Playing in the River

After Olivia's first day of preschool (yes, that was a couple of weeks ago), we spent the afternoon at the MetroParks playing in the river:

She loved wading around in it and throwing rocks into it. It's definitely something that we will do more of this summer!

Chicago Trip, Take Two

Here are some of the pictures Kathleen took on our recent Chicago visit:

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, Jon! I couldn't ask for a better daddy for Olivia. Thank you for all that you do for the both of us. We love you more than you'll ever know!

(This is the picture frame that we gave Jon for Father's Day.)

Also, Happy Father's Day to my father-in-law and my brother. They are two of the best dads I know.

Weekend in Chicago

Olivia and I went to Chicago last weekend. It was Ady's 2nd birthday party and I thought that was a good excuse to go back and visit, as well as to meet Sandy's newest little girl, Greta.

We arrived Thursday afternoon and went straight to Kathleen and Carter's house, where we were staying. After a yummy dinner and some playtime, I put Olivia down fairly early.

We joined our old friends for a playdate Friday morning at Michelle's. It was so nice seeing everyone, as well as the new babies that were born after we moved.

The rest of the weekend was spent with Carter teaching Olivia about dump trucks and excavators and Olivia teaching him about tea parties and baby dolls. We mixed in some mommy time, as well as catching up with other friends!

First face painting:

Watching "Thomas" with Leah and Carter:

Playing in the pool at Leah's:

All of these pictures were taken with my phone because I forgot my camera. Kathleen took more pictures.. And better quality, I'm sure. I'll post those when I get them. That's why I don't have any pictures of the birthday party.

We had a wonderful time catching up with everyone and I'm already looking forward to the next trip!

1st Day of School!

Olivia started Preschool last week. She is going 2 days a week (Tuesday and Thursday) for 1 1/2 hours each day. The main reason is to help with separation anxiety. Since I am with her 24/7 with very few interruptions, we thought it would be good to get her used to being away from me for just a little while.

Day 1 didn't go so well. She was excited to go and we talked about it all morning. She was fine on the way there, and even once we arrived. However, once we stepped foot in the classroom, she lost it. She began to cry (while all of the other parents were taking pictures of their happy kids on their first day of school!) I felt horrible! I just gave her the pink monkey that she has started playing with a lot over the past couple of weeks and walked out. Of course I was crying myself before I even got to my car! Thankfully, there is a tv monitor where you can watch the kids. Although I didn't look right away because I didn't really want to know if she was still crying, I went back and watched after about 30 minutes. She was still holding her monkey, but she wasn't crying... whew!

Day 2 went a little better. I handed her the monkey just before she started crying and it seemed to keep her from getting upset.

Hopefully, taking the monkey to school will be an easy habit to break. I started talking to her about leaving it at home, but I don't think I'm ready to try that just yet...

Grandma and Grandpa Gilge Visit

Jon's parents came to visit last weekend. They arrived Friday evening and left Monday morning. They enjoyed spending time with Olivia, and we enjoyed having them! Olivia especially liked listening to Grandpa play "Sneaky Snake" on the guitar. I have a video of her singing it that I will try to post next week. Listening to Grandpa play the guitar:

Jon took them to breakfast and then the West Side Market on Saturday. After returning home and everyone getting a nap, we grilled brats and sausages for dinner and then Jon and his dad went to the Indians vs Twins baseball game.

We went to church on Sunday morning, followed by the Nature Center in the afternoon. Olivia was anxious to show them the Nature Walk that she enjoys so much!

Jon cooked a delicious dinner Sunday night and they left first thing Monday morning. We are already looking forward to seeing them again in July in Wisconsin!!

2 Year Stats

Olivia had her 2 year appointment this week. She weighs 27.3 lbs (59th percentile) and is 34 1/4 inches tall (59th percentile). Her head circumference is 80th percentile. It must be that big brain... Haha! Dr. Wu said she looks great, and it was so nice to be there for a well visit for the first time. We also got the go-ahead to discontinue breathing treatments (finally)!!

Jon's parents are visiting this weekend, so I'll update again soon.