The Big 5

It's crazy to realize that you are already 5 years old Olivia! How'd you get so big so fast? Where have the years gone? It seems like only a short time ago that I learned I was pregnant with you. I remember sitting in my bed, sorting through pictures of your big brother early on the morning of “September 11th”. I flipped on the news. It was early and your big brother was still sleeping. I had just learned you were on your way and was feeling the need to get organized.

I turned on the television just after the first airplane hit the World Trade Center. In the moments I was working to get things in place before your birth in 8 months, the world changed. In that moment I knew you coming into a very different world. ,Some of your peers would be children who lost their parents on that day, and in the months to come we entered war.

Olivia Grace, Peace and grace coming into a world of turmoil and war. You are just what the world needs. I am not expecting you to save the world, hon. I'm crazy, but I haven't quite reached that level – yet. I just see the effect you have on the world around you. You make people smile and forget about the chaos around. To the contrary, you draw others into the chaos around you, but your chaos is pink, frilly, shaded with blue eye shadow and pink lipstick. Your world is accessorized with headbands, purses, clips, batons, pom-poms, pretty shoes and nail polish. Your innocent zest and excitement bring joy to those you are near. At the supermarket I see smile after smile as you twirl and dance to the beat of your own drum.

Fearless, the little sister,the big sister, the middle child, Our friends all know that if you take a fall, 90% of the time you'll pop right up with an, “I'm OK!” I remember the time a few months ago you and I headed to a gas station bathroom, and you took an impressive spill outside the floor to ceiling windowed doors. A shoe flew off in the tumble. You popped right up, as if absolutely nothing had happened. Nothing! We walked in the store, and no one inside missed the show. All were waiting – it seemed they all still had their hands cupped over their mouths in held gasps, As we walked through I heard, one after another, “Wow”, “Oh my goodness”, “She's a tough one”, I simply nodded and affirmed what I already knew about my frilly little princess whose middle name truly is “Grace”.

Your siblings, my greatest joy is when you three have found a place of contentment together. Your laughs are so rich and full – three-part harmony. You love to try to mother Lucy, but she doesn't like to be mothered by her big sister. However, there are the tickles and those kisses at night. Joel and you have a relationship that covers the span of sibling love and fury. You guys play like you're the best friends ever, and then I see you fight as impressively as I ever did with my little sister. I guess it's in the blood.

I wonder what you'll remember about this time in your life, Will you remember all your containers/purses of collections? Will you remember your obsession with water projects? Will you remember your obsession with painting and coloring and cutting and gluing and glittering? Will you remember painting your own nails – my friends are impressed at how good you are at painting your own nails as well as others. I think you have a steadier hand than I! How about your intense love of pretty shoes, growing your nails long (oh, how do you keep a 4/5 year olds long nails clean???), dresses, dresses, dresses, dancing, and parades down the stairs with your friends? Forts and tents and pillows. Oh my goodness pillows and blankets. Water? Will you remember all the water projects? If you do not, your mother will, and she will never let it go,

You are like a little Renaissance girl, who loves snacks. When you are grown, read your Olivia books. Your life is nearly a mirrored reflection of that character. That's a great way to describe you – a character. I love you Olivia Grace. I am constantly reminded that God is teaching me peace and grace through our journey together. As you grow, I am growing too. Thank you for helping me see life through your innocence and joy. Forgive me for not always being so lighthearted when I fail to see life through your pink-colored lenses. I count it a joy and blessing to be your mommy and I am working hard to be the kind of mom you need.

This is a little late, but – HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART! I hear you call your dollies “sweetheart” too). You truly have a sweet heart. I pray that your 5th year is a wonderful year for you. I pray kindergarten is a world of excitement and learning. I selfishly pray you stop spilling things so much. I pray for protection, health and utter joy. 5 has already brought you the chance to be in your first parade – as a baton twirler – what a way to start off being 5! You'd better watch out though, Auntie Kerry and Mommy may buy their own batons and give you a run for your money. We're pretty competitive, and girl… it doesn't matter how old you are.

Love you baby.