Happy Birthday Dave!

Hello?? Anyone there?

Playing the drums...

We went to the Busy Corner for dinner tonight to celebrate Dave's birthday and Miss Olivia ate more than I have ever seen her eat before. I ordered a side of cottage cheese tonight, and there was no way I would have even been able to eat the whole thing...but Olivia sure did! However, then I was a little nervous to give her spaghetti, so that was our dinner tonight! She had a great time playing with the spoons while we were there...such a musician we have on our hands!

Are we ready to give up the pacifier??

My sweet blue eyed girl!

Hmmm...not so sure about that!?

This is certainly not the most appealing picture of Miss Olivia..she must have just ate cause she looks quite a bit more round than usual! :-)

Kathy said yesterday and today, Olivia went basically the whole entire day without having her pacifier...even for her naps! So, we're not sure yet if she is ready to give them up completely, but we may try! It seems that she isn't too dependent on them, and she likes to have them to play with more than anything. So, I sure hope it is not going to be difficult to eliminate them completely. We still have been giving them to her at night when she goes down for bed, but I'm not convinced she even needs it then either? I've heard horror stories about how difficult this can be for kids, so we'll see how it goes!!

Swap N' Shop

Mmmm...thanks Grandma!

Reading Time!

Poor Winston! :-(

We had another Swap N' Shop today at Adrienne's this afternoon, so Daddy was home with Olivia. And, shortly before Mommy got home, Olivia had some visitors. Grandma and Aunt Jenny came over to visit, so it was a nice surprise when Mommy got home. We had a great time and Olivia enjoyed the company. As you can see from the pictures, she took advantage of having them over and she got a lot of reading done this evening. Her books are definitely a top priority these days..she absolutely loves them. Per the last picture, Winston still gets a little jealous every once in a while..especially when people come over and she gets the attention before he does! However, don't let him fool you...he is still one of the babies of the household and is still spoiled!

Unusual Nap Time

Playing with Mommy and Daddy!

We're not quite sure why, but Olivia went down for her nap today, and decided she would rather do it without any pants on. So, she took them off! Mommy went to go up and check on her and noticed that she was laying there without her pants on. She has always had this thing with taking her socks and shoes off, but this was definitely a first! It was hilarious! Mommy didn't get any pictures of it (can you believe that) cause she didn't want to wake her up, but we did have these just for fun!

Follow up appointment

Silly Daddy playing Olivia like a guitar again!

Run Olivia Run!!

Which pacifier do I want??

After work today, we headed to Dr. Baety's office for our follow up visit, which went wonderful. I've said it before, but I wish we would have switched to him a long time ago. He is great, and this was the first time Shane met him and he really liked him as well. He explained things in such a way that we are able to understand exactly what he is saying, and he answered all of our questions and really took the time to talk with us. As soon as he walked in, he told us that Olivia has become a move star. We had taken the video tape in to the office of her twitching, and apparently the entire office has seen it, not to mention a neurologist that was giving a presentation in the office one day. So, a lot of people saw the tape and all came to the conclusion that it was a myoclonic jerk, which is basically a fancy term for a muscle spasm. He said generally they will grow out of it, and in fact, he would recommend doing another EEG if she is still doing it at her 15 month checkup. So, he said just to keep an eye on it and try to get it on video take again if she continues to do it. He isn't concerned with it, but also doesn't want to take any chances. Therefore, if anything changes or it becomes worse or different, then we will need to take her back in. So, more good news! He also said there was no connection to the bump behind her ear (which he thinks is a cyst), but he does think the Specialist we are seeing on March 5th will want to remove it. This means she will have to be put to sleep to "cut it out." That didn't sit well with Mommy, but I would certainly rather do it now than when she is old enough to remember!! So, we'll see what that Specialist says on March 5th. More to come on that too!! We went to dinner after her appointment to celebrate the good news, and she was in a great mood the rest of the night...as was Mommy and Daddy!!

Back to normal?

Miss Olivia had a much better day and night tonight!! We're not quite sure if she is completely back to feeling herself, but it is definitely getting better. It was show night tonight, so there wasn't too much going on, other Daddy thinking it was funny to play Olivia like she was a guitar! She was having a ball and laughing like crazy...she loved every second of it! She went to bed at her normal time tonight and went right down to sleep, so she seems to be doing a little better! Our follow up appointment with Dr. Baety is tomorrow afternoon, so we'll have to have him check her out for sure!!

Rough Night

Peek-a-boo!!

Anyone under there!?

