The 2nd Luck of the Irish 5K

Bob, Olivia, and I ran a 5k on Saturday with the rest of my family. Bob is a good sport and participates even though its not his favorite type of competition.  This 5k was a fundraiser for my school and I bribed my kids to come and challenged them to beat Bob and I. In past races we have ran, I have always beat Bob and I am pretty proud of that since he beats me in almost everything else.

(Also a good side note is that I was never competitive about anything before becoming a Barber.  I was a go with the flow, do my own thing girl. Now I want to win things... For our school competition, the class who has the most students run the race gets a pizza party. Im pretty sure my class won.)

I made Olivia a onesie since they didn't have any race shirts in her size. 

She looks pretty cute in her sunglasses. 

My game plan was run pushing the stroller for the first mile, and then after the first mile I'd leave Bob with Olivia and I'd go ahead. (I had to beat my students.) We started out and we were running around a 10 minute mile pace and Bob said he couldnt go any faster. I encouraged him to stay with me and we averaged about a 9 minute pace. We were going down a long street that had we would run down and then turn around and run back. I knew we were past a mile, but I thought I'd keep Bob running until the turn and then let him have his turn with the stroller. Little did I know, Bob had his own plan in mind. At the turn he just took off. I have no idea where the energy came from. For a little while, I figured I would catch up to him... but I never did.

(When I bribed my kids I told them I would I would give them 100 viking dollars (class dollars) if they beat me and 100 if they beat Bob. And I told them that I was faster than Bob, so they would most likely get 100 for beating him.)

Bob beat me by a couple minutes. (I stopped to talk to my principal so I'll blame part of it on that. And I just had a baby a few months ago...)  Even though he beat me at something I usually beat him at, I was really proud of him. He also came in 2nd out of my family, when usually he is closer to 2nd to last. He rocked this race. He told me later that he felt so good he could run another 5k right then.

Don't you worry, ill be out jogging these next few months getting back in shape so I can beat Bob at our next race.

4 Months

Dear Little Olivia,

You are now 4 months old. You have been such a light in our lives. You make your Dad and I so happy. We can't wait for month 5.

This month you:

- Met your friend Olivia Burr, who is letting you borrow a few of her toys and clothes.
- Fell in love with the play mat. You will lay there and talk to Mr. Turtle who hangs from above.
- You have taken many naps in the jogging stroller. Mom puts you in at nap time and you go over to Orem Community Hospital and walk around the track. One day you took a walk with your friend Tyler Sodja.
- You tag along on dates with Mom and Dad. (Pizzeria 712, Waffle Love, Happy Sumo, and Station 22.)
- We have gone to visit Great Grandma Andrus a few times this month. She wants to hold you like a baby but all you want to do is stand.
-You have started laughing. We have only heard it a few times. You laughed when mom made some funny noises and when she blew raspberries on your belly.
- You are a pro at tummy time. You hold your head up high and are starting to inch your way towards your toys.
- For the first time you went to all 3 hours of church. The first week was hard, but each week has gotten a little easier. (For Mom.)
- You roll over a few times a week. Still only from your tummy to your back.
- You have found your toes, and when you are pant-less, you grab onto them.
- At night you try to sneak your left arm out of your swaddle.
- Your cousins came to visit. Abby and Ty came to hang out at our house, and then we met up with Coy and Keith for dinner.
- While mom and dad eat dinner, you like to sit in your bumbo chair. You also sit with the boppy supporting you.
- At night you still need to be swaddled, but during the day you will nap with your arms out, and sometimes above your head.
- You got sick for the first time this month. Mom went to get you out of your crib and you had thrown up. And then threw up 3 more times that morning. The doctor wanted to see you that day. You were super irritable and sad. Luckily it only lasted for 1 day. Mom and Dad both stayed home with you that day. You weighed in at 12 pounds 8 ounces.
- We finally moved up to size 2 diapers.
- You are using your hands more and more to hold and grab things. You pull your binky out all of the time.
- Mom bought you your first life jacket at Costco. Crossing our fingers you love the water.
- While at the babysitters you have been drinking 1 bottle with 2-3 ounces of milk. You finally decided that you are hungry enough for 4 ounces.
- You love Sadie and Sarah. You recognize them at church and give them big smiles.
- Once mom picks you up from Sarah's you come home and eat at noon. You eat again at 2, 4, 6, and 8 and then go to bed for the night.
- You have been sleeping from 8 PM to 7 AM and waking up once around 3 or 4 to eat.
- For the first time since being in your room and sleeping in your crib you slept from 8 until 7 without waking up in the middle of the night. (Night of March 12th)
- Sucking your hands is one of your favorite things to do.
- You still wear some 3 month clothes, some 3-6 are a tiny bit too big, but you still wear them.
- Almost every Friday, Dad has had the day off this month. So you get to stay home and play with him.
- We have been sitting on a blanket outside playing in the sun. We are so happy to be able to be outside after the long winter.


