Sandoval Family Blog

Recent one of Olivia

This one...she is mine!
Originally uploaded by amiefletch

I've been processing photos of so many other people's kids that I haven't spent enough time enjoying my sweet girl. She was home sick today and once she got through the throwing up part (thankfully it didn't last long and Steve was on duty, I missed it for the first time ever!) she was a pleasure to be around all day. She also apparently spent part of the afternoon memorizing the lyrics to the "High School Musical" soundtrack - 'cause that girl knows nearly all the words to several of the songs now. And boy, does she like to sing and sing and sing them.... just ask Steve. :)

Olivia's Fifth Birthday

Five years ago tonight, Olivia arrived. She arrived with gusto, but not until the doctor went in and got her. We should have known then that she had a mind of her own. I remember seeing her tiny little self bundled up in the requisite white hospital blanket with blue and pink stripes - as they held her up to me - and thinking, "Wow, she's tiny and cute - and loud - and look at all that hair!"

Five years ago tonight, as Olivia says, the family gathered at the hospital to "Get to know her." I remember that night almost like an out-of-body experience. First time having surgery and first time having a baby - what a combo. I remember being pretty overwhelmed with so many new emotions those first few hours. I also remember that they came at dawn's early light to sign paperwork and get me out of bed to walk. Poor nurses, never knew what hit 'em!

But mostly I remember bits and pieces of being a new mom - holding that teeny little baby in my arms. Attempting breastfeeding for the first time. Dressing her in lots of cute little outfits - probably much to the nurse's chagrin, since she could have stayed in her hospital-issued gown to make it easy on them. But no....I had her dressed in long pink gowns and the hats...oh, the hats - that girl had every had known to man. Knitted strawberry hats, knitted pumpkin hats, little Florida Panthers hats - she had a wardrobe.

She was not big on being swaddled, but she did like to sleep on our chests. A lot. And she adored the bouncy seat from the first evening home. Driving home from the hospital for the first time with a new baby feels like you've stolen someone else's baby - what do we know about raising this thing, you wonder.

I remember writing down each thing she did - and the time - sleeping, eating, pooping, all of it - recorded on a notepad. I know some of you laughed at me. But when you aren't sleeping, a list of those things does come in handy sometimes! It didn't take long for her to prove that she was day/night confused. Those little blue-gray eyes would pop open around 4 p.m. and she'd be up until midnight or later - straight through. But she wouldn't wake for anything during the day. Who knew she'd be sleeping through the night by 4 months and be the great sleeper she is today. Steve and I definitely wouldn't have taken that bet those first few weeks.

I can't believe it's been five years. In five more she'll be 10. Holy cow. I love each year more and more - they are speeding up and I am not ready. But nothing is better than watching her turn into her own lovely person. She is so funny - and the older she gets the more I realize that she has her dad's dry sense of humor. She is so caring and sweet - she adores the family, her teachers and her friends. If we haven't seen someone in a while, she will routinely ask about them. She is incredibly independent - if she can do it for herself, she does. Of course, she is also very strong willed - the two do seem to go hand-in-hand. But if given the choice, I'd take it over again - this is who she is - strong willed, independent and hard-working. I think we are seeing her grow into these traits to really use them to her advantage. They will simultaneously come in handy and drive us batty for years to come!  She is Olivia at five - we love her and each moment with her.

Some party photos:

It was a Cinderella Party...

In her dress-up getting ready for the ball

I didn't tell him until this morning that he had to dress up like the prince. He did a fantastic job. I owe him BIG. :)

Dancing at the "Ball"

Princess cake

Getting ready to blow out the candles

Girl's Weekend

Girl's Weekend = Martini Bokeh
Originally uploaded by amiefletch

Fun shot from Girl's Weekend. It was just the getaway I needed.

Now the "busy season" begins with photography. I am blown away by the interest I've gotten - I never thought I'd be turning down sessions because I was booked. What a blessing.

And thank goodness for a husband who is happy to entertain Olivia while I disappear a couple of hours a weekend on these shoots. Thanks, honey! I owe you!

And here's to "Boy's Weekend" coming in November. Steve's going to Dallas with some of his rabid Dallas-fan friends for a football game.