposed to teach their children. I’m sure there’s a lot more I need to teach you but we’ll start there okay?

This past year has flown by. I remember bringing you home from the hospital. I was so afraid. I’ve never had so much responsibility in my life. And now I had you. Who would have thought that something that tiny would hold that much power over me. I remember just holding you and crying. Crying because I couldn’t believe that already I loved you so much that I couldn’t imagine my life without you.

And now look at you, you’re getting your first tooth just in time for your birthday, you’re pushing the furniture all over the house. I just wish you’d let go already. I promise you, if you fall, I’ll be right there. You have such a personality. I love walking into your room in the morning when you wake up and seeing you standing there, holding onto the rails, jumping up and down with your face all scrunched up. I love the way you scrunch up your face, especially when I tell you that you’re bad, you just look at me, crinkle your eyes and snort. You crack me up. No, you’re not really bad. I just say that because I think your reaction is funny. And I look forward to you cracking me up a lot through the years. I love you Olivia, you are a gift from God and I am thankful every single day for you. You are the light of my life. Happy Birthday Sweetie.

A Tooth.....finally

2005-03-24T15:11:00.000-04:00

Just in time for your first birthday what does Daddy discover today? Yup, finally a tooth poking up from those little gums. It's sharp too. And your Nanny said you wont have a tooth before your first birthday! Showed her didn't ya?

Jack, look out big brother......soon it'll be payback once she figures out how to use 'em!!

SLEEPOVER

2005-03-13T10:24:00.000-04:00

Last night your Auntie Cindy and cousin Max had a sleepover. The last time they slept over you were only home for two days. That really was a night from hell for all four of us. Last night, however, was much much better. We went to the mall in the afternoon, then came home and you and Max played and played. Neither of you had a nap in the afternoon (but you napped for over 2 and half hours in the morning so that was okay!) . We threw you both in the bathtub and you played together so nicely, then you both had supper and were both asleep for the night by 6:15 pm.

WHOO HOO! Mommy and Aunt Cindy had a big night planned of watching movies, drinking wine and eating scallops wrapped in bacon with smoked salmon pate. We were both asleep by 10:30! We suck!

From My Lips - To Your Face

2005-03-10T09:02:00.000-04:00

So, your Auntie Lindsey popped in last night for a brief visit. Actually, it was a gift drop. Your Auntie Lindsey sure loves you. She was in New York for the weekend and she brought you back an FAO Schwartz bear. She can't go away anywhere without bringing you back something. Well, this time she brought Mommy something too! It's called "Lip Injection" by Too Faced. You see what it does is plump up your lips to make them look a bit fatter. Why would anybody want to do this you ask? Well, because women like to think that they look pretty and for some reason we think that fatter lips will make us more beautiful...dumb huh? sooo......this morning while I was getting ready for work I put the famous Lip Injection on and BOY it was goopy! In the meantime you woke up and I picked you up out of your crib and gave you a big kiss on the cheek. You and Jack were downstairs having your MacDonald's pancakes while Mommy ran upstairs quickly to finish getting dressed and when I came down you had a big, red welt on the side of your face. I asked Big Brother Jack what happened and he didn't know. I thought..hmmm....what did Jack do to you?

The more time that passed the more distinct that little mark became. Yup, there it was! Mommy's lips as a welt on your cheek. Luckily this stuff is only supposed to last an hour. Let's hope for your sake it does!!

I DID IT!

2005-03-09T12:50:00.000-04:00

Congratulations! I did it!! I quit my job! Yes, you heard me....I quit. I came back last week after being on maternity leave for a year. I worked Monday. Was sick at home with you on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Worked Friday and gave my notice on Monday. This Friday is my last day at work....and your last day in daycare Olivia. I know how happy this will make you. We are going to have so much fun this summer. Going to the park, walking around the neighborhood, hanging out at the ball-field, playing with your cousins, going to the beach, playing in your sandbox (((oops, the Easter Bunny hasn't brought that yet has he?) swimming in Dar's pool next door. Gosh you loved that pool last summer. I hope you still do. If the way you play in the bath-tub is any indication then you'll probably have a ball!!!! I can't wait! I'm OUTTA HERE!!!!

Arse In The Air

2005-03-04T21:26:00.000-04:00

This is you Olivia, asleep last night....is that position really comfortable? I can't see how. Yet you always end up asleep with your arse in the air.

And....Mommy is back to work!

2005-03-01T10:07:00.000-04:00

uughh!! I can't believe a whole year has passed and now I'm back to work. This is day two and I am home sick with you. Little frigger, I think you were faking because you seem fine now that I've left the office and had Daddy pick you up at daycare! I'm still sick though. I can hardly talk. You have no idea how guilty I felt showing up for work, only to inform them that I now had to leave. Secretly I was happy though because I didn't really want to be there. Not happy because you were at daycare screaming. Happy because I felt miserable too and now we can both go home! :)

So, now you are crawling around the floor like it was two weeks ago and you've never ever been to daycare, talking to the TV (you LOVE Blues Clues!), and emptying everything out of the tv-stand. Sick my foot!!! You're 11-months old and you already know how to pretend to be sick. At least it took your brother Jack 6 years to figure that one out!!!

Seriously, I don't think you're totally faking, you do have a fever and you were screaming since Daddy & I dropped you off at daycare, but you're MUCH less sick now!! Oh well, I'm just happy that we have this day to spend together at home.....even if we both are under the weather!

I Can't Believe You Did That!!!

2005-02-27T10:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday for some reason I felt this extremely strong urge to get your ears pierced. I honestly don't know what came over me. I wanted it done and wanted it done NOW! Poor thing, you had no idea what I was about to do to you and to tell you the truth I probably could have smoked a cigarette with you in the car and felt less guilt. I don't really smoke honey!! Yes, you cried. And cried. And cried. I felt so horrible. I had made a big mistake. BIG. But there was no turning back and you look so stinkin' cute. See?

And now it's a day later and you have survived. Although your Daddy will still be handing me guilt I think deep down he thinks you look adorable too!!

This is Olivia

2005-02-24T12:36:00.000-04:00

Welcome to "The Olivia Chronicles". Olivia this is for you. I am so sure there will come a time when this is going to be the most embarrasing thing for you and you'll make me stop. But as of now you can't speak and I'm just going to keep posting and journaling everything I can. I wish I had started this earlier, just like I wish I had kept your baby book up-to-date, but there's no time like now!