Eugene Livin'

Olivia,

Not going to lie, the past couple of months have been tough on you in some ways. We have moved from New Mexico, where we spent a glorious year of exploration and having the most grand time with our dear friends The Brinton's. Annika and you were like two peas in a pod, literally seeing each other every day. We all loved that part :) It was so hard to see you leave that place and harder still to leave it myself. Dad didn't come with us on the drive back to Oregon, which I think, shook you up a good bit. Your sleep pattern has been off since about late July and here it is November. You're finally starting to go down better, but I'll say you've become a little daddy's girl :) I'm not surprised, since he's rad. You love him like crazy and it's so sweet to see you two together...doing anything! We have fun, our little family.
At this point in your life you can do so many things, yet you are still in a stout, little baby-ish body that makes everything lovable :) Seriously, it's hard to even get mad at you for putting a bunch of pumpking goop in the toaster. Yes, you did this the other day while we were separating the seeds out! You thought it was a good thing to do. You're figuring everything out these days. I love spending time with you, for it won't be long until you are off without me at your side so often.
I do want you to know that as you grow, I'll always be here for you to talk to about anything and everything. Dad too, we love you more than you know.
Some really fun points to remember about you and for you to know are:

• You think squirrels (and pretty much all animals) are "cute". We're pretty obsessed with the way you say it! 
• You have got the word "no" and "I don't" down pat.
• You're still really into books and love Pookie the pig every night. 
• You're super quiet around others, you don't particularly like getting into the mix with other kids unless you've been around them tons and there aren't very many of them at one time. I think you may be a bit of an introvert. Very interesting to observe. 
• I think you are going to be really fast and physical in your life. You are incredibly strong for your age and weigh 30 pounds at 2 years. You're a chip off your old blocks and you're beautiful from head to toe. 
• You melt everyone's heart that you meet. They always think you're so sweet, which you are. You are a very sweet soul and it nourishes mine every single day. 
• You're totally stringing your words together and listening more. Internalizing things all around. 
• Really understanding moods and emotions more. You're able to empathize with us if we're sad or upset, or if someone else is. 

We just love your two year old little self. 

You're so funny

Olivia, It's been too long since I wrote, but I love you so much. I think you help my heart grow.

You've been hilarious lately. I try not to laugh, but sometimes when you get upset you say "Honey! Honey!" Like in a frustrated, whiney way. It's because you hear me call you honey and it's just too funny! Honestly I try really hard not to laugh because I know you're frustrated. I love everything about you. 

Mama

A Thought...

I have been thinking a lot about perfection lately. I think that it's a facade in this life. I think that we, as women, are too hard on ourselves. There is no such thing as perfection here on this earth. I am learning to accept that in my life, and hope that you can do the same someday (Olivia.) 

What prompted this post is the fact that our physical bodies are capable of so much. Having children, physically, as we can is amazing and I am so grateful I was able to have Oliva. Although our bodies are wonderful temples that we are to respect and treat as a temple; we often don't. For one reason or another. It's easy for us to pass judgement on others, and say "How can they eat that fast food?" "How can they drink and do drugs? Don't they know it's bad for you?" But in reality, I find myself doing it all the time to myself. I say things like: "Why am I not thinner?" "Why can't I just have this type of body?" "I'm not the weight I want to be." Truth is: Grass is always greener on the other side. I always think that if I can just do a little bit more, then I'll feel happier and be where I want to be. It's just not always true. I think goals are wonderful things when thought up with worthy intentions. I just think that my idea of perfection has translated to what happiness I can allow myself to have and enjoy. The main thing is that you have to love yourself as God does. He loves us so much, and knows us much better than we know ourselves. We have to learn to do the things that are good for us (with slip ups along the way :) ), and realize that we are blessed when we do the right things for our bodies and minds. 

I love you Olivia, and the last thing I want to give you is a complex about what you should or should not be. Heavenly Father made you, and you are a sweet daughter of Him. I mean that in the most sincere way, because I know how much I love you, and dad, and imagine that times infinity. That is how much He loves each of us. Be true to yourself, and remember that you are lovely in His sight. I love you.