7 Months, Week 3

MERRY CHRISTMAS! After weeks of anticipation, Christmas finally arrived! There truly is something magical about watching someone experience it for the first time. And being the big softie that I am, I teared up when I was putting up the Christmas decorations. I looked up at our mantle and saw what I had dreamed of for years...three stockings on that mantle.














It wouldn't be a Christmas fit for a princess, if she didn't have multiple celebrations! First up was the one at our house. We really tried to hold back but...it was her first Christmas!














































After we had our little mini Christmas with the three of us, we hit the road for Columbia City. As we drove, Olivia found a new way to entertain herself...



There was no way we were going to attempt Midnight Mass this year, but thankfully there was a much more family friendly Mass time of 5:00. Here we are all spiffed up!

















Olivia was checking out all the presents under Grammy and Grampy Banks tree. I love the look on her face!












As always, she had so much fun spending time with Grammy and Grampy Banks!













































She also had a blast opening presents on Christmas morning...


































After celebrating Grammy and Grampy and Uncle Jordan, it was time to head to Grandma and Grandpa Szafarczyk's. Yay for more family, more food, and of course more presents!




































































Olivia also got to experience some of our other Christmas traditions. We went to Grandma and Grandpa Szafarczyk's house to celebrate the season with my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. Olivia had so much fun seeing so many relatives (although I think she slept through Bingo ;-).



















































A few years ago, after Szafarczyk Family Christmas, we started going to Chicago to spend the night in the city and do a little shopping. Unfortunately, we had a tag along on this trip...another ear infection! UGH! You would never know it from these pictures but that nasty ear infection from a few weeks ago resurfaced and reared its ugly head while we were in Chicago. But, Olivia is such a trooper! She'd never let it stop her from enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping of the big city!































All in all (and despite another ear infection) I think it's safe to say Olivia had a wonderful first Christmas!

7 Months, Week 2

Check out these baby blues! Olivia is recovering well from her double ear infection. Her weight is back up to 15 pounds, 4.2 ounces.














Our pretty girl loves to look at herself in the mirror. She has some fabulous conversations and sing-a-longs with her twin!


















We have started taking her out to eat more often. As long as she has plenty to eat, she is a happy girl!

We are getting so excited for Olivia's first Christmas. It is so neat to watch her eyes light up with each "first" that she sees. The Christmas tree, Santa, all the lights, she just gets so excited! Our good friend and photographer, Jackie of pbj photography, captured some fabulous holiday pics of Olivia. As usual, she did not disappoint!

7 Months, Week 1

Happy 7 Month Birthday to Miss Olivia! It was another CRAZY week here. First, Josh got the stomach flu. The next day we found out Olivia had a double ear infection. Then a few days later I came down with the stomach flu. But it wasn't all gloom and doom. Thankfully, none of us were sick on the same day. Olivia is also very good at cheering you up when you are sick...how can you not smile when you see her in action?






















Olivia also got to meet Santa for the first time! We were unsure with how she would do because she is not always a fan of new faces. But she handled it like a pro! No tears, she just sat there and took it all in!


















It's hard to believe that Christmas is in less than two weeks! Our little elf lost 3 ounces this week most likely because of the antibiotics, but that's okay. Most girls would be thrilled to lose weight during the holiday season!

6 Months, Week 4

Who knew sweet potatoes were not only delicious but also effective at helping put on weight? This week, Miss Olivia weighed in at 15 pounds, 1.6 ounces. That's a gain of 7 ounces or almost half a pound!


















We are slowly but surely getting the house ready for Olivia's first Christmas. First up, was shopping for our Christmas tree. We buy ours every year from the Boy Scouts who set up shop at Marsh in Fishers. I'm not sure Olivia knew what to think of this shopping experience!




















At least she was dressed for the experience! I can't help but think she looks a bit like Ralphie from "A Christmas Story."


















While she didn't help with decorating the tree this year, I think she was happy with how it turned out. So far she has just crawled up to the tree but hasn't really tried to pull anything off. I'm still amazed at how well she is able to sit up on her own now!

6 Months, Week 3

So much to be thankful for this year! Starting with this little turkey! She is such a happy girl and a joy to be around. We are truly are blessed to have her in our lives.


















Our little Butterball weighed 14 pounds, 10.7 ounces this week (she always weighs a little more at the pediatrician's office).













We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year. Lucky for us, Grandma Sue did most of the cooking!

Olivia has also moved on from rice cereal to pureed fruits and veggies. To celebrate Thanksgiving, Olivia had her first taste of sweet potatoes. I think she is a fan!



She is also not the neatest eater (at least not when mommy feeds her!). So, Olivia has taken to a more au natural dress code when dining at home...




















As experienced of a bargain shopper as Olivia is, she is still a little too young for Black Friday shopping. She got to stay home with Daddy and Grandpa while Mommy and Grandma hit the sales. I think it was a win-win situation for everyone!



































We also took Olivia to Monument Circle to see the Circle of Lights. We were fortunate to be experiencing some unseasonably warm weather for Indiana in November. She loved seeing all of the lights!































Josh and I did take her to the mall when we started some of our holiday shopping. Olivia was most excited when she saw her idol Justin Bieber. (She was trying to play it cool.)


















Oh and Josh has a message for any potential suitors at daycare and Mommy and Me...