Catch-Up

This past week we've been really busy, and I've fallen behind on the blog. Here's a quick summary of what's happened in our lives.

Olivia visits her Great Aunt Amelia

Out to Lunch

Last Saturday, we met my college friend, Allison Haffey, in Lansing for lunch. It was nice to catch-up and introduce Olivia to Allison.

Mario Kart Tournament

After lunch in Lansing, Olivia went to Uncle Craig's Mario Kart Tournament at Play 'N Trade. With Olivia cheering, Daddy tied for first place!

Relaxing on the floor with Mommy

Reading with Daddy

Grandpa & Grandma Visit

With Daddy away in Detroit for business, Grandpa & Grandma were nice enough to come over and visit in the evening with Olivia. Grandpa helped with Olivia's bath and then fed Olivia her squash dinner. He didn't even make a mess on her bib or clothes...that was a first for Olivia as she is a little messy when she eats with a spoon!

Learning to Crawl

Olivia has begun to hunch up her knees and lift her butt in the air. Any day she'll be on the move...crawling!

Sick

Last Wednesday we took Olivia to the doctor's. She had developed a deep chest cough, runny nose and was sneezing. She was not acting sick, though, and was quite active and playful at the doctor's office. The doctor did find some fluid in her left ear, though. Here Peter is giving her the amoxicillin, which she doesn't really like.

Our Little Reader

Happy 6-month Birthday!

Today Olivia is 6 months old! Here are some pictures and videos showing Olivia's life as a 6-month old.

I like mirrors!

I laugh when Mommy tickles me!

I can hold my head up really well now.

I can manipulate objects in both hands simultaneously.

I like to play the piano with Daddy!

I just started eating veggies...sweet potatoes are tasty!

I drink larger bottles of milk and sometimes I even have formula.

I'm able to spin around on my belly.

I can sit for short periods of time without any support.

I like to play next to the coffee table despite Mommy's efforts in moving me away from it.

I enjoy blowing bubbles and making "pfft" sounds.

I like to pose in my new outfits so Mommy can take my picture.

I make sure Daddy gets his work done with no distractions.

I hold peppers for Grandpa while he's cooking dinner.

I enjoy looking at books.

I love cuddling with Daddy!

I have fun in the bathtub.

I enjoy cuddling with Mommy too.

I can grab my toes. I'm a happy 6-month old!

I'm Growing!

This past Monday, February 16th, Olivia had her 6-month doctor's appointment. She hadn't taken her morning nap yet, so we were a little concerned about what her temperment would be like at the doctor's office. She slept, though, on the ride over and was asleep for part of the time in the waiting room. Then she woke up and quietly watched the other kids playing and running around. When the medical assistant was entering her information in the computer, Olivia decided to pee on the weighing station. I guess she felt free without her diaper!

She weighed in at 14 lbs. 16 ounces. Does anyone think this sounds strange? After the MA announced her weight, I said to Peter, "Isn't that 15 pounds?" Then I asked, "what was her weight?" The MA replied, "14 lbs. 16 ounces." This was also how it was written on Olivia's appointment sheet...strange, very strange! This put her in the 33rd percentile for weight. There was also some confusion regarding her height. I thought the MA initially said 24.75 inches; however, the doctor read something different and told us she was in the 3rd percentile. Peter said, "so she's going to be short?" The doctor then said that it didn't sound right and asked us to have her remeasured. When the MA remeasured her, she said 25 1/4", but wrote 25 3/4" on the paper. Her head circumference was 42 cm (40 %).

While we waited for the doctor, Olivia was soooo active on the exam table. She was rolling over, rotating on her belly, blowing bubbles and playing with her Daddy. When the doctor came in, she didn't even stop! When the doctor examined her, Olivia grabbed the stethoscope and only gave a face of disgust when the tongue depressor was in her mouth. The doctor told us that her own kids weren't flipping over like Olivia at that age and they walked at 10 months, so we would be busy with Olivia!

Olivia had her regular immunizations. She tolerated the oral Rotavirus vaccine better this time. When the first shot pricked her thigh, she jumped, was silent, then cried. Her face turned bright red when the second shot was being administered and then really cried, but only for a couple seconds! She was done crying after her Daddy picked her up!

Tee Time with Daddy & Uncle Craig

After church this morning, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a short visit. Then Olivia went with Daddy and Uncle Craig to the Grand Rapids Golf Show at Devos Hall. Olivia was a huge hit at the show. All the vendors fawned over her, and some even asked to hold her! Daddy took her Bugaboo stroller, but Olivia was too curious and interested in everything around her to lie down so Uncle Craig was nice enough to carry her so she could get a better view. I'm sure she loved it!

Olivia & Uncle Craig before heading to the Golf Show

Our Little Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Olivia posing in her new Valentine's Day ladybug dress. She kept grabbing and looking at it, which made it difficult to keep it down.

Grandma & Grandpa Smith came over early in the morning. Olivia was excited to show off her new outfit!

A Valentine's Day present for Olivia

Grandpa reading with Olivia. He stayed and visited while Mommy & Grandma went to get their hair cut.

"Thank you for all my Valentines!"

Mommy's two sweet Valentines

Movin' On Up

Olivia has now moved onto size 3 diapers! She probably could still remain in size 2, but Daddy wanted to get her the bigger size to ensure she remains leak-free at all times! Our little girl is growing up before our eyes!

Riding In Style

This afternoon we took Olivia to the Grand Rapids Auto Show at Devos Hall with Roel, Emily and Oliver. She rode in the front pack and enjoyed seeing all the 2009 shiny cars! She was wonderful as we walked around the venue and even drank a bottle while in the front pack. All the cars were really nice, but Olivia thought the Audi Q5 was perfect for her with it's spacious interior...lots of room for Mommy, Olivia and Olivia's friends to ride in style. She also liked it's two-toned leather seats, dashboard gadgetry, and sunroof (maybe Mommy liked it more than Olivia?!?). Afterwards, we went to Olga's for lunch. Olivia slept in the car on the way to Olga's and through most of the meal...dreaming of a new car.

Futuristic Concept Car

Roel tries out the new Smart car.

Mini Cooper

Mommy & Olivia in a BMW

Mommy & Olivia in the Audi Q5

Locomotion

Before we got out the video camera, Olivia was "worming around" like crazy, but once the camera came out, she stopped performing. Her preferred method of movement is still by rolling, but here you can see some of her new "worm-like" moves. She's our little entertainer!

Birthday Party Fun

This past Friday we celebrated my Dad's birthday. It was a nice evening. He opened presents and got to spend some quality time with his grandchildren. I made lasagna, cheesy garlic bread and icy raspberry lemonade. Roel brought an appetizer of sausage and peppers, "Olive Garden" salad, and parmesan zucchini. Waldorf Astoria cake was for dessert.

Olivia was interested in Grandpa's card.