11 months

  

 

Livee is 11 months old now . . and it has gone by so fast. I feel like I have missed this whole month with her where I was gone for almost 2 weeks and then Christmas. She is such a special girl to me. It's funny how I had such negative feelings when I first found out I was pregnant (I didn't feel ready for more.) And now I feel such a strong bond with her. I had to stop nursing her in November because of our trip . . . and now find myself missing it constantly. Those were my favorite moments . . bonding with her in those quiet times. This month she FINALLY started to crawl. Yes she is WAY WAY behind. She has been going to Physical Therapy a few times to help me and her know ways to get her moving. When we were in Hawaii is when she decided to start crawling. She'd only take a few steps forward but within a week she was following us everywhere. She has truly got the funnest personality. I can already tell. She is always teasing and smiling. She is a gem. Life is moving way to fast and my kids are going too quickly. I will blink and my kids will be grown . . how sad that is. Here are some little tidbits on 11 mo old Livee Lou

* She finally is crawling

* She has 2 teeth and another coming in now on the bottom so 3 teeth on the bottom

* She has amazing blue eyes

* She LOVES her blankie

* She has TINY feet. She is almost 1 and still in size 2

* She says mama, num num (means she wants food or more), dada

* She is starting to communicate better

* She HATES getting her diaper changed . . its a fight EVERY single time.

* She is pulling herself up now

* She gets tons of attention every time we go into public. I mean she is cute and I love her but it's almost weird how many times I get stopped. I do not do this to other people and their kids. So I am starting to think she has some kind of love potion #9 hidden in those cute chubby cheeks!

* She LOVES playing in the toy room with the kids . . . she'll stay in there forever as long as someone is in there with her. 

* She REFUSES to drink. Sippys, cups, bottles . . . its a fight to get a few sips down her. So we heavily rely on applesauce to keep her hydrated. 

* She will ONLY eat Sweet Potatoes and fruits. She use to LOVE squash but since I came back from Hawaii she sees it . . . she screams for her life. 

* She LOVES pasta. She will sit and eat as much as I am willing to give her. Just like her mama.

* She pulls faces JUST like my grandma Roberta . . and I love it. I get daily reminders of her.

Hawaii

The week after Thanksgiving we took off to Seattle to fly to Hawaii. We had SUCH a blast! It was a very sudden trip that we started to plan end of October (I think). The Lewis's called us up and told us how cheap airfare was and it just went from there. I have to say . . I was nervous about being away from my kids for 10 days but they did very well with my mom . . and in Fact . . Livee started crawling with my mom there. We had so much fun and laughed all the time. I am so glad Mike and Kristi were with us . . it made the trip amazing and so much fun! We miss them so much. The first few days we spent in Oahu. We spent time on the beach then went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I really loved it and thought it was fun. We did make the mistake to take the bus system which had us waiting til 11-11:30 pm before picking us up. THAT WAS ANNOYING! But lesson learned. . . next time we will rent a car or a take a paid shuttle. Then we spent one day on North Shore. We watched the Triple Crown world competition for surfing. Those people are nuts being so far out there with 30 ft waves. INSANE. Then we went and got a Matsumoto Shaved Ice . . . AMAZING! We also got some famous Garlic Shrimp . . . also amazing! Then we went and played in the ocean. I actually usually sat out on the beach. I am not a big water girl . . . but they talked me into going out on North Shore. (Big Mistake). The waves were crashing ON shore at like 15-20 ft waves. As soon as I got out there I started getting an anxiety attack because big water, me and no control DON'T MIX! So I decided to get out and of course when I did like a 20 ft wave came crashing down on me . . . knocking the wind out of me . . then when I tried running out the tide sucked me back in and another wave hit me. I thought I was going to die. TERRIBLE. Let's say after that the ocean made me mad so I didn't go in it much after that. I am not considered an official Beach Bunny! After a few days we got back on the plane and headed to Kauai'. SO BEAUTIFUL! We got to our condo . . and it was actually pretty nice! Loved how it basically had two master sweets! We found more beaches and they just went boogie boarding and surfing. It was a lot of fun . . . for them! Like I said I just enjoyed my time on the beach relaxing! The next day we went Ziplining. IT WAS SOOOO FUN! Loved that! The place we went was absolutely beautiful! I was nervous my back would hurt --- but it didn't! So glad cuz it was a blast! The next day we were going to go to a Dinner Cruise to the Napali Coast but the weather was bad so they cancelled. We ended up on Poipu Beach snorkeling. I really liked snorkeling once I got used to the water! The next day we decided to go on the cruise and Mike and Kristi didn't want to. We had a lot of fun. It was so beautiful and we saw whales, dolphins, and turtles. It was fun and actually nice to spend some time alone. We met a couple of other LDS people on the boat which one was actually related to a girl we went to high school with. It was fun. The next few days we just spent relaxing. We had so much fun and have decided to try and make it an annual trip. I have realized that they are one of the only couples we can go with and just not care what happens and we still have a good time!! Here's our picture overload of the trip~!

