Sunday, July 24, 2011
Lazy Days of Summer
Sorry we haven't been blogging very much lately. We have been enjoying our summer (well, we were enjoying it until the heat index hit 120- and you notice I'm blogging again, haha). 
Despite the heat, we've been spending afternoons at the pool, grilling out with friends, taking long walks along the trails and just lazing around the house. 
And by "lazing" I mean cleaning, playing with Olivia, cleaning, baby proofing the house, cleaning, laundry, and more cleaning (it never ends). :) 
Oh, and did I mention crawling??? Yep, we officially have a crawler in the house (hence the need to step up the baby proofing). She hasn't exactly taken off like a rocket or anything, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before those tentative inchings warp into super speed. 
I've included a few pictures from our summer, since no post is complete without pictures.
Anything you can do. . .
. . .Olivia will try to do better. Including yelling. This is a regular pastime in our house these days.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy 4th of July!
Olivia and her friend Finn hanging out at the cookout. . .
Olivia decided to give Finn a "kiss" (aka lick his face)
. . . but she was denied! haha
And here are a couple of pictures from earlier that day. For some reason, this first one reminds me of Popeye!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Crabs, Donuts and Very Little Sleep
This past weekend, we headed down to Hampton Roads for a family visit and crab feast/cookout. We learned several valuable lessons over the weekend, including:
1. The Blueberry Big Mac donut from O'DoodleDoo's sounds disgusting but is actually delicious (for the record, it's a blueberry donut cut into three sections, filled with a lemon cream cheese filling and dusted with funnel cake mix).
2. Olivia is a light sleeper, and sharing a room with mommy and daddy means nobody gets any sleep.
3. Crystal Light Margarita mix tastes pretty darn good once you figure out the right mix to water to tequila ratio.
4. We should be getting all of our meat and seafood from Darrell and Karen from now on (and we won't ask any questions about where it comes from for that price!).
5. My dad fries up a mean hushpuppy.
6. Olivia has entered the stage where she only wants to go to mommy and daddy, which is adorable for about 2 minutes until you realize you can't take advantage of anyone else being in the house because she won't go to them anyway. (This did get better by the end of the weekend, as evidenced by this video of Olivia with her Pawpi!)
And a few pictures from the weekend. . .
1. The Blueberry Big Mac donut from O'DoodleDoo's sounds disgusting but is actually delicious (for the record, it's a blueberry donut cut into three sections, filled with a lemon cream cheese filling and dusted with funnel cake mix).
2. Olivia is a light sleeper, and sharing a room with mommy and daddy means nobody gets any sleep.
3. Crystal Light Margarita mix tastes pretty darn good once you figure out the right mix to water to tequila ratio.
4. We should be getting all of our meat and seafood from Darrell and Karen from now on (and we won't ask any questions about where it comes from for that price!).
5. My dad fries up a mean hushpuppy.
6. Olivia has entered the stage where she only wants to go to mommy and daddy, which is adorable for about 2 minutes until you realize you can't take advantage of anyone else being in the house because she won't go to them anyway. (This did get better by the end of the weekend, as evidenced by this video of Olivia with her Pawpi!)
And a few pictures from the weekend. . .
Monday, June 27, 2011
9 Month Checkup
Somehow, Olivia is 9 months old already. I am not sure exactly how we got here- she was just born, like, 2 minutes ago. These past 9 months have been the most exciting and exhausting time of our lives. I look back at pictures and video of Olivia's first few months in the world and it seems like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time. I have had so much fun watching her grow and learn, and I am looking forward to sharing so many "firsts" with her- especially the first time she tastes ice cream (not sure why I think this will be so awesome, but she's my kid, so she's sure to love it)!
On Tuesday, we went to the pediatrician for Olivia's 9 month checkup. She weighed in at 19 lbs 3 oz, right smack in the middle of the curve. On the length spectrum, however, she's only in the 15th percentile, so that would explain all her rolls. She has as much fat as the average baby but significantly less area to which it can disperse. Health-wise, she's looking great, and she's meeting or exceeding all of her cognitive and verbal milestones. Her physical development, however, is another story.
