The Parties Are Over!

I am happy to report that the only parties left for our home in November are, yes, that's right. . .

Tea Parties!!!

Olivia is using her new tea set, of course. Now, who might Olivia's first lucky guest be? That's right, you guessed it, her loyal friend and captive companion, Dodger Duke.

"Dodger, would you like cream or sugar with your dog food?"

Alright folks, Mom thinks this party is getting a bit messy. . .

Poor Dodger! Just when he thought he's made it through the worst. . . Nothing compares to cleanup!

Party it up with my Friends!

Olivia truly enjoyed her birthday party celebrated with her friends yesterday. It may have had to do with the fact that she was healthy again. Honestly, I think Olivia just likes the excitement of being around her peers (even though it sometimes means sharing), as most of her guests were within a year of her age. Regardless, it means a lot to a mom to get to share these special events in her life with such caring people.

Getting ready to blow out her candles. . . She got'em both!

The hard work (blowing out the candles) is done. Let's dig in!

Ethan offers his napkin to Olivia. He is such a sweetheart!

Jammies!!!

"What do you mean this isn't a birthday hat? It is if my smile says it is!"

Party at the Fire Station

Olivia and I went to the fire station on her "true" birthday to open presents with Dad. She flew through the clothes (shocking, I know). She has been an "Elmo!!!" fan for quite some time, and her favorite present on her second birthday was a Tickle Me Elmo doll. Those of you who read my Halloween blog probably realize there's no way I could spend $60 on the latest, greatest Elmo Live doll. Maybe when our little guy turns two the price will be right:). As you can see, Olivia has no idea how cheap I am; she absolutely loved her new TMX Elmo. I actually took over 20 pictures of her and this toy, so please bear with me, as I did choose my favorites.

"Okay, Dad, show me how this guy works."

"Show me whatcha got Elmo."

"Too funny, Mister, too funny!"

"Oh my goodness, this guy kills me!"

"I don't think I can take anymore!"

"Again, Mom, again!"

Tickle Me Elmo definitely made Olivia's birthday a treat for me. I wish you could hear the laughter that went with the smile. It definitely melts a Mom's heart.

OLIVIA

My baby girl turned two today. It's just so hard to wrap my mind around the idea that it was a whole two years ago when they placed her in my arms for the very first time. . . my sweet, sweet girl. It's true, I think, that you realize what love really is, when you have a child of your own. Your whole world can be turned upside down and inside out by your child's laughter or tears. Olivia, Mom and Dad love you to pieces. You mean the world to us! We pray for you every day. . . that you would grow to know, love, fear, and obey your Lord, Jesus. I pray He will be your best friend and your Saviour.

You meet this little person for the first time and you really have no idea the impact they will have on your life. All you know is love for them.

Unfortunately I'm not an English major, and I can't even find my old thesaurus, but here goes. . .

Opinionated. Olivia knows what she wants, when she wants it, and how she wants it. She is officially two, so I wouldn't expect much less. This "Lil Miss Independent", as her Dad often calls her, is a force for Mom and Dad to reckon with at times. She reminds me of me (and I think Richard would say the same).

Loving. Hugs and kisses are free, and Olivia is absolutely the greatest cuddler ever. I especially enjoy watching her care for her babies. I really hope she is as kind and gentle with her little brother!

Intense. Whatever emotion Olivia is feeling, she feels it with all her heart. God, please bless her heart.

Vibrant. Olivia brings Richard and I more joy than we ever dreamed possible. I just cannot imagine how lifeless our home would be without her incredible smile and joyful laughter.

Introverted. Olivia doesn't want to be the center of attention or the star of the show. She's pretty happy to play by herself or with other children, but she doesn't want all eyes on her.

Active. This child would play 24-7 if we would let her. Sleep and bedtime are "naughty" words in Olivia's opinion. Even mealtime is a distraction from her love for play.

A Family Birthday Party

Olivia hadn't seemed to feel very well for the second half of last week. Every time I'd get ready to schedule a doctor appointment, I'd think she was feeling better. I took her to the pediatrician Friday morning to learn she had a double ear infection. I felt horrible for not getting her in sooner. She had been fussy and had a runny nose and cough, but she hadn't complained of her ears hurting or pulled on them at all. Up until Thursday afternoon, she seemed to be getting better. We had been planning to go to Lewiston for a family birthday party. The doctor gave us the go ahead and said she'd be fine (I am also thankful for Augmentin and other wonderful antibiotics this season), so we left to see my family.

At first, Olivia's cousins were more excited about her party than she was.
Love to love my new baby!

Ear infection or no ear infection, she is our silly, silly girl.

Silly, Silly Girl

This is Olivia's funny face. It makes me smile from head to toe when I think of it, no matter where I am or what I am doing.

I'm sure she learned it from Richard!

"I Sowy Mom"

"I'm sorry, Mom". When Olivia apologizes in her sweet little voice, I have a really hard time staying upset long enough to punish her, no matter what her crime. She was feeling under the weather one day earlier this week and Richard stayed home with her. When I got home that evening, Richard informed me he had some great blogging material for me, but I might be a little upset when I found out what Olivia did.

My Little Angel, hanging her head in shame. . . Sooo sad.

Yes, that's my Clinique lipstick, ALL around her mouth.

Is that the sweetest tear you've ever seen, or what???!!!

How on earth we can punish such a sweet face I will never know.

I never liked the shade anyway; it came as a bonus with purchase.

I have to wonder what kind of signals we send our poor daughter. . . Shame on you for getting into Mom's lipstick, but let me take your picture. I'm not criticizing Richard; I would have grabbed for the camera, too. Moments to remember!