Sunday, December 28, 2008

Baby Steps..in Flip Flops...its 72 Here...

We are happy to report that Olivia is starting to show signs of improvement, the breathing treatments must be helping!! Her Doc said it would take a good 2 weeks for the cough to go away, that was depressing, but while its still awful, its getting better already, we are all for Baby Steps in the right direction.

If any of you have ever had to give your child a Nebulizer, you know they get super hyped up after, the Albuterol makes their heart pound. Well as soon as we unhook Olivia, put her down, she runs in circles for a good 15 minutes, its hilarious. Next time we do it we are going to get her on video, its like you are watching her on fast forward.

The whole family took a field trip to Sonic this morning for breakfast before Brad and GaGa started work on Avery's Closet, even Riley came along for the ride. Its been a while since we made the trip for breakfast, while we had fun, it wasn't the same without our loyal Sonic companions Brian and Molly.

Olivia has learned how to feed her "Baby" a bottle, its adorable. She is madly in love with her Baby (Thanks Dana), she has to take her everywhere, wants to wrap her in blankets, etc. We are hoping this is a good sign for when Avery arrives that she will at least want to cuddle and comfort her like she does her baby.

Brad goes back to work tomorrow, but will be off starting Wednesday through the 5th. His parents are coming up for a few days to celebrate Christmas since we didn't make the trip down there this year.

Can you believe its already 72 degrees outside and its only 11am...and its December 28th. Its nuts. After Olivia's nap we are planning on taking Riley to the park and hoping Olivia will want to play on her new swing set...can't miss out on this gorgeous weather, but can't do too much since Olivia is still fighting Bronchitis.

Friday, December 26, 2008

For Christmas: Bronchitis and A Tooth

The title of this blog basically sums up our last few days...as earlier reported Monday Olivia came home from daycare with a 104 degree fever. The rest of the week we noticed that she was becoming more and more congested, the fever was clearly the early stages of a yucky cold. Wednesday a.k.a Christmas Eve the cough started, we hosted Christmas Eve dinner here with my parents. Olivia was a champ despite feeling like crapola, she opened some presents, ate about 4 rolls and went to bed around 8pm.

She was up at 11pm, coughing her tiny little face off, it was heartbreaking, we gave her a nebulizer treatment and she was coughing and struggling to breath until she fell back to sleep in the bed with me at 1am. She was up again at 4:45am. Brad took over at 5:45 and by 6am she was asleep, and awake again at 8:30am, a rough rough night for all. My parents arrived Christmas Morning at 8am, and were here when Olivia and I came down the stairs for the first time, her first glance at the tree. Here she is, her first glance of the tree and all the presents.



Olivia was a trooper, she opened presents, played like a rock star and mooched food off of every one's plates. She went down for a nap around 1pm, I napped, Brad rode the bike and then when she woke up we went over to my parents for Christmas Dinner. Olivia was NOT interested in dinner and threw her oranges all over the place. So now we can add "throwing" to the hitting and no phase, what a trio.

We took her back to the Doctor today, another negative test for RSV, but she came home diagnosed with Bronchitis. She is now doing breathing treatments several times a day and is on antibiotics, we are hoping she can kick the cough in the next few days, but her Doctor said he expected a slow recovery, that it would likely take her a good 2 weeks to kick it. Not what we wanted to hear, we are hoping she feels better long before then. We are happy to report that the breathing treatment goes much smoother when she is in front of the TV watching her crazy Nursery Rhymes.


Brad and I need to pick our Avery's Glider this weekend so we can order it, and we were hoping to go to dinner and a movie, but with Olivia feeling like garbage we will likely put that on hold until she is feeling better. Last night we watched What Happens in Vegas with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher, HILARIOUS, exactly what we both needed, a light cute comedy. And tonight we are watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall, too much camera time for the Twigs and Berries if you ask me...WOOF.

Brad's parents are planning to come up for a few days starting on the 31st or 1st. We are planning on spending NYE with our neighbors, low key, but lots of fun, the best way to ring in the new year, with great friends.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

And her name is....

We have named the littlest one...

Miss. Avery Emerson Turner
Emerson is Brad's Grandmother's Maiden name, just as Olivia's middle name is in honor of my Grandmother's Maiden name. Avery has always been our #2, behind Olivia, however I learned on Olivia's first day of daycare that there was another little girl there named Avery Turner...what are the odds? We immediately gave up the hope of having a little girl named Avery, but then when we found out we were having another little girl we just couldn't let go of the name, its our favorite and we love it, so we decided that at the very most they will be in daycare together for a year or so, but won't be in school together, so we are okay with it, and trilled that we have found a name we love.
I had a prenatal massage today at Salon del Sol, it was nice and relaxing. I wish they had the prenatal table like Nesbit does, since they don't I had to lay on my side for her to get my back...it didn't work so well and that was what you would call my "problem" area, so my back didn't get the attention it needed, but my face, feet and hands feel a little like a slice of heaven.
Poor Olivia, still isn't feel so well. She did have a pretty good day though, the fever didn't spike again until this evening, so she was comfortable most of the day. She took a nice 3.5 hour nap this afternoon, I don't know if she has ever napped that long. Had I been home with her (Brad was) I probably would have checked on her about 32 times to make sure she was still breathing. If the fever is still present tomorrow we likely won't make the trip to Bassett. Bummer. Its tough to change Holiday plans at the last minute, but that's what happens when you have little ones, they get sick and plans go right out the window...I just hope she is on the mend and feeling better soon.
And I am happy to report that Baxter (Shannon's Dog) just has a liver infection, no tumor, which is great news. They picked him and some meds up today and he is back at home with them. They think it might be a case of food contamination...Shannon was going to call PetSmart tonight.

Monday, December 22, 2008

A very mixed day...

Bad News for the Day:

#1 - Beth e-mailed and gave me some sad news, her poor sweet kitty, Cole passed away yesterday, in her lap on the way to the ER Vet...they think maybe a heart attack, so sad huh? Handsome Austin just wants Santa to bring Cole back...but I am betting he will change his mind once he sees that XBOX 360. And Sofia just keeps saying "Cole died".

#2 - I went through all of Olivia's baby clothes and can't find some of my favorite gowns and outfits, where in the world could they be? And do I now need to get this baby some new clothes? It isn't in the budget...

#3 - Ellie (niece) went to the ER last night, has Croup (sp?) and Strep...

#4 - Baxter (Shannon's Dog) is sick, jaundice and is staying at the ER Vet...

#5 - I got a call today at 3:45pm, Olivia was running a fever of 103.8...off to the Doctor we went...no flu and no RSV, so the Doctor just said to tough it out, could be up to 5 days of high fevers, the viruses going around are nasty, she said if it hit 105 to call her back...I felt like saying "Lady, if my daughter's fever hits 105, you bet your bottom dollar I will call you...on my way to the ER"

Good News of the Day...

#1 - I was found a changing pad cover at Pottery Barn Kids for $9.99 today...

#2 - Andrea, one of my friends from my March 2009 Birth Club delivered her little girl Madison Dawn over the weekend at 28 weeks, the little darling had a full head of hair. She is holding her own, breathing on her own, and is taking breast milk. Andrea gets to go home today to spend the holidays with her family, but of course is sad to leave sweet Madison...

