Happy New Year!

It is New Years Eve and I am contemplating all the things that 2007 brings . . . I return to work (after 3 months off) in two days. Addison will go to daycare (we have a great person to watch her). Scott and I will resume more of our "pre-baby" lives in terms of both working full time. It will be an adventure to try to intergrate our pre-baby and post-baby lives together.

Hopefully all of you are going to be doing some fun things in the new year. We will be trying to get in some traveling, hopefully we will get the chance to see many of you. We've both got big projects going at work. And of course we look forward to Addison's changes and developments.

Happy New Year to everyone! Below are some random shots we've taken in the last few days.

For those that didn't know me way back when, I was a Timberline Blazer and on the danceteam in high school. My mom found this adorable outfit and it bares a striking resemblance to our uniforms. For some of you - you will recognize it! Go Blazers!


Little and I are just hanging out enjoying some play time.


Addy can sleep anywhere. We were trying to get her up and ready to go, and she slept right through her diaper change and continued her zzzz's on the changing table. Little is so peaceful when she sleeps like that with her hands up.


This will be one of my favorite pictures for a long time. Scott got his guitar out and was playing songs for Little. She was smiling, giggling and waving her arms. She loves to hear music! Daisy Mae is relazing on the couch and Vienna is on the chair in the back. Just a big happy family enjoying a lazy afternoon!

Christmas 2006

We had a wonderful Christmas this year, celebrating with family and friends and getting to share it all with Addison. This girl took home quite the pile of presents - toys, clothes and all kinds of wonderful things. Thanks so much for all your generous gifts, we know they were sent with a lot of love!!

And thanks for all the cards and warm thoughts for our family. It has been a really remarkable year for us and when we look back it has been so special to share it with all of you. 2007 - here we come!

Here are a couple of shots from the last few days:

Addison got her very own reindeer from her great aunt and uncle.


Scott and I on Christmas morning.


Addy playing with her new toys.





Does it look like Addy enjoyed playing with her new Christmas toys or what?

In the Dark

Living in the great pacific northwest has never been so exciting - or difficult! We've been hit with some big storms this winter, but last Thursday was a major wind storm that put us all in the dark for days. I think I heard something like more then a million people in WA and OR have been without power for multiple days.

Its always been more of an adventure then anything when the power goes off . . . but with animals and now the baby - it isn't fun, it is tough! We are so thankful that we had a wonderful place to go to stay warm. My parents let us drag all our stuff over there - twice during the last 4 days to keep warm. We first lost power with everyone else on Thursday night and so we went over Friday morning to my parents. Then it came back on on Saturday night. We came home and dumped everything in the fridge and I ran out and replaced everything. Then the power went back off on Sunday night. Yikes - I was praying the power came back on before everything spoiled again! Luckily it did. But we've packed and unpacked enough for a while. There is so much to think of for Addison, bath stuff, food stuff, clothes, toys, bouncy chair, etc.

But don't worry we kept Addison nice and warm. Here are a couple picks from our adventures.

Addison stayed warm in her lamb suit:


Addison didn't seem to suffer any ill effects of the commotion - she's snoozing away:

2 Months!

Addison is officially two months old today. She had her check up this afternoon and got shots! :( She got 5 shots and they say she'll be fussy and in pain for a few days. Isn't that sad? Poor little thing!

She has grown almost 3 inches and weighs in just about an ounce shy of 12 pounds. She is growing really well. She is so long that she has outgrown her 3 month clothes and is already in 3-6 month and 6 month outfits. She's working on a good night sleeping schedule. So things move along here.

Very exciting news - Scott and I had our first official date night last night. We left Addy with Grandma and Grandpa and went to dinner all by ourselves. It was very nice.

Here is her two month photo with the famous bear! It is amazing to compare it to her one month picture - she has grown so much.

A Day with Addison - Part 1

Sometimes the days fly by and it is hard to remember that each moment is special and you can't just focus on the big events. Do you ever find yourself always looking forward to the "next thing"? So, I tried to capture a day with Addison, or at least a few of the moments during the day. (I didn't get out the camera when she was wailing away, I probably should to be more realistic.) There are two postings to get all the pictures in - so be sure to check out part 1 and 2.

At the same time Addison started smiling she started sticking her tongue out. When she gets really excited she sticks her tongue out over and over again in between smiles and cooing. I finally thought I'd better get a shot with her tongue out.


