My Little Girl Turned Five....

Olivia turned 5 last Friday!  We had quite the celebration.  My parent's were in town and it was a full blown party for about 4 days!!  The morning of her birthday felt like Christmas!  Pictures are coming....

In the meantime, here are a few things that mark the last year for Olivia:

- She survived her first year in a brand new school and has made many new friends.

- Olivia learned to spell and write her name.  Very well.  She is a writing fool.  All she want to do is write.  We keep a 'journal' in the car so she can practice spelling and writing.  We have 'words' all over the house and I often catch her with paper and pen practicing what's on the cards. 

- She can draw.  I think she's a budding little artist.  Just like all kids.  But, this kid loves arts & crafts.  She's learned to draw her own versions of lady bugs, the sun, rainbows, people that now have arms and legs and hands and many other body parts.  She loves to add a mouse and a dog to almost all her pictures.  And butterflies.  Olivia was so excited when she learned how to draw butterflies. 

- Olivia started her first organized sport...soccer.  She loves the social aspect of it so far.  the 'competitive' part.  Well, we've got time.  She's fast though.  She definitely keeps up with the boys...just not the ball. 

- We discovered her first cavity.  And, she got to experience laughing gas for the first time.  And, a numb lip from getting the cavity filled. 

- Olivia watched the Wizard of Oz and the original Annie this past year.  We bonded watching both of them.  And, she's now going to be 'Dorothy' for Halloween. 

- Olivia became a fish.  And, I'm not kidding.  This kid can swim.  At the beginning of the summer, she was still pretty gun-shy about the pool.  She liked the idea of the pool, just never got anywhere with it.  Now, this girl is doing freestyle, the backstroke, flips, jumps off the diving board.  You name it, she'll try it...and excel at it in the water. 

- She became a Big Sister.  I love watching her with Luke.  It's precious.  She takes the role quite serious.  Some of the time.  But, it's also turned her into quite the little mom.  Her 'pretend play' with her babies is very entertaining to watch.  She has picked up on all the happenings of carrying for a new baby and acts it out with perfection!! 

Happy Birthday my sweet girl.....I love you!!! 

Family Comes To Visit...

Here are a few pics from DeeDee's trip to Miami.  We also had another visitor this past weekend - Allison.  It was a great weekend and so good to have her here in town.  The last time she was here, I went into labor.  Needless to say, it was a little less eventful this time, but a little more fun for all of us!  More on our weekend, but here are a few of the pics of the newly expanded cousin-clan!! 

Pictures!!!

I cannot figure out how to post the sidebar with pictures from Snapfish anymore.  So, until I figure it out....here's a link to Snapfish of Luke's arrival. 

http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3079109017/a=13470753_13470753/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

A Few 'Firsts' For the Week...

I know.  The next post was supposed to be about my 'Stay-at-Home-Mom' experience.  I'll get there.  I just have a second before swim class, but had to make note of a few key milestones. 

Olivia:
- She is really into reading and writing these days.  Or the beginning stages at least.  We posted these signs all over the house to help her recognize words and start putting things together.  She has 'bath' markers.  Well, last night all on her own, by memory, she spelled out 'DOOR' and told me what it said!!  I was beaming! 

- I got to play 'house' with her.  This probably the first time that she's invited me to do this.  Big step for us.  'Playing house' has always been reserved for Grandmothers and friends...otherwise known as 'the-people-that-have-time-to-sit-down-and-do-things-with-me.'  I really do pay attention to my daughter and we do lots of fun things together.  But, with working full time, nights are usually a bit crazy with dinner, bath, reading stories and getting to bed.  Weekends.  Well, we're usually on the go or playdates are going on.  So, I cherished the invite and we've been playing every day since. 

- Olivia scored a goal at soccer.  It was for the other team, but we're not going to concentrate on that part.  It was a goal...with contact made with the ball. 

- We had an impromptu birthday party at the house.  For Olivia's bear.  'Teddy' has officially become Olivia's version of Luke.  She nurses Teddy, she burps Teddy.  Teddy gets dressed for school and dressed for bed.  We have to shut the pocket door to the hallway when 'Teddy' naps.  So, apparently Teddy turned 3 this past Wed and we had a party.  Complete with a homemade birthday cake w/ sprinkles, candles and a present for Teddy to unwrap.  It was quite the celebration! 

