Hospital and More

Yes, that's a (phone) picture of our little Alice wearing a hospital gown. The poor thing had to spend two days in the hospital with RSV. Bill, Sally and I had all gotten sick- it was hard for Alice not to have the same fate. Thankfully, she seemed to not get it too bad, but it's always scary when you're that little.

In the middle of the night the Saturday she started smiling, she started acting sick. The next morning, I noticed she was feeling a bit warm. i took her temperature, and it was 100.5. That might not sound horrible, but it's not good for a baby as young as Alice. It was Sunday, so I couldn't take her to the doctor. I called the nurse hotline and spoke to a very nice nurse. Over the phone, she listened to Alice breathe. Then, she stopped my breath with her next line. She asked how far away the hospital was, when I told her half an hour, she highly recommended getting an ambulance to take us there. Until that point, I wasn't thinking it was terribly serious, but an ambulance?!?! We called 911 and paramedics were sent to our house. When they came, they checked her out and didn't seem nearly as troubled by her symptoms, but did recommend us going to the hospital to get her checked out. So, we did.

They checked her out and took blood, urine, and mucous samples to test. They were supposed to do a spinal tap also, (because she was young and running a fever) but didn't. (Later, after she was no longer running a fever and had a diagnosis, one doctor wanted to do it then. After wrestling with the decision, we opted not to. She seemed to be getting better and I was confident the RSV was the cause of the fever- it turns out, we were right.) The RSV test came back positive and so they wanted her to stay.

It was just to be cautious. She received a couple doses of Tylenol, and then no longer needed it. They came in every so often and checked her oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature. That's all she needed. All in all, a very extravagant precaution. I'm glad we did it, though- it's much better to be safe with a baby so small. It also allowed me some one on one time with Alice. It really was nice just cuddling and spending time with her with nothing to pull me away. She smiled throughout her hospital stay.

Here some pictures of the little Nicolich girls.

We her are the girls on our cool sit and stroller. I was super excited to have gotten in for cheap on craigslist. I was only worried Sally wouldn't be able to rest while we strolled....

She found a way. She fell fully asleep like this.

Aren't they so pretty?

Sometimes Sally will take care of her baby while I do. We sound this mini glider at a garage sale, and she uses a neck pillow as her boppy. We both "nurse" our babies.

This is pretty major- Sally used the potty for the first time!!! She was SO proud, and didn't want to get off. She called Daddy to tell him the good news. Since then, she's done it once more. Hopefully, it will become a daily experience.

Sally LOVES her cottage cheese.

Sally will no longer look at me for pictures. I have to be tricky. She is beautiful, though.

Cuties together

I will often talk of Alice "surviving" Sally. She looks pretty happy about it here.

The following is a series of smiley Alice pictures. I LOVE that she is smiling more and more!

Joshua Bell

Alice (and her mommy) got quite a treat for her one month birthday. We got to see and meet Joshua Bell! If you don't know who he is, you would do yourself a favor by learning. He is an amazing violinist. He was playing the Barber Violin Concerto (one of my absolute favorites) with the Atlanta Symphony two Fridays ago. I knew he would be coming before Alice was born, but figured I was out of luck- the timing was less than ideal. Then, Alice was born with a soundtrack of Joshua Bell playing the second movement of the Barber. (We had it on repeat through the end of the labor- it really helped me to hear such powerful music. I was even talking of its beauty while in the crazy pain.) With the piece of music meaning SO much more to me than it already did, I realized I must find a way to go. I originally was planning on Bill coming and watching Alice for the first half and then switching places. He ended up getting sick, (and Sally was too- Alice got sick as well, which is a big story of its own. I will document it here shortly) I was determined, though, and lucky to have such great friends. I asked my friend Stacy if she might be interested in coming with her son (Layne, one of my violin students). The plan was to have Layne and me watch the first half, and then Stacy would switch out with me. As it turns out, Layne was a little over it at intermission, so we went home. I felt bad Stacy didn't get to see any of the show, but was also SO grateful for her help. Joshua Bell played beautifully. It was totally inspiring- I wanted to run home and practice. It was moving and exciting and everything it should be. I cried (of course) and my heart pounded nearly out of my chest. He played with so much passion, it made you experience some of that passion as well. At intermission, he was signing CDs. We waited in the LONG line to meet him, but I was so glad we did. At first, I thought he looked disenchanted with the whole experience (maybe it was in my head). When we got up there, I was so excited to tell him about the role he played in Alice's birth. He perked right up when he saw her and I think he thought the story was awesome. He looked at Alice and talked to her a little bit in a baby voice. He told me he has a fourteen month old at home. He seemed pretty enthusiastic about the whole baby thing. It was AWESOME!! Here are a few pictures of our fantastic night. (Thanks Stacy for these too- I forgot a camera)