You would never be able to tell from these pictures, but Olivia had another rough night tonight. Her and Daddy were playing quite a bit before he left for poker, but when it was bed time, she did not want to go. Again, she has never ever had an issue with going to sleep, so it just seems to be a little strange, and has had many of the symptoms that seem to go along with teething. She would fall asleep in Mommy's arms cause she wanted me to rock her, but the second I tried to lay her down in her crib, she was wide awake. We did that for about an hour at her bedtime, and I was almost tempted to just let her sleep with me until Daddy got home, but I told myself not to cause I have heard the stories. It only takes once before they get used to it and want to do it every night...so Mommy stuck it out and tried a few more times before she finally went down. Don't get my wrong, I love to sit there and rock with her and could probably do it all night long, but Mommy was exhausted too and wanted to go to bed myself! So, she went down for about two hours and then was up again screaming...not for very long though and then she put herself back to sleep. I have been giving her Tylenol for the pain which seems to work, and on two occasions I used the Baby Orajel and that did the trick too. It is amazing how much that stuff works. She was completely fine after giving that to her...so that seems to be the problem lately! Anyway, she is doing great considering, and is still wonderful!

Very needy today...

Catch me Mommy!

Just relaxing with Daddy!

Monday and Tuesday this week were a little out of the ordinary for Miss Olivia. She has seemed to be a little more needy the last few days, and she does not want anyone to leave the room when she is in there. Kathy said throughout the day she would almost scream at her when she left the room, and when I get home from work today, it has been the same thing. Obviously the first thing I do when I get home is take off my coat and sweep her up in my arms. Well, today was no different, and I usually play for a little while and then go upstairs to change out of my work clothes. Lately when I try to do that, she screams her little butt off! I have to turn right back around cause she doesn't want any part of me leaving. So, I have to take her with me every room I am in. She seems to be a little more fussy and we just know that those little teefers are coming in! No sign just yet, but they seem to be right there! I hate to continue to say that is what it is, but it is so out of the norm for her to be so fussy! So, it has to be something...perhaps she is just going through a needy phase right now. On the other hand, Mommy does love the fact that she wants me to hold her and be so close to her! We'll see how the next few days go!!!

Great news!!

Nothing too exciting happened this weekend, other than we received very exciting news from the doctor on Friday. They called at almost 6:00 to tell us the EEG results were "normal!!!!" So, that is great news and we were so happy to hear it! They didn't tell us much over the phone, but just indicated Dr. Baety wanted to see us this week to go over everything, and potentially let us know what they think it is...so the EEG ruled out so many things, so we'll just wait to see what he says! It does make me a little nervous that he still wants to see us so quickly, but I am relieved just the same!! I'm sure it is just procedure and he wants to give us the opportunity to ask more questions too, so it will be nice to talk through some more with him. However, overall fantastic news!!! More to come....

Silly Olivia

Silly girl...can't decide which one she wants!!

Bed Head Baby!

Now, that is a pretty face sister!

Am I cute or what!?

What a funny gift for Daddy...how appropriate!

Olivia was being pretty silly after her nap today..she was making several crazy faces, as she often does. She definitely thought the poker candy for Daddy was funny!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Oh boy..I wonder what it is!?

Gimme, gimme, gimme!!

Get it open fast Daddy!!

Awww...what a sweet little bear!!

Kisses for my teddy bear! Thanks Daddy!

Today is Valentine's Day, although it doesn't appear from the weather that we will be doing much of anything to celebrate. State Farm delayed their opening until noon today, so Mommy didn't think it was worthwhile to get Olivia out and to Kathy's and then drive to Bloomington for just a few hours, so she stayed home again today. It has been nice being with Olivia, even if I have to get some work done! Also, Daddy was home a little early today, and surprised Mommy and Olivia! He had gone to the store to get steaks for the grill, so we'll be having a nice dinner tonight...indoors...so we don't have to get out in the crazy weather and crowded restaurants! Also, he got Mommy and candy bouquet...just what I need!!! And, his other Valentine received a cute little bear! She loved it..and loved the paper it was wrapped in even more! Mommy had gotten online this morning to get tickets to the Bob and Tom All Star Comedy Tour coming to the Peoria Civic Center for Daddy! He was pretty excited..Aunt Shell and Uncle Tim will be coming with us as well, so that will be fun! We also got Daddy a very apprpriate poker candy gift pack, and some other candy too! As you can see, Olivia was pretty excited about the gifts for Daddy!! She had just gotten up from her nap, and was in a great mood!! :-) Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

Snow Day!

She looks just a wee bit guilty in this picture...like she just did something she was not supposed to do??

