Holden Olivia

Just over a year ago...

2011-01-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

Alex and I became the extremely grateful and proud parents of a beautiful little girl. It has been an amazing year for us as a family with Holden and in other ways. Alex was given a promotion at work, I started a new job that has been great, all in all 2010 was good to us. As 2011 started and our little lady crossed the 1 year mark, I followed suit by hitting the 30 mark. Wow, I know I am barely crossing what most would consider anything close to older, but I definitely feel like an adult and could not be happier.

I know everyone knows the song "Cats in the Cradle"; this last year almost feels a little like that, but instead of missing out on time with the family, we missed out on some time with the rest of the world. Sorry for that and I will try and share a little more on here from our adventures in living.

Look forward to a montage of 1st Thanksgiving, 1st Christmas, 1st Birthday, and etc.

Talk soon,
will

Our little monkey

2010-10-25T16:28:00.001-07:00

So, Grandma Dawn got Holden a little monkey costume for Halloween and we figured a trial run might be a good idea. Clearly I am biased but definitely the cutest monkey I have ever seen.

Thanks Grandma!

Loving new cold weather...

2010-10-11T10:32:00.001-07:00

So, our little lady definitely good dad's love of hats.

Here she is in mine, and then here she is in one of hers, courtesy of Ms. Abbra Sharp who made this and a few more for her.

She is much cuter in hers.

Arts and crafts

2010-10-05T16:59:00.001-07:00

One more post with the new mobility. This one is from a few weeks ago. While we have yet to actually cultivate a yard or much of a garden, Holden and I have made the first decoration.

Started with some wet concrete, then added foot.

And then let dry.

We will get better at projects together.

Sorry again...

2010-10-05T16:50:00.001-07:00

So Holden and I have had a lot of time playing and have not made a lot of time for this, but since now there's "an app for that" we have no excuse. It's crazy that it's been 9 months already. She's rolling and scooting, eating solid foods, and has some little curls coming in. And I cannot even remember what life was like without her around...

Just a little swing time.

And the Bumbo

2010-06-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

She is finally big and strong enough to sit in the Bumbo; 5 months old today and loving life already!

Man's Best Friend

2010-06-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Or maybe it should be Baby's Nervous Friend, if he only knew all the torture she will more than likely put him through.

HELLLLLOOOOO BROOOKLYNN!!!!

2010-06-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Had to lead off with a Beastie Boys quote, just a quick thanks to Aunt Brit and Aunt Carlyn

Sleeping babies are always cute

2010-06-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ours is especially so, in my opinion at least...

Alex's First Mother's Day

2010-06-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to have a whole house full of people over for Mother's day. It was fun to get the marker in Holden's little hand and have her sign the card almost all by herself. I can not wait until we get to go to the mall and shop for what I am sure will be the best mother's day gift year after year, continually outdoing herself for her mommy.

Easter

2010-06-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

While daddy was away, mommy and Holden did a little photo shoot of Holden in her Easter outfit. With almost every photo there was a new stage of footwear.

Wearing both shoes and kicking

Both shoes have now been kicked off and the tongue may mean she knows what she did.

Tongue still out, but sitting still for mommy to get the shot.

Uncle Drew came to visit

2010-06-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Got a few shots of when Drew came to visit a few months back. It seems our baby loves the couch. Almost everyone who has been photographed with her has at least one photo on the old tan couch. Drew, sorry it took over 2 months to put these up...

Who me?

All nestled in.

Someone must be really comfortable, just passing out whenever she wants.

Cinco de Mayo

2010-06-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

So Alex and Cassie spent the night hanging out with Holden and there is proof of it. Aunt Cass definitely has a knack for catching a very happy baby.

So...

2010-06-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

As it turns out I am not the best at sitting down and getting the blog up to date. I would love to blame it on being super busy with Holden, but she has just been too nice to us and it is me being lazy. Sorry, but at least now I should have a healthy wave of new posts all in one. And all of them will have plenty of cute photos I bet, like the one below of Holden fielding some phone calls.