She's not putting weight on her legs (at least not much) like most other babies her age. So we'll likely be going back to her ortho a bit early- we aren't due back for her regular check up until September. In addition, the Early Intervention Center is going to be coming to the house to do an assessment of her physical development to determine if physical therapy will be necessary to help her crawl/walk. I'm hoping she's just being stubborn and/or lazy and just doesn't feel like moving because, hey, everyone's carried her around this long. Fingers crossed!
On Tuesday, we went to the pediatrician for Olivia's 9 month checkup. She weighed in at 19 lbs 3 oz, right smack in the middle of the curve. On the length spectrum, however, she's only in the 15th percentile, so that would explain all her rolls. She has as much fat as the average baby but significantly less area to which it can disperse. Health-wise, she's looking great, and she's meeting or exceeding all of her cognitive and verbal milestones. Her physical development, however, is another story.
She's not putting weight on her legs (at least not much) like most other babies her age. So we'll likely be going back to her ortho a bit early- we aren't due back for her regular check up until September. In addition, the Early Intervention Center is going to be coming to the house to do an assessment of her physical development to determine if physical therapy will be necessary to help her crawl/walk. I'm hoping she's just being stubborn and/or lazy and just doesn't feel like moving because, hey, everyone's carried her around this long. Fingers crossed!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day (to my hubby)!
My husband is amazing. I've sat here for at least 45 minutes thinking of how I was going to sum up everything he means to Olivia and I, and that is basically what it comes down to.
He can expertly fold baby rompers that would confound Einstein.
He changes diapers (without being asked) and even empties the diaper sausage (our affectionate term for a full Diaper Genie) so that I don't have to smell it.
He washes dishes (silverware and wine glasses not withstanding, hehe).
No matter how hard or long his day has been at work, he gives us both 100% when he gets home. Sure, he still watches SportsCenter and has a beer, but he does it with Olivia on his lap or while playing on the floor.
He always remembers to put out the trash and recycling (if it were left up to me, we'd probably have to drive it to the dump because I never remember it's trash day).
He knows things like what solids Olivia is eating now, how much she eats, which jammies still fit, what sounds make her laugh when she's fussy, when the last time was that she pooped and when and for how long she naps. . . when most dads probably can't even tell you what time their kid's bedtime is.
He knows just how to calm me down when I get hysterical and he doesn't judge- like when I turned around for a second and Olivia rolled off the couch (I was so sure he'd be the one to do that first!).
It's all of the little things that he does that add up to him being the most incredible husband and father, and Olivia and I couldn't be luckier. We wanted to make sure he felt special and appreciated on Father's Day. So we let him sleep in while we walked Tater. Then we fixed him homemade brioche french toast for breakfast before giving him his present- a new bike with a bike trailer for Olivia! We went out to lunch, watched the final round of the U.S. Open and had mussels fra diavola, antipasto and wine for dinner. We topped it all off with Banana Pudding Cupcakes. I've gotten a few requests for the recipe, so here it is:
Banana Pudding Cupcakes
1 box of butter cake mix (oil, eggs and/or butter for mix)
1 package of sugar free banana cream instant Jello pudding
2 cups of milk for pudding
1 tub of vanilla frosting
1/2 tub of Cool Whip Free
1 banana
2 cups of crushed Nilla Wafers
Bake cupcakes according to the directions on the box. You can make homemade cupcakes if you prefer, but make sure they're moist and spongy so they can accommodate the filling. The box cupcakes work great though and they're easier. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
While the cupcakes are baking, mix the banana pudding and allow to set in the refrigerator.
Once the cupcakes are cooled, fill a cake decorating bag with the pudding and attach a small frosting tip. To fill the cupcakes with the pudding, put the tip halfway into the top of the cupcake and squeeze in the pudding from the bag. It will take a time or two to figure out exactly how much. Wipe off the excess pudding that bubbles out from the top so you have a smooth surface for the frosting.
