Saturday, July 30, 2010 - Update

Today, we celebrated my nephew's 10th birthday and my niece's 8th birthday. It was great to have the family all together. . .especially since learning that Ryan's sister's family will be moving to Arkansas within a matter of weeks. We are happy to hear of Kris's promotion, but saddened nonetheless that they will no longer live 10+ minutes away. It made get togethers like today that much more special.

A gift for me?

Friday, July 30, 2010 - Update

Around here, we do whatever it takes to get Olivia to eat a good meal. Today, it happened to be eating at the table with a big giraffe. Whatever it takes. :)

Notice how well she is using her spoon. Yay!

Cheese!

Playing in the sink. . .one of her favorite things to do.

Thursday, July 29, 2010 - Update

After a short hiatus, I am back. I have not felt well the past 2 weeks. . .extreme anxiousness and an inner restlessness that only allowed me 1-4 hours of sleep per night. After two visits to the doctor. . .I think I'm doing better and actually able to write an update tonight. Things are going well. . .except my grandpa has been in the hospital and instead of returning home, he was moved to an assisted living facility. My grandma will join him there next week and leave the house they've lived in for 30+ years. My grandpa has Alzheimer's and as some of you might know. . .that's a tough thing to watch. Please pray for my grandparents and my mom and her siblings who are dealing with a lot right now. Other than all of that. . .we're doing well.

I got Olivia's picture taken today. She does not do well with things like that and I was a bit worried. But, the photographer was great with her and even got a smile. I don't get the pictures back for 2 weeks or so, but I'll be sure to share! I'm definitely taking her back!

Monday, July 26, 2010 - Update

My goofy girl :)

I haven't been able to get a good picture of Olivia lately. She's hard to capture. . .always doing silly things. She has such a joy about her that pictures can't show. Right now she is laying in bed singing Scooby Dooby Doo. Olivia always keeps a smile on my face. :)

Sunday, July 25, 2010 - Update

I found this old picture of Olivia today. . .it was taken in July 2008. . .about a month before her first birthday. I don't remember her having such cute, chubby legs. :) I can't believe she is going to be three next month. She has been growing up so fast lately. She speaks almost in full sentences, uses utensils really well, and puts herself to sleep at night. That's been the biggest thing and one of the greatest and hardest, as silly as it sounds. I used to have to rock her until she was asleep and then quietly tiptoe and lay her down in bed being careful not to make any noise. That was exhausting every night, but it was also such a special time between us. Now, she wants me to cover her up, give her a kiss and leave. She sometimes falls right to sleep. Other times she sings and talks with her stuffed animals and babies for over an hour. . .crying for mama only when she misplaces one of them. It feels like the end of an era and such a big girl thing to do. Today, she told us she was going to take a nap, walked back to her room and shut the door. Really? My no nap little girl is putting herself down for naps now too? She's starting to make it too easy on me. LOL. Just don't grow up too fast, my sweet little girl. My niece, Katie, turned 8 years old today which doesn't seem possible. A Happy Happy Birthday to you!