A letter to you...

Olivia,

You just turned two years old. You are absolutely amazing and brighten our life each and everyday. You are teaching Mommy and Daddy to smile, laugh, and view this world through the eyes of a child. It is a beautiful thing and we wish you would always see the world the way you do now. Life is simple, sweet and perfect, just like you! Big decisions are what snack you want while watching Cailliu or wether you want to play with barbie or your new puzzle. Another year has gone by and you are no longer our baby. You are so independent and such a little person now. You like to do everything for yourself and you talk in complete sentences now. You sometimes like to test Mommys patience with tantrums and most recently your artistic expressions on the walls of the house. It's really hard to stay upset when you look at me with those big beautiful eyes and say "I'm Sorry Mommy." We are quickly learning being parents that its only going to get more and more difficult the older you get. The whole discipline thing breaks our hearts but we know it is best. We hope you know how special you are to us and when you are in trouble it is only because we truly want the best for you. We love you more than anything in this world and no matter how old you get you will always be our little girl. ( I say this...but please please slow down and stop growing up and being so independent) Happy 2nd Birthday pretty girl.

All our love, hugs, and eskimo kisses,

Mommy and Daddy

Girls Day!

Today we spent the day shopping with Auntie Des at the Wrentham outlets. We went to lunch at Uno's where you ate a generous portion of pasta with a breadstick and apple juice. We spent a few hours shopping at all the stores, you fit right in and enjoyed spending the day with the girls! When we got to Gymboree (our favorite store) you were grabbing things saying "I want it, I want it" You are truly a girl after my own heart, and Daddy is in some serious trouble! You were amazingly well behaved the entire day and because of that we made a special trip to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory where you picked out a chocolate teddy bear pop. We had a really great day and Mommy was so proud of you.

He came home.

As I sit here and await the Series premiere of the new lifetime show "Coming Home" a million emotions soar through me. I remember Daddy's deployment to iraq like it was yesterday. I remember the night he left as much I would like to make that night a blur. I remember every single detail. We went to dinner at OCharleys with Grammy and Grandpa, shared laughter, a delicious meal, and good wishes for a safe and quick deployment. The hours went by like minutes, and the minutes like seconds. There was nothing I wanted more than that dinner to last forever, it ended as quickly as it started though and before we knew it Grammy and Grandpa were dropping us off at Camp Lejeune so that Daddy could pack up his final things. All the men in the squad shaved their heads.....don't ask me why, it was anything but flattering. Daddy's roommates and one of his best friends (who we will be seeing very soon for his wedding) Dave Bennett was there preparing for the deployment and going over the checklist of gear that needed to be packed. I had never seen so much gear, green and brown and a checklist a mile long. When bags were finally packed and checked and checked and checked again we finally ventured outside to where the buses would come to pick them up. It felt like we waited forever. Well, we pretty much did wait outside for hours. Just waiting, saying Goodbye, kissing, and hugging and hoping those buses would never show up. But they did. The dreaded buses came rolling in sometime around 2 am if I remember correctly. Once they got there it felt like everything happened so quick. Within minutes the buses were loaded with gear, and Marines we piling in. That final Goodbye, last hug and kiss before he walked away and got on that bus is overwhelming. Feelings of fear, sadness, and worrying that you may never see this amazing man again. When those buses drove away I couldn't decide if I should run after it, cry, or go back to the hotel room. I decided crying and going back to the hotel room would be the most logical choice. I think we stayed at the hotel for 3-4 hours before we decided it would be best to just start the drive home from North Carolina to Massachusetts. No one was getting any sleep staying there waiting until morning anyways. So, Grammy and Grandpa drove Mommy back home. During the drive we heard from Daddy to tell us they were boarding the planes and headed to Germany before Iraq. He said he would call when he could and that was it, off he went. Over the next 7 months there were times I would get a phone call everyday and other times we would go a week or two before hearing anything. It was the longest 7 months of my life. I can honestly say I have never been so worried, stressed, and attached to my cell phone. I was so afraid I would miss a call, I wouldn't shower, go to the bathroom, go to work without it in my hand at all times. I'll never forget the one time I left my cell phone in the other room on vibrate by accident and took a nap in the other room and fell asleep. I missed 3 calls that day, until Daddy finally called the house. Its amazing how important a 5 minute phone call is when you don't know when you would get another one. Great Grammy Mal lit a candle every single week Daddy was gone. Someone was watching over him while in Iraq. Every deployment is different, and everyone has different experiences but I feel blessed at the number of times Daddy was able to call and check in. We were even able to use the web cam 2 times to see each other.

