Good Day!

I really haven't been doing a great job keeping this up, it's been over a week since I've last blogged. Honestly though, it's been a pretty run of the mill week. I worked last week as usual, and was greatly relieved to have Thursday morning arrive!! It was one of those weeks, that was a little rougher than usual, and just felt NEVER-ENDING!!!
The first part of the weekend was spent up visiting my Dad, which is always enjoyable. It was pretty sticky out, but the weather held up so we could get a ride on the boat! I think Lila likes being on the boat, it's that darn lifejacket she's just not so fond of. Not sure I know any small kid that actually LIKES their life-vest. On Sunday, we said goodbye to Papa Dave, and headed home. Our friends Heather and Jason and their girls came up from Mankato so I could take some pictures of them, and so we could visit awhile. They stayed through dinner and it was great to see them!
Yesterday was a good day! I'm off work this whole week unless I pick up any extra shifts, so I'm loving my time at home with Lila and Ryan! Lila is getting better and better at this walking thing, and I'm always suprised and delighted when I turn around and see her taking off down the hall on her own! Every day she's becoming less of a baby and more of a little girl, I just can't believe it!!! My favorite thing is to just sit and watch her play on the floor. You can almost see the little gears in her brain working, making connections, and soaking up everything! It's just a miracle to watch!
Today is going to be another chill-out day at home. We've already taken our walk, and now my little one is taking a nap. I'm going to make myself some lunch and then sit outside and continue my adventure with Mr. Harry Potter! Tomorrow, I'm gonna go shopping to see if I can find a cute outfit for Lila to wear for her 1 year pictures (YIKES, 1 year already....what?) Hope you have a wonderful day!
Oh, here's another little clip of Lila. Again, disregard what a geek I am. She's the cute one!

Past week

Overall, it's been a pretty good week. Work went fairly smooth, but of course, never quick enough. Ryan said Lila was a pretty good girl at night for him which makes me happy. I always feel so bad when she's having a tough night and I'm away... I want to be there to help her (yes, and help Ryan too!) She's getting less wobbly as she takes her steps, it still amazes me that at just 10 months, she's already toddling around!!! Craziness, I tell ya!
Last night we got quite a storm rolling through, and I don't know if it was the storm, or her ears or teeth (which have been bugging her), or if she just was having an off night; but she decided to get up 1am and want to snuggle mommy and daddy. She was quite content if you were rubbing her back or rocking her, but forget about leaving her in her crib! We even brought her into bed with us (which we NEVER do), but she was so dang wiggly and still wouldn't fall asleep. Finally after a bottle and two hours, she went back to bed. Thankfully, her midnight adventure did keep her in bed this morning until 8! It's been a pretty laid back day here at the Volovsek house, which I'm loving! I got the house cleaned, and some laundry tackled. Not sure what the evening holds and we don't have plans for tomorrow yet...guess we'll just see how the weather is! Hope the weekend is good for everyone! Take care!

First steps

Here's a short clip of Lila taking some of her first steps! (Don't mind that I look like a complete dork!) I can't believe how fast she's growing up! I don't care if it's a total cliche' but time really flies!! She crawls like a speed demon, but in just the past few days has started taking a few steps away from the furniture! She'll be 10 months on the 6th and here she is, almost walking. (I think we're going to be in for trouble!)
I worked all weekend and Ryan said Lila was a good girl for him. Often, he doesn't like the weekends I work, but this one went particularly well for the two of them! I have another few days of work ahead of me, but I'm looking forward to this weekend off! It's supposed to be nice and HOT... well, it's about time. It is August after all!
Today my mom is going to spend some time with Lila while I attend the service celebrating the life of Mary O'Keefe. I ask for your continued prayers for this family as they work to get through this trying time in their lives. I've been giving Lila lots of extra hugs and kisses lately and reminding myself that even when she's being a grouch, I'm blessed to have her, and to be thankful for every minute we spend together. Be thankful for your blessings today and have a wonderful rest of the week!

Pray

Mary O'Keefe went to heaven yesterday. A little over a year from her diagnosis of Neuroblastoma, she left us and went to be with God. She was an amazing little fighter and will be desperately missed by all who knew her. Keep her family in your prayers and be thankful for all the little miracles and blessings in your life.
You can read her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maryokeefe
This picture is from a few weeks ago. My co-workers collected money for this little photo shoot at Glamour Shots for Mary and Christine.

Happy Birthday Boone!

Our big boy turned 3 today! Ok, so I know he's "just a dog"... but he was our first "baby" and the best wedding present Ryan and I could ask for! (We picked him up on our way home from our honeymoon!) Happy Birthday big guy!

It's Monday

Sorry, it's been awhile since I've posted but it's been a weird week. The previous weekend had been busy, but good. Ryan had a bachelor party in SD, and I went to visit with my Dad. The weather wasn't great, but it was still nice to see him!
The week was tough at work, after getting little Mary's prognosis, everyone was kind of gloomy as you would expect. However, I was so happy to witness how great my co-workers are. As soon as the news came out, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE was figuring out ways to help support this family. It was great to see how loving all these women are. I really do work with a great bunch of ladies! There was a garage sale last Thursday and it had such a great outcome, that WCCO news did a special on it, and they had another sale on Saturday! I continue to ask for prayers for this family as they work through the months ahead.
This weekend was good and I was thrilled to have the whole weekend with Ryan and Lila. On Saturday we went to our friends' daughter's 3rd B-day party! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYLEIGH ROO!!!! (Heather, can't wait to see you guys again, sorry we couldn't stay longer!) Lila got pretty cranky because she was tired, but we had a good time anyway! They had a slip n' slide set up that Lila thought was pretty cool! That evening, Ryan and I just enjoyed our night together and got some good sleep! Yesterday was wonderful and quite productive! We had been invited to a family pool party at my Aunt Colleen's house and ended up deciding not to go. I'm sorry I missed the family, but I'm openly admitting that I'm very selfish about my time with Ryan and Lila, and having a whole day, AT HOME, to be together and get stuff done... well, I just couldn't pass it up. It's pretty rare in my world, so I take what I can get. Sounds like everyone had a good time hopefully, I will get a chance to see everyone soon!
I now have the week off, and am very much looking forward to it. Today however, I'm feeling a little "off". Not really sure what my deal is, but can't quite get moving. Bit of a headache, tired, you know... but I'm gonna get a cup of coffee, throw in a load of laundry, snuggle my baby for a bit before her nap, then head outside with Boone and Rio to putz with my flowers. Have a great Monday! I have also added a little video of Lila clicking her tongue, it's her new thing to do! Fun huh?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of Him and he will make straight your paths." Psalm 3: 5-6

With a heavy heart

I had every intention of doing a nice little update tonight on all the little trivial things in my life right now, however, when I got to work tonight I got some terrible news that has put a different feeling in my heart. I've written previously of my co-workers little girl, Mary, who has been fighting Neuroblastoma for a year. Today, we got the news that her second round of chemo is not working, they are stopping treatment (other than that needed for comfort), and give her around a month to live.
I am sick, my heart is so broken for this family. I can barely stand to think of the pain and sorrow they must be experiencing. I called Ryan shortly after hearing the news and told him to give Lila lots of extra love tonight. She is my sun, moon, and stars and the thought of losing her is simply more than I can stand.
Pray for this family. Pray for your own healthy families. Love unconditionally. Give those special people an extra hug and kiss tonight. Good night
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maryokeefe