The dogs are still trying to figure out this new baby thing. Ollie is really struggling to find his place with the new baby. Here Ollie is wanting a little attention from daddy and checking out the baby.


Here is Addison right after her bath. She is all wrapped up to stay warm and snuggled with her momma.

A Day with Addison - Part 2

Here are some more shots of our day with Addy! Be sure to check out part 1 as well.

Mommy and Addison hanging out at home getting the house decorated for Christmas.


Enjoying some play time with Daddy!


I am a happy girl with a full tummy. One of our favorite things is to watch Addison right after she eats. She is so content and gets the cutest satisfied look on her face.


Addison hanging out on the changing table. Most of time if she isn't waiting for a bottle and completely starved, she is quite cute during a changing. She is patient with us as we stuff her into different outfits.


For some reason Addison makes the cutest faces when she is being burped. Many friends and family have enjoyed watching these antics.

The Domestic Goddess Lives Again

As I reported before the big Thanksgiving dinner I was going to be trying out three recipes and actually trying to cook at the big event. I am sure you've all been dying to hear how it all turned out . . . I am happy to report I was successful with all three items!!

Surprising I know!

My cider turned out well and served as a mid-day beverage break for the family. The stuffing was not that terrible to make and it turned out very good. Cranberries, toasted walnuts, apples, it was really good. And the chocolate bourbon pie tasted good. It may have stuck to the pie plate a bit (like it took two hours of soaking to get the crust out) but the taste was good!! I don't like to toot my own horn, but toot toot! The domestic goddess is still hidden away in here somewhere. (We won't really talk about how after about 10 years of mashing the potatoes and doing it fine each year, I somehow added too much milk and turned them into soup - I wasn't actually in charge of those from the get go so I don't consider that to be my fault. I had other things to focus on, a goddess can only be spread so thin right?)

We had a nice Thanksgiving with family and got a chance to get the house decorated up for Christmas. Still trying to get the elusive family shot for christmas cards, Addison is not interested in staying awake, happy and dressed up for the time it takes to get a picture organized. Here are a couple of shots from Thanksgiving.

Here is the stuffing ready to go into the oven. I figured there are those out there who wouldn't believe it unless you saw an actual picture of it.


Addy with Grandma T. The yellow sweater she's wearing was one that I used to wear when I was the same age.

Thanksgiving Morning

This is a great opportunity to remember all the things we are so thankful for . . . all the friends and family we have! This has been a very special year for us, and friends and family have made it that much better. So thank you for your kindness, love, and support! We are so thankful for each other, our house full of animals and our very special little girl Addison!

Now, for those of you that know me well you might need to take a deep breath before reading further. This is a monumental holiday for us in the Daukas-Todorovich household because I volunteered and have carried through with my promise to cook for the holiday. Not the whole meal of course, lets not be crazy. But, I am making three items for the big meal tonight. Actually I finished a bourbon-chocolate pecan pie last night, then today I am making a special cider recipe and sage, suasage and apple dressing!

For those that don't know me as well - you might think it is silly that this is such a big deal. It really is!! I am challenged in the area of all things domestic - I am not particularly good at anything in this area and I don't enjoy most domestic activities either. Two years ago my New Years resolution was to embrace my "domestic goddess" and I gave my self a list of things to accomplish that year - and I actually did quite well. I cooked some things, I sewed, I did household projects . . . and it was the most challenging resolution I ever had. Even during that year I never attempted to make anything substancial for a holiday meal.

But here I am with a 7 week old - contributing to Thanksgiving dinner. I figured it is the only time I would be home well ahead of time to think about it and mentally prepare enough to take on the challenge. I feel strong, I feel determined, and I feel really proud - bring on Thanksgiving dinner . . . I will meet the challenge.

(I'll let you all know how it turns out on the other side.)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!!!

Clothed and Unclothed

Do you have a favorite outfit or that one shirt you just love? Addison has this one particular sleeper that is my absolute favorite. I had to get a picture of her in it. (And I also had to get the same sleeper in a 6 month and 9 month size.) And then I couldn't resist getting a picture of Addison in the adorable jumper that Grandma Daukas gave her when she visited last month. Notice the Minnie and Mickey Mouse on the jumper - she is a Disney girl at heart!

And finally I had to get a picture of her in the middle of a changing crisis. You can see all the clothes around as I try to get her changed and she decides she needs to go again before I can get her totally cleaned up. We are working on outfit number three when I had to get a picture of how happy she looks to be causing all the ruckus. :)

Here is Addison in her very pretty sleeper that mommy loves! And look at how long she is, her little feet hit the end of her sleepers when she stretches out.