#3 - My OB approved my prenatal massage for tomorrow mid-day, I can't wait, my back has been killing me.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

4 Days and Counting...


Olivia is loving the Countdown Santa, she changes the blocks on a daily basis, numerous times a day and today we were able to change it to 04 days, and she seemed to be okay with that number so left it alone for the rest of the day. She loves the Christmas Tree and at first never touched a thing, but has started to point and look back at us to ask whether she can touch the ornaments, of course the answer is no, so she just keeps pointing and eventually walks away.

She has also found a great deal of satisfaction in opening her presents, however we realized the trick is, don't give her the present, if you give it to her and ask her to open it, you get nothing, no interest at all, but if you just leave it on the floor, she will gravitate to it and begin opening it. Of course the same holds true for all presents that are on the floor, so you have to be careful about leaving presents around, especially those for others, I have had to re-wrap a few presents...



Olivia and Dada had a blast messing around the other night, Brad ran around the entire house bouncing her around, of course it was right after dinner, but thank god no vomit :) This afternoon she was so clumsy, she could barely walk more than a few steps without falling flat on her face, silly girl.
Olivia is obsessed with the bathroom, if I am in the bathroom she HAS to be in there with me, and likely she will stay long after I am finished. She loves to help flush, sometimes she just likes to play on the floor, take note, this is her in the half-bath downstairs. Crazy little girl.
We are heading to Bassett on Wednesday Mid-Day and will spend a few days with The Turner Family, and will be back in Richmond for dinner on the 26th with my parents. We will then have a traditional Christmas Morning/Day here on the 27th, filled with yummy breakfast casserole, mimosas for those who aren't with child, and lots of presents for the littlest one. Everyday my Mom gives her a present, because she is afraid she will be overwhelmed on Christmas Day...I think its more than my Mom can't wait to watch her open them...
Friday Night I had a girls night out with April and Courtney. It was so great to catch up with the girls, we haven't all been together in months. It was also great for April to get out and get some time to herself away from the little ones that keep her busy 24 hours a day. We had dinner at Brio and walked around Stony Point.
Last night Brad and I had dinner with his two Uncles (Darrell and Bernard) that live here in Richmond, his Cousin Alex and his Grandma. It was great to see everyone. We dined at The House of Vietnam, (No more Asian Food for a while for this girl) and then went back to Darrell and Boozie's house to visit. We had planned on seeing Four Christmases, but missed it, so we are hoping to catch it before it leaves the theaters. I have decided that I won't be able to see Marley and Me in the theaters, I will have to wait for it to come out OnDemand...
Tomorrow my Mom and I are headed to Short Pump to return a few things and run an errand or two. Hopefully I will get the "Okay" from Dr. Davis to have a prenatal massage on Tuesday, my back has been killing me, so I am hoping she gives me the green light.
I haven't watched a single Christmas Movie this season, depressing isn't it? We have just been so busy, I am hoping to get one in before we head to Bassett.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Who knew...


That you could glue ears...I mean in all seriousness it isn't as far fetched as you might think, but it still is strange. The poor dog...its always something with him. He has had open wounds on the tips of his ears for the last two months, its not uncommon, usually they heal on their own with a little special potion, but not this time, so after two months of him painting our walls and doors with his blood, not to mention our carpets and windows we decided we need to take some action. So off to Dr. Bills he went...Dr. Lauren took him to the back, glued his ears, brought him back to the exam room, one shake of the head and the room was coated in his blood, a lovely shade of Holiday Red...take two, Dr. Lauren took him back again and this time he came out with these lovely WWII bandages...he looks like a homeless doggie, poor thing.
Olivia is off to The Little Gym this morning with Brad while I finish wrapping our Christmas Presents. We had all the carpets cleaned yesterday and the nursery is empty now, the furniture will arrive early this week and then I can start decorating, I can't wait. Olivia walked into the nursery today and just danced around in the open space, we tried to tell her that her little sister would be living in there soon and she just pointed up at the fan and said "Wow"...I guess its a start, at least she didn't yell NOOOOOOOOOO, which is quickly becoming one of her favorite responses...and the hitting, will it ever stop? Our darling little angel is now morphing into a 2 year old right in front of us...where did the time go?
Off to wrap the remaining presents...

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A Case of the Mondays

That would be Olivia, not me. She is a mess on Monday Nights, can't form a word, just whines, and needs to be in her crib at 7:00pm SHARP, not a minute later, and if we would allow it, she would gladly go up at 6:30pm, she just can't hold it together. Last night she started to get overtired around 6:30 and then her running in place dance started, and it doesn't stop, she was cracking herself up, at least she went to bed happy after spending the whole evening whining her face off. Adorable Lil' Brat that she is.

We are on a mission to capture the perfect picture of Olivia for our Holiday card, but we aren't having much luck, we might just have to send out New Years Cards. I am going to start checking Costco for their New Years Card selection. I mean really, this is her last chance to steal the spotlight, next year she will have to share the card, I don't understand why she isn't being more helpful - LOL.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Tons of Tack & Terror

Yup, that was the only emotion I could think of to describe how Olivia reacted to Santa today at the Amberleigh (my parents Neighborhood) Holiday Party. My mom tried to take her up to see Santa, he even knew all about her, her favorite toys, her dogs name (all supplied by my mom prior to the party) but once she saw where my mom was taking her the tears starting and they weren't quiet tears, they were loud, loud, loud tears. We didn't push it, let her play around for a little while and then I tried again, oh boy, not a chance, as soon as I picked her up she knew where she was headed and the screaming started, I couldn't stop laughing. I even tried to stand behind Santa while holding her to get one picture and that didn't work even for a second, you would have thought I was pulling her finger nails out or making her chew on tin foil, it was awful. I am so thankful we didn't wait in line at the Children's Museum or at the Mall, and then paid $30 for a single 5 X 7, only to find out she was going to scream the entire time. Maybe we will get a picture next year...My Mom said I did the same thing when I was her age.





Now on to the 3rd Annual Tacky Sweater Party...it was all I had hoped for and more. It was a smaller group this year, a lot of people had work holiday parties on the same night and couldn't make it, but we had a blast. Olivia had a sleep over at YaYa and GaGa's house, they hung out until about 7:15 and then headed back to their house, Olivia was so sleepy, I wish she could have stuck around for some pictures, but we did our best to capture her in her Tacky Sweater before the party kicked off. I turned in around 12:30am and I believe Brad came to bed around 2am, I can't wait until I can actually part-take in the spirits next year, I have been pregnant for 2 of the last 3. Lord help us if I cannot kick back some bubbly next year...

Have I mentioned that Olivia calls herself "LaLa". Zack calls her LaLa so we are guessing that is where she gets it from. When she sees a picture of herself, she says "LaLa", its hilarious. And she is madly in love with my Dad, she can't go more than a few hours without asking for GaGa, its her new favorite thing to say.
This is Justin's annual cone shot...

This morning Molly, Amy, Lauren and I headed out to the Bizarre Bazaar, it was fabulous, I can't wait until next year. Molly won a door prize, and got a free jar of jelly...HA!.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

POTS and Pans...

Well its official, Brad has POTS. We are thrilled to finally know what is causing all his dizzy spells, but now its a matter of him getting used to the meds, because right now he feels like Riley is sitting on his chest. We are hoping it will just take a few days for the meds to get into his system and make him feel better. The Doc thinks he will be on meds for 6 months and will then likely be able to come off, clearly isn't a severe case, but it still isn't fun when your husband has to spend his day in the Cardiac Cath Lab.

