We were supposed to go to Vermont [part 1]

Remember how we stayed home from church on Mother's Day because Sydney had a cough which then turned into a cold? Well, fast forward two weeks and that cold turned into her her very first ear infection. Which meant we had to cancel our plans to visit friends in Vermont over Memorial Day weekend. So. Bummed. Not knowing how a nine month old with an ear infection would be feeling for a 7+ hour road trip, we decided to play it safe and stay home. But, we already rescheduled our plans to take that road trip to Vermont in the near future, so here's to hoping for a healthy, sick-free Summer!

The antibiotics did what they were supposed to do rather quickly. Sydney woke up Saturday morning a much happier child. We had a whole three day weekend before us. What ever shall we do? It did not take long to fill up our schedule. After a quick lunch at a small pizza joint, our family of three headed over to Hayloft Candles, where there is a free petting zoo. There's also a store where they sell their homemade candles, primitive home decor items and the like. They even have homemade ice cream! Shockingly, Sydney was not at all impressed. And I get it, the girl can't walk to or really pet animals yet, and apparently the sound of a pond fountain is enough to send any high strung nine month old girl over the edge. So, Steve pushed an empty stroller while Sydney held onto mommy for dear life. The zoo was small, yet cute, and even had a kangaroo! Considering it was free, I would definitely visit again and recommend to other families with children.

Thirty minutes later and Sydney had had enough. So, we loaded into the car, stopped for some much needed iced coffees while Sydney got a much needed nap. Then after a quick stop at Target, we made our way to the other Olsens for a good old fashioned impromptu BBQ.

There was lots of picture taking, lots of futile attempts to get Sydney to smile for said picture taking, matching cousin outfits, and of course beer, steak and Laurie's famous home made mac and cheese.  One then leaves promptly after dinner when there is a child recovering from an ear infection with parents who refuse to stay in on a holiday weekend, because that child needs some much needed rest.

And it was deemed a lovely family day, filled with lovely family memories.

Holly xoxo

A Very Casual Mother's Day

"She'll look so cute," I thought to myself as I picked out a purple and white striped dress for Sydney to wear to church the next day. The little number had Mother's Day written all over it. She never did wear that dress, nor did we ever make it to church. Sickness strikes at any time it darn well pleases. After a frantic midnight call to her pediatrician, our nerves were put at ease to know, that indeed, she did NOT have a piece of burger stuck in her lung {ahem, first time parents}. We were told it sounded like croup or the start of a cold. Which, it was.

Needless to say, we did not go to church. But that is okay. Steve made breakfast, and Sydney gave mommy a new fossil tote! At such a young age, this girl has quite the fashion sense. 

We enjoyed a leisurely, cotton romper, pizza eating, back deck sitting sort of afternoon. And the day ended with a lovely, casual back yard cook out at my sister's place. There were hot dogs, and burgers, and delicious drinks make with gin and pineapple. There was laughing and baby holding (albeit, tears). We even managed to get a family picture of all of us, sans Allison, which rarely happens these days it seems.

hipster in the making. #kale

 

 

So, alas, the only picture I have of myself and daughter on my first Mother's Day is sitting on a camping chair in our non-church attire. What matters is that we were together, and that is enough.

Thanks for hosting, Mandy! 

Holly xoxo

My Daughter has Poochie Lip Disease

It's amazing what a shower, a baby in bed, and a glass of wine in hand can do! Feeling refreshed and excited to be tapping away at this keyboard. I've struggled to make blogging a priority these past several months. I do enjoy and miss it, I really do. One would THINK being a stay at home mom means oodles and oodles of free time. Well, at least that's what the naive, pre-motherhood me thought. ANYWAY, I figured it's about time for an update. Veteran blogger, mommy, and sister in law will occasionally harass remind me that it's good to "write" this stuff down so I can remember the little details. I couldn't agree more.

And just like that nine months are behind me.

What better way to dive back into blogging than to talk about this little girl who has stolen my time, energy and heart? Below are pictures of Sydney months one through nine. It's fun to look back, is it not? She's changed so much! She looks more and more like her father with each passing month.

 

So, here's the latest on the Sydney Hope Chronicles....

Growth since birth: Gained 12 pounds and grew 9 inches. She currently weighs 17 lbs 4 oz and has climbed from 10th percentile to 45th in weight! Proud mama moment!

 I'm so glad I saved a premie size diaper. Sniff.

Teeth: Four! Two lower and two upper.

Eating: She nurses about 4-5 times a day. She's been eating solids since 6 months old, and I have  slowly been phasing out the baby purees. She especially loves chicken, cheese, waffles, avocados, and yogurt. In fact, I can't think of too much that she's turned her nose up to, other than the occasional green veggie. Which, who can blame her?

On the move: Rolls from tummy to back, and back to tummy like a champ. Not crawling yet, but she recently lunged forward towards a toy while in the sitting position and she WAS on all fours, for like a second, before she rolled to her back. I believe she is "creeping" now, as in she no longer stays on the blanket, which means I need to get to shampooing the carpets pronto. Because, dog. The pediatrician said some babies just do not crawl and skip right to walking! Regardless, I see progress each week. So, I'm not one bit concerned. I often fail to consider she's a premie, because just looking at her one would think she is not. So really, she would only be coming up on her 8 month birthday if she was born full term. In addition to creeping and rolling, Sydney can easily support herself standing, if she's holding onto something. I am savoring these fleeting days of a practically non-mobile child. Because, yikes!

Sleeping: Takes about an hour morning nap and a 1-2 hour afternoon nap. Goes to bed at 8:00 and sleeps until about 7:30 or so. She has been a wonderful sleeper, and has slept through the night (8+ hours) since she was eight weeks old. Don't hate me! I followed the Baby Wise "eat, wake, sleep" schedule, recommended by several mommy friends. I will never know for sure if it's because I followed the principles of this book, or if it's because she is naturally a good sleeper. BUT, I do know that if there is a next child, I plan to follow the same routine.

Saying- Lots of goo-goo-ga-ga's these days. I hear an occasional "ma" and "da", not that she knows what that means yet. But, it's still mostly squawking and other such banter like "heeeey!" and "ahhh!" when she's really excited.

Personality: Dare I say, introverted? She is happy, chatty and playful when she's at home with mommy and daddy. Nana and poppop are included in this innermost circle. Otherwise, there is crying and gnashing of teeth. They tell me this is a phase. She's had "stranger danger" since like, three months old?! Have I sheltered her too much? Is this the result of being cooped up all winter with her ever doting, neurotic mother (who, me?). OR, is she just shy and reserved around people and places she's not used to? Is it possible she is an introvert like her daddy, preferring smaller groups of those she loves most? The girl cries at the drop of a hat when not in mommy, daddy, nana, or poppop's arms. Heck, even if said intruder is infringing upon her personal space and I'm HOLDING her, the poochie lip may or may not make it's dramatic appearance. Among close family and friends, she has become known for her infamous Queen Elizabeth glare. If looks could kill.

  

And, my poor grandmother...I promise, she loves you! As the old saying goes, it is what it is. Come on Sydney, grow some thick skin already.

On second thought, she can be a mama's girl for as long as her little heart desires.

Completion of nine month hiatus. Check.

Holly xoxo