Now homecoming....this I can really recall each and every single detail. The day daddy came home was hot and humid and out of the 7 month deployment it was probably the longest day of the 7 months. Mommy spent hours getting dressed, doing her hair and makeup only for it to be washed away from the dampness in the air. It didn't matter though. We hung signs up on the fence where the buses would drive by before making it onto base. We waited and waited and waited until finally those buses pulled up. I can't say I remember him walking off that bus since in the sea of Cami's I couldn't find Daddy. Everyone else could, Auntie Des, Uncle Clyde, and Grammy and Grandpa were all there in North Carolina waiting for him. They spotted Daddy in a second pointing him out to Mommy who stood there saying "where? I don't see him?" Right up until he was standing in front of me, picking me up and hugging me one of the best hugs I've ever experienced. He was home, he was safe, I had the love of my life back in my everyday life. We knew that would be his final deployment and we could finally start our life together.

As I watch these children and babies welcome home their Daddy's it literally breaks my heart. I thank god that you were not born yet when Daddy had to deploy. If there is something harder than a deployment....I would say it would be a deployment when you have kids. I just cant even begin to feel the pain I would feel telling you Daddy wouldn't be home tonight when you asked "wheres Daddy." All the military wives that are home waiting for these deployments to end are the strongest people I know. Daddy is home and his contract with the Marine Corps is done, he served his country and we are so proud of him. As much as he would like to be with his brothers in Afghanistan, he has another important job now....being home with his girls.

Come swing on by for a Birthday Party! Our little Monkey is turning two!

(this cake is from pinkcakebox.com)

A complete change of heart in your 2nd birthday party plans. The theme for this years birthday party is going to be Monkeys!! Since you are our little monkey and love monkeys its a perfect fit! I have already ordered your adorable dress, picked out invitations, have sent the picture of the cake we are going to have made to the baker, and decided on favors. We have one major dilemma...we have yet decided where to have it! When writing the guest list we counted 60 plus people. So much for having a small party this year. Anyways, our house can not exactly accommodate 60 people so now we are trying to figure out where to have it. I know it really doesnt matter as long as our family and friends are there to celebrate with us, but I just want to make sure everyone is comfortable and has a great time.

2nd Birthday Party Planning

In just two very short months you will be turning two years old. I feel like just yesterday I was writing a blog about your 1st birthday party planning. Wow, what a difference a year makes in the life of a 22 month old. You are a little person with ideas, wants, needs, a view on this crazy world that is only yours. You have opinions, throw tantrums, and most importantly are the sweetest little thing I have ever seen. You say things like

"Goodnight Mama, Sweet Dreams, I love you".

"Be careful driving Daddy we love you"

"I'll find it"

"Oh My Gawwwwd"

and so many more things I could no way list them all here! Your vocabulary is amazing and it makes me think back to when you were just a few months old and my biggest worries were if you would develop normally and learn to talk and how do I know if I am teaching you all the right things in order to get you to talk. Should I give you the pacifier or will that delay your speech, are sippy cups ok or are they better with straws? I have no idea what we did right or wrong with you....or if it even mattered either way. I do know however it was a big old waste of time worrying and I should have just enjoyed the ride a little bit more. You would learn at your own pace and you would be fine! I can remember stressing because you weren't walking on your first birthday....is everything ok? Why isn't she walking yet? What a waste of time....the day you learned how to walk you started running the next day. Now you are jumping and skipping and perfect!

Anyways I have two months to reminisce on your second year of life, no need to get emotional already. Really though, your second year in this world is already almost behind us and now we are moving onto bigger and better things, like potty training and preschool or atleast thinking bout those things. Scares Mommy to death, but hopefully I remind myself over and over to enjoy this ride and watch this life through your eyes to truly enjoy it

2nd birthday party bash is going to be on Saturday April 2nd (your actual birthday) at Amazement in Bradford. We are going to do a Strawberry Shortcake theme. Mommy has found the invitations she wants to order, and a cake that she wants made. The only other ideas we have so far are all the guests making their own strawberry shortcakes! We will just base the whole party around strawberry themed foods and of course Mommy has found you the perfect strawberry outfit! Heres a little sneak peek at the planning!