For the frosting, puree a banana and mix it into the cool whip and vanilla frosting (again, you can make this homemade if you prefer, but I have a 9 month old at home, so store-bought it was). Allow the frosting to sit in the refrigerator for a few minutes to stiffen up a bit. Using either a spatula or a cake decorating tip, frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with crushed Nilla Wafers.
All ready for her bike ride with Daddy:
And watching a little SportsCenter:
He can expertly fold baby rompers that would confound Einstein.
He changes diapers (without being asked) and even empties the diaper sausage (our affectionate term for a full Diaper Genie) so that I don't have to smell it.
He washes dishes (silverware and wine glasses not withstanding, hehe).
No matter how hard or long his day has been at work, he gives us both 100% when he gets home. Sure, he still watches SportsCenter and has a beer, but he does it with Olivia on his lap or while playing on the floor.
He always remembers to put out the trash and recycling (if it were left up to me, we'd probably have to drive it to the dump because I never remember it's trash day).
He knows things like what solids Olivia is eating now, how much she eats, which jammies still fit, what sounds make her laugh when she's fussy, when the last time was that she pooped and when and for how long she naps. . . when most dads probably can't even tell you what time their kid's bedtime is.
He knows just how to calm me down when I get hysterical and he doesn't judge- like when I turned around for a second and Olivia rolled off the couch (I was so sure he'd be the one to do that first!).
It's all of the little things that he does that add up to him being the most incredible husband and father, and Olivia and I couldn't be luckier. We wanted to make sure he felt special and appreciated on Father's Day. So we let him sleep in while we walked Tater. Then we fixed him homemade brioche french toast for breakfast before giving him his present- a new bike with a bike trailer for Olivia! We went out to lunch, watched the final round of the U.S. Open and had mussels fra diavola, antipasto and wine for dinner. We topped it all off with Banana Pudding Cupcakes. I've gotten a few requests for the recipe, so here it is:
Banana Pudding Cupcakes
1 box of butter cake mix (oil, eggs and/or butter for mix)
1 package of sugar free banana cream instant Jello pudding
2 cups of milk for pudding
1 tub of vanilla frosting
1/2 tub of Cool Whip Free
1 banana
2 cups of crushed Nilla Wafers
Bake cupcakes according to the directions on the box. You can make homemade cupcakes if you prefer, but make sure they're moist and spongy so they can accommodate the filling. The box cupcakes work great though and they're easier. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
While the cupcakes are baking, mix the banana pudding and allow to set in the refrigerator.
Once the cupcakes are cooled, fill a cake decorating bag with the pudding and attach a small frosting tip. To fill the cupcakes with the pudding, put the tip halfway into the top of the cupcake and squeeze in the pudding from the bag. It will take a time or two to figure out exactly how much. Wipe off the excess pudding that bubbles out from the top so you have a smooth surface for the frosting.
For the frosting, puree a banana and mix it into the cool whip and vanilla frosting (again, you can make this homemade if you prefer, but I have a 9 month old at home, so store-bought it was). Allow the frosting to sit in the refrigerator for a few minutes to stiffen up a bit. Using either a spatula or a cake decorating tip, frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with crushed Nilla Wafers.
All ready for her bike ride with Daddy:
And watching a little SportsCenter:
Happy Father's Day (to my dad)!
When I was maybe 11 years old, my dad took me to work with him for "Take Your Daughter to Work Day." While the other girls in my class were going with their mothers to work (probably to schools, offices, jobs that required heels), I marched behind my father up the steps of his trailer office at Portsmouth Public Utilities to learn about how our sewage is cleaned and eventually recycled into drinking water. Fascinating stuff. I "helped" him with his paperwork, got coffee for all the guys in his trailer, and got to see the inside of a water treatment plant. It was a magical day. No, I didn't develop an overwhelming urge to have a career in public utilities. But I did learn about work ethic, professional pride and the fact that it's just as important for girls to learn these things as it is for boys. Nearly 20 years later, that day and the lessons I learned are still crystal clear. Thanks, Dad, for showing me (not just telling me) that girls can do anything boys can do and giving me the tools to make it happen. I love you!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Bikini After Baby
For those of you who don't know, we live in the 'burb-iest of 'burbs. The ice cream truck makes a daily run down our street piping "Pop Goes the Weasel!" through its speakers (and that sh!t will get stuck in your head for hours!!); there are at least 8 yard sales every Saturday morning; we have a cute little farmers market just down the trail; we have a neighborhood pool that is busting at the seams with screaming kids and where Papa Johns delivers about 10 pizzas a day; and all the moms wear tankinis.
