To Olivia, on her 3rd Birthday

Dear Olivia,

Your journey from two to three years of age is now over. You've stepped into the big time now, and there's no turning back. The year was filled with much drama, and whether it was intentional or not, there is part of me that is glad to be saying goodbye to your year of two. So many great memories, yet there are some things that I'd like to forget. Though, what would a world without Olivia drama be like? Well, I'm sure that it would be a lot less interesting. Sometimes we need the drama.

We started the year off with you talking away, though sometimes it was quite hard to understand as your words weren't crisp clear. As the days past us like a whirlwind, you have grown to speak like a grown up. You still ask "why?" a lot, but you've got a good understanding of many things now. You are quite the storyteller when you get on a roll. Most recently, you've started singing much more than you used to, and I'm quite surprised at how many songs you know as well as the words that go with them. You love to dance. You love to twirl. You love to sing.

This year has been all about your love for Cars (yes, still at times), Nemo, Wall-E (I think mostly because of your sister), and The Little Mermaid (Oh, this world would come to an end if there was no Ariel). Oh, and how can I forget the ponies? Well, you see, My Little Pony was quite popular when I was a girl, and I am so happy those little ponies have made a comeback. You've got quite the pony collection (mmm, maybe 20 or so) that you take care of like they were real ponies. The love for babies also continues...

You have also come into your own with your love of fashion. You have at least three costume changes per day. When I say costume, it could be almost anything you put together. Your Halloween costume from 2007 (which you will see in the video), one of your many princess dresses, the Ariel costume, or whatever you see in your closet that tickles your fancy at that moment. Let's not forget the white tank tops, either. You would wear a white tank top and a skirt every day of the year if we let you. We also can't forget the swimsuits that you like to wear in the dead of winter (like yesterday when you went running outside in your Nemo swimsuit paired with your rainboots - I wish I had the camera right then). You are a true fashionista, and I've pretty much given up on picking out your clothes these days, because oh the protest that comes along with it.

Oh, Olivia. Dear sweet Olivia. You have really become such the little girl recently. Though, still loving to cuddle and give hugs and kisses, you are very much clear in knowing when you want to do something or not. There is a lot of drama. I wonder what you're going to be like when you get older and if this is how your personality will stay. If that's the case, no one is going to mess with you, for the hitting and pushing and kicking have not been caged quite yet. I'm not sure if we will ever be able to tame the beast within. You're always challenging. You're always questioning. You don't put up with crap. Believe it or not, these are some of the many reasons why we love you so much.

I'm not sure you'll really ever know or realize how much I love you so. You are our second born, the reason I spoiled you so much as a baby, and the reason I still continue to do so. Whenever I look at you, there is just something about you - those eyes, those curls, that voice. You have this spark, this little light at times of darkness that can make me see clearly. I can see you clearly, and you make me so proud. So full of energy, and so full of expression...so carefree. I'm jealous a little bit. I look at you taking in your youth and just living it to the extreme, the way in which we all should. The song I picked for your video contains the following verse:

The street lights start to fade away
I see the quiet on you when you're sleeping
Probably dreaming day

Every day with you is perfect, Olivia. Even with the good and the bad, I am so happy that you're here, with us. You make every day exciting and keep us on our toes. There's no other person I'd like to do that than you. Always, always, always remember that, without you, we would definitely be lacking something within our family. You brought us something so special three years ago, and you continue to do so each and every day. I love you so much, Liv-Liv. So very, very much...

Love,
Mama