It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

We picked out our first Christmas tree as a family. We took a trip to a local Christmas tree farm and were greeted by very friendly "Elves" and we even got our first candy cane of the season. It smelled so amazing and and just made it seem so real that the Holiday's are upon us.

Us with the Christmas Elf and our beautiful tree.





Olivia's 1st Thanksgiving

This year Ben and I have so much to be thankful for, the most precious gift we have ever received, Olivia. Not only was it her first Thanksgiving but it was also Ben and mine. We decided that we would do Thanksgiving in our home for the first time. I began cooking on Wednesday and we were both up early Thursday morning to finish the feast. Luckily for us Olivia decided to sleep until 8:30! By 9:30 I had appetizers out and a glass of wine in my hand. (Do not judge me...it was 5 O'Clock somewhere.) Bring on the Macy's Parade!

Oakley's Thanksgiving Meal

We were all able to sit and enjoy a beautiful day. Even Olivia was able to take part and her feast was sweet potatoes. Ben cooked his first turkey and it was delicious. By the amount of food you would have thought that I channeled my Mother-in-Law! She feeds an army even if it is just us, you will never go hungry when you come to their home for a meal.

That afternoon we were off to our 2nd meal of the day and it was another great time with our family. We celebrated Julie's Birthday that night with lots of cake and cupcakes. Olivia was in the football pool and she won $25, her piggy bank is filling up so fast.

OK so Ben and I braved the insane people who began there shopping at 10pm Thursday night and went out for a few hours. Let me just say that Ben and I have agreed that we will never be doing that again. We will save our Black Friday shopping for Friday afternoon. Olivia was even able to get in on the shopping action, (no it was not at night but Friday afternoon! Someone has to show her the ropes. Aunt Vicky will be telling Olivia stories of that night when she is old enough to understand how loved she is and how none of us will be that brave again.

I forgot my camera when we went to our 2nd Meal so I will have to add photos at a later date!

Girls Weekend

This past weekend Ben left Olivia and I and headed to Miami. So we called a girls weekend, Julie and Vicky got to spend some quality time with us. We had an amazing time, shopping, eating (of course), and girl talk. We went to Millenia, Park Ave, and Babies R Us...it's my new obsession since I had Olivia. Jamie was even able to squeeze us in for Brunch. I can't wait to do it again, what a great way to start the Holiday's.

Happy 1/2 Birthday

This week Olivia turned 6 Months Old! I know we can hardly believe it either. 



6 Month Stats

Height: 24 1/4

10th Percentile

Weight: 14lbs. 13oz.

25th Percentile

Unfortunately we began this special day with a trip to the doctor for her 6 month check up. She is growing not rapidly, but thats ok we never expected her to be a giant. Thankfully she finished her 3rd set of vaccinations which meant 4 shots and 1 oral. She will get her flu shot next month and then no more shots until her 12 month appointment. I think I may be more grateful for that then she is. I almost have a nervous breakdown every time she gets shots.

Little Olivia had many accomplishments this month, with sitting up amazingly on her own, her first taste of baby food (green beans and sweet potatoes), her first: Halloween, trip to Sea World, road trip to Myrtle Beach, and Girls Weekend. 

LOVE

First Bite of Green Beans



We will return to the doctor on February 19, 2011 for her 9 month checkup. No shots...YEA!

Mommy's New Endeavor

As many of you all know I have been applying for a new job since graduating in May, very unsuccessfully. Almost a month ago my Mother-in-Law was able to get me an interview with a an IT consulting company called Ciber. I went through 3 interviews and everything went great. After waiting, waiting, and more waiting I received the call yesterday that got the job! I will be the Coordinator on the AAA account here in Lake Mary. My first official day will be November 29, but I go in next week to our downtown office to fill out paperwork and meet with some of the team that I will be working with.

I am so excited and can't wait to start. But I know that it is going to be very hard leaving my little pumpkin after being home with her for the last 6 months. She will be in very trusted hands.

First's and More First's

I can't believe that another weekend is over and we are that much closer to the Holiday Kickoff! It was another busy weekend both Ben and I worked at the Bar Friday night so Olivia got to have her first sleep over with Nana and G-Pa. And it sure was a weekend of Firsts for my little one, she went to her first TFA football game and Nana showed her off to all of the family friends. She even meet her new friends Baby Brinkley and Baby Coleson.

It didn't end there Ben and I picked up our Princess Saturday morning and took her for her first trip to Sea World. We went to the Manta Aquarium while Daddy and Uncle DJ went on the ride, and we stared at all the little fishies. She went on her first ride, the Sky Tower, we also saw the Clyde and Semore show, and then it was nap time. Who wasn't tired after all that and maybe a few 'drinks' along the way. Maybe she has a calling to work with Marine life, because sure does love going to aquariums.

