Blizzard Birthday

Dearest Livvy,

Today is your first birthday! Mother Nature decided to celebrate by creating the biggest snow storm anyone in Washington has ever seen, and frankly, I think something this dramatic, beautiful, and exciting is a perfect way to celebrate you and the first year of your dramatic, beautiful, and exciting life.

I remember when your Aunt Rebecca called me at work to tell me "it was time." (It seems like maybe a few months ago, but in no way an entire year ago!) We had been on the phone talking about several other things only moments before...then my phone rang again and I knew it. You were on your way and I couldn't wait to meet you! I left my office (after giving out the pink bubble gum "it's a girl" cigars to all my colleagues) and hopped into a cab. I needed to head home before going to the hospital to grab my camera (obviously!) and lenses and a more comfortable pair of shoes. No way was I going to welcome you into the world without happy feet.

We got to the hospital, checked in on your Mom and Dad...and then we waited. I befriended the other people in the waiting room (who were expecting the arrival of their second grandchild, a little boy).


Once we learned he had been delivered, we knew you were well on your way to arrival and we felt like we couldn't wait any longer. I tried to pass the time by recording funny videos of Aunt Rebecca.

Then, in the middle of what was maybe my 15th recording of the day, we got the news! Here's what the video looks like:


I think my favorite part of the video is the place where I tell Auntie Reb to "keep it on" so we could capture all of the moments of your arrival on camera.

We heard from the doctor that you were healthy and fabulous (I already knew you would be) and then we waited a little longer to finally meet you. We were so excited that you had arrived after nine months of waiting, we forgot to even ask your parents what they had decided to name you! When we found out, this is what Auntie Reb wrote about your name:

My little niece Olivia Abigail R. was born on Friday, February 6 under the (almost) full moon at 4:57pm - she weighs 8 lbs. and 5 ounces and is beautiful and warm and soft and perfect. Her name means "olive tree" and her middle name is after my strong and loving grandpa, Abraham.

I love watching you grow and learn and am so proud of you everyday! Here is a little recap of the last 12 months in photos:

February
You are born! We get to know you, learn about you, wrap you up in very tight bundles, and love you. We celebrated your first Valentine's Day with Great Grandma Gladys together!


March
We took a trip to cousin Matt's Bar Mitzvah in New York and you got to meet other members of our family. You fell asleep on me during the reception and I have never been happier. We also officially gave you your Hebrew name during your naming ceremony and unveiled new lyrics to a song Grandpa Peter and Grandma Lois wrote about you, "Liv Liv the Lima Bean."


April
You got to meet lots of my friends, and one of my favorite photos of the two of us was taken! We also organized your first official photo shoot against a soft and fuzzy purple blanket and I was very proud of the results.


May
We celebrated MY birthday together (thanks for coming to the Crafternoon, by the way) and you got to meet Great Grandma Edith. We took a picture of all four generations together (I know Gram shows it off to all her bridge friends--she is so proud of you).


June
We celebrated your Dad's first Father's Day and took photos of our entire family by my apartment. You were such a good sport that day (and even color coordinated your outfit to the larger color scheme).


July
I spent an entire day with you and documented your first experience with solid food (squash)! You swam in the pool and showed off your stylish bathing suit and excellent swimming skills.


August
We went on vacation to West Virginia together and perfected the "NASA game" from Auntie Reb's arms into your Mom's hands.


September
You learned how to sit up on your own which created several new photo possibilities! I came over to document this development and remember leaving and thinking how quickly you were growing and how proud I was to be your aunt...


October
You hosted a party for all your baby friends for Halloween (which I sadly had to miss because I was recovering from Swine Flu) but it was well documented over on your friend Aerin B.'s blog. (That's you in the lobster costume, which I bought for you as soon as you were born.)


November
Your first Thanksgiving! I took one of my most favorite photos of you during this gathering.


December
We celebrated Chanukkah together (in yet another snow storm) and Auntie Reb gave you a children's membership to the Nantucket Historical Association. I gave you Chanukkah finger puppets and a wooden menorah.


January
We spent New Year's Day together and took tons and tons of pretty photos. You showed me your new found ability to clap and we played peak-a-boo.


February
Here we are, a full 12 months later. I look forward to celebrating with you and cheering you on as you continue to grow and explore (not to mention being there to photograph you every step of the way).

Love,
Auntie Em