Tough Tuesday...

Last night Libi began crying inconsolably for a few hours. She and I tried everything to comfort her while her Dad finished up some yearbook pages for his deadline. We finally got her settled down and had a pretty good night. This morning we woke up about 7:30 and Miss Libs was fine for about 30 minutes-- she laid in her crib and watched her Pooh mobile for the first time. She was smiling and cooing, but then she became really upset and that has lasted most of the day. She hasn't been happy despite a bath, toys, tummy time, back time, binkies, bottles, breastfeeding, and her bouncy chairs. It has been so hard to hear her cry for so long and have no idea what is wrong with her. She and I both spent some time today crying together. I finally got her to rest for a half an hour at about 2 p.m. Ron came home early so I could run to get my hair cut and now we are both trying to keep her happy. She is currently lying on her snoring father napping while her furry sister is napping on my lap as I type this. We will write more later tonight.

8:01 p.m.

We are watching American Idol-- Grandma Cris is holding Libs, Ron is on a computer and I am blogging. We are doing much better tonight-- Libi finally had a "movement" so she's doing much better :) I have completed the birth announcements, they will be sent out tomorrow. We are getting ready for our trip to San Diego for CADA-- packing for three days with a baby takes serious planning. Libs and I will run down to Nana and Pop's first so that they can get their Libi fix for the week.

Monday, Monday....

Last night was amazing-- Libi slept from 10:30 p.m. to a little after 4 a.m. She then ate and got a diaper change and went back down from 5 a.m. to a little after 7:00 a.m.

It's a good thing we both slept so well because we had a very busy day. This morning we ran over to Rio Norte to print up my disability paperwork (our Internet connection at home wasn't working this morning-- it took my technologically savvy husband to get it working.) Then we were off to Dr. Tuso's office to drop off the papers he needs to fill out, followed by Kohl's and Macy's to do a few returns. Then we drove back to Canyon Country to go to Blockbuster and my district office. Libi was admired at each stop-- we heard things like "Aw, how cute!", "She's the most perfect baby!", and "What a sweetie!" I am getting the hang of getting her in and out of the car quickly and efficiently and getting the stroller to do what I want it to.

Tonight we are trying to stay warm-- the weather has taken a definite dip. We made pizza and chocolate chip cookies for dinner (makes you want to visit our house more frequently, huh?) Tobee and Foxy had a lovely time playing in the backyard-- I don't know how Tobee manages to get so dirty when Foxy comes in clean. Ron uploaded some new photos after receiving a threatening call from an angry Grandfather in Stockton... just kidding Dad :)

Tomorrow will be another busy day, so we'll turn in early! Thank goodness there is no American Idol on tonight!

A Busy Weekend....

Sorry that we haven't posted in a few days, but things here have been busy!

Friday we went in to Nana and Pop's house to meet up with Grandma for lunch. It was a beautiful day (despite the chill in the air) especially since we had such an easy night! Nana and Pop were astonished at how much Miss Libs had changed since they last saw her. She is so much more alert-- looking all about the room, focusing intently on the person who is holding her, and she's getting bigger every day. After our ride home, we curled up in bed and took a nice, long nap! That evening Grandma Borsting came over to have a Pajama Party with Libi and Tobee while Ron and I went for our first big evening out to Wicked. Gina Painter and the drama kids got group tickets and invited us to come along. It was wonderful to see the show again-- Ron and I had seen it in New York on the 8th grade trip. We didn't get home until about midnight, so I really missed my girl. She and Grandma had a good time, although Grandma was disappointed that she slept most of the night.

Saturday we were all well-rested after a good night, so we decided to go shopping and out to lunch. We hopped into the Vue and went to Topanga Mall. I had not seen it since its big remodel-- and what a change! We had lunch at Red Robbin (Libi's first sit-down restaurant experience) and she did well. Grandma held her most of the time, so everyone was happy! We then walked most of the massive mall. Ron found new shoes, I found a dress for Libi's baptism (did we mention that she's being baptized on March 17?), and Libi got a new outfit from Grandma.

