A little backfill - March 2012

Just some postings of how Olivia looks this Spring, since I've been negligent updating.

Olivia in Winter

Some photos of this no-longer-little girl from this December. Some cooking - she made a Gingerbread Man and was very concerned about making sure he didn't hop out of the oven and run away, plus some really great Christmas cookies this year. Another in the "Mulan Costume" she asked Santa for this year. And another in her self-selected outfit for house cleaning. What a charmer.
She was really taken by the carol "Silent Night" this year. We got a great book about the history of the carol at the church library, and she can now tell you that it was written by Father Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber. Her pitch is still scattershot, but she sings with much emotion and fervor.

Little Horsey Ride

Documented at Caleb's Birthday party, November 5 2011.

Not old, not a cowhand, nowhere near the Rio Grande.

But certainly enjoying the company.

Thanks, Caleb!

Five Years Old

Now you are Five.
These years now have some meaning to you, as well as the party and recognition and happiness for you from everyone around. You revel in this.
This morning you were sure that you were taller than before, the bathroom sink now coming only up to your tummy instead of at your chest, and you saw more of your beautiful self in the mirror above it.
We see more of you too, every day.
You become more Yourself with every Question you now relish asking us, about The Great China Wall or Dinosaurs and Their Demise.
We revel in your Olivianess.
Even your brother and sister enjoy you more, and you them. You all played together on the porch and attic and bedroom numerous times over this weekend after your birthday, and they seem to take your "direction" for them with reasonable joy in the play and pleasing you. Henry imitates almost everything you say, and you don't notice yet but this will annoy you greatly in a few more years.
You had a party over the weekend with quite a few of your Apple Tree school friends, past and present, at the Iowa City Gymnest, and you all ran and bounced and yelled and laughed for quite a while, swallowed some cupcakes, then returned to the mats and tramps and foam block pit. You were more brave than I thought you might be, and I was very proud of you for having the fun you wanted to have and not being afraid of it. The party included both sets of grandparents and Aunt Margo and your cousins Spencer and Irelynn too. Your mother and I spoke to each other on Sunday evening, after all had left and you kids were asleep, about how happy we are that you have such regular contact and familiarity with so much of your extended family. This is very important to us and we are regularly thankful for all of their presence in your life.
When I asked you, you weren't sure what this coming year would hold, what you might learn or teach or do or practice. You were pretty sure you wouldn't be driving a real car and that you would be going to kindergarten, but this was as much as you would venture. I hope for at least both of these things for you too.
I love you very very much, my big/little LaLa.
Daddy

Olivia and Her Dad

These three photos probably capture our relationship as well as can be expected. Enjoy. I do.

Such a Small Change to Look So Different

Olivia got a haircut, and I told her she could have anything done to it she wanted - curled, braids, straightened. She picked the last. Interesting difference in her look. I think she liked it, but not enough to ever work on it again.

Interlude, before returning to Disney Description

These were pictures taken by Olivia of herself in the back on the car on a ride with Mommy.
So intent. So unlike her usual electricity. Yet, funny.
I don't know when it happened, but she is able to actually run now. Not so much side-to-side, more lifting of knees, pushing off with feet and kicking back. Faster, more confident, still laughing.
She is no better at hide-and-seek, though. Laughs uproariously from wherever she has encamped as soon as you "wonder where she could be". Explodes forth after 3 seconds to start again. Joy in repetition.