365 Days of Olivia

Beautiful family photo…

2011-06-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

Last month, we had Applemoon Photography take our family portraits. I feel that I haven't had a good picture taken of myself since our wedding, and I was really wanting a good family portrait of the three of us before we became any bigger.

I am friends with so many photographers, but I didn't choose Applemoon Photography, it was as if they chose us. Maren, from Applemoon Photography, is mommy to one of Olivia's good friends in her parent participation class. Maren and her daughter have a very special bond that I see also in Olivia and me, but I also see this extreme kindness in both of them that always rubs off on me after spending the day with them. I felt like she knew exactly what I wanted from this session, and she loves to spend time with Olivia, so I knew that she could get some good shots of her and not scare her off.

Well here is the result...

I am amazed. I don't even know what plans I have for these photos. First thing I did was order all of them. That might have been stupid, but I didn't even know what else to do! Here are a couple more of my faves…

She is afraid of dirt… did I tell you that?

Thank you, Maren, for capturing our little family and being able to put it into a picture.

Live Oak 2011

2011-06-03T01:36:00.000-07:00

As many of you can see, I am not currently blogging too much... perhaps because...

EEK! Live Oak 2011 is literally two weeks away! If you don't know what I am referring to, see Live Oak Music Festival and drool (especially over the David Mayfield Parade.)

I have been so consumed, that this blog has suffered. Ah well... see you in July!

(future crew member of mine)

A Prayer for My Daughter…

2011-04-22T03:41:00.001-07:00

As taken from Tina Fey’s new book Bossypants…

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

Vintage jars tutorial- Put some jars to good use!

2011-04-17T11:09:00.001-07:00

Shopping for vintage jars can be quite expensive, and why buy more when you have two dozen canning jars sitting around collecting dust?

I found a tutorial via Pinterest (which if you haven’t visited, you must, I have pintrexia), and thought I might try it out. I really love the result, however feel that I could have diluted the glass paint a bit more to get a little bit lighter of a glaze. Here is my result!

You can access the tutorial here. I bought two different glass paints. Vitrea 160 in Turquoise, and Vitrea 160 Paint Thinner. Both of these are available at your local craft store or Michael’s Craft Store.

I veered off from the picture below, however, and placed them on a sheet of parchment on top of a baking sheet. This made it easy so that I didn’t have to move them when I had to bake them.

I painted the outside of them, trying to cover them completely without leaving too many brushstrokes or drips.

image source

I then left them for 24 hours, and then baked them at 325 for 40 minutes and… voila!

The picture below shows them in my window seal mixed with baby food jars filled with rosemary. I love that I can just throw them up in the window and pick some herbs or flowers from the yard and place them in any of these jars. AND, when I have some flowers to give to a friend, I can dress up one of these jars and place the flowers in them and it makes a fantastic gift!

Happy Sunday!

An oreo INSIDE a chocolate chip cookie?

2011-04-09T16:58:00.001-07:00

I know… is that possible??

I know I said I would post about birthday week… well we partied like it was 1999. Or maybe we partied like we were 99. I can’t remember. Anywho, I promise I will get to that, just as soon as the terrible twos escape my homestead.

I will, however, share with you this delectable recipe that I got from Serious Eats. It is sinful… it is dangerous… it is. an oreo. stuffed. inside. a chocolate chip. cookie.

image source

Here is my take. Plus a few tips along the way.

When making this awesome recipe, which I am going to also source here, make sure that your dough is on the cakey side. By this, I simply mean not too doughy. You almost want it to have the consistency of playdough, so that you can roll it around nicely, and it forms nicely around the oreo.

I used parchment paper underneath my cookies. I highly recommend this. One word: non-stick.

And voila! They did spread a little, but were utterly fantastic… so go have some moo juice and enjoy! Oh wait, you didn’t get any? Sorry, guess you will have to make your own!

Happy Saturday!

