The Story of Riley and Julia

Olivia's first tooth, and other beautiful photos

2010-04-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here are the new photos I promised - sorry it took so long. Guess what?! Olivia got her first tooth on March 22nd (her 5 month birthday!) She actually cut two around the same time - the bottom two front teeth (teeth O&P, yep I brought that out of the dusty memory from med school...) Enjoy the photos, soon she will no longer have that beautiful toothless grin:)

God is good!

2010-03-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

It has been a long while since I last "blogged." I'm not one to share my story to the world, as I'm not too keen on it being posted all over the internet. But, I was told by a friend of mine that blogging will help me remember all the milestones my little girl will make over the first few months and years of her life - so here I go, Rachel:)

The month of February was a very difficult one for the Scott family. Work schedules were horrendous between Riley and I; I guess you can say we finally started working the "normal work hours" we were making prior to Olivia coming into our lives. I am in Residency (Emergency Medicine) and I was doing a rotation in the Trauma ICU. My weeks averaged 90 hours or so (yes there is an 80 hour work week max, but I live 45 min from the hospital, and I took a 6 day vacation, so I didn't count that. And, oh yeah, we had record breaking snow in Baltimore last month which kept me at the hospital an extra 2 days!) Anyway, God brought a wonderful woman into our lives - my cousin, Nicole - who came out to be our nanny and watch Olivia for us. She is a life saver. And, not to mention, Olivia loves her. They bonded so well.

Well, the last weekend of February brought some difficult times. Nicole fainted. She had been experiencing increasing headaches and blurry vision since coming out in early January. She was taking online courses to start her education toward nursing school and the headaches got worse with reading. It all came to head on Monday, March 1st, when she fainted after experiencing a terrible headache. Nicole's mom, my aunt, flew out to Baltimore to be with her and help watch our daughter the next day. Eventually, after starting a workup in the Baltimore area, nothing was coming to a head. She fainted again on March 5 and went home back to Kansas the next day for further tests. Since, she has been feeling better, however, there is no answer yet and that worries her mom and us, as she needs to be healthy to take care of herself and Olivia. So currently we are searching for a new nanny - possibly, for a plan B in case we need it. Anyway, it was a difficult last few weeks, and we topped it off with a spectacular event last week (that's a joke!)

5 days ago, Olivia and I were involved in a serious car accident. But, God is good! The outcome could have been way worse. Olivia, I and the other driver all escaped without even a scrape or a bruise. Olivia and I were running an errand to buy a friend a gift for her new baby boy. We had just merged from I-83 to I-695 when I suddenly felt a nudge on my driver's door. I quickly lost control of my car, making a sharp 90 degree turn to the left ending up perpendicular to oncoming traffic and getting pushed across the 5 lane highway to the median (from the 2nd to the right lane.) What had happened was I was in the blindspot of a semi (up on his right on the cabin by his front tires.) He was switching lanes, unbeknownst to me, and pushed me on my drivers side, causing me to lose control to which I then ended up in front of him perpendicular to the semi and he pushed my car across the highway all the way to the median. Olivia began to scream and cry and I was scared as I stared at the grill of a semi outside my driver's side window waiting for the big truck to roll over top of my car. Somehow, in between what seemed like forever, we came to a stop at the median. I kicked my door open to get back to Olivia.

People stopped in many directions, to avoid a bigger collision, but then everyone went on their merry way and I, the semi truck driver and Olivia along with the State Trooper ironed out everything. We continued on our way as the state trooper dropped us off at a nearby Starbucks to hitch a cab back to our house. (Although we were only 10 minutes from home, it was against the rules for the state trooper to take us home - don't ask why.) Riley was called immediately after the accident, and he caught the next train home to spend the rest of the day with his girls, as we realize, he almost lost.

Although my car is totaled, Olivia and I are safe and healthy. God is an awesome God. That was my closest near-death experience I have ever come to. It really opens your eyes to what is important in your life. In those moments that I stared at the grill of the semi, many thoughts went rushing through my head, but, amazingly, I wasn't all that freightened. I can't say I felt peace, but I wasn't all that freightened. Looking back on it, and what could have happened made me reexamine my life. I realized how selfish I am, and how much of a control freak I like to be over my life. I realized that this life is but a moment, and we choose how we live it. I chose that day to choose God, not my self-serving ambitions. I chose my family, not my career. I went to church Thursday and Friday and got on my knees asking for forgivness for all those times I had wronged Him. And today, I am a changed woman. I am not completely free of my sins, but I keep every day, every moment, trying to lay down my selfish desires to choose Christ, not myself. God is amazing, and His grace is humbling.

Anyway, now on to why this blog is even here... Olivia has grown up so much over the past month and a half. February 1, my first day in the ICU, Olivia rolled for the first time from her stomach to her back. Nicole witnessed it, and I hurried home to watch my little girl's first olympic feat. It was a perfect 10. On Feb 21, one day before her 4th month birthday, Olivia rolled from her back to her front. I and Daddy were both there to witness this amazing milestone. We had a great time as she rolled, every time we placed her on her back. She still is infatuated with her rolling from back to front, and has refused to roll from her front to her back until yesterday when she rolled twice in a row - two full turns. I guess soon she'll be rolling across the room.