On the way home we stopped by Walmart to get the photos for her birth announcements. They will be mailed out this week-- if you don't get one, but would like one send me an e-mail with your address and we'll send it right out. My e-mail address is hippolito@gmail.com and I would love to hear from anyone who is reading our blog (I hope someone is reading this). We also got some more bottles (it's amazing how quickly you go through them-- we were washing them a million times a day) and Grandma found her another cute outfit! We made a quick stop at Rio Norte to grab some of Ron's stuff and change a grumpy Libi. Later in the evening Grandma and Grandpa Ippolito came over for some Libi time while the rest of us had dinner.

This morning we went to IHOP so that I could eat my chocolate chip pancakes. Grandma just left a few minutes ago and we are all thinking about taking a nap. Unfortunately, we didn't get a nap but we did get to see Aunt Andrea. It was fun for Libi to see her Auntie-- I don't know if Andrea had as much fun... she changed her first poop filled diaper today. We are spending our evening watching the Oscars-- Miss Libs has been fascinated by all of the celebs on the red carpet.

I'm sorry to be a few days behind in our adventures-- I'll try to do better this week :)

Rainy Thursday....

Last night Libi was restless and therefore so was I. After American Idol-- which was wonderful, we all went up to bed. Liliana chose not to sleep until about 3 a.m. She and I were both in and out all night long. After Ron's walk, he took Libi so that I could get a bit of shut eye-- we slept until 8:30.

We spent much of the day snoozing, being cranky (due to a change in formula), and waiting for Grandma to arrive. I am happy to report that Grandma arrived safe and sound, Libi's tummy is doing better and both she and her father are napping next to me on the sofa. If I could only get some rest everything would be perfect!!!

Tonight will be low-key due to the bad weather and the bad night last night. We'll have a chicken dinner, watch the American Idol results show, and head off to bed.

Ash Wednesday...

Libi had an eventful day today after a quiet night last night.

This morning we went to Mint Canyon to check in and go to their Book Fair. Rachele had already picked out two books for Miss Libs and I found four more-- luckily it was a buy one get one free sale :)

Then we went to St. Stephen's Church for Ash Wednesday services. Libi slept through the whole service, but got her ashes and her communion blessing. All of the little ladies in church loved looking at our beautiful girl.

On the way home we swung by Daddy's school to say "Hi". His yearbook students enjoyed meeting the little one, although they wanted to hold her. (Daddy said that our insurance did not cover students holding her yet-- quick thinking!)

This evening Aunt Andrea and Grandma Cris came over for a Chipotle dinner and some Libi time. Ron and I both enjoy these visits because we get to leave Libs in good hands and get some house-work done. Tonight is was laundry-- if we thought we had lots to do just the two of us before Libi came we have tons more to do now. Our daughter certainly has a ton of clothes-- I need her to grow a bit so that she can begin to fit into her 0-3 month clothes. Our newborn clothing is getting a bit too short for our tall girl and her 3 month clothes are so cute!!

We are again finishing the night by watching Idol and picking our favorites. Last night Ron favored Kevin and I liked "Big / Funny" Chris. We'll report back tomorrow on our opinion of the girls.

Back at the court.....

Last night was great being back in our own bed. Libi slept pretty well--she and I slept in until 8:30. Today we are planning to do very little, just relax back at More Court.

Ron got home later than expected. When he got in, I took a shower and took care of some laundry. Libi has spent the evening giving him lots of smiles. We will spend our evening watching the two hours of American Idol and then going to bed! Like I said, a rather uneventful day here.

P.S. This is only the second day of Libi's life that she has not had any photos taken of her :)

End of President's Day Weekend

It is 8 p.m. and we are finally home-- we hit some of the holiday traffic on the way home from Stockton. It was sad leaving my family, but Grandma will be back to see Libi on Thursday.

We had a pretty good night last night and spent the morning just hanging around the house. Libi took a bath this morning and really enjoyed it- until it was time to get out. Grandpa was disappointed that he wasn't there for her bath, he was getting his car fixed.

After a Sonic lunch (I had to have my tater tots) we packed up the car and came home. Libi did really well on the drive home, sleeping most of the way. Now we are winding down for the evening.