A little about me… and a little about you…

2011-03-31T08:38:00.001-07:00

Shannon over at luvinthemommyhood just posted an awesome post, so I am going to pass on the bloglove!

copy and paste the following questions and fill them in on your own blog post, and that way we can get to know our fellow bloggers… it’s a fun way to share a little about who we follow and who follows us… isn’t it easier than saying stalkers?

image source

Making : a zigzag crochet blanket for our bedroom.
Cooking : homemade mac ‘n’ cheese – a staple!
Drinking : green tea… a must for my throat.
Reading: Harry Potter… again. Going to start Emma next for our book club!
Wanting: iPad 2. sniff… sniff…
Looking: for the perfect light fixture for the kitchen nook.
Playing: guitar hero with KT, Cyndie, Hubby and Amber for my birthday this last weekend.
Wasting: food. it drives me insane, especially because Miss O is just learning what she likes and dislikes.
Sewing: a pillow for the kitchen nook.
Wishing: I didn’t have to worry about work.
Enjoying: the 80 degree weather. Today we are going to walk to the beach and have lunch.
Waiting: for our weekend trip to San Jose.
Liking: all the inspiration I am finding on pinterest and etsy.

image source

Wondering: when Miss O will start sleeping through the night again
Loving: that even after both having a stressfully day, hubby and I can still sit and talk and take on each others stresses. Hoping: that we can FINALLY get over this language hurdle and O can finally get some clear communication with Mommy and Daddy.
Marvelling: at the fact that O hasn’t been too needy this morning.
Needing: more sleep… O has been having sleep troubles lately.
Smelling: dirty dogs
Wearing: sweater, tee and leggings. A usual 8am staple.
Following: the crisis in Japan. Sometimes when a customer is complaining about their drink or the wait for a table, I put it in perspective in my own mind.
Noticing: my backyard needs some serious work if I want to create a great space for O and the fam this summer… time to get to work!
Knowing: I am doing a great job finishing up the kitchen facelift. If I love it, that is all that matters.

image source

Thinking: of different things I can do with O this week since the weather will be in the 80s!
Bookmarking: so many ideas for the master bedroom! I love pinterest!
Opening: my email. Will there be any scary ebills?
Giggling: over all of the mistakes I made bartending last night. wow.
Feeling: tired (but motivated, weird)

Happy Thursday!

Happy Bertday Auntie Katie!

2011-03-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

To a wonderful Auntie Katie from her Miss O!

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Love you bunches and have a great day!

Spoil yourself, darn it.

2011-03-26T09:03:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Miss O stayed with Nana while I had a day to myself. I believe that at my age, it really is okay to treat yourself on your birthday. This year, I was pretty lucky!

I picked up this cute little tea towel on etsy. Yes, I am a bit quirky, but I can remember watching Charles and Diana’s wedding with my mom on this horrible console TV we had, and I am sure I will remember this one.

Adele 21. Wow. Adele 19 was fantastic, and this album does not disappoint.

image source: claudiagpearson listen here

I picked up a pair of Toms Shoes for both me and Miss O. They are so comfy! Miss O loves hers, but they are too big, which is fine, but she wants to wear hers now… poor thing!

image source: Toms Shoes image source: Toms Shoes

And I also picked up a new outfit to wear on Sunday for our party at Gather. Soooo excited! Going to Gather, then to Giuseppe’s. Yay!

Happy Saturday, we are off to the Madonna Inn for breakfast and then antiquing in Morro Bay. I see more Pyrex in my future!

Birthday Week

2011-03-25T15:32:00.001-07:00

Well it is birthday week here at the Bleske/Wilcock homefront.

In one corner, we have GiGi. In the next corner, my birthday, celebrated right in the middle. And then there is Auntie K’s birthday, a week after GiGi’s. We have lots of fun things planned for the week, and I am sure I will have lots of posts to share the events, but I wanted to share how I decorated the dining room for this week.

I picked up a new tablecloth made by Moda Home. I bought it at a local store called Vintage, Etc., but you can also purchase it at House 8810. I absolutely love their new line, and even bought some other kitchen accessories as well.

I then made this adorable pennant banner, from a pattern I found on Prudent Baby. I used their pattern for each of the flags, but then I used a white yarn and did a chain of 40 on each end, and a chain of 15 between each flag. Festive for the birthdays, don’t you think?

Oh, yeah, and the tulips? A little present for myself, from myself.

Happy Friday!

For Japan, with love

2011-03-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

I am writing this after many days of contemplation over what is happening in Japan. As I hug my baby girl, I am urging myself to take part in helping another human being – not a country, not a government, or an organization, but just one human being.

I then asked myself the best way to take part in this. I did research as to where my money might be used best. I also had to think about whether to give my money NOW or LATER. Hurricane Katrina charities found themselves in need just as much six months down the road as they did immediately after.

I chose Shelter Box, a non-profit immediate response team that is set up to drop boxes with a “shelter” in a box. And, as you can read here, they supply boxes with everything that a displaced family would need, but is tailored to the needs of the area and disaster.

Tomorrow, many blogs across the US, and maybe even across the world, will be observing a bloggers day of silence. I will be doing the same, but I will be tweeting and face-booking the heck out of the organization that I support greatly, Shelter Box.