Addison in her Disney jumper.



Addison hanging out on the changing table with all her pretty pink clothes around her, looking very pleased with the mess she's created.

That's my girl!

On Tuesday Scott had to go to Vancouver (town about a hour and half south of here) for work and was going to be gone two nights. The prospect of handling all the feedings, the dogs and everything was a little daunting, but I didn't really think there was an alternative. Scott volunteered to commute back and forth - but what a waste. Finally someone suggested that Addison and I go with Scott to Vancouver and hang out! After I got over my initial "think of how bad it might be" we decided to do it. And thank goodness we did - we had a great time.

Addison did great in the car and in the hotel. Scott was able to take care of all his work activities and I got a chance to hit the mall with Addison. There is a mall right next to the hotel we stayed at and so I thought it was the perfect time to show Addison all about shopping. And as I knew she would be . . . she is a natural. We hit some major sales and got some things for both of us. Very successful, that's my little shopping girl.

Here are a couple of cute photos of Addison cuddling with mom and dad:

Addison and Dad play together.


Addison cuddles with mommy!

One Month

Hi All!

I am happy to report that as of last Sunday we made it to the one month mark with our newest addition. I've seen so many changes in her this last week. First of all and most important we went in for a weight check last week and she has gained almost 2 lbs from her lowest weight! We were so happy to hear that - she was pretty scrawny. She was 9 pounds and 1 ounce on Halloween, and she is growing in weight and length every day. She is especially long!

She is more alert now and at least 2 or 3 times a day we are able to put in some play time with toys and cuddles and tummy time. She can focus on us now, smiles when we give her neck kisses and coo at her and she is trying desperately to make noises for us.

Scott made it through his first week back to work and I made it alone with Addison. We did pretty darn well. I am still trying to find my groove at home - I figure it will settle in right as I am headed back to work. :)

We celebrated her one month birthday with friends and family stopping by! She was the star of the show. Below I've included some new updated photos. Including her one month picture with the bear. If you get a chance go back and look at her one week picture with the bear - she has really grown and changed. Our little girl is growing up already!! Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can get Addison into the photographer for real pictures. (I can't figure out the secret because she goes to sleep in the car and I can't get her to be alert after that - so I don't understand how to get her to the photographer and wake her up without her totally fussing.) This parenting this is hard work.

Hope you all have a great finish to your week and we love hearing from you - so let us know what you are up to.


Here is a great picture of Addison. My Dad caught this picture on Monday night when they came over to watch the Monday Night Football game (go Seahawks).



Here is a family photo on Addison's 1 month birthday. (I didn't get a shower in that day - it figures that would be the day everyone wants a family photo.)



Addison looks pretty in pink!



Addison's one month picture with the bear! She has grown so much!

Dressed Up

Here are a couple of pictures of Addy in her halloween outfit, none of the costumes fit her so we settled for a halloween themed outfit. We had a quiet Halloween at my parent's house with the baby and dogs. I can't wait for next year when we can get Addison all dressed up.

I've had the chance to venture out of the house quite a bit this week and it has been really nice - I feel like a human being again! I've conquered shopping and eating in a resturant. And although I don't want to have to do those things every day with a baby - it is possible.

I hear someone stirring, better run. Enjoy the pictures.

Happy Halloween

We are approaching the one month mark with Addison- I can't believe we are there already. Addison continues to surprise us with her sweetness and sassy self. I am continuing to recover from surgery and I look forward to the upcoming weeks when I will be feeling a hundred percent.

Scott goes back to work tomorrow so I am on Addison duty by myself. I may be calling a lot of you for help or just a sanity check. This being a full-time mom thing is HARD! Give me a cranky union representative any day.

We have tried to do a little bit of tummy time with Addison in the last couple of days. The main time she is awake is right before she eats, so when I put her on the pillow she immediately tries to eat the pillow and her hands and arms, it is quite a funny sight. Ollie really gets excited when she is accessible during tummy time, so he is right there to lick her. He is extremely gentle with her.

We will be doing a modified Halloween with my parents so we don't have to fight the dogs at our house each time the doorbell rings. Hope you all have a great holiday! Enjoy the candy!

Here are a few pictures of tummy time:

Pacifiers, Bottles, Swings, Fussing . . .

