WOW! This month has just gotten away from me! Olivia is 14 months old and is such a funny little girl, there isn't a day when she doesn't make us laugh hysterically! Like right now, she is down the hall with her little push car toy just talking up a storm in "Livvy talk" we have no clue what she is saying but it sure sounds important haha!
We are house/dog sitting for our neighbors. Kevin and I usually go over at night to check on everything, feed the animals and try to get the dog outside. Well, the other night we put Livvy in her crib to play while we ran next door. I brought the monitor with me and left...no big deal, I do this if I need to take a shower, if I need to run outside really quick. It's just a safe place for her to play...or so I thought. I heard Livvy crying on the monitor but she stopped right after she started, didn't think anything of it. Then as we were walking back over I heard her screaming, like a panicked cry. I ran inside and her door was closed...I had left it open, I opened the door and there she was ON THE FLOOR! OMG! She had fallen/climbed out of her crib and on to the floor!!! She was panicking because she had closed the door and couldn't get out. Oh my! I was so scared but luckily she didn't hurt herself. We had to re-arrange her room because we are almost certain she climbed over the side of her crib, they are lower than the rest. I have spoken to several people about it and their comments were that we should put her in a toddler bed. My idea is that she is not ready for a toddler bed! She would be up all night playing with her toys, her shoes, her bows, diapers...everything! Neither one of us would get anysleep. Oh my! This weekend Kevin is going to work on something to put on the sides that will make it so she can't climb out that way. YIKES!!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
OK Folks...I am getting on my soap box!
I just have a few things that have been on my mind here lately. This is my blog, if you don't agree that's fine. You don't have to read it. This is my opinion and my place to write what I want to write...OK?
OK First on my list...yesterday I dropped Kevin off for an appointment, so I decided to head to Wal-Mart to return a few things. Now, the weather has been unseasonably warm for Alaska standards. On a normal day in January in Alaska the temperature should be oh about 10-20 BELOW zero (this is our coldest month) we however have had temperatures in the upper 30's lower to mid 40's. It's warm for us Alaskans. Like T-Shirt weather warm! OK, back to my story...so while at wal-mart I see a girl (notice I said girl) no more than 17 years old. She has her daughter who is maybe a month or so older than Livvy in the cart wearing shorts and a tank top! SHORTS AND A TANK TOP PEOPLE!!! It is not that warm outside!!! I was sick to my stomach! I couldn't believe she would take her child outside like that, let alone in public! I should have called OCS right then and there! I can only imagine the lifestyle this child will have and it makes me so sad! People, take care of your children!! If you can't ask for help, if you don't care give them to someone who can take care of them!
Which brings me to my next issue...
Carseats, thanks to my wonderful neighbor Sam I have become the Jr. Carseat Nazi! I know how important it is to keep my child rearfacing.It only take 1/4 of an inch to break ones neck and in a wreck a forward facing child's neck can be stretched up to 2 inches and can cause internal decapitation. I know that a lot of people can't afford nice carseats, that's fine BUT if you can afford an inexpensive forward facing carseat, you can afford a convertable carseat folks! It is a proven fact that children are safest when they are rearfacing in a car accident. Convertible car seats even the cheap ones rearface to 40 lbs! Livvy's rearfaces to 45 lbs! Some countries in Europe it is a law that children be rear facing until the age of 3 some even the age of 4!! Ahh it kills me that people don't know this! Livvy will be rearfacing until 45 lbs OR until we have another baby. We will have to turn her around after a new baby because the only place the carseat will rearface in our vehicles is in the middle. We aren't going to try for another one until after she turns 2, which most say is when they can be turned around (supposedly the US is going to change the law for forward facing from a year to 2 years!). Another thing about carsearts, the thing that you clip you know...the CHEST clip, yeah, it's called a CHEST Clip for a reason, it is not called a stomach clip. They are supposed to be set at armpit level on their chest!! Keep them tight too, no not so tight that you are smothering them and they are screaming but tight enough that you can't pinch any of the belt. MmmmKay? Oh and please, don't put coats on your children in their carseats. Yes this is coming from a woman who lives in ALASKA! There have been documented cases of children being ejected from vehicles and their coats are still in the carseats. Seriously! Try this test...put your child in their carseat with a coat on, then take them out of the carseat but DON'T loosen up the straps take their coat off and put them back into the carseat. Now, see how much room they have? I can guarantee that there is a lot of room, more room than is safe. If you were to get into an accident with the coat on, that room is still going to be there and the chances of your child coming out are much greater. Please please take your children out of their coats. It could save their lives!
