Thirty

I officially turned 30 this Sunday and entered a new decade of my life.

We celebrated my birthday by celebrating Olivia's first birthday. I thought it was the perfect day. Seeing all the love and cheer towards my daughter just reiterated how blessed my life is. I have the most fabulous, supportive and funny husband a girl could ask for. My beautiful daughter is hysterical and exploring the world on a daily basis. She has the best smile I've ever encountered, which only makes those around her smile back in return. We have a loving family who enjoys one another's company and is always there for you. Our lives are filled with friends who bring laughter and good times. Really, what more could a girl ask for?

Just as I am sure my mom cannot believe that her baby is now 30, I cannot believe that my baby is now one! So in this next year of my life, I plan to see it through the eyes of a child and take each new day as an adventure. Soak up all the little things and enjoy every minute of it!

Butterfly Birthday Bonanza

This weekend we celebrated baby girl's 1st birthday with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends! Butterflies were everywhere (I might have gone overboard!). We decorated butterflies, caught butterflies with nets, ate butterfly cakes, chocolates and cookies! Even my little Olivia wore a butterfly dress and wings.

The Toilet Paper Bandit

One Year Check-Up

Olivia weighed in today at 22 pounds, which puts her in the 50-75th percentile. She is 31 inches long, so in between the 90-95th percentile. On the same growth track she's been for the past year, so she's perfect!

First Purse!

Cousin Sam sent Olivia her very first purse for her birthday! Not only is the purse beautiful, but it's filled with a phone, a debit card, keys and lipstick!

She's been trying to call Sam all morning to say thank you...

But he doesn't seem to be answering...

So in the meantime, she's been online shopping with her new debit card!

Thanks Sam, Aunt Alyce and Uncle Michael!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

We had a delightful time today celebrating little Olivia's first birthday. We had breakfast, played with balloons, and opened a few gifts (her new baby doll and stroller).
Then it was off to the Chicago Children's Museum where we played at the firehouse, splashed at the water display, dug for dinosaur bones, slid down slides, pretended to be a flower, delivered mail, hula hooped, fished for frogs, and planted vegetables. Busy busy and super crowded!
We had a low key afternoon of playing around the house, opening a few more gifts (a soft puppy dog, her own laptop and a shape sorter).
Then it was onto our family dinner celebration. Daddy made homemade pizza which was delicious. Then we all had Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes, yummy! Pink frosting everywhere required a bath.

Happy Happy Birthday Olivia!!!

Twelve Months Old!

The fact that my little baby girl is turning ONE today really shows how fast a year goes by. Each and every single day of Olivia's first year have been wonderful. She gave me the best gift of all in becoming a mommy and I have loved each experience that it's brought. I never imagined that my daughter would have such an infectious smile, a silly personality, and a mischievous mind. She is perfect in every way and we find her to be completely hysterical. I cannot wait to see how she continues to develop and soak in the world around her in the days, weeks and years to come.
In the past month, Olivia has become a seasoned walker with impressive balance. She can squat down to pick things up without falling over and she has the perfect downward dog motion that she uses to get herself back up when she does take a tumble. And she's quick! The minute you turn your head, she sneaks away into the bathrooms or bedrooms to see what trouble she can stir up (which usually is trying to get a hold of the toilet paper!). And she totally knows when she is being naughty because when you find her, she breaks out into laughter. It's pretty cute.
Liv is really starting to understand a lot more and respond with actions. She loves to give high-fives and constantly is pointing at things, especially pictures around the house. She can point to her head when you ask about it and we're working on the other body parts.
Last night at 5am on the monitor we heard "Mama Mama Mama," which Sam promptly said that clearly Olivia was calling me. So I guess we can officially say that's her first word. Hooray! She's constantly blabbering and chatting all day long now which is adorable. She has lots to say and I love to listen :)
Likes: Looking out the front window, snacking on goldfish, walking around the house chugging water from her sippy cup.

Dislikes: Wearing hats, pineapple.

Favorite Books: "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" and "Kiss Good Night"

Favorite Toys: Lovies

Favorite Food: String cheese

Up Next: Lots of fun playing at the park once spring finally arrives!