Her first ride!

Semore and Clyde

Feeding the Sea Lions

Walking through the Shark Tank

When we decided it was time to leave Sea World we headed over to spend a little time with the Baker's. Caitlin and Olivia played together for quite a while, and it was the most adorable thing. They were giving each other kisses, it just made me melt. Then we headed to meet Aunt Vicky and Uncle DJ for some sushi before we called it a night.

Caitlin is so loving.

Our Girl's are too cute for words.



Sunday was another busy day we were out early and on our way to surprise Aunt Julie in Gainsville for her birthday. She sure was surprised to see all of us in her house that morning. We had a great lunch at the Swamp and got to spend a little time hanging out before we had to head back home to rest before the week started.

The Morse Kid's

Happy Birthday Aunt Julie!

SURPRISE

Love it and Olivia all lopsided!

I am tired just re-caping the weekend, but it was great and we are now looking forward to the Holiday's!

Splish Splash

Olivia loves her bath time, although in our house bath time should really be known as Splash Time! More water is on the counter, floors, and us then it is in her little tub. She loves it, she gets this serious face and starts stomping her little feet! It looks like she is marching. It is such great family time and all Ben and I do is laugh at our little water baby!!

She has experienced the shower on several occasions (when we are in a bit of a hurry) only it seems to confuse her. It's not her first choice mostly because she can't really make much of a mess in there. 

But now that Olivia can sit up on her own, she can take a bath that way. Oh all the new things that are taking place in our lives.

I can sit up!

Oh my little chunk-a-monk!

All Clean!

Slippers

Olivia Meet's the Great's

Olivia with Great Memom and Great Pop

Another weekend and Olivia visited another state, we are just burning up 95. This past weekend Olivia, Gigi, and I were off to Myrtle Beach to visit with her Great Grandparent's. It was a smooth drive there and my little traveler slept almost the whole way. We got to the Great's house at about noon and walked in the house to see Great Memom very shocked at our arrival. Only Great Pop knew we were coming and it made for a great entrance.

Memom, 2 of her Daughters, and her Grandaughter

Olivia was kissing Sarah

After some rest and playtime at their house we stopped by Aunt Bev and Uncle Dennis' before they left for NC to visit DJ. They were so excited to get to meet Olivia as well. Although their little dog Pepper or as I call him the little Devil, didn't quite enjoy our time there. He attacked my shoes, good thing it was cold or I would have had on flip flops. After all the excitement we squeezed in an early dinner on the beach and then headed home for an early night.

Hanging out on the Boardwalk with Great Memom

Margaritaville our favorite!

Saturday we had a lovely lunch with Cousin Sarah and she just loved Olivia and likewise. Off to the Boardwalk and another early dinner (and margarita's) at my favorite place Margaritaville. 

Well, it was a short visit but we are already looking forward to going back hopefully after the first of the year. It was so wonderful to get to visit with our family that we don't see very often.

4 Generations of Koch Women

How many people are lucky enough to have 4 generations in 

one photo? 

Daddy's Video

Look at me I have found my toes!

Learning to Eat

All ready to eat!

A few weeks ago Ben and I got Olivia all ready to attempt our first rice cereal feeding. She was very excited and quickly figured out what that spoon was for. She grabbed for it and got it in her mouth several times. But she has not out grown the reflex that is there to keep them from chocking. So everything that went in then came back out.

Not to sure

Almost every day we try a little more and she is slowly getting a bit better everytime. By Thanksgiving I think she will want her own turkey. Until then we keep her hands undercontrol so we don't end up with more food on her then in her mouth.

Happy Halloween

A fantastic first for our little family of 3.

The weekend was full of fun holiday things, we took Olivia to the bar to show her off in her little Ducky costume. She was a hit, like I thought otherwise. It was a great night. Then Saturday Ben and I helped host a Halloween Party at our friend Kristen's. Another smashing success, everyone had a great time of what they can remember and what they can't. 

Sunday evening we were invited to Trick-or-Treat with our BFF's and their daughter. But first we stopped by the In-Laws to hang out with them and eat some snacks. Olivia's other Great's were even able to make it to see the little one for a while. 

 Quack Quack

Duck and Witch BFF

Love it...our Favorite's!

Congratulations

Elizabeth and Jim

'Isajew'

One of our best friends Elizabeth got engaged Friday night, conveniently on their way to visit us here in Florida. We are so excited and happy for you two, Let the Planning Begin!!!

Well, all in all we had a very busy and exciting weekend! Until next time, Happy Holiday's!