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

Past few days

Not much exciting news, but I thought I'd make a quick update as things are going to get busier over the next week or so.
I worked over the weekend, so Ryan had Miss Lila to himself for the most part. Not that he doesn't like spending time with her, but he has this paranoia about keeping her quiet since I sleep during the day. Guess what? She's 9 months old, and a total chatterbox... I have very little expectation of her staying quiet! I tried to explain that very few night nurses get the privilege of going home to a totally quiet and dark home, but he still stresses about it. Ok... HONEY, it doesn't bother me if Lila makes noise on the weekends... you still are doing a great job! During the days this weekend he tried to take her on some "outings" for awhile at least... that seemed to help! (Both him and her!)
Speaking of Lila, I failed to mention that she had her 9 month checkup last week and as expected, she's doing great! 21.4lbs and 29 in tall. YIKES, she has already TRIPLED her birth weight, what??? I think we finally found a pediatrician that we are happy with and he was wonderful with Lila. She did get a few shots, but all is well. She is crawling like a little speed-demon and cruising along furniture and behind her walker so well. I can't believe how quick she gets around!
This weekend is BBQ days in good ole' Belle Plaine, and since I have lived in the town, I have worked that weekend, and this is the first time I'm off! However.... Ryan has to be gone, and honestly I'm not delighted about it, but oh well... I'll manage. He is taking Friday off to spend with me and the babe, and I'm going to see my Dad on Saturday. I've heard there's a pretty good fireworks display on Sunday night, so hopefully, he'll be home for that!
I hope everyone has a great week and weekend, take care!