I have to say that I'm still amazed at how being a mother changes you. As we were driving home we were listening to a Disney CD and the song "Baby Mine" from Dumbo came on. I began singing along and looking at my daughter and I was overcome. I began to cry as I saw her sweet face. It is completely amazing to me that this little person who has not even been in our home for five weeks can mean so much to me. Ron and I spend most of our time simply looking at her in wonderment and talking about her and the things we hope for her in the future. Even when she's upset, she's amazing and I love her!

Stockton Day #2

Last night was bit rough. Miss Libs began the night with Grandma and Grandpa so I could get some sleep (Ron ended up sleeping in another room with Tobee). At midnight she was hungry, so she came back to my room. We slept until about 3 a.m. but then she got a little cranky. I tried consoling her, but nothing worked... that's when Grandpa came in. He held her and in seconds she was great, so she went back to Grandma and Grandpa's room for the rest of the night. Grandpa had to leave the house at 5:30 to go to the airport--- he's in San Diego today for a meeting-- but Grandma is still sleeping with Libi. So Ron and I are enjoying a few moments alone to give our undivided attention to Tobee and our technology.

Today we are planning to look for a baptism outfit for Libi. For those of you who do not know yet, Liliana will be baptized on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. We will be sending out invitations soon, but all are welcome to come. We are so happy that our dear friends, Bonnie and Jim Phillips, have agreed to be Libi's godparents.

4 p.m.
Ron, Grandma, Libi and I went out to shop for a christening dress for Miss Libs. We went to Lincoln Center and didn't find anything. Then we went to Dillard's at Weberstown Mall and found a gorgeous dress--- and it was on sale! Fabulous!!!!

Now we are back at the house and everyone is napping-- except me. Grandma fell asleep leaning against Libi's car seat, Ron is in the guest room, and Tobee crept into Grandma and Grandpa's room and is asleep on their bed. We will be having Papa Murphey's take and bake pizza for dinner tonight and hopefully we will be able to stay up to see Grandpa when he gets home.

8 p.m.
Renia came over tonight to spend some more time with Libi before we leave tomorrow. Ron will be posting more pictures of our trip to Stockton before the night is over-- hope you enjoy!

picasaweb.google.com/rippolito

Stockton Day #1

Last night was a little rocky with four folks in a queen sized bed. We did manage to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep though-- we didn't even hear the trains!

This morning we are getting the house ready for Libi's party and Ron is taking the car in to be serviced. All went well with the Saturn repair-- Ron enjoyed his walk from the dealership to the Walmart to do some shopping. Libi and I hung out with Grandpa while Grandma was at the store.

We had a nice little party with folks from Grandpa's work. Mark, Valerie, Rob, and Leslie came over to meet Miss Libs. Everyone had a good time and we had lots to eat.

Libi spent some time in her new pink Boppy chair that Grandma and Grandpa got her. She enjoyed the massage, music, and toys--- look for some video of her in her chair to be uploaded soon to our Picasa account.

Tonight will be low-key as we rest up for another fun-filled day in Stockton tomorrow!

Happy Friday!

Ron decided not to go to work today so we could both go to Libi's doctors appointment and so we could leave sooner for Libi's first trip to Stockton.

Dr. Vashishta was very impressed with Libs progress-- she is now 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 21 3/4 inches long. We will see him again in a month for Libi's first shots. Ron will have to go with me to that appointment, I cannot do that alone.

Tobee and Libi are very excited about seeing Grandma and Grandpa! We will write more after we get up to their house.

9:45 p.m. - We are now up in Stockton. Libi and Tobee both did great on the drive up. Libi slept until Harris Ranch and then was in and out the rest of the way. Once we got up to Stockton we made our pilgrimage to Bob's Burgers with Bob and Renia. It was great fun to introduce her to Guy, the head cook at Bob's. Grandma and Grandpa both enjoyed holding her while Ron and I ate.

After Bob's we returned to Mom and Dad's house and opened the gifts from the Seibel's. Libi got a new stuffed octopus, a giraffe blanket and a jungle swing. We tried the jungle swing tonight, but I think that Libs was too tired and so she didn't really enjoy it. We will try again tomorrow and see how it goes.