Luke's firsts:
- He's starting to coo a little bit.  And smile on occasion.  It's beautiful.  His voice is just so sweet and his little smile makes me melt every time. 

- The little guy is now on his own.  He's in his crib.  I lasted two weeks with Olivia in the cradle.  She made so much noise.  Luke probably makes more noise, but I'm now a relaxed parent and can sleep through it.  For the most part.  But, at Week 5, we decided it was time for him to get used to his crib.  So far, so good.  Minus a few nights, he sleeps really well.  Last night.....(will probably jinx it now), I got a stretch from 9pm-4am!!  Of course, I probably spent an hour staring at the monitor making sure he moved and went in twice to make sure he was breathing! 

Kristin:
yes...I have my own list of 'firsts'.  Small, baby steps, but steps nonetheless. 

- I got into my old jeans....my pre-pregnancy, pre-transition clothes jeans.  Now, I have to be honest.  I opted to go for my more forgiving, non-skinny jeans.  I'm not crazy....after all.  I had lunch with a neighbor and wanted to wear something other than yoga pants or cargo pants.  I was quite thrilled, even though I still have room for improvement. 

- I ran a mile.  It was not pretty, but it was an accomplishment.  And, Luke joined me.  This leave has been quite relaxing.  I also have a great schedule.  Olivia starts school at 9am.  So, providing all things go well at night, I take her to school and then Luke and I go to the park to walk/run.  I get home around 10am, shower, get at least one thing done on my list (or at least try) and then pick Olivia up at 1:45pm from school.  Oh yeah - and feed a baby a few times in there, attempt to get him down for a nap or two and eat lunch. 

So...there's our week.  I started this blog last Friday.  Was going to end the week with it.  I'm finishing it up on Tuesday.  Life with a Newborn. 

Perspective in Snippet's.....

Is that how you spell Snippet's??  Is it really a word? 

Anyways....life here is good.  I just don't get as much time on the computer as I used to.  Which means, updates are difficult!!  I know I sound like a broken record, but I got all the pics uploaded to the computer and will put them to Snapfish this week.  One step at a time...  I've readjusted my expectations.  With a newborn, you're somewhat confined to their schedule.  Especially if you're nursing.  So, as long as I get ONE thing a day accomplished that I wanted to = SUCCESS!  A much different pace than what I'm used to, but it's the only way not to feel disappointed at the day's end. 

Life is wonderful.  Luke is a very peaceful baby.  The night sleeping is going great.  The day sleeping....he's not too fond of unless we're in the car or stroller.  Although I have been able to get a couple good long ones in the crib.  See note above = success!  Small steps, remember.  But, for the most part, when he's awake, he's quite content.  No complaints here! 

Olivia started soccer last week and it's so much fun to watch her.  DeeDee, Kaitlyn and Josh were here last weekend and got to go with us to her first game.  She did great!  The 'team' needs some work, but we're in it for fun, so who cares?!  They have one girl on the team who can score, so we're not worried....yet!  :) 

So, back to the title of this blog.  I keep thinking of things I want to blog about all the time.  But, then I don't make it to the computer for days and I forget most or some of it.  So, for now, I might seem like I've fallen off my rocker, but you just might see random 'blog thoughts' in no particular order or that make logical sense!  I might have to see if I can update from my iPhone.  I'm sure you can, I just don't like typing on that thing all that much.

Back to DeeDee being here.  (See.... random thoughts, random order)  We had a great time with my sister and her kids here.  They were here for 4 short nights and I can't wait for them to come back.  Kaitlyn was hilarious!  I had no idea she was such a baby lover.  She gave all of us dirty looks if we tried to take Luke away from her.  She changed every diaper possible...with enthusiasm nonetheless!  And, wanted me to give her stored milk for bottle feedings so she could do them all.  It was precious!  She and my sister were huge helps.  We've nicknamed DeeDee the Baby Whisperer.  She's wonderful with babies and babies just seem cozier in her arms for some reason.  She is also amazing about telling me what to do and insisting on giving us a break.  We got a wonderful date night that was so relaxing!!  DeeDee watched all four kids so that Kyle and I could go out one night.  I got to wear a dress...and heels!  First time in months that my feet could withstand heels!  I felt like a girl again!  We went to our favorite restaurant, had a great meal (and a martini!) and just felt very at ease. 

