My Favorites of Logan

This is my new most favorite picture.

And these are all my other favorite pictures :)

Happy 4 weeks lil man...can't wait to see you...IN 11 DAYS!

You are still going to be sooo itty bitty. Oh My!

Soccer Time

Today was a great day...and most of the greatness happened before 10am. I woke up early this morning and noticed my lovely daughter was already moving around too. Decision time...let's go to Aubrey's soccer and Taylor's basketball games. Tim was at school and I knew the games would be a great distraction to help get us through the morning.

As it turned out...we ended up watching all of Aubrey's soccer game and I got a small glimpse into what my life could hold in a couple of years (should Olivia decide to play soccer). I left Olivia, in her stroller, on the side of the field while Aubrey and I practiced kicking the ball and she scored two goals. Then it was game time (coaches politely explained to me that I needed to remove myself from the field...that this game was for ages 3-4...). So back to the sideline I went.

And suddenly I became a soccer mom. I was loud, maybe a little obnoxious, and I cheered (aka screamed) whenever Aubrey was within five feet of the soccer ball. I am soooo proud of Aubrey. She ran up and down the field and was out of breath when the quarter ended and so very thirsty.

Olivia enjoyed watching the game too. Whenever either team scored a goal, she joined in with clapping and supporting the teams :)

Of course, since I played soccer and it was apart of my life growing up, I would be very supportive if Olivia found soccer to be just as entertaining and fun. And until then, I think we'll be attending more games and watching Miss Aubrey refine her skills, learn about a team sport, and have fun!!!

Go Texan Day

Now if you don't live in Texas...you might not know this fact...but today is Go Texan Day! Today is the day you wear all your Texas gear with pride. Dust off the boots and pop on the hat. It isn't a day off from school or work...but it's a definite FUN day!

At school, we used to give all our tests the day before...just so that Go Texan Day could be full of celebrations. Today at Tim's work it started off by him entering his building to a massive Texas flag and free breakfast burritos. Then up to his office where they had a desk decorating contest and free Texan Lunch. Yup...today is a fun day in Texas.

I remember when we first moved here thinking how strange this was and wondering if I missed out on the Go Virginian Day???

Season Tickets

For the past three years, every August we begin our Houston Texan football season. Sadly, we have decided to not renew our season tickets. Considering Tim has his MBA classes and a newborn that will arrive late August...our football season will probably be very busy. Hopefully we'll find a couple weekends to buy tickets for some home games.

GOOO TEXANS!

Networking

Awhile ago Tim and I were looking at our budget. Our "dining out" category can get pretty out of control. So I suggested we cut back on eating out for lunch. Tim then, very politely, informed me that he didn't think that would be possible because when he goes out for lunch...he's "networking".

Check.

LOVE our "networking" lunches!!!!

SNOW?!?!

Yes...it has snowed AGAIN in Houston. And we loved every HUGE flake that fell in those two hours. It was absolutely beautiful out and I think the snow brings out something magical in everyone....especially in this area. Here are Rachel (our babysitter) and Olivia...and both of their expressions capture exactly how we were all feeling. LOVE IT!

Our Little Fish

Happy 3 Week Birthday!

My Sweet Nephew
~Logan~

Only 18 more days until we get to see you!!!

A Progressive Party

Tonight we had a progressive appetizer/drink party in our neighborhood. There were four houses that we stopped at...and five different couples (a few good friends couldn't make it this time but will be there when it happens again).

We had a blast! Our house was the first one and we had an Asian Theme. Mike and Chris came over and hosted with us. We served egg rolls and sushi...along with our speciality drinks of Mai Tai, Singapore Sling, and Sapporo Beer. It was all delish! Rachel was our babysitter for the two sleeping babies :) jackpot!!

Next was Mike and Stacey's lovely home. There we enjoyed Mojitos and Cuban sandwiches.

Third was Danny and Leah's house where everyone enjoyed a Blue Frozen Delight (definitely don't remember the name) and ceviche.

Lastly was Mark and Erin's home. Oh...poor Mark and Erin. We did all agree that once you are the last home..you don't have to do it again. I think they had more drinks on the floor than people actually drank. They had an amazing spread of desserts and drinks.

Now...unfortunately for me, I was not able to enjoy all the drinks...but I ate a TON of food. And at the last house Mark and Erin made me a frozen hot chocolate mix that came from Serendipity in NYC (i'm in love).

As one can see by the "progression" of pictures...the night got "progressively" AWESOME!

Gotta love great times with great friends!!!

Ear Infection

warning: this post contains GRAPHIC material/images

Ugh...for the moms out there that deal with weeks and weeks of illnesses...I don't know how you do it.

This is our first bout of an endless cold and this Mommy is done. Olivia has been sick since January 30th. She came to the vet's office when Jerry was dying and I was running out of things to keep her busy. So...I foolishly let her play with toys and put her mouth on toys that I probably shouldn't have...because two days later she had a cold.

