May 13, 2012

Sunday, May 13th

Although last year I was an expectant mother on Mothers' Day, this was my first real Mothers' Day and it was very special. Olivia wanted me to know how important I am to her, so she woke up bright and early and did not want to be parted. After a little while, some nursing & rocking, Daddy took her downstairs to finish their special projects. I went back to sleep for a little bit.

When I went downstairs an hour or so later, I was met by a hungry baby and a lovely gift. Adam & Olivia made me some beautiful stenciled towels - with some of Olivia's own handiwork. Adam had wanted to put Olivia's handprints on the towel, but she hadn't been cooperative so it has her 'painting' instead. I love it.

Then we had delicious chocolate chip pancakes with Adam's homemade birch syrup. The syrup was very tasty! It tastes more like an extract and is much, much more flavorful than any maple syrup I've had. I think I prefer its taste.

After breakfast we all got dressed and went to Sam's Club. We only had a few things to get so it didn't take very long. Adam & Olivia treated me to some lovely flowers and my favorite lunch - a hot dog! Then we went to the park next to the library and enjoyed the sunny day while waiting for the library to open.

Olivia got to meet my friend Ann, the reference librarian who supervises the volunteers. Ann suggested that Olivia & I come to 'Mother Moose' a baby storytime and I think we will! I was looking for the newest Aunt Dimity book (Aunt Dimity & the Village Witch) but it is still on order.

When we got home, Adam & Olivia spent a lot of time together downstairs so that I could work on some art projects. I made Olivia's Syttende Mai onesie, since that's just around the corner! Then I began painting a jewelry box for Olivia. I could smell all sorts of tasty aromas wafting up from downstairs. Adam had made two kinds of muffins - yum! Olivia helped by playing in her high chair with her happy fruits & veggies. She's such a big girl.

It was a wonderful, wonderful day & I feel very blessed.

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!

May 7 - 8, 2012

Monday, May 7th

This morning Olivia & Daddy let me go back to bed after the 5 o'clock feeding for another couple of hours rest, which was very thoughtful of them. Olivia & Adam got to talk to Nana on the phone and they sang songs. Olivia is lucky to have a Dad who's so fun.

When I went downstairs, I joined them for some more music fun. We watched some clips of Oscar Levant playing Tchaikovsky - Olivia was very impressed. Then we went upstairs and got Olivia dressed and ready for some errands. Today it was Jessica errands. First, however, we went to the Chowder House for some lunch. While there we saw some of our favorite people - the Brouillettes! That made it a double treat! Next stop was Jo-Ann fabrics for a couple of necessities. After that we went and got (just a taste!) of ice cream from Hot Licks. 'Tis the season!

When we got home I nursed Olivia and then we both started to take a nap. My nap lasted longer than Olivia's. Fortunately, Adam was there to play with lil Miss. I think I must be developing some spring allergies - or perhaps it's just the large quantity of birch pollen that's in the air would affect anyone? At any rate, I'm trying to nip whatever it is in the bud. Got a chance to sneak in a phone call to Aunty Natalie, but when I got up to try and put Olivia on the phone...she was not very conversational.

Monday is also the biggest cleaning day in our house and Adam & I successfully split the chores between us today so that someone was always able to play with Olivia. At one point we introduced her to the fun, but simple game where you tap a balloon back and forth between you & try to keep it from hitting the ground. Once again, I'm not sure who was more entertained - Olivia or the 'grown-ups'. Soon it was time for another feeding and then some more bananas! Mmmmm.

After eating those tasty bananas, Olivia & Daddy watched some Sesame Street clips online, in English AND Norwegian! Wowie! You can find anything on the internet nowadays! So much excitement, (and probably the lack of nap), knocked Olivia out and she slept right in Daddy's arms. Sweet baby. An early bedtime for her & Adam...but not for Mommy who was up all night. Oh well. Tomorrow's another day!





