Happy 2008 - From Home

Asher gets to go home today at noon after successfully being off oxygen for 24 hours. We will continue nebulizer treatments at home for a time every 6 hours now (they were hourly, then every 2, 3, 4 and now every 6 hours. He is actually on Xopenex!), and he will go back for a checkup next week. For now, he is just on the heart monitor and his IV is hep locked. I have had many ask how much he weighs now. He was 7lb 11oz on Friday morning and this am was the same weight including the wires, monitor and IV board. I am sure he will become a hungry boy again once he feels better. Just a few hours until he is back home where he belongs, just in time for 2008.

Thanks for all your phone calls, emails and prayers for Asher. 

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Update from Children's Hospital...

Perhaps I should start at how we arrived at Childen's Hospital. I took Asher to see his pediatrician on Friday morning after having 2 bad nights of many coughing spells with what appeared to be apnea. Asher's doctor did not hear wheezing and was not as concerned with the cough as we were. His O2 sats were 89% initially, but increased to 97%, so the Dr. felt better about that. After initially thinking he would send us in to Children's for a RSV test and chest X-ray, he reconsidered and sent us home on nebulizer treatments.

Well, about 3 PM, after Asher had not nursed since 8:30 in the AM, he became listless. We were having difficulty waking him, he was grunting and retracting with each breath. So, Chris stayed with the girls while I took him to Children's.

Upon arrival, they checked us in and his O2 sats were at 84% (you want it closer to 100%). The ER nurse calmly moved us to a room, where 6 or more RNs and the Dr moved in, started an IV and started talking about putting Asher on the ventilator!! I do not think staff uttered anything to me for the first 1/2 hour as they focused on stabilizing Asher. He was receiving hourly nebulizer treatments, O2, many blood draws, etc, etc.

After 3-4 hours or so in the ER, Asher's blood gases improved on oxygen enough that he avoided the vent and was able to move to the step down ICU unit. We are extremely lucky that we got here early enough so Asher's symptoms could be treated. It turns out that he was RSV positive. He has responded well to the nebulizer treatments, percussion, finally started to nurse, and he was taken off the oxygen at noon today. He has to be off of the O2 and stable for at least 24 hours before going home. Since going off the O2 today at noon, Asher has been wide awake, something he has rarely been since birth. He is now getting his afternoon respiratory treatment.

We are to plan on going home Tuesday and be happily surprised if we get to go home tomorrow. Good thing Chris is still home on Holiday break and we have grandparents to watch the girls so Asher can have his Daddy here, too. Chris has gone home a couple times, and I went home today for a couple hours before feedings. We both miss the girls so much!

So, Asher turned one month old yesterday, in the hospital of all places. His 1 month picture is of him with an IV and O2! What a month Asher has had...

 

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Our little 4 week old...

That's right...Asher Wade is 4 weeks old today! It is hard to believe it has been that long already. Asher is beginning to be awake more now, typically for a few hours in the morning. He does not seem to mind tummy time and holds his head well. He is quiet for the most part, crying to tell us when he is hungry. However, he did get his first of probably many colds on Christmas Eve and has been quite misterable. He has a bad cough that seems to scare him as he turns red and tries to catch his breath. It is scary having a newborn in the height of flu season...I will say that much. He has been sleeping in his chair for the last few nights to help with the cold. Good thing there is a nurse in the house!

After nearly a month, we are all adjusted to being a family of five. We were adjusted after a couple weeks probably. We did not have anyone stay with us or anything, so we were forced into adjusting immediately. Chris and I are amazed at how well Alivia and Addison have done. Addison has started to help with diaper changes now and comes out of play to see what is going on when Asher cries. They are both little helpers. Chris and I have also handled the sleepless nights and busy days with 3 kids better than expected. We have always liked a good challenge. Asher himself is far from a challenge right now though.

Until next month...

* Pictures to come later.

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Happy Birthday, Jesus!

