Olivia has been practicing her sitting up unassisted and getting very good at it. She has actually just in the last few days started getting her balance. Along with that, Olivia went jogging with me again and did just fine. We may start making this a habit.

Jogging, Pools, and New Outfits.

Today was the day that I actually jogged with Olivia in the jogging stroller, and it worked perfectly. The shocks went over the bumps in the road with ease and Olivia didn't get jossled very much. I went for 1/2 hour since it was hot and I was not sure if she would be comfortable or not. She stayed awake and chewed on her little dragonfly toy the whole time and as far as I can tell enjoyed it. So now I know that I can take her when I want to go running and it will work!! Finally.
After the hot jog, we decided to take a swim. Brooke had gotten Olivia a little blowup pool for the summer and she got to try it out today. Olivia was impartial, but then again, she was also tired. We will try it again in the summer when it gets warmer out and she is more awake.
Lastly, Olivia got a new outfit just for her upcoming Florida visit. Aunt Gail and Uncle Merle got it for her and she tried it on today. It is a little big, but she was able to pose for a shot or two in it. She is looking forward to her first visit to the beach!

Mountain Biking

I took some time today to go mountain biking with a friend from work. We went on the Palmetto Trail, which is in dire need of some trail maintenance. Alot of it is good, but there are areas with tons of new growth on the trail and fallen logs. The last 1/2 mile or so we were pretty much trailblazing on the rout. Either way, we had a great time. I would like to go even farther on it sometime. The Palmetto trail travels the length of the state, kind of like a very mini Appalachian Trail. We only did about 7 miles of it (14 miles round trip.) Not alot of distance traveled but for what we had to climb and go around, it was work.

Dogs Are The Best People

Livi keeps proving to us that dogs are her favorite people. Nobody can get a laugh out of her like a dog can. Tonight we were getting her ready to head out to a Psychology faculty dinner and had her on the coffee table in her bumbo chair. As Brooke was combing Olivia's hair, Chili decided to jump up onto the table and get in on the action. Olivia loved it and smiled big and started petting and grabbing Chili. They seemed to enjoy each others company (Livi more than Chili really.)
Later, at the party, Tim's dog Nick, a German Shepard sized dog gave Olivia a few sniffs and she did some of the only laughs of the night. Oh well, at least we know we may have a little veterinarian in our future.

Sleepless Nights

Ugh, the last few nights Olivia has woken up multiple times and done some loud and long crying. Brooke has tried to let her cry, but sometimes it is easier to just give her juice to calm her down and get her back to sleep so we can sleep. I am sure some of it has to do with her cold. At least tonight Olivia is with Mima and we get a full nights sleep.
Last night, Olivia went with Brooke to a Psychology party that her department hosted. I decided to stay home as I really didn't know anyone there (other than the other professors) and just felt like relaxing at home. They had a good time but I guess Olivia was her normal "shy" self. She just sat there kind of blank faced, but did happen to show a smile or two. We need to start socializing her more and taking her more places we have decided. Florida will be a good jump start for that!!
Even though she had a few bad nights, she was totally tuckered out this morning as you can see from these pictures taken this morning. She normally wakes up at 6:00, but I took these at 6:30 and these were taken after I rubbed her back, turned on her night-light and said her name loud a few times. Still like a log.

The Little Eater

Olivia has been eating more and more solid foods. We have to keep giving her the bottle to keep the nutrients up, but she is liking the solids now. She still can put away a bottle even after eating lots of applesauce, turkey, and peas.
On another note, is it just me, or do all parents when feeding their baby open their mouth wide as though the spoon is going into their own mouth? It is a reflex I can't seem to stop. I must look pretty pathetic. I make a conscious effort not to, but my mouth just keeps opening. Maybe it is helping, I am not sure. If it keeps her eating this well I am not going to stop though.
Oh, and by the way, Olivia seems to be getting over her cold now. She still has the sniffles and coughs occasionally, but overall seems to be doing well.

Jogging Stroller

Today Brooke had open house at PC, so Olivia and I got to spend some time together, and since the weather was nice and she seems to be getting better and just relaxing and not crying when I am not in her eyesight, I decided to break out the jogging stroller again. It has been 2 months, and last time she was in it she screamed non-stop. This time was much better. She seemed to enjoy herself. While I didn't jog, I did walk at a fast pace and over grass and curbs. It was perfect for her. I am now looking forward to actually jogging with her in it.

Spit Bubbles

The countdown is on for Florida. We leave Thursday May 7th. This will be Olivia's first plane trip and first trip out of the state. We are very excited to show her off to our family and friends.
Olivia has started a new thing. She likes to pucker her lips and make little spit bubbles with a "bbbbbbb" noise. She will be eating her food and suddenly do this gesture and spray food on us. Annoying but cute. She has also started doing a "sit up" movement. She will be laying there and out of nowhere do a situp. It is very cute.

Baby Colds

Olivia has come down with her first cold. The last few mornings she has woken up with a very stuffy nose and a dry cough. It is sad to watch her cough like that, but at the same time she is all smiles and doesn't seem to suffer much at all, aside from being a little lethargic and glassy-eyed. She also doesn't have her full appetite. She is ok with the bottles but she isn't having the baby food. She left for Mima's house this morning and last status update is she hasn't gotten any worse or better. Hopefully in the next few days she will start to get well. We will just keep giving her lots of rest and bottles.
On a side note, we have gotten some very pretty flowers blooming in our backyard after all of this rain. Hopefully more will pop up.

Easter Sunday

We spent Easter Sunday in Columbia with Mima, Grandpa Rob, and Auntie Steph. Uncle John was unable to make it as he had to stay behind in Durham for work. Steph has moved to Columbia temporarily because it is closer to her new job, and they dont move into their new place until the end of April.
Olivia had a good time on Easter. She got an Easter Tree, a green Snoopy, and some cute outfits. She had a hard time sleeping, so was up with us the whole time.
When we got home Olivia was pooped. She sat with Chili for the first time and spent some time petting him and pulling on his ears and Chili was very good with it. A little later she fell over and rested her head on Zoe's butt. It was so cute, but when we picked her back up her face was full of Zoe hair. Gross......

Olivia had her first taste of meat-based baby food. Obviously it was not a hit. She ate quite a few spoonfuls and gagged every time. She much prefers sweeter foods. Her favorites at the moment seem to be applesauce, sweet potatoes, and carrots.