May 9 -12, 2012

Wednesday, May 9th

This morning Olivia was in a very good humor. She slept well so by the time we had 'second breakfast', she was rarin' to go - which was good 'cause so was I! We got to see Dad as he stopped by for his breakfast snack, ran around and did our morning chores and then we were off on an adventure!

First we picked up Jessica Abel, because an adventure is always more fun with friends. First we went to Fred Meyer. We happened to meet the lovely Teresa & Amelia on our way in - which was a treat. Then our second treat was a celebratory Starbucks. (Jessica just finished her second semester at UAF the night before. Congratulations!) We managed to find everything on our 'general' shopping list, and more. How could I resist the ruffled red, white & blue bathing suit for Olivia?!

Next stop - the shoe store. As spring rolled around I had to throw out three pairs of shoes - a pair of clogs, a pair of boots & a pair of hiking/walking shoes. The clogs were taking in water every time we walked, the walking shoes kept giving me blisters & the boots were just...gross. At first I was really disappointed in the clogs. "I just got these," I thought...until I realized they were about 14 years old. I guess they lasted long enough. I found a good pair of Teva walking/hiking shoes, but no clogs in sight. I also saw that they had no infant shoes. Although Olivia has lots of cute little shoes, I was thinking about getting her a sturdy pair to help her learn to walk. Mimi sent me my first pair of baby shoes, I guess she could wear mine.

After that we went to Blueberry Baby to get some flushable, biodegradable diaper liners now that Olivia is eating more solid foods. Unfortunately they were out of stock. I will try looking online.

Since we were in the neighborhood, we stopped by the Botanical Garden to show Jessica where our vegetable plot is going to be. She is going to help us weed the garden - especially during the couple weeks while we are on leave & traveling. At the past two stops Olivia was pretty clear about wanting to be out of her car seat. I can't blame her for wanting to have more range of movement and a better view of what's going on - and at the gardens she was able to enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine. Jessica helped Olivia practice her planks.

 Next we went to Pizza Hut for the lunch buffet. Olivia sat in the high chair! Such a big girl! This is a whole new world of restuaranting for us! After our tasty treat we went home and Olivia fell asleep in the car. Since she was sleeping so nicely, I rolled down the windows and let her sleep in the car & car seat while I did some gardening right next to the driveway.  Soon she woke up, but it was nice to get some things done outside.

Tonight Olivia tried pears...and she LOVED them! She ate almost a whole jar of pears! It's a real relief that she is starting to enjoy solid foods. Now if only I could get her to take a little water...

After Olivia went to bed I finished knitting a baby sweater for a friend who is having a little girl soon. I finally figured out my gauge issues and it is exactly the size that I wanted. Phew! And now that my hands have finally returned to normal and my fingers are working properly maybe I can start to knit some more for Olivia. Although who knows what size she'll be in a few months!?

Thursday, May 10th

This morning Olivia had more pears for breakfast - yum! She really really likes them! Since she enjoyed them so much I pureed the two organic pears that we had ripening on the counter. We have a little store of pears now - I wonder how long they'll last?

Today Olivia helped me lead Garden Discovery tours at the Botanic Gardens. We had fun introducing about 48 third graders from Fort Wainwright to basic plant science and fun garden facts. Olivia may have been a bigger hit with the children than the garden was. At one point she had a child holding each hand, one caressing her brow and another two just cooing over her. I had to 'admonish' her for distracting the class. (wink wink) It had started as a cool, overcast morning but was lovely & sunny while the school groups were visiting - which was very fortunate. At the end Olivia slept in my arms, enjoying the sunshine.

We got Olivia's Baby Bjorn soft bib, in pink of course! We have many fantastic cloth bibs - of every color - but Adam was really taken with this type of bib. It's what the triplets use, and since they are such an awesome trio we take lots of parenting cues from Lisa & Chris.

This evening Daddy prepared a fancy dinner - Cornish game hens with stuffing and roasted carrots & sweet potatoes. Yum yum!

Friday, May 11th

Olivia & I had a nice morning at home - nowhere to hurry to today! We played in the nursery & enjoyed the morning light that shines through her windows. Olivia seemed to notice the little yellow bird that sits inside one of her birdhouses today. She kept leaning forward to stare intently. I love it when she finds something 'new'. It certainly makes me feel good about creating this 'busy' environment.

When Olivia had lunch with Daddy today she couldn't eat her pears fast enough! She opened her mouth so wide it was almost comical! At one point Adam was briefly distracted, talking to Mimi on speakerphone, and Olivia stared at him with her mouth gaping as if to say, "Hey you with the pears! Over here!"

After Olivia had lunch she joined Leanne & I for lunch at the Chowder House. We had a great time talking and Olivia enjoyed flirting with the other patrons. I kept noticing the couples near our table winking at her and smiling. It's nice to know that she makes so many people happy.

Daddy had to work late today so Olivia & I stopped by with a brownie treat. Olivia enjoyed looking at the sparkly decorations in the Day Room.

In the evening we spent a lot of time playing and practicing our 'talking'. Adam laughed at how freely I 'chew' on her and blow raspberries in her armpits & on her neck - just to make her giggle. We'll do anything for a laugh.

 Saturday, May 12th

Today was a very busy day! Adam got up very early because he had to assemble for the Salute To Our Military Parade. The town of Fairbanks really put on a grand event, with crowds lining the route and everyone waving flags, applauding & cheering. Adam says that in all his years in the army this is the first time a parade has been given in his (their) honor. I'm so glad that we were able to be there to enjoy it as well.


Olivia got up early also, to get ourselves ready. We packed our goodies for the day and got all spiffed up. Jessica & Sarah joined us for a nice breakfast and then we caravaned to the parade. Olivia & Sarah looked very patriotic in their red, white & blue. Sarah is so sweet to Olivia! We had fun watching the parade together, our little deployment family.

After the parade we found Daddy in Pioneer Park & took him and SSG Komarek to lunch. Today was a day to celebrate our soldiers. We all needed a rest after that and went home. Although Olivia seemed like she was tired, she refused to nap. We brought her to cuddle with us on our bed, hoping she would doze but she was too enthralled with Daddy. After playing & reading magazines & watching tv, Adam & I were ready to nod off...but not Olivia! So we packed her into the car, got some ice cream and drove to the top of Birch Hill. That did the trick! Olivia slept for a bit in the car.

Once we were home Olivia ate pears mixed with rice cereal. I wonder if she's a little constipated after eating all these solids so I tried and tried to get her to take some water by bottle. I even resorted to subterfuge - since she's so keen on my Dr.Pepper - but it did not really work. She took about half an ounce, which I guess is better than nothing.

Then Daddy & I took turns getting her ready for bed. When she finally fell asleep she fell hard. It was a long & busy day for a little girl!