So much to know about and figure out as a new parent. Each article and book has a different take on what to do and what not to do - it is hard to sort it all out. I am starting to realize that my friends with kids are right, we have to just sort of figure out what works best for Addison and us!

Addison made her first outing last Friday to my office to attend a co-worker's baby shower. She slept the entire time and looked cute in a new little blue outfit.

She's been out with us a few times now and so far so good - we wait until she is asleep and hurry around getting things done before her next feeding. It feels good for me just to get out and have contact with the outside world. As most of you know I am not a stay at home type of girl - and so this has been a big transition for me. I try to plan at least one outing a day, even if that is just Scott running an errand for us and Addison and I sitting in the car.

Scott played in a tournament yesterday at the local casino and placed 3rd. It was nice for him to get out - and he won some mollah in the process - can't beat that. It gave me a few hours to practice "being on my own".

Scott's parents are coming tomorrow and will get the chance to see Addison, that is exciting. I can't believe our first three weeks are almost over.

Check in next week to see if I survive Scott's return to work. :)

First Bath

Greetings! We are continuing to learn how to settle into life with baby. Scott got a terrible cold that has caused him additional missed sleep from coughing. I've had a few odds and ends complications myself - but all that being said, I think we are starting to find a fit for us. Addison is a blessing and looking at her makes it all worthwhile - she is so sweet, even when she is yelling and red-faced. :)

Tomorrow will be two weeks! I can't believe that we made it this far. Each day is such a new adventure. Next week will be Scott's last week at home with us, and I am a little freaked by the prospect of taking care of Addison all day by myself. More adventures I guess! Take a look at what we did today!


Addison's First Bath - she didn't like it much at first.



Once we got her going she calmed down and actually seemed to tolerate it pretty well.



She was all snuggles as she was getting dried off.

The First Week

Hi All!

Okay, everyone tries to prepare you but I don't think you can really be prepared for how dificult it is to bring home a newborn. I have an amazing husband who is right in the mix with me and between the two of us I still feel out of it. We had a few really good nights with Addison and then one really terrible night resulting in perhaps 1 hour of sleep. I really didn't know I could be so tired and emotionally exhausted.

I cry all the time (apparently this is normal), I hurt from the surgery but then I take one look at little Addy and I can't believe how lucky I am. Anyway, enough of my 1 week crazy ramblings. I am going to post a few shots here.

This one is just a cute picture of her sleeping. Aren't her cheeks cute?





A wise person suggested I pick a stuffed animal and photograph Addison once in a while to chart her growth. So this is her one week photo. My great friends Ann, Allison and Joni got Addison this wonderful bear.





After we got Addison's shot our dog Ollie decided it was his turn!!

WELCOME ADDISON BRENNA DAUKAS!!

Scott and I are so happy to introduce to you our new baby girl! I think I left off the tale from the point where we knew something was going to happen this last week but we didn't know what...Last Monday we had an ultrasound and confirmed that the baby was good sized and not engaged, contractions had stopped and we had some choices to make as the due date approached. Scott and I talked a lot about it, consulted with the doctor, and decided to have a primary c-section on Addison's original due date, Thursday October 5th. It was exciting to know it was going to happen but I was extremely nervous as well. There was no way getting around an epideral or spinal block with a c-section, and as many of you know I was counting on pain to help me overcome my fear during labor. Wednesday Scott and I were off work and it was a surreal day as we got ready to welcome our baby. Scott and I and my parents were at the hospital bright and early on Thursday morning. I'll spare the full details here only to say that it was amazing, scary, wonderful, scary, and rewarding. At 8am Addison was born, coming out of my tummy screaming her head off. (Clearly she gets her lungs from her daddy) She was 8lbs 4 oz, and 20.75 inches long. Most importantly, perfectly healthy!!! And I came through sore, tired, in a little bit of shock but really proud of our little girl and I am recovering nicely now as well. Here are some of the first pictures of Addison:

This is Addison in the nursery getting all cleaned up and weighed. Scott and my parents were with her during her first bath and weigh in, while I was getting finished with surgery and in the recovery room.

Scott was able to bring the baby to me in the recovery room so that I had my first opportunity to hold her and give her kisses. It was overwhelming and beautiful to get to see her and touch her for the first time.

She is a camera hog just like her mom already. I get a camera out and the girl is ready to go for photos.


Stay tuned and we will get a slide show going to showcase her first week in the next few days.

