Thoughts for Thursday....that I started on Tuesday!

1. How on earth is it April 8th already?! Hayden turns 3 in just 10 days......whoa.

2. Olivia had her (almost) 6 week check up on Monday. My "little" girl weighed in at 13 lbs 5 oz!
I rally do produce whipping cream! She grew 1 whole cm and is now 57 cm long. I thought she had grown more....though the "put her head on the line and we'll stretch her out" measuring method is not extremely accurate. I just know she's growing out through the toes of her 0-3 month sleepers. The Dr.'s only "concern" was that she has a belly button hernia. Never heard of it.....but freaking out 'cause my baby girl has a hernia?! I guess it's common, nothing to worry about, the end.

3. I think Olivia is already tired of having the camera constantly in her face!! Better get used to it honey.....I just spent a TON of cash at Michael's on nearly every cutesy pink scrapbooking item I could get my hands on!!


4. Hayden is a chatterbox. He is NEVER quiet. This is exhausting.....but also hilarious. Some of the things that come out of his mouth are priceless. He makes people laugh wherever we go because of the things that he says.....and the best things are usually right on cue.....like when he names who has a penis and who has a 'gina. You just have to laugh. I think his vocabulary and full sentences grow every day.

5. Has anyone else tried to handprint/footprint their babies?? Good grief. I think I had more bright pink ink on me than on Olivia!! The feet were pretty easy.....but try and unclench a baby's fist....forget about it.

6. Last night was Olivia's first night in HER room. I was a bit anxious because she looks so small in that big crib, but she has been sleeping one good 4-5 1/2 hour stretch so I figured it was time. And, she slept a lot during the day (maybe another growth spurt?) so I wasn't sure how the night would go. I heard her make every little noise through the monitor, but she did great! She was in bed at 10:45 and slept until 3:45. Then she was up again at 6:15. I can live with that!

7. I desperately need a hair cut. I need to be that hot new mama.....not the girl with the split ends because her hair is in a ponytail every single day of her life. I don't want to be cute anymore either. I am the 34 year old mother of two. I'm passed cute.

8. I feel like I say "no" about 87 times a day. I've read somewhere that you shouldn't.....but it's such a short and easy way to get your point across. Poor Hayden. I even get sick of hearing my own voice lately. Supermom, I am not. Help. I think I need to lock myself in a room and read my new book...."Honey, I Wrecked The Kids."

9. I NEED to go shower. It may be TMI, but it's been days....many days. Why can't I make the time?

Spring has Sprung!

We decided to head out for a stroll since it
was so beautiful out last night.
We thought we were being really smart
making Hayden wear his rubber boots....

....which only encouraged him to jump
in EVERY puddle he came across!!

This was the large wading pool
in our cul-de-sac

Daddy had Olivia in the Snugli
and she was very content.

The aftermath....
Rubber boots are supposed to keep your feet dry.
But, when some of the puddles
are up to your shins,
the boots get water-logged!

We undressed Hayden on the front porch
because he was soaked.....
but happy!
He didn't mind being all wet 'cause
he had such a great time.

Do these come in my size?

Olivia got the cutest baby gift this weekend.....

I think these are the smartest thing ever!
Her feet are too small for even
the teeniest shoes so,
problem solved!
Socks and "shoes" all in one!!

Thanks Judy!
We love them!!

Bright eyes.....

and a little smile for Mommy.....

....right before she gets SMOTHERED
by her big brother!

Mr. Hayden & the spuds

Hayden was playing with Mr. Potato Head
the other day.

He informed me that he made; (from left to right)
Grampa 'tato head (because of the moustache),
Gramma 'tato head (no resemblance except for the eyelashes),
Hayden 'tato head (he definitely has an evil side)
and Mommy 'tato head (totally because of the lips).

What a creative genius.
It's like a weird family tree.

Bath Time!

10 on Tuesday

1.....is the number of minutes since I last worried about being a good mom.

2.....is the number of chins Olivia has developed. And 2 big cheeks to match!

3.....is the number of days until Ralph comes home. It's been a long week and I can hardly wait until he's home on Friday night. I think I might sleep in on Saturday morning.

4.....is the number of times I have said, "please be gentle." In the last hour alone.

