What Livie said....

L: Daddy, you died! I'm so sad you died.
C: What? I died? No, I'm right here, don't worry.
L: But daddy, you died.
C: No, I'm still here. Who told you I died?
L: oh wait.....JESUS died! That's right, Jesus died. Not Daddy. But he's alive now.

Well ok. I'm glad that's cleared up!

Swimming

We enrolled the kids in swimming classes this semester, which is new for Livia. She found quite a love for the sport and will definitely be taking classes again in the near future! This picture isn't great, but it's worth posting for the sake of documenting her first swimming experience.

I still can't believe how much she loves the water! She would jump out of my arms if I let her!

My Conductor

This post is for Grammy. I turned on the music and she just started conducting, looks like she's ready to take some piano lessons!

this girl

Absolutely ADORES her daddy. When daddy comes home she will drop everything to rush to his side and get some good "nuggles" (snuggles); a daddy's girl through and through. . . .

Her favorite answer to any question is NO and "I don't mun it." (I don't want it)

She has quite the little personality. Lately she will come up to me and say, "Mama, can you help me?" with whatever she needs help with. It's so sweet. 

She's like a sponge, soaking in every little word, gesture and action. You can pretty much guarantee that whatever her big brother is doing she will be right there doing it along side of him. . . . and repeating every. word. he. says.

She melts my heart. 

I love her so!

2 years!

Sweet Livia.
Today you turned 2!
You are absolutely beautiful. My sweet baby girl has suddenly become a 2 year old!

How did that happen?
I love the way you make me work to get you to smile.

I love the way you adore your daddy and always seek me out for comfort.

I love the way you delight in your big brother and copy his every move.

I love your giggles, your moods and your touch. I am proud to be your mama; I am blessed to have you here with me. The other day I made you cupcakes for your birthday; you found one and didn't hesitate to help yourself. Oh lover of chocolate you make me smile!

You add a lot to this family. . . . .

 We set a special table for you today with fine China and teacups.

Your favorite part of the day was the "boons" . . . .

We sent the white balloon off in Mia's memory. Micah waved goodbye and you sat with daddy and watched it drift away.

You are so very special to us, sweet Livia.
Happy Birthday Pumpkin!

Walking!

I've been meaning to post this for quite some time now! Livia Joy took her very first steps on April 1! Her lack of walking has been a bit of a concern for me for quite some time, so it was wonderful to see her take some steps!

Since then we have discovered that her stomach muscles are a little weak, which makes it difficult to walk. A weak stomach is common in preemies and she will easily overcome this obstacle with a little physical therapy. I guess it's nice for me to know there is a good reason for her uncertainty with walking. It also makes me less anxious about getting her to walk.
We had our first physical therapy appointment last week and she had a great time. She's been (timidly) walking all through the house ever since! The physical therapist thinks she just needs a little jumpstart to get those muscles working.
We're well on our way!
Here is a short video of her for real first steps! I can't believe Chris got it on video!

(my favorite part is when she takes Micah's shoe and indignantly throws it from her path!)

Livia Joy

Quick Update: Both Amy and Livia are doing great. Amy was discharged from Mt. Auburn Hospital today. Because Livia was so early (8 weeks), she'll have to stay in the NICU at Mass General for a few weeks.

I'll let Amy write about the wild ride we've had over the last few days when she is up for it. In the mean time here are some pictures that I hope will tide you over.

Livia with all her gear before she left Mt. Auburn Hospital for Mass General. She was kind of a sad sight, but she was breathing room air on her own. (a few minutes after she was born)

Just chillin' under the blue light. (Sunday afternoon)

Livia's home for the next few weeks.

Finally relaxing with mom. (Sunday night)