Holden's 1st Nuggets Game

2010-04-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

So we took Holden out for her first pro basketball game, and as expected she loved the loud noises and all the stuff to look at.

She got to stay wrapped up for most of the game right where she loves to be, with her mommy

At halftime, while we were all busy having our game time treats (beers) Holden had a little dinner and then stretched out at Blue Sky and hung with her friends too.

We had quite the crew to help celebrate the Nuggets win and now Holden and I will be going to Taco Bell because the Nuggets scored over a 100 points.

Hanging with Grandma & Grandpa Frazier

2010-04-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of photos we snapped last weekend...

So much has happened in the last few months...

2010-04-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

So, much like a slacker, I have been a little lax on getting the blog updated. We have been "busy", that is why I have not been on that much. So a few little things, we learned to blow spit bubbles, rolled over once, and all and all had a pretty good little bit. Now cue your favorite montage song by some one hit wonder from the 80's...

Went to SIA and got held by lb, she must have been held very fast because everything is blurry but Lesley's smile.

Went to a DU hockey game with Grandma and Grandpa Frazier. My daughter has officially been to at least 3 ice rinks, so proud.

Squeeze in a little time for a nap.

Was out for the first Saturday bike ride and brunch.

Uncle Drew came out to visit and they got to spend all kinds of time together, she was quite a fan and I am pretty sure the feelings are mutual.

And we made it out for one of the last Nugget games of the regular season. They did not win, but who knows what will happen in the playoffs.

More photos to come of Uncle Drew's visit, as well as Aunt Lori and Uncle Bill, who were in town for a little bit as well.

Bowling with the Buskers

2010-03-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

This was definitely getting its own post, Holden has officially had her first night out at Elitch Lanes, the first of many I am sure. She definitely will not have any problem getting into it, judging by the big smile. She is also not so bad at picking up really hot blondes...

The Busker's came to visit

2010-03-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

Dana, Darri, Henry, Hillary came in for a quick visit this last weekend. They were only here for a few days, but we fit all kinds of stuff in, like a really exciting trip to the Denver Mint. Then they had a little lunch at Brother's Bar.

Then everyone headed home and relaxed around the house for a bit.

Then we went on a tour of Invesco Field, where Henry had to stifle the urge to yell "Go Bears" at every stop. Even went down to the field.

Hillary and Henry both got in a little time holding Holden

Then before the took off for the really fun ride home they were nice enough to come cheer on some hockey, it was almost like watching the Olympics. Almost.

Chase does a little puppysitting...

2010-03-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

Lately, even Chase has even gotten into spending time with the new addition to the house, maybe he is trying to figure what all the fuss is about.

Or maybe he thinks she is as cute and fun as we do!

Just a cute one for starters...

2010-03-01T18:43:00.001-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

2010-02-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

And Daddy's Dinner Date

Saturday at the House

2010-02-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

After a week of running around and working we decided to lay low and just hang out at the house for a little while. Holden is beginning to get into some of the objects/shadows she sees around.

Then after we had plenty of family time at the house, we had some special company all the way from LA.

Ryan and Adria are in town what I am sure was a rocking 90th birthday party.

Holden's First Superbowl

2010-02-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

Luckily, Holden has not learned how to make bets on football, we were dead set that Manning was going to pull it off, we were wrong. Though that does not mean we did not get to eat some awesome snacks and hang out with a few friends at home.

Holden even had Savannah over, probably just one the first things they will share over the next few years.

After a little excitement, it was time for a little food break and a little mommy time.

And then maybe a little daddy time too.

And now that Chase is five, he is all grown up and loves to have a few cold ones, though he falls asleep after just a couple.

Uncle James celebrated the Saints victory by mimicking the trophy hold with Holden

And after all the excitement she was all tuckered out and passed out on Uncle Strieby

Sorry...

