Cow Appreciation Day 2016

We had fun this year at Cow Appreciation Day 2016. Don't you love babies dressed up like cows? Especially when they wear tutus? 

A Look at the changes over the years at Cow Appreciation Day 

Howe Fun with the Howe Family

A year ago we said good bye to some of our dearest friends--the Howe Family. They moved cross country and it seems to have been the fastest year ever. However, we never expected to visit with them and see them so quickly after the move. I always assumed we would go west first before they came back east, but having Jordan's parents live in Florida really helps the possibility to visit with them. Here's a glimpse at our visit together--it was short but very sweet and lots of fun!! We found out that Parker LOVED Lilly Grace, and we also found out that Parker and Lucas together is TROUBLE. When the Howe's moved, Parker was a little too young to really interact with the boys, but not now... 

Christmas Lights at the Zoo

Fun at the Lights Before Christmas at the Zoo with our pals, The Powell's 

Lucas was a little upset at first, but he did a lot better than I anticipated

But Audrey Blake was not happy at all

We love the Powell's 

Lucas' 2nd Birthday Paw-ty

While this weekend was full of bumps, ups and downs, today we had a great time celebrating Lucas turning TWO!

Fractured Fall

It has been quite the week in Columbia and the Oliver household evidently wanted to add to all the crazy events happening.....

Lucas was trying to follow in his Pop's footsteps and fractured his right arm. He was climbing on the stairs in our house, the baby gate was not up, and the dogs were around, but I was not home and Andrew was in another room. Sadly, somehow, someway, Lucas took a fall and fell down the steps. I honestly was more worried about a concussion than anything because Lucas wasn't just crying. I assume for a broken bone he would be, but I guess I dealt with a fractured bone for hours and just cried intermittently. I kept telling Andrew something was wrong and I thought we needed to go to the doc or emergency room. He wasn't so sure, but Lucas was clingy and whiny if you pulled on or touched his right arm too much. He wasn't using it much. We did get in touch with an after hours pediatrician's office and they suggested the emergency room, especially since it was like 7pm on a Friday night. We took him to the ER at Palmetto Richland Children's Hospital. Things moved pretty quickly until the x-ray, waiting on that to be read after it being taken took forever. The doctors and nurses were great, and Lucas was the ideal patient. He laid in the bed watching TV mostly, and just rested. He didn't fuss when they did anything really, and he was sweet and loving. We are truly blessed with an easy going sweet baby boy. The orthopedic specialist came in and wrapped Lucas' arm in a splint and gave him a sling to wear.

After getting home, he of course went right to sleep as it was after 11pm. He slept well that night and the next day during nap. He doesn't seem to be in pain and this hasn't slowed him down at all. The only thing that's slowed down really is eating, because he usually eats with his right hand dominantly. However, I can say he's learning how to do without or try to do with it, and he's been communicating what he needs if he can't do something. It's been a true blessing so far. We call the orthopedic doctor on Monday to schedule a follow up and find out if/when Lucas will need or get a cast. I can say I handled this pretty well all things considered...seeing as I never knew how I would handle something like my baby being hurt, although, we've been battling other things. But Lucas being so calm and so good made things easy for mommy. 

I am so thankful he's ok. I am thankful for all the prayers, calls, texts, messages, and concern. My sweet little boy may temporarily be broken, but he's a trooper and we are very blessed. I pray he heals quickly and this is not something we repeat or experience anymore. Everyone keeps saying he's a boy--yep--but no broken bone records, please :) Also, wee had some great friend by our side at the hospital. Kristen and Rebecca showed up in the ER to keep us company and keep us laughing. Thanks ladies, your love and support are never ending and we are so thankful.

And on Saturday we watched the game with Aunt Kristen, who is the SWEETEST. She made cupcakes and brought them to Lucas along with milk :) How sweet, and it was even sweeter because she got almond milk, since we found out one of his allergies is cow's milk...reminds me I need to blog about that outcome. Clearly Lucas enjoyed the cupcakes Aunt Kristen. 

Ending the First Trimester-13 Week Update

We've reached the end of the first trimester. It's come with lots of changes, all of which I am happy about-feeling like eating, feeling like myself again, and not being so overcome with fatigue. I can't even say tired because anyone who has been through the first trimester will agree with me it's way more than tired. But with all that said, I am really excited to go through it because it means soon we'll feel BabyOliverOnTheWay move and then meet him/her.

Another change I am anxious yet excited about is changing our doctor. I am not thrilled that we need to change our OB doctor, but I am happy with our choice and at peace with our decision. I can't wait for Monday to come so I can call the new office and reschedule my upcoming appts, including the 20 week ultrasound with the gender reveal! I'm hoping I can get the appts rescheduled close to what my previous office offered. We prayed about this decision and talked with friends as recommendations, and feel excited about this new decision. Unfortunately the doctor that I went to with Lucas has moved and her practice moved, and it's too far of a drive now. But I am excited for the new change. 

I did find some cute maternity clothes and some SHORT length jeans at Motherhood Maternity, and will probably have to go back for more :) But I am excited to have maternity jeans that will fit correctly. 

Baby is the size of a peach (we used a pluot, since peach season is over).

Back to School...Back to Routine

Our summer was a rocky one with Lucas' skin problem. We think eczema is the final diagnosis. We had many meds, oral and topical, and although it took getting an infection to need steroids, he seems (*Fingers crossed*) to have kicked it. It's taken lots of appts, prayers, meds, and patience, but we are excited he has relief and is doing better. THANK YOU to all those for the prayers and help along this journey. We hope it has come to an end and he will grow out of it.

We are back in school, back to routine, but it hasn't been easy. Here's a look at the last bit of our summer and the back to school fun.

Andrew's 10 Year NAHS Reunion

Fun with Lucas...as always

Funny face

Hootie and Blowfish Concert....my Bucket List 

Silas' 2nd Birthday Party

 A trip to the mountains with Maw and Poppie

Gender Reveal for the Smallwood Family

And just looking tired before school :)

Hopefully I can get back to blogging more regularly...soon...once I get back into school routine