Tomorrow we will meet some of Grandpa's friends from work... more then.

A Quiet Day...

Libi is a wonderful sleeper after midnight! She slept almost seven hours straight last night and only stirred once at 4 a.m. Ron and I both appreciated the rest!

Today we are having a quite day at home. We will go out this afternoon to have Libi weighed at Dr. V's office. We are hoping that she is gaining weight so that she will be able to wear some of her 0-3 month clothes which previously didn't fit. She received so many cute outfits in the first size, but when she came out so tiny none of them fit.

Oops! We missed Dr. V-- we were waiting for Ron to get home and by the time he did the office was closed. I'll head over there tomorrow at 8:50 to get the little one on the scale.

Ron and I gave Libs her third bath today-- she didn't do as well as she did when she took her second bath but then again, neither did I. I was working on filling the bath while Ron got Libi ready... little did I notice that the plug wasn't in the tub so the kitchen flooded. Live and learn, I won't make that same mistake again.

After our bath adventure we did a photo session with our little one-- we will post the photos from the past few days before days end. We know that there are some folks who check up on us religiously so we need to keep focused with our picture uploads.

Tomorrow Libs will go on her first road trip to Stockton. Grandma and Grandpa can't wait to see their little angel again and introduce her to their friends.

First Valentine's

Libi is one month old today! We can't believe that it has flown so quickly in some respects, but it also seems like she's always been here.

Happy Valentine's Day! Libi's first is going well so far-- she slept pretty well last night and woke up hungry at a bit before 9 a.m. We are now getting ready to go to Nan and Pop's.

Our lunch trip went well-- the ride down was uneventful, Libi slept and I sang. Nan and Pop's house was fun. We ate chicken sandwiches and chatted away while Libi was passed from Nana to Pop. She was a bit overtired and was quite fussy for much of the time we were there. Nana and Pop love to spoil Miss Libs and I came home with quite a few Valentine's gifts for her.

Ron and I will open them later after he gets home from his Valentine's dance. Ron is quite excited because this is the last dance that he is in charge of alone-- his successor was named yesterday so he begins training Chad today. This week has been hard for Ron with all of his after school commitments, he doesn't get much evening Libi time. It has also been hard for me because I don't get much time without an adorable newborn in my arms.

When Ron got home I took a nice two hour nap. Grandma Cris came over to wish us all a Happy Valentine's Day. She brought beautiful lilies for Liliana and a rose for me, a stuffy bear for Libs and a frame, book, post-its, and magnets for Ron and I. After Grandma Cris left we opened our gifts from Nana and Pop-- Libi got a cute rubber duckie, an adorable stuffed dog named Pudding, and a dainty little onesie. Ron and I got an Ina Garten brownie mix that looks sinful and the pan to bake it in. My wonderful husband got me an amethyst necklace that is gorgeous and Libi and I gave him a "Daddy" frame.

We are now ending our Valentine's Day by watching American Idol and then off to bed!

Day one of Libi's notes

Libi had a wonderful night last night. She slept soundly from 12:30-5:30. She then woke up, ate some breakfast, and spent a few minutes with Daddy before he went to work. She's wearing an adorable little pink dress today, in the Valentine spirit! Grandma Cris is coming over soon for lunch, so we'll write more later.

Libi has been napping much better today. Yesterday she seemed to not want to miss anything, but today she only wants to sleep on my shoulder. I am getting really good at doing things one handed, but there is much that I still need to practice.

Cris came over for Carls Jr. and it was nice to chat. Unfortunately both Libi and Tobee were restless during her visit so I was a bit stressed.

I have begun Libi's scrapbook and I am 4 pages into it. I have over 250 photos on order at Walmart and as soon as they're delivered I'll be in full swing.

Ron came home late tonight-- I miss his two helpful arms when he's not here. We took Libs for her first trip to the grocery store to grab some things from Vons. She did great, but it was a bit cold in the store.

We are looking forward to Libi's first Valentines Day tomorrow. She and I will go to Nana and Pop's house for lunch then after Ron's dance we'll have dinner alone and then dessert with our neighbors. More notes tomorrow....