Time to give my little cupcake and hubby a hug.

Things that are green…

2011-03-17T09:36:00.001-07:00

I have been a little absent this week, since I have had so much family in town.

In the spirit of St. Patrick’s day, I give you things that are green…

Hope your day is filled with lots of green, some yummy food, good beer, and maybe a pinch or two!

Past and Present

2011-03-09T14:14:00.001-08:00

Recently, Rachel at Smile and Wave, posted here about how she would share some stuff about herself since she mostly shares projects and interactions with her family life. Rachel is so creative, and I just love her blog, so it inspired me to do the same.

I picked this picture of myself to post because I thought it was a great picture of me getting caught with food in my mouth, yacking with a friend, and enjoying the company of my family, something that I will never get tired of. This picture was on my wedding day.

PAST

Just like Rachel, which I think is funny, I didn’t have hair until I was about 2. Olivia is carrying on that tradition. I actually made my mom take down a picture of me at one year because I was photographed in blue overalls and someone asked who the cute little boy was. I haven’t made that mistake with Olivia’s pictures.
I have lived in the same area my entire life, unlike my husband, who migrated here to go to school. He often refers to my connections as the 6 degrees of Alisa, since I seem to know someone wherever we go. The little beach town I spent my first 21 years in is actually very small, and when I meet someone who also grew up there, I often get quizzed, just for verification. Really… I’m not gonna lie. I grew up there.
I was a little “weird” in grammar school and couldn’t quite find my niche. I didn’t really like sports, wasn’t really tall enough, skinny enough, or likeable enough. And my biggest problem seemed to be that I always liked to friend the outcast or new kid in school.
When I got into junior high and high school, I hurt some of my best friendships by trying to be something I wasn’t. I succeeded in finding a niche, but it just wasn’t me. I figured that out by my senior year and barely graduated… but at least I had learned from my mistakes.
My favorite thing to do was to ride my bike to the beach with my dog attached at the leash. She was so fast, that the only way she would get exercise was to take her on the bike.
My favorite class in college was Art History: The Renaissance Period. I failed it twice, and still haven’t retaken it. But I appreciate it, and because of that class, I have a love of renaissance and impressionist art.
I took three years of Agriculture and Animal Science classes in high school, yet my favorite class was English Literature. It was where I read the Bronte Sisters, Jane Austen, and got to actually see Star Wars for the first time.
I make friends easy. Maintaining friendships is much harder.
I give credit to many family members for teaching me my crafts, sewing, crocheting, cooking, etc., but I still don’t know where the passion comes from.

PRESENT

I one day want to live in the village, in an old home that I can renovate to my liking. I wish to walk to breakfast, spend Sundays in the park, and walk to Gather on Friday nights.
I love to sew. I have learned more about sewing in the last year than I have learned in the last thirty years. Most of it has been from the internet.
I started collecting vintage Pyrex about 3 weeks ago. I now have 11 pieces.
My first job is being a wife and mother. My second job is running my home. My third job is working as a bartender and server. I must never forget that.
It took me entering my thirties to figure out what I want from life.
I still am trying to figure out who I am. Maybe what I want from life defines who I am?
I always thought I wanted a big family. I have come to realize I would rather have a small family and give them all my love.

My little Olivia…

2011-03-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

OLIVIA

Gender: Feminine

Usage: English, Italian, Spanish, German, Finnish, Scandinavian

Pronounced: ə-LIV-ee-ə (English), o-LEE-vee-ah (German) [key]

This name was first used in this spelling by William Shakespeare for a character in his comedy 'Twelfth Night' (1602). Shakespeare may have based it on OLIVER or OLIVA, or perhaps directly on the Latin word oliva meaning "olive". In the play Olivia is a noblewoman who is wooed by Duke Orsino but instead falls in love with his messenger Cesario.

The name has been used in the Engish-speaking world since the 18th century, though it did not become overly popular until the last half of the 20th century. Its rise in popularity in America was precipitated by a character on the 1970s televsion series 'The Waltons'.

Our Pyrex Obsession

2011-03-05T17:46:00.001-08:00

Call PA… we need help… we have been in a Pyrex collecting mode, Katie, Amber and myself, and this is what we have accomplished:

Thankfully, this is all that will stay in my kitchen! I have chosen to collect the Butterprint (sometimes called Amish) in turquoise, and Gooseberry in pink. They will go fantastic on the new shelves I am having MrB slave away at currently.

