HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

'Hello...Olivia here. I decided I wanted to write my own blogs from now on. That way, when my dad does ridiculous things like putting maxi pads on me when I run out of diapers, I won't have to write about them. But, I'm sure somehow they will end up being posted.
Today is my first Halloween. Seems more like my 5th. Mom's been dressing me up in things since last week. Dad just rolls his eyes and goes with it. I have a pea pod costume that I didn't like so much. I just can't seem to sit still when I'm awake and am constantly throwing my arms and legs, so I think it just made me feel a little restricted. I was good long enough to get my picture taken so I could send it to my Grandparents and all my cousins. I guess since I was called Sweet Pea before I was born, mom had to get that costume. Yesterday I went with my mom to my dad's office so she could work. I had a black Halloween shirt on...I found out right away why babies don't wear black-we tend to spit up all over them and it shows up all too well. Today I got dressed up in a pumpkin onsie with some pumpkin booties. I couldn't seem to keep them on for more than 30 seconds. Anyway, we are just waiting for our first trick-or-treaters now and then we're going to carve some pumpkins. Mom and Dad waited til the last minute for that. I'm sure I will have another picture taken with those so look for that. And, they are throwing a costume party tomorrow night at our house, so knowing mom, look for even more pictures! Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween! I am sure enjoying my first one! ....Love, Olivia'

My mom, dad, and I at the office today.

Sweet Pea

...30 seconds later

At the office yesterday

Happy Halloween!!

Bad Girls of Sturgis

Olivia in her onsie from her uncle Justin. He was in Sturgis over the time she was born, so he thought she needed her first Sturgis shirt. Now all she needs is a pair of black leather chaps!

Olivia has on her very first piece of clothing that she received. Grandma and Grandpa Driscoll had given this onsie to us last Christmas as a gift to Baby Froehlich.

It was too cute a picture not to post!

Week in South Dakota

Last Wednesday, Olivia and I flew back to South Dakota to visit family and friends. This trip was a little different than the week before. I don't think I will ever fly without Pat again! Olivia had gotten a little sick the night before we left, so we went to the Dr before our flight. She was congested and had one ear that was a little red, but not infected; so we got the go ahead to fly. Long story short, everybody in the airports got to hear her little lungs for quite awhile. Even flying wasn't very comfortable for her, which made for stressful flights for me. But we got through them. We got a lot done in a week and felt like we really didn't sit still. The first night I went to a retirement party for a guy I used to work with from the Sheriff's Office-Phil Toft. That was a great time seeing friends and former co-workers. My brother Dan and niece Izabella watched her while I was gone. Thurs night I went to my friend Paula's where a few of my girlfriends met up. On Friday we drove to Brookings to meet Dena and her family for lunch. We then drove to my Aunt Jill's where I met up with my parents. They were anxious as ever to get their hands on Olivia! It was opening pheasant season in SD so it was a big weekend for my side of the family to get together. My brother Heath and Kristi came on Saturday with big news that they are expecting their 3rd child! They dressed Anna and Ethan in cute shirts to announce the news. Sunday was my dad's birthday, so it was special that Olivia and I got to share it with him. Sunday night Olivia and I drove to Mitchell to stay at Heath and Kristi's, and then went back to Sioux Falls Monday to meet friends Nikki and Amy for lunch. Afterwards, we stopped at the Sheriff's Office so I could show off Olivia there. We then flew out at 8pm. I think we're both still recovering from it! We had such a great time and miss everyone and can't wait to see you again over the Holidays!! My niece Izabella and I at Paula's.

Jodie, Olivia, and I.

Amber, Paula, her son Parker, and Olivia. Parker is 11 months old, and just cute as ever!

Dena, her daughter Mia, and Olivia. She also has very cute girls!

My dad playing with Olivia.

Anna and Ethan announcing the big news that they are going to be a big sister..again, and a big brother!

Anna and Ethan playing with Olivia. This is the first time they've met her. Watch out Ethan-you've got some competition!! I can already tell that you and Olivia and will be running circles around each other!

Izabella taking a snooze with Olivia on the couch.

All 4 of the grandchildren were together for the first time so we got them rounded up for a picture.

Becky and Chauncey with Olivia and I-they are 4 weeks apart.

Happy Birthday Grandpa! Olivia gave him a mug with his favorite picture of her on it. I'm glad we got to be there for your birthday!

Grandma and Grandpa getting in their last few hugs and kisses before we had to say good-bye. We can't wait to see you again soon!!

Wally's Wedding Weekend

This past weekend, Pat, Olivia, and I flew to the Quad Cities in Iowa/Illinois for Pat's friend Wally's wedding. We had to leave the house by 4AM to the airport. When we woke Olivia up, I think she was a little excited thinking that we finally got it and were going to stay awake with her. Little did she know it was a one time deal! We were a little nervous flying with her for the first time, but didn't take long on the plane to realize they are much easier at this age! She did so well and slept most of it and just lied there and smiled the rest of the time.
Also there for the weekend/wedding was Pat's mom Kathee; his brother Joe and wife Jayna, their 2 kids Gwen & Kate; his brother Bill and her daughter Lilly (Meagan couldn't make it because of work); and his sister Michaela and her daughter Chloe (Andy was deer hunting-congrats on getting your deer!) We had so much fun seeing everybody and glad they got to meet Olivia.
The wedding was very nice and elegant. Pat was a groomsman in the wedding and really enjoyed being a part of it. Wally and Linda-Congrats Again!

Olivia's first flight leaving Albuquerque. She sat on our lap the whole time, which worked out real well.
Olivia's first dip in the pool with cousins Chloe and Gwen. She looked so adorable in her bikini with all her rolls!
Pat with Olivia-she loved the water! She had her little feet just a kicking around.
Jayna, Joe, Michaela, Pat, Bill, and I at the wedding reception. What a sharp looking group!

Pat, Olivia, and I at the dance. We left a little early-the band was excellent but a little loud for her little ears.

On Sunday while everybody was getting ready to head out, we actually got all the grandkids there to sit for a picture. I think Lilly is going to be the comedian of the group!

Olivia is 2 months old today!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

On Saturday we attended the 37th Annual Balloon Fiesta (http://www.balloonfiesta.com/), along with our friends Jerry and Nadine. This year there were about 700 balloons. I went last year and enjoyed it so much so was glad to be able to bring Justin and Jessica this year. We got there at 5AM to watch the first set take off. They continued going until almost 11AM. It is just amazing to see all the different colors and shapes of the balloons and to be able to walk around with hundreds of balloons surrounding you.

Justin, Jes, and Caden Visit

My brother Justin, his girlfriend Jessica, and her son Caden came to Albuquerque to visit us for a few days and to meet Olivia.

We went to the Albuquerque zoo and aquarium. We rode on this train that takes you back and forth from the two.

Here is Olivia's first trip to the zoo. She had her first set of shots this morning but she did really well. She slept about the whole day and was really a trooper. I'm anxious to be able to take her when she actually knows whats going on and has fun seeing the animals!