Behind Again...

Yep... it's been more than two weeks. I'm still not mastering this blogging on top of two kid raising. And the kid raising is more important, so this may be a sparse few years. But someday I'll appreciate the fact that I have at least recorded some of the craziness.

We had a really fun mother's day weekend enjoying the beautiful weather that has finally arrived in the upper peninsula. It's been a long wait for spring, but it's finally springing up all around. Yesterday the girls and I spent a lovely afternoon planting things in our garden and pulling up weeds. We added a mature poppy plant (who wants to wait 2 years for flowers?!?), a hydrangea, and a wide assortment of annuals, thanks to Abby's great flower picking skills. She loves red. A lot. But she also got pink, purple, and yellow flowers, so it's going to be a very colorful garden this summer.

We also enjoyed a free trip to Mackinac Island on Saturday. The Star Line ferry company was offering free trips to the island for Chippewa and Mackinac county residents, so we took advantage of that and enjoyed a beautiful walk along the waterfront and into the woods on the island. We even enjoyed some wildflowers and a squirrel who was pretty friendly. And Abby enjoyed eying up the horses, without getting to close of course.

Photo Catastrope

We've had a little photo catastrophe. Or maybe a big one... depending on which side of the family you are on. I can't load my card right now, for some reason my card reader doesn't like 8 gb cards. But in trying to load my card I realized that all of my pictures from the Obreiter Christmas were deleted. Melissa and I combined our photos onto mom's computer and then put all the photos back onto our cards. The only problem is Melissa deleted everything from my card unintentionally, so I got back all the photos from the wedding and the Hodges Christmas, but since they didn't need my pictures from the Obreiter Christmas those photos never got put onto mom's computer or back onto my card. So, to Steve's family I am very sorry that all of the photos I took at Christmas got deleted. Next year we'll need to make sure someone else is taking photos too.

We are back from our visit downstate to see family and attend (and participate in) my cousin Meghan's wedding. She was a beautiful bride and it was a wonderful time celebrating the love she and Ron have for each other. I'm sure they have many, many happy years ahead of them. She was so excited to be marrying him and the look on his face as she came down the aisle was priceless. Congrats guys!

So, besides all the wedding stuff and two family Christmas parties, we have been battling the flu. Big time. I had it before we left (December 8th, for those of you keeping track). I spent the two days before the car ride laying on the couch feeling miserable. Abby wasn't feeling too well by Wednesday night either and she ended up throwing up in the car on the way down. Of course she had to choose the most desolate location to throw up, so we ended up stopped on a random exit with only a cell phone tower drive to pull into. It was a very long ride after that, but she managed not to be sick in the car again. We got to mom and dad Hodges' house and they had also been battling the flu around there, so it wasn't a big deal that we were coming sick. And Steve and Olivia almost made it out of there without getting the bug, but they both got sick on the 19th, right before our drive home. So we had two tricky drives, but we made it down and back.

We had a lot of fun visiting and helping out. I was able to clean out a good portion of mom and dad's basement - we took two full car loads of old toys, shoes, and other random things to Goodwill just in time for Christmas. It took a lot of time, but it felt good knowing that someday soon Abby and Olivia will be having a great time playing in the space that used to be overflowing with rubbermaid tubs full of things my siblings and I had played with as kids. I've learned to use cleaning as my form of stress relief instead of eating, and for the most part it's made my life a lot better. Melissa, Mom and I also got to help decorate for the wedding reception. We put together some amazing vases with sparkling sticks, jeweled feathers, and calla lilies. Meghan had great taste and Grandma Jennie did some amazing work. I almost kind of miss working at the flower shop.

Abby and Olivia got WAY TO MANY great things for Christmas. Lots of dolls, especially barbies which Abby is way into right now, a bike for Abby and a trike for Olivia, a ball popper, cool little people sets, some nintendo games, and "real talking Woody." I knew, sort of, that Abby wanted the talking Woody doll from the Toy Story movies - I'd had to drag her out of that aisle at K-Mart a couple times as she sat and talked to the toy in the package. When Grandma Mary asked her what she wanted for Christmas all she would say is "real talking Woody." So, lucky for her Grandma Mary decided that Abby did need a real talking Woody. And she's been enjoying him every single waking minute of her day since we got him. Olivia has been enjoying having her own things that Abby doesn't swipe immediately. She got her own doll house and Abby has come to grips with the fact that its for Olivia to play with and not for her exclusive use. Now we just need to work on that for the rest of our toys, movies, and books.

