Olivia--18 Months

I once again find myself behind in postings to the blog, but I have decided to take a break from the events and pictures that have yet to make their way on here from the past month or so and focus on the fact that my baby girl is 18 months old.  That is 1 1/2 years old, I prefer to say 18 months old though because it sounds younger, and well, I am holding on to her babyhood for dear life at this point.  I know I say this all the time, but she just seems to be growing up so quickly.  She tries so hard to be a big girl.  She always wants to be in the middle of whatever Abigail is doing and loves when the big kids include her when they are playing.  At this point Abby still loves to show her off, but I am sure there will be a time in the not so distant future when she won't want her little sister hanging out and playing with her and her friends.  So for now, I love seeing them play together and I am so thankful that they have such a wonderful relationship.  Abby is very patient and gentle with her and she knows how to make her laugh in a way that no one else can and vice versa.  Don't get me wrong they do have their moments, but for the most part they are the best of friends.

Olivia is a big Daddy's girl at the moment.  Her eyes light up when she hears him come home from work and she runs to his arms when she is hurt or upset.  I have to admit, it hurts my feelings a little bit but I know she still loves me so I will get over it!  And sometimes, it is even to my advantage, like when we pick her up from the play place at the gym after barbell class and our arms are like jelly!!  I also know I can use the line, "do you want to go see Daddy?" to get her out of almost anywhere, even the park.

Olivia insists on running everywhere and I love watching her run.  Her little feet scramble underneath her body, she twists her little hips, and her mouth is usually open in a wide grin.  She does not like sitting in her stroller or a shopping cart, she would much rather be out and able to wander and she loves to help me push.  She is obsessed with shoes and loves putting them on.  She is stubborn and wants to do things on her own and she has mastered the word "no".  I have seen glimpses of what the terrible 2's are going to hold and if the few fits she has thrown are any indication of what is to come then we might be in need of some creative parenting.  For now we are just thankful that she is more sugar than spice!

Olivia LOVES animals, specifically horses and dogs.  She is constantly on the look out for these animals and squeals with delight whenever she encounters one whether it is real, in a book, or on tv.  Olivia could eat an entire box of fruit snacks in one sitting if we let her.  She loves playing in the sand, but really isn't fond of "swimming".  Olivia loves to dance and sing, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Justin Bieber are just some of her favorites. She has recently become pretty attached to her blanket and dog when she goes to sleep and her paci is still a permanent fixture in our household.

Olivia is my baby girl and she is growing up so fast.  I try to steal as many little moments snuggling with her as she will allow.  I am constantly trying to find a balance.  A balance that will allow her learn, explore, and experience new things without letting her grow up too quickly.  I imagine this will be something I will continue to struggle with as she gets older.  But, for now I am going to enjoy my 18 month old BABY girl.

Height:  33 1/4 inches (about 90%)
Weight:  25.11 lbs  (60%)