FUN WITH FRIENDS

We are very fortunate that Olivia has so many kids her age to play with. Last weekend, Angela and Steve brought their boys over to have Luke's 1-Year pictures made, and we took a few play breaks so that the kids wouldn't get too bored smiling for the camera. Olivia and Luke are very close in age (less than two months apart) but Olivia watches Kade like a hawk. You can see here, Kade is singing to Olivia, and she is loving it.

Luke was more interested in the activity table. Isn't he a doll!!! Another future husband prospect for Livi!! Luke was just too adorable in his big boy outfit and new shoes!!! He looked like a little man! And he did great during the photo shoot. We even brought out Olivia's new puppy, and Luke smiled when he barked. Luke also had his first birthday party this weekend, and we had a blast. He dug into his cake like a pro, and we were hysterical laughing the entire time. Then he and Olivia chased each other around the party showing off their mad skills for all of the other guests. Happy Birthday, again Luke. You handsome little man, you!!!

In closing, I have to say that Olivia loves all of her "boy" friends, but ladies I'm starting to worry that she'll abandon Barbie Dolls for Bob the Builder. Not that there's anything wrong with playing in the dirt with dump trucks, but I doubt that any of you will allow your boys to come over for a fairy princess tea party. So, I must say that we need to get on the ball and bring some more girls into this picture. Olivia needs girlfriends!!! Let's see, of all of our friends we have Davis, David, Luke, Noah, and baby Derric (on the way). I don't have a single friend who has a girl that Olivia can play with. At least she gets to hang with some chicks during Sunday School, but come on, one of you needs to take it for the team and bring a new baby girl into this equation. Do we have any volunteers. Come on ladies....Do it for Olivia.

Olivia got a pet!!!

Well, Olivia finally got a pet....courtesy of Mimi and Pop. As you can see, this little pooch follows her around everywhere. I must say, he's very well trained. He stops on command, and has the cutest little bark. And he's already potty trained. Not one accident yet, and we've had him for a few weeks. I haven't mentioned him before because I wasn't sure if it'd work out. Josh and I decided that we'd "try it out" so that if he was too much of a hassle, we could give him back to Mimi and Pop - but so far so good. He's the perfect puppy, and we couldn't have recieved a better pet. The only thing is that he still doesn't have a name. We just call him puppy. And Olivia can be a little rough. Sometimes he stubbles and she just pulls him along on his back. Poor Puppy.

So what was I worrying about - Having a dog is great!!!

Birthday Help

Okay, so I need everyone reading this blog to chime in and give your opinion on my dilemma with Olivia's birthday. Josh and I are almost 99% sure that we're going on vacation the week of Olivia's birthday. She'll turn one on Monday, November 13th. We were planning on leaving Friday the 10th and returning the following Friday, November 17th. We kinda like the idea of being away for her actual birthday. Just the three of us, spending quality time together. We'll probably take the camcorder and watch all of our home movies from the past year. But we definitely want to have a birthday party for her so that all of our family and friends can celebrate with us. This is where you come in. We can't decide whether to have the party the weekend before, possibly Sunday, November 5th. Or should we do it the weekend we get back, Sunday November 19th? There are pros and cons to both, so I'd really love for each of you to chime in and give us some feedback. Which date do you think makes most since.

November 5th???

or

November 19th???

Please cast your vote now!!!

Back In Business

Kristina and Olivia bonding after an afternoon shopping together. Hello to all my blogging buddies. I must apologize for being out of the blogging world for more than a week. Josh and I have been a bit under the weather. But we're all better now, and back on blogging track.

Livi is walking so much better now. She's doing it on her own now...without Mommy prompting her. I just can't believe how much she's grown. Last week I cleaned out her closet and packed up some stuff that she had outgrown, and I just get all weepy when I have to pack those tiny little clothes away. But I have to say...having a daughter is fun. It's like having a real life baby doll. I found one outfit that Mimi got for her when we were still in the hospital, and I just couldn't pack it up...so I tried it one her...and it still fits!!! The pants are a little short, but the shirt, and jacket still fit great!!! I'm hold out for the first cold spurt to see if I can get one more use out of it.

Today we went grocery shopping with Auntie Lynn Lynn and Kristina. We had a great time catching up and having girl time. Kristina came back and ate dinner with us (yummy hotdogs - who could pass those up). Then Kristina and Olivia played together. Aren't they cute?!?!

Okay. Sorry this is so long, but I had a lot to catch you all up on. I hope to hear from you all. I miss reading your comments. (Hey Uncle Micah - why don't you leave us a message every once in a while!)

Tomorrow I have a birthday poll that I need to conduct. So check back later!! I need eveyone's input.

Later Livi Fans.

Little Models

My brother and sister-in-law came over last night with their kids. Our objective was to get a group shot of all 4 of my mom's grandchildren, but Olivia's teething has left her in a fussy mood. So, we took advantage of these tiny models. Dakota and Hailee are twins (3 years) and Austin is the youngest (2 years). They enjoyed their individual photo shoots...especially Dakota. He hammed it up for the camera. As you can see, he was trying so hard to be a little man. Stephanie and I were shocked to see how his shots came out.

Props to Daddy (Uncle Josh) for mastering them individually. But remember, you're not a professional until we get that group shot.

I think that Mimi will still be pleased.

Steps in the Right Direction

We have had a WONDERFUL holiday weekend!!! We spent Friday night and Saturday home hanging with each other. Then on Sunday we went to church. When we got home, Josh and I were sitting in the floor with Livi, and she started taking a few steps. So, we set up the video camera and tried to see if Livi was on her way to walking. Sure enough, she walked back and forth between Daddy and I several times...each time taking a few more steps. I think we've got a WALKER on our hands. Of course, we had to call Mel Mel and Mimi and Pop to tell them what our big girl had learned. Then Uncle Micah and Aunt Mary came over to see her new trick.

Mommy's sitting in the stairway helping Livi to get stable. And.....

She's Off!!! As you can see, we all had our hands ready for a crash landing, but she made it all the way to Uncle Micah's safety. The funny thing is....she has to be holding her magical wipe!!! I guess it gives her confidence...or balance.

Anyway, I cried - and screamed - when she took those precious first steps. Now everyone is saying, "Watch out. She'll be into everything." Obviously they don't know Livi...she's already in to everything.

Today we went to her first birthday party! It was for her boyfriend, Davis. She had a good time.

I'm also putting up her 9 month pics for you guys to see. Daddy did these while I was at church, and of course I fell in love with them when I got home. Hope you all have a great week!! Only 4 more days until the weekend....and only 6 more days until David's birthday party!! Can't wait to see you David!!!

Poor, Poor Pluto

Now where is that article.

I know Daddy said it was in here somewhere!

Here it is!! Poor, Poor Pluto - Why'd they have to go call him a dwarf. Don't they know he's just a "little planet".

Daddy and Olivia routinely read Time and Newsweek. The topic of discussion has been the recent decision amongst scientists that Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Ever since Olivia was just days old, reading news articles has been a father/daughter tradition. Livi loves sitting down with Daddy to help flip those flimsy magazine pages.

I guess Livi didn't like this story too much. Or perhaps it's her way of telling Daddy that she's done with Newsweek!