 

November Overload!

November was filled with trips! It was a very busy month for us. Between physical therapy for Livee and me, doctor's appointments in general, school, birthday, Thanksgiving, election, and Hawaii trip. It went by too fast. Here goes . . .

I have been going to Physical Therapy for my back 2-3x a week now and at first I didn't think it helped. But I am slowly learning that it's the really small things that make a difference. I have been going for 6 weeks now and have not had any major flare ups . . which is great. So I guess it must be helping! I also started massage therapy through the same place. OUCH! I had never had a massage but to start off with and ANGRY . . I hate your spine massage . .. wasn't nice. It was so crazy how just working on certain area's would immediately feel like my back was going to flare up. On the days of therapy I really do slack off and drag all day. So weird how simple movements and stretches can change the dynamics of your body. I also was taking Livee to PT because at 10 months she still was not crawling. It was concerning for me and her pediatrician. So we've been working with her there. She was getting around very well though just by sitting . . then getting on all fours... re-positioning .. then sitting. Someone this is how she slowly got around.

For Nov I also played the I AM THANKFUL game on Facebook. I am going to post mine on here since I never blogged them!

#1 I am thankful for my husband who is working so hard to make our lives better. His wife and kids adore him and his efforts. (Miss you already) — with Cory Arnold.

#2 I am thankful for my 3 beautiful children. Each and every one of them are a gift from Heavenly Father. I am so glad He entrusted us with them . . . they are all amazing and are such blessings to our family.

#3 I am thankful for my family and especially my friends . . . especially my "saint" friend Sarah Ross who came to my rescue 3 times yesterday and today cuz this flu is really getting me down.

#4 (this is actually more #1 but I am not doing this in order) I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves me and knows me and my trials. He has carried me through some very difficult times the last 2 years and I know that through him my family and I can be together forever. I am so blessed with all He has given to me.

#5 I am thankful for work. Our family has had ups and downs over the years as everyone has. But the last two years we have been blessed and now Cory's job is a big blessing to us. I am grateful that the Lord is providing a way for my family to get through these hard times when so many are without . . . all with allowing me do be at home with my children doing my work as a Mother.

#6 I am thankful for our country, our freedom, and our right to vote. We choose who will lead our future . . . so VOTE SMART PEOPLE! :)

#7 I am thankful for my washer and dryer . . . because I woke up this morning . . . with my son laying on me and my back and bed soaking wet covered in pee. Happy Birthday to me! lol

#8 I'm grateful for a warm house to sleep in each night.... especially as its getting colder.

#9 Today I'm thankful for medicine. Without it I would be in a lot of pain with my back and ny daughter would still have a sore throat

#10 I'm thankful for my car to get my around to all the fabulous sales that are starting! :)

#11 Today I am thankful for those who serve and protect our country.

#12 Today I am thankful for the opportunity I have to spend time with my children. Yesterday I took the two older ones to the movie and for the first time in a long time I had a moment to sit back and appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to build these memories with my children. The simplest things such as their own popcorn trays and root beer just lights them up . . . and I get to sit back and watch these small miracles and exciting things happen through their eyes. I love my kids.

