Olivia was born on December 24, 2011. She lives in Fairbanks, Alaska with her mother, father, Alaskan huskies and a canary. Her favorite Beatle is Ringo. She loves to look at fish and play in the tub - she's a water baby! She likes bananas, blueberries, rice cookies and bread & butter pickles. Her favorite characters are Elmo & Curious George. She likes to bang on the piano, swing in the baby swing, and to play with pop beads. She's a very happy baby.
Jessica is Olivia's mother. She is currently staying home with Olivia, but was previously a history teacher and a museum curator. She enjoys living in Alaska, that's the Scandinavian heritage talking, but misses her close-knit family. Being Olivia's mom keeps her busy and is such a joy! Olivia was born on Jessica's birthday, and is the best present she could ever have wished for.
Adam is Olivia's daddy. He is a Cavalry Platoon Sergeant in the U.S. Army and returned in April from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. He was able to come home for Olivia's birth, but had to leave when she was one week old. He kept up with all of Olivia's adventures through this blog. Now that he is home, Olivia has double the fun! He is a great father!
Mimi is Olivia's maternal grandmother. She was able to visit Olivia right after she was born and was such a big help to Jessica in those first weeks. Olivia is Mimi's first grandchild. Mimi is a teacher and has wonderful insights to share to help Olivia's brain! Olivia's going to be such a smarty with Mimi to help her!
Nana is Olivia's paternal grandmother. Nana is a nurse and is always ready to help consult about Jessica's first-time-mommy worries. Thank goodness for Nana! Between Nana & Mimi Olivia is one 'spoiled' girl! She intuitively knows exactly what Olivia would like. We're so lucky!
"Big Boppy" is Olivia's maternal grandfather and Olivia is his first grandchild. He is an award-winning designer, so it only made sense for him to help Jessica set up Olivia's nursery. He is also a genealogist and he's working with Adam to expand Olivia's family tree. Olivia can't wait to hear all the cool family history that Big Boppy has to share!
Aunty Kari is Jessica's sister and Olivia's godmother. Aunty Kari has two silly Pomeranians who are smaller than Olivia. Aunty Kari is a talented artist & singer. She is also a counselor. With Kari to guide her, Olivia will have a life enriched with beauty and kindness.
Tessa, Max & Ellie are Olivia's cousins. They are triplets and three times the fun! They are living in China right now and although they are far away they have gotten to see Olivia via Skype! Thank goodness for Skype, it keeps our family connected. They are wonderful cousins!
Their parents are
Aunty Lisa and
Uncle Chris.
Uncle Grant is Jessica's cousin & good friend. He is also Olivia's godfather. He finally got to meet Olivia in June and they got along famously! Uncle Grant took Olivia on her first trip to the zoo and introduced her to the fascinating world of fish! I see many more adventures in store for Olivia & Uncle Grant.
Jessica (not pictured)
& Sarah Abel are two of our best friends! Sarah has taken on the role of 'big sister' to Olivia and does a very good job taking care of her. Jessica Abel not only took care of Jessica (Olivia's mom) while she was pregnant, but she takes good care of her now! She watches Olivia when her mom has to be 'baby-free'. She is so patient and puts up with all of Olivia's moods. She's always helpful and so much fun! Jessica & Olivia would be lost without them!
Morgan is another one of our best friends. She is also good at making sure that Jessica doesn't get into trouble (like shoveling too soon after a C-Section) but she also joins Jessica & Olivia on adventures! Morgan is currently working as a dog musher and can't wait to teach Olivia all about it. She is lots of fun!
Veronica is another one of our best friends. She shares Olivia's birthday, too! She spoils Olivia rotten and is one of Olivia's favorite snugglers. Veronica has three children, so she is another great resource for Jessica. We think she's great!
Circle, Eagle, Sophie & Paula (from left to right) are Olivia's dogs. They are Alaskan Huskies and used to be professional racers. They were all part of one of Sebastien Schnuelle's teams. Circle & Eagle are sisters and ran together and Sophie & Paula were also a pair. All of them have run many Yukon Quests and Paula has also run the Iditarod. They have run well over 5,000 miles in their lives! They are retired now and enjoy life inside - complete with dog cushions and lots of treats. They are very good girls.
(This page is still under construction...more to come!)
Nana is Olivia's paternal grandmother. Nana is a nurse and is always ready to help consult about Jessica's first-time-mommy worries. Thank goodness for Nana! Between Nana & Mimi Olivia is one 'spoiled' girl! She intuitively knows exactly what Olivia would like. We're so lucky!
"Big Boppy" is Olivia's maternal grandfather and Olivia is his first grandchild. He is an award-winning designer, so it only made sense for him to help Jessica set up Olivia's nursery. He is also a genealogist and he's working with Adam to expand Olivia's family tree. Olivia can't wait to hear all the cool family history that Big Boppy has to share!
Aunty Kari is Jessica's sister and Olivia's godmother. Aunty Kari has two silly Pomeranians who are smaller than Olivia. Aunty Kari is a talented artist & singer. She is also a counselor. With Kari to guide her, Olivia will have a life enriched with beauty and kindness.
Jessica (not pictured) & Sarah Abel are two of our best friends! Sarah has taken on the role of 'big sister' to Olivia and does a very good job taking care of her. Jessica Abel not only took care of Jessica (Olivia's mom) while she was pregnant, but she takes good care of her now! She watches Olivia when her mom has to be 'baby-free'. She is so patient and puts up with all of Olivia's moods. She's always helpful and so much fun! Jessica & Olivia would be lost without them!
