To My Little Ray of Sunshine

I was going to try to write everyday.  Yeah, not going to happen.  Things get busy, especially with a full time job, a one year old, and daily things to do.  However, I do have a few things I wrote down so I would not forget.  They are little, but even so, things like these are what guarantees a smile everyday.  Honestly, a one year old is the biggest ray of sunshine you ever did meet.



So, to Olivia, My Little Ray of Sunshine:

I love the way you grab the blanket with both hands and pull it up just past your waste with a big smile.  Generally this is the cutest when we put the blanket over you lap in your car seat, but it happens often at other times too.

I love the way you want to join in our games on Sundays at Grandma and Grandpa Wests.  Specifically when we have dice in a cup.  This was a first last Sunday.  You would shake the cup anyway you could to make noise, this usually caused the dice to go flying.  You would pick each one up individually, put them back in the cup, and repeat.

I love the way you love other kids.  When you first meet an adult you are generally so quiet and cling go Mom.  However, when a kid walks into the room, especially when they are playing, you talk and point and want to join in.  Then usually you will follow them around.

I love the way you dance.  And it doesn't take much.  Life is simple to you.  Every little noise; a shopping cart, someone tapping, country music, slow music, fast music.  Anything.  You dance to it. It is adorable.

I love the way you help wash your hair when I am giving you a bath.  As soon as I get your hair wet your hands are up there scrubbing away.

I love the way you eat smarties.  You eat them nibble by nibble.  One small bite at a time.  You think it would be easier to just put it all in your mouth.  But I guess that takes the fun out of it.

I love they way you walk through the mall (a first this week).  You run into the glass windows.  Stare at the lights.  Look at all the people.   Fall down.  Run away from Mom and Dad, no worries if you almost run into every person you pass.  One man even said you looked drunk as you ran in front of him.

I love the way you are learning to throw things.  Your current favorite is taking something small from the ground and throwing whatever it is into the air (it barely passes your head when you throw it, and it usually goes behind you).  You do this over and over again.

And as mentioned another day, I love the way you tease.  This week I was working on my puzzle.  You were playing by me, but then you quietly walked away down the hall to my room.  I followed.  You had a puzzle piece and some gum I had previously gotten from you (gum is a favorite of yours).  As soon as you knew that I knew what you had you ran and giggled.  And later that night, it happened again.  You sure know what you are doing.
Then earlier today Daddy was asleep on the ground with the remote right by him.  You quietly got it and giggled as you walked away.  You knew you usually can't have the remote and you thought you were so clever. Too bad Mom , Grandma, and Uncle Nate all saw you.  We get a good laugh out of all the teasing you do.

Trying on (playing with) Moms ring.

Playing with the bucket.

You love jerky (with close supervision)

You love sitting on the counter in the bathroom.  This particular time you worked your way to the sink.

We love you Olivia, more than you will ever know.
Love, Mom (and I am sure Dad would agree)

On another note, today was Olivia's one year appointment (quite a few days after she really turned one).  Everything looks great and Dr Lindgren is amazed at the things she can do for her age.  She had three shots and cried for all of them.   The flu one was out, so we will probably need to go back in next week. Last time she took it like a champ, so going in again for it should not be too bad at least.

Amilton showing Olivia the fish.

Waiting for the nurse to give her shots.

And waiting...

And just thought I would mention.  Movies prices.  You want to change me $6.50 for my one year old to see a movie?  Mind you she will probably watch 5 whole minutes of it and take up a whole 0 seats.  No thank you.  Frozen will have to wait for the dollar movies.

"Painting" with water. 

She enjoyed spilling the water and trying to eat the paper more though.

Until next time...