Miss Olivia Office Lady, Indeed

One of Olivia's favorite new past times is to play "Miss Olivia's Office Lady." I had sent an e-mail out inquiring if anyone had any old office supplies, and Grampie came through in a big way. Liv is more than set to run a large office with all of these goodies. Note her own personalized name plate, along with the framed photo of Grampie. Liv dressed up for work, and with her coffee mug o' water, she was set for her daily grind. Thank you so much, Grampie!

Adults (or Mindults)

Steve and I hosted a little dinner party this weekend, and I think it was the first time I had really cooked in a while. It was fun to prepare for, and Olivia had a good time as my assistant. I made Ina Garten's ceasar salad dressing - which is so easy and so delicious. After the main course we all enjoyed dessert - Magnolia's devils food cake with seven minute frosting. Olivia loved to be part of the mindult party (aka adult). She even changed outfits and modeled two different party dresses.

A Generous Heart, Unique Fashion Sense

Olivia had been doing some chores around the house to earn money for Haiti. On Friday we dropped her donation off at school, Liv was so proud. And while she doesn't look like it here, she was also very proud of her own outfit choice. What it lacked in matching it certainly made up for in comfort.

Oh No

I can't even remember why she was upset (this was from last weekend) but I do know my little lady sure loves to dress up. I especially like her multiple-hair clips.

This is What I'm Talking About

I found this after Olivia was in bed - Liv has become a lot more maternal lately, and is always tucking various babies in with various things as covers. This lucky gal gets some kleenex.

She Saves the Drama for Her Mama

Liv has the sniffles - nothing major, just some sneezes here and there. I was driving her home from her Nana and Papa's yesterday, and she announced from the backseat: "well, looks like I'm not going anywhere for awhile." We got home, and I set Liv up on the couch - pillow, blanket, Willy Wonka and her own box of kleenex. Ten minutes later, I look over and she says: "well, looks like I'm sleeping on the couch tonight." A bit later, before bed, it continues: " well, looks like I'm staying home tomorrow." Ah, my Liv.

Deep Thoughts

Olivia has been talking a lot about Heaven. As I was putting her to bed, her questions were: "does everyone in Heaven get to talk to God?" and "do they talk like this: (whispering) I love you." Yes, Liv, I think they do.

Disney on Ice!

Olivia is obsessed with all things Disney, and has been asking to go for awhile. That's not in our immediate plans, so I've been substituting with a "Disney story" every night - I walk into her room pretending to be different characters (most commonly Minnie, Cinderella, Ariel and Princess Tiana). And then Steve joins in and plays Goofy and Mickey. This is so far from the real thing, the poor girl. When I heard Disney on Ice was in town, it was the perfect solution. Olivia was absolutely overwhelmed at first - all of her favorite characters in one place, ice skating? And celebrating holidays?? She was beside herself with delight. I think her favorite was the skeleton during Halloween. I would highly recommend this for anyone who has a little one at home.

Saturday Night

We were over at Uncle Mike's and Aunt Laura's on Saturday night for a visit. Also in attendance were Grammie and Grampie, Auntie Rosie and the Bleskins. One of the big draws is always the drum set - the girls play with wild abandon. Oh, and Liv's sleeping bag. She loves being zipped in all the way.

Play-Doh

Olivia and I had a great time playing with Play-Doh the other day. Liv delighted in the animals I made her, but was somewhat annoyed by the necklace. She is at such a great age for crafts - not once did I catch her trying to eat it. Probably because there were red heart cookies to be eaten instead. Much tastier.

The Great Sleepover of '10

First order of business. Get Emmett started with dinner - I gave him an appetizer of cheerios.


But then, I got nervous and switched to puffs. Infinitely less chokey.



Emmett totally caught on.



A sophisticated dinner of grilled cheese, nuggets, green beans and applesauce. Cake for dessert.



I had to document these thighs.

I hoisted Esme in so she could give Emmett a good night snuggle.

Morning time - it's still dark out, but all the girls want to do is play in their little clubhouse. I have to go check these backpacks - I'd love to see what they packed them with.

Just then, a scary monster came. The girls shrieked with delight.

Esme's trying to make a quick getaway.

After Steve's pancakes and bacon, it's craft time! Olivia set out to make a card for Grammie and Esme set out to document her love for nuggets.

Esme took a popsicle stick and told me it was for her nails.

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What a delightful time we had with Esme and Emmett. All of the kids ate well, played well together, and slept soundly. We were sad to see them go.

I just noticed this picture was at the end of the post. It might be my favorite one. The girls were beside themselves with laughter.

AAAH-tic

First curious, that turned quickly to fear as Steve tried to carry Liv up further into the attic.

Nap Skipper

If Olivia decides to skip a nap, this is what she can usually be found doing. What I should have take a picture of is the mound of blankets, pillows and dolls that are usually on her bed that now cover her floor.

Soap Tattoo

Olivia is making a tough face to match her "tough" looking tattoo.

Due in July!

Sweetness

I think I've said this before - one thing that really touches me is when I come across something Olivia has done - whether it be barbies positioned in their house, or this sweet scene. She was supposed to be napping, but instead felt the need to be nurturing to her "friends". Mickey, Minnie and Mr. Snowman are all cuddled up courtesy of Liv.

Smart Cookie

Back during our endless attempts to get Olivia out of diapers, we must have blindly promised anything and everything. I do remember some promises (PJ Sparkles) but not others (bunk beds). Every few months Olivia will sweetly ask when she's going to get (insert toy/pet/trip here) because she went "pee pee on the potty." Maybe she has an incredible memory, or maybe she's just pulling the wool over our eyes. Either way, when she asked for a sister for her fish Nemo, we couldn't refuse. The latest addition is a betta fish - originally named Lady Gaga's Sister, but Olivia figured it's a boy, so, Sam.

A Little TLC

Steve had gotten me this massaging foot bath for Christmas - Olivia really wanted to try it out. When I was putting her to bed later that night, I asked her what her favorite part of the day was- and it was this. I thought that was so cute.

No Handsome For Her

I know it's common for kids to attach themselves to one particular piece of clothing and want to wear nothing else. I remember Erin's penchant for her kelly green sweatshirt and jeans when she was in kindergarten. Lately Liv doesn't want to take off this little nightgown. It doesn't help matters that we thought it was a dress and she wore it as one all summer. If I try to put on pants, or anything not pink or purple, she tells me it's "handsome" - an insult in her eyes.

Coloring House

Aunt Gena had given Olivia this neat house - that's meant to color on. Liv had a great time hiding out in there with my phone and a blanket. If anyone received a prank call yesterday, all signs point to Liv.

Lady Gaga

Erin, Annie, Maureen and I went to see Lady Gaga at the Rosemont Theater Friday night. What a fantastic show - we loved every minute. Olivia had really wanted to go, and I had that in the back of my head - and was reminded of why I said no very often throughout the night. I'm not sure I would allow a 12 year old to go!