Your 4 month appointment isn't until next week, so I will update your stats then.
Weight:
Length:
Head:

Having a girl is so much fun. I love being able to pick a matching bow and headband to go with her outfits. We usually only dress up on the weekends. During the week while Mom is working, she mostly wears pajamas. Living by Target will bankrupt us, good thing we are moving. (And there isn't a Target in Pendleton.) Every time I go, I have to look at all of their baby girl clothes. I feel like I have an angel and a devil sitting on my shoulders. One trying to convince me to buy that cute dress and the other telling me we already have a closet full at home.

I can't wait for the school year to be over. I love my kids and I love teaching- but I am ready to be a full time stay at home mom. Only a couple weeks until Spring Break and then the school year is almost over. (At least I keep telling myself that.) I do have to say that I am lucky that I was able to go part time. I get to be home everyday at noon and I love that. We also are blessed with a wonderful babysitter.

The thing I hate about school is pumping. I will be so happy to be done with that phase. Every morning during recess I have to shoo all of my kids out. (Getting my slow pokes out can be a challenge.) Locking the door and having a student double check is a must. And then I get to wash all of my bottles and pump parts each night by hand. *Can't wait to have a dishwasher!

During the afternoons we follow the same schedule, and have done so since I went back to work. I will feed her, and then we will play for the next 45 minutes or so until she gets tired. Lately we have been reading a lot of books. She will sit in her bumbo or on my lap and listen to a few stories. Once I read 5 books in a row and she was still entertained by it. I used up all of my bonus points from my book orders and brought home a bunch of books for Olivia. She has her own little library, and will be needing her own bookshelf soon.

Taking her pictures this month was by far the hardest. She is wanting to sit up on her own, but can't quite do it. And she is so wiggly. Between trying to keep her in place and smiling, the pictures were far and few between. I am sure that it will only get harder from here on out.

3 Months!

Today Olivia is 3 months old, time is going by too quick! She is at such a fun stage right now and we love talking and playing with her during her awake time. Last night Bob and I were talking and he was telling me how much fun she is now.

- She went swimming for the first time.
- Started sleeping in her crib at night.
- She usually will sleep from 9-3, wake up and eat, and then sleep again from 3:30 - 7.
- Then I get her ready and drop her off at 7:15. I pick her up at noon and then we start our 2 hour schedule. Eat and play for the first hour, nap for the second. And we do that until bedtime.
- On February 3rd, she was blessed at church by her dad.
- She went to church for the first time.
- When we read a book to her, she looks at the pages.
- She loves sucking on her hands.
- Her eyes are still blue! Crossing our fingers they don't change.
- Sometimes when we coo or pretend talk with her, she will copy what we do.
- She started laughing.
- Holds her head up really well during tummy time.
- Still wears size 1 diapers, but we are close to moving up to 2's.
- Wears mostly 3 month clothing, 3-6 is a little big.
- Her hair is slowly growing, and she has a few random long pieces on top.
- Has great leg strength and loves standing up.
- Went on a run with mom in the jogging stroller.
- She loves Dad's singing and funny voices.
- She weighs a little over 11 pounds.
- Started drooling a ton.
- Likes to play (aka suck on) with her toys Minnie Mouse and turtle.
- Uses her hands to try and grab her toys, and will hold them.
- Rolled over for the first time, and a few times since. (Front to back)
- Loves sitting in her bumbo chair for a few minutes at a time.
- Had her 1st Valentines Day.