2010-02-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

Holden says that none of you can be mad there have not been many updates lately, we have been busy hanging out just the three of us (four if you count Chase, but he can't use the internet). She is still really cute and now just a few days past a month old!!!

Holden's Hats from Abbra

2010-01-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

So our friend Abbra made the cutest little hats for Holden, they are still a little big for her, so this is just a preview, but trust me, the rest are just as cute and you will definitely get to see them all.

Holdin' Holden

2010-01-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

In an effort to not have to keep remembering how many of these I have done, I am no longer going to number them. I know that this will make it nearly unbearable for some of you to even look at the posts, and I am sorry.

Grandpa Frazier

Aunt Bethy

Grandma Hallsten

Mommy and Daddy

Abby and Soph come meet their cousin

2010-01-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

Soph is just having a little juice while checking out Holden's room.

Abby was pretty excited to see Holden at first, though it may have been more fun to play with imaginary Holden.

These are three girls that will keep us all running around for the foreseeable future.

The whole bunch of us, not a bad looking group if I say so myself. Though I should mention that Amy made me aware that somewhere at home, Brian was also wearing a similar outfit. An outfit both he and I must deem appropriate for picking up dog poop, since that was the chore we both saved for Friday morning.

One of the Fam

2010-01-20T21:54:00.000-08:00

A photo of the best birthday gift someone could ask for, a beautiful family

Holdin' Holden Part 4

2010-01-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

So here are a whole lot of our friends that were out for my birthday dinner and also to meet Holden, or see her again...

Our little girl keeps so very pretty company!

Daddy's Birthday

2010-01-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

So I turned 29 this Wednesday, the last good year before 30. And by that I mean this year was good but by no means does this mean that the next ones won't be even better.

Chase got a cupcake, thanks Grandma.

Alex and I had a cupcake. Thanks Mom!

Holden did not want a cupcake, sorry Grandma!

And a token Daddy shot...

2010-01-17T15:52:00.001-08:00

Sleeping beauties

2010-01-17T15:49:00.000-08:00

So Alex and I have taken Holden out and about a little bit everyday, but both mommy and Holden are still recovering from the big day just over a week ago and so they need plenty of sleep.

Holdin' Holden Part 3

2010-01-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

Aunt Kristin has been visiting for a few days, it has been nice having another set of hands. And she made really good chocolate chip cookies.

Branden came over and though he said they did not plan it the two of them have very similar color schemes going on.

And another of Cassie, she is making quite a few appearances on the blog. Please no one else get jealous.

First Bath at Home

2010-01-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

We gave Holden her very first bath at the house today. We threw her in the sink and got to washing.

I officially have become the go to guy for all the things she does not like. She does not like being naked (something we hope she holds onto) and getting her wet and cold does not seem to help. which is where mommy comes in and dries, just like the dishes.

And mommy got her all dressed for a nice little walk, we made it about 3 and half blocks. Just a little more adventure for both of them everyday.

Funny thing occurred to me the other night...

2010-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

I was laying in the bed the other night and just thinking about what Holden might be into and how we will try and reconcile that with our interests and our hopes for her. Is she going to love music, if so singing or playing instruments? What about art, can we count on her drawing and painting and all other types? Maybe she is going to be into sports and who knows what else.

It is exciting to know she a little blank slate and can do anything she wants and all we really have to do is make sure we expose her to as many different facets of life without forcing her into the things we love. She can do anything she wants and all we have to do is sit back and watch as she learns, struggles, succeeds, and fails; all the while just making sure she knows she is loved and supported.

This photo was taken the next day, hopefully the first of many times she is just content to intently listen to someone and let them share something with her that can help her along on the way. Or she is just humoring dad already and she will be just like her mom.

And for the record, she does not have to have the face velcro anymore, which makes her even more beautiful than before.

