Life Lately

We had another school project - for the 100th day of school.  She had to bring in a collection of 100 things, grouped together in 5s, 10s, 20s, etc.  She had some pretty strong opinions all involving 100 pieces of candy...but luckily I was able to steer her towards a centipede.  Once I gave her the idea, she took it and ran -- choosing to do it in Kinkaid colors and making sure it had a bow, so everyone would know it was a girl! :)

We worked on it when Matt was out of town one weekend and I could tell she was SUPER proud of the finished product.  They could take it in any day that week.  I told her to wait till Wednesday once Matt was back so he could see it and help her.  She was very disappointed to wait that long!

  

The 100th day of school also coincided with Go Texan Day for the rodeo.  A cute Olivia story for the memory book: I told her the night before that she did not have to wear her uniform to school the next day and instead she could dress up for Go Texan day, so please go set out jeans and her shirt.  When I went up to tuck her in, I noticed she set out her Texans football shirt.  I adore this girl.  Moments and slip-ups like this are so precious to me because in all other instances she seems so big and mature -- I love seeing these fading glimpses of "little"!

I am still going over at lunch to feed this little man and I've gotta say its probably my favorite part of the day -- no matter the weather, no matter my schedule, I've religiously gone every day.  And although breast feeding has been quite a journey this time around (especially with the refusal of bottles and a recent diagnosis of mastitis), I know I will very much miss these daily moments with my baby.

Olivia was basically one hot mess when I picked her up that day - Go Texan + 100th Day of School and a petting zoo on the playground.  Thank goodness it was  a Friday!

We've had a couple instances lately where I've seen Olivia display a quick loyalty and sense of protection for Eric.  I'm always careful to just enjoy this moment for what it is and not expect anything from her with respect to Eric and their relationship.  I want to make sure that their relationship is whatever they cultivate.  Matt & I will do what we can to foster a healthy, close relationship, but I know at the end of the day, I've got very little control over it.  So, for now, when they are little, I'm happy for small displays of sibling harmony.

As Eric gets more mobile, he is learning his boundaries and limits and has taken a few MINOR falls.  Of course he cries when he falls and Olivia is usually the first one to SPRINT from wherever she is to him.  If Matt or I get there first, she rushes over and takes him and bounces/shh's with a very concerned look on her face.

We recently left Eric for the first time with a babysitter and went to dinner with Olivia.  Initially, she was THRILLED with the idea, but as it started getting closer she became more and more nervous about leaving Eric.  Is this girl a chip off the old block or what?!  I assured her that I too hate leaving her and Eric and that's why I rarely do so.  I explained this is really the best of all worlds because he will be sleeping the entire time we are gone.  She was skeptical all night, so when the sitter texted that he had woken up early and was crying, she was a tad judgmental with Matt and I (she barely contained her "I told you so!" as we sped home) and raced up the stairs as soon as we got home to comfort him.

And for his part, Eric seems to be constantly entertained and enthralled with this big sister of his.  He shows his love to her in the ways he can -- lots of kisses, hugs and puts his arms out to be held anytime she walks by.  If she walks into a room, he is unable to concentrate on any activity other than watching her.  He also continues to be tickled by most things she does.  Recently, we were in the car and Olivia was singing some crazy gibberish song AT. THE. TOP. OF. HER. LUNGS.  Just as I was about to ask her to be a little quieter, Eric burst out laughing -- like a baby belly laugh that came out and filled the car.  Which, of course, only egged her on more.

Olivia's teacher does this thing called "Model Making" at school.  Basically the kids bring in odds & ends from home (empty toilet paper rolls, boxes, corks, etc) and the kids can use them as supplies to create.  I love this idea because it encourages and fosters Olivia's creative side.  And she is OBSESSED with model making.  My office manager at work recently started collecting items for her too, so she's got a constant supply of goodies.   This was her most recent creation - I think its some sort of treehouse/stage.

Things have finally slowed down a bit for our family and I feel like I'm finally coming up for air after a pretty stressful few months.  As we head into March, we are hoping for some sunnier weather - literally and figuratively!