Sorry my hand is in the way of cute Alice's face. I was actually trying to hold open the sling so you could see her better- it backfired. Other than that, how awesome is this?

Me, Layne and Alice before the show. Alice loves to be held in this position.

Joshua Bell and the future Joshua Bell. The one on the right was a bit amused when the one on the left came up and put his arm around him. It was great.

Here's a picture of the signed CD- with a personalized message. I wish now that I would have had him sign the book. I would have framed it and put it in Alice's room. I guess I still could, but then we wouldn't be able to listen to it. I could always buy another one, I suppose. Oh, one more thing, Sally loves listening to classical music. the other day, she wanted to listen to music. I turned on one of our favorite children's CDs, but she was in the mood for something different. She said, "No! Violin music, mama." I turned on the signed CD and Sally was totally satisfied. I can't tell you how happy that made me.

Smile Time

For the past few days, we've been questioning whether some of Alice's expressions were "real" smiles. This evening, however, questioning became a thing of the past. She was full of undeniable smiles! It wasn't even just one, she was smiley for quite a while- and some of the smiles lasted for quite some time. I was even able to capture one of her beautiful toothless grins on camera. Take a look- it will surely put a smile on your face as well.

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You're smiling now, aren't you.

Elections and Cuties

So, I was going to write something vaguely political, but instead, I think I'll just brag about how great my kids are. Well, I should say something about the historic events of the week. Then, I'll get to the good stuff.

I've never been very political. This election season, however, I've actually tried to become a little bit educated on the candidates and issues. I've also tried to "find myself" politically. What have I decided? Well, I suppose I should say I'm an independent. I've taken a ton of quizzes online (I know, not all reliable, but fun all the same, and no, that's not all the research I've done, just the most fun). Some said I'm more right, some said more left. I took one quiz on the day before the election that said I agreed with McCain 69%, and Obama 69%. Up until Tuesday morning, I was still an undecided voter. I'd gone back and forth in my head quite a few times. Last night when Obama was announced as the president elect, I had lots of emotions. I am so proud to live in a country and time when a black man can be elected president. It's crazy to think that 50 years ago, segregation was normal and open racism common. It is amazing that we, as a nation, have become so much more accepting in such a relatively short amount of time. I felt other things as well. I stayed awake last night to see Obama's acceptance speech (not the smartest thing- I ended up going to bed close to 1:00, only to have Alice to wake up at 1:45, and STAY AWAKE for two hours.) I was very moved by the speech, it even brought tears to my eyes. (not a terribly difficult feat, but still) I don't agree with all of his policies, but I am very eager to see what lies next for this great nation. I really do love this country and am proud to have an "I Voted" sticker. (If you're wondering, I ended up voting McCain. The important thing is that I voted- we almost missed the registration deadline, but took our forms to the post office 10 minutes before they closed on the deadline day.)

Okay, now, onto the cuteness that is my life.

Sally loves being buried in laundry. When she says "laundry", it sounds like "monchee".

Little sleeping beauty

My girls playing- I LOVE saying "my girls"!!


Sally really wanted Alice to wear her antennae- we found a way to make it work.


Sally being a cutie


Sally loving on the baby. Alice is pretty easy going, which is good, because with such a loving sister, she needs to roll with the punches. I wish that was figurative.

Seriously. This is amazing. She has held her head like this a few times- for long periods of time! Sometimes, even without the boppy. I am uber impressed by my little one's strength! She is such a good and sweet baby. She's been with us for only four weeks, but I can't imagine life without her. It just feels so right that she's here. She is a very loved little moonlet.

I just thought Sally's outfit was adorable. You can also see Alice in the background.