Olivia had her second flu shot today, she took it like a champ, not a single tear, of course when the doctor tried to listen to her heart you would have thought he was stabbing her with a knife, he said its normal, that after a year they are more and more scared of the doctors and it lasts until they are about 3 years old, something to look forward to. HA. And it wasn't her normal doctor, so maybe that was it.

We are looking forward to the 3rd Annual Tacky Sweater party this weekend, I can't wait to share the pictures with you all on Sunday. They should be GREAT. I have high hopes for the tack. And then Sunday its girls day out at the Bizarre Bazaar, I am so excited.

Speaking of excited. Yesterday afternoon I went online to look at the Winter Wonderland Bedding at Pottery Barn Kids, the quilt was sold out, I slipped into a deep depression. I decided to call the local store and see if they carried it, and JACKPOT they did and they had 4 in stock, so I ran by today and pick up the bedding set for Olivia. I am madly in love with it. I couldn't stop myself, the Holiday stuff in that store is adorable, a fortune, but adorable. I can't wait to put it on Olivia's big girl bed...in 2010. She will likely be in her crib again next year, so we won't get to use it for a little while, but I couldn't pass it up. And did I mention that while I was there I bought the baby her Jumbo Christmas Stocking, I couldn't risk them selling out and her not having a Jumbo Stocking like Olivia's, that just wouldn't be fair.

Work is BUSY...Capital One bought Chevy Chase Bank today, that isn't making me busy, but just wanted to throw that out there. Usually work is quiet and slow in December, but not this year, its craziness. I can't wait for a break, hopefully the week of Christmas will be slower.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Our Future Holiday Card....


If we were to use this picture for our Holiday Cards, I can see it now...the caption on the card. "Happy Fricken Holidays"...but we know that wouldn't go over so well with the Turner side of the family so we will keep searching for that perfect pose to capture our darling child in her glory...HA.

Oh Christmas Tree....Oh Christmas Tree

A few random shots of Olivia...here she is, stuck under the table. Her new thing is trying to fit in tight spots, she loves the trying to fit part, she isn't such a fan of the trying to get out part, she needed some help. Notice she brought her "Cuppie" with her though...


And take a look at this hair, this poor girl looks like a homeless child, she needs a haircut in the worst way, but I am just afraid of those traditional straight cut bangs, I won't do that to my child, but what else do you do? Just trim them a little so they still go in a Clippie? I guess thats the solution...and do I pay for that, or do I try and do it myself? I could cut her eyes out, that would be bad. I would def be out of the Mom of the Year Running...



Ta-Da, here it is, the 2008 Turner Family Christmas Tree...we are happy to report that Olivia loves to look at the "BaBas" AKA as Balls, but she doesn't touch, at least she doesn't after we remind her several times a day that she isn't allowed to touch...

And here are our first attemps at the 2008 Turner Family Christmas Card, needless to say, we didn't find a winner just yet, so our second photo session is scheduled for as soon as this rain stops.
Happy Baby before the session begins...

Outside during the Photo Session...

Someone has had enough of the photo session...

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Fa La La La La, La La La La

My Mom and I skipped the Black Friday madness, but did venture out to Once Upon a Child, a second-hand children's store, can I just say....BARGAIN CENTRAL. I had no idea. It was like a little piece of heaven. Listen to these deals:

Brown Furry Boots for Olivia = $5.00
Baby Gap Winter Coat = $7.00
Baby Gap Winter Sweater = $4.50
Khaki Cords = $3.50

And the toys, good gracious, Olivia had a blast playing in the toy area. We were on a mission to find a Pack N Play for The Turner's House, but no luck. We will keep trying, we have until the baby arrives to find one and Grammie Turner is looking too, so we are hopeful.

We spent the morning at the Children's Museum, it was interesting to say the least, not quite what we expected...Olivia had fun in the Ukrops area, carrying around all the fake food, and then she found a Baby Doll that she carried around for the rest of the morning, only a small fit when we tried to pry it from her clutches when we had to leave. She had a good time, but it will be much better in a year or so when she is taller, can reach more exhibits and do more things, she basically just toddled around until it was time for lunch and then we were off to Great Wraps at VCU, she had a blast, was a complete ham the entire time.

I have finished putting up all the Christmas Decorations, the only thing left is to set the Dining Room table with all the Christmas Dinnerware, I love the way it looks when its all set up, but of course we never eat in there.

Tonight Brad and I have our first date night in MONTHS. We are going to the Hockey Game, I have Suite Tickets from work, and YaYa and GaGa are going to watch Olivia. And on our way home we will stop to wish Karl a Happy Birthday at Bailey's, Lindsay is throwing him a little par-tay. Congrats to the happy couple on their exciting news, soon there will be three!!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Give Thanks...

I can't believe its Olivia's 2nd Thanksgiving...and that next year when we are celebrating her 3rd, we will also have a 9 month old. We spent the majority of the day in the car, left home at 8:30am, headed to Bassett, arrived around 12pm, ate at 1pm, Olivia napped from 1:30-2:30 and then we left around 3:45pm. Quick Trip, very quick. We likely won't be making this a day trip again, at least not for a few years until the girls are older, it was too much for Olivia, too much car seat time, but she was a trooper. And did I mention that I thought I was in labor the whole way home...yup, I was watching the clock, timing the contractions...it wasn't fun, but the good news is, I am not blogging from a hospital bed, and I was not in labor.

More good baby news, I got my Gestational Diabetes results back, normal, which is great, I wasn't thrilled about the possibility of a diabetic diet. My hemoglobin levels were a little low so back on the iron pills for me, I had the same issue with Olivia so nothing to be alarmed over, fairly normal.

Tomorrow my Mom and I are heading out in the morning to do a little shopping. I have spent the last hour going through all the flyer's, and I realize you really can get some great deals, especially for kids, so over the next few years I will likely have to brave the crowds on Black Friday, but not this year, we are just heading to Once Upon a Child and Big Lots, in search of an extra Pack N Play for Grammie and PawPaw Turner's House. Brad and my Dad are going to finish up Olivia's swing set, it should be a nice day, so we are guessing she will spend some QT playing outside.

I can't wait to put all the Christmas Decorations up, the tree is going up tomorrow, I will take some pictures and post them in the next few days. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Lil' Olivia learned what a Turkey says this morning...Brad said "Gobble Gobble Gobble" and Olivia said it right back, hilarious.

Have I mentioned lately that Riley is losing his mind? He barks non-stop, at people walking by, at the exterminator on the deck, at falling leaves, at anything that moves, it really is quite annoying. All of his fur stands up and he growls and barks, its loud, makes Olivia jump and drives me bonkers.

We are heading to Bassett tomorrow for Turkey Day, we are looking forward to some quality time with both sets of parents, as my parents are making the trip with us. Personally I am looking forward to the ride down, in my parents stylish, very grandparent like mini-van. Olivia and I are going to camp out in the back and watch Christmas Movies on the way down.

I have already started decorating for Christmas, I would have done more if I was allowed to carry the boxes from the 3rd floor, but Brad said if I did he would be furious with me since I shouldn't be lifting the heavy stuff by myself....he does realize that I pick up Olivia numerous time a day right? And she isn't a light weight....chunker.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Welcome Mr. Benjamin Addison Tillar....