And... onto the funny to you, but not really to me. In the last couple weeks Abby has decided that bathing is the worst thing in the world. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when I bathe her it sounds like I am wrestling a rabid dog. She goes totally postal. I had to get into the tub last Saturday and hold her in so that I could get her clean for the wedding. It was a punching, kicking, biting mess. We got some bath crayons and gels and that made her a little more interested in bathing today, but she also had an accident that required bathing, if you know what I mean. Olivia on the other hand loves the bath and was trying to crawl and lay down while bathing today. She has no fear of anything. I am going to be totally gray within weeks.

And, finally, I chopped my hair back to a chin length bob today after 18+ months of growing it out. I'm not sure if the stylist wanted to chop off all that hair - she kept commenting on how long and healthy it was - but I am sure I don't want to deal with wet hair or spend the time necessary to blow dry that giant mess of hair I'd grown. And I think I lost a whole pound getting it cut.

Compare - Abby and Olivia 7 Months

Bathing Breakthrough

Olivia generally hates bathing. Up until last week, when I started letting her sit in the tub unassisted, she would scream as loud as possible and cry crocodile tears at the thought of being near the tub. Now we are down to freaking out only when I wash Abby's hair. I'm not sure what it is about Abby having sudsy hair that freaks Olivia out, but it does create quite the reaction. At least now I can get Olivia to spend some time in the tub playing, which makes bath time a lot easier than our old way (scrub one, dry, dress, scrub the other).

We are leaving tonight for Disney World! Abby was so excited this morning when she woke up and it was finally Disney Day. Now I just have to find ways to keep her occupied until Steve gets out of work. It may be a very long day for her, but it is so much fun to watch her little girl excitement. She insisted on wearing all Disney things from head to toe. She should have a great time even if playing in the pool with Grandma and Grandpa is all she does.

And... the best news of the week... Olivia actually slept the WHOLE night last night. Finally. I'm sure it was a fluke, but it was nice not being up in her room at 3 am. Not that I didn't wake up, since I've been doing it for almost two months now, and I didn't get right back to sleep, but hey... I was in my own bed, so it was wonderful. And of course it was just in time to leave and get her out of her bed and routine, so I'm sure it will be weeks and weeks before I sleep all night again, but it was a very pleasant surprise.

Super Sitter

Olivia started sitting up unassisted on Thursday of last week (I know... it's Monday...I'm busy). She's up to a minute or so before she grabs for sometime and takes a dive. But she really, really enjoys the view from the upright position and loves being able to interact with Abby. Olivia is also right in the middle of getting some teeth, or something, I hope. Last night she had a bad night, so she and I ended up spending the second half of the night (after 2 am) sleeping together on the couch. I'm hoping that is the last night of such nonsense. I need my sleep too...

The girls stayed with their favorite babysitters on Friday night so Steve and I could enjoy some adult conversation (and Dairy Queen without having to get some for Abby). Abby is getting better about staying with a sitter or at the church nursery with each attempt, we are still waiting for the day when she doesn't cry about it. Olivia, on the other hand, could care less. She is just a flirt, so anyone is generally fine unless she is tired.

This weekend Steve, with the help of our friend Mr. Dodge, removed the big, rotting, brown shed from our backyard. Or maybe I should say cut it up, since one wall completely fell in when Steve started taking things out of the shed. We found some interesting treasures inside including a really old, really tall men's schwinn bike. It's free to the first to claim and remove it from my back yard. Thankfully we don't have to worry about the shed falling down on our children anymore, but I think I may have to take some time out soon and go pick up any stray nails and screws that are left out there.

Olivia Hits the Big 6 Months!

Little baby Olivia turned 6 months old on Friday! She is growing up so fast! I may have missed posting about her milestone, but we didn't miss taking her picture so we could remember what a chubby cheeked cutie she was at 6 months old.

