Dear Olive,
You are so thoughtful.
If I could ask for anything in this world, it would be a hug from you. You are noticing other’s emotions and lending your warm embrace if you feel it will help. Your thoughtfulness and caring nature make me so proud. I get a comforting feeling when you ask if I’m sad. You give me the biggest, tightest hugs and tell me how much you love me. You make my world such a better place.
I couldn’t have asked for a better big sister. You are so gentle and so kind to your little brother. You light up each other’s worlds when you are together. Sitting back and watching your bond grow is so enlightening. It reassures me that you were so ready for a little brother. It takes away my fear that you miss being an only child. It makes me excited to see how you two grow together and learn how to be true friends outside of being siblings. You are two peas in a pod; never straying too far from each other. When you spend time with G and Popa, the first thing you ask when we call, even before saying hello, is where is Henry. Olive, you have no idea how this makes me feel. Henry is yours for life. He is the one person who will always have your back. He will always be there whenever you need him. Never forget your bond. Never forget your love for each other. Remember to always tell him how much you love him.
We have had a slower-paced month now that Christmas and pie making have wound down. We are still skating at the rink once a week, and have even ventured to the little rink in our front yard a few times. You are slowly working up your courage to try bigger and harder things on your two blades. Your jumps, to the naked eye, are tiny, but you muster up all your strength to make that little hop happen. Your feet slide back and forth in a quick motion, and before I know it, you are at the other side of the pond. You are a very cautious girl in everything you do, but I can truly see you stepping outside of your comfort zone when you are on the ice.
While Momma and Henry were away at a skating competition, you went on a date with your friend Colton. You went to his house with Daddy and went for an afternoon skate in his backyard. I love watching your friendships grow outside of our house. You talk about your friends constantly. My best advice to you is to stay true to them. Show them the real you. Treat them with kindness. Be thoughtful. Friends can be just as precious as family. Sometimes friends feel more like family. You will have friends come and go throughout your lifetime, but the true ones always stay in your heart. No matter the distance between you, you can always pick right back up where you left off. Love your friends, Olive. They will help you through things that I might not be able to.
Other notable things from this month:
- We have discovered the true awesomeness of reverse psychology! Whenever we want you to do something, all I have to say is “I don’t think you can do that” and off you go to prove me wrong! It works every time! Little do you know that I am fully aware that you are capable. I hope this lasts for a while!
- When we were getting dressed to go outside you reminded me not to forget my “toque”! A true Canadian.
- You have been having many sleepovers with Popa and G! You love going over to sleep in your Dora bed. When we FaceTime, you always ask to see your bed, just to make sure it is still there!
I cannot believe we are one month away from your 3rd birthday. Often, it feels like you have been with us forever, and other times it feels like it was just yesterday when I first held you in my arms. My dear Olive, you have opened my world to a whole new me. I cannot thank you enough for letting me find this fresh air I have always needed!
Xoxoxox
-Momma