We continued the Christmas celebrations Christmas Eve, but the location was changed a bit. Many of Chris' family was sick (tis the season) so we went to Chris's Aunt and Uncle's house near our home. After a few hours at their home with family, we decided to attend the 8:30 Mass. What a beautiful Mass. I think we will make that Mass our new tradition. We arrived at 8 pm and sat just behind where we normally sit. The kids were rather tired by the end of the Mass, however. After going by the crazy house (see picture), we headed home to prepare for Santa.

Christmas morning was just the 5 of us to open our presents. Grandma Bet and Grandpa Bill arrived just before lunch and we did the gift exchange with them. Alivia really got into Christmas this year and was excited about every present she opened (even if it was not for her!). Addison really did not care until she or Alivia opened something associated with her babies...then she would jump off the couch to check it out. The girls both got new dolls, bottles, a baby care center, a double stroller and a doll house. They were thrilled with all the baby things (and thankfully Grandpa Bill had to put the big things together!). The other games and toys will be played with later, I think.  Asher was content as he slept through the clothes, car and his first tractor he received as gifts. Asher had woke from a nap Christmas Eve with a cold/cough that continued to get worse on Christmas. What a first Christmas, little guy!

Chris' favorite presents were his PS3 games and mine were my new running shoes and cookbooks from Chris. My mom wondered if the shoes were purchased to help me keep up with the kids. All of us agree, however, that our favorite present this year came early...Asher! We are lucky to have him share Christmas with us.

We had a wonderful Christmas shared as a family. It is always sad to see it all over, as next year our kids will be another year older. So, this year, I am hoping it will go by slower so we can enjoy every moment!

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Addison or Mommy?

 

 

 

Addison or Mommy?

Addison or Mommy?

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1st Bottle

1st Bottle!

Today Asher had his first bottle. With Addison, I was not very good about giving her a bottle early on. That caused Addison to never really take the bottle well (which was not a good thing for a baby in daycare!). So, I wanted to try to introduce the bottle with Asher sooner and give him one often so I am not his only food source. He did really well. So, I guess Chris and I will be able to go out on dates someday.

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Let Christmas Begin

Our Christmas gatherings started yesterday. We had my family in our home, but they brought all the food. That was so nice! Alivia has been sick the last couple of days, so I do not think she would have up for the trip to Iowa. We had a nice dinner and the girls opened the season's first presents. Alivia is so excited this year. Addison, who we thought would really be fun this year, has shown little interest. Once she gets one present, she just wants to play with it and not move on to the other presents. We will see if that changes as the presents continue. Asher has slept through most of the events, but has been held a lot.

Today was onto my Dad's side of the family in Iowa. Alivia and Daddy stayed at home in hopes of Alivia mending before Christmas. Addison, Asher and I went to Great Aunt Norma's house for some dessert and good company. It was nice to see everyone. Addison loved their dogs and traveled to everyone's laps.

Tomorrow and Christmas Day we have more family events to attend, and we hope to attend Mass at Chris' parents church tomorrow. Let's pray Alivia is up for all of the parties because she is too excited to miss them.

Merry Christmas to you all!

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Chris has a Good Heart

Yes, Chris has a good heart! I know, you all think you knew that already. So, let me explain.

Chris was diagnosed with asthma probably 8 to 10 years ago. On a recent check-up of his asthma, the doctor heard a loud "click" or murmur when listening to his heart. His doctor was quite concerned and referred him to a cardiologist. After an appointment with the cardiologist, a stress test and an echocardiogram, Chris received what we knew all along...A clean bill of health saying that he has a good heart! There was an explanation for the unusual click that both his family practice physician and his allergist had been hearing (but an explanation that I am unable to repeat).

So, Chris came home happy that he did not have to work out because his heart was healthy. I reminded him that he may have a good heart now but needs to work to keep it that way. So, back to the treadmill it is...