Alright now to the last part of my rant. Vaccinations! I know this is a touchy subject for some but it is one that really hurts my heart. I heard on the Today Show yesterday that there is an outbreak of Whooping Cough...wait a minute! Whooping Cough? Isn't that a vaccine you can get? Yes, yes it is! And because of this new worry of vaccinating our children we now are having more and more outbreaks of things like pertussis (whooping cough) measles, mumps...need I say more? I understand that a lot of people THINK that if you get your children vaccinated their children are going to become autistic because of a friggin shot! Well, there has never been any documented case of this happening. Autisim is something that ios developed over time, they are born with it. You can't catch it, you can't get it from a shot...it just doesn't happen that way. I am sure there are other reasons for not having your children vaccinated, more power to ya! I am soo thankful for my decision to having my child vaccinated. As much as it sucks that she screams, she may get a little cold afterwards she is healthy and isn't always sick. She was given all the antibodies that she needs to help her little body fight off MANY colds and other nasty germs that are out there.
I hope that you take something useful from this (hopefully it isn't that Stephanie is a crazy Bitch! LOL!!!) I love you all and your children and it makes me happy to help out someone who needs it.
OK First on my list...yesterday I dropped Kevin off for an appointment, so I decided to head to Wal-Mart to return a few things. Now, the weather has been unseasonably warm for Alaska standards. On a normal day in January in Alaska the temperature should be oh about 10-20 BELOW zero (this is our coldest month) we however have had temperatures in the upper 30's lower to mid 40's. It's warm for us Alaskans. Like T-Shirt weather warm! OK, back to my story...so while at wal-mart I see a girl (notice I said girl) no more than 17 years old. She has her daughter who is maybe a month or so older than Livvy in the cart wearing shorts and a tank top! SHORTS AND A TANK TOP PEOPLE!!! It is not that warm outside!!! I was sick to my stomach! I couldn't believe she would take her child outside like that, let alone in public! I should have called OCS right then and there! I can only imagine the lifestyle this child will have and it makes me so sad! People, take care of your children!! If you can't ask for help, if you don't care give them to someone who can take care of them!
Which brings me to my next issue...
Carseats, thanks to my wonderful neighbor Sam I have become the Jr. Carseat Nazi! I know how important it is to keep my child rearfacing.It only take 1/4 of an inch to break ones neck and in a wreck a forward facing child's neck can be stretched up to 2 inches and can cause internal decapitation. I know that a lot of people can't afford nice carseats, that's fine BUT if you can afford an inexpensive forward facing carseat, you can afford a convertable carseat folks! It is a proven fact that children are safest when they are rearfacing in a car accident. Convertible car seats even the cheap ones rearface to 40 lbs! Livvy's rearfaces to 45 lbs! Some countries in Europe it is a law that children be rear facing until the age of 3 some even the age of 4!! Ahh it kills me that people don't know this! Livvy will be rearfacing until 45 lbs OR until we have another baby. We will have to turn her around after a new baby because the only place the carseat will rearface in our vehicles is in the middle. We aren't going to try for another one until after she turns 2, which most say is when they can be turned around (supposedly the US is going to change the law for forward facing from a year to 2 years!). Another thing about carsearts, the thing that you clip you know...the CHEST clip, yeah, it's called a CHEST Clip for a reason, it is not called a stomach clip. They are supposed to be set at armpit level on their chest!! Keep them tight too, no not so tight that you are smothering them and they are screaming but tight enough that you can't pinch any of the belt. MmmmKay? Oh and please, don't put coats on your children in their carseats. Yes this is coming from a woman who lives in ALASKA! There have been documented cases of children being ejected from vehicles and their coats are still in the carseats. Seriously! Try this test...put your child in their carseat with a coat on, then take them out of the carseat but DON'T loosen up the straps take their coat off and put them back into the carseat. Now, see how much room they have? I can guarantee that there is a lot of room, more room than is safe. If you were to get into an accident with the coat on, that room is still going to be there and the chances of your child coming out are much greater. Please please take your children out of their coats. It could save their lives!