Just in the last two weeks, Olivia found her hands. She loves staring up at them, realizing she can grab things and put them in her mouth. She loves her mommy's and daddy's fingers, and especially mommy's hair. She also drools all over, but she is not teething yet, just making her mark all over her clothes.

And oh, she started rice cereal at 4 months, but due to everything going on in our lives, we really didn't start being consistent with it until the last few days. Today, on day #3, she is now opening her mouth to receive the cereal! She is so amazing! Everyday she grows just a little more. What a miracle to watch grow!

Today we got her first Easter photos. Olivia is so radiant and beautiful. Every photo captured her bright blue eyes and big smile. She has grown so much. In just one week she will be 5 months. I know everyone says cherish every moment, because they grow up so fast, well, yes, they are right! I don't know where the time has gone. Soon she'll be walking/running away from me and off to Kindergarten. I don't want to miss a moment of her. God has blessed me so much with her life. As Riley was saying the other day, our love for our daughter is so selfless, so pure, nothing like we've every felt for anyone. And to think how God loves us so much more than that because he loves perfectly, He is Love. Again, what a glorious and beautiful God we serve!

Ok, I really need to get to sleep. Riley just got home. He was trying to put her to sleep, but I wonder if she had a little reflux or gas as she was not wanting to calm down. So I sang her one of her two favorite songs, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (the other is The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson, that's another story) and rocked her to sleep in my arms. The touch of a mother is so special. I love her so much.

As it's late, we'll update the photos later. Have a good night sleep!

Love,
Julia

Olivia at 3 months, and some New Years photos

2010-01-24T18:16:00.000-08:00

Olivia loves her "nanny" Nicole - Julia's cousin.

Oh, the 3 of us:)

Staring intently at the monkey, her favorite. Her squeals are so endearing!

In her Jumperoo for the first time, now that she is 3 months old she loves it!

Hanging out in the boppy - pretty in pink:)

Allie, Alicia and Olivia. Allie doesn't remember what it's like to be a baby any more. She is trying to jump Olivia out of the baby chair! Mom is trying to stop it - aren't they so cute??

As mentioned before - Allie playing with baby Olivia

Grandpa Wagle holding Olivia over Christmas - isn't that a cute hat. Uncle John gave that to her:)

Aunt Andrea with Olivia in front of the fire.

Olivia is enthraled with the fire!

Uncle John and his neice.

Look at Harrison! He's not too overwhelmed by Olivia sleeping, instead wants to play with mom's blackberry with the cool pink case:) Thanks for a great lunch, Melissa!

Olivia's 1st Christmas, 2009

2010-01-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Deep in thought, wondering why mom is making me take a picture naked!

The family together - but I think I just might close my eyes and go to sleep, says Olivia. I'm done with this photo shoot...
Again, why am I naked? I don't understand!

My little angel!

Christmas bells are ringing.

My first family Christmas!

Olivia's 1st Christmas - O what to get the girl who already has everything:)

Christmas Eve service

Olivia's 1st Thanksgiving, Meeting Extended family and more

2010-01-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

my Aunt Andrea and her dog Hank, lying on the steps, and Uncle's John's Bella (labrador)

Mom's 28th Birthday - Dec 20, First birthday to celebrate with
Olivia!

Our little Wildcat:)

Everyone calls me an Elf, but Nana gave me this onesie for Christmas. It doesn't matter if my name supposedly means "Elf Army"

Sleeping soundly:)

Nana and Olivia:)

Granddad and Olivia

Look at me:)

Uncle John and me:)

Lyndsay Nelson and Olivia

Uncle Jason and me:)

My cousin Abigail:)

My cousin Luke

Uncle John and me, again:)

Me wearing the stocking my mother was brought home in from the hospital when she was born. Back on Christmas morning of 1981!!

My friend Allie.

Alicia, Allie and me

Great Grandma and me:)

Great Grandpa and me:)

Daddy and me:)

Resting in my boppy.

Out on a walk with mommy...

Me and my mommy:)

Resting soundly on daddy's chest.

Typical Saturday night

2009-11-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

So it's Saturday Nov 14th just after 10pm in Baltimore. What an amazing last 3 weeks Riley and I have gone through. No matter how little sleep we get, we couldn't be happier. It's a joy to live and learn with a newborn. Olivia has changed our lives for the best. Every day gets better and better and everyday Olivia grows just a bit older showing me a new smile, a cute whimper, a differing cry, another grunt and cute facial expression as she poops, or some other special trait that is only hers. How blessed are we?! It's difficult to imagine Riley's and my life without her now. But just a month ago, these saturday's were spent sleeping in, going out on dates and, well, selfishly enjoying being married as we always seem to be working. Saturday night's will never be the same again, and we love it. Now it's off to bed, for the moment, before Olivia wakes up to nurse and gives me another reason to smile. Goodnight.

