So late on wishing my girl birthday wishes!
Olivia Talei popped out into the world like a princess late to the ball on October 6, 2003. And since then it’s been a crazy good growing experience for Justin and me.
I honestly believe you can’t truly experience life until you’ve experienced parenthood but more specifically motherhood. The selflessness that comes with this responsibility can never be experienced in any other situation. The fact that I have it in me to hurt somebody if they threaten my child is proof.
Olivia has made me stronger and smarter and I have been blessed and amazed to see her grow into this little opinionated (I will not wear that skirt), particular (I don’t like spaghetti with red sauce) little lady. Standing at 9 months, walking at 10 months, and speaking clear sentences since 11 months, I have been proud and boastful.
Self weaned off breast milk by 12 months, gave up her binky shortly after and potty trained all by 18 months..who is a proud mama??? I AM! I AM!. Those tasks were just little glimpses into how fast Olivia would pick things up and how self-directed and motivated she can be in certain areas.
Her sense of humor is developing to be similar to Justin and sometimes it is witty, others nonsensical but all the time it makes Justin and I giggle at her crazy life observations. She has the biggest heart any little 6-year old could ever have. I mean, her sister Ella gets her in trouble for something at least three times a day but still Olivia is right there to help her reach a water cup, tie her shoe or carry her to the table. And although she seems very adult in some things (making and packing her lunch) I have to remember to still praise her, nurture her, love her because that’s all her little heart wants.
Even though she’s 4’2″ and pushing 60 pounds she still wants piggy back rides, shoulder rides, and for me to pick her up when I hug her. She still wants to snuggle on the couch, be held when she’s has a rough day and hold hands when we walk. She’s shy in new situations and even shy in familiar situations. She gets in trouble for “not thinking” and has been grounded twice in her short life.
(Sorry for the pixelated pictures but these are Kodak digital camera circa 2003. We were big timing it then!)
So above, is little Miss Olivia. Popped out paler than a ghost. OK, well almost. But seriously, she was shockingly bright. Thank her daddy for that. The other picture is her at 7 months. That is the “Cheerio Face”. LOVED THAT STAGE. She would sit, finger and eat Cheerios for like an hour. Also notice the faint traces of a short-long haircut. It took her a little while to grow some hair.
This next set is Olivia at age 1 (clapping for her birthday pancake), age 2 (a little after she had her birthday and we were carving pumpkins), and then age 3 (loving on some Charlie and Lola). Note how her hair kind of just sprouted. One day I remember being sad that she didn’t have any and then I was happy that she had the cutest little afro, and then I was sad that I actually had to maintain it. Her little face at those ages was so cute. Those cheeks, that nose and that cute little smile!
Look at Olivia at age 4 (on the left) and age 5 (on the right). Note the hair again. Still getting bigger, longer, crazier and harder to maintain. Oh but her eyes and her smile!
HELLO, SIX-YEAR OLD! No more chubby cheeks! But her eyes and smile will always be the same! Love you big girl! Way to rock it out after the 1st trimester. Your teacher had nothing but praises and is recommending you test for the GATE program. And you’re reading a chapter book a week?!? WOE! You are amazing my little one. God is working on making you into something great!
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