Three Years Ago...

...I peed on a stick!  And got a plus sign!  I was so naive.  So innocent.  So...bored?  Not the right word because Ella was/is quite talented at keeping me busy but I was feeling the void.  That void you feel when there's a little soul wrapping on the door, waiting to be welcomed into the family.
And now I know why.
What moments of peace, or those voids, that I might have had with only child are filled to brimming with this amazing, little, singing, goof.  Singing.  Singing.  Singing.  Currently, we're listening to our Disney music during bath time and Livie is playing in the tub singing "Hi-ho" along with the song.  Oh, it has now switched to Snow White singing "Someday my Prince Will Come" and she mimicking the high voice and everything.  At bedtime we have a repertoire and as of late when we start singing she promptly shushes us, holding up her little finger against our lips, and sings on her own.  Some of her favorites are Twinkle Twinkle, Popcorn Popping, and the Bear Song.  Also, new on her favorites list is Baby Mine but only mommy is allowed to sing that one.  Serious, this girl loves to sing.  Music doesn't necessarily affect her like it always has Ella.  Ella likes to listen to music.  Livie seems to prefer making it herself.
Livie has improved so much in communicating lately.  SO MUCH.  It's like this new little girl has appeared.  She mimics what we say even.  Some of my favorite words/phrases of hers are
"all gone" with a long o sound.  Ho-chee for horsey.  Mutach for mustache.  Happy day/buday for happy birthday.  Oyeah for Olivia.  Goggy for doggy.  Eat you, pretty self-explanatory but she always accompanies it with a nom nom sound and nibbles on you.  I you for I love you.  She has seriously improved so much.  Enough that I feel confident that speech therapy won't be in our future.  Yay!
Olivia is certainly a headstrong little girl.  Stubborn, doesn't listen, doesn't let scolding's prevent her from doing what she wants, and is an expert tantrum thrower already.  I officially know what terrible two's are like.  (Ella waited until she was three)  Still, part of Livie's terrible two-ness includes being upset when I am not holding/snuggling her and that sure makes me feel loved.  I also don't get much done but at least you readers know that if you show up at my house unannounced you will get a very lived in house.
Livie isn't all tantrums and grumpiness.  No.  When daddy is around she is an absolute angel.  She may prefer me for midnight snuggles but when it comes to finding happiness in the everyday moments, Andrew knows just how to get the girl.  She absolutely adores her daddy.  She loves stealing some of his lunch when he comes home for lunch.  She loves his whisker hugs.  She loves watching cartoons and snuggling with him.  Andrew has plans that I'm going to write a best-selling novel and become uber rich and he'll be a stay-at-home dad.  I think Livie shares the dream.
A new character trait of Livie's that we're noticing is the girl is shy.  At home, not so much but as she gets older and we take her out more she is turning in her mother.  She doesn't like being the center of attention.  If she goofs off and draws attention to herself at gramma's she immediately ducks her head.  She has surprised me with her shyness.  She isn't shy with people one on one.  Just crowds.  Seriously, just like her mommy.
Livie talking has been so much fun.  Her little voice just melts me.  Even when it's whiny.  I look at everyday with her and see the miracle that she is.  How did I get so lucky to have these experiences, to have this gorgeous girl?
As for pics, sorry, the cord is still hiding from me.