Okay. This is a picture of a face. Look closely. There are eyes, a nose, a mouth, ears on the sides and hair up on top. I did the head, but Sally drew in all the features. She has done the head, but only once, on a magnadoodle at the doc's office. I was SO impressed with her- it was totally unsolicited. Since then, I've been trying to get her to do it again with no luck. now, though, she'll do the face if I do the head. This was a happy face. She also does sad faces, and baby Alice sometimes. Oh, and, of course, self portraits.

I just thought this was so sweet. Alice LOVES to be held all the time. She is a very snugly, cuddly baby, which is great for us.

Below is Sally singing some ABC's. She was a little distracted (by daddy's new video game Fable II- it really is pretty sweet- I actually can't wait to play it myself), but you get the gist. She's started singing quite a bit on her own, which is SO cute to hear. she sings Hushabye quite a bit as well as other good ditties. There are two videos, the first is her finishing once and then starting again. In the second, I help her to stay on track- if you combine the two, you can tell she really does know it. I'm so impressed with her and love her so much it's ridiculous.

Halloween Fun

Just look at all those cuties. We were able to go to a fun Halloween party at the Lunts. It was a great time! Sally was a cute little buzzy bee- and so proud to wear her cute little costume (given to her by Grandma). She got lots of comments on what a cutie she was. She was SO excited to trick or treat and wasn't disappointed. She ended up getting lots of bobbits (her word for treats). When she got back to the Lunt's house, she was all about sharing her loot. What a sweetheart. She also loved being with all the kids, and they were all so nice to her. Alice trick or treated too (as a ghost)- she was in a sling on me and slept right through it all. If you watch the slide show I should say that I am a witch. Only Walmart was out of witch hats, so a hatless witch. I put green eyeshadow all over my face, but mostly it just ended up looking shiny. Sally told me I was beautiful though. It was a great Halloween- Sally Rose especially loved it.

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Tiny Dancer

Sally Rose won this tutu from a friend's blog contest. Doesn't she look adorable? and isn't my friend talented and crafty? At first, she surprised me by not being that interested. Now, however, she wants top wear it all ther time. She loves spinning in circles- and looking through it. You'll have to excuse my singing- it's really bad. Sorry. Sally, though, is adorable!

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I can't post without putting up some new pictures. Here they are.

This was Alice's first time in the bumbo- she has great head control so we tried it out. I love Sally Rose in this picture.

Alice in the bumbo again- I love her expression.

Such a good baby girl

Loving sisters- hopefully the love will last through the ages

I love Sally's eyes here- and Alice looks so cute too. I only wish there were no binkies.

You can see how big she's getting here. Her cheeks have filled out- and check out her cleavage!

Two of my favorite people

One last Alice shot. I love my girls so much!

I Want my Mommy!!!!

My mom came out to be with us for the birth (and after) of Alice. She came out on the 4th, I ended up having Alice on the 7th, and she went home on the 20th. That might sound like a lot of time, but it flew by. She was AMAZING. My house actually was clean and my kids taken care of. Our bellies stayed full of delicious food. I got naps and adult conversation. Also, a word game partner (just you wait- I will have a scrabble comeback.) After she left, I guess we started "real life". I think I'd rather wait for that. It's been getting harder and harder. I miss my mom so much.

What a happy and wonderful mom. I hope to be like her one day.

This was on our way to the airport. I wanted one last picture and this is the face she gave the camera. Classic and awesome.
Loving sweet Alice.

We tried to go to a pumpkin patch with pony rides- the ever reliable Internet told us they were open all week. Turns out, they were only open on the weekends. Sally got to comb the pony's mane, so all was okay.

This next part will be for my Mom (and anyone else who's interested) as well. Her are some pictures of our time since she got on the big airplane, as Sally says.
My family is so cute- you know you're jealous.

Sally looks happy. Does Alice?
Sally Rose is still super sweet and super cute.
Here's our little peanut in her peanut shell- a gift from Amy- I use it daily and LOVE it!!!

What a cutie

Maybe this is what Alice was remembering in the previous picture. Sally really loves her baby sister, sometimes a little too exuberantly.

Look at my cute girls!

I love this picture

Sally loves slides

Alice loves sleeping through tummy time

She has such a concerned expression here- don't worry little one.

Baby in the awesome sling again

Such a sweet girl.