Big Sister Boot Camp

It's finally official (well, as official as it can get at this point), it looks like Olivia is going to get a little sister in about 6 weeks. We had a third ultrasound, and the doctor was able to get a good look to determine the gender. It also looks like this baby is going to be on the bigger side, just like Olivia (8 or more pounds). We are planning on another c-section the week of April 17th. The doctor says that based on the complications with Olivia (basically, she got stuck), it would be best to just plan on a c-section. I would love to have the baby with a normal delivery, but I really don't want to have to try to recover from both pushing and surgery. I've been encouraging Olivia to play with her baby doll, Tallulah, that we got her for Christmas. I see this as the closest thing I can do to prepare her for when the baby comes. I bought some infant diapers the other day, so we had to put one on her doll. Then in true toddler spirit, she had to do this over and over and over again. Olivia has been carrying her doll around, rocking her, and giving her lots of hugs. It's kind of funny to watch her be so tender with her doll and then grab her by the head and purposefully fling her to the floor. What really cracks me up is when she first sees Tallulah, she makes this kind of cooing, whimpering sound. It kind of sounds like she saying, "Oh, you sweet little baby." I'm not sure where she got that from, but it sure is funny. Yale and I have decided that Olivia has an exceptionally high EQ (emotional quotient). Of course this doesn't come from informed insights, just from overly proud parents who think their kid is exceptional. I don't know if many toddlers are like this, but she seems particularly caring and considerate. The other day Yale laid on the floor with a pillow. Olivia decided that he needed some help to get comfortable so she handed him her bunny. Then she went all the way upstairs to her room and got him one of her books to read. It was really sweet. She also does things to take care of me. She washes my face, rubs lotion on me, and combs my hair. She is very generous, and always wants to share her food and toys with us, with the cats, and with her stuffed animals. Don't get me wrong, she definitely has her stubborn moments. In fact, we are certain she has entered that "Terrific Twos" stage (better known as the terrible twos, but we trying to stay positive). However, overall it does seem like she is unusually caring. We just hope that carries over to her soon-to-be little sister.