March 10 - 17, 2012

First of all, let me apologize for the tardiness of this entry. As most of you know, Olivia & I took an unexpected trip to Connecticut to spend some time with my grandfather. The hurried plans, preparation, traveling and (once we arrived) the hugging and visiting has taken precedence over the blog. As eager as I am to keep everyone, especially Adam, up-to-date something had to fall by the wayside and this time it was the blog. BUT I have been taking pictures and will get you all caught up!

*Pictures will be added once we're back in Alaska!*

Saturday, March 10th - Olivia & I got up around 5am. Olivia fell back asleep but I was awake. I spent much of this quiet time in the morning packing for our trip to Connecticut. It's a short trip, and both Mimi & Nana have been collecting many things for Olivia in Connecticut so we won't have to pack a lot of things. Still, there are always plenty of things that have to come along. It always seems to take up more room than you expect. We went out around 10 to do get some bird seed for Bertram and then we picked up Taco Bell for lunch. It was just a quick trip out though because we had more to do at home! Olivia obliged me, as I was bustling about, by playing nicely & amusing herself. Around 1 she fell asleep on my bed, and I joined her for a much-needed nap. At 3:00 we had a Skype date with Stacy-Lee. So nice to see her smiling face! Around 4:30 we had a visit from Crystal & Ethan. This was the first time we've gotten together since Olivia was born. Ethan is so big! Such big beautiful blue eyes! And already a little gentleman - he brought flowers for Olivia. His mommy is bringing him up 'right'! After they left we did some more chores and preparation for our trip. It was late when I brought Olivia upstairs, but she had been sleeping next to me for a long time.

Sunday, March 11th - This morning we had a wonderful start - we got to Skype with Uncle Kyle & Aunty Jeri! I gave them a little tour of the house while Olivia was still asleep and then they got to see Olivia playing in her nursery. It was so nice to get to see them! Next we Skyped with Mimi & Pop while Olivia had a bath. Once we were clean & dressed Olivia & I went over to the Abel's house for breakfast. Jessica made us waffles as a special treat! Delicious! We spent some time there talking about research papers, and Sarah helped me brush Olivia's head - she seems to have a mild case of cradle cap. We all went to Family Yoga where we had lots of fun. Sarah loved the new mat with butterflies that I got her! We got dinner at the McDonald's drive-thru and dropped the Abel ladies off. I had also picked up a meal for Morgan who was joining us for our Sunday shows. We watched a couple episodes of Once Upon a Time and had lots of fun, as usual! Morgan agreed to check in on the dogs on her days off and to take care of Bertram.

Monday, March 12th - Most of the day was spent in final preparations for our trip to Connecticut. Laundry, last-minute packing, cleaning, etc. Ashley from next door came over and seems ready to mind the dogs. With Morgan's help they will all be taken care of in grand style, I am sure. Around lunchtime Veronica came over with Wendy's and to keep me company. I had pre-trip jitters and it was nice to pass the time in good conversation. We went to the airport at 3 for our 5:30 flight. Olivia was a little fussy in the lounge area but fine once we got on the plane. She nursed during take-off and the pressure change didn't seem to bother her. One strange thing - I had planned to wear her in my Snuggli front carrier for the flight but was asked to take her out. The flight attendant told me this was a new FAA regulation because "in the case of a crash, [I] might smother her." This seems strange to me. In the case of a crash, if she's not secure/fastened to me, wouldn't she just fly about the cabin? Roll up the aisle? Is that really safer?! So I held her the whole trip. I think this is really just the airline's way of trying to sell an additional seat and make the 'infant in arms' option less attractive. We got into Seattle on time and went right to our gate. The airline representative who gave us our boarding pass was very kind and since it wasn't a full flight, he arranged for us to be in a row by ourselves. On this flight they said nothing about my front carrier. After a bit I took her out and laid her down across the two seats beside me. She slept the whole way. I didn't sleep a wink, making sure she didn't roll off the seats. She was awake for the landing but once again the pressure change didn't seem to fret her.

Tuesday, March 13th - We reached JFK airport right on time. It was so nice to be greeted by family - especially because Olivia got to meet Pop for the first time! We took our time getting ourselves together, hydrating and collecting our bags. Then we started to wend our way home to Connecticut. First stop was at Pop's office to see all his co-workers. It was a beautiful day and Olivia was met with such smiling faces. What a treat! Then we grabbed a bite to eat at Panera and headed to New Milford. When we got to Old Ridge, we saw all the hard work that Mimi & Pop have been doing to get ready for Olivia's visit. In only a matter of days they managed to create a fabulous baby wonderland! Mimi showed us all the beautiful things they've been storing in Olivia's baby 'trousseau'. Next we were joined by Aunty Kari, who got to see Olivia for the first time! Such a happy day. In the evening we visited Grandpa at the hospital. He was fairly lucid and awake. He gave me a kiss and patted Olivia on the head. That moment made the whole trip worth while, not that all the other visits didn't mean the world to me, but I'm so glad to have seen him. We kept Olivia awake until about 8pm when she was clearly VERY ready to go to bed. I think we've hurdled the time change with aplomb.