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Visit to Santa

Asher and Santa

Today Alivia, Addison, Asher and I decided to go and visit Santa. Being the smart Mommy that I think I am, I decided it would be better to take our 3 kids right away in the morning when they are in their best of moods and when the Mall would hopefully be less busy. I was right on at least one account.

The mall was quiet. There was not a line at Santa's workshop. I walked Addison up first to sit on Santa's lap and she burst into tears. Oh no, then Alivia started to cry (I wonder who the leader is out of these two girls...hummm...). I got Asher out of the stroller and into Santa's arms where he continued to sleep (Thank Goodness for one laid back child). Addison calmed down with her taggie blanket and sat on a present NEAR Santa. Alivia, eventually, sat on the far side of Addison as far away from Santa as possible. I snapped one picture, but the memory of this morning will last for many years to come.

Asher, Addison & Alivia with Santa

As I was telling my Dad...in a short time, people will be asking me, "So, what do you do all day long?" It is too bad I did not have video of my morning to help answer that question. Believe me, I rarely sit down let alone eat a bon bon.

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Asher Wade at 2 weeks old

Asher is now 2 weeks old. It seems to us that he has been here all along. He has blended into our family just fine over the last couple weeks. Alivia loves to hold Asher any chance she gets. Addison likes to sit next to me as I feed Asher, giving Mommy and Asher hugs and blowing Asher little Addison kisses.

Asher had his 2 week check-up today and has surpassed his birth weight at 6lb 11oz, 20 1/2 inches (which I am sure is wrong but whatever). He is doing well. Last night he spent his first night in his room in his crib and did fine. I was worried I would not hear him cry in there when I am sound asleep, but it worked out without a problem. He pretty much eats and sleeps with a few hours of awake time when he does tummy time and looks around at what his wild sisters are doing.

I am doing better than I expected with the 3 kids while Daddy is at work, too. Today was the test taking Alivia to school and then going to Asher's appointment with Addison. We did fine. I have yet to go shopping for little boy clothes. Luckily, his Daddy and Grandparents have or he would be wearing pink (and we just can not have that!).

Asher's next appointment is at 2 months. Until then...Happy Growing Little Asher Wade...

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Christmas Sugar Cookies

Alivia decorating Christmas Cookies

This recipe is from Betty Crocker's Cooky Book published in 1963. However, this is a family favorite no matter how old it is! I love this cookbook!
Ethel's Sugar Cookies
3/4 c shortening (half margarine, half butter crisco)
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Mix shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Stir dry ingredients together and slowly blend in. Chill at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough 1/8" thick on lightly floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters and place on baking sheet. Bake 6-8 minutes watching closely. Recipe can be easily doubled.

Can top with Easy Creamy Icing (Recipe from Grandma Bet)
1 c powered sugar            1/2 t. vanilla
1/4 t salt                           1 1/2 T. milk

Blend all ingredients. Add enough milk to make easy to spread. Add food color of your choice. As you can see, Alivia liked to top with lots of sprinkles!

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In the name of the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit...

...Asher is Baptized. He was baptized yesterday at 1:45 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church along with 9 other babies (8 boys and 1 girl). The Grandma's are Asher's Godparents. Asher did well, not even opening his eyes for the event. It turned out to be a small gathering afterwards. I tried to keep in small anyway so it was not so overwhelming 10 days after he was born. However, with people sick, working, and the weather not so good, it was much smaller of a party than I anticipated. We have a lot of food for lunches for the week!
Now, let the training of practicing the Catholic Faith begin!

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Take Nothing For Granted...& Don't let evil win!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007. I was sitting down to nurse Asher and decided to turn on the TV. What I found will forever change me. Breaking News: There was a shooting at the Von Maur store. Anyone who knows me knows that if I did not have a newborn, I may have been shopping at that store on that day. Many people in and around Omaha could have said that, "It could have been me." Chris had gone out to run errands for me. What if I would have sent him to Von Maur instead of the Gap to buy something for Asher? We could picture where the events unfolded on that day. The shooter was on the third floor, the floor with the children's department, gifts and the free gift wrapping. We have a number of gifts under our tree with the pretty gift wrap from Von Maur. The employees that lost their lives on that day were people that had nicely waited on us. May eternal light shine upon them.

