Diving Daughter

I just had to add one more pool photo. It's so cute! Here's Air-Liliana jumping off the diving board 30 seconds after we arrived at the pool.
















Look, Ma! No flotation device. My toddler learned how to swim on her own before age three! She loves the water, and I'm oh-so-happy about it. Like mother, like daughter!

I just hope she chooses to pursue swimming instead of diving. I speak from experience--life is risky enough without pounding and contorting your body into a deteriorating lump of aches and pains. Swimming or soccer...that's my vote.

Blessings all around,
Ramona

Family Fun Day

Our last hurrah at the pool. We'll miss you, Chadwick!

Chadwick Pool

Our family enjoyed our final afternoon at Chadwick Pool. I'm really going to miss the relaxing atmosphere and camaraderie.






















Liliana prepares to jump off the diving board.























Our sweet swimmer slides into the water.























Mommy lifts Liliana into the air for a plane ride.

Clowning Around on the 4th

This morning, we took in the Webster Groves parade with our pals, the Snodgrass family. Kate and I had fun clowning around while the kiddos and hubbies collected candy.

After the very hot morning, we all dashed to the pool to cool off. Apparently, our idea wasn't very original. Chadwick was packed with families in need of refreshment. Quite a few of our friends and neighbors were there, so it turned into one big 4th of July party!

Estrogen and Excitement

Today I began heavy doses of estrogen--8mg of Estrace and 3 Vivelle dots. Having never taken this hormone, I had no idea what to expect. Everything was hunky dory until early this evening when a whopping headache set in. Four hours later and it's still a doozy!

Despite my new regimen, we had quite an eventful day. After a morning of playing at home, we ventured to the pool for swimming and Family Fun Day activities. For the first time ever, Daddy witnessed Liliana's new tricks: jumping off the diving board and swimming to the ladder without floaties. Yep, that's right--my little 2.5-year-old can swim on her own after only a month of pool time. I'm soooooooo excited! Of course, she still needs a parent next to her while she develops her skills, but she's doing it all by herself! Daddy is a bit nervous watching Liliana's new accomplishments, but I'm totally stoked!

During the family pool activities, we all enjoyed games, snacks and camaraderie. When it came time for the noodle race, a group of us formed a super-duper championship relay team. Members included Carter and Cole Snodgrass, Liliana and moi (only one adult allowed per team). Believe it or not, our team was in first place after three laps...and then it was Liliana's turn. At the last moment, she decided she didn't want to swim by herself. So, she rode piggyback on mommy for the final leg of the race. Although we didn't take first prize, we sure pleased the crowd!

Tonight was the annual Jarvis 4th of July party. Neighborly friends, good eats, games and fireworks--what a blast! I'll be posting photos as soon as they're ready. Check back for pix that are sure to make you smile.

Well, my noggin is aching and my coach is turning into a pumpkin. Goodnight!

Wonderful Weekend

Our Father's Day weekend was packed with thrilling activities. We awoke at bright and early at 6:15 Saturday morning and headed downtown for the Race for the Cure. Being party lovers, we totally enjoyed the commotion in St. Louie for the Komen race. The streets were flooded with people, bands, sponsors and emotion. After walking the course in less than 45 minutes, Wade, Liliana and I had brunch at the Omni hotel. With full tummies, we then went to Chadwick pool to cool off and relax. When returned home, all three of us were completely exhausted...so we took a family nap.

To further celebrate Daddy, we took Wade bowling at the local alley (which, by the way, was the nicest bowling establishment we've ever seen). I was pleasantly surprised to find a Noble Romans inside the building...so I indulged in an order of my very favorite breadsticks. Using a ramp and a 7 lb ball, Liliana bowled her first game ever. When she made her first strike, Wade and I screamed and cheered, scaring the poor girl to tears! All in all, Liliana earned a score of 99, beating Mommy (who had her worst game ever). Wade emerged victorious, but not by much!

After our bowling excursion, I took Wade out for dinner at a cozy New Orleans style cafe nearby. We danced to Zydeco music while enjoying the spicy red beans and rice. We were so satisfied that we had to take the bread pudding to go. Once Liliana settled down to sleep, Wade and I cuddled on the sofa in front of Apocalypto. The triumph of the human spirit was overshadowed by scenes so graphic that I had to hide my eyes. Definitely not for the faint of heart.

Yesterday was more relaxed, much like our typical Sundays. We grilled burgers at the pool for dinner and watched Pans Labyrinth. Creative, captivating and quite graphic in a couple spots. Overall, two thumbs up.

As we embark on a new week, I am glad to get back to a routine. Just one month away from our Frozen Embryo Transfer. I'm starting to get excited!

Blessings, Ramona

Summer Fun

The days pass so quickly during summertime. Liliana and I spend most of our time outdoors, mainly at Chadwick Family Pool. If you haven't picked up this little tidbit in previous posts, we love the water! For the first time ever, Liliana swam with her arms and legs last night. I was so thrilled! She may be swimming without floaties by the end of the summer. Wouldn't that be something?!

This morning we enjoyed a free movie at the Mills Regal Theater. Much to my surprise, Liliana made it through the entire show. She started squirming an hour into the flick, so I gave her a See's caramel lollipop...and that kept her busy for another 30 minutes. The movie, Doogal, was relatively entertaining, with plenty of jokes and references that adults could enjoy. There were a few times when I was the only person laughing in the entire theater. I prefer to think that I'm the only one who grasped the humor...but there may be a better explanation.

After a full week of exercising and eating right (other than that carton of Blue Bunny Super Chunky Cookie Dough ice cream), I'm feeling pretty good. I've been gearing up for the Komen Race for the Cure by walking each morning with Liliana in the backpack. Carrying that extra 36 lbs. definitely makes a difference. The race is Saturday morning, and we'll be joining a friend and breast cancer survivor on the course.

Each evening, I alternate Pilates and weights. A couple nights ago, Wade joined my Pilates session. Let me just say that the cameras should have been rolling. The man is a soccer genius, but he has some room for improvement when it comes to graceful motion. If you're interested in some uproarious laughter, join us tonight around 8:30pm for the next session!

Hope you're having as much fun as we are! Blessings, Ramona