Here he is...adorable isn't he? I know, you can't really see him, but if you take a peek at his adorable big sister Anna, you can guess just how cute he really is. This is the new and improved Tillar Family...this is a few days after coming home from the hospital with Baby Ben.



Now you can see for yourself just how much fun Olivia has in her swing, she is madly in love with it. It was a little chilly that day, so you can see her nose is starting to turn a lovely shade of pink...



Olivia would much rather Brad push her in the swing, I swear, if I wasn't around he would wrap her around the top bar he pushes her so high, I have to admit, I got a little nervous. The poor little one is sick again, actually that is probably a lie, I think the reality of it is, she never really got better, so she has been sick on and off, mostly on for the last 2 weeks, I am going to give her another 2 days before calling Dr. Shook. She is scheduled for her second Flu Shot on December 4th, so I am hoping we can wait to see her, but I have to keep an eye on a possible ear infection...boooo.


My parents arrived today around 12:30pm, it was a nice surprise to see them before Tuesday, which was their original plan, but my Dad got back from Montana earlier than expected so they were able to head out yesterday. Olivia was a little shy at first, but tonight she was all over my Mom, her YaYa, so cute.


Brad and I are both working Monday-Wednesday, we will head to Bassett on Thursday morning, just for the day and then we will both be spending Friday at home with the family, decorating for the Holidays...well, that will be me, Brad will likely be watching Football. We have to rearrange the Family Room to put the tree up, right now Olivia's toy area is taking over the Tree area, so that will require some adjustments, we shall see how that goes.

A Thanksgiving Birthday Shoutout to Courtney...Happy Birthday Girl, can't wait to celebrate with ya!

Gobble Gobble!







Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...........

Good lord its cold. And that coming from a NE girl...it was 26 this morning when we turned on the news, rarely do you see 26 here in VA, let alone in November, and we had snow flurries yesterday, if this is any indication of the type of winter we are going to have, I am going to hibernate.

Olivia was super congested again this morning and we thought she was getting better...she was also up at 5:50am. Not happy about that. I am still suffering from the sniffs, we are hoping that Brad doesn't come down with it, it usually starts with Olivia, goes through me and then hits him.

I leave for NYC tomorrow late morning and will be back mid-morning on Friday, just a quick trip for work. I might be traveling the whole week of December 8th, not looking forward to being away from the Family that long...we will see what Dr. Davis has to say about the travel.

No big plans for the weekend, maybe a hair raising trip to TJ Maxx if I am lucky.

My parents should be here by Tuesday at the latest, we are sooo excited about their arrival.

Still no name for the little one...we were hoping to have her named before Christmas so we could get her stocking monogrammed, but it isn't looking good.

And I have to say, my fake furry crocs are the greatest...along with my Uggs, if I could only wear them everyday, and not these "crush my feet boots". Urrgg.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Crazy Eights on a Quiet Sunday

I saw this on another blog I read, so I thought I would kill some time and play along...

8 TV Shows I love to Watch

1) Lipstick Jungle....can you believe it was cancelled?
2) NCIS
3) Grey's Anatomy
4) The Hills
5) Gossip Girl
6) One Tree Hill
7) LOST
8) 24

8 Favorite Restaurants

1) The Chart House in Alexandria, VA.
2) Don Jose
3) Sal's
4) Chipotle
5) Firebirds
6) Friendly's
7) Maggianos
8) Cafe Luna in Raleigh, NC.

8 Things that Happened Today (its only 10am)

1) Olivia woke up at 5:15am
2) Riley ate Breakfast at 6:42am
3) Olivia, Riley and I watched HairSpray
4) Olivia climbed into her "rocking chair" stood up and yelled "Ta-Da"
5) I lit the yummy fall scented candles
6) I changed out the wallflower air freshners
7) I cut the tags off of Olivia's new shirts from Baby Gap
8) I took matches away from Olivia...Mom of the year over here...

8 Things I look Forward To:

1) Picking Olivia up everyday after work
2) Olivia waking up every single morning
3) Feeling the baby move
4) Seeing Olivia's face on Christmas Morning
5) The 3rd Annual Tacky Sweater Party
6) My parents arriving next week
7) Beth coming to visit when the baby is born
8) Riley going back to being the sluggish dog we know and love

8 Things on my Wishlist:

1) Preppy Keychain
2) Polka Dot Lunch Box
3) A Happy Healthy Baby Girl
4) A Prenatal Massage
5) Two Healthy Children
6) A tropical vacation in the not too distant future
7) To lose this baby weight in two shakes of a lambs tail...and then some
8) Black Crochet Fake Ugg Boots...

Football and Taco Soup....

Its a brisk Sunday Morning here in good ol' Richmond, perfect for Football and Taco Soup...Brad is out for a morning ride with Scott, and Olivia, Riley and I are hanging out watching Hair Spray on HBO, Olivia loves all the singing and dancing, she plays right along, its adorable.

If I had to guess, I would say Brad had a nice Birthday...

Olivia is feeling a little better today, she did wake up at 5:15am, but was an ice cube, so Brad brought her into bed and she went right back to sleep until after 7am. I wonder when she will learn to pull her covers over her, now she just curls into a ball and freezes, poor thing.

We are so torn about what to name our little one, we are thinking about making a game time decision when she arrives...very unlike us, well I should have said, very unlike me, but we just can't finalize it, so we may wait until we meet her.

A Birthday Shout-out to Logan Johnson, he had his 3rd Birthday Party yesterday...I can't believe he is already 3.

Olivia is all decked out in her Redskins T-Shirt, ready for the game tonight, too bad she will be sound asleep before they even kick off...she is playing the part well though.

Did you know you could personalize Cabbage Patch Kids? You sure can...www.cabbagepatchkids.com, and for only $3.00 more you can choose their name and they birth date, great idea huh? I am thinking its a perfect 2nd Birthday Present for Olivia...

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Happy Birthday Brad....

Today is Brad's 31st Birthday...Olivia shopped till she dropped to find the right presents for her favorite man in the whole wide world. She gave him some cologne, a base layer shirt for riding and a hot drink mug so he can drink tea in the morning like a lil girl :) She even got him a card, and this is what it said "I love you more than Hot Dogs", now if you knew her well, you would know just how much that really is...a lot.

Brad took yesterday off, he helped me clean out the Nursery, go through clothes for Goodwill and then we went to Capital One to pick up my laptop and went out to lunch, Red Robin, delicious. And then we went to visit Molly at Bellini, we found a life-size Penguin for Olivia, she loves the movie Happy Feet so we thought it would be perfect for her, we brought it home...she was scared to death, but I am happy to report she is now madly in love with "Penny the Penguin" and tries to carry her around everywhere, its tough since they are the same size.

Last night I was so excited, I had taken a short nap yesterday afternoon while Brad played with Riley outside, so I could stay up past my usual 9pm bedtime to spend some extra time with Brad on the eve of his big day, and what does he do? Fall asleep on the couch. I ended up watching the Pregnant Man special on ABC....can't believe he is pregnant again...but I also can't believe he isn't the first, one of many men who have given birth...to each his own.