Amber will be moving soon <insert boo hoo’s and tears> and needs to beef up her collection for her new home in Livermoore. This is her current collection. She did not purchase these all today, so Pat, if you are reading this, don’t freak out.

Now Katie, she’s another story. Crazy girl! Fantastic!! Wowow! Shazam!
She scored. She decided to collect the green mixing bowls which are FANTASTIC (and hard to find) and the Orange Daisy Print (sometimes called Citrus) which is totally her style. I can’t wait to help her expand her collection and get them up on her walls!

Okay, well enough PyrexLove for now, but seriously, if you want to check out an awesome website, check out Pyrex Love. They have so much info, incase you actually have gotten this far in the post.
Happy Saturday!

A different kind of “Mommy Guilt”…

2011-03-05T10:20:00.001-08:00

Here it is, Saturday without Olivia (Grammy’s morning of fun)… and I was doing some sewing and definitely having time for reflection. I thought I would share some feelings I have been experiencing as a mom, and ask if maybe you moms have felt the same?

A few years ago, when having a heart to heart with a family member, I found out that one of my half- siblings actually despised me, when we were growing up, because when I came to visit I brought new toys with me, clothes, etc., and, unfortunately, my father wasn’t able to provide for them like that. He always was upset and mad at me and actually hated me because of the things that my mother’s side provided for me, and thought of me as a spoiled brat. There are other reasons that he thought of this that are private and I just won’t get into, but when I heard this, I was so upset. You see, I brought those things with me and would tell my mom, “I want to keep these things at Daddy’s house,” because I knew that they didn’t have them, and I wanted to share. I loved my brother and sister so much and couldn’t understand why my mom’s family didn’t buy them the same things that they bought for me, didn’t provide for them as they did for me. And don’t get me wrong, in no way were we well off at all, my mom and grandparents were just creative and belonged to a wonderful church community.

I recently overheard someone tell another, “Olivia always has the cutest clothes, and did you see the play kitchen they made her? I can’t believe it! Wait till they come up with something else!” Cue mommy guilt.

I provide for her as she needs. I buy her clothes when the others don’t fit. I donate those that don’t fit. We buy her toys that fit her development as she grows, but mostly at target or on eBay (vintage fisher price toys!) or I make them. Grandparents are good to us, and we have 3 sets of them. Four if you count her great grandparents. Most importantly, she has more love than she could ever need. I wish I could bottle all of this up that we have for Olivia and give it to others.

Diary of a Sick Mommy…

2011-03-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

May your days of sickness resemble the rest that I have received today… where I have been pampered with lots of tomato soup, grilled cheese and green tea…

time to vegitate in front of the t.v. watching episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond and crocheting my heart out…

knowing that my little girl is spunky and quirky because she is well taken care of…

because I have a hubby who is willing to take care of us when I feel icky.

Visit from Grandma “Vegas”

2011-03-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, I knew my Grandma on my dad’s side as Grandma Bakersfield. I wasn’t quite sure why, because I didn’t know about towns, cities, states, just that she was Grandma Bakersfield. One day, while watching TV with my sister and brother, I heard them say Grandma Bakersfield’s name on TV. I couldn’t believe it! She was famous!

Well, Grandma Vegas came to visit this last weekend, and Olivia couldn’t wait. We don’t actually call her Grandma Vegas, just Grandma, since my mom is Grammy, and Olivia is so smart that she knows the difference. She couldn’t have come at a better time since I was completely burnt out between work, the house, sickness and Olivia’s new teeth. As I am writing this, I have kleenex stuffed up my nose, lol.

We had such a nice time, but just a little tip to Allegiant Airlines: Friday at noon to Sunday at 10 am is not enough time! Change it up a little or go back to a Thursday departure, please!

Saturday we went to breakfast at Mclintocks Saloon and it was fantastic. Then we cruised down to the village and got some fresh veggies to make dinner that night. We also hit up my local antique favorites, and I got a couple of new pyrex dishes and a new mug which I love.

That night, my mom came over for dinner and Mike made his famous bolognese. We roasted fresh veggies, potatoes, beets, carrots. They were fantastic. After dinner, I gave Olivia a little present for being a good girl. New sunglasses! She loves them!

We will miss Grandma and can’t wait until her next visit, or until we get out to Vegas next (thinking maybe a birthday trip!) But until then, we will just have to use our super phone skills and buck up on our language!

Love you Grandma!

A poncho to love.