Birthday cake will look something similar to this....http://www.flickr.com/photos/claricakes/2581258630/

Invitations will be made from this seller on etsy and look just like this.....http://www.etsy.com/listing/66112745/strawberry-birthday-invitations?ref=sr_list_18&ga_search_query=strawberry%2Binvitations&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3

Full time stay at home Mommy!

Never in a hundred years would I have guessed I would ever be given the opportunity to be a full time stay at home Mommy. It's happening though, and I couldn't be happier. Thanks to Daddy, "Generous" Electric, and Auntie Jenny. Mommy is given the opportunity she never thought possible, to stay at home full time with you and baby Jacob. You will have your cousin around to play with during the day.

If someone had asked me just 5 years ago where I pictured my future I would have never said being a stay at home Mom. Not because its not what I wanted, its just something I never believed possible. I'm about to experience life with two under two (part time) This could be the deciding factor if you will ever get a brother or sister. I cant make any promises.....Jacob is such fun, but at the end of the day he goes home and you go to bed! You are amazing and you like to sleep at night, Mommy does too.......

I have a feeling my posts may be getting a whole lot more interesting with our days filled with fun, chaos, and funny stories! I can't wait and wouldn't want it any other way!

Snow!

We have gotten an absurd amount of snow this winter, every week the news is predicting another major storm for New England. Its February 3rd and we have no place else to put it! The first few storms were fun to watch, play in, and be stuck inside for, but we've had enough and are more than ready for spring! Cabin fever has set in.....we've been spending a lot of days stuck inside reading, coloring, watching the wiggles, and baking! Last snow storm we made homemade honey wheat bread. You even helped out a little with the mixing!

It's been awhile.....

I got a new laptop tonight which means no more excuses for the lack of blog entries I have been posting lately. I think its been 3 months since the last time I updated! I feel like a real tech savvy blogger with my macbook, and hot chocolate. So lets see, the last time I posted was October...whats going on in the world of Olivia Taylor these days.

We celebrated Christmas which was a complete blast. You were spoiled by everyone, and enjoyed having your cousin Austin around for the Holidays to celebrate! It was a good thing you behaved for the most part since Santa was also so good to you!

A few days after Christmas on January 3rd we received our favorite gift of all! 8 lb 1 oz baby Jacob Tremblay was born! You are absolutely in awe over him. Its amazing to watch you interact with this newborn baby when it seems like just yesterday you were the newborn baby. You are such a great older cousin and the two of you, I'm sure, are going to cause some trouble together not too long from now. During "tummy time" you love to keep Jacob company and talk to him. I am sure he will learn a lot from you.

Since its been so long since the last time i blogged this entry is somewhat rambling and all over the place but at least its an update!

Uncle Andy came home from Afghanistan and will be in Massachusetts with us for a couple of weeks before he has to go back to North Carolina. We are happy he will be stateside. Just one day before Uncle Andy landed on US soil Uncle Jake deployed. We will be keeping him in our thoughts everyday.

Great Grandpa Smith turned 85 yesterday so we went over to his house to have cake and ice cream! Next weekend Uncle Rob and Uncle Chris will be flying in so we can take him out for a birthday dinner!

In just one more day you will be 22 months old. I can't believe how fast time is going. Mommy is not ready to have a 2 year old. Especially one who is as smart as you are. You sing songs, speak in sentences, can spell your name, know the abcs, can count to ten alone and to twenty with some help. I am so proud of everything you have learned over the past year and how much you have developed. At the same time, I wish I could get back some moments with you as an itty bitty baby, but there is one thing Mommy can not stop, and that is time.

Baking, Baking, and more Baking!!

It's been too long since I have written a blog entry, but our baking has continued! We made peanut butter chocolate cupcakes for Shawna's birthday, and s'mores "cupcakes" well, because Mommy just wanted some chocolate! I think both were a big hit!

All this home cooking and baking from scratch reminds Mommy a lot of her Grammy Charlene. We haven't really told you too much about her yet, but as you get older I'm sure you will hear lots of stories. Your middle name actually comes from her.."Taylor" which was Grammy Charlene's maiden name. Unfortunately she passed away a couple of years before you were born, but she would have loved to have met you! I know she is watching you grow from heaven and smiling down on us. One thing I know she would really have loved was all this baking we have been doing. She was quite the baker and having 5 children of her own she knew how to cook things from scratch and work with what she had. I wish I had taken a lot more of her knowledge of cooking and sewing with me, and shown a little more interest in those things when I should have. There are days when I wish I could call her and ask her for her homemade chocolate cookie recipe, or how do I know if my bread is rising properly? Now that I have you, I would love to ask her to teach me to sew! She would say it is ridiculous that they charge 30 dollars for a pillowcase dress that she could probably have whipped up in an hour with 5 dollars worth of cloth!