Olivia had a rough night, she has been fighting a cold for the last few days and it finally hit her yesterday, she was up from 3am-5am, so when we finally got up at 6:30am Brad took over and brought her downstairs so I could take a quick nap. What a great dad huh, he gets up with her on his Birthday. So needless to say we are not going to The Little Gym this morning, Olivia needs to lay low...

I made Brad breakfast and he opened his presents. We have a fun little day planned...Stoney Point for a little shopping and grocery shopping at Wal-Mart, wish us luck, I try to avoid that place like the plague on the weekends.

Have I mentioned that Riley is a changed dog? Brad is now holding his muzzle shut and he is still finding a way to bark, I can't stop laughing, yet I am annoyed at the same time. He hasn't barked this much in months, almost a year, now that he is off his meds he is a crazy dog. He wants to play non-stop, he runs through the house until he starts to pant, he's so out of breath. He barks and growls at every sound, its nuts. We are hoping when he starts these new meds he will be back to the sluggish, quiet dog we had grown to love. I guess we are finally seeing what all Weimaraner owners see....the crazy, hyper dog.

We were hoping to head down to the Marathon to cheer on our friends, but with how Olivia is feeling, it doesn't look like its going to happen...we wish them all a safe and healthy finish.

Tonight we are heading to Outback with the Harris and Koehler Families for Brad's Birthday Dinner...

And Molly called this morning to tell me that Lipstick Jungle is being cancelled, I am FURIOUS, but its not like I am surprise, the Friday Night time slot is a killer to any show. And where is The Ex List, it hasn't been on the last few weeks, I loved that show. All TV has to offer these days are Crime and Hospital Dramas...I love them, but seriously.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Surprise Surprise....

It worked!!! We surprised them. We (Brad, Shannon and I) have been planning a 40th Anniversary party for Brad's parents, it went off without a hitch, they were shocked, and tons of people showed up. Shannon did a great job with the slide show, they will treasure it for years to come.

Poor Olivia, she fell twice today, and now has a huge knot/egg/bruise on her forehead, poor thing. I will try and get a picture of it. Olivia learned to say "PaPa" over the weekend, of course he was in on cloud nine...

Dad W is in Montana on the ranch for a few weeks of Male Bonding time and we can't wait for him to come home so he can hurry up and come down here, we miss Mom and Dad W.

We are still without a full name for our little one...any suggestions?

Friday, November 7, 2008

Off to Bassett we go...

So the fam is packing up and heading to Bassett for the weekend, a little QT with the Turner Family. Since we are taking the car, and not the Yukon XL, Riley will be spending the weekend at Four Paws, poor guy...

We won't be heading to Charleston next weekend, we changed our plans, its not in the budget these days, even though the flight was free and we were only paying for one night in the hotel, its just not a great idea these days, we are bummed, but we are being responsible parents, we have two kids to think about...

We will be back from Bassett late on Monday. I have Tuesday off, but with everything going on at work, I will likely just work from home.

Dad W/GaGa is off to Montana for his annual hunting trip, and then when he gets back they will be heading down here for the winter months, we can't wait to see them.

Did I mention that I am having a terrible day...2 hours at Verizon today, are you kidding me? Unreal. I need a nap!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

A new one for the history books....

Clearly you all know who spoke these words, but if you didn't, if you just heard them on the radio, or read them in the paper, wouldn't you be inspired? It doesn't matter who you voted for yesterday, if you could remove the bias and just listen to the words or even just read them, how could they not move you?

I for one am thrilled that my children will have a speech like this to learn about in their history classes, it gives you hope, makes you smile and makes me realize anything is possible, that's important when you bring children into the world, without that hope, its depressing. Okay, that's enough of me blabbing for the day...

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

You're my boy BLUE.....

It took me about 7 minutes from the time I left my house until the time I left our polling location...I love living just around the corner from our voting location. JACKPOT. I walked in, the line was down the hall, some nice lady stopped me, I thought maybe she saw I was pregnant and was going to be nice and let me go to the front of the line, but she just simply asked what my last name began with...T I said, and to the front of the line I went, I didn't have to wait for a single second...wonderful.

I was walking towards the school, and a nice man said "Maam, would you like a sample ballot"
I said "Sure" just about that time I realized he was sporting a McCain/Palin sticker...I said "Thank you" and walked towards the door. Another nice woman stopped me and said "Would you like another sample ballot", this time I was quick to notice...Obama/Biden and Warner stickers proudly displayed on her rain coat "Absolutely", and in the trash the McCain ballot went.

Our house is clearly divided when it comes to politics...and since I was the one to get Olivia dressed this morning, I looked and looked for her Blue outfits, but they were all dirty, she only has about two since she is a girl, so you better believe I didn't even consider putting her in Red...she proudly wore light pink...not to be mistaken for a shade of Red...

Our neighbors starting calling us at 7:15am to give us the warning that the lines were long...probably just when they opened since people were freaked, but it wasn't bad at all.

How sad is it that Obama's Grandmother won't see this day in history, regardless of how it turns out for him, can you imagine the pride she carries with her for how far he has come...

Everyone at works seems to have already voted...we didn't do a mock election at work, not sure how it would turn out...

Brad is heading to VA Beach for the rest of the week for work, so its just Liv, Baby E, Riley and I...speaking of Riley...so he has been off his antihistamine for the last two weeks while he finishes this round of steroids, he has been a crazy dog, back to his puppy days, so hyper, we are guessing its the meds that have been making him so sluggish the last several months...at least he is back to normal :)

We are heading to Bassett this weekend for some QT with the Turner Family...we are getting new tires on the TL....so much cheaper in B-Town than here in Richmond.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

My favorite long lost loves...

How cute are these kids...I had to post their pictures. They are my best friend Beth's little ones...however not so little anymore...I miss them dearly and wish I could see them every single day. Austin and Sofia...and is Beth a great photographer or what?

Austin in the Leaves this Fall

Likely the making of a Christmas Card...


Austin the Big Brother and his Lil' Sis Sofia

Sofia in the Leaves












Our lil' Charlotte


Here she is...Olivia the Spider...





And Zack the Monkey



Olivia and Momma


Olivia & Zack (LaLa, as he likes to call her)



Olivia had a great second Halloween...we took pictures with Zack, as you can tell, and then walked down to Bob and Carolyn's house at the other end of the neighborhood, Carolyn had bought the kids a special treat, very thoughtful of her. And then we stopped at Deb, Tim, Riley and soon to be Liam's house (Deb will be induced on 11-14). And then we called it a night...
We were prepared for tons of kids, the last 3 years have been very busy, but last night was a huge letdown...we have over half our candy left, we maybe got 30 trick or treaters...usually we get 150+...strange.
Today we had Olivia's Holiday pictures at Sears...all I have to say about that is, get your child photographed as much as you can before they start to move, because once they can move its all over. Then Olivia went to the Little Gym...we are hoping to pick a class for next semester, she wants to be in the same class as her friend Isabelle...and Isabelle's Momma is expecting a little boy 8 days after us, so we would love to keep the girls together so us Mom's can hang out, and did we mention that Brad and the Dad (Robert) grew up playing soccer against each other and went to Radford together...small world huh?
This afternoon I had a "cookout" with work people....who does that on a Saturday?
And now we are home, Olivia is asleep and we are scared to death about what tomorrow morning will bring with the time change. If we are up at 6am I will be FURIOUS...
Now on to some sad news...an update on the twins I mentioned in an earlier post. Rhett (Baby Girl A) passed away on Friday, the poor little girl, she didn't have enough strength to fight off the infection...her sister Reece is still fighting. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, I can't imagine what their family is going through right now.
And I don't know if any of you have seen this You Tube Video...I saw it on Oprah this week and cried my eyes out...its sad, and scary to watch when you are pregnant or have a little one, but I wanted to pass it along, it inspired me to be thankful for every single second I have with Olivia and cherish the moments I get to spend with her.
On a positive note, the family from this video was on Oprah, and they are expecting another little baby in 2 weeks...a little brother or sister for Elliott...they are amazing people, they make me want to be a better person....