2011-02-28T16:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I finally semi-finished Olivia’s poncho that I have been working on since the middle of January. I found the pattern on Prudent Baby last month and have been practicing my granny squares ever since. Here is the tute: Granny Square Poncho from Two Girls Being Crafty. Notice my poncho does not look ANYTHING like this. That is because I am a novice. No, I am the novice’s assistant!

The best granny square tute that I have found has been on Purl Bee, and I have been in granny square mode ever since! They just aren’t for your granny any more. Here are some things I have learned while making this poncho (which is falling apart):

1.) Make sure you block your granny squares before attempting to put your squares together! (ha ha) I had no idea just how important that was until I tried to put the squares together, and as you can tell from the poncho, the squares pucker and bubble up. This wouldn’t have happened.

2.) Either crochet your ends in as you go or weave them in to secure them, but either way, make sure they are very secure in your stitching. I am finding the squares kind of falling apart because she was pulling on it.

And 3.) Practice makes perfect. So I will try again. This time maybe with some fun organic cotton. She does look kinda cute, no?

A place just for her...

2011-02-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

So the original princess of the family has found her new perch... she is quite comfortable. What do you think?

These are the new window seats that MRB and I built last weekend. They were so easy to do. If anyone requests it, I will post a tutorial. They have storage inside also, so I can store... oh who knows what!

Also, I currently have a granny square fascination, as you can see from the window valance.

Happy Thursday!

Pottery Barn Inspired Wall

2011-02-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

This weekend we finished up some work on the kitchen... it is so close to being done! But I am really reluctant to show you pictures until I am completely happy with the finished project. And I am not quite there yet.... stay tuned for more.

So until then, I will show you pictures from our Pottery Barn Inspired Wall. Here is the inspiration:
And here is our wall, finished:

Those are my great-grandmother's antique rolling pins and lefse turning sticks, along with my french rolling pin I received for Christmas this year. We had everything else, and Mike and I found the calendar wipe board and bulletin board at Michael's. Most of the cost was in the hardware to hang my rolling pins since they are so deep and actually needed to be hung with very different hardware. The only addition we plan on making is adding some hooks along the chair rail for my bag and Olivia's bag/lunch bag to hang.

I love it, and it is perfect for our "landing station!"

Olivia is 18 months old today

2011-02-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

My big girl is a year and a half... it doesn't seem like that much, but a lot can happen in a year and a half... lets see... a little girl can...

learn to crawl
learn to love raspberries
learn to play golf
learn to cook in her kitchen
learn to laugh
learn to walk
learn to roll her eyes
say mama and dada
give hugs and kisses
cuddle and listen to books
and become your life's dream....

happy 18 month birthday to my sweet baby girl.

Olivia's play kitchen

2011-01-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

I am FINALLY uploading pictures of Olivia's play kitchen! She is in heaven!

Mike and I spent many a night sanding and painting, although the construction itself wasn't at all difficult.

We started with a plan from http://www.ana-white.com/. If you haven't checked out her blog, you must! She is so creative and has the most wonderful furniture designs (although it is hard to keep up with her blog-design changes, hint hint Ana). Then, we followed the design inspiration from http://www.thecraftingchicks.com/ , Miss Q's play kitchen.

We had the hardware left over from a project that I hadn't completed, used spray paint to spray down the kitchen, and the handles are from Ikea. I made the curtain myself, and the sink is a dogbowl. We won't really talk about the faucet...

This is definitely a priceless kitchen in our eyes, and she can share it with her siblings, cousins, and friends...

Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas as well!

2010-07-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Watchin' Daddy work

2010-07-28T10:31:00.001-07:00

Playin in the pool!

2010-07-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

And yet another picture of me getting into trouble...

2010-07-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our trip to see Grandma in Vegas!

2010-07-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the outdoors at a party for Annabella...

2010-07-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

My first bike ride

2010-07-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

What happens when mom goes to the bathroom...

2010-07-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

Love my new play space

2010-06-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Peace, Love, Dirt

2010-06-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

First day of Live Oak and it's cold!

2010-06-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

In and Out... a LOMF staple

2010-06-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Live Oak 2010... more to follow

2010-06-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Grandpa's Birthday Party

2010-06-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

For Grandpa Randy's birthday, we traveled to San Jose for the weekend. Kris and their friends Dave and Marion threw a great backyard party, and Olivia was quite the hit with the whole crowd.

There was even a band, which was wonderful, and Olivia and Grandpa danced the night away.

Bath time at Nana Joanie's!

2010-06-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, when Joanie takes care of Olivia, Joanie gives her a bath (well, that's not the only time she gets a bath, but one of them).

Joanie decided to give her one over at her house in her old farmhouse sink, and Olivia loved it!