Then we got the fever. Doctor said the fever was probably separate from the cold and picked up some new germs. So we fought the fever and it ended...but the congestion continued.

And then we got this cough (this past Monday). It's watering eyes, repeating sneezes, hacking cough, increased congestion, and lots of snot and disgusting things from her nose. Every night after we put her to bed and listen to her all night long...we say we are taking her back to the doctor. But then, every morning, she wakes up and seems okay...or not bad enough to take her back into the doctors.

Well, last night was not fun. Olivia was up a lot whining and unable to stop coughing. Lots of green mucus and some wheezing. So today was the day. Tim took the day off from work to spend time with us and took O into the doctors office. Of course, at the time, she didn't have any green mucus or nasty cough. However, they did confirm that she had an ear infection (right ear) and that the antibiotics that she will be on...should help with the other disgusting stuff. We'll see. Not that I'm grateful for the ear infection...but I'm really happy about having an Rx...and hopefully and end to this mess.

And now for the picture... Why are we taking a picture of Olivia looking like this? Because it's what I do. I want to remember these moments when she is going out on her first date or sneaking out of house or asking me about kissing a boy. I want to remember when I thought my world was complicated dealing with green snot.
(I posted the picture small...if you want all the nasty...click on the image.)

And Coming This August...

...will be a new little Hertel!!!

We are sooo excited to announce that we are expecting Baby #2. Today was our second doctors appointment.

Our appointment today was for the NT scan which checks for genetic disorders. Although my Dr does not think it's necessary for me to have the test, she mentioned that it's a another ultrasound (we will find out the results in the next couple of weeks).

I was very anxious about the ultrasound today. The heartbeat is all I'm looking for as she puts the wand to my tummy...and there is was! A nice strong heartbeat (158) and VERY active. Lots of jumps, wiggles and flips. The hands were near the face and legs were crossed.

SOOO....after talking with the ultrasound technician for a bit, I asked if she could tell the gender (we found out Olivia was a girl at this same 13 week appointment). She went in between the legs and there was a mess of crossed legs. At this point she said that she's thinking a boy...but could definitely be wrong. I mentioned that it's okay, we'll just pay the money to come back in a few weeks and do a "sex check". A few minutes later after the baby jumped around a couple more times, she went back and we definitely saw something! HELLO LITTLE MAN! She agreed by saying, "I'll save you the $75...you really don't need to come back for a sex check...IT'S A BOY!" Of course, there is a chance that she could be wrong so we aren't painting the room yet...but, needless to say, we are THRILLED!

The Gate

Just when you think she's not paying any attention to you ... you catch her doing something like this.

Olivia does not like the gate. She does not like being stuck in the playroom...especially if you aren't in there with her. If the gate is open, Olivia is moving as fast as her body will allow her to get out of the room.

To open this gate, you step on the gray foot pedal. Right before Daddy was able to get out the camera to catch this moment...she had BOTH feet on the gray pedal. Fortunately, for us, she is not heavy enough to push down and open the door. However, I am now slightly worried that the gate will not be a long-term solution.

Teeth + Crib = Teeth Scratches on Crib

Since the teeth have started coming in...Olivia began using her crib as a teether. Huumm...not exactly what we had hoped for. It had to end the morning I walked into get her and she had blood and paint chips all over her face. So temporarily we moved Olivia to the pack-and-play while we waited for the wrap to arrive. And now...success :)

Shleeeeeeepy

Recently, when we've gone in to check on Olivia at nap time or in the morning...this is how she looks. She loves her silkies...

Yes, it does make me nervous to know that she wants her head completely covered with her blanket...thoughts or suggestions?

Our Little Valentine

A Busy 13th!

Happy 14th Month Birthday Olivia!!!

Happy Birthday Little Lady...we love you sooo much!

This past month Olivia --

*got her second cold (ever)

*battled her first fever (ever)

*learned that she does NOT like Jerry howling

*met her first cousin...Logan!

*starting signing please

*can say Mama...but only does it when she wants too

*got both bottom teeth

*started walking further distances (with arms extended in front of her), turned while walking, and would choose to walk when she could crawl

*learned to climb stairs

*wears size 4 diapers (but leaks out of these at night)

*wears MOSTLY 12 month clothing...some 9 month still

*takes two GREAT naps everyday

Also, today is our 11 year "dating" anniversary!!
Love you lots!

(this is one of the first digital pictures I have of us...taken in 2002)

Lastly, today is also Aunt Erin's 28th Birthday!
We hope you have a great day!!!

(this series of pictures were taken in Feb 2007. We had a couple of drinks and I had a new camera that could take LOTS of pictures really fast)

Our Friday Night

(click the play...for some reason the picture doesn't show until you do)
Jerry has never howled before...EVER....and you can tell because Olivia is absolutely terrified! Please ignore the annoying person laughing...it was just one of those Fridays and it felt good to have a laugh about the current situation.