Going to work each day is getting a little bit harder now that she is doing so much more. I'm sad that I missed her rolling over for the first time, but I got to see it later that day. I am glad that it's only for a few more months.

I love how talkative and happy she is. If you talk to her for a few minutes, you are bound to get a smile, and most of the time she will talk back.

We love our little Olivia Faye!

Here she is at 3 months.

 I love this picture, it shows how strong she is. Standing for a few seconds on her own. 

 This happens every once in a while. Ooops!

Here is a little comparison over the past 3 months. 

Olivia's Blessing Day

On February 3rd Olivia was blessed at church. This was her first appearance at church because she is a winter baby. We were so happy to have so many members of our family there to support us. Bob's parents came down from Washington and his cousins Mitch and Kyle with their families were there. My immediate family was there along with Grandma Jayne, the Stewarts, Andrus' & Ren Hales' family.

Our friends Amber and Jordan Burr blessed their daughter Olivia that Sunday too.

Bob gave a beautiful blessing and Olivia was nice and quiet, even when her binky popped out. Olivia wore the blessing dress that I wore when I was blessed. My Grandma Jayne bought it for me.

After church we had lunch at my parents house. We had tapioca for dessert because it was my Dad's birthday, and it's his favorite.

A little comparison of mother & daughter on their blessing days.

Alyse- February 2nd 1987  Olivia- February 3rd 2013

I was a little over 6 weeks and Olivia was 12 weeks. 

Here I am holding Olivia, and my Mom holding me. 

My Dad, on his birthday with Olivia

My parents with Olivia.

Andrea and Brent

Our family!

Olivia and I, love that cute smile of hers!

Bob and Olivia

Blessing Weekend

Bob's parents were in town for a few days before Olivia's blessing. It was so fun to spend time with them while they were here.

On Thursday we went to Red Lobster for dinner. Little Olivia followed her schedule perfectly and allowed us to eat dinner while she slept quietly in her carseat. Bob was in heaven eating seafood and ordered enough to feed the entire family.

We made plans afterward to go swimming at their hotel. Shannon had sent Olivia a package in the mail before she was born and inside was a cute little pink swimsuit. I was so excited to finally put her in it. I already had swim diapers ready for the occasion, but the smallest size were still too big.

The pool was pretty cool and the hot tub was warm, but not hot - so we settled on the hot tub. We were in there for maybe 5 minutes max, and she seemed to enjoy herself. I can't wait for this summer when we will be outside in the sun, playing with our toys, and floating in the pool.

Just a little photo shoot of Olivia in her swimsuit before we went down to the pool. 

With Mom

With Dad

On Friday night we went to El Gallo for dinner. This is my parents favorite place to eat, and over time Bob has started liking it more and more. After dinner we went to the BYU Men's Volleyball game and Uncle Brent watched Olivia.

Saturday morning Bob went shopping with his parents while Olivia and I got ready at home. That afternoon we went to IHOP before going to the Men's basketball game.

2 Months

Our sweet baby Olivia is 2 months today! Time sure has gone by quickly and we are loving every second of it. Here are a few things to remember about the last month.

- We spent a week at my parents house while Bob was recovering from surgery, Olivia always had someone to hold her and play with her.
- Had her 1st Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Hales house. Santa brought her some books, toys, clothes, and a doll.
- Took her first airplane ride and flew to Washington to see Grandma & Grandpa Barber, we spent a week there.
- Met all of her cousins who live in Washington including the newest baby in the family Keith Crosby.
(We need to take a trip to San Diego so we can meet one more cousin.)
- Started going to the babysitter while I work for a few hours each morning
- Goes to bed around 10, wakes up to eat around 4, and then I feed her at 7 before I go to work. Then she will take a bottle around 10 and then I feed her again when I get home at noon.
- Still wears size 1 diapers
- Her eyelashes have grown a ton in the last couple weeks
- Doesn't love tummy time, but will tolerate it for a few minutes at a time
- Wears mostly 3 month clothes
- Has a nice bald spot on the back of her head
- After eating Olivia loves to coo and smile. She will play and be happy for about 30 minutes before she gets fussy and wants to be swaddled.
- If tired, she will fall asleep minutes after being swaddled.
- She has started spitting up... usually 5-10 minutes after each feeding.
- Loves to be held facing outward so she can see what is going on.
- Also gets mesmerized by the TV, she will stare at it for a while and it calms her sometimes when she is upset.
- Loves to lay on her stomach propped up on my boppy. She holds her head up so well.
- Last night she slept completely through the night, 10-6 = one happy mama!