Wednesday, March 14th - Aunty Kari took today off to spend with her niece. We spent some time visiting at home and then got Olivia spiffed up. We washed her hair and dressed her in a pretty pastel dress with shirt attached. It had little pink bloomers and she wore pink sneakers too. She's just a pink kind of girl! Then we went to John Pettibone School, where Mimi works, and surprised all the ladies. They were very happy to see her! She is a superstar! Then we went to TJMaxx where we found a pretty dress for Sarah Abel and a pretty dress for Olivia. Next stop was the Mobil Station - which has a fantastic deli - for sandwiches to take home. Aunty Kari, Olivia & I watched some episodes of the tv show Dollhouse. It was so beautiful out that Mimi, Kari, Olivia & I went for a walk - Olivia's first time in a stroller! - and enjoyed the sunshine. After Pop got home we ordered Chinese food. We went to visit Grandpa at the hospital, he was not very good, and then picked up our dinner. Ann came over to visit with Olivia and brought her some beautiful books! Olivia loves books and spent lots of time looking at them right away with Mimi. In the evening we watched some shows and then to bed!

 

Thursday, March 15th - Olivia & I got a quick start this morning. She is such a funny baby - look at the elaborate headdress she made of her blanket in her sleep. Silly girl, she always makes me laugh. Although this was a nice 'look', I opted for something a little more wearable. We put on a pretty onsesie and some fun pink pants that had a ruffly skirt attached. We stopped at the Mobil Station for a breakfast sandwich and then surprised Kim & Peter at the Bridgewater Congregational Church. We shared happy news about Adam's return & talked about Olivia's Christening in June. They were very glad to meet little Olivia! Then we drove down to East Haven to see Nana. She was SO happy to meet her granddaughter! We had such a nice visit. We only had a couple hours there and then Nana had to go to an appointment. We came back to New Milford. Stacy-Lee was waiting for us and we got a coffee at Starbucks and went back to Old Ridge where her fiance, Robin, joined us. We spent the rest of the night at home. Olivia really seems to enjoy the high chair that Mimi & Pop got her. She joined us at the table and later she sat in it in the living room (a safe height when there are little hopping dogs about). It was also the perfect height for watching Pop dance. Entertainment for everyone!

Friday, March 16th - Olivia & I slept until about 7am. We nursed and then fell back asleep in the bed until 10. It was a lovely, peaceful morning. We got ready in a flash and went to visit Kari at Schaghticoke Middle School. Olivia wore a pretty pink & grey Calvin Klein outfit and her blue shoes with pink ribbon laces. After visiting there we went on to New Milford High School and saw all of my old colleagues. We were there until it was time to pick Mimi up at John Pettibone School. Aunty Kari met us there and we went over to Starbucks & then Prisca Nails for a pedicure. Jaime joined us and we had a nice girls' afternoon. Next we zipped down to the Danbury Fair Mall. Papa met us at UNO's Pizza for dinner. Olivia really wanted some of Aunty Kari's Mediterranean pizza. We did some shopping - things for me, things for Olivia, things for Adam. Olivia spent most of the evening snuggled with Pop - and was very happy about it. He showed her the Michael Kors store - Olivia is very fashion forward you know - and let her drool all over his sport coat. We went home around 9pm when Olivia was ready for bed and so was I!

Saturday, March 17th - Olivia & I got a slow start this morning. She needed a bath & I needed a shower. Mimi & Aunty Kari helped us with the bath in the kitchen sink. Olivia enjoyed kicking the water out, the sprayer keeping her belly wet and the rubber ducky. After drying off in a fluffy white towel, we dressed her in her fancy St. Patrick's Day outfit. Today Olivia is twelve weeks old! We took lots of pictures of her to mark the occasion. (Like we need an excuse to take pictures!) Then Mimi, Olivia & I went to visit Nana. At Nana's house we read some wonderful books and played in the pack 'n play. We went shopping at TJMaxx - Olivia is a fashionista! She & Nana & Mimi looked at pocketbooks while I found some things to wear for Adam's welcome home events. We also picked up a few things for Olivia, naturally. Then it was lunch at Chili's. We headed home and made a quick stop in Woodbridge at Eckmount to see Madame Constance. Olivia thought Eckmount was beautiful - so many lovely things to see, especially Madame! Olivia was Christened with a wonderful new pet name - "Jolie Oli" - by Madame. We love it! After our visit we went back to Mimi's house. Olivia napped for the whole drive home. She was fairly tired when we got back to Old Ridge, but did not want to take a nap. I gave up after a bit, and waited until 8pm when she was ready to go to bed. Kari brought over some soda bread and we watched The Quiet Man, of course.

