Thanksgiving 2009

This year the entire Bos family celebrated Thanksgiving at the Vallier's home. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with great food and fellowship.

"Here I come!" Olivia's ready for the Thanksgiving festivities.

Olivia decided to dance while the family sang hymns.

Olivia did not want to be left out from the fun. Here she is playing purses with Jenna, Lauren & Ava.

Playing with Uncle Andy

The Ackerman Family

After the Bos' Thanksgiving celebration, we drove to Fruitport and visited Grandma and Grandpa Ackerman. Olivia took a short nap on the drive to Fruitport, so when we arrived, she was rested and ready to entertain!

On Friday, we hosted our own Thanksgiving celebration with the Smith's. I cooked my second turkey, which actually turned out pretty good. My parents and Roel provided the rest of the meal complete with homemade apple pie. Everything was delicious! After dinner, Oliver and Olivia enjoyed playing with Papa, Abuela, and Aunt Amelia. This gave us time to play some rousing games of Dutch Blitz with Roel and Emily. It was a fun evening.

Playing with Oliver

She's a Growing Girl

This morning Olivia had her 15 month check-up.

Weight: 21 lbs. 1 oz. (22%)
Height: 30 inches (35%)
Head Circumference: 45.6 cm (41%)

Immunizations Given: Varivax, MMR, Pentacel, Flu Shot

She was quite upset throughout this doctor's appointment and practically inconsolable even while we were waiting for the doctor and nurse to come into our exam room. She had her right big toe poked to check her hemoglobin level, which I think was 13.1 g/dL. This proceeded her measurements, which also caused her much distress. Anyway, her pediatrician said she is right on track, and at 15 months old her entire world is about exploring and getting attention. We held her while the doctor examined her as she was not cooperative; this was actually the first doctor's visit where she cried and fussed almost the entire time. I guess she now remembers what happens at the doctor's office. She did walk across the room for the doctor, though. She had 4 shots and got a prescription for cortisone cream to treat the tiny patch of excema on her right knee.

My Life at 15 Months

Today I turned 15 months old! Here is some insight into my life:

I love to climb practically anything and everything (up stairs, onto the sofa, in my toy bin, the kitchen table, my high chair).

I'm always on the go. From the time I get up to the time I go to bed, I have one speed, and it's NOT slow. I can walk really well now. I still zig zag, though, when I try to walk fast and run. I get my balance by arching my back and putting my arms out like chicken wings. I can even walk backwards.

I like to dance by stomping my feet and turning in circles. I do this multiple times even though I get quite dizzy and tend to fall down. My Abuela taught me how to play "Ring Around the Rosie."

I like to assert my independence and show you what I can do by doing what I want, not what you want me to do. I can be stubborn at times. I am learning to eat with a fork and brush my teeth. I also like to drink from an adult glass, but I tend to always be given a sippy cup.

I can point to pictures you name, if they are familiar to me (banana, apple, duck, dog, cat, flower, ball, etc). I'm still working on saying these words. Mommy taught me what a dog says, but my bark sounds more like "hmm, hmm" in a high-pitched tone.

I am a good eater! I especially love fruit! Bananas are my favorite, and if I spot one on the counter, I immediately let you know that I want it.

I like lots of attention. I tend to get people's attention by playing with them and giving them sweet smiles. I'm very playful and love to make people laugh! I especially like to be tossed up in the air by Daddy, play peek-a-boo behind the drapes, and chase my cousin Jenna.

I like to imitate and help Mommy with tasks around the house, like vacuuming, unloading the dishes, dusting the table, sorting laundry, and picking up things. I'm good at putting my diaper supplies away after a diaper change, and I enjoy handing Mommy clean silverware out of the dishwasher. I like to stick my foot out for Mommy to vacuum it with the hose; it makes me giggle.

I like to carry things around the house in each hand. I love to explore! I look in cupboards, drawers, and closets, and I like to touch nice things my Mommy has sitting out on her tables. I find everything. Sometimes, I even help Mommy find things she's searching for, but if I don't know where it is, I put my hands up in the air and shrug my shoulders.

I have become attached to a blanket, which I sleep with during the night. Sometimes, I take it out of my crib and carry it around while I suck on my thumb. It comforts me.

I have beautiful long hair. Mommy tries to put barrettes, headbands, and hats on me, but I immediately pull these accessories off! I also pull off my socks and shoes as soon as I get into my carseat; I like to feel the wind between my toes.

I love to give open-mouthed kisses and big hugs! Sometimes I accidentally lick you instead of kiss. Ooops!