Olivia

Dear Olivia,

It’s funny because I had been thinking about writing this for a while now, and the topic came up last night between your father and I about your name. We love the name Olivia, so why did we choose it for you?

Your father had phoned one of his friends who has a daughter the same age as your sister. Their daughter was having a birthday party, and your father thought that her name was Olivia. He asked his friend about his daughter’s name – “Her name is Olivia, right?” and his friend said, “No, her name is R.” So, when he got off the phone, we both looked at each other and said, “That’s it!”

But, let me backtrack a little bit. I wanted to give you a name that was so very unique and one that wasn’t on the popular names list for the last five years. We were drawn to the names Hailey and Bailey and Madison. Unfortunately, all were very popular. I even liked Emma and Isabella. Those were popular, too. One day I was thinking about names and “April” came to mind. Your father really liked it, and I did, too. It wasn’t on any of the popular lists, so I had thought that was going to be your name for sure. And I loved it. It reminds me of that time of year when it is still a little cold and rainy but everything is starting to bloom and turn into spring...a very pretty time of the year.

Then, Olivia came along. Your chosen name became Olivia April. The name Olivia has become somewhat popular, but it is rare that we call you that. You have many nicknames, one of which I hope will stick and one that you can use if you don’t like your full name. Those being:

Olive (your father’s favorite)
Livey (my favorite)
Liv
O

You could always go by your middle name if you like that better.

It’s funny how parents choose the names of their unborn before they are actually around. Who knows if the name will suit the child, right? That’s a fear I had with you...what if the name just doesn’t fit and you don’t look like an Olivia? We’d have to start all over. But, the second I saw you, I knew that it was a fit. You’re an Olivia, a little olive, my little livey. You don’t fit any of the other names I mentioned above.

Olivia: Symbol of Peace, Olive Tree

I love you,
Mama