Happy Day

Lil Miss woke up this morning...fever free! She still has some congestion but that isn't slowing her down at all :)

Also, Jerry is 100% back to his normal self. He plays with all his toys (snake, spider, bear, pig), jumps on and off beds, eats his food, drinks his water, leaves his hair everywhere, does random energy spurts in our yard, asks to go outside 50 times a day, wakes us up early on the weekends, hits O in the head with his tail, etc. Our puppy is back!!

Yesterday, we received a Valentine's Day package from Grana and Grampa...lots of uber cute clothes, toys, Tim's Navy warm-ups, and a gift card for dinner out. Jackpot!!! Thank you for all the sweet things

I think Olivia looks sooo old in this picture. Time is FLYING!

The Pearly Whites

finally got a visual

A Fever

Well, this is a first (meaning, we've NEVER had one before) and I'm glad it is just now happening. A Fever. It started yesterday and created a sad/pathetic/sleepy/cranky baby. Tim came home late last night and asked what her temp was.

101.1, 101.3, 100.8, 100.5

How did you take her temp?

Both ears and under both arms.

What about her bum?

Do you want to stick something in her bum?

We both decided that she had a fever and we didn't need to take her temperature anymore to confirm it. Since this was our first fever and by morning she still had a fever...we decided to take her into the doctor. I was wondering if her cold turned into an ear infection or something else.

Thankfully, they got us in at 8:15...unfortunately we didn't leave until 9:45. UGH. It was a long 90 minutes especially without our toys or books...and we are certainly not touching the germ-filled-books-in-the-friendly-doctor-basket. Our visit was extended because they wanted to test her blood and urine to rule out any other infections since the doctor said that the fever does not appear to be related to her cold. Most likely she picked up a new virus that just has to run its course. So...we continue the Tylenol/Motrin regimen.

Olivia has actually not been that grumpy. She has been really sleepy, likes to cuddle more and gets upset a lot easier when something doesn't go her way (hhumm, that might be normal).

Anyways, just because she has a fever doesn't mean she's not still 100% adorable :)

Hope you feel better soon my lovely lady.

Birthday Party

Yesterday, Olivia was invited to Caden's birthday party at My Gym. Ooo...we had soo much fun and really appreciate being invited. It was our first time at My Gym...and we definitely looked like new parents enjoying every second of it. We played on all the equipment and took pictures almost every step along the way.

The Birthday Boy on a motorcycle

LOTS of fun!

HWEFFL Champion (again)

The league had the annual Super Bowl Party / Awards Ceremony at the Gussow's house this year and had a great time!

This post might look very familiar... indeed for the second time in two years I took home the Horizon Wind Energy Fantasy Football (HWEFFL) Championship Trophy. Mind you the competition was fierce but I was able to come out on top once more; thanks to everyone who participated (lost) this year. My co-worker and friend David Delony won Coach of the Year, breaking last year's record by 12 points. Look forward to facing off against everyone again next year... as the saying goes; in order to be the man, you have to beat the man.

NO!

???opinionated???

Tim is giving Olivia rice. She asks for more...putting her hands together...and Tim is telling her no. That's when Olivia gets upset. Guess she wants more rice :)

The Essence of Us

I wanted to post this picture without any words...
because to me...it doesn't need any.
However, for everyone else...this is the background.

My sister's wedding day, October 18, 2008.

Getting ready in the barn (where they lived...yes, my sister and her husband lived in a barn...soo freakin cool!).

I'm 7 months pregnant...and my make-up looks "barely there".

So my talented and very calm sister(especially for it being her wedding day) took the time out of her day, to fix me.

Peek-A-Boo

YUMMY!

OOOooo...someone likes to lick the spatula.

No worries...she actually didn't have much...she just managed to get it all over herself :)

A Cold

We are very grateful. This is the first time that Olivia has been sick since she was 8 weeks old! She has a cold. A runny nose that gets clogged and makes it difficult to suck a thumb. Hopefully she will get over this soon...she definitely doesn't like us wiping her nose!

And because I have a new man in my life....I must share my current favorite picture of him. My sister has titled it "scrunchy".... I just think it's absolutely ADORABLE!
in love.....with logan!

Car Show

It was time for the annual car show again. Olivia went last year (only 6 weeks old)...so this was her second visit to a car show!

She is sitting in the VW bug again and pretending to drive :) She did a lot of walking and then figured out how to use her stroller as a walker and was pushing it around (we only bumped into a few people).

On a side note:
**Jerry is continuing to get better. His drinking and eating habits are a little off...so we are keeping an eye on that. We are still amazed every time we look at him and he has been getting lots of extra love from us :) Thank you again for all the prayers and sweet comments. We really appreciate them!!!