Playing with my Fridge DJ

Even Winston was enjoying the lazy snow day...in his favorite spot...Mom's boppy pillow.

As we assumed, State Farm was closed again today. This is the second time this year, which is a rare occasion. And, Daddy went outside this morning thinking he would be going to work, however couldn't even get out of the driveway! So, we had a nice family day today and enjoyed staying in and being warm!! As you can see, we were in our comfies all day! The hospital called to reschedule Olivia's appointment, so that has been changed to March 5th. No news on the results of her EEG yet either, so we'll just wait to hear what they say! Needless to say, we are just anxious to get it all over with and hoping to hear good news all around!

Here comes the snow..

Trying to do some leg exercises to slim down the thighs!

Go Marines...Semper Fi!!

Not quite sure what she is trying to say here!?

Well, they are calling for several inches of snow tonight and all day tomorrow. So, in preparation, Mommy brought her laptop home with her, just in case she cannot make it in tomorrow. Also, we have Olivia's doctor appointment to check the bump behind her ear tomorrow, so Mommy would need to take a half day anyway. So, we'll see how it goes. Also, Mommy was supposed to be at Bunco tonight, although with the anticipation of a lot of snow tonight, she decided to stay home. Not to mention, she has work to do with being off tomorrow. So, sorry I missed out on the fun Aunt Tara!! Wish I could have been there! Hope you didn't have too much fun without me! Mommy is a little nervous about Olivia's appointment tomorrow, and certainly doesn't want Olivia to be in any pain...so, they better be nice!!! The pictures we took tonight are for the Davis family in California!!! Olivia was finaly able to fit in the onesie you got her a while ago!!! Doesn't she look cute!? We sure are proud of our Uncle Scott in the Marines and miss you all very much!! We love you!!!

A visit with Grandma...

Let's read this one Grandma!

Playing with Grandma's rocks..one of my favorite things!

Grandma had been asking for a "babysitting opportunity," so Mommy took advantage and went shopping with Angie today. Of course, we had to do lunch as well, but had a great day out. The sun finally started shining, so we went all over the place. Mommy didn't splurge, although she did find a few cute pairs of shoes that she had to get, and a few cute outfits from Old Navy. I have been having such a hard time finding shoes that would fit over Olivia's thick feet, so I had to go a few sizes bigger...hopefully the ones I got will fit, and she will be able to wear them for a while. If anyone else has suggestions on brands to buy that seemed to work great, I'm all ears! While we were shopping, Olivia had a great time with Grandma. Thanks Grandma!

Work Hard..Play Hard

Pay no attention to me...I'm just reading my book!

Stella has really started getting her own little personality..as you can see from her sweet smile!

Am I cute or what!?

Hi Daddy...you're so funny!

What's that on my head, Missy!?

Derrick and Angie came over today...the boys worked in the basement while the girls played with the kids! Sounds reasonable, right?? The boys finished the basement stairs...yeah! It was long overdue, and they look great! Mommy won't be so scared to walk downstairs to do the laundry now..they were pretty warn before, but they did a great job!! And, Mommy and Angie had a great time with the babies! As you can see, Stella is getting big already...not quite Olivia big, but big nonetheless! She needs a little more meat on her bones to catch up with Olivia, but she is doing good...what a little sweetheart! Olivia was in her face all day, of course, so we had to keep a close eye on her, but they had fun! I cannot wait until they are both on the move and realize they will be growing up together! Then comes the fun part of making sure they are sharing and not being mean to each other! :-)

Dinner and Aunt Jenny and Uncle Don's

What a sweet little face Miss Olivia..anyone believe she is this sweet and innocent!?

Thanks for the watch Grandpa!

OK Grandpa...whatever you say!

We went to dinner tonight and Grandpa and Grandma were there too! It had been a while since Olivia had seen them, so she was a little shy at first and didn't want to go to them. However, it didn't take long before she warmed right up and as you can see from the pictures, she was talking up a storm with Grandpa! The funny thing is, she has even been that way with Kathy who she sees every day? In the morning when Mommy would drop her off, as soon as it was time for Mommy to hand her over, she would just lay her head on my chest and not want to leave. It is so sad, and although Mommy loves it, I realize it is not a good thing. She must just be going through a little phase where she is more reserved when it comes to going to anyone else. Again, even though I love it and love that she knows I am Mommy, I don't want to get her in that mindset, so we're trying hard to make sure she knows it is okay to go to everyone else! Also, I know the phase won't last and there will be a time in the near future, she won't want anything to do with Mommy! It will definitely break my heart, but I know it's coming!!