Alright now to the last part of my rant. Vaccinations! I know this is a touchy subject for some but it is one that really hurts my heart. I heard on the Today Show yesterday that there is an outbreak of Whooping Cough...wait a minute! Whooping Cough? Isn't that a vaccine you can get? Yes, yes it is! And because of this new worry of vaccinating our children we now are having more and more outbreaks of things like pertussis (whooping cough) measles, mumps...need I say more? I understand that a lot of people THINK that if you get your children vaccinated their children are going to become autistic because of a friggin shot! Well, there has never been any documented case of this happening. Autisim is something that ios developed over time, they are born with it. You can't catch it, you can't get it from a shot...it just doesn't happen that way. I am sure there are other reasons for not having your children vaccinated, more power to ya! I am soo thankful for my decision to having my child vaccinated. As much as it sucks that she screams, she may get a little cold afterwards she is healthy and isn't always sick. She was given all the antibodies that she needs to help her little body fight off MANY colds and other nasty germs that are out there.
I hope that you take something useful from this (hopefully it isn't that Stephanie is a crazy Bitch! LOL!!!) I love you all and your children and it makes me happy to help out someone who needs it.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
T'was the Night Before Christmas-a mom's version.
I found this as a comment on Kellys Korner and I had to post it...this is so true! There are some days I just love Olivia SO much that I can't get enough hugs and kisses in, I just want to hug her so tight I'm afraid her head might pop off! Then there are other days when I just want to send her to Grandmas, she's into everything, she won't listen, she's fussy and just makes me very upset. But she knows this and usually needs a kiss or a snuggle and that makes everything alright again. Being a mom is not an easy job and those who think it is must have nanny's 24/7 to help them and are only around for the fun things. I'm sorry but that is NOT parenting at all! So this is to all the mommys out there. Enjoy!!
It was the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Nintendo and Barbie, flipped through their heads.
The dad was snoring in front of the TV,With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand
,She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great!!" muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho-Ho-Ho!!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake.
Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."
"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that?Run along, Santa. I've no time for chit-chat."
It was the mother's twin.Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.
She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch the Young and the Restless."
"Fantastic!!" the mom cheered. "My dream come true!
I'll shop. I'll read. I'll sleep a whole night through!"
From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Mommy?!? I'm scared, and I'm wet.
"The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part.
"The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
As she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you.
"The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too."
The mom frowned and said,
"Sorry, Santa, no deal.That's my child's love that she's trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear,Only one loving mother is needed here."
The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget it won't be very long,When they'll be too old, for my cradle-song."
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
I hope you all have a VERY Merry Christmas! And remember that Jesus Christ is the REASON for the SEASON!
It was the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Nintendo and Barbie, flipped through their heads.
The dad was snoring in front of the TV,With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand
,She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great!!" muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho-Ho-Ho!!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake.
Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."
"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that?Run along, Santa. I've no time for chit-chat."
It was the mother's twin.Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.
She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch the Young and the Restless."
"Fantastic!!" the mom cheered. "My dream come true!
I'll shop. I'll read. I'll sleep a whole night through!"
From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Mommy?!? I'm scared, and I'm wet.
"The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part.
"The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
As she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you.
"The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too."
The mom frowned and said,
"Sorry, Santa, no deal.That's my child's love that she's trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear,Only one loving mother is needed here."
The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget it won't be very long,When they'll be too old, for my cradle-song."
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
I hope you all have a VERY Merry Christmas! And remember that Jesus Christ is the REASON for the SEASON!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Olivia loves Sesame Street
I don't think I have ever mentioned Livvy's LOVE of Sesame Street...she is seriously in LOVE with this show. Luckily we have on Demand with our cable service and PBS Sprout is one of the channels so a few times a day Livvy gets to watch "Play with me Sesame" and this is her typical reaction, she always gets excited when she watches it. Oh my how I love her sooo much!
Happy Birthday to Olivia!
Here is a video of us Singing"Happy Birthday to You" to Livvy at her party!
A Few Updates...
