SIX

And with that, the OG is six. SIX!!! Sweet and smart, spicy and sassy, silly and sincere…this past year was a whirlwind in so many ways. If anything, it’s really put into perspective the saying “the days are long but the years are short.” Some days were just so challenging – but also some of the most fulfilling (and sanctifying). It feels like such a privilege to be sitting at my laptop right now, reflecting on the last six years of Olivia Grace. Maybe some of you remember her chaotic entrance…so many of you were such sweet support systems + prayer warriors for us through the journey, and it’s the biggest honor to know that some of us still chat to this day and can continue laughing, celebrating, praying together.

This time six years ago, I didn’t know if she’d make it.

This time six years ago, I didn’t know if I’d make it.

The journey hasn’t been perfect. But man, has it been fruitful. And that’s one of the best lessons I find myself learning over and over again (so clearly I need the reminders – and maybe you do, too?).

There may be weeds. There may be thorns. But in solid soil, fruit will still grow.

Plant the seeds. Water them faithfully. Keep showing up. And one day you’ll be looking back at the beginning in amazement at the sweet fruit you know hold.

Olivia,

I know you like to think that mommy has magical powers, but I’ll tell you a secret: the real magic is you.

You’ve got such a spark – you light up from the inside and bring joy to other people just by being yourself.

Everything about you is fierce and strong, like a tornado (for better or worse LOL). When you’re mad, you’re have big things to say (shout) about it – when you’re happy, you have big things to shout about it. You are honest to a fault, sometimes painfully so, but still try to be gentle with people’s feelings. You’re truly empathetic – nurturing by nature – and occasionally savage, so it’s a real roller coaster to witness…but man, keeps us laughing (and keeps us humble).

You could be the poster child for a “deeply feeling kid.” Your memory is absolutely incredible – you remember the most specific, random details from things that happened one time forever ago, which is equal parts helpful and terrifying (LOL). And right up there with your memory is your vocabulary.

Keeping notes on you is one of my favorite things to do, because it’s like bottling you up in a time capsule to keep forever and ever amen. So here are just a few gems you’ve said over the past year…

“So if you see a handsome man and you don’t want to marry him, you just keep on walking!”
E: “You know, I had a hard day at work and just couldn’t wait to hang out with you!” O: “Mommy, I’m always in your heart! So you just have to think of me and remember me in your heart!” 🥰
“I just want to relax and be comfy and make us feel like Jesus is walking on our heads.”
*Mommy reheats variety of noodles that daddy made* O: “You are the baddest chef in the world and this is disgusting.” 💀
“When I grow up, I’m going to be EVERYTHING!!!”
“I think being with you is the best gift I ever had.” 🥹