Les Miserables

That is Olivia...the miserable. She is a teething mess. She was awake 9 times last night. Crying. Oh Olivia...what to do! And now she's exhuasted, but will she sleep? Of course not. Why do what would make sense? Let's drive Mommy a little batty instead! :)

Last night was the first time I have given in on my no eating until 4 am rule. For the first time in 6 1/2 months! I hope I haven't just ruined everything... I figured that since by 2:30 she had already been awake 8 times, I needed to not only put her out of her misery, but me too!

We've been d0ing Tylenol around the clock, Orajel...she doesn't want to chew on things, but I've put a biter biscuit in the fridge for later hoping that will help. What about ibuprofen? Anyone know?

No new news on baby Henry--he's still stable, and they are hoping to know more about the outcome in the next few days. I will say that knowing about baby Henry, sure puts this struggle with Olivia into perspective. This too shall pass...

Change of Plans

Well, we ended up not going to SD yesterday. Just as we were about to leave, Sam called to say that things had become worse with Henry and they needed to go back to Sioux Falls to be with the family. This morning we found out that Henry is stable again, more and more families are coming forward about the daycare provider who abused Henry, and the family is still waiting to find out more about the extent of Henry's damage. Please keep praying for little Henry, as well as his family. It is such a tragic situation and they desperately need your prayers.

Here's a link to view the videoclip from last night's news in Sioux Falls regarding Henry:
http://www.keloland.com/videoarchive/index.cfm?VideoFile=111407babyassault

Out...

We are heading out of town to visit Sam & Laura--yeah! We hope to have a great trip and hopefully bring them some joy and relief after they have been dealing with baby Henry. Henry has a caring bridge site if you would like more information to be able to pray for them better. Thank you for your prayers already; and pray for safe travel for us to South Dakota!

www.caringbridge.org/visit/henry

Thankful

In light of our friend's nephew in ICU, I am so thankful today for Olivia and her health. She took a short nap this morning, and while I could have been frustrated about it, I am just so thankful for her. Thankful for her life, her personality, her curiosity, and the joy that she brings to our lives. Take extra time to squeeze your kids today!

Prayer for Henry

Please pray for our friend's nephew, baby Henry. He is Sam & Laura's nephew and is in intensive care with bleeding on the brain. He is only 5 months old and they are unsure what is going to happen at this point. Please pray for his parents, Steve & Missy, as well as the rest of their family.

Is it for me to eat Mama?

Olivia loved the snow this morning! It was technically not her first snowfall, because it snowed the day we took her home from the hospital, but this feels more like her first snowfall to me! I took her out for a few minutes and let her explore the snow. She thought it was pretty great! I love the second picture because she wants to eat it! :) And who doesn't love to eat snow!

Play Date

Olivia had a play date with her little buddy Michael on Tuesday (after their flu shots, probably not the best idea, but it worked!). Michael was born one day before Olivia so we were in the hospital together, and we originially met Michael's parents (Marci & John) in our childbirth classes. Olivia & Michael are just starting to play together, but still spend the majority of their time ignoring one another...still made for some cute pictures though!

This one is my favorite! "I love you!"

By the way

I am so sick of laundry. Why doesn't it ever end? I'm this close (imagine me holding up my fingers, REALLY close together) to doing away with clothes and spending the rest of my life naked. Only two things are holding me back:
1. It's cold outside and the snow yesterday kind of did me in.
2. Olivia would think her mom is REALLY weird. Weirder than growing up with a mom who wears a purple cape. That's not a bad idea though--I could cover up the nakedness with a purple cape...hmmm....

My Latest Creation

Our wonderful friends, Sam & Laura, were here last week. It was a wonderful 6 day visit! We miss them so much since they moved to South Dakota, so it is always such a blessing when we get to see them. This time they came they left their little Ella at home with Grandma & Grandpa. Laura and I were able to get some much needed time shopping, SCRAPBOOKING!, talking, etc. We even had an Olivia-free evening, and an Olivia-free night (Thanks Grammi!). We really enjoyed our time together. Ryan and Sam hunted, of course. I think for 6 days straight. Laura and I were beginning to wonder if we even had husbands anymore! Unfortunately, no deer. Well, except for the doe Ryan shot in the neck for a bit of sport, but they never found it.
So here is a picture of the latest creation that I made for Olivia's room. I am very proud of it...it just might be the best thing I have ever made. The pictures aren't the best but hopefully you'll get the idea!

One Pea in a Pod

Well Trick or Treating wasn't such a treat! It was a little late for Olivia by the time Daddy got done hunting and she wasn't a great napper yesterday (perhaps it's those little teeth that I can just barely see!!), so we only ended up going to 2 houses. Not only was she tired, but we had to take her in and out of her costume every time we went in the car because it was too big for her carseat! None the less, she was very cute and we had a great time!!