K-State vs KU, 2 weeks old and more photos

2009-11-14T18:32:00.001-08:00

Here is that 1st kiss I was talking about earlier... Awww!

And working with dad. Dad stayed home on Veterans Day to be with his girls:)

Look how tiny she is! She is the size of Dad's face, almost, when she curls up. Difficult to tell from this photo.

Dad trying to give Olivia some more lovin' to stop her tears.

And now she is getting ready for a walk - she did not want to take a nap all morning and afternoon, and fed constantly, so we thought we better take her on a walk. It was raining and chilly, so we made sure to bundle her up. It worked, for 45 minutes...:)

Olivia showing off her true identity - just kidding, she is a joy. She didn't like putting on the shoes my cousin Susan gave her - they're baby ugs (well, kind of).

Olivia getting ready for church. She is wearing one of her Juicy Couture outfits her Aunt and Uncle gave her - isn't she a doll?!

Mom and Olivia lounging around.

Dad and Olivia

Go K-State Wildcats (in this photo from L to R are Landon and Anna, Riley and Olivia, Finley and Sol.) Later on after the big K-State win, Finley and Olivia had their first kiss - their marriage has already been arranged - and guess what, Olivia doesn't even have to change her last name:)

Getting ready to blow out her candle...

Anna Maria's first birthday - Nov 7, 2009. Came to celebrate her first birthday in Baltimore while watching football (KState vs KU, Way to go Wildcats!) Aren't you a cutie, Anna! (She's my goddaughter!)

Nov 5, 2009 - Olivia's 2 week birthday. First night alone without family in town. Time for a nap:)

Halloween 2009

2009-11-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

I should have fixed her eyes - but they are appropriate for the occasion.

Looking at the camera - in her new Halloween costume - a Jack 'o lantern onesie:) She was much more comfortable.

My Southern Bell:)

Olivia received this dress as a gift from a friend of mine. I thought it would be perfect for Halloween - she was supposed to be a Southern Bell. Well, she didn't like it so much, as you can tell, so that lasted less than 5 minutes - just enough to at least get a couple of photos:)

one week old

2009-11-14T17:24:00.001-08:00

Dad and Olivia - how cute.

The Wagle sisters - wow, I'm exhausted and look like a ghost compared to Andrea:)

Olivia and her Godmother.

Olivia and Andrea - It's a Sunday afternoon and Olivia is wearing an outfit her Aunt gave her that says "cute recruit" with a football helmet. (Dad is watching football, so it's appropriate.) Andrea thought Olivia had too much pink, so she bought her a "sporty" outfit. Earlier at church I had to take Olivia out because she was crying and a mom asked me "how old is HE?!" Frustrating! Even though SHE was wrapped in a pink blanket. Next time we will keep the bow in her hair:) Thanks, Andrea!

The Scott family

Finally, just a photo of the 3 of us.

Nana and Olivia

Granddad and Olivia

Olivia trying to figure out her Daddy.

One week old - she has changed so much already!

Nana and Granddad Scott finally arrive to meet their first grandchild. They were elated, to say the least.

And another photo

Olivias 3rd bath of the week on her one week birthday.

Godmother and Aunt Andrea meeting Olivia.

home from the hospital

2009-11-14T16:56:00.001-08:00

Nana and Grandad Scott call this her boo face.

Last night together with Grandma and Grandpa Wagle

Grandpa couldn't have a bigger smile:)

Yes, very little sleep...

Good evening, Olivia!

Uncle Rob knows what I like

That's what mom and dad should be doing.

Olivia and the family.

Olivia and the Scott brothers - Rob is the proud Godfather.

Precious Olivia:)

Rocking Olivia to sleep

Day 4 without sleep:)

Grandpa Wagle just got in town - we just got home from the hospital.

Newborn photos

2009-11-14T16:39:00.001-08:00

Another peaceful rest after feeding...

Just over 24 hours old, sleeping peacefully in mom's arms after feeding.

Our first night without sleep:)

Grandma Wagle

The first family photo.

Mommy and daughter

Olivia Clare just a few minutes old, surveying this new world around her. She had quite a traumatic entrance, as all newborns do. At delivery, the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and it took a lot of stimulation for her to finally take her first breath, but everything turned out perfectly.

our first blog

2009-11-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Scott family blog! At the request of friends and family, we decided to start a blog to post pictures of our daughter to help those who love her to stay up-to-date. A word of warning, as Riley's and my life is a little complicated, we can't always guarantee the most current information, but we'll try our best. So...

It all started Wednesday, February 18, 2009 when Riley and I found out we were pregnant. A new journey in our lives and marriage began. On October 22, that journey came to fruition with the birth of our daughter, Olivia Clare. There was no way we could be prepared for what we were about to experience. How incredible has this journey been so far and we're just three weeks into it. We look forward with anticpation for the future as we grow with our daughter. Riley and I never thought we could love someone more. So, this is the story of Olivia Clare... enjoy.