5.....is the number of hours Olivia slept in one stretch last night...from 9pm-2am. I'm hoping this will be the new trend for bedtime. It can only get better, right?!

6.....is the number of pumpkin spice muffins I have eaten. Out of the 18 I made.

7.....is the number of times today I thought about watering the plants, changing the kitty litter, shoveling the driveway or vacuuming. None of which are actually done.

8.....is the size I aspire my jeans to be. One day very soon.

9.....is the time of night I would like to go to bed. Every night. But I always find something "better" to do than sleep. I should just give up and go to bed with Olivia. I have the whole day tomorrow to procrastinate over the things I should be doing. Like watering my droopy plants.

10...is (at the very least) the number of attempts I have made to sit in front of the computer and finish this post!

Awwwwww.....

Just another day
hangin' out at home with my babies.

Kara & Olivia's Baby Shower

My little princess is spoiled rotten.
Already.

Eveline and Tessa hosted a lovely baby shower
honoring Olivia and I and we had a lovely afternoon.
Olivia enjoyed having a snuggle
with all kinds of new people
while Mommy opened
her many beautiful presents!

Great Grandma Pearl bought Olivia her
first party dress.
She looked so sweet.

Sara Jane made
the most AMAZING diaper cake!
There were so many beautiful treats hidden
inside this work of art!

Baby GIRL....I still have to pinch
myself now and again!!

Mommy and Daughter.
Wow.
I have a DAUGHTER.

Making faces for the camera already!
Look at those big eyes!!

Yea!! OLIVIA the pig!!
Her very first book for her very own bookshelf.
And how appropriate....

This little party girl was still awake
when we got home at 9:30!!
Auntie Kelly didn't mind having another snuggle.
I think you can really see the
Gould side in Olivia....

I love her little "smirky" smiles.....
the I-know-I'm-so-cute-and-you're-wrapped
around-my-finger kind of smiles!

Olivia's closet is now full of beautiful outfits

and dresses courtesy of
Mommy's wonderful and thoughtful friends.

Thank you SO MUCH.
I feel so blessed.

Ten on Tuesday...on Wednesday!

1. Life with 2 children is BUSY! I know other moms have shared this little tid-bit of information with me, and it's really true. It is a bit of a juggling act. We're still trying to find our way....but I hope to be a well-oiled machine one day! Don't even get me started on how few times a week I shower or how little time I have behind the computer......

2. The lack of sleep is catching up with me. I keep saying I will nap....and it never seems to happen. I say I should go to bed early....but that never happens either. I felt VERY grouchy this morning as a result of 3 weeks of broken sleep. I felt better after a big cup of coffee!

3. I can't believe my baby girl is almost 1 month old!!

4. I'm still trying to decide when I should put Olivia in her room. We are up every 2-3 hours at night so it's pretty convenient to have her right beside me. Ralph says it's totally up to me. I'm having mixed feelings. For some reason, it feels too soon.

5. Ralph has to take a business trip to Atlanta for ONE WHOLE WEEK.....starting on Sunday! I'm freaking out a little. Those are going to be some LONG days with no breaks. Eek. I'll be going to bed at 9:30 every night for sure! Just one more reason to keep Olivia in our room for a little while longer.....

6. My sister, Kelly, was in town for a weekend visit. I guess short and sweet is better than nothing. I hadn't seen her since the Summer, so it was really nice to have some time together. She was here for the baby shower and she got to see our new house, and meet her niece for the first time.

7. Olivia had a little milestone! I tickled her cheek and she smiled and let out 2 big giggles!! Mommy was, of course, in tears. I don't care if it was gas....it was the sweetest sound. She loves to smile in her sleep.....she must be having sweet dreams.

8. What is it with boys and their fascination with electronics? I don't get it. If I push the power button and the TV comes on, I'm happy. If I push play on the DVD player to catch a chick flick, I'm happy. It can even be a full-screen version. Not so much the case for Ralphie. We just got a new $230 bulb for the big screen TV and a Blue-Ray DVD player. Sorry honey, I really don't see the difference.

9. I've heard of putting Prep-H on puffy eyes......

....but Zincofax bum cream as a moisturizer?? Olivia had a mini facial this morning. Courtesy of Hayden. Thank goodness he missed her eyes! Guess she'll have to get used to these sorts of "tortures" at the hands of her big brother!

