February 12 & 13, 2012

Sunday morning Olivia & I had a nice start. We went to bed a little bit late the night before and so we took our time getting up - but not too long. Olivia spent a lot of time amusing herself in the pack 'n play. I took some videos - there are a few giggles in there! Look here & here. I got a lot of our morning chores done while Olivia happily swung in the swing. We're getting into some really pleasant routines. Olivia & I come downstairs by 10 at the latest and take care of all the animals, and tidy the downstairs. I was even able to run the vacuum without really waking her up - it started her a mite, but she didn't even blink. It feels nice to be able to keep up with 'the house'. With Adam home it should be even easier...unless his being helpful is counteracted by him creating more mess. Hmmm... I was even able to get yesterday's mail, which had two lovely Valentine's - a special hat & booties from Uncle Grant and some goodies from Mimi. Thank you!

I spent the morning uploading videos of Olivia to YouTube, but didn't get a chance to blog. It was too nice out to stay in so we decided to take a trip to the bookstore again. Olivia wore a Valentine's Day outfit, because we have a few and need to wear them all of course! It was so beautiful I didn't even need to wear my coat. (Don't worry I had it in the car, just in case.) We met Morgan at Barnes & Noble and did a little more shopping for our Valentines. Thank goodness that people are flexible & forgiving about receiving things late. Olivia made a little friend, but the friend really wanted to keep the new bear that Olivia got from Mimi. I can't blame her, it's very sweet, but it was a signal to her mommy that it was time to go. Sorry friend! We got Olivia a chunky board book of the Very Hungry Caterpillar and then left to get some lunch.

After lunch we went back to our house to watch some Downton Abbey. This was Morgan's introduction to the series and she was hooked! After Morgan left, Olivia & I let the pups out one more time and then went to bed. Our bedtime 'experiment' - of going upstairs by about 9pm and trying to be in bed by 10pm - seems to be working. I've been taking those extra hours of sleep for myself too, which is why I'm so behind in our blog - no more late nights of typing for me. Part of the reason is because I've been very tired, and very anemic. Hopefully this new regimen of iron supplements three times a day will start to put me on a peppier path!

Olivia slept from about 10pm until after 3:30am! I woke up, because of my 'alarm clock breasts', and saw the Northern Lights. How beautiful! They were shining in through the 'sunburst' at the top of our large bedroom window. I opened the blinds so that I could see them better. What a magical place - they really are such an amazing sight. The last time we saw them was the night Olivia began her entrance into the world. Adam said they were a sign, letting us know she would be coming, and she did!

Soon after I was up, Olivia got up too - thank goodness. I still had to pump after she ate though. We went back to sleep and were up again by 8 or so.

Our Monday morning went about the same as Sunday - with fewer chores. Yet another gorgeous day!! Jessica Abel came over this morning and we looked at baby pictures and visited for a little before going out for lunch. Olivia got to wear some Valentine pants again! We also hooked some toys to the handle of her car seat, to keep her more entertained. She spends a lot of time looking around, especially in the mornings. I think she's getting used to taking trips during the day. I know Sophie is getting used to it because as soon as I put Olivia in the car seat, Sophie goes to her kennel! Smart dog!

After lunch, we ran a couple of errands - the post office & the commissary - and came back home. Jessica stayed with Olivia in the car while I ran inside. She's so good! She was changing Olivia in the back seat when I came back out. Thank goodness I have such helpful friends.

I managed to shovel - which really means chop through the 4 inches of compacted snow - the driveway...well about a third of it. Olivia is so toasty, that she snuggled in her car seat with a blankie & a hat and snoozed. She was happy to be in the fresh air, and so was I. After about an hour, it was time to head inside and feed Olivia.

Our replacement infant video monitor arrived today. So far, it's working fine! Thank goodness - it's here in the nick of time.

Morgan joined us for some more Downton in the evening. We're now up to episode six of season two. We're almost caught up! I'm so glad they're doing a third season! Olivia really enjoyed Downton too, as you can see here...


Since Morgan has to work Tuesday, she left around 9pm, which worked for our bedtime too. Up we went, and after a quick shower and some snuggling we were both sleeping happily.