OK, I have not been posting because I can't figure out how to add pictures and it not take forever...sooo...if anyone can explain to me how to add pictures directly from photobucket into blogger that would be great. For now I have been uploading them to photobucket and then copying the Html directly into the post and then shrinking the pictures themselves right in the post...it doesn't take as long to do it this way as opposed to using the blogger upload. That takes forever!!!
Alright, now to my updates. Olivia is done with her shoes/brace!!! She no longer has to wear them at night or ever :))) I can't tell you how extremely happy this makes us!! What a pain the the butt that was, every single night fighting with her trying to get them on tight enough and listening to her beat the hell out of her crib. (Kevin was very upset about that, he spend literally weeks making that crib) I was so excited that I went out and bought her her first pair of footed jammies! Yes she had footed jamies but never could wear them :( I was so happy to put her in them that first night and she slept very well. We go back in six months to see if her feet are still ok. I am praying that we will be done with that Doctor...he still creeps me out, not to mention when I go in he stares at my boobs, NO JOKE!!
Another awesome update is that after four (yes I said FOUR 4!!) failed attempts I finally passed the Praxis II (teacher test) You see, when I graduated Highschool in 2001 (yes I am old...so what?!) and started my first year of college I never would have imagined that in 9 years I would still be plugging away at my Elementary Education degree. Moving to Alaska totally screwed up my college career, UAA (University of Alaska Anchorage) SUCKS at accepting transfers even from their own system!! So basically I had to start over and for the first two years I was only able to take 1 class at a time because if I took more I would have to pay out of state tuition at $400 per credit hour but if I took less than 3 credit hours I could pay instate tuituion at $100 per credit hour until I became a resident. In February of this year I applied for my last leg of my Elementary Education degree my YEAR LONG internship. Well I still hadn't passed my Praxis II and needed that in order to be admited into the internship program. They (College of Education at UAA) let me take a few classes this summer with the assumption that I would pass the Praxis II so I took 4 of them. Well I didn't pass the test and so they put a complete stop to my education until I passed the test. I couldn't do my internship, I couldn't take any classes nothing! Oh did I mention that I only needed 2 points?? 2 FRIGGING POINTS!!! Oh and that the passing score for the State of Alaska is 143 and UAA requires a 163 and that I passed by Alaska requirements everysingletime???? Yeah, so I took the stupid test one more time and I finally passed it! I got the two points I needed! So, I will finally start my internship in the Fall of 2011, TEN years after I started college!
I look at it as a blessing to have been able to spend this time at home with Olivia, I prayed about it and asked God to help me do the right thing, He knew I wasn't ready to leave her and this happened!
Keep checking back for more pictures and posts!
Have a great day!!!
Stephanie
Alright, now to my updates. Olivia is done with her shoes/brace!!! She no longer has to wear them at night or ever :))) I can't tell you how extremely happy this makes us!! What a pain the the butt that was, every single night fighting with her trying to get them on tight enough and listening to her beat the hell out of her crib. (Kevin was very upset about that, he spend literally weeks making that crib) I was so excited that I went out and bought her her first pair of footed jammies! Yes she had footed jamies but never could wear them :( I was so happy to put her in them that first night and she slept very well. We go back in six months to see if her feet are still ok. I am praying that we will be done with that Doctor...he still creeps me out, not to mention when I go in he stares at my boobs, NO JOKE!!
Another awesome update is that after four (yes I said FOUR 4!!) failed attempts I finally passed the Praxis II (teacher test) You see, when I graduated Highschool in 2001 (yes I am old...so what?!) and started my first year of college I never would have imagined that in 9 years I would still be plugging away at my Elementary Education degree. Moving to Alaska totally screwed up my college career, UAA (University of Alaska Anchorage) SUCKS at accepting transfers even from their own system!! So basically I had to start over and for the first two years I was only able to take 1 class at a time because if I took more I would have to pay out of state tuition at $400 per credit hour but if I took less than 3 credit hours I could pay instate tuituion at $100 per credit hour until I became a resident. In February of this year I applied for my last leg of my Elementary Education degree my YEAR LONG internship. Well I still hadn't passed my Praxis II and needed that in order to be admited into the internship program. They (College of Education at UAA) let me take a few classes this summer with the assumption that I would pass the Praxis II so I took 4 of them. Well I didn't pass the test and so they put a complete stop to my education until I passed the test. I couldn't do my internship, I couldn't take any classes nothing! Oh did I mention that I only needed 2 points?? 2 FRIGGING POINTS!!! Oh and that the passing score for the State of Alaska is 143 and UAA requires a 163 and that I passed by Alaska requirements everysingletime???? Yeah, so I took the stupid test one more time and I finally passed it! I got the two points I needed! So, I will finally start my internship in the Fall of 2011, TEN years after I started college!