Just a quick sleeping, smiling Holden

2010-01-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

And she is all ours, would not trade her for the world!

Sunday Night Barbeque

2010-01-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

We had a little cookout over at the house Sunday night to help things keep on feeling normal even if we are going through one of the more major changes in our lives. Which has been nothing short of amazing, by the way. Nothing like a good cookout to help feel at home and relaxed.

Alex got to have her first glass of wine in probably around 9 months or more. She looks very happy, at least I would say so.

I had a little single barrel rum and Red Bull Cola courtesy of Mr James Kelly. It was awesome

Grandma Frazier running the grill, making sure none of us go hungry. We should have leftovers for the next few weeks, not counting the lasagna in the fridge or the tray of meatballs in the freezer.

And the final result. Cheeseburger, hot dogs, cheesy potatoes, baked beans. So good.

Holdin' Holden Part 2

2010-01-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

So here is the second run of some photos of some of our friends and family holding our little lady

We were the first stop on Melissa's baby tour, I think once that wedding is all said and done, Tom will have to start monitoring time holding babies.

Here are the two grandmas with a very yawny Holden

John and Paige came by so Paige could hold the baby and John got the raw end of the deal and had to hold our other "baby"

Saturday at the Frazier's

2010-01-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

So today was a pretty good day so far. Holden made it through last night with just getting up 2 times. And to be fair, we woke her up to feed her both of the times. She is definitely still getting the hang of feeding, though she has the next step locked down for sure. (yes, that means she poops a lot) Mommy has been moving around a bunch and after a small whoops (doubling her Motrin intake) she is feeling better and better. We just might even try and go upstairs this afternoon.

We have both sets of Grandparents over which is fun and we are just hanging around. If you are hanging around and looking for something to do, come on by. And a special shout out to Cass who brought a crunchwrap supreme from Taco Bell for me.

Holdin' Holden Part 1

2010-01-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

So we have been fortunate in the fact that we have a baby that is totally ready to get held by anyone. We have also been fortunate enough to have plenty of friends come by and hold her.

In an effort to save me the trouble of having to coming up with something interesting for all of the different posts, I am going to have to just post some random little updates with a pictures of people "Holdin' Holden"

Here is SW, what you cannot see in the photo is that he was a natural, despite the extremely tense body posture he started with.

Shane's better half Carissa, definitely had the experience side on him.

And though I know this is the exact kind of thing Shane does not want to hear yet, but this looks like a really great glimpse of the future!

And the hand off, I can comfortably say this from experience, the hand off may be the scariest thing for most guys. I know after a few days I am still nervous sometimes. James is showcasing the awkward body posture every guy who takes Holden from a girl displays.

And this is definitely the second of many photos you will see from "Aunt" Jess and "Uncle" James spending some time with Holden

Safe and sound at home

2010-01-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

We got home last night and met the other grandparents at the house. Which was good because Grandpa took Chase for a walk, or more of a high speed sprint because he was so excited to have everyone home. Which by the way was right before Chase checked out the new addition and while he is a little intimidated, he definitely approves.

Grandma got to give Holden her first bottle of breast milk from at the house, what I am sure is the first of many!

Here is Alex in her new spot for the next few days and see below for the first photo of Holden in her crib.

It is safe to say she is all settled in, though hopefully by tomorrow she will be all settled in without having to wear velcro on her face. And she totally made it through the night only getting up when those pesky parents woke her up to feed her.

Last day in the hospital!

2010-01-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

So we got to go home yesterday evening which was great. Not to say we did not have to learn a few more tricks before we left, but it was a pretty quick transition.

Holden decided she wanted to get a little bronze for all the entertaining she is sure to be doing this weekend at the house.

The last grandparents visit at the hospital, we went a little camera happy and started snapping all kinds of photos

One of Daddy and Holden

And one of Mommy, Daddy, and Holden

And one of the little lady herself. She was a trooper and did not make a peep on the whole ride home. Stay tuned for a few photos from once we got home.

