Basalyga Family

For all those I have let down.....

2009-05-14T13:20:00.003-04:00

I apologize for my lack in posting... I have no excuse.

Things have not changed too much... Our daughter is still beautiful and has a very good appetite. Here is her enjoying her first snack pack of cracker sticks and cheese... the picture speaks for itself.

Spaghetti Time!

2009-01-21T15:58:00.004-05:00

Our little Olivia is a very pleasant baby... that is unless you are eating in front of her and not sharing. The other evening we fed Olivia at her normal time and then I served dinner for us. She was not too happy with me... I decided to opt for a "peaceful" meal time and share. I knew I may very well have regretted my decision, but I went with it. As you can see Livi is as happy as can be.
I'm not sure exactly how much spaghetti she ate, but she loved every second of it. :) Have a great day!

Sorry...

2009-01-18T16:10:00.003-05:00

I apologize for my lack of posting... there is just no excuse. It's time for an update I suppose. Olivia continues to get cuter and my house continues to get messier. This child is like a little tornado. I am amazed at how trashed a house can get in about 10 minutes. This photo says it all... look in to her eyes, just imagine what she is thinking. :)

First Piano Lesson...

2008-11-14T22:42:00.003-05:00

Being able to play the piano is a goal Adam and I both have. Our hope is that our children will love it also. Tonight was Livi's first piano lesson.

Above Grammy is showing Livi the keys...

Now it's Livi's turn! She absolutely loved it. Daddy is taking her out to buy a keyboard tomorrow so she can practice at home. :)

The key to your husband's heart... at least my husband's anyway.

2008-11-11T15:56:00.004-05:00

Feel free to use this idea on your own husband... mine is off limits.

The story of the ladybug and the lollipop...

2008-10-31T20:17:00.010-04:00

Our night started out as planned... a nice family photo op before the trick or treating started. We decided to stay in this year since and hand out treats since Livi is too young to go out. Well, she had some ideas of her own.

We looked away and she found the cauldron... (if you didn't notice its not a real lady bug, it's Livi)

Oh yeah, and apparently she can stand now. I guess if you want something bad enough, you do whatever you have to in order to get it.

She goes in for the kill...

What is this?!?

Hmmm... this smells good, but it doesn't taste so good...

YUMMY!!!!

YUMMY!!!

You'll never get it out now Mommy. It's all mine forever.

I hope you enjoyed Livi's first Halloween as much as she did. Have a great day. :)

Family Dinner

2008-10-30T20:50:00.003-04:00

Tonight we had some family over for dinner... Dad always comes with a job for Adam. Tonights job was to set up his new camera and printer... this was the result. The camera has a timer on it. :)

Smile...

2008-10-29T23:15:00.001-04:00

I'm so thankful for this little girl. Feel free to look at her smile any time you need to be cheered up... I do. :)

Our Little Pumpkin...

2008-10-29T10:53:00.006-04:00

My favorite season is fall... I'm pretty sure that is why I may never move out of NEPA. (Sorry Tam) There is just something about the beauty that surrounds us here. I was so excited to take Livi to the pumpkin patch for the first time. I couldn't wait to get the picture of her sitting on top of all the pumpkins. Well... we were approximately one mile from Roba's when it started to down pour. So, this is as good as it gets. I was disappointed, but thankfully Livi is young enough not to care and she had a great time anyway. Here is our latest family shot with one of the prize pumpkins.
Our little pumpkin next to a really big pumpkin.

For some reason the concept of sticking her head through the witches was very disturbing to her.

Oink Oink...

Daddy, I want to try.

Mommy loves mums. I was determined to get them rain or shine. :)

Sneaky...

2008-09-16T14:29:00.004-04:00

I caught my daughter trying out some disguises today. I was thinking maybe she found out about Halloween and was just getting a few ideas...

She tried to distract me with her new favorite face...

And then 30 seconds later I found her... checking to see if anyone was looking...

She goes in for the kill... Too bad for her the only thing inside is her birth certificate. :)

Yet another milestone...

2008-09-15T07:56:00.006-04:00

It's a week of milestones for Livi. She started the week off with crawling and she finished it with some pretty earrings. Our princess got her ears pierced yesterday. You will notice she seems to have turned into a rock star with her facial expressions.

Milestone

2008-09-10T20:22:00.003-04:00

I would like to post this video showing one of Olivia's major milestones! Her first CRAWL! I guess you can call it a crawl. Some may call it a leap. Whatever you call it, it sure is cute.

-Proud Dad

I have the best husband in the world....

2008-08-27T18:34:00.004-04:00

I have been extremely sick for 5 days now. I don't know where the illness came from, but it came on strong and is still here... I even went to the doctor. Adam has been taking wonderful care of me. The picture above is the gourmet dinner he made for me the other night... spirals and tuna on toast. :)
Here is is dishing out our dinner...

