Olivia's Pick--7 September 2008

Olivia has found a new favorite book. A soft, sweet story by Karma Wilson, beautifully illustrated by Jane Chapman. We picked up the book, Bear Feels Scared, as a further study in the emotions which were brought on by her in depth experience of Peter and the Wolf. My goal was to deal with the emotion of fear, which she was experiencing and expressing through the Prokofiev classic.

This book, Bear Feels Scared, is simply wonderful in this capacity. With illustrations you feel like you could crawl into--which Olivia tries to do saying "I want to get in the book!"--this sweet story of a bear lost in an autumn storm, and his animal friends who form a search party to find him is, quite simply, heart warming.

The best part--the entire reason I chose this particular book, for this particular reason--is that, at the end, the search party locates Bear. They warm him with hugs and lead him home.

At the end, cuddled in a heap, warm and cozy with those he loves the most, Bear feels safe.

Olivia's Pick--31 August 2008

This week marks the symbolic passing of summer and launches us, feet first, into the promise and adventure of autumn. I anticipate that, this autumn, some of Olivia's favorite picks will be:

-Heading to an apple orchard to pick some of her favorite snacks.

-Running through the pumpkin patch, choosing all the pumpkins--big and small--that we will use to decorate our yard.-

Taking our dog to the beach, once the summer people have gone home and we have our piece of shoreline back to ourselves again.

-Going trick-or-treating for the very first time!

-Running and playing in the brisk autumn air, smiling through ruddy cheeks.

-Warming up with warm apple cider, from a nearby farm.

Olivia's Pick--24 August 2008

A few weeks ago, I told you about this awesome version of Prokofiev's classic, Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Sting. Honestly, it doesn't get much cooler. We've been listening a lot these days to Sir John Gielgud's version, which is dramatic and spectacular, even if it lacks the 80s rock factor.

Olivia has been having so much fun listening, that we decided to check out an illustrated book version, to enhance her experience. We found this lovely copy, with folktale style illustrations by Ian Beck.

The child is now obsessed.

Returning again and again to the page where "big, grey wolf" comes out of the forest, she will say "I'm scared," just as she does at the same point in the recorded symphony. But she can't get enough! She talks about Peter all day long, and tells me that she wants to go into the meadow with him to catch the wolf.

And so I must warn our poor, old Jack Russell terrier, lest Olivia decide to cast her in the role of "Wolf" in her first production of Prokofiev's childhood masterpiece.

Olivia's Pick--17 August 2008

Apart from my absurdly cute little nephew and his (only slightly less cute) parents, we are separated by hundreds and hundreds of miles from our extended families. Now that we have a family of our own, this is less fun than ever. We are, however, blessed with families who will travel, who will cross oceans and mountains to see us. Okay, to see Olivia.

But that's the point. She's been absolutely reveling in the revolving door of familial house guests we've had this summer, which is really bittersweet. I love to see her loving--and being loved by--her family. I love to see her building relationships that will endure through her life. But it's sad, because each visit comes to an end, one that's not punctuated with "See you next week."And while it's true, all these visits have made me a bit nostalgic for my own childhood summers filled with fun and family, I still think it's true that family is her pick this week. Love and laughter abounds and she is truly, deeply happy.

Olivia's Pick--10 August 2008

Olivia's always had a love of music. But recently, she's discovered the piano. We were visiting a relative who has a piano, and from the moment she was introduced, Olivia couldn't get enough! While not quite as skilled on the keys as one might hope for so prolific a player, she still thoroughly enjoyed herself. And though her fingers are still rather short, I honestly believe she shows promise...in a loud, banging sort of way.

So, it looks like we might need to invest in a piano of our own.

Or something.

Olivia's Pick--3 August 2008

We're in the midst of a mini baby boom over here. Last week saw the introduction of not one, but two sweet little angels into our midst. Olivia is loving every second of it. Between her brand new little cousin and her new friend, Olivia is getting a taste of what it's like to be The Big Kid.

And you know what? She's handling it great. She's gentle with the babies and likes to help make them comfortable. If her little cousin needs a teddy bear, Olivia's happy to bring it to him. Socks for the baby? She loves to assist in warming the tiniest of toes! Plus, it's good practice for putting on her own socks!It's sweet to watch her gain a new level of confidence and independence, while also seeing her behave in such a loving and compassionate way.

So, I think it's official: Olivia loves babies. Good thing we know of at least 3 or 4 more on the way!

Olivia's Pick--27 July 2008

Without a doubt, Olivia's pick for this week--maybe for the whole year--is Birthday Parties. Specifically those held in her honor. This weekend, the backyard was packed with kids indulging in our Messy Art Party. By the end of the afternoon, children were wandering around in sugar-induced hazes, caked with frosting and paint, diapers sagging from splashing in the pool. From the sunshine to the pinata to the cupcakes to the Pollock-rivaling masterpiece the kids created, the day was simply perfect. And everytime I caught Olivia's eye, she would meet my gaze with that smile that makes me melt.

A couple of months ago, we were considering not throwing a birthday party at all. She's young and won't remember, we rationalized. But then I spoke to a wise and wonderful Mama I know and she reminded me how few moments there are in life for us to truly celebrate, and that we should take advantage of each one.

Boy, am I glad we did.