She was one of the hardest workers I have ever met. When she set out to do something she did it, and she did it right. She always completed what she started. She raised 5 children including your Grandpa, and we think he turned out pretty good! Days before Grammy Charlene passed away she was out gardening. She would never think of not tending to the garden, or taking care of her family and home because she wasn't feeling well. Everyone else always came first. I will always admire that about her, and hope that I can always remember whats really important just the way she did.

More rain....

means more baking! Today we spent the day making homemade bread. When I say spent the day I mean spent the whole day....it came out delicious but I'm not so sure I will do that too often. Its a lot of work for a loaf of bread, but just like the cupcakes the taste difference was huge! The smell of this bread traveled throughout the entire house and if you ever feel like you need to "taste" fall you just need a slice of this! This recipe was also from that great blog I was telling you about, annies-eats.com She is amazing and has amazing recipes. Tomorrow begins Mommy's work week, so the baking business will be on hold until Monday when we make Shawna a birthday treat! Peanut butter cupcakes.

Christmas in October!

or Christmas pictures at least. Today we spent the afternoon in Newburyport with Daddy trying to get a Christmas picture of you for our holiday cards this year. 56 degrees, rainy, and windy wasn't the perfect conditions for our family outing but we did alright considering! It was so nice for all three of us to get to spend the day together since it doesn't happen often with Mommy and Daddy's opposite schedules. One things for sure though, there is nothing that brings us a greater joy than being with you!

Here is sneak peak at some of the pictures we took today. Of course I will not include the ones we picked for the Christmas cards since those are a suprise!

Rainy days lead to baking days!

This week has rain in the forecast for everyday up until Thursday, so what better to do then stay in PJ's all day and bake! That's just what we did....throw in some Mickey Mouse clubhouse and The Wiggles and we had a pretty perfect day! Not to mention the fact that you decided it was a good idea to skip your nap...AGAIN....so you are sound asleep at 6:40 pm which is a pretty good deal for Mommy since she can blog, clean, and catch up on things that need to get done around the house.

I'm not so sure you were really into the whole baking thing, you enjoyed smashing the pots and pans together and being the taste tester, so we made a good team! We brought our baked goods over to Grammy and Grandpas house, Sue next door, and Auntie and Uncle Derek's. I think they were a huge hit!

So what did we make??? Homemade apple pie cupcakes! Everything was made from scratch, the cupcake batter and frosting! This was a first for Mommy since she normally buys the boxed stuff. I found an awesome blog called annies-eats.com She made everything look so easy to make homemade and the taste difference was huge! If the time allows for it Mommy will continue to make our baked goods from scratch. I also have a list a mile long of recipes from Annie's blog that we just have to try! Looks like baking will be our new thing in order to put a dent in the list of goods I want to make!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Look who's walking!

16 1/2 months old and you started to walk on your own! You took about 8 steps from Daddy to Mommy the night before we left you with Grammy and Grandpa for the first overnight trip ever! Of course while we were gone you started full on walking! Thank god Grandpa got it all on video. About 2 days later you continued to walk, run, and dance! It's like you've been doing this walking thing your whole life!
While Mommy and Daddy went white water rafting in Maine, you slept over Grammy and Grandpas house for the first time. You were a good girl, and even slept for a little bit while you were there. We missed you a lot and were ready to come home to see you!
It's an amazing journey watching you grow. You are becoming so independent and want to do everything on your own. Now that you are walking you really are not a little baby anymore. As much as I miss the days of cuddling you in my arms nothing beats you running over to Mommy and Daddy to give us a kiss in the middle of playtime. Each stage in your life continues to bring us so much joy. There is no better gift we could have than waking up to you everyday and having you teach us how to love over and over.

