One year ago today, at 5:00AM, Garrett and I said our goodbyes to Addy as we got in the car and headed to the hospital. I remember being extremely anxious and hoping that all went smoothly, but I also remember being incredibly excited to see the new little lady that was going to become the newest member of the family.
We were early to the hospital, of course, so there was plenty of time to get me ready for surgery, leaving what seemed like hours of time for Garrett and I to sit in the prep room watching the early morning news and feeling what I believe were contractions - evidently Olivia was ready to come on March 22nd whether surgery was scheduled or not.
Our "waiting" room was across from the nurses station and I remember watching everyone show up for work that morning. They walked in telling their stories from the night before (someone did not clean up something they were supposed to clean up, leaving a mess for the next shift) and I remember feeling a somewhat calming feeling as I realized all of these people were here to help bring my baby into the world, doing what they do best day in and day out. While it was an extremely nerve racking and monumental day for me, it was just another morning at work for them and their calm mood helped ease my rather anxious one.
Olivia Ryan Forsythe was born at 7:43 that Thursday morning, March 22nd, 2011. She was healthy, beautiful and screaming, just how we wanted her! I cannot believe it has been a year since that morning took place.
When you have your first child, it is hard to imagine that you can love anyone else as much as you love them. Then your second (or third or forth..) child is born and it is like you grow an extra heart and all of the love you have multiplies. Only a parent knows that feeling and I don't care how many children I have, I will never stop being amazed at how quickly and hard you can fall in love with someone you have just met.
We didn't even realize we were missing a piece of our family until Olivia was born and now I don't think any of us can remember what it was like without her. She has brought us more joy that I thought possible and while her and her sister have many similarities, Olivia has a personality all her own.
She was born a Mommy's girl through and through and it took several months before she realized that other guy wasn't such a bad person to have around. Like me, she gets used to a routine and does not like to get off track, even to the point where for awhile if it wasn't oatmeal or a cracker, she wasn't eating it. Thankfully we have developed a larger appetite, but it didn't happen without some serious effort.
She is extremely hard headed, even at such a young age. If she wanted to walk at 8 months, by goodness she was going to walk. If wants to eat paper like a total weirdo, then you bet she is going to eat paper. If she wants to climb up on the couch, stand on her toys, or do whatever it is that her sister is doing, then you not dare stand in her way or else a fit like you have never seen will be thrown in return.
She is incredibly strong, abnormally short, and ridiculously sweet. She gives more hugs than you can imagine and if I could pay our bills with her cuddles then we'd be all set. She is obsessed with her sister, in love with her daddy and she lives to torment her dog. Running off with Philly's toys has become her favorite past time and I gotta say, it's pretty hilarious to watch.
But, out of all her habits and quirks, there is one thing that fills my heart the most. There is not a single person in this world that loves me more than that little girl loves me. Not Addalyn, not Garrett, not even my own Mother. And believe me, those people love me a GREAT deal, which is why it is so amazing to feel the love that I feel from little Liva. She absolutely loves her Mommy and while I love her just as much (as I do Addalyn), the love I feel from her is amazing beyond words.
Happy Birthday Olivia Ryan. Thank you for a year's worth of awesome! Mommy, Daddy and Addalyn love you SO SO SO much!
Sincerely Yours,
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