He not only has been taking great care of me, but he has been taking care of Livi. He has been doing most everything for/with her so we can try and keep this illness from spreading. So like I said in the title. I have the best husband in the world.... :) Sorry to everyone else out there.... He's taken. :)

Big Grampa Update...

2008-08-13T14:17:00.002-04:00

Grampa had his surgeries last monday. He was in pretty rough shape for a few days, but as you can see in the picture he is on his way to recovery now. The day before yesterday he was moved to a local rehab hospital to help him with the rest of his recovery. His spirits were a lot higher when I saw him yesterday. He felt like he was in prison at the hospital. Now I think it's more like a hotel for him... :) Keep praying for him, he still has a way to go.

Big Grampa...

2008-08-08T10:20:00.002-04:00

What can I say about this picture?... This was one of the most tender moments I have witnessed in quite a while.

Grampa (Lovingly referred to as Big Grampa by his great grandchildren) has been in the hospital for almost two weeks now. While he has been in the hospital Livi and I have gone to see him almost every day except when I have been working.

Grampa is not a man of many words, but he has always shown us great love. Moments like this are what I will always cherish. I'm so thankful to get to know him as an adult and watch him interact with my daughter. I pray there will be many more moments like this... outside of the hospital.

Birthday Girl!

2008-07-29T10:58:00.005-04:00

Our Mabel is officially 8 years old today. Time certainly does fly by. Mabel may be a year older, but she is just as playful and still has a grudge with the mailman. (I'm hoping some day she will realize he really isn't that bad.)

That hotdog was one of the presents Mabel picked out for her birthday last year on our visit to the pet store. She loves her birthday shopping trip.

Our Girls...

2008-07-28T11:18:00.003-04:00

This is the first successful picture I have ever got of both of our girls together... actually looking at the camera. Mabel was an only "child" for many years. She is doing well with Olivia, but mostly just tolerates her. Mabel's facial expression says it all. (for those of you who can read dogs)

Here is the look on Livi's face right after she batted at Mabel and Mabel took off. :)

As much as Mabel avoids Livi's at times, whenever I can't find her, she is usually sleeping under Livi's crib. I know once Livi gets the no hitting/pulling thing down, this will blossom into a great friendship. :)

The many faces of Olivia Ruth...

2008-07-24T10:35:00.004-04:00

I love how expressive she is... as you can kind of tell by the non changing backround, these pictures where all taken in a matter of 2 minutes this morning. I just love every new face... and thankfully Livi seems to love the camera. :)

Jumping Fun...

2008-07-15T09:53:00.005-04:00

I know it's been quite a while since I posted anything... sorry. Well, incase you were wondering Miss Olivia just keeps getting cuter... at some point her cuteness has to level out right? :) Her Grammy bought her a jumperoo before she was born and she is at the point where she is completely loving it... her little legs start kicking as soon as she sees it. It's so fun watching her in it.

Here is a close up of that dimple... I can't take it. :)

Where's the Bink?...

2008-07-01T15:29:00.006-04:00

This past Sunday Livi got to meet my friend Tara who I haven't see in a while. We had a great time catching up on all we have missed. As we were talking, Livi stared getting crabby and ready for a nap. I continued to give her Mr. Binks (her pacifier), until out of no where it was missing. How could the bink just disappear? It's like the phantom sock that seems to get eaten by the dryer.

Hudson, the new addition to the Elliott family may be able to provide some clues as to where the bink went. :)

It sure made Hudson's Daddy proud to see his boy with a pink bink. :)

Tami's Wedding

2008-06-16T22:34:00.004-04:00

Saturday, my sister, Tami got married. It was a beautiful day for a wedding and she looked beautiful. Miss Olivia got her first gig as a flower girl. Her oldest cousin Hannah helped her with her very important task... being cute. :) The wedding was a lot of fun and everyone had a great day.

She looks like me....

2008-05-29T20:07:00.003-04:00

Finally a picture where I think Liv looks like me. Too bad it has to be a pouty one. :)

The good life...

2008-05-29T11:20:00.002-04:00

I love seeing my baby so peaceful.

Bathroom

2008-05-27T20:01:00.003-04:00

Since moving into this house 1 year ago Adam and I have had the idea of putting a half bath in our empty space under the stairs. I am very happy to say the contractor started on Saturday... I'm hoping he comes back. :) He made great progress the first day, but I would like a little more privacy with a bathroom then what he did so far. :)

View from the dining room.

View from the family room.

Family Photo Op...