March 7 - 9, 2012

Wednesday Olivia & I got a good head of steam going in the morning and went on errands right away. Even though it was still a little snowy, (when isn't it, really?), we made it over to Fred Meyer's with no trouble. We were able to get all our shopping done there. It's so convenient for me to be able to shop at places like this and only have to take the car seat in and out once, especially now that Olivia is getting bigger/heavier.

We were joined by Jessica Abel for a lunch of healthy salads and some good conversation. She had just come from a workout. I am looking forward to doing some exercising, perhaps once Adam is home. Although I have lost a considerable amount of weight in these past ten weeks, I still don't have my body back in fighting form. I'm sure things will never be quite the same, and I am not upset by that, but I'd like to have a little more strength - for hefting Olivia if nothing else!

We took about a 30 minute nap on the couch together. Our new goal is to have two naps during the day. I'm trying very hard to watch for cues that Olivia is tired and might need a rest. Hopefully we can get as good of a nap routine going as we have of a bedtime routine.

After our short nap we went back out to Baby & Me yoga and then the post office. We mailed off two boxes full of Girl Scout cookies to Laura & family and a package of photo cds to Uncle Grant. I hope they get there in a timely manner. I have been a little disappointed in the Fort Wainwright mail lately.

In the evening we were joined by Morgan for take-out from the Food Factory and the Disney movie Rio. I had never seen it, and found it very sweet. Loved the music! Although Olivia had napped through the whole movie we went to bed early because Thursday was going to be a very early start for all of us!

Thursday morning we were on the road by 7:00. We picked up coffee for Morgan and met at her house before she drove me over to the dentist. It was a marathon of dental work for me! Seven fillings, one crown and four hours later Morgan picked me up. Olivia had been very good for her (thank goodness) and continued to be good for me (another thank goodness). The rest of the day was spent quietly at home. My mouth was fairly sore and I was very tired. I feel extremely lucky that Olivia was 'on board' with the whole idea.

The yoga mats that I ordered arrived in the evening. I got one each for Sarah & Olivia (I know it's a bit premature) with butterflies and one for myself - pink with dragonflies. Now Adam can use my blue one when he's home and we do Family Yoga. I also got the book I ordered. Itsy Bitsy Yoga by Helen Garabedian. I'm excited to try some of the gentle stretches and poses that are supposed to help your baby's digestion, sleep and development!

Olivia was so cute cuddling with both Pammy & Mingo tonight. I couldn't keep up with photographing all the funny things she was doing. As soon as I put the phone down, she'd do something else - like balance Mingo on her head, or bite Pammy's face, or smush them both in close to her. Here are a few of the moments I was able to capture.

Friday we got going early, again. I rushed around and did chores. Olivia is
so happy in the mornings that it makes it the best time to get things done. First stop was the mailbox because the USPS tracking website said our diapers were (finally!) delivered. Hooray! Then we went to the pharmacy to pick up some prescription refills and then over to the px for just a few odds and ends. She was so good the whole time and so alert! Then it was back home for us. It was windy out, which is unusual in Fairbanks, and it made it feel so much colder than it really was. I felt chilled and unused to the unpleasant sensation of wind blasting snow in my face and was ready to cuddle up with a warm baby indoors.

 

Look at all our new cloth diapers!

Olivia matches the diapers!

Once home, I nursed Olivia and then put her in her crib for a nap. She slept a little while, at least long enough for me to eat a bit and do some more chores, but then she wanted to be with me - which always makes me happy. I brought her into my room and we both took a nap for another few hours. Right after I laid down, but after Olivia had fallen back asleep, the doorbell rang.  I surrounded her with pillows (she was in the middle of our big bed) and went to see who it was. When I got to the door no one was there. I am sure it was one of the young people from next door. I wish people weren't so impatient with the doorbell, etc. Usually they ring it two or three times by the time I get to the door, and now they could not wait long enough for me to get there. I wasn't meandering about; I went straight there. I was just on the other side of the house with a baby! Uff da. I imagined this happening again and again as I tried to nap, so I wrote a nice note and put it on the door with a magnetic clip. I asked for patience after ringing the bell. Please!

Olivia and I played a bunch in the late afternoon. It's so much fun to watch her anticipate things. I sat her up on the couch and I slowly crawl towards her to give her a kiss. As I get closer and closer she smiles bigger and bigger and squeals. It's so cute. We also read our Touch & Feel Bunny book. Olivia spent a long time looking at the pages and touching them. She loves new textures. I'm so impressed by her attention span and her interest in things. All day she was amenable to whatever I chose for her to do. She was in the swing for about 30 minutes looking around and dozing off. She sat in her chair and looked at the bugs for about 25 minutes. All these times she amuses herself are wonderful to watch, and also let me get some pesty chores done. Particularly those chores which are tough to do while holding a baby. I feel very very lucky to have such a happy girl. What a blessing.

We went upstairs around 8:30 and were both asleep by 10.