Field Trip to Sugarhouse Park with CFDC

Dear Olivia, I find it such a treasure to watch you when you are with your preschool group. Today was one of those opportunities where we did not have Fey, who has the chicken pox, so Maddox and I spent it with you at Sugarhouse Park to culminate the end of your "birds" lessons that you have been learning about for the past couple of weeks. You were pleased to have me there (which I felt better about since you had a dream of me that wasn't pleasant this past night), and you held my hand and stuck close to me to feed the ducks. Maddox and you grabbed some bread, dodged the poop, and threw to your hearts delight. Minus the fact that the geese, ducks, and even seagulls were quite full and uninterested, you enjoyed yourselves quite immensely. Another moment was watching you sit on your school blanket to listen to a story and sing a song. The song was "Five little ducks," which happens to give you lots of smiles. We then went on a scavenger hunt after learning what birds use to make nests. You headed for the pine tree that dips low to the ground, one of your delights, and instead of finding nest particles, you enjoyed the cool hideout of the tree. We commenced by the playground where you climbed the monkey bars, but your favorite activity after snack was flying the kites and playing parachute games. You played with your friends, Alli and Lauren. We walked back with the mommas and you, the girls and Maddox spent a few moments chasing a beautiful butterfly. Something that I felt happy about because those are the rare childhood moments that are the most important. Carefree and happy. Running and chasing after the beauties of the earth. Thank you for a great morning. You are growing so fast. You are smart, creative, fun-loving, a peacemaker, selfless, and a joy to be around. With love, Your mama.

More mud, please?

Dear Olivia, We went up to the park in Parley's Canyon (Washington Terrace) with Stephanie, Zach, Charlie, Maddox, and Fey. I brought your swimsuits, because you love to wade in the stream at the back of the park. You decided to play in the mud, wanting to spread it all over your body. I asked you not to and I don't know why. Maybe because I was in my "gotta deal with that later," mentality instead of the "let's live life and have a little fun," mentality. Sorry for telling you no. Sorry for stopping your creativity. Sometimes I will do that. I ended up not worry about it in the end after I actually listend to what I was saying, and you were able to spread it on your stomach, but I notice that I sometimes stop you from doing the things you should be doing right now. I feel bad about it because you just want to be a kid, smile, be happy, and have fun, and then you have grouch-o mom that is stopping you. So I wanted to make it known that I recognize this about myself and I am learning to be more relaxed and enjoy the moment (not what I am gonna have to 'deal' with later), and live, love, my (our) life. Forgive me for some of my major imperfections. Love, Your mama

Music Repetoire

Dear Olivia, Over the past few months you have grown more and more into your parent's music. We were driving down Beck Street headed to Camille's birthday party, and I turned on the radio. This was a good chance that both you and I could listen to something other than a Kindermusik CD that is so much a part of Maddox's favorites. The song that came on was by AWOL Nation titled, "It's not your fault," of which you proceeded to belt out the lyrics in your best voice. I had to smile and credit your papa for exposing you to some of his favorites. Another that you will sing with me is by Regina Spektor, titled "Eet," of which you also love to sing along. Other favorites of yours right now are: Aquabats "Super Rad," Gorillaz, "Clint Eastwood," and Phun's, " In the car you told me that you were going to be a rockstar that sings and plays the guitar. I told you that you can be whatever you want to be. How much we love you and appreciate your desire to listen to some great music. Love, Your Mama

Description

Dear Olivia, You are kind, sweet, loving, friendly, You are an old soul. You are wise. You are talented, independent, willing, honest, obedient. You are flexible. And sassy. Oh, how I love you. Love, your mama.

Perfect medicine

Dear Olivia, Some days I still have you take a nap. Call it motherly instincts, but on those days you fall asleep quite quickly even when you say that you are not tired. Like most "nap" days, you like me to lay with you. I enjoy it. Hearing your breathing, looking into your beautiful, almond shaped eyes melts my heart. Today you awoke quite upset, but you managed to go poop, and I think you were mad because I didn't hear you calling to wipe (I was feeding Fey). The crying woke everyone up. And I actually chose the right in this instance. You were having trouble calming down, so instead of getting frustrated that seems to be my M.O. lately, I scooped you up and snuggled with you on the bed. Perfect medicine. I love your snuggles. Love, Your mama.

Mama! I got Maddox on the potty!

Dear Olivia, My heart is full for you at this moment. You are a very intuitive little girl. You are aware of other's needs, well beyone even my own adult ability. You have a way of cheering up everyone around you. People just WANT to be around you. Lately we have been trying to get your brother interested in the potty. Maddox has been quite adamant about his diaper, but has slowly become interested as he sees his little friends taking the time to actually sit on the potty. Today I took off his diaper and asked him if he wanted to go to the potty...he (of course) said no and you both headed upstairs. Next thing I know, you are racing to the head of the stairs yelling, "Mama, mama, come quick! I got Maddox to go on the potty! He is pooping on the potty!" Now he didn't quite poop, but he did get a couple of tinkles in there and he was excited with smiles and screams and we all celebrated together. But I just wanted to celebrate you, too. Because you are so willing to be obedient, kind, giving, thoughtful of others. You teach me the thing I need to be better at. Thank you, my dear. Love, Your mama