The first time we took Olivia to the pool, there was a "Code Brown" and the big pool was closed, so it was a ghost town. (For the record, we spent about half an hour pushing her around the kiddie pool and then gave up.) The second time we took her to the pool, it was Sensory. Overload. We did not have a neighborhood pool growing up, so I was not prepared for the amount of squealing, splashing and running that was taking place. But after we got Olivia safely ensconced in her floating jet ski (which is awesome by the way), I was able to take stock of my surroundings. . . and instantly felt like a pariah.
Ok, "pariah" might be a bit dramatic, and it was probably more in my head than anything. But I was the only mama sporting a bikini and could feel the stares of the tankini army boring into me "Doesn't she know the mommy rules?! No bikinis after baby!!" Apparently, I didn't get the memo. I will be the first to admit that I'm not 100% back to my pre-baby self, but I am pretty darn close and proud of it (or learning to be anyway)!
I described this phenomenon to Dori last weekend, and she explained that moms often opt for the tankini out of functionality and a desire to not have their child expose their boob to the neighbors every time they hold them in the pool. This, I get. Olivia is Grabby McGrabberson these days- nothing is sacred. But is a tankini the only option I have (other than a regular one-piece, which just flat out is not happening)?
Mamas, weigh in- if you have any suggestions for how to stay covered while uncovered at the pool, I'd love to hear them!
The first time we took Olivia to the pool, there was a "Code Brown" and the big pool was closed, so it was a ghost town. (For the record, we spent about half an hour pushing her around the kiddie pool and then gave up.) The second time we took her to the pool, it was Sensory. Overload. We did not have a neighborhood pool growing up, so I was not prepared for the amount of squealing, splashing and running that was taking place. But after we got Olivia safely ensconced in her floating jet ski (which is awesome by the way), I was able to take stock of my surroundings. . . and instantly felt like a pariah.
Ok, "pariah" might be a bit dramatic, and it was probably more in my head than anything. But I was the only mama sporting a bikini and could feel the stares of the tankini army boring into me "Doesn't she know the mommy rules?! No bikinis after baby!!" Apparently, I didn't get the memo. I will be the first to admit that I'm not 100% back to my pre-baby self, but I am pretty darn close and proud of it (or learning to be anyway)!
I described this phenomenon to Dori last weekend, and she explained that moms often opt for the tankini out of functionality and a desire to not have their child expose their boob to the neighbors every time they hold them in the pool. This, I get. Olivia is Grabby McGrabberson these days- nothing is sacred. But is a tankini the only option I have (other than a regular one-piece, which just flat out is not happening)?
Mamas, weigh in- if you have any suggestions for how to stay covered while uncovered at the pool, I'd love to hear them!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
We spent this Memorial Day weekend at home, and it was so nice to not be sitting in traffic on the Bay Bridge for a change! We got a lot of projects done around the house, did some shopping, had a cookout with friends and spent Memorial Day at Burke Lake Park. Olivia had her very first carousel ride and train ride, and we enjoyed some much-deserved ice cream from the ice cream parlor (it was 100 degrees outside- that ice cream was a necessity!). This was our very first time at Burke Lake, and we will definitely be going back- there's so much to do, tons of shade and great trails that we're just itching to try out with the jogging stroller. . . maybe when it's a little cooler outside!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Summer is here!
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. The calendar may say summer doesn't start until June 21st, but in the real world, it starts when the pools open! Today, Olivia and I went to the park to soak up some sunshine and enjoy SUMMER!
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