2008-05-22T10:36:00.003-04:00

Looking through pictures recently I realized the only family photo we had was from about an hour after Olivia was born... all of us looked rough to say the least. This weekend while at Adam's parents house we decided to try to get an updated picture. Two of us liked this idea one did not... see if you can figure out which one that was. ;)

Growing up Nana and Aunt Madge used to "gang up" on us. I remember loving this. I assumed all kids liked it. Again, two liked it, one did not.

Finally, a smile. (sort of)

Livi's first trip to the zoo...

2008-05-05T08:52:00.007-04:00

While in Texas we went to the San Antonio zoo. I defiantly think Livi will like it more when she's a little older, but she was very pleasant for the whole thing. I think she liked the people more then the animals this time. After the zoo we went to the San Antonio River Walk... We had a very fun day.

The proof is in the sneaker...

2008-04-26T10:50:00.002-04:00

I've been saying for a while that I wanted to start exercising... I finally started and look what happened. I won't let it stop me though. The blood and sweat have already occured... maybe the tears will come when I fit in some smaller jeans. :)

Livi's first vacation...

2008-04-25T11:14:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I know it's been quite a while since I posted. Thank you to my loyal fans (Andi) for noticing. :) Livi and I went to Texas to visit Aunt Tami and Uncle Hans last week. Over the next few days I will post some of Livi's firsts. Todays post is her first time "swimming". It was actually quite breezy that day, but she was a trooper. I don't know that she liked it a whole lot, but she was at least pleasant for it.

Bumbo take 2...

2008-04-07T20:32:00.004-04:00

Last time we tried this Miss Olivia was not too pleased... Bumbo take 2 worked out much better. I think she's going to really like this. Seriously, can she possibly get any cuter?

Like Father like Daughter....

2008-04-07T20:29:00.002-04:00

We always knew Livi would be smart, but we never had any idea just how advanced she would be. Who needs to be able to sit up on their own when they can already write intricate computer programs like their Daddy? What a girl.

Question...

2008-04-05T09:58:00.002-04:00

Is there anything better then an old pair of jeans esp. your favorite pair? Well, I'm proud to say that officially I fit back in to my favorites. They may be somewhat snug, but I don't care. They are on and I feel good. Have a great day everyone... I know I will. :)

What is she thinking?

2008-03-31T10:09:00.002-04:00

I often wonder what my little princess is thinking. I think it is so beautiful to watch her discover her new world. Watching her has caused me to pay closer attention to the things I take for granted. Last night as she was dozing off she struck this pose. I pray with her every night before she goes to "sleep" and we thank God for another day and the memories created. I can't help but wonder if my little girl was doing the same thing. :)

Battle Wounds...

2008-03-31T09:56:00.002-04:00

I anticipated my daughter's 6 week appointment since the moment I scheduled it. I hated knowing that I was going to see her in pain. This appointment called for two shots. Now I know the shots are better for her then the disease, (my sister-in-law kept reminding me of that) but that didn't make it an easier for me to take her. I was strong during the appointment... I'm always good with putting on a good front. Livi calmed down after a while and all was well, that is until I got her home... 2 BAND-AIDS ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! Not only did I have to let them put her through pain, they expected me to take these things off and put her in more pain. All I have to say is thank God she has her Daddy. While I was preoccupied in the kitchen Adam changed her diaper and she came back to me completely clean... new diaper and no band-aids. I'm so lucky to have him. Those band-aids probably would have been on there for a week if it was up to me to take them off. :) Just more proof that babies NEED both a Mommy and a Daddy.

Appreciation...

2008-03-28T11:33:00.003-04:00

Having a child has been the hardest and greatest thing I have done in my life. Olivia has made me grow in so many ways as a person. The most noticeable for me has been my relationship with my mother... I have come to appreciate her. Not that I didn't appreciate many things about her before, but it's a little different now. She has been a great help. It's strange, I actually look forward to the days I know she will be here. That may not seem like something big to those who don't know me well, but to those who do... you understand.

Spring is in the air...

2008-03-25T22:23:00.009-04:00

Only in Northeast PA do we have an Easter egg hunt in our winter coats and hats... ahh Spring.

Hannah seems to be finding a lot.

Julia must have decided being cute is easier then looking for eggs... I guess she is counting on her siblings to share their wealth with her.

Even though I'm sure Florida hunts weren't quite so cold Jonas is being a great sport and having a blast looking for eggs.

Devoney is determined to fill her basket.

Jay caught wind of the hunt before the other kids. He was sure to check with his dad that they would still be around for it. Daniel seems to be enjoying it as well.

As you can see despite the temperature all of the kids had a great time looking for eggs which were all filled with great prizes. Maybe next year our little Livi will get to join her gang of cousins... this year was just too cold.

Sorry...

2008-03-17T20:47:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I'm not very good at updating this, but here are a few of my new favorites taken yesterday. Look at those blue eyes....

