Hungry Little Girl

Last night I was thinking about tomorrow's breakfast, craving a greasy McDonald's sausage egg mcmuffin meal. (Note: I'm 4 months pregnant.) I mentioned to Peter that it sounded good and maybe he could pick me up a meal before heading to work in the morning. (Note: We only have 1 car that he uses during the day for work.) Lo and behold, my great husband surprised me this morning by bringing me my requested McDonald's meal. I didn't think he would remember my silly craving. Anyway, I started to eat my delectable (greasy for most, but delectable to a pregnant woman) breakfast, planning to watch some t.v. as well. After a couple bites, my breakfast was cut short by the sounds of little Olivia. She was awake. I went upstairs to get her and then brought her downstairs to change her diaper. After changing her diaper, I went into the kitchen to take it to the trash and wash my hands. In less than a minute's time, I came back into the living room, planning to finish my breakfast and a little sad that now I would have to share it with Olivia. I realize that's a terrible thought, but remember I'm pregnant...I'm already sharing! Upon entering the living room, I see Olivia standing in her diaper with the hashbrown in her hands already taking a bite! I shook my head and chuckled, exclaiming, "Oooliviaaaa!" Her response, "I got hungie!" I laughed and immediately went to get the camera; by the time I came back with it, she had climbed up onto the sofa continuing to devour my breakfast! She ended up eating nearly all the hashbrown and drinking almost the entire orange juice. I guess she thought it was a special treat as well!

Summer in May

With the temperature in the 80s and the high humidity today, we were very excited to discover that Millenium Park was open before Memorial Day, and it was FREE! It was our first time swimming there, and it definitely won't be our last! The beach area was really nice, and the lake water was warm and refreshing. After we explored the beach and lake, we ventured over to the splash pad. Peter and Olivia ran under all the sprinklers to cool off, and I watched as Peter followed Olivia from one area to the next. If the weather continues to be as hot as it has been these past couple days, we will definitely consider buying a family pass there since it's so close to our house and a perfect spot for Olivia to cool off and get out some energy!

Don't Let Her Get You!

We like to tickle Olivia and make her giggle, but BEWARE...she will "tick you" too! She's very sneaky about it, too. She drops her chin to her chest, gets a sly look in her eyes, and holds her tickle fingers up close to her face as she approaches you.

Children's Museum

This afternoon, Olivia and I went to the Children's Museum. With it being so hot outside, it was a nice place to go and cool off while still having some fun. When we arrived, there were buses lined up outside the entrance, and inside, the museum was packed with kids. Fortunately, they were getting ready to leave and we only had to fight the crowds for a short while. Olivia had fun exploring all the stations; she is definitely an independent child, leaving me to follow behind her, as she went from one thing to the next. After an hour, we got ready to leave. Perfect timing since more buses filled with children and parents were arriving as we exited.

Playing in the kitchen

The sand table is one of Olivia's favorite stations.

Entering the farm area, posing under the apple tree

She's so inquisitive!

Bubbles! Olivia loved this station, but I think I had the most fun there!

Working at the computer registration desk for the Animal Clinic

Answering the phone at the banking station

Baptism

On Sunday, May 23rd, we celebrated Olivia and Peter's baptism. In addition to the baptisms, Peter and I professed our faith in front of the congregation, and our family became official members of LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Since moving back to Michigan, we were on the search for a church home to suit both our tastes, and after attending LaGrave for about a year, we are now officially members.

Our family picture before heading to church

Olivia before the service

Olivia sitting with her Dad in the pew before the service. Unfortunately, she ripped her headpiece off before the first hymn was sung.

Peter's Baptism

Olivia did not want to go into my arms when Peter was about to get baptized. She clung to him and supported him while he knelt before the pastor.

Olivia's Baptism

After Olivia was baptized, she said, "Mama." Apparently, she didn't want me to be left out from getting baptized with Daddy and her.

Opening presents with Jenna

Another Summer of the Button

Tonight we met Lindsay and Jenna at the Gerald R. Ford museum. Last summer, this was our regular meeting place for running and button fun! Since it's been so nice out lately, we decided to get an early start on another "Summer of the Button."

"Oooohhh...Wa Wa!" Olivia pointing out the fountain to Jenna.

21 Months Old

Yesterday Olivia turned 21 months old! It's hard to believe that in just a few more months our little girl will be 2 years old! She is such a delight. She loves "coke-eyes" (cookies), stickers, Pooh (we watch My Friends Tigger & Pooh together), staying up late cuddling with her Daddy, to "tick you" (tickle you, which she does in a very sly, sneaky way), spotting bugs, standing at the sink playing with the running water, dancing, saying "pease" and "thank you," and seeing her extended family. She can now say, "Papa," "Ettae," "Ehmo," "KayKay," "Ro," "Owiver," "Emee," "Gampa," "Gamma," "Bos," "Caig," "Jenna," "Juwee," and "Maggie." Her vocabulary is expanding each day, but she still loves to tell us little stories in her own sweet language.

The Best Gift Ever!

Happy Mother's Day!