I can feed my self, Mommy!!!

2010-06-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months, Olivia has become VERY independent, but try to tell her that? Hah... Here is a picture of her trying to feed herself for the first time... not to shabby!

The coolest thing she'll ever poop in...

2010-05-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Couldn't she be in a commercial?

Olivia is 9 months old!

2010-05-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Here is Olivia's 9 month pictures taken by Kristen Nicole Photography, Kristen Stinson. Aren't they amazing? These were taken at The Windmill Farms in Nipomo. I am amazed at how much my little baby has grown...

Olivia's first trailer rally...

2010-05-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Every year, Uncle Tom enters himself in the Central Coast Trailer Rally. Tons of trailers come from all over California, and beyond, and are showcased here at the Pismo Coast Village. Here was a couple of pictures of Daddy and Olivia while trying to relax and get her to take a nap... fat chance!

Help me, Mom!

2010-05-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

I was in the kitchen, making lunch, and heard Olivia scream. I came out to her, doing the splits, and unable to get out of them!

Of course, I had to get the camera BEFORE I saved her!

Our new front yard!

2010-05-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to me!

Olivia stands by herself!

2010-05-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Olivia standing by herself for the first time... what a big girl!

Mom's Group at the Pool for Mother's Day!

2010-05-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some picture of Olivia's friends from our first Mother's Day Celebration!

Dante and Heather

Danielle and Christopher

and Hannah with Liz!

I wish I had pictures of the rest of the girls, but these were all I seemed to capture!

Do you recognize this baby?

2010-05-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

Recognize this baby?

How 'bout this one?

Happy May!

2010-05-02T13:16:00.001-07:00

So as my mom reminded me the other day, I haven't posted to Olivia's blog lately! I can give you a hundred excuses why I haven't, or I could just post some great videos... okay here goes!

This was at mom's group last week... she wasn't as interested in walking in it as I was for her to!

Olivia passed out!

2010-04-06T22:51:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures that I find quite hillarious and thought I would share!

More Easter with Baby O

2010-04-04T21:39:00.001-07:00

Here is a video of us tonight at dinner...she was such a good girl and had a little of everything on our plates! She loooovvvved the artichoke!

-- Mobile post

Olivia's first Easter

2010-04-03T20:11:00.001-07:00

Olivia after a whole day of swimming!

2010-03-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video showing just how worn out Olivia can get. She was at the pool all day, and cried everytime we took her out! She refused to nap, and needless to say, she slept the whole night!

-- Mobile post

Olivia at the park

2010-03-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here is Olivia at Elm Street Park... she had so much fun on the swing!

Olivia's 6 month picture!

2010-03-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Here she is! Olivia Ann at 6 months old. Enjoy!

Olivia's first swim lesson!

2010-03-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

Here she is, training for the Olympics! Okay, well not quite, but she did have a great time at her first swim lesson with Auntie Amber.

The picture above is Olivia with her friends, Jordan and Jonathon. She had so much fun!

Here is a video of her and Amber swimmin' away.

Two peas in a pod...

2010-02-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so most of you know that Thor is nothing but a big mama's boy, unless he is around Olivia. Then, he is her protector, guardian, defender: well all of these.

Here are the two of them laying on Olivia's blanket (normally the dogs would not be allowed on her blanket, but this was too dang cute!)

And here they are both sucking and chewing on their toys and bones, respectfully.

Where are those teeth? She has enough drool to get Lake Nacimiento full again!

My gigglin' girl...

2010-02-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

The title says it all...

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here are a few pictures from our valentine weekend. Here is Olivia in her pjs that Auntie Cyndie and Kevin gave her for Christmas... she loves the Aristrocats!

Valentine's Day was a special day for us. We woke up and opened some gifts to each other, while Mike and I made breakfast. We sipped on mimosas and had a relaxing morning.

About noon, we dropped Olivia off at Grammy's house, and headed up the coast to Hearst Castle. We stopped in Cambria on the way back to pick up some yummy candy, and had dinner in Morro Bay at the Hoffbrau. For those of you who know the challenge that Mike and I are currently on, 30 days of eating in, this was our only cheat allowed, Valentine's Day dinner. Below is a picture of Mike and I at the entrance to Casa Grande at Hearst Castle.

Grandma Midge came for a visit

2010-02-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, we moved into our new home this week. Grandma Midge came for a visit and to help us get settled. It was a huge help! Having three of us to unpack, cook, and take care of Baby O kept all of us sane.

Mike and I took the entire week off of work so we could concentrate on our home and our family. Well worth it!