2 Month Stats:
Head:      15.25 inches 70%
Length:   23.25 inches 86%
Weight:   10 lb. 13 oz. 42%

And some thoughts from the mom:

Flying with a newborn was nerve wrecking for me. I was super nervous. On the way there she had a poopy diaper mid-flight so I had to change her diaper on Bob's lap. And then I had to nurse her after that. But other than that, it wasn't too bad. On the way home she slept the whole way, but there was an 8 month old baby behind us who wouldn't stop coughing and I freaked out. I kept the blanket over her face the whole time. Each time he coughed I would scoot up a little in my chair.

For a little while I would get worried that she was growing up too fast, but then I realized that I was enjoying her even more everyday as she is getting bigger and bigger. She is so fun right now and I love hearing her little voice as she coos, talks, and laughs. She is full of smiles!

Going back to work freaked me out. I wasn't ready to go back, but it had to happen. The first morning I took her to the babysitter and she was all smiles. It was a lot easier to drop her off knowing she was happy. We had a really good schedule the first week and that was a huge blessing. Both Bob and I appreciated the sleep we got as we both went back to work.  I love part time, I am home in time for lunch and still have the whole afternoon with her.

We started eating our freezer meals and it has been so nice. Everyday I look in the freezer for something to eat, pull it out and let it defrost for the next day. I have a bunch of fruits and vegetables from Bountiful Basket and combined we have a great meal. We have enjoyed all of the ones we have eaten so far, but our favorite is the chicken - sun dried tomato pasta bake.

One night as we were getting ready for bed, Olivia was really fussy. I was walking around trying to get her to fall asleep and put her down in her crib. She had been crying a lot so I didn't expect her to stop when I put her down. I went into another room to do something and then she stopped crying. I went in and she had fallen asleep. BUT I wasn't ready for her to sleep in her nursery so I picked her up and brought her back into our room. haha.

Nursery

It has almost been another month since I posted last. I have lots to update, and will hopefully do so soon! I have been meaning to post this for a while, and finally got pictures to post on my blog. (I didn't do anything... it's just letting me post now.)

When I first found out I was pregnant I made a boy and a girl quilt. And after I found out Olivia was a girl, I decided to use the colors from the quilt for my nursery. I went with red, pink, aqua, and green.  It isn't finished, and some things are just placed on the wall for now. I need to find some frames and then hang Olivia's newborn pictures and then we should be close to finished.

Here is what the room looks like when you walk in the door.

I attempted painting mason jars, they didn't turn out like I had hoped, but they will do. I found the Olivia book at our school book fair, and loved the colors. Can't wait to read it to her someday.

Quilt that started it all, and a few things on the wall for now. I used my cricut and vinyl lettering for the words on the canvas and then painted over it with red paint, and then peeled the letters off. 

Found this banner on etsy, it is the same material as the quilt. Everywhere I read said no bumpers because of SIDS and I thought the crib looked a little plain. The banner was a simple solution for now.  My crib skirt is having a little stress because of the crib. It won't hang properly because of the metal pieces on both sides. I am still trying to figure out how to make it look better. 

Here is my rocking chair. You may remember my post about finding it at the DI (for $40) along with my sleeping Grandpa. I made the pillow cover from the same material as my crib skirt, and then I made a second quilt out of the same color scheme as the other quilt. I actually love this one more than the other one. 

Baskets filled with blankets, headband holder and an O for Olivia. This side of the room still needs a lot of work. My Grandma gave us the dresser and I found the blue knobs online. I am glad we decided not to get a changing station, because I have never changed Olivia on that pad.