As I went out to a Christian bookstore yesterday to pick up some things for Asher, both Chris and I thought aloud how going out to run errands had cahnged. I could not say it better than the following article,

"It should teach us we need to be right with God every day. It should remind us to hug and kiss our loved ones at every opportunity, to bury the hatchet with those we hold grudges against, to embrace new neighbors moving next door, to visit our ailing grandparents more often, to tip the waitress well, and to help co-workers when they're swamped and we're unencumbered.

The bottom line is hope. Without hope in Christ, I hang it up. I've had enough. But we all must press on with hope. Without hope, none of the family, friends and loved ones grieving the unspeakable losses suffered this week can even begin the healing process. Omaha will never turn the corner and would be forever be defined by this pitiful act of selfishness and cowardice.

So pray. Ask for the grace to make it through this ordeal that has touched a city and a nation. Support Westroads and Von Maur by returning to your holiday shopping the moment the mall reopens. Don't live in fear. Don't let evil win."

http://www.defendusinbattle.org/2007/12/through-doors-of-hell.html

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10203646

http://www.wowt.com/

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Homemade Play Dough

Playing with Play-doh

This recipe is not to be eaten. :)

What you'll need:

1 c. flour

1/2 c salt

2 tsp. cream of tarter

1 c. water

1 TBS. vegetable oil

Food coloring

1. Combine flour, salt, and cream of tarter in a saucepan. In a bowl, put water, oil, and food coloring. Gradually stir wet ingredients into the dry ones until mixture is smooth.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until a ball forms. Remove from stove and cool.

3. Have your child knead the play dough until smooth. Then, start playing. Store in an airtight container. Dough can last up to 4 months. Repeat for other colors.

Alivia helped me make this yesterday afternoon. Both Addison and Alivia played with this homemade creation for a long time!

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1 Week Later

 

It has been one week since Asher's birthday. I have to say, the adjustment at home has not been as difficult as I thought it would be. Having 3 kids ages 3 and under is not that bad, so far. I even took a nap today! However, Chris is still off work. So, reality will really not set in until Monday.

Asher is doing well. He is getting bigger everyday. He is a good baby, eating and sleeping with only a few hours of awake but quiet times a day. Alivia just loves to hold him and is so excited to be a big sister. Addison, I believe, is missing some Mommy time and sometimes sits right next to me or gives me hugs while I feed Asher. She is doing quite well, though. We still get our individual time whenever possible. I love watching Addison take her baby around the house wrapped in a blanket (or her taggies or a towel as pictured) feeding the baby a bottle. Alivia tries to nurse her babies! They are just too cute to watch.

As far as having summer babies versus winter babies, I vote to have babies in the summer!  I always took the girls on stroller rides from day one, and that is just not possible with temps in the 20's and 4 inches of snow on the ground.

Sunday Asher will be baptised. His Grandma's will be his Godmothers. We are hoping for only a few flurries so everyone can make it to help us celebrate.

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At Home at Last

 

After a wintery start to Saturday, Chris, Asher and I were able to come home to the girls in the afternoon. Alivia was awake from her nap and could not wait to hold Asher. Addison was a little slower to warm up to him after her nap. Addison is curious and likes to rub Asher's head, but she is otherwise occupied with her own activities. As I guesed before Asher was born, Addison likes to sit right next to me when I feed Asher. When she does come to me to be held, I do try and put Asher down or drop what I am doing to give her the attention she is used to getting.

Our first night at home was mostly spent awake. So, today, when Grandma Austin called asking to bring Asher to their 60th Anniversary party, I had to dig deep to get everyone ready and out the door. It was nice to see family and have them meet Asher, but after little sleep, I really just missed my naptime (and I think the girls missed their naptime, too). I am hoping we all get a little "quiet time" tomorrow.

