Somehow, as if it happened in an instant, my baby girl turned one. I can remember so vividly the array of emotions I was feeling before her arrival a year ago - a mix of anticipation, nervousness, a little bit of sadness (worrying my special relationship with Nolan would change), and lots of excitement. We also didn't know the gender of our baby, there was an extra element of surprise added into the mix.
Because of Nolan's extremely difficult delivery, I had a lot of anxiety about the birth. Dr. Bentley talked me off the ledge numerous times and continued to reassure me that second babies generally come much easier and that everything would be fine. Olivia took her time and her due date came and went with no sign that she was planning on coming soon. Dr. B decided to induce on that Friday (my birthday) just to make sure the baby was not going to get too large. The hospital team started the induction process early that morning. Hard labor set in around 5pm, with an epidural on board by 6:30pm. I began pushing around 9 and our sweet beautiful baby girl was born at 9:34pm.
Eric went to tell our moms who were waiting in the waiting room that Olivia Evelyn had arrived and I could hear their cheers from the other end of the hallway through two closed doors! Our little Livi was the first great granddaughter on the Bruso/Schuldt side after six great grandsons! Finally Mom could use the trunkload of pink clothes she bought for Nolan when we thought he would be a girl! Dr. B stopped in the waiting room to congratulate the grandmas, saying how happy she was to see a family so excited to have a baby girl, as it seemed to her most of the time families tend to get most excited about boys.
Fast forward a year, and we still couldn't be happier to have this beautiful, sweet, determined, hilarious little girl in our lives. She is so good natured and snuggly, yet holds her ground and is extremely confident. We know she is destined for great things and we are so proud of her.
We began our Mother Daughter Birthday celebration with an awesome brunch on Steve and Patti's patio. It was another stunningly gorgeous 79 degree day with lots of sunshine, a light breeze, and no bugs, which made the meal so enjoyable. After chowing down on delicious egg bake, blueberry french toast, bacon, and fruit, Mom brought out the from scratch chocolate cheesecake that she made that morning. Holy cow, was that good! One of the best desserts I've ever had.
In the afternoon, we headed out on the boat. It was so pleasant cruising up the Wisconsin River. Sunshine, good company, and relaxation - it was a perfect way to spend a day.
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| Gosh, we live in a beautiful part of the world! |
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| Olivia found it hilarious that Grandpa Steve was wearing her hat and kept belly laughing at him. |
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| Despite being completely uncooperative about wearing her own hat, Livi LOVED Grandma Marcia's big garden hat and would wear that willingly. |
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| Captain Livi! |
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| Nolan loves the boat so much. His favorite part is listening to Maroon V's "Daylight" while having snacks. Thumbs up on the song choice, Grandpa! |
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| Peek-a-boo! |
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