#13  I am grateful for Araleigh and our Mommy/Daughter Date to Disney on Ice Princess's

#14 Today I am thankful for the Gospel. Though my religion is sometimes looked at negatively . . . I have learned that it is the one for me. I know and believe it to be true . . . and if anything I have learned from it is that it has made me a better person in general and most importantly a better mother. Any Gospel that encourages improvement is great. I know God loves all and as for me . . . I love the family I have in the Gospel and to have the faith that I get to be with my beautiful children and wonderful husband for eternity is all worth the struggle to becoming a better person and trying to be like our Saviour. No one is perfect . . or ever will be. But its a wonderful thing to try our best. How great it is to have the Faith that in difficult times we can feel God's love and know he is there.

# 15 Today I am thankful for technology. Helps me save money and stay in touch with those I care about!

#16 I am thankful for great books that turn into Fab movies! Loved me some Breaking Dawn . . . sad its over but made me want to read the books all over again! 

#17 I am thankful for my beautiful daughter who helped me SO much today with cleaning . . . she even said at dinner tonight "WOW mom I have been doing A LOT of service for you and Canden today." lol it was too cute. Love my kids.

#18 I am thankful that I was able to nurse all my babies . . . kind of a weird one to put down. But I have weaned Baby L now the past 2 weeks and am pretty sad about it. It's been really hard me but mostly her. It's amazing to me how much of a bond you get and those quiet moments of holding your baby are indescribable. For me those little moments are now gone and I'm frankly sad about it . . . hope Hawaii is totally worth it! :)

#19 Today I'm thankful for coupons. Sometime it's a pain.... but in the end totally worth saving the $!

#20 I am thankful for music. I may not play instruments well or even try . . . but there is something about beautiful music and especially Christmas music that just makes this time of year better! Not only that, hearing my children sing their primary songs and being able to hear their sweet voices try. Amazing!

#21 I am thankful for My Husband. He is working so hard right now to make our lives better . . . and I feel bad that I am so frustrated lately at his absence. Working until 8-9 at night and then driving to North Dakota (13 hrs away) most weekends is getting old fast . . . but I know he is working to provide and his efforts are making our lives better. Love you Cory Arnold thank you for who you have become, your efforts, and what you are doing for our family.

#22 I am thankful we were able to come back to Idaho and spend Thanksgiving with my family and the Arnold's. They joined us and we got to spend time with everyone!

Had the flu for 4 days while Cory was gone to North Dakota I asked him to help me as soon as he got home and this is what I found when I came back in to see if he was done. . . the kids adore him.

Araleigh had a small program for Veterans Day . . they sang songs to veterans and did a flag ceremony. I just love her! She loves school so much and is really started to read well. 

 This was before we went to Disney on Ice . . Canden insisted on a picture with him too. It was just a girls night. So Araleigh, me and 9 other girls and 5 other moms went and had dinner before then went to see the princesses. It was fun. Araleigh always enjoys doing things with friends. 

Canden has started to catch on to school now . . I am excited to see him learning. He now can write his name and is eager to learn. Especially now that his older sister has decided she likes being a teacher and helps him every day practice.

Miss Livee had another Dr.'s appt this month to check her growing. She hadn't been growing in 4 months and so she was put on a high fat diet. I took her back and she had gained 5 oz so she was ok to stop the high fat diet. She is a stubborn girl . . she refuses to drink. It's been something I am struggling with and hope she doesn't get dehydrated. I literally can only get her to take two sips TOPS then she is DONE. So I have focused on giving her more applesauce and stuff to get her liquids. It seems to be helping. I am hoping by the time she is 1 she will get it figured out.  This picture cracks me up above. She is TOTALLY Cory  . . . butt crack and all!

After Thanksgiving that weekend we had our Hendricks Christmas Party. We always do this every year early on because we usually aren't around for Christmas so exchanging gifts is easier then mailing everything. As always . . . everyone paid lots of attention to Miss Livee . . . and the kids had a blast playing. My kids miss their cousins a lot and its always harder around the holidays to not be around. Santa made a visit as well. The kids are funny when he comes and this year none of my kids were scared or cried . . . INCLUDING Livee. It was great. After the weekend was over we jammed our car with Black Friday results which mean leaving some behind to be brought later by the Arnolds. (we had a lot!) We got my mom and headed home . . . for a few days later Cory and I were off for our first official vacation with Mike and Kristi Lewis to Hawaii!