Christmas Eve

My dear little one,

It's Christmas Eve, and you have just loved the holidays! We have had so much fun building snowmen and baking together, spending time with Daddy and your sister Brooke, who came to visit us for 2 weeks. I've been busy starting up a business, but we've found lots of time to play together as well.

I have to say I have really enjoyed this time with you. You are so much fun! You love to play and be silly, my kind of girl. You're so sweet and loving, and you have this innate sense of family. It's really amazing. You have been immediately drawn to you sister and your aunt, which is very cute and heartwarming.

You've been learning so fast lately. I can't get over how many words you can say now. Hundreds. You're such a little explorer, always up for an adventure and busy all of the time. I have always loved this time of year, but it's been so much better being able to experience it with you. 

I can't wait to see your face tomorrow morning, and make pancakes for Daddy with you when he gets off work! You are so special Olivia. I'm the luckiest mama!

All my love,

Mama (aka: Mum)

18 months

Olivia turned 18 months old this past week, and just like in the past she woke up that morning able to do things she hadn't done before. She now has over 100 words that she copies/mimics! This has been the biggest and most noted change.

She has also been nursing way less and eating way more. She sits SO well in her high chair now, and doesn't throw all her food overboard. In fact, the past two nights she has sat in her chair and continued eating well after J and I have finished, and even asked for more food.

She's been taking these epic naps in the afternoon, and then sleeping for a good 5 hour stretch at night. Which is AWESOME. Though today she got no nap and went to bed at 6:30... so we'll see.

We had the first real snowfall last night, and Olivia just loved it. J was bringing snow inside for her and she was feeding it to the dog. She just kept signing and saying, "mo mope!" (more please, in toddler speak). It was so cute!

Having J off work three days in a row has really made Olivia so happy. She's become a little daddy's girl the past couple weeks. We went up to my parents house for two nights last week, and Olivia just had the best time with Grammy. J and I even got out on a date! I don't think she even noticed we were gone, she had so much fun.

I think we're nearly done with teething, she's got 3 more teeth to go. THANKFULLY.

I'm finally starting my business I've been thinking about for some time now. I'm hoping this will allow me to continue to stay home with Olivia and provide some additional income for us to sock away. More to come on that!