Friday, October 31, 2008

15 Months and Growing Big and Tall

Miss Olivia had her 15 Month Check Up this morning, with that came two shots...apparently their is a national shortage on another one so she only had two, not the original three we were planning on...doesn't that seem a little odd, just whip up another batch? I mean these drug companies make trillions...someone should be in charge of the supply not running out? Anyways...she got a great report...her skin was a little dry, so they said "lube her up every night", so that is the plan. And Dr. Shook said we could switch her to 2% Milk, apparently there is a study out there about High Cholesterol in babies, so they are watching the little ones more closely these days, she won't have a problem with the switch...

Here are her stats:

Weight: 24lbs 7oz - 75%
Height: 31.5 Inches - 75%

Which basically tells us she is proportional...

We went to Brad's office after picking up her pictures at Heather House - so cute. And she showed off her costume...don't worry I will post pictures later, she is dressing up again once she wakes up from her nap, this is a long one....

Tomorrow she has a big day planned....

Pictures at 9am - Holiday Pictures, all dressed up...red dress, white tights and black patent leather shoes...so cute.

Little Gym at 10:30

And I have a work "Fun Event" at 2pm the whole family is going to...fun? Who has a work fun event on a Saturday, good gracious.

Happy Halloween!!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Welcome to the World Baby Ben...

We got an excellent report on Baby Girl Turner's heart yesterday at the Ultrasound. If you recall they weren't able to check out her ticker at our 20W Scan, so we had to go back. We got some great pics this time, I will post them next time I make it upstairs to use the scanner. Dr. Davis started measuring me...already 1.5 Weeks ahead. She said I could postpone the Gestational Diabetes test until the week of Thanksgiving, so that way the results won't be back until after Thanksgiving. She said she couldn't imagine having to put me on a diabetic diet right before Thanksgiving, even though she has no reason to believe it will come back positive, no signs, other than how big Olivia was...


A big Welcome to World shoutout to Benjamin Addison Tillar, the newest addition to the Tillar Family. April was induced this morning at 7:45am and he arrived at 11:07am...now that is my idea of labor, sign me up for that one. 3 hours...JACKPOT. He weighed in at 8lbs and was 21 inches long...I saw him this afternoon, I wanted to eat him up, he was picure perfect, adorable. I can't wait to see him again, maybe tomorrow.



Sunday, October 26, 2008

Cheers....

Sweet Olivia has perfected a new trick...she holds out her sippy cup, yells "cheers" and waits for you to clink your cup or glass against hers...its adorable.

Brad is slowly getting over a cold, he ended up working from home on Friday...

It was a weekend full of delicious food. I love me a slow cooker recipe...delicious. Mac n. Cheese and Baked Apples on Saturday and Chili tonight. Friday night was Chicken Casserole, not a slow cooker recipe but one of Brad's Favorites...and I must mention that I made my very first apple pie on Friday, I used a store bought crust, it just wasn't the same as my Mom's, next time I will be sure to make her crust, because despite my best efforts and a delicious filling, the pie just didn't hit the spot with the store bought crust.

As usual Olivia loved The Little Gym, but was on the quiet side, and we could tell she was tired, after a quick trip to Babies R Us (we changed our minds about the Double Stroller, we still can't make up our minds, do we really need one?) and Chipotle she was zonked on the way home, after her nap we took her temp...100.4...whoops, The Little Gym probably wasn't a good idea, but I had no idea she wasn't feeling well. Poor Thing...she seems to be herself today though, but last night she was a cuddle bug.

Happy Birthday Shout Out to Allison, she turns the BIG 3-0 today. I wish I could be there to celebrate with her...whatever happened to out big plan to go away for our 30th Birthdays...oh yeah, that's right, I went and got knocked up, and the tropical trip went out the window. HA.

Brad started working on Olivia's Swing Set on Saturday evening, Brian came over to help...they sorted the wood...it takes up the WHOLE garage, I can't wait until it makes its way to the backyard.

I forgot to mention in my earlier paragraph about Babies R Us, we got the girls their Halloween Costumes for 2009, they will be THRILLED with our selections.

We are looking forward to Halloween on Friday...Olivia has her 15 month Check Up in the morning and then hopefully baring any reactions to her shots we will go "Trick or Treating" at Capital One in the afternoon and then take pics in the yard with Zack in the early evening before the Trick or Treaters come out...since its a Friday night this year we are guessing they will be out in full force, we have been holding off on our candy purchase this year, because I have to take the Gestational Diabetes test on Wednesday or Thursday, so I didn't want to binge and then fail the test, so I once I take that horrid test, my tunkus will be off to Costco to get the biggest bags of candy you have ever seen...

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Just an update....

Olivia and Brad had a blast this past weekend, they went to the Little Gym, hung out with Stew and Rita (friends from NOVA who were in town for the weekend), and bonded like father and daughter should, it was adorable to see them together when I got home.

Molly, Insley and I had a great time in Williamsburg, mostly because there was a clogging competition at our hotel and the outfits were hilarious. Insley and I shopped at Carters, thrilling isn't it? While Molly found some great deals at Kate Spade...we went to dinner and then a movie, Nights in Rodanthe...so sad, and we were hoping for a love story with a happy ending, SOOOO not what we got. And its strange, we all read the book and totally didn't recall the ending...Sunday morning we got up, watched Meet the Press (don't cha love Gen. Colin Powell?), and then headed off to find some breakfast...what a debacle...service was horrible, we ended up leaving the first restaurant because the never took our order. Williamsburg has pancakes houses coming out the wazoo, but seriously, the service was horrible and its pricey...breakfast should be cheap. We finally found a place, service, again horrible, worst we have had in a long long time, tip reflected...but our breakfast was yummy, despite Insley not adding cheese to her veggie omelet...

Brad and Stew went for a ride when I got home so Rita and I hung out with Olivia, they are expecting their first in May, so we had a lot of time for baby talk...

Sunday Night we had take out from Sals...delicious...did I mention in my previous post that Olivia ate 3 pieces of pizza from Sals on Friday night? Unreal, I had 1.5 pieces and she had 3...and on Sunday morning Brad said she ate 3 adult size pancakes...the little porker...so cute.

Brad rode last night and tonight I am heading over to April's to spend some QT with her before the little man arrives...she has a Dr. Appointment today, so we should know the plan for induction by this afternoon - so exciting.

Megs and Tim are back from their romantic honeymoon - Welcome Back Mr and Mrs. Thiel, glad you had a great time :)

Hopefully the weekend weather is rain-free. I would love to get Olivia's Swing Set up so she can start enjoying it....but right now they are predicting rain...boooo.