My parents are coming back in a month for Olivia's birthday and to give Kyle and I a night away for our anniversary.  My list is growing of all the things I'm excited about.  A martini was originally on it, but I didn't know we'd get such a treat this last weekend!!  So now the list is a round of golf and a good night's sleep!!  We're heading over to Naples for the night.  It's a short drive away, but on the Gulf coast.  There's also a great steakhouse at the hotel we're staying at and we're looking forward to a relaxing dinner there!  I'm very lucky to have my family! 

Ok....duty calls.  Luke is awake and I need to help get Olivia ready for school.  Which reminds me of my next post.....the perspective of being a temporary Stay-at-Home-Mom.  Stay tuned. 

Guess What Happens When You Have a Baby.....

You get VERY far behind on your blogging!!!!!

This is pretty much old news at this point, but.....

Luke Douglas Lane was born 8.26.10 at 8:43am.  He weighed 8lbs 3 oz and was 20.5".  (Do you think '8' should be his lucky number??)

Yes, I know we are well into September at this point.  I keep meaning to give updates, but somehow the 'life of a newborn' has mandated a little bit more of my time than I expected.  Amateur, I know! :)

I have a ton of pictures and will get them uploaded this week and post a link to check them out.  In the meantime, here are two that I took with my phone.  Much faster updating this way!! 

The labor and delivery went great.  Little exciting, but no drama, which was nice.  My good friend, Allison Kaplan, ended up coming to Miami on the 25th for a rescheduled business trip.  She was staying with us that night and came in the afternoon of the 25th.  I actually had a Dr's appt on the 25th and all looked good.  I was 2cm dilated, and 'progressing', but nothing that was alarming.  I felt so good that day that I even joked around with my Dr that I would go past my due date again, similar to when I had Olivia.  I picked Allison up around 3pm, we ran a few errands, took Olivia to her swim lesson and then came home to get ready for dinner.  The four of us went out to eat down to 'The Grove'....Coconut Grove that is.  I'd been experiencing strong contractions all day, but nothing that concerned me.  However, during dinner, they started to feel a little more constant.  So, I finally decided to track them.  By the time we left, they were about 8-10 min apart.  We drove home and put Olivia to bed.  Fortunately, Olivia was aware of the situation.  I explained to her that there was a chance the baby was ready to meet us and we might have to go to the hospital that night and if we did, Aunt Allison would stay with her.  We had two friends offer to be our 'middle of the night' call, but I could not have been more relieved to have Allison at our house!!  She's known Olivia since she was born and I just felt so good knowing she was taken care of. 

I guess I jumped ahead there.....we did end up going to the hospital!   Kyle, Allison and I sat around for an hour or so watching the clock and trying to decipher this going-into-labor thing.  I called my Dr and as expected, there are very few signs it's a sure thing.  Since Allison was there and Olivia didn't have to be interrupted, we figured it was as good as time as any to go get checked.  We got there about 11pm and I was still 2cm dilated.  They gave me a LOT of water to drink, thinking maybe I was dehydrated and that was causing the contractions.  Well, by the time the hour was up and the water was down, I was at 4cm!  So, we were admitted. 

We went through a few exciting times in the middle of the night where they lost Luke's heartbeat.  More times than they would like and for longer durations than they like.  We had a long conversation with our Dr about going in for a c-section or continuing the labor.  We decided to give it another try and the little guy decided it was finally his time.  He made his grand entrance like a champ and we got to hear the Dr say 'It's a Boy!!!'.  Very exciting. 

Luke is the most precious baby (aren't they all?).  He's very calm and loves to snuggle.  Olivia is doing great in her new role as Big Sister!!  She loves to kiss him and has adapted better than I would've hoped for. 

I will update more this week, but found a few moments of quiet time....for now! 

