Olivia's Pick--7 December 2008

Honestly, what is better than the magic of the Christmas season as seen through a child's eyes? Especially a two-and-a-half year-old child who doesn't remember her two previous Christmases!

The wide-eyed wonder on her face when we lit up our tree was priceless. And now, whenever we get in the car, she makes it her job to find and point out every decoration or bundle of lights visible from her car seat. She's even learned several Christmas carols.

I know that as her Mama, I face the challenge of teaching her the true meaning of Christmas, and helping her learn that giving feels better in your heart than getting ever could. And I am already trying to weave these ideas into the fabric of her mind.

But right now, this Christmas, she's still only two-and-a-half. And it only takes lighting up our Christmas tree to put a smile on her sweet face. She's experiencing the magic of Christmas for the first time (even if it is really her third time). And witnessing that is, frankly, one of the best gifts this Mama could receive.

Olivia's Pick--2 November 2008

I suppose it had to happen, sooner or later. As much as I tried to put it off, I knew that one day, Olivia would discover the magical pleasure of chocolate.Yep, that's right. She went trick-or-treating on Friday, with the rest of America. And she came home with a bucket full of candy. I sifted through her stash and removed all the the jaw breakers, Starburst, and bubble gum that are too sophistacated for her little 2 year-old jaw. But after all her hard work and excitement, she deserved a taste of her earnings. And she had it, in the form of several small Hershey's bars. She jigged. She ambled. She smeared chocolate on her face, her hair, her costume. She was, I'm afraid, totally blissed out.

So, that's it. The seal has been broken. She now knows the meanings of the words "candy" and "chocolate" and there's now turning back.

I just hope she'll be kind hearted enough to share a Hershey's or two with me.