Tuesday, May 8th

This morning it was tough to get up because I hadn't gotten much sleep. During the night I had, however, managed to organize paperwork, the photo bins, all our greeting cards from the past two years, a scrapbook box for Adam & I, and one for Olivia. So at least those small projects that were lingering in the back of my mind were taken care of. More and more I feel like I will have to relegate those types of projects/chores to the middle of the night - when the house is quiet and everyone else is asleep. There just doesn't seem to be time to get them done during the day. I had thought that with Adam returning from the deployment that my time for such tasks would increase exponentially...well what I had forgotten was that Adam & I come up with so many fun project ideas that the projects increase exponentially, too!

Adam was able to come home for about half an hour in the morning and feed Olivia. She seems to like taking solids from him better than from me. (I think it's because I look like one giant boob to her - and the fact that she will try to nurse on any part of me she gets a-hold of seems to support that.) More bananas for Olivia! We're trying to be good about introducing foods to her slowly; following the 'four day' rule just in case we discover Olivia has a food allergy. There aren't many food allergies in the family, but it can't hurt to take it cautiously. We're also keeping a food journal, so we can start to determine the best times to eat and her favorites. Right now it's a small list and easy to remember, but I'm sure it will come in handy as we start adding more and more things to her diet.

After Adam returned to work, Olivia & I spent a lot of time together. She did cooperate and amuse herself long enough for me to take a quick shower, but other than that she was attached to me the whole morning. It's lovely, (wasn't I just saying how much I like 'reconnecting'? he-he), but when there are things that must get done it can get frustrating. When the dog pees on the carpet, or when I'm down to the wire to prepare for a Board Meeting, I wish that I had a second pair of hands. I'm sure every parent feels this way. It has certainly made me very appreciative of how hard working parents have it. I remarked to Adam several times today how much tougher this would be if I had a 'real' job. We are fortunate that one of us is able to stay home and care for Olivia at all times, although it is definitely an adjustment for me. My wings feel a little clipped, and the brakes have been put on my ability to volunteer within the community. However, Olivia is a definite priority!

(Through the nursing, the rocking and the crying I was able to prepare most of what I needed for my meetings today. Thank goodness.)

At one o'clock we all went to the GBG greenhouse to prepare the seedlings for our plot of vegetables, herbs & flowers. What a great experience this is for all of us! With the expert help, the superb location, the state-of-the-art facilities & the hearty varieties of proven seeds, we have no excuses for failure! I helped get the sowing started and Adam & Olivia finished it up while I went to the Board Meeting & talked about fund-raising. Adam discovered that the greenhouse has a soporific effect on Olivia! What a boon!

After an afternoon of hard, but rewarding, work we grabbed some fast food and went home for the evening. Tonight Olivia was able to lean over the basket of toys in the nursery, with no assistance and pick out a toy to play with! How cool! She chose the very colorful Eric Carle butterfly from Uncle Chris & Aunt Lisa. She played for a while and then had a snack of some bananas and is now in bed. What a productive day!

May 6, 2012

Today was a pretty restive day. In the morning we Skyped with Mimi, Boppy & Kari for quite some time. Olivia spent much of the time 'talking' to them. Mimi made the mistake of saying, "Olivia, you're awfully quiet," and that opened the floodgates. Olivia's new favorite mode of 'talking' is to echo your tone, and with me she likes to sing it right into my mouth. It looks like she's eating me or we're shouting directly at each other. I think it's just another way she's trying to figure out how sounds are made - like grabbing my lips, etc.

After that Olivia & I spent a long time relaxing in the nursery. Olivia fell asleep sitting on my lap and it had been a long time since I'd held her for a whole nap...and I kind of missed it. So I cuddled my baby for a while.

Later in the afternoon we all went on some errands. Olivia & I spent most of the time in the car because Adam was doing 'secret shopping' for Mothers' Day. When we got home, Adam fed Olivia some bananas ... and she LOVED them! Hooray! Success with solids!

In the evening Adam was called away to help some soldiers so Olivia & I had more time alone. Today was truly a day for us to reconnect (as if we were disconnected?). Since she had napped for such a long time in the afternoon, it took two attempts to put Olivia to bed. The second time I came back in, picked her up and she fell asleep within two verses of "The Tail Song". Sometimes it's nice to feel like she just wants her mom.

