Thursday, September 30, 2010

everyday we are one step closer to a toddler...


What baby? Whenever I see people I havent seen in quite some time they ask me how the baby is. What baby are they referring to? I no longer have a baby, and the more I think about it the more it makes me sad. Dont get me wrong, I will always remember the newborn smell you carried around, how you fit so perfectly into my arms, and spending long nights awake with you. Every stage you go through is more and more fun and those memories are so close to my heart that I just have to close my eyes and everything is there like it was just yesterday. Somehow though between then and now you transformed into this little person with your own attitude, likes, dislikes, and view on this world. You know exactly what you want and you have learned how to let us know when it isnt what you want. Tommorow you are going to be one and half years old....you are sleeping in a toddler bed, drinking from cups, using a fork and spoon to eat, saying more words that I could list here, and continuing to amaze us everyday. Sometimes Mommy and Daddy have to remind ourselves that yes you are ONLY a year and a half old....if we say "Olivia do you want to take a nap?" and you sternly shake your head and say "No" well you still probably need that nap. As sure as you may seem and as much as it makes us laugh you are still our baby!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Sending prayers up to heaven, and hugs miles and miles away for our Uncle Andy to get better soon!




ok, So I know this blog is called "The Sweet Life of the Powell Family" but sometimes events happen that are not always so sweet. Most of this blog will be upbeat and happy but either way I want you to know what went on in your lifetime that created who you are today. Anyways, Mama is so proud of your courageous Daddy, Uncle Andy, uncle Jake, and Papa too for serving in the United States Marine Corps. They are all amazing men and have served this country to protect our freedom. I can never find the words to truly express my gratitude to all those who have served. For now though, hopefully Thank You will be sufficient. Uncle Andy is currently deployed to Afghanistan and just recently got hurt by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Thank god he was able to call everyone to let us know he is ok. It sure beats getting the phone call from the Marine corps FIRST staying he is in critical condition....So thank you Uncle Andy for getting in touch with everyone first! I know it made a huge differance for everyone to be able to hear your voice. We are hoping and praying they will send him home to his family to heal, but the Marine Corps is the Marine Corps and they will do there own thing. Last we heard Uncle Andy is healing in a hospital in Afghanistan for about 6-8 weeks and then he will go back to fight with the other guys in his unit until the end of his deployment in February. Mommy's still hoping they change there minds and let him come home, I believe he has served his time in this war.
Since you were born there has pretty much always been a Powell fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan...as scary as it can be we are so proud of the brave men in our family. Daddy even spent his time in Iraq before you were born. I always want you to remember that everyday men and woman are putting their lives at risk to protect us. I know it wont be hard for you to forget with Daddy and the rest of our family who has the up most respect for the men and woman in the armed forces but I want you to spread that knowledge. The older you get the more often you will hear people complain about the little things (even mommy I'm sure) Try to remember this:
(this is from an email Mommy got and really puts things into perspective)
You stay up for 16 hours, he stays up for days on end.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up, he goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a headache and call in sick, he gets shot at as others are hit and keeps moving on.

You put on you anti war shirts and go meet up with your friends, he still fights for your rights to wear that shirt.

You make sure your mobile phone is in your pocket, he clutches the cross hanging onto his chain next to his dog dags.

You talk trash about your buddies that are not with you, he knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach staring at all the pretty girls, he patrols the streets searching for insurgents and terrorist.

You complain about how hot it is, he wears his heavy gear not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch and complain how the restaurant got your order wrong, he may not get to eat today.

Your angry because your class ran 5 minutes over, he was told he'll be extended an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight, he waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries, he gets a letter with a picture of his newborn baby and wonders if they'll ever get to meet.

You criticize your government and say that war never solves anything, he sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents, you don't, he does exactly what he is told even if it pus his life in danger.

You stay at home and watch tv, he takes whatever time he is given to call home, write home, sleep and eat.

You crawl into your bed with down pillows and get comfortable, he tries to sleep but it woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
Get better soon Uncle Andy. We love you and are impatiently awaiting your safe homecoming.






Sunday, September 19, 2010

17.5 months




Who stole my little baby girl and replaced her with this toddler? In the blink of an eye you went from Mommy and Daddy's peanut to a big girl. Olivia you will always be Mommy's 7 lb baby girl who entered this world screaming "I AM HERE and I am about to change your world!" You sleep in a toddler bed now...no more crib! You are awesome and slept through the night the very first night we switched you over! Slept from 8:30-7am even though Daddy thought it may be a little too soon to get rid of the crib we proved him wrong! He's getting used to the fact that his girls are pretty much always right! Add Image

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Changing leaves, crisp air, apple pie.....





























It can only mean one thing. Mommy's favorite time of year is on the way! Fall. There is nothing better than fall in New England. The scents, the air, Halloween, and thanksgiving! Lots of time with family and friends. Mommy will be signing up to run the 5 Mile Feaster Five road race on Thanksgiving morning. Time to kick this running thing into high gear again!







We went apple picking on labor day weekend with Daddy, Grammy and Grandpa! It was so nice to have Daddy around not working for a couple of days. The only bad thing about fall is Auntie had to go back to school. She had her first day yesterday and you were so used to seeing her everyday that you went and sat outside her door yelling Aunnntiiie. We can't wait until Christmas time when baby boy Tremblay (AKA your new cousin) will be here! Auntie will be home on maternity leave for 6 weeks! We can't wait!







Hope you enjoy the pictures from apple picking the other day!







Today we are off to sign up for some swimming lessons at the YMCA in Andover!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Who ran a 5k?










Mommy did! My very first 5k. I've been waiting 3 months to write this blog entry! I ran the Yankee Homecoming race in Newburyport MA. The entire thing, not one break even for water. I had you my little pumpkin pie on the sidelines watching and coach Daddy on my side running with me. 4 months ago Mommy couldn't run more than 2 minutes. Now she was running a 5k in about a 30 minute time. Yeah, yeah that could use a little work, but hey I ran across that finish line! Just like I told you Mommy was having a makeover, she's lost 17 pounds so far! Next up, continue to healthfully lose this weight and run a 10k.




Here are a few pictures from race day.
We hold her hands....She holds our hearts!
Olivia Taylor Powell
04/02/2009
7lbs 0 oz 19 in