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Asher Wade Austin

 

Asher

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Party of Five

It's a boy!
Asher Wade Austin was born at 1:01 PM today, 6lbs, 7 oz, 19in long (almost a pound more than Addison and 2 lbs more than Alivia...so he is HUGE! Although he was supposedly born at the 36 week day, we are thinking we may have actually got a full term baby this time!). He has a lot of dark hair with little blonde highlights and has a look of his own right now.

Chris and I arrived at the hospital at 11:15 am, so things progressed rather quickly as usual. Chris is amazed how easy I make it look. Like I tell him, I have easy deliveries and love kids...so it is a good thing I do not like being pregnant or I would want more!

Asher is a Biblical name meaning fortunate; blessed; happy. Asher is definitely our surprise blessing and we are so fortunate and happy to have him in our family of five. Also, in the Old Testament, Asher was the 8th son of Jacob. He is also the founder of the Tribe of Asher. When I became Catholic with Chris as my sponsor, our table was named Asher after the Tribe of Asher. So, we selected the name Asher for many reasons.

Asher's middle name, Wade, is after my cousin, Wade Hursey, who died too young at the age of 33 a few years ago. So, Asher has to love airplanes after Daddy and helicopters (and airplanes, too) after Wade.

Everyone's doing well! Alivia and Addison were quite excited to meet him. Alivia wanted to hold him and did a good job, too. Addison gave him toys, blew kisses, and patted his hair. We will load pictures as soon as we can. We are all very excited to go and get little boy things!

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Alivia said it would be Thursday!!

Yes, Alivia was talking to her "babies" the other day and told them that her Mommy was going to have a baby on Thursday! Well, I am in labor! So, maybe she was right. My contractions are getting closer together (about at 5-6 minutes now) and I have called Chris home. My parents are on their way, too. I am growing worried as the contractions get closer, and I need to pick up Alivia from preschool. I am off work today for bereavement. The timing is not so good considering we have a funeral for my Grandpa George tomorrow that we all want to go to. Chris is a pallbearer, so he will be attending no matter what.

We will keep you all updated on our little Bundle of Joy!

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Almost 36 weeks…

Just shy of 36 weeks

Well, I am now just shy of 36 weeks. My due date is December 27^th, not the 24^th as I had thought. It really is not a big deal, but it made the nurse question why my appointment was before I was actually 36 weeks (which I will officially be on Thursday I guess). At my check-up today, things were progressing. I am now 3-4 cm and 75% effaced. The Baby’s heartbeat remains strong, and Baby continues to be quite active. I notice about every night about 10 pm, Baby gets the hiccups for about 20 minutes, then kicks and moves about for the next 20 minutes or so. Considering I like to go to bed at 10, this has been difficult. Hopefully, this is an IN UTERO pattern only. For some reason, I have started feeling nauseas a lot of the time, so hopefully this too shall pass.

So, what does all this mean? Well, my doctor just said as I was leaving to schedule an appointment for next week "in case I do not see you sooner." In other words...no matter if the due date is December 24 or the 27th, the baby will probably arrive before then. We will see where things stand next week, and hopefully the cold symptoms in this house are all gone by then, too.

As far as the physical preparation, we are pretty much ready. The baby room is ready, just waiting the arrival of Addison’s new dresser so the changing table can be moved in. The shutters for the opening are on order (yes, I finally ordered the "golden" or maybe "diamond" shutters). We will just touch up things a bit once we know if the Baby is a boy or a girl. The bag is packed and in the car (I have learned my lesson on this one). So, we are ready to go whenever.
Stay tuned for pictures of the updated me!

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Where is Heaven?