Brad's Grandma Martin is in the hospital, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, likely she will be discharged (I called it dismissed last night when I was talking to Brad about it - LOL) on Thursday, so that is good news, she is on the mend.

And those twins I blogged about earlier, Reese (Baby Girl B) is doing well, breathing on her own, and Rhett (Baby Girl A, have you ever heard of Rhett for a girls name?) is still fighting, her heart issues are improving, but they still have a long fight ahead of them, keep those prayers coming.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Women be Shoppin'

It is finally here, our Girls Trip to Williamsburg, we've had it planned for several months. A night in a hotel, shopping and a trip to the Williamsburg Winery...of course it was planned long before we found out I was with child...I will gladly be the DD for the Winery Visit..

Insley is a little nervous, she has never left Zack with Justin before...at least for an overnight. Brad is a pro when it comes to Olivia and of course Brian can handle Grover, Molly doesn't have anything to worry about.

I was looking forward to a baby clothes shopping spree, but since this little hippo is a girl, most of Olivia's clothes should work, so I can't go nuts at the outlets. Of course this little one will need some of her own, but we at least have all the basics.

Last night Olivia and I cleaned out her toy box, and tried to put away the "baby" toys, of course those were the ones she was most excited about since she hadn't played with them in months, I tried to pack them up, but she kept taking them out of the bag, it was adorable. Brad had a night ride last night so I kept Olivia up until 8, I was having too much fun playing with her, but finally realized that she needed to get to bed...

And how funny was SNL Thursday Night Update...Simon the Unicorn, LOL.

Olivia's Swing Set has finally arrived, we are looking forward to getting is up next weekend so she can swing her little heart out.

Speaking of hearts, a friend of a friend delivered her twins yesterday at 27W 5D, Baby Girl A was suffering heart failure, so they made the decision to deliver early to try and save her. She is listed as Critical but Stable, the NICU Docs think she has a fighting chance. Baby Girl B is stronger, but smaller, and is holding her own. Please keep them in your prayers.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Thiel


Many of you have asked for some pictures of Megs Wedding, I don't have any to share, so I stole this one from Dana's Blog...
Brad thought about starting a wedding fund today for the Girls, but I told him I thought we could hold off for a few years...
I am PUMPED. The Britax car seat we have for Olivia is on big time sale so we are scooping one up for Baby Girl Turner, I love finding bargains!
The family took a trip to Cracker Barrel tonight for dinner, Olivia fell madly in love with the apples, she couldn't get enough, her eyes lit up as soon as the first taste hit her lips.
My Mom called on Sunday to share some sad news, Mr. Martin one of her fellow teachers and one of my high school teachers passed away, so sad. On a random side note, my Mom called tonight to tell me his dog, Dexter, who is 6, isn't house trained...strange huh?
And on another side note, someone told me that Palin doesn't believe in Dinosaurs...do people really debate dinosaurs? I think I am going to have to google that, there has to be more to it than ...I believe some people think humans and dinosaurs walked the earth together, maybe that is what she believes. Either way, what the heck does that have to do with anything?
We decided on furniture for Baby Girl Turner's room, we are going with the Starlight Collection from Young America by Stanley Furniture, we are hoping to have it before the Holidays, but ya never know with furniture....
Now all we need to do is pick a name for this little bundle of joy...now that we know its a little girl I don't feel right about calling her Baby Hippo...


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Sisters....Sisters...

Well it is official, Olivia will be a big sister to her very own little sister. We had the Ultrasound this morning and no sooner did the tech put the wand to my belly did she announce, its another little girl. I was thrilled!!! Brad....not so thrilled.

I of course went right to Pottery Barn Kids on the way to work, picked out her bedding and ordered it. We aren't set on a name yet, so I had to hold back on the personalization...it was hard, good thing Molly lives across the street and can personalize it all for me at a later date.

We will likely order the furniture this week, I can't wait to set the room up and get everything decorated.

We had a great weekend in Charlottesville. The wedding was amazing. Megs looked beautiful and her and Tim seem blissfully happy, which we are thrilled about. Funny story though...picture this: April, Addison, Brad and I, in one room with a king size bed...HA. Not so funny at the time, but funny now.

No big plans for the week or weekend, we are looking forward to a quiet weekend in. Hopefully the Red Sox will turn it around and we will have more baseball to watch this week.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Off to the Pumpkin Patch...

Well, we ventured out to Chesterfield Berry Farm to watch Olivia pick out her very first pumpkin, it was a hoot. She tried to pick all of them up, even the HUGE ones, and grunted when they wouldn't budge. She had a great time walking around and looking at all the animals. We are guessing she will have even more fun next year as Zack had a blast in the Moonbounce. And we found the "loose corn pit" on our way out, but she would have loved playing in that, more her speed. She did enjoy the ride out to the pumpkin patch on the hayride....we even sat for a family photo.


And while our darling snot face was cooped up inside the first part of the weekend, she decided it would be fun to try on Dada's Helmet and run around the first floor of the house. Hilarious.











We thought Olivia was on the mend, but woke up this morning with a fever of 102...after a 9am Dr. Appointment they uncovered she has an ear infection, so after 3 days of antibiotics she should be as good as new. Of course the little germ smuggler has already passed it along to me...and its so much fun being sick and pregnant when you can't take any cold meds - bummer.

Megs & Tim arrive on Wednesday night, we can't wait to see them and spend some QT with them before their big day on Saturday. The Turners arrive on Friday to keep Olivia for the weekend, while Brad and I head to Charlottesville for the big event. Olivia is excited for some time with her Grandparents, you know how that goes....






Saturday, October 4, 2008

No Fried Dough....

Well the little one came home from daycare looking rough to say the least, she was not herself, fussed most of the evening. We made the decision that the fair would be just too much for her with how she was feeling so we stayed in. I was bummed to say the least to have missed out on my fried dough opportunity for the year, but it was the best call for Olivia.

She appears to be feeling better this morning, she has been hilarious, but still is looking a little rough, no color in her cheeks and her eyes don't have the sparkle they usually have, poor thing. We are hoping this nap does her some good and we can still make the trip to Chesterfield Berry Farm, its a gorgeous day....

A week from today is Megs Big Day...we can't wait to see her in her beautiful dress and share in her special day.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Fall is here...

I knew it, I just knew it would go from a nice tolerable 70 degrees in the mornings to a frigid 49...are you kidding me? 49 degrees, that is a Northfield Temp, not a Richmond Temp, give me a break. I had to break out Olivia's fleece jacket...

Speaking of Olivia...the poor little girlie has the sniffles. She had a rough rough night last night, woke up around 12 and needed to have her nose suctioned, then she had to cuddle with me in a guest room for a few hours to keep her "upright", but finally went back to her crib around 2:30, the poor thing. We are hoping she has a great day and feels better.

We have a fun, family weekend planned. Tonight we are heading to the State Fair with the Koehler's, I am craving some fried dough and I am betting that Olivia tries to snack on mine..And tomorrow Olivia has The Little Gym in the morning and then we are heading to Chesterfield Berry Farm with The Koehlers to let the kids pick out a pumpkin, go on a hay ride, ride the train, and play in the toddler area, they are going to love it. Of course all of this depends on how Olivia feels, I am so hoping she is feeling up to a fun weekend. If it all works out, I will be sure to post some pics of our little adventures.