Technology Turmoil

Do you remember the days when the house phone was all you used?  You might have had a few in each room, even the cordless phone that you were constantly trying to find?  Do you remember when people actually called your house and that was the point in time in which you 'caught up' with people. 

Let's switch to the year 2010.  We have one house phone.  The ringer is turned off.  No one knows us in Miami, so the only people calling would be salespeople.  My cell phone has a (214) area code, which happens to be Dallas.  But, I've had it for over 10 years and I'm not going to change it.  Kyle has his cell phone.  I have two - one for work and one personal.  We rarely answer each other's phones.  Olivia knows about all three phones and can distinctly tell the difference between all of them.  Including their purpose, their ring tones and the games (apps) on each one. 

I don't really 'remember' being taught to use a phone.  But, this last year, Olivia was taught about '911' in school.  She knows that is the number you dial when someone or something is in trouble.  Great, right?  Easy enough concept. 

But, we don't use our phone.  Our iPhones are touch screens.  They do not have 'key pads' that you can touch and feel.  My blackberry is like Fort Knocks and I don't have a choice to change it.  The company makes me change the password every few months.  I can't even remember what my password is from time to time.  But, it has a keypad.  Kind of.  The number buttons are mixed with letter buttons. 

So, I woke up one day panicking that I needed to teach Olivia how to use the phone.  What if something happens and she needs to call out?  What if she decides one day in the near future that she wants to talk to someone?  She'll talk on the phone now, but she doesn't answer our cell phones.  It's not like a house phone ringing.  We don't all run at once.  We see who's phone is ringing and ignore it if it's not the 'our' phone. 

Here are a few challenges Kyle and I encountered with technology in the year 2010.  Any and all suggestions/recommendations/helpful hints are appreciated at this point:

- Olivia knows how to maneuver an iPhone.  Thankfully.  And, kids catch on quick, so she got it down in no time how to find the key pad. 
- The first time she practiced, she asked to dial 'Mimi'.  Not a problem.  I've known that number since I was 10. 
- The second number she asked to dial was my sister.  Again, not a problem. 
- The third number she asked to dial was her friend, 'Katie's'.  Hmmm.  Now it gets tricky.  'Katie's' mom is Jannea.  I've known Jannea as long as I've had a cell phone.  Therefore, the only way I call Jannea is FROM my cell phone.  I simply go into the directory, find Jannea's name, and hit 'send' for her number.  Olivia can't spell.  And even for the few words she does recognize, CAT and DOG are not going to get her far on the phone.
- Roadblock.  See above.  So, now I have to memorize everyone's phone numbers??
- Enter Kyle.  I fill him in on what's going on.  He says "Easy.  Just teach her how to go in my phone and if she wants to call you, she can look under Favorites and hit Mom".  Imagine the lightbulb going off at this point.  To Kyle, I'm not his 'Mom'.  His 'MOM' is his 'Mom'. 
- I need a drink at this point. 
- Can you see where this is going?  Has anyone else experienced this issue? 

We finally came up with a temporary solution.  We selected a few names to put in each of our 'Favorites' folder.  Olivia knows that she can go there and dial anyone there and talk to them.  So, if you get a random call from a 4rd old one day.  Beware.  You're in the Favorites folder. 

But, it still doesn't solve the problem of teaching her how to dial people she wants to talk to.  Outside of the 8 numbers I actually have memorized. 

******************************
Few updates:

- We signed Olivia up today for soccer.  Wish us luck on her first 'team sport'.  It's co-ed.  We'll see how it goes.  It starts Sept 24th.  Our days of freedom are over.  We will now have practice two days a week and a game every Friday or Saturday.  I'm secretly excited though to see how it goes.
- The newest Lane member is getting ready.  I'm 1cm dilated and working my way towards labor.  I only have two weeks left, technically.  The Dr seems to think I'll come slightly early.  It's like a weatherman's forecast.  With only two weeks left, how can he really be wrong? 
- We're taking Olivia to 'Sibling' class tomorrow at the hospital.  They teach her the reality of being a big sister.  We'll see if she's impressed. 

Have a great weekend!!!