On this particular weekend, Mike's company, Digital West, had their end of the year wrap up party. Here are a couple of shots of Olivia and Mommy having a good time.

Its moving day!

2010-01-31T14:54:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to go mom! Don't forget me!

Here we are, ready for our big move. With the help of Meathead Movers, we moved into our new house in Arroyo Grande! We are excited for this new venture, and looking forward to fixing up our new home.

Here is poor little Thor... thinking we were going to leave without him!

Visit with Auntie Jessica

2010-01-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

On this particular weekend, we got to see Auntie Jessica and Uncle Morgan off before they left for their adventures in New Zealand. We were excited to be able to meet them for lunch and visit one last time before they left.

Love to eat!

2010-01-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

Here is Olivia's first experiment with rice cereal... don't be fooled.. she loves it!

Dr. Hoffman gave her the okay at her 4 month appointment. Since that time, we have tried all different types of fruits, vegetables and cereals. We can't wait until one day when she can have mommy's cooking!

Helping Mama by being cute!

2009-12-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

Nothing like helping Mama wrap Christmas presents by being cute! I had to scour for the camera in order to get these shots... love her!

Olivia update

2009-12-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry we haven't been on in a while... the holidays have been really time consuming, in a good way!

We went to the Christmas Parade with Olivia and had a blast! Katie, Amber, Melanie and Jackson went with us while dads stayed home and relaxed.

The following day was Papa George's 83rd birthday, so we enjoyed a night out at Olive Garden (yummy!). Olivia was fantastic the entire time (minus the blowout on GiGi's Carol's lap), and I do have to say it is easier to eat a warm meal at a table of 10. I have been on cookie madness this week, but we have lots more exciting things coming up! This weekend we have our Softball Christmas Party, and on Sunday, Olivia will spend time with Grammy while we go to a work Christmas dinner.

Next week is Christmas though, and we are excited to spend it with family! Olivia will attend her first smorgie, which is being hosted by Grandpa Randy and Grandma Kris. They managed to rent the vacation home right behind our house! It will be great to have them here for Christmas. Uncle Jason is coming out too from Las Vegas and staying with us. He misses his Olivia sooo much! We can't wait!

Olivia's first visit with Santa!

2009-11-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

Here is Olivia's first visit with Santa! Thor went with her because he wanted to make sure she wasn't afraid of him, and they both did quite well! Olivia wasn't quite awake, and wouldn't give up her foo-foo for anything (pacifier). More Christmas pictures to come!

I'm 3 months old!

2009-11-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Here she is... Olivia Ann at 3 months old (well, tomorrow). This is her Christmas picture which was taken today. Very exciting to watch her grow!

Video from Olivia

2009-11-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a little video clip of her playing with her toys... enjoy!

Early November Pictures... new accomplishments!

2009-11-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from the last week or so... she is getting so big! We have been practicing her rolling over, and she loves to play with toys and try to grab at them. She is working on holding her rattle, but just like our family, would prefer to master holding the bottle first. Today has been a little rough of a day, I think she got her first touch of a runny nose and the sniffles. I got it too, so she and I are feeling a little under the weather together.

Mike is doing great with her, and I have gone back to work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. He comes home early and spends quality daddy time with her on those nights. Auntie Katie and Grammy Karen have also come over on a few of those nights to watch her when Mike has had softball games.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I am staying busy by making lots of gifts for Christmas. Mike and I will be taking Olivia on her first road trip to visit Bill and Midge for Thanksgiving. We are so excited to have Mike's family down here for Olivia's first Christmas! She has no idea what all of it means, but since it is my favorite holiday, she will get to know it!

Thor is trying to help her roll over in this picture.

Smiling for Grandma!

Playing with her toys... loves her friend bug!

An exciting weekend on Olivia's first Halloween!

2009-11-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

Special shout out to Aunt Traci and Cousin Jess for my cute outfit!

Daddy, Mommy and Miss O at Avila Valley Barn

Grandma Midge and a sleepy Olivia at Avila Barn

A very sleepy Olivia, ahem, Princess Leia, on Halloween night, waiting for trick-o-treaters...

My new found love...

2009-10-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

Anyone as in love with Picasa as much as I am?

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Olivia!

Visit from Auntie Cyndie!

2009-10-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to get a visit from Auntie Cyndie this past weekend! It was her boyfriend, Kevin's (pictured in lower right hand corner) birthday and they finally made it here to meet Olivia for the very first time. We had a wonderful bar-b-que over at Grandma Carol's house and got to spend some quality time with them before they headed back to Fresno. Hopefully they will be able to visit again before the holidays!