Letters to my former self

Dear Lighthearted, Playful, Youthful Stephanie,
Enjoy being a child...spending long summer days in Harrison Maine at Grammy and Grandpas camp water skiing, boating, and swimming. Watching movies at the magic lantern and quick stops to the candy stores! Beautiful summer nights at Harrison Old Days even if they include slipping in puke after someone threw up on the pirate ship. You will never get these times back with your entire family. Mom, Dad, Jenny, Grandpa, Grammy, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. You will never forget weekends in Maine with everyone! Spend as many weekend as you can at Grammy's house on Revere beach. She loves when you spend the night and you both always have a blast! You will forever treasure those lunches with Grammy and trips to get a new book or crossword puzzle. Listen to the wisdom and stories your Grandparents have to share with you. When you are older you will never forget those stories. Enjoy every second of this time now and don't stop enjoying it when you get to become a teen and are too cool to hang out with your family.

Dear 16 Year Old Stephanie,
It's senior year of High School, enjoy every last second of it. You are going to grow up a lot quicker than you ever imagined you would. You will meet some lifetime friends who will go with you on this roller coaster of life. You will fall in love but he will probably tell you he is going to sign up to be come a United States Marine. At the time you don't realize how much it is going to influence your own life and future. Don't stop him though, it makes him the man he is today.

Dear Newly Engaged Stephanie,
Remember that boy I told you about in High School? Well, he went into the United States Marine Corps. He successfully completed boot camp, got stationed in Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina. He's deploying to Iraq in a couple of months...and guess what? You are going to marry him. You stayed home in Massachusetts while he was stationed in all different places. Let me just tell you long distance relationships are not fun. However, it will all be worth it in the end. Just a few weeks before he has to deploy you two will have an extravagant wedding. It will be perfect. Don't stress over anything. The atmosphere of that night will be like a fairytale. Everyone will have an amazing time. You will be blessed to be surrounded by everyone who loves you except for Grammy Charlene who was watching over everyone that night making it perfect!

Dear New Wife Stephanie,
Your married...and he's gone. Its not exactly the life of a newlywed you had dreamed about. You are married but he's deployed to Iraq for 7 very long months. He will be ok. He will make it home safely. Let your family and friends take you out places and spend time with you. Don't sit at home wondering if he is ok. Keeping yourself busy is the only way to make this time pass quickly. Before you know it you will be waiting for that bus to pull up to Camp lejeune North Carolina and there will be your Marine. It will be one of the greatest moments of your life. He is home now....for good. Now the life you imagined can begin.

Dear Pregnant Stephanie,
Morning sickness has gotten the best of you. Do your best to enjoy being pregnant. Other than the never ending all day month after month morning sickness you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby growing inside you. Be grateful for that. Don't bother fighting over boy names. It's a Girl! She will be perfect...She will be born one day after your due date so don't stress about going 2 weeks past and needing a c-section she will come when she is ready.

Dear New Mommy Stephanie,
She's here! She's perfect! You didn't know love until you held her in your arms. You had no idea what people meant about a mothers love until that very moment. You will see your husband in a whole new perspective. He is a better father than you could have ever imagined. He will take over while you are resting in the hospital, don't worry about a thing he has it all under control. Including changing the very 1st diaper and giving the first bath. Don't bother attempting to breast feed. It will send you on an emotional roller coaster when your milk never comes in. It's ok, formula is not poison. Just enjoy every second of you itty bitty tiny infant. Cliche or not she will grow up far too fast!

Dear Present Day Stephanie,
Life is good. You have a supporting family, great friends, a husband who adores you, and a daughter who makes you laugh smile and cry. Stop stressing about a spotless house. Chores will get done. Remember to take a few minutes to yourself each day. It makes you a better mother and Olivia deserves the best. Keep running, it relieves stress and you will get to that half marathon don't let little bumps in the road stop you. Live everyday like it is your last.

The older you get, the less time I can get on this computer!!

Ok, so I know I said I was going to get better with this blogging thing....well here I am. Updating on your life. Its 10 pm on a Friday night, your sound asleep, Daddy is at work and here is Mommy...Catching up on well everything! Lets see whats been going on....You are almost walking, actually you took about 3 steps the other day! yay. We were all so proud of you! Any day now I know you are just going to take off! Mommy's cousin Pete and his wife Becca and two kids Hannah and Ryan came for a visit from Texas! They were here for a week and you got to go visit with them on Plum Island. You loved playing with them, they are just a little but older than you are, Hannah is 4 and Ryan is 2. Here are some pictures of you with them. Enjoy!