15 May
Olivia, as we walked back stage immediately before her performance: “Mom, what am I supposed to do when I have to throw up?”
Bec: “You mean, ‘if’ you throw up?”
Olivia: “No, WHEN.”
Bec: “I suppose you run off stage.”
Olivia: “Well, we’re not supposed to leave the stage…”
Bec: “I think they’ll probably make an exception for you.”
14 May
After nine months of lessons twice a week, Ava and Olivia completed their respective dance classes. Ava’s ballet, jazz and tap instruction culminated in a tap routine to “Button Up Your Overcoat,” and Oliva’s introductory ballet and tumbling class sang and danced to “Genevieve the Giraffe.”
Both performances were part of a a two and a half hour recital at the Lied Center last weekend. They were brillant, per the performers’ mom, as well as the always unbiased Gramma Best and Grandma and Grandpa Lucky.
10 May
My mom often says, “When she was good, she was very good. But when she was bad…” It’s spot-on for this one, my sweet-as-can-be troublemaker who’s never met a rule she didn’t want to break. She’s complicated and unpredictable and a whole lot of fun.
18 Apr
Olivia and I spent the morning at Quail Run for Kindergarten Roundup, and yet again, I found myself in a rather confusing state when it comes to this sweet girl. On one hand, it seems astonishing to me that she’s just now reaching this milestone. On the other, while she is already five, she is a very young five. Time expands and then contracts, I suppose.
Try as I might, it is hard not to draw comparisons between Olivia and her older sister. While Ava has always been incredibly mature, she has not been particularly outgoing. So Kindergarten Roundup for my eldest daughter brought a bit of concern on both of our parts.
Olivia is much the opposite – she has no problem jumping right into a new situation and making herself right home. And yet, she just seems so little. I even had to remind her to leave her blanket and her favorite stuffed animal – Sleeping Bunny – at home today.
Perhaps it has as much to do with birth order as personality–or even more likely, my own notions. Whatever the case, seeing my youngest daughter in her new role today made me realize my perception of her age means very little. Children grow up, whether we recognize it or not.
Olivia had a wonderful time this morning. She is incredibly excited to join her big sister at the schoolhouse up the street this fall…even if there may be a toy rabbit tucked away in her backpack those first few days.
10 Apr
Olivia, to Bryan, who was wearing a suit and tie: “Did you forget to put on a rose?”
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