 

Alivia, Addison and I with GG George

Our little 3 year old, Alivia, is once again filled with many questions about Heaven. Today, November 26, Grandpa George passed away at the age of 94 years. It was just a few weeks ago that we visited Grandpa George as a family before he got real sick. Alivia was always asking questions about his wheelchair, the sounds in the hallway, or if she could have some of Grandpa's candy. I always brought him candy bars, cookies or another of my baking creations of the week. He loved it all, but liked snack sized Milky Ways best. Yesterday and today I went in alone to say good-bye to Grandpa, but Alivia knew where I was going. She wanted to know if Grandpa George was going to Heaven where Grandpa Lou was? It broke my heart to have to explain death to her at such a young age. She also could not understand why Mommy was sad. I realize I should not be sad because Grandpa is in a better place now and is no longer suffering, but we still miss him. In the coming days as we lay Grandpa to rest, I will have to tell our small girls that to help them understand.

May eternal light shine upon you, Grandpa! We Love and Miss you!

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Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Belated Thanksgiving! We spent the Thanksgiving afternoon at Chris' parents home with his Mom's side of the family. There were a lot of kids, so the girls had a lot of fun. Addison kept me busy going up and down all the stairs and running all over. She really got around considering she had the beginnings of a bad cold. The food was wonderful, and it was nice to catch up with everyone. We had a good time.

Chris actually went shopping this morning! He just went to a couple stores for a couple things (but not for Christmas)...but he still got up before 6am to wait in line (which I could never do). I think he learned he could not make it in a long line for several hours since it is just too cold. He got what he wanted, so he was happy. I did my typical black Friday shopping online, just buying clothes for the girls at a couple places where I can get free shipping. Today we are putting up the tree and Christmas decorations. We want to get it done early so that we are not trying to get all of it our with a new baby in the house.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping to all!

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Into week 35...When is the baby coming?

Oh, if I only knew when the baby was coming...I would not have to keep up with the laundry, try to keep the house spotless, get all of my office work done every night, etc, etc. Now, my boss wants me to have this baby sooner than later because she wants me to return by the national sales meeting. Grandparents are asking that I wait to have the baby until after their anniversary party. My parents want the baby to be born on a day they are already in town (and obviously during the day). Chris' Mom has asked that the baby come when she is off work (although the baby is going to be born at the labor and delivery unit where she works), and Chris would like the baby to come in the morning or early afternoon so it is not too much disruption on our sleep (like with Addison we got off to a rough start since she was born just before midnight). I, for one, am ready whenever the baby is fully ready. Well, the only One who knows when the baby is coming is God. Seriously...I am not having a scheduled C-section or induction. So, I do not know and my doctor does not know when this baby is going to be born. That is another one of the joys of pregnancy, and yet another surprise.

My appointment today found me to be only at 1 cm. My doctor was expectng 4-5cm, so she was surprised. We will see what progress, if any, is made in the next week. I do not recall where I was at with Addison at 36 weeks (and she was born 1 day shy of 37 weeks). I never even made it to the 36 week appointment with Alivia, so we will not go there.

So, the joys and surprises of pregnancy continue.

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Girls' Morning at the Salon

Yes, I finally got the girls' hair cut. Alivia wanted Addison to go first. Addison had her first haircut (other than my cutting off a little for her baby book). Miss Jamie cut it. It looks so cute now. She did really well, only crying at first when Miss Jamie sprayed her hair with cold water. She was used to the hair dryer, so did not mind the "style" part. Alivia had her 3rd haircut at 3 1/2 years, and she really needed it. It was quite long. And, to top it off, I got my hair cut and highlighted too! Daddy watched and helped a lot. Now we are all pretty and ready for baby! 

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The Christmas Carol

Grandpa Bob gave us a special gift this year...tickets to the Christmas Carol at the Omaha Community Playhouse. It began at 7:30 (when Addison normally goes to bed), so Addison was pretty tired. We made it through the first act. Addison was still awake and it was 9! Addison really liked it, but Alivia did not like the ghost (and there were more to come). We have some video and pictures to enjoy of our fun night, and we will definitely return when the kids get a little older. Thank-you Grandpa Bob!

