Olivia just being Olivia!

Samuel's new Rock-n-Roll Elmo from Santa!

Dear Samuel, Months 46 & 47

Again, I need to combine 2 months...sorry, buddy. 

We traveled to the Midwest in November to see family for Thanksgiving. You have become quite the expert traveler now that you have been on 8 airplane trips over the course of 4 short years! You understand now  that Elmo has to ride on the scanner belt along with everything else. This used to be quite the dramatic scene about a year or so ago. It's nice that you now understand that he will not be lost forever, but that he will come out on the other side.

Elmo did almost get lost forever, though, but not at the airport. You left him at the Disney store at the Galleria mall in St. Louis. By the time we realized it, we were already back at Mamaw & Papaw's house 30 minutes away. Uncle Brad came to the rescue, though. He went back after they had already closed for the night and rescued him and kept him safe until the next morning. Here is a picture of Uncle  Brad with Elmo at the mall.  Uncle Brad loves you very much!  Oh and poor Elmo, he sure is looking a little loved these days...

You had a great time playing with cousins in Ohio and using silly props from the photo booth at Jordan & Christina's reception. 

 

I love putting you to bed at night. We read 2 books of your choice. You typically choose the same 2 books for about a week until I beg you to read a new one. Lately your choice of books has been "Animal Alphabet" and either your "Jesus book" as you say (Children's Bible) or "The Very Hungry Cateprillar". If we read the Animal Alphabet, you like for me to tickle you each time you answer incorrectly.  The page will read, "A is for Anteater..." and I will say, "A is for..." you will then reply with another 'A' word even though you know it is Anteater, just so I will tickle you.  I must admit, some nights I just don't have the energy to tickle you but I wouldn't trade you laughing for anything in the world. 

Sometimes we will play a game where we go through the alphabet and say as many words that we can think of that start with a particular letter. I love hearing you say so many words for each letter and I also try to think of words with each letter. You laugh so hard when I think of words that you like. I could play this game with you over and over. 

Buddy, the next time I write one of these you will be FOUR! I absolutely cannot believe that my baby boy is growing up so fast. 

I'll love you forever, buddy!

Mommy

Dear Olivia, Month 19

Oh my goodness, you are are hoot! You are into EVERYTHING!  Samuel never climbed anything or got into things very much when he was your age so I am not used to this.

Over the past month I have seen you take your shirt off and climb onto the kitchen table. Just tonight I was doing a few things in the kitchen while you and Samuel were quietly watching a show in the living room. I didn't think twice about you being quiet since you were watching a show, but oh did I get a shock when I went to change your diaper. You had chocolate ALL over your face, hands, socks, clothes, etc!! You evidently grabbed a hershey kiss from the kitchen table while I wasn't looking and held it in your hand until it melted enough to get all over everything. I ended up with quite a bit of it on my shirt by the time all was said and done.  I guess I should be thankful both of my children weren't like this but at the same time, I'm caught so off guard.

All I gotta say is, thank goodness you are so darn cute!

You love to hug your stuffed animals and your lamb has become your favorite friend. He goes everywhere with you.

Oh how we love that you are not much of a picky eater! You will try just about anything and are eating more "adult" food than your brother!

I love you, sweet pea!
Mommy