17 months, Week 3

Oh what a week!  I came down with the same sinus infection Olivia had with an added bonus of a stomach bug.  Luckily, super daddy Josh came to the rescue.  He took care of Olivia solo for most of the weekend so I could rest up for the very busy week I ahead.

I was bound and determined to rally so we could go to Zoo Boo at the Indianapolis Zoo on Sunday. We'd been looking forward to going as a family for a while and I didn't want to miss it. Initially, Olivia was a little less than thrilled to be wearing her costume.  But, she did like seeing all the animals and trick-or-treating.  She also got used to wearing it when everyone telling her how cute she looked (and the candy helped too!).

Thankfully, by Monday (my birthday!) I was feeling much better!  Olivia and Josh took me out for a very nice dinner at Biaggi's.  Olivia was so well-behaved and charmed most of the other patrons and servers.  And she helped me blow out the candle like a pro!

But the best gift of all came later in the week.  Olivia has started to say "Mama" and "Mommy"!  For whatever reason, those were two words that Olivia would refuse to say or laugh when you asked her to repeat them.  Hearing her say "Mama" was like seeing and hearing her heartbeat during our first ultrasound.  A moment that made me laugh, smile, and cry all at the same time!

 This week was also parent/teacher conferences at my schools, which meant some late nights for me.  Luckily for me, I had some nice visitors drop by my offices to say "Hi!"

To help keep her entertained, she and Josh went to "Octoboo" at the library.  She got lots of goodies and colored some very pretty pictures.

With parent/teacher conferences done it was time for fall break to start! We headed up to the Region and Chicago for a few days. Olivia had her first overnight stay away from Josh and I (GULP!). But, first we went to Navy Pier to check out their Halloween fun. They had a petting zoo (which made me very nervous!) and trick-or-treating.  By the 31st, this girl is going to be a pro with all of the "practice" runs she has had with trick-or-treating! Even though it was COLD, we all had a great time.

17 Months, Week 2

Let's go, Colts!  With a cheerleader like this what more could a team ask for?

Grandpa and Grandma Szafarczyk were in town this weekend so we could participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's with Uncle Jimmy.  The time of the walk coincided with Olivia's nap so she had to sit this one out.  But after the walk, everyone came over so we could also celebrate Uncle Jimmy's birthday.  Olivia was more than happy to help open presents and partake in some cake.

Grandma Sue also stayed for a few extra days and it's a good thing she did. Olivia came down with a sinus infection and then had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics.  Ahh!  Grandma Sue to the rescue again!  After Olivia was feeling better we went shoe shopping for Miss Olivia.  She decided to give her new kicks a test run and sprinted out the door.  Ah, that girl loves to keep every one on her toes!

Speaking of which, see this look? This look right here means one of two things. She sometimes makes this face when she is feeling shy. But more often we see this face when we have asked her to do (or not do) something that she doesn't care for. She is at that very fun age of testing limits and pushing boundaries. Watch the video below for her latest trick (Don't mind the mess; hurricane Olivia had made it's way through the room!).

17 Months, Week 1

We have been having lot of fall fun this past week!  We also had some fun visitors.  First, Uncle Jordan stopped by for an afternoon visit.  Olivia took a few minutes to warm up but then she really starting having fun!  Especially when she and Uncle Jordan had a tea party.  He was such a good sport!



Uncle Jordan was also nice enough to play along with Olivia as she figured out a new way to play "Peek-a-boo!"  She was pretty proud of herself and it was pretty funny to watch.

It was also Homecoming at the University of Indianapolis this weekend. We had so much fun with Auntie Carrie and the Galyen family.  Olivia and Isabelle made the cutest cheerleaders in their matching skirts and leggings!  Even though it was pretty chilly, we had a lot of fun watching the golf cart parade, taking pictures with Ace, having tasty treats in the Stadium Club, and cheering the Hounds on to victory!  I can't believe it's been ten years since most of us graduated from there (Josh is an honorary grad since he spent so much time there our senior year while we were dating) and nearly 7 years since Josh started working there.  So many happy memories there!

On Sunday, we headed out to Piney Acres for some fun on the farm!  They had a great kids area complete with a corn maze.  Olivia had so much fun climbing on the bales of hay, running through the maze, and enjoying some apple cider.

Next, we went on a hayride. Olivia didn't necessarily enjoy "sitting" during the ride, but she did like snuggling under the blanket and checking out all the animals.

It wouldn't be a trip to the pumpkin patch without getting some pumpkins to take home.  Olivia was very choosy but we did find some winners.  She was also adamant that she put them in the wagon herself.  She was also a big help in pushing the wagon to the cash register.

Our little pumpkin got quite the haul at the pumpkin patch! She helped to pick out each of the 7 pumpkins we brought home. I think the pie pumpkins were her favorite because she could easily pick those up and load them into the wagon. If it were up to her, the entire front porch would have been loaded with those babies!

And just as weather is starting to turn colder, Olivia is sporting the latest on the toddler chic runway (aka the cold weather accessories section at La Target).  Work it girl!