We had a very busy weekend (what's new?) with company coming over on Saturday morning and heading to friends on Sunday afternoon to watch the Lions get robbed. Saturday morning we met the Dinger family. Dr. Dinger is the new dentist for the tribe that Steve works for. He has a lovely wife and two kids, so Abby enjoyed having some new playmates for the morning on Saturday. Then the girls practiced their "touchdown" shouting skills watching the Michigan/Notre Dame game (Go Blue!). We were pretty exhausted by the end of the day.

Olivia enjoyed her first dairy queen blizzard this week. It was chocolate ice cream with brownie and cookie dough pieces. She had a whole face full and probably ruined some pajamas, but she thought it was well worth it.

Oh... and our fall colors are just starting to come on. I love this time of the year. Until I have to start raking...

Photo Shoot

My cousin Deb & her husband Cody stopped by yesterday afternoon on their way to Tahquamenon Falls. Deb does wonderful pictures, which would turn out even better if I had children who cooperated. The kid in the big sister shirt basically refused to cooperate and the kid in the little sister shirt will not smile for a camera unless you can get her laughing way before the camera comes out. There were a couple cute photos and I'm sure with Deb's photoshop skills there will be a few more. I love the one with Olivia standing up - it just depicts her little personality so well. The "Little Sister" does not like to be sitting down. She is a stand or nothing girl!

A Review of our Trip in Pictures

All of the Hodges Great Grandkids. Abby just woke up from a nap (not her idea), so she was crying :-(
Jack and Great Grandpa Harley
Abby learned how to swim on her own with a floating jacket. She swam circles around the pool for hours and hours.
Abby and Aunt Hannah, who styled her "princess hair"

Abby, Olivia and the Newland cousins with Grandma Von and Great Grandma Joy

Abby, Olivia & the Newland cousins with Grandma & Grandpa Obreiter and Great Grandma & Grandpa Gamble.
Olivia and Great Grandpa Duane Baker
Isaac Hodges - our newest nephew. We love him! We don't have a picture of just Emma yet, but we will be getting one soon when she and Jack come to visit their favorite Aunt :-)

A Comparison

Abby and Olivia in the same pose at roughly the same age. Just for fun :-)

Big Sister/Little Sister

Olivia can finally fit into her little sister shirt, so today the girls wore their shirts. Unfortunately they had to wear them under sweatshirts since it was chilly and rainy all day.

Steve had the day off (it's Native American Day), so we enjoyed a day of playing with dad and had lunch out with Dr. Moody and his wife Dina. Abby really enjoyed some special time with Daddy.

Happy Spring

Excersaucer

Olivia is a pretty strong girl. In fact, she has mastered holding her head up pretty well. So last night Abby and I got out the exersaucer so that Abby and Olivia could play together on the same level. They had a good time. Olivia's little eyes were moving super fast to keep up with everything Abby was trying to show her. And Abby was being most adorable and trying to feed Olivia pretend food. Abby is pretending a lot lately. She will pick nothing up from the floor with her little fingers like she is pinching and then hand me any number of things (horses, cows, sheep, princesses, food, really anything). So last night she was holding her flat hand to Olivia's face and giving her all sorts of wonderful "foods." I hope they continue to enjoy each other this much into their adult lives.

Olivia slept 5 hours again last night, but it was a miserable 5 hours for me because she was gassy and uncomfortable. So... the foods I can't eat list is now up to chili and barbecue sauce. The chili I'm not too sad about, but the barbecue sauce is one of my favorite foods. This is going to be a long, long year nursing Olivia if I can't have barbecue.

Matching Shirts

Abby and Olivia wore their matching shirts for Olivia's first trip to Daddy's office. Abby was pretty excited about the matching shirts.

A Long Walk

Steve had today off, so we took our girls on a long walk in their double stroller to enjoy the ridiculously warm (76 degrees) weather. They lasted about 5 blocks before they were both sleeping. I'd say that makes the new stroller a keeper. We also spent a lot of time outside enjoying the weather and making dirt "princess" castles with Abby.