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34 Weeks

I had my 34 week appointment on Tuesday and things are progressing. Baby is sitting really low, heartbeat strong. I am starting weekly appointments now since I am having some mild labor symptoms (nothing that I called my doctor about but maybe should have). After today, I hope my due date is off (since this is a due date by ultrasound at 20 weeks). I would say most places I went today commented on HOW BIG I had gotten in the last month since they had seen me and "You have 6 weeks left...WOOOOH!" Seriously, how rude can you get. Now, I realize they are to be talking about the growth of the baby and how this 20 pounder is going to grow MORE in the next 6 weeks, but that just does not make me feel much better about the BIG comments as I waddle from clinic to clinic with my boss in tow.
Anyway, so next week we will see where things are at. I will be sure to update you all on the BIG progress. :)

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Christmas Shopping All Done?

My goal was to have our Christmas shopping complete by Halloween. Well, I missed it just a little. I finished up the last of the shopping (for Chris) last night online. Topher's list was in Greek this year (computer and PS3 stuff), so I do not know what I bought him. However, the shopping is complete! Yeah! Now that I am done, I can spend the next few weeks pondering if we should still buy the girls this fold-up baby doll house (http://www.fao.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=4577) or the Zooper strollers at Pottery Barn Kids. We still want to have that AWE factor under the tree for them. I am sure Chris and I will be busy doing other things between now and Christmas that these gifts I think they HAVE TO HAVE will soon be forgotten. Oh, thank goodness we are done! Now, we can just wait for our special little gift to arrive...

...happy shopping everyone!
 

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Our Weekend

Another weekend where we did not have to try to keep busy. First, on Friday night, we went and picked up the replacement piece for Addison's new bed. This one worked perfectly! Addison does not seem to mind the minor change. Afterwards, we went to Fuddruckers for dinner. We rarely take the girls out to eat, so this was a big treat for them. Then, we made a quick stop to Borders Books. Alivia & Addison had so much fun looking at all the books that I think they could have stayed there all night, but we had to come home so Addison could sleep her first night in her new bed (now we are just waiting for her new dresser & mirror).
Saturday, I woke up with barely a voice after trying to get a cold for a couple days. So, we decided to stay home and get some things together. First, as you can see from the pictures, Alivia & Addison have been playing in the kitchen cupboards & utensil drawer now for a few weeks. It was cute at first, but after cleaning the mess up (or having Alivia do it  without quite the organization skill I am looking for), we had to get locks.I once did not believe in locks, but I would prefer to not say "no" so often as I attempt to make dinner. Miss Rachel (http://education.csm.edu/students/rstone/), where the girls go to daycare, recommended these awesome magnet locks (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2328537)! I think they are great because I did not have to install them. They only can "unlock" with this magnet. I love them! Thank-you Topher for installing them! Now, I just need to reorganize my cabinets again.
As for the baby room, it is coming together. The crib, bookshelf, & rocking chair are in place. I am dragging my feet on moving the changing table from Addison's room because I am still using it. We are waiting until the baby is born to get a lamp and a nightstand. The girls love playing in the new room with their baby dolls, and Addison loves reading her books in there.
Chris & I also went out on a date this weekend! We went to see "Dan in Real Life" and then went out for dinner. We had a good time despite the challenge of conversation with my lack of a voice. And, thank-you, Grandma Kathy, for taking such good care of the girls while we were out! We decided we should probably do that more than twice a year.
Oh, big news, Addison, 2 days shy of turning 16 months, is finally signing! She signs more and please. It is so cute to watch her. At this age, she is trying to sign other signs as I show her - like drink and thank-you, for example. Better late than never I think. And, today, she advanced to a big girl booster seat at the table! She is now officially a toddler.
We have a crazy week planned awaiting the arrival of Heidi and Paul's Baby Brody tomorrow, doctor appointments, my boss is coming again for a couple of days, etc, etc. Until next week...

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