And here are some of my favorite... "The Pigs"

Beauty

2008-03-07T14:33:00.003-05:00

Staring at my little girl's hand in mine the other day I was just in awe of the gift and awesome responsibility God has given me. It's scary and wonderful at the same time. I know I've said it before, but I'm so thankful for this little girl. I still can't believe she's mine.

More Cousins :)

2008-03-05T16:54:00.005-05:00

Here are pictures with Olivia meeting the rest of her cousins... Jonas and Devoney and her Aunt Tamara and Uncle Daryl. This is technically the second meeting but the first one was hard to count because she was still under the warmer in the hospital and was unable to be held. Be sure to notice Devoney "holding" her head... Grammy had explained to her the importance of holding a baby's head. I'm so thankful that Olivia with have so many cousins to grow up with.

Family time

2008-03-03T19:29:00.005-05:00

Olivia first met her cousins on the day she was born. Since that day was a bit overwhelming for all of us we went up to visit today for more of a quality visit. It was great seeing them interact with her and do anything to try and appease her while she waited for her bottle to be warmed up. Even Uncle Johnny got to join in on the fun for a while.

Sunday afternoon

2008-03-02T12:30:00.003-05:00

Is there anything better then a Sunday afternoon with family? Adam and I have enjoyed visiting our parents on many Sundays over the past few years... an activity we will probably do this evening. Isn't it great though to also just spend the afternoon at home enjoying a quiet day... Just another reason to be thankful for my life. :)

Fun at home...

2008-03-01T15:30:00.003-05:00

Here's some activities that were meant to be fun... Livi didn't agree.

The baby also known as Fuz....

2008-03-01T15:27:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures of our beautiful little fuzball. :) She is just too pretty.

The girls

2008-02-15T17:25:00.004-05:00

Everyone enjoys sleeping on mom in the rocking chair. Olivia is snoozing after her most recent meal and Mabel is letting us know that she is still one of our "babies". Dad's job is to take the picture.

First Day Home.

2008-02-14T21:03:00.002-05:00

It was a long wait, but our beautiful little girl arrived. I can't believe God blessed us with such a beautiful and perfect baby. We are still working out the kinks with feeding and sleeping, but other then that we are all doing very well. Adam proudly changed her first dirty diaper...(#1 and 2), and he didn't stop there. He has been such a help. I couldn't imagine doing this without him. It's amazing... seeing him with her and how he has been with me has made me fall in love all over again.

Here is a picture of Livi her first day home enjoying one of her newest toys...

Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes. We greatly appreciate them.

Olivia Ruth Basalyga is here!

2008-02-12T17:33:00.001-05:00

Our little bundle of joy has arrived! Born at 7:26 AM, she is 7lbs 14ounces and measures 20 inches in length. This is without a doubt one of the most special days of our lives. :) We love our little girl!

6...

2008-02-10T23:28:00.000-05:00

My cleaning burst did not work. I am still pregnant. Thankyou to everyone who has been praying for us. I am happy to say that whether this little girl likes it or not the process to get her out will start tomorrow evening. I don't know any definite time yet, but I'm guessing we will being arriving at the hospital around 5:30 or 6 to start the induction. So, in all reality this little girl probably won't be out until Tues. We'll have pictures posted as soon as we can. Keep praying... we need it.

5...

2008-02-09T23:20:00.000-05:00

Well, this evening I had a sudden urge to clean out my fridge and freezer and take apart my stove to clean that. Now I'm working on the guest bedroom... Maybe this will be the night after my burst of energy. I'm not getting my hopes up too much... I really don't think this little girl ever wants to come out.

4 days late...

2008-02-08T13:21:00.000-05:00

While I must admit I am definately still going crazy waiting for this little girl. I do get some joy in knowing how much it is driving my father crazy as well. I love my dad. The self proclaimed "Man of Steel" has turned in to such a softee over the past few years. He has a hard time admitting it, but I can just tell how worried he is about me... the 15 calls a day kind of give it away. :) I will be happy to post pictures of him holding her as soon as she decides to make an appearance and then you will see how steel melts. :)

3 days late and counting....

2008-02-07T21:24:00.000-05:00

Well Miss Olivia has yet to arrive. I stopped working a few days ago and I am incredibly bored here is a picture of me playing Monopoly on my phone just trying to pass the time... this is really getting old.

Due date is here and no baby Olivia!

2008-02-04T20:44:00.000-05:00

I know I am not the first one to ever be in this position but right now I feel as though I am. Today is my due date for Olivia and she is happily kicking away inside. I feel as though she is never going to come out. Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot stand surprises that I know are coming. If you were to ask my husband he would let you know I am relentless when it comes to presents or surprises... he usually gives in. :) I can be pretty annoying. As much as I know he also cannot wait I think this is fun for him because there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. In a small way I think he's enjoying me going crazy for all the times I've annoyed him.