Besides our outdoor fun, Abby and I met her friends for brunch at Burger King. She had lots of fun seeing her friends and enjoying some time out of the house. I also enjoyed visiting my friends, who just happen to be the moms of Abby's best friends - it's great when that sort of thing works out.

First Real Bath

Olivia had her first real bath today at the same time that her big sister Abby was washing up. We just put the little tub right next to the big tub so that I could see both girls and then we did some major scrubbing.

Olivia also had her first playtime outside. She rode in my baby carrier, so she was pretty much snuggled up next to me and with the new moby wrap carrier I have she was totally covered in fabric. Abby had a great time with her sidewalk chalk and we all enjoyed the 65 degrees and sunshine. I even planted some seeds so I'm counting on the weather staying warm enough for them to make it.

Snuggle Time

Grandma and Grandpa Obreiter are here, but before they got here this morning Abby and Olivia enjoyed some quality snuggle time while watching Abby's favorite princess sing along movie. They needed to snuggle... Abby was in super crabby mode from waking up in the middle of the night and getting into our bed. No one in our room is sleeping well since Olivia likes to grunt and moan and groan if she isn't being snuggled. It's not that she needs anything... she is just noisy.

House Arrest - Day 10

I had the best of intentions to get some pictures of Abby and Olivia today in the nice natural sunlight, but then the morning got away from us. It is much harder trying to get pictures of one child and supervising the other when you are the only adult in the house. Especially when Abby decides she is moving on to a new activity in a new location (often half a house away). So... instead we got some flashy pictures this evening. I am not a fan of the flash. I would much prefer to get some natural light pictures.














That is just one of the many things I am finding trickier to do with two children. Showering is another. I am going to need a baby gate so I can trap Abby upstairs and put Olivia in her crib so that I can shower without having to wait for Steve to come home for lunch, since some days we need to be somewhere in the morning. Another thing that gets tricky is breakfast for Abby, since Olivia is normally wanting her breakfast right about the same time. Either way someone is going to end up crying. But I'm sure in the next few weeks we will get all these little things figured out and get back into a routine and rhythm that works for us.

The Boats are Back

Another day almost in the books and I am still pretty much sane. I even slipped out for about 30 minutes to pick up some groceries all by myself. It was nice to be out of the house for a few minutes and really nice to grocery shop without having a little person throwing things into (and out of) the cart. And I was even able to sleep until 9 this morning and take a nap with Abby. I am going to be sad to see the era of grandparent help end and lose out on the ability to focus on one child at a time when necessary. But, it will also be nice to get into a routine and figure out how we are going to survive being a family of 4.

I weighed Olivia with the Nintendo again today and it said she weighed 8.2 pounds. I will be pretty surprised if she really does weigh more than 8 pounds when we take her in to be weighed tomorrow morning - that would be gaining over a pound since last Friday. But if we base weight gain on dirty diaper creation, then she may have actually gained more than a pound. We've been going through diapers at an amazing rate.

Abby has been enjoying some grandma time to the maximum. Today Abby and Grandma Mary took a walk down to the Soo Locks since we could hear freighters going through starting yesterday. They didn't get to see any boats, but I think they still had fun being outside. Abby loves being outdoors now that the weather is getting nicer (it was 53 degrees today). I have a feeling this summer will be a lot of time in the back yard for us - not that I have any complaints about that.

Candy Eggs

Here's a sneak peak of our birth announcement - we had a lot of fun with candy eggs and had more fun eating them when we were finished. Abby and Olivia tried to sneak a bite too.

We've had another good day today and have been enjoying and appreciating some Grammy time with Grandma Mary visiting. Abby loves having Grammy around and I appreciate having some extra help with two little girls now that Steve is back to work. We even got our playroom floor mopped and swept. It is so nice having extra hands around, especially hands that Abby loves to be with.

Olivia is picking up weight (according to the Nintendo Wii) and she is starting to sleep a little better. I still end up having to let her hold onto my finger a few times during the night, but considering the fact that she sleeps for about 3 hours at a stretch right now I don't mind a few extra minutes of hand holding to get her to sleep soundly.

"Give Abby Baby Sister"

I think we have a pretty good thing going with these two so far... that is until they team up on us.