And Sunday...wait for it, wait for it...Taco Soup will be on the menu. I cannot wait. I love Football Season, mostly for the food I love to make on Sunday's while Brad and the neighborhood boys watch the games.

Brad had a night ride last night, by 9:45pm I was scared something had happened to him, he still wasn't home, but finally by 10pm he strolled in...

So the debate last night...good gracious. Since this is a family blog I can't share just my opinions, because if you know anything about Leigh and Brad, you know that we are polar political opposites, so I will just say that I didn't laugh out loud as often as I had thought I would, and I will leave it at that...

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Happy Retirement Dad T....

Well its here...Dad T's last day of work. We wish him lots of relaxation and fun in his new found freedom.

And Happy Birthday Susan Miller....you don't look a day over 17.

Olivia's new favorite thing is standing on EVERYTHING, and once she is up and "stable" she throws her hands above her head like a gymnast and yells "TA-DA"...its adorable.

Mom and Dad Worden are looking at Honda Odyssey today...can you imagine them in a mini-van...I am having a hard time. But its cute, they are so excited about their grandchildren that they need to change cars to make it easier to tote them around.

Can I vent for a second....it took me almost 90 minutes to get to work today, what usually takes me 22. On top of that, I had to pee (not very lady-like, I know, but I am pregnant, some of that goes out the window), and THEN, when I pull onto campus it starts pouring, so I basically have to park in the CarMax parking lot, for those of you not familiar with the area, that is FAR away from my building, run inside, in heels and now I look like a drowned rat. Great start to the day huh? Oh yeah, and the "big accident' that caused the super long back up on 288.....no clue, all I saw was a tractor trailer truck pulled over that appeared it had gone into the median...but no other cars were involved. Good Gracious.

And that Duggar family...are you kidding me? 18 Children? 10 Boys and 8 Girls? All with names starting with J? Good God.

And I must confess, our TIVO is overworked, most nights there is at least an hour where its recording two channels and we have to watch a third upstairs...I know I have a problem...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Home Sweet Home

We are home and thankful to be able to rest and relax for an entire day before the work week starts again....what a long, exhausting week. Olivia is thrilled to be home, back with her toys, and back with Riley...she missed him very much.

Brad is off for a nice long ride to clear his head and reduce his stress and I am home sorting through coupons...thrilling isn't it?

Hope everyone has a great week!!! I can't wait for Friday!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

GG Turner is now at peace...

We have some sad news to report...Grandma/Great Grandma Turner passed away on Tuesday morning. While its very sad and we will all miss her dearly, we know she was ready to let go and was at peace with her decision. We traveled down to Bassett on Tuesday after we heard the sad news and spent the week with the Turner Family. It was nice to have so much quality family time, but of course we wish the circumstances would have been a little different. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad's Dad and his Aunt as they deal with the loss of their mother.

On a positive note, Olivia entertained everyone, including all the guests at the "visitation" for those of you northerners that don't know what that is, its the Calling Hours or the Wake. She was hilarious, running around, dancing and singing. She had a blast playing with her cousins Leah and Ellie all week and fell madly in love with their "doggie" Baxter.

I had a quick/emergency visit to Dr. Davis on Monday morning, I had been cramping for a few days and they wanted to see me right away. Everything is A-Okay. Dr. Davis found the baby's heartbeat right away and said not to worry. Of course that is easier said than done considering it only got worse and didn't end up going away until Thursday...but oh well, I can feel the baby kicking so I know its alive and well.

We are looking forward to a quiet Sunday, lots of football and maybe some Taco Soup...

Friday, September 19, 2008

For all you voters...

Emerson Barrett seems to be the front runner right now, but I wanted to ask your opinions...if you recall Olivia's name is Olivia Merritt...would it bother you that your children's middle names rhymed? I can't seem to get over it...so that is one reason why Emerson Barrett hasn't been in the top two for us...

Also, another one to add to the list is: Delaney Emerson....what do you think?

Thursday, September 18, 2008

QT for the Girls...& Riley

Brad hopped a plane this morning for a long weekend in "Syracuse" NY. He is a groomsmen in Dan Hicks Wedding. He was looking forward to some male bonding time, along with golf and a whole lot of bourbon. Olivia and I have a very exciting girls weekend planned. We have a date on Friday Night with each other, plan to catch a good Nursery Rhyme show, and then hit the hay early. Saturday will be another Little Gym trip and then on Sunday we have a play date scheduled with April and Anna Tillar. I am hoping we will be able to squeeze in some time at the Children's Museum as well, Liv will love it.

I had a Dr.'s Appointment yesterday, so far so good. Baby Hippo has a strong little heartbeat and is kicking around in there. No weight gain and BP is great. My Dr. is always hilarious at the end of the day, she is always telling me some random story about some crazy patient. Yesterday it was a crazy patient wanted to have a home birth, I couldn't stop laughing at Dr. Davis, she was going off, furious and irate with this woman. She said she quietly asked "Do you wear a seat belt?", the crazy patient said "Yes", and Dr. Davis asked her "Why?", and crazy patient responded "Just in case"...and Dr. Davis just said "I see....." and if you could have only seen her facial expressions, hilarious. The appointment before she was going off about one of her non-pregnant patients bringing her boyfriend in for her "Annual Exam"...he told Dr. Davis he wanted to see what was going on "down there", Dr. Davis told him he was free to check it out at home in his free time, but that an Annual Exam was not "show and tell time". She cracks me up.

Brad's Grandma Turner is holding her own, stable for now. Last weekend we took a quick unexpected trip down to Bassett after we got a disturbing update Saturday morning. She had been rushed to the ER after having trouble breathing at the Nursing Home. We figured that Olivia would help in cheering Dad T up and would bring some joy to the house. Dad T has had a rough few weeks, so we knew he needed some lovin. Grandma T is still in CCU and will likely be there for a while longer, but it looks like the fluid in her lungs is clearly up a little bit. Please send her your thoughts and prayers.

Now on to exciting news....Dad T will be retiring next week. We are all looking forward to the freedom retirement will give him and hope that means we will get to spend more time with him. Now its just Mom T that needs to make the leap...hopefully in the New Year...

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Little Gym Star...our Little Birdie

Olivia has found her calling, being a Gym Star....the Little Gym that is. Last weekend was her first class of the Fall Semester, her Dada had to take her while her Momma showered her friends with love, but this weekend it was a family affair, the whole crew, minus Riley piled into the School Bus we call a Yukon XL and headed to The Little Gym. Mind you, its raining cats and dogs out there, but nothing was keeping Olivia away from her Little Gym class....
Brad said last weekend she was by far the most outgoing child there...shocker, wonder where she gets that from? We are just excited she enjoys it, she was a little nervous at her trial class and we weren't sure she would warm up and enjoy herself, but throw those fears out the window, she is a social butterfly. This week was no different...

She loves chasing the bubbles, loves the "uneven bars", and loves just jumping around like a crazy baby. She has had some trouble with the balance beam, she can't seem to get her chubby legs around right infront of her to put them down in a straight line, she has to swing them out around her body to get them infront of her, that lend well to the beam. Oh yeah, and she thinks the Log Roll is for the dirty birds.



Rob and Gretchen Ragsdale are in town for the Richmond NASCAR Race, its great to see the newlyweds, Olivia is pumped to have other people to entertain and screech at.