Mommy cleaned up and then tuckered out

2010-01-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Alex was able to shower today. I am pretty sure I have the prettiest wife in the world, how did she have a baby two days ago and still look so good today. (no offense to other wives out there) I am also pretty sure she feels a tad more like a human again. She has also ventured out of the room a few times, so things are slowly moving forward.

We have also been able to pull off a few successful feedings, which have left her and Holden all tuckered out. Just resting before we find out if we get to go home or not. Sweet slippers and all.

Day Two

2010-01-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, I would like to say, who slept in a closet last night other than me.

Not a bad set up if I do say so myself. Now I know what it would have been like to live in New York

We are hanging out at the end of a pretty good day. Holden has officially learned to breast feed, so that is a huge relief. Both sets of her grandparents came by today and gave me the chance to run home and shower and show Chase (our lab) one of Holden's first hats with her smell on it. He had no idea what I was trying to do, neither did I, so hopefully it worked.

Again, I want to throw out thank you's to both sets of rents for all the support. It has been amazing having all kinds of helping hands. Alex made progress towards the fun road of recovery and has been getting up and about all day, which may help us make our way home tomorrow. I officially changed my first pee filled diaper with moderate bumps, but I definitely nailed the first poopy diaper change. The first of many to come, which is what I can only assume is most people's favorite part.

Holden also started getting to meet some of her more "extended family" today, which she may not remember, but it is okay we got some photos to remind her along the way.

Strieby came by first and though he claims he has not held a baby in a while, he seemed pretty natural

Sean was next, despite the photo he did not actually get pooped on or drop Holden. At least that we saw.

Then Mike brought some of the girls to come see the little ones, we made sure to let the nurse know she would be guaranteed to see Whitney again before the next Tuesday.

Just a few of the many photos to come of all of our friends holdin' Holden. Thanks again to everyone who came by today and the people who wished they could have. And maybe to the couple of family members who have already booked trips to come out and see her. It really means a lot to all three of us!

Though I should definitely let all of you know, I have had a lot of free time in the hospital so I will probably not get to post daily updates everyday. I cannot shake that most employers would not want to be paying for a part time blog manager.

Day One

2010-01-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

As you see by the photos below, today was the day. We got up and took a nice easy trip down to the hospital around 10:30 am with both sets of grandparents in tow (thanks in advance for all the help).

Went into surgery around high noon and little Holden Olivia Frazier was born at 12:51pm. She was a whopping 6 lbs and a very tall 18 inches (yes, she is actually very small). And as what will hopefully be a bit of foreshadowing she was alert and active, followed with sleeping for the next 4 or so hours. And just like mommy, she is currently only willing to wake up for some cuddling, a little feeding, or a bath. Which while getting the bath she could already move her little noggin around.

She is beautiful and we are more excited than we could have even expected. Thank you to everyone who sent messages of support and love. It is very appreciative and what I can only assume is another way of volunteering to change diapers when they are filled with baby poop.

A few quick shots from the hospital

2010-01-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

We have an excited little mom to be!

Alex got some serious gypsy flare.

And I got a nice outfit to try out, though they were not that keen on having me help

All of the grandparents from Holden's perspective.

And what is sure to be a favorite spot for both Holden and Mom.

The Eve of Holden

2010-01-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

So tonight is the last night of Alex and I just being a 2.5 person family, actually 3 (Chase would not be okay with counting as a half person).

We go into the hospital around 10:30 am tomorrow and right after the old high noon, Alex goes in to have our little girl. I am pretty sure that we cannot even really get as excited as we should be because as far as I have been told there are like a million first things that are going to melt us. And yes, there is a subtle admission on knowing I am going to be all mushy when it comes to the little lady.

Stay tuned for an update tomorrow as there will probably be a few photos...maybe

Strieby's gift to Holden

2009-12-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

It started out with a drawing...