Open and Shut

Happy 30th Birthday Daddy!

To the best daddy and husband in the world, may this year be one of your best.
xoxo, Liv and Mommy

The New Mr. & Mrs. Powers

Congrats to Larry and Kerry!

We had a wonderful time celebrating with you guys and wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Jailbreak

Super Olivia comes to the rescue of her trapped lovies and nuks!

Playing (Not Always Nicely)

Olivia showed her first signs today of not sharing her toys and actually pushed Kate over. Need to work on our manners.

Olivia (10.5 months) and Kate (15.5 months)

One Happy Grandma, Two Adorable Babies

President's Day Visitors

Olivia's cousin Sam (and Aunt Alyce and Uncle Michael) came to visit for the weekend. Despite the four month age difference, little Sam has passed Olivia in weight and height. I think it's fair to say that Liv will never be bigger than Sam again! All weekend long, I continued on my quest to get a cute picture of them together. Sam always cooperated. Olivia did not. Here is the best I could do.

Baby Steps

Dad's Pancakes

One of Sam's claims to fame are his homemade pancakes. Almost every weekend the smell of pancakes takes over the house. So we decided it was time for Olivia to try these hot cakes...

At first, she had troubles keeping them in her mouth...

Two or three bites later, she seemed to be enjoying them...

But then Olivia threw up. Hopefully it's not because there was egg in the pancakes (I am paranoid about food allergies), but maybe because I didn't make them taste yummy enough with syrup and butter. We will try again next weekend!

Gimme That Remote!

I worry that Olivia will have the same love of television and video games that her father does. Currently she loves playing with the remotes and can find them even when I think I have them totally hidden.

Wiggleworms

Every Friday, Olivia and I go to a Wiggleworms class at the Old Town School of Folk Music. It's by far our favorite event of the week. The idea is so simple- literally a teacher with a guitar and a roomful of mommies and little ones. Yet Olivia lights up as soon as we arrive and she turns on her entertainer skills. She claps. She bounces. She dances. She laughs. She throws her hands over her head to cheer. She squeals. Last week she got the attention of the entire class and then took a few steps on her own down the center of the circle (which earned her a round of applause!). We are definitely signing up for the next session of classes as well.

My Funny Valentine

Happy Happiest Valentine's Day!

My precious and perfect little valentine and I wish you a wonderful and love-filled day. Xoxo!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Multi-Tasking

Last night during dinner, Olivia put on quite a show.
There was eating, dancing, clapping, cheering and Penny petting all happening at the same time.

Baby Bagel

Liv discovered something she liked today...a baby sized bagel. Yum!

More Outtakes

All in the Family

Olivia wasn't the only family member in this month's issue of Time Out Chicago Kids. Aunt Cate's blog, Wee Windy City, was featured as one of the best websites for parents to go for things to do in Chicago. I couldn't agree with them more. Definitely check it out if you haven't already!

Superbowl Sunday

This weekend Sam's been working on teaching Olivia to throw her hands up whenever he says "touchdown." She was a quick learner...

Considering the Bears didn't make it to the Superbowl, our next favorite team is the Pittsburgh Steelers (due to Aunt Meg and Uncle Dave being from the Burgh).
So Olivia dressed in her best black and yellow to represent.

Drum Roll Please....The Big Reveal.....

Here it is....Olivia's debut in Time Out Chicago Kids!
Pick up a copy and check out her cute tush for yourself.

Here is a slideshow of Olivia and the other two babies that were part of the photo shoot.

Fake Cry

This is Olivia's new response when she is told "no."

Hugs

Ten Months Old!

Can you believe that Olivia is already ten months old? It’s shocking that she is almost one and how quickly she is growing. Lately she seems much more toddler-like than a baby. Over the past month, she totally understands what I am saying. She knows what “no” means, but often chooses to ignore it or breaks down into her fake cry when I say it. She comprehends commands like “come here,” “give to me,” and “put that down.” She can give you hugs or snotty kisses when you ask for them.
Her smile continues to beam from ear to ear the majority of the day. I love how her eyes get squinty and cheeks get chubby when her smile is really big! Her flirting skills are impressive and make every outing to the grocery store or Target a good time. At our Wiggleworms and Gymboree classes, she works to get the attention of the teachers and loves interacting with the other babies.
She pulls up on everything and has taken a few steps on her own before falling down. It is adorable how much she loves to play with her toys and how she has developed favorites like her etch-a-sketch and mini t-ball stand. Pointing at things is one of her newest tricks and she thinks it’s hysterical when your pointer finger touches hers. She loves clapping and dancing to music. Literally anytime there is music on, she starts bouncing her booty. Before bed, she likes to snuggle and listen as I read her books. Our day to day routine is just delightful and I love spending my time with her.

Likes: Yogurt, string cheese, trying to get Penny’s tail, music.

Dislikes: Green veggies, getting her nose wiped.

Up next: Walking!

Snow Day

I've been asking for a REAL snow all winter and my wish came true last night with the third largest blizzard in Chicago history! We got 20+ inches which whirled around like crazy to create 4-5 feet snow drifts. I was like a little kid brimming with excitement and I kept wanting to go out in the storm (Sam thought I was crazy). I loved the thundersnow!

We waited out the storm...

And once our condo neighbors started to help dig out...

It was time for Liv to play in the snow!
(Or time for Mommy to have a photo shoot)

Here's hoping I can get my car out of the alley this week!