Today is Sunday, we have been home with Addison for a day and a half and we find ourselves constantly just staring at her in wonderment. We've got 3 weeks to figure it out before Scott heads back to work and I am alone with Addy. It's been a lot of years since either of us have spent a Sunday night not preparing for work. Instead, we've spent the evening holding our baby and sharing our joy with you! My parents have been a blessing for us in these last few days -- they've provided us with food, company, and extra arms to hold Addy with when we get tired. :) Thank you so much Mom and Dad!! (or should I say Grandma and Grandpa?) We appreciate all the well wishes and feel really blessed to share this occasion with all of you.

What does the future hold?

Hi All!

Well, Thursday is my due date and so far not much is happening. As some of you know I kept saying I just knew that this baby was going to be early, and she only has a day to two left to prove me right.

We had an ultrasound today to check on her weight. Supposedly she is around 9lbs. Can you believe that? I can, because I am carrying it around with me. I am including a couple more pictures, I continue to grow and grow. These were taken more then a week ago and I swear that I am bigger still.

Tomorrow we will discuss a delivery date with the doctor's office - as it doesn't seem like the baby is going to come on its own at this point. I'll keep everyone posted once we know more details.

Regardless the countdown continues . . . does anyone else hear that Europe song in the background - its the final countdown!

More to come . . .

Odds and Ends

At my doctor's appointment this week things continue to look good, the baby is already weighing in at 7.5 lbs! I am feeling okay for the most part, a little tired from restless and frequently interupted sleep but trying to stay focused on the end result! Only two and half weeks to go - both Scott and I are getting so excited. Our families are excited - it is really the final countdown now. I think I can honestly say we have things pretty well ready to go. (Of course I am sure when we actually bring her home, we will find all kinds of things we needed, didn't need, etc.)

This year I am excited to say that I have decided instead of fighting the fantasy football rage at my house, I am embracing it to the best of my ability. That is right, I have my own league - a pro-pick'em league that I am in with Scott and some other friends of ours. It has helped me to enjoy more of the football talk and TV then I have in the past. Although like always by the end of the year I am sure I'll be ready to see another season done. But I am happy to report to all you women - that right now I am kicking butt against all the boys. I am right up there at the top of the league after the first couple of weeks!! How's that for putting all the useless knowledge I gleen on accident to good use?

Last weekend we hosted Scott's monthly Olympia Poker Tour game and it was quite a bash. Lots of cards, food, drink, etc. The morning after (cleaning time) our youngest pup Cinnamon thought it would be a good idea to check out the left overs, she managed some chips and dip and a few licks at the half empty beer cans. I've included a shot of her up on the new poker table Scott bought off of a friend that makes them as a hobby.

I have to end tonight with giving a thought out to my dearest friend Karen - she got married on Friday! I couldn't be there (they don't let you fly this far along) but I thought about her all weekend. Karen - I hope you enjoyed every second of your special day and I can't wait to hear all about it.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Latest Dr. Appt.

So today I had my 36 week check-up. Sounds like things are going well despite my continued claim that practically peeing your pants every minute of the day can't be normal.

We had a small surprise when the doctor informed me the baby is breech because the heartbeat is up top of my big belly - but everything turned out fine, it seems Addison's bottom provides the best heartbeat sounds. Go figure.

Supposedly she is about 6 and 1/2 lbs at this point and locked up nice and tight. No indication the little one might like to come a bit early. When I asked the doctor how much more she would grow he said a pound a week - which gave me pause thinking 10 1/2 at 40 weeks seemed a little much. Then he relented and said that isn't really the case - probably another 2 lbs or so. Much more reasonable. :)

I continue to have miserable sleep and the most vivid and crazy dreams. Last night I was in the audience at American Idol auditions and out of no where I began throwing eggs and pencils (?) at contestants. I got into quite a lot of trouble. Don't even tell me what this dream means . . . I am sure I don't want to know.

Anyway, keep checking back there will be an actually baby here at some point. :)

Closing in on 36 weeks . . . and counting

It seems like it has been forever, but my due date is actually getting really close!! In days . . . I only have 33 days! Can you believe that? I am including a couple of pictures of my belly so everyone can see how big I am. I feel huge, and ready to pee my pants at any time. I think she has dropped a bit, because all of a sudden the pressure is different.

This weekend we are getting the suitcase packed and the carseat in the car - just in case. I am still nervous to bring her home (what if we can't handle it) but at the same time I am overwhelmingly excited to meet her and hold her.

Enjoy these silly pics!