Diva

While I get ready in the morning, Olivia plays in my drawers and generally this is her favorite dress-up looks. 

In-House Artist

  

        

I am clearly going to be that mother who fills her house with her children's artwork.  This is just a sampling of Olivia's beautiful artwork from this fall.  

Gobble Gobble!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Escape Artist

Quite to my surprise this morning when I went to get Olivia, she was out of her crib.  Just this past weekend, we started to notice her throwing her leg up over the side of the crib for the first time.  Apparently she is a quick learner because she's since mastered climbing out of the crib.  And let me just say, she was EXTREMELY proud of herself and laughing hysterically when I discovered her.  This scenario repeated itself at nap time.  Letting all the bad case scenarios run through my head and knowing that she isn't ready for a big girl bed just yet, driving in rush hour to purchase a crib tent was our only solution.  Wish us luck.

"Well this seems fun, like I am camping!"

"At least I can still jump around in here like a crazy person."

"But you aren't really going to close me in here, right Mom???"

In Progress: Baby Boy's Nursery

Last weekend we decided to get started on turning the third bedroom from an office/guest room into a sweet haven for baby boy.  I am lucky that my husband is a good painter and puts up with my complicated painting techniques and patterns.  

This is the final product!  I think it turned out pretty good.  

We bought a dresser and changing table off craigslist that were a natural wood color and repainted them a pleasant shade of blue.

And now this seems to be Olivia's favorite place to hide.

Below is the bedding.  We still need to put up the crib, refinish a few other pieces of furniture, move the glider, get some art on the walls, etc.  

So the room transformation continues...  As with Olivia's room, it was important for me to put special touches on it and make it all her own.  But it's exciting to get the room started considering there are only about 10 more weeks until our little guy arrives!

My Little Gymnast

Happy 5th Birthday Penny!

Happy 5th Birthday Princess Penelope Grace of Bucktown!  Olivia plans to give you lots of extra chases, attacks and cuddles today to celebrate.

Special Guest

Today I was lucky enough to be invited by Seamus to be his special guest at his preschool class open house.  He showed me his coat hook, all around his classroom and even his music room!  I was very flattered to be asked and glad to be his special Aunt Meg.  (Seriously, I live for things like this.)  Thanks Seamie!

Flying Private

One of the perks on our DC trip was flying on a private plane with Grandma, Grandpa and their friends.  Olivia much preferred it to flying commercial.  Too bad all our flights in the future are likely on Southwest.

DC Visit

19 Months Old

Favorite Books: "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" and "The Night You Were Born"

Favorite Song to Request in the Car: "Row Row Your Boat"

Favorite Song to Dance: "Clap Your Hands"

Favorite Candy: Suckers

Favorite Foods: Minestrone Soup, apples and cheese

Favorite Snack: Cheez-its and Pirates Booty

Favorite Toys: Play dough and her kitchen

Favorite Things to Spot in the Car: Choo-Choos and boats

Favorite TV Show: "Fresh Beat Band" and "The Wiggles"

Favorite Animals: Lions, Cows and Dolphins

Favorite Park Activity: Slides!