May 5, 2012

Today all three of us spent most of the day at home. Olivia was once again an eating machine! This makes is more difficult to get out, since I know she'll almost always be hungry while we're out & about. Oh well, this will probably change soon. It seems that just as I'm getting used to a phase and I think, "Oh this is nice. I have this under control now. I wouldn't mind if Olivia stayed like this forever," then it changes. It's hard to believe that she's 19 weeks old today. Where does the time go?!

We had interesting weather here today. Rain & hail in the morning and then a long period of sunshine and then more rain & hail. During the sunshiney part we all went for a walk. We took the path through the woods and around the block. It was a nice change, but Sophie & I had to explain to the rest of the group that it's best to jog through the woods since the mosquitoes are out in full force. Last year I'd have to slow down to shoo them off her EYES! Uff da! Those mosquitoes better not come near Olivia!

In the afternoon we spent a lot of time in the nursery - practicing rolling over, playing silly baby games, singing made-up Daddy songs, listening to classical music. It was very nice. Olivia seems to have mastered the 'assisted stand' and loves looking at things from new perspectives. So we try standing on all sorts of new surfaces & heights. Her baby world is certainly expanding!

In the evening Olivia went to her first birthday party. Miss Amelia is turning two and today was her party. It was fun to get together with a lot of our friends for the first time since the deployment. Olivia was a good sport and wore a party hat until it became too cold in the shade and she had to wear a regular hat. We stayed at the party until Olivia started to cry - time to eat again! Home we went.

It was a very nice, calm day.

May 4, 2012

Friday, May 4th

Today was a very full day. Our day started right about when Daddy came home for breakfast. Olivia decided to wear Daddy's favorite corduroy overalls and a fun orange shirt with chickens on it from Sherrylee. Olivia is so lucky that Adam gets to come home in the mornings right now. It's her favorite part of the routine.

One thing that was clearly not her favorite was a small 'incident' - Olivia was relaxing in her vibrating chair, visiting with her bugs and I left the room to start a load of laundry. When I noticed a different 'fussy' sound I came back to find Olivia laying on her stomach on the bedroom carpet! She must have scooted herself right out of the seat and turned over. Adam & I both made it to her at about the same moment, but boy was she unhappy. And we were both a little shaken ourselves. Although it was only a matter of inches that she slid down, it still drove home the point that she is becoming mobile and can no longer be left somewhere without being strapped in.

After Daddy went back to work, Olivia & I went out on errands. We had a long list of miscellaneous items to get and so we went to a couple of stores. Olivia was very cooperative & quiet at our first stop - although I was still feeling guilty about the tumble so I was wishing she would burble at me. By the time we got to the third store she was 'talking' up a blue streak. Phew! All was well.

The tumbling incident compounded some feelings I'd been having lately about not being a 'good mom'. Intellectually I know that is not the case and that I'm doing the best I can, but emotionally I was a little glum. Today I had to buy some infant formula because I've been having trouble meeting Olivia's nursing demands. I know it is at this age when this starts to happen, hence the introduction of 'solid' foods; that many many children have been happily & healthily raised on formula (including myself!); and that supplementing her diet isn't a bad thing. I know all this. I still felt lousy. I wanted to be able to continue this wonderful bonding that we've had and the thought that it's coming to a close made me a little sad. So, I bought myself a box of animal crackers & a soda and called my dear friend Jessica and she cheered me up and gave me some really good advice. She's so wonderful.


After we got home we spent a lot of time playing in the nursery. Olivia prefers to be naked some times, so that's how she spent the afternoon. She also seems more inclined to roll when she's au naturel. She kept almost going all the way over, stopping as she lay on her side. But she really enjoyed it and so did I. We played with a great toy from Anne & Pete R. I think it may be her new favorite.



Adam had a very busy afternoon and only had a few moments to spare when returned at four. A whole 'crew' from his platoon was here to help him retrieve our piano. Olivia & I stayed home with Corinne Z. and set out a spread of healthy snacks for the fellas to enjoy when they got back. It seemed to take them no time at all and then voila! we had a piano in our front room! What a fantastic Mother's Day gift for me, and for Olivia, too. It felt really good to sit down & play.

Today was a day where Olivia's favorite musical artist really nailed it, we "get by with a little help from our friends."