10. I had a mini heart attack the other day. I was in the computer room and Hayden was in the family room with Olivia (who was asleep in her swing.) Suddenly, Hayden was standing beside me saying, "here you go Mommy!" WITH MISS OLIVIA IN HIS ARMS!!! I tried not to freak out too much but my heart was racing. I don't know how he muscled her out of the swing, and managed to carry her without dropping her?! The funny thing was, he was totally supporting her head the whole time he held her.

Hayden and Olivia

I can't help but smile when
Hayden gives Olivia
snuggles.

He asks if he can hold her.....
and he gets better and better at supporting
her little head.

Love their facial expressions here!
Hayden is proud.....

Olivia is bewildered.

Aawwwww....sweet little smooches
for his baby sister's
little head.

If they can make MY children look like angels.......

The latest and greatest from
our awesome friends at
BIG PICTURE photography.....

our little pea in a pod

peek-a-boo
blue eyes

she sleeps.....
but not for long

absolutely angelic

Bye bye button!

Woo-hoo!!
Olivia's stinky little belly button stump finally
fell off yesterday!

She kind of has a cross between
an innie and an outie....

an ounie? an intie?

I think my hubby is worried it's more of an outie.

I said to Ralph......."who cares!?
If she hates her belly button,
maybe she won't wear midriff bearing tops!!
Or maybe then she won't even think about
piercing her belly button!"

She's perfect regardless.

Thoughts on Thursday!!

After a brief hiatus, I am going to try to continue my 10 on Tuesday posts. I'll have to ease into it.....5 minutes behind the computer is sometimes a challenge! I sure think I am going to have lots of "material" now that I am trying to parent TWO children!!

1. Olivia's last Dr.'s appointment was yesterday. She is tipping the scales at 10 lbs already!! With the 18% whipping cream that I produce, it's little wonder. It was so nice to have them dote on her about what a healthy and strong baby she is. I, of course, beam with pride whenever anyone tells me how beautiful she is!

2. My daughter already has an eating disorder. She's a total puker. Just like her mommy was.

3. My kids can throw up or pee on me. I can wipe a poopy bum. Boogers are no big deal. Olivia's belly button stump.....GAG! Ralph is in charge of keeping it clean 'cause I nearly throw up every time it almost comes off. Hopefully that happens soon. I nearly fainted tonight when it twisted around and came off on one side.

4. I think her eyelashes grow more every day.

5. Is it wrong that I have already thought about painting her toenails and piercing her ears?

6. I am tired. I forgot how having only 2-3 hours of sleep at a time can wear you down. I don't feel like a total zombie. But, I don't nap. I can always find something "better" to do. Like watching Ellen while I snuggle with Olivia (during Hayden's nap.)

7. To get out of the house to go ANYWHERE takes a minimum of 2 hours. Just when you think you have one child ready, the other poops her pants. As you are changing said poopy diaper, someone else is taking off his shoes and socks! And I refuse to leave the house with no makeup on, so I need a few minutes too. Wow. I can see that outings may be kept to a minimum for awhile. Miss Olivia is eating every couple of hours so no mall-crawling for awhile.

8. Hayden loves his baby sister. He loves to tell me when "she's stinky" and I need to change her bum. He loves to "pet" her head and give her kisses. He wants to give her a soother when she cries. He likes to stand at her side and "mix the water" while she has her bath. We are still working on the concept of "be gentle" but for the most part, he is pretty great with her.

9. Do all older siblings act naughty while Mommy is nursing the baby? Hayden always seems to get into something he is not supposed to while I am immobilized. Gia, the kitten, takes the same opportunity.

10. Why can't we immediately drop the pregnancy weight gain the minute we have a baby? I gained a whopping 50 lbs. I have only lost 35 lbs. I want it to be warm and summery outside so I can get in gear and start walking again. Another 20 lbs. would be perfect. I vowed to get really fit after my second child......I'll work on that after I get some more sleep!

1 Week Old....

.....and Uncle Nick & Auntie Keri
are already working on
Olivia's portfolio.

I still can't believe she's here.
She's so precious.
We're so blessed.