I look at it as a blessing to have been able to spend this time at home with Olivia, I prayed about it and asked God to help me do the right thing, He knew I wasn't ready to leave her and this happened!
Keep checking back for more pictures and posts!
Have a great day!!!
Stephanie
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Happy FIRST Birthday Miss Olivia!
I am such a horrible blogger...it's been almost over a month since Livvy's first birthday and I am just now updating about her party. AHHH! Anyway, Olivia turned ONE on November 9 and that night we had Kevin's mom Connie over for dinner and a special cupcake for Livvy. I made baked ziti (a fav. around here) and we went and bought a gourmet cupcake for our birthday girl! She ate so much that night that I thought she was going to pop, instead she puked, lovely I know lol! She had no problem digging into her cupcake at all! She has such a sweet tooth and loves to feed herself. After eating she opened our presents, we just bought her some clothes and a few little things, nothing big. We figured that when she is a little older we will buy her bigger items, for now she has no idea what a birthday is so why go all out? We let others buy the bigger things for her this year.
Above is the card Kevin gave to Livvy, it says "Olivia, A year ago today, I was given the greatest gift I ever recieved. Being your dad has been the best thing I have ever experienced. I love you more and more everyday. Love Dad"...yeah I cried...hard! I am such a sap and both of them make me more of a sap :) I just love my little family!
Above is the card Kevin gave to Livvy, it says "Olivia, A year ago today, I was given the greatest gift I ever recieved. Being your dad has been the best thing I have ever experienced. I love you more and more everyday. Love Dad"...yeah I cried...hard! I am such a sap and both of them make me more of a sap :) I just love my little family!
For her party we rented the Kendall Park Building, a very nice small building with awesome slate heated floors (which were awesome considering it snowed the night before!) and huge indoor grill and tons of windows. I knew I wanted to do a "Fall" themed party because if you don't live in Alaska...November is still Fall haha! We had pumpkins and leaves and all things fall every where!! 
It was so cute! I made two pumpkin shaped cakes, 
Livvy's was smaller but perfect for her. I wanted to have a big lunch for everyone but didn't want to do hot dogs or hamburgers (maybe in the Summer) so I decided on a soup and sandwich bar, it was soooo good! We made mooseburger soup, chicken noodle and smoked salmon chowder, with several different kinds of grilled cheese, no one left hungry! The kids did some crafts which turned out so cute! My favorite one was they had to trace their hands and wrists on brown foam and cut them out then glue on fabric leaves to make hand trees! So cute! Livvy tore into her cake and made a huge mess but she had so much fun and totally knew what to do with that cake haha! She needed a bath afterwards so we bathed her in the sink. I think her party was a success and I know she loved it too! So glad that we were able to do such a special party for our very special baby girl!
It was so cute! I made two pumpkin shaped cakes, Livvy's was smaller but perfect for her. I wanted to have a big lunch for everyone but didn't want to do hot dogs or hamburgers (maybe in the Summer) so I decided on a soup and sandwich bar, it was soooo good! We made I took small pumpkins and put in a picture for every month of her life.
Getting ready to blow out her candle!
I had her little shirt made. My best friends cousin makes custom bows and shirts, I emailed her and told her what I had in mind and she came up with this...I LOVE this shirt!! It is better than I could have ever dreamed! If you would like to have shirts or bows made for your kiddos look her up on facebook Avie Lus Custom Hairbows and Accessories (you can click on the underlined link to access her FB page) She is awesome!
She ate so much of her cake! And she shared it with me too :) I love being a mommy!!
I will leave you with this last picture from her Party. This is her "Popeye" look :) She is adorable!HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!! We love you so much and are so happy we have been trusted by God to be your parents! I am excited to see how much you have changed on your second birthday!
*All pictures from her party were taken by my dear friend and neighbor Katie Cannon Photography
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