Who Does She Look Like?

It's the question everybody debates about new babies...who does the baby resemble? Here is my comparison for Olivia...

Baby Sam


Baby Olivia


Baby Megan


Thoughts?? I think she is a pretty good mix.

Sight

Olivia's view on the world is expanding along with her sight. She's starting to focus on items and show more interest in lights and colors.

This Little Piggy...

With newborns, there is always the talk about who the baby looks like. We're still in debate over that for Miss Olivia (and I am working on a photo comparison). But I have noticed that my baby girl has my long toes. I can't wait for the day when she is older and we can get our long toes pedicures together :)

Three Weeks Old...

At three weeks old, Olivia is starting to really stretch out both her arms and legs. Her legs are quite long when extended and she fills out her 0-3 month sleepers. Liv is also starting to discover her fingers which have been making their way into her mouth this week. She hasn't quite figured out how to uncurl her thumb, so she jams her whole hand in there.

Twinkle Toes

Could these be cuter?!! Our friend Joanne gave them to us and we adore them. Adorable little slipper shoes on precious little toes. Oh, having a baby girl is a blast!

Girlfriends

Olivia's little circle of friends is already pretty impressive. She had her second playdate with her girlfriend Kate Griffith over the weekend. Kate is just four months older than her, but their current difference in size is impressive. (Actually her mommy Rachel and I are just four months apart as well!) But these two will end up being in the same grade and hopefully have many great times together (just like their mommies have!)

Snoozy

Little Olivia spends quite a large portion of her days sleeping and dreaming. Her sweet noises and faces indicate that she is usually having very tender thoughts, but on occasion her sad faces are heartbreaking. If only I could find a way to make sure all her dreams were picture perfect!

Sam the Dad

I always knew Sam would be a wonderful father from the first time I saw him interact with my nieces and nephews. He was always comfortable and engaged with the kiddos immediately-- hence their eternal love for him. They literally come running towards his screaming "Uncle SAM!" whenever he comes over.

As a dad, he's been fantastic and I've fallen in love with him all over again. His first diaper change was Olivia's in the hospital (pretty impressive that he avoided any changes up until then with all the kids in our family). After one incident of loosening Olivia's diaper because it was "too tight" and then one giant poop explosion later, he's got it down now.

This past week when I got mastitis and was down for the count, he stepped in and took care of both Liv and I wonderfully. We are lucky girls.

Two Weeks Old...

At two weeks old, Olivia has surpassed her birth weight and now checks in at 8 pounds 1 ounce! Her weight only puts her in the 45th percentile, while her height has her in the 85th percentile. Maybe she will be blessed to be tall and skinny. Her cutesness level also continues to increase rapidly as well.

First Playdate

Olivia had her first playdate with her buddy J.J. who was born just 1.5 weeks before she was. J.J.'s mommy Nicole is one of my great friends from high school. There were quite a few tears and even a few punches thrown, but I sense a great friendship forming between these two little ones. We're looking forward to many more playdates in the near future!

1 Week Old...

Little Olivia has been with us for one week already-- and it's been one of the best weeks of our life. We could stare at her for hours on end (and spend quite a bit of time doing just that). It's hard to believe that just over a week ago, this precious baby was living inside my stomach just waiting to make her debut. And now it's hard to imagine her ever not being here!
PS- All the little hats I spent the past few months knitting...I definitely overestimated the size of her little bean. Need to make a few more small ones because only one fits!

Best Birthday Gift Ever...

Today is my 29th birthday and life is better than ever. It's easy to say that Olivia's arrival was the best early birthday gift a girl could ask for.

My sweet baby girl and I already have lots in common..
We are both April babies, getting to celebrate our birthdays exactly one week apart. We were both born on our exact due dates because we think being on time is important. Our birth stones are diamonds and what girl doesn't love that. I can't wait to discover what else we have in common in the days, weeks and years to come!

Meeting the Cousins!

Olivia is lucky to have six wonderful older cousins who can teach her the ways of the world and help her get into trouble. With seven kiddos under the age of of six, the adventures ahead should be quite entertaining. Yesterday they all came over to meet the newest member of their gang.

Ellie (6 years old) used her oldest cousin skills to expertly hold Liv, until she declared to Nana she was getting a little heavy. Then she headed straight to Olivia's closet to check out her wardrobe.


Finn (4 3/4 years old) had his baby holding mastered and always made to sure to watch her neck.


Brendan (4 years old) sweetly told me how pretty her eyes were and that he liked her pajamas.


Seamus (2 1/3 years old) immediately declared "Me hold it!" and "It's eyes open!" He gave very sweet kisses as well.


Colin (15 months old) clearly will be the leader of the younger set of kids and eyed Olivia, while at the same time trying to get into as much trouble as possible.


Saoirse (11 months old) checked out her newest playmate, anxiously awaiting the days when Olivia starts moving around.

She's Here!

Olivia Maeve Elsener
Born at 12:49am on April 3rd
7 pounds, 11 ounces
21.5 inches