October 2010

We started the month of October with a big change. After a summer that left us spinning a bit, James & I decided that we needed to make some adjustments to our family life. We needed more flexibility and less running, more one on one care for Georgea in order to focus on her speech and other areas of development, and less exposure to germs, colds and flu that could leave Georgea susceptible to illness and fever which can ultimately lead to the need for a blood transfusion due to her blood disorder (Hemoglobin H disease). And, last but certainly not least James & I needed to start dating again. Time had gotten away from us over the past year. We still don't feel comfortable leaving Georgea with a sitter (which I'm sure we'll get over some day) and yet we wanted to get some alone time without worrying about Georgea's safety and comfort.

After spending a lot of time pouring over our options we decided adding an AuPair to our family would be the best fit. Barbara is from Brazil. She's super smart, her english is excellent and she really cares about Georgea. They have lots of fun together and Georgea has made a beautiful transition to being at home during the week. We're keeping Georgea in the social mix with toddler time at the library and by spending time with her FCC friends. And, James & I have been able to "steal away" even if it's just for an hour at least once a week. It's such a huge blessing to feel confident that Georgea is safe and happy because her caregiver is a part of our family.

Barbara's arrival weekend.

Georgea working her alphabet skills.

EKG. The list of tests that our baby girl hasn't taken is dwindling. This one came back normal, which made us very happy.

More EKG. What a bunch of cords!

Georgea also had an echo cardiogram ("Echo") test the same day. Also normal. :-)

Echo in process. Dada & Sprinkles the dog, keeping Georgea at ease.

Just some cuteness that makes me smile!

On October 12 we headed to the pumpkin patch with some of our FCC friends. Georgea had lots of fun! She really got a kick out of the petting zoo & the hay ride.

Petting the donkey's with Mia.

Mama, Georgea & Barbara getting ready for the hay ride.

Searching for the perfect pumpkin with Ava & Vivi.

Two of our FCC friends Julie & Stacy.

Mid October brought a visit from one of Georgea's favorite people in all the world...her "Haba!"

Haba can bring on the giggles like noone else!

True love.

Just some photos of my beautiful girl...

"Mama's Ugg boots, Georgea's Ugg boots." This is a sentence we hear a lot around our house.

Oh, she's growing so tall & big. She surprises me almost every day with some new accomplishment.

A beautiful October day trip to Sedona.

Daddy & his girl...

Barbara's first time visiting Sedona.

We found a Brazilian flag!

Three generations.

My little fashionista stole her Au Pair's sunglasses and put on quite a show!

Georgea sporting a gift Barbara brought her from Brazil.

First braids!

Helping Mama with some laundry!

Georgea's first "real" halloween. Last year we were on an airplane flying back home from Maryland. My Mom was in the thick of her battle with cancer & we just couldn't make a halloween outing happen. This year we were blessed to spend the evening treking around a friend's neighborhood enjoying the sights and sounds of little goblins and gouls collecting sugary treats and enjoying each other's company.

Georgea & Jinsey, Disney princesses.

Maya gearing up to hit the trick or treat pavement.

Now that's the life!

Enjoying some organic raisins, Georgea remained sugar-free this year!

How nice to have an "Oakland A" to protect Snow White.

Some of the crew.