Baby Crack... probably not exactly PC...

2009-10-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

The awesome thing about being home as much as I am, is that I get to spend time with Olivia and watch her play! She is spending more and more time awake, and besides our walks and time visiting at Grandma's or Great-Grandma's, we play with her swing or play mat. The other awesome thing about that swing, is when I need to vacuum, do laundry, or get ready for work (or post to this blog), it usually does the trick as well.

Loving Life

2009-10-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

The weather here ate the beach has been beautiful! On Friday, we decided to take a walk, get some coffee, and enjoy the day. Lady Bug came with us, and when we got home, we were ready for our nap.

She rolled over! Well, half way on this video...

2009-10-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

When I took this video, I had a feeling that the minute that I put her down on her mat, she was going to roll over. She had been laying on my chest, and kept trying to roll over, and I had just enough time to grab the camera and get her to half way roll over. Later that day, she rolled all the way over.

The funny thing was that Thor kept trying to help her roll over! He's such a motivator!

Chilly night!

2009-10-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for a chilly night... yes we were! And we were craving our usual fare, Tacorona hour at Zorro's. Doesn't she look adorable in her little black peacoat (which Grandma Carol is NOT a fan of) and her little crochet cap? Ah... yes... mom loves to dress her up.

Olivia's First Chair

2009-10-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here she is in her 'Bumbo Seat'... she is still getting used to it. This is the first time in it.

Mike's 30th Birthday... just the family.

2009-10-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

On Mike's actual 30th birthday, the family went home after breakfast. We relaxed at home, enjoyed the turning weather, and decided to go to Palazzo Giuseppe's for dinner that night, just the three of us. Olivia had had a rough weekend due to an increase in her colic, and we had been treating her for it. It had seemed to subside by that evening, and we felt more relaxed than we had in weeks.

We put on some warm clothes, took this quick picture, and enjoyed a nice dinner out, just the three of us. Many more to come I am sure.

Grandma Midge Comes for a Visit...

2009-10-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Michael's 30th birthday was on October 4th, and we were fortunate that his mom and Bill, his brother Jason, and friend Scott all got to come for the weekend. We had a blast, first going to dinner at an awesome restaurant called Creekside Brewing Company on Friday night with all of Mike's friends. The grandparents were kind enough to Olivia-sit. Then we went to Yanagi's Japanese Restaurant on Saturday night for a family dinner. Here are a few pictures from the visit.

Our first trip to Tiber Canyon Ranch

2009-09-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Grammy Karen took Olivia out to Tiber Canyon Ranch, where mom and dad were married, for the first time. She took in all of the sights and sounds, but wasn't quite ready for her first olive oil tasting!

Hello to Grandma and Grandpa!

2009-09-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Gloves off... or should I say umbilical cord!

2009-09-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

And therefore we have our first bath! Come to find out, Olivia loves baths. Now for us, it can be a chore getting everything together to get the bathtub out, get her comfortable, get her changed, etc., but in the end, it is worth it. She loves the water, and we have yet to have any "accidents" in the bathtub...yet.

Her first piggy front ride...

2009-09-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

Our first outing in the Baby Bjorn... Olivia was barely big enough to be in it, but we wanted to be able to take Lady Bug on the beach because it was such a warm day, and Olivia loved the front carrier! Here is a picture with Daddy carrying her... he loved it too!

Olivia's First Professional Photos

2009-09-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here she is! Beautiful Olivia Ann! We had her newborn pictures taken when she was two weeks old, and they turned out wonderful!

It's always funny when you have a blowout at the photo session though...

Daddy Time

2009-09-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

I love this picture... partially because it shows what Mike likes doing best- sleeping. And partially because all of the men in the family dote on their daughters. He is so good to Olivia and is more protective of her sleep than his own, and definitely mine.

Our first week home...

2009-08-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Day 3.... First day home

2009-08-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

Home from the hospital and feeling swaddled up and ready for one of many naps!

Day 2... Lots of Visitors

2009-08-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Haila
Grandma and Grandpa Wilcock
Uncle Jason
Grammy Karen
Grandma Midge

Welcome Miss Olivia Ann!

2009-08-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of our family and friends... we have decided to start this blog to let you share in Olivia's everyday life, and how she is growing so much. Sometimes we might post a blog about a special trip or milestone, sometimes a video, and sometimes just a small snapshot of Miss Priss showin' her stuff...

Hope you enjoy... here she is on August 21, 2009!