To My 11 Year Old Olive

Dear Olive,
    Today you are 11. I can hardly believe it. You are most likely reading this on your tablet or your phone and that still just amazes me. You continue to be your own, unique self. You have remained headstrong and stubborn. And kind and caring. This past year was sweet and sour for us. We went to Disneyland and spent a month visiting your grandparents. I was sick for awhile and it broke my heart to see you so worried. In the midst of that we got a call that you got into the Arts Academy and it tore your heart right in half trying to decide. You are pragmatic and you like routine and ritual. That is not my way and I really pushed you to try something new and exciting. It was a huge lesson to me. I struggled watching you struggle.I know now to trust your choices and instincts. I am happy you are back at your old Elementary school and with your friends.

You have inherited my love of everything. Animals, art supplies, tsums tsums, chapsticks and anything small and cute. I am in love with your new bunny Cinnabun. And I am glad that you are too. It is always fun to see what your next big thing is.

You are a lucky girl to have so many dote on you. Your grandparents adore you. Your father is your #1 fan. After we went to Disneyland you decided you need to live in Anaheim. Your Dad actually looks at Macy's openings there now as a result! There is nothing he wouldn't do to make you happy.This summer we got stuck in Washington and I felt so bad that you missed your Girl Scout camp. I was so proud of you, I knew it was disappointing to miss out but you never made me feel bad and made the best of it. Your Grandpa Fish took you out to a special dinner to try to make the best of it. I was so happy for you.

You are such a great sister. You and Hans are like oil and water, but when you get along it is a wonder to behold. As you get older. I see so many similarities in you and Oscar and it is fun to watch. You two have the same sense of humor and I love it when you make Oscar laugh. I don't know where to start with you and Siobhan. I could not be more proud of your friendship. She is so good to you and vice versa. Not many 20 year old girls would share their bed with their little sister willingly. I hope you cherish the nights you spend watching silly videos and talking. Having a sister so devoted is a rare treasure and I am so happy you were blessed with that and pray that your bond never wavers.

I LOVE how passionate you are about the things you love. Mermaids? Definitely at the top of the list. I think the thing I love most about that is that you are so practical and realistic and you love the most fantastic, wild things. You are a great artist and a great reader. You are a wonderful friend and beautiful soul. I cannot begin to tell you much I love you Olive. You are my baby and you are a joy. I hope this year will meet all your expectations. I love you, xoxoxoxo Mama