The DeGaetano Family Blog: Doobie, Doobie, Doobie Doo!

Tonight is Olivia's dance recital at Vets High School. This morning we had to go to the dress rehearsal and I was able to take a lot of pictures in her dance costume and some of her friends as well. She looks absolutely beautiful! Of course I cried like a baby again...my little girl is growing up and doesn't need me much anymore. In fact, when we got to rehearsal, she took off, went back stage with the group and I didn't see her again until after she was done. She was an absolute pleasure to watch! It was hard managing the video camera and the digital camera at the same time, so most of the pictures I took are afterward with Hannah. Anyway, once Olivia's group was done dancing I met her in the hallway. The first thing she asked was, "mommy, can I do it again? I had so much fun! I want to do it 100 times more!" I can't believe it! This is the same girl who told me she might throw up on the car ride over this morning because she was so nervous. Who would have thought! She is so grown up! She even told me that I could just drop her off tonight and she could do it all by herself! Before she wanted me to be in the front row so that she could see me, now I can sit in the back row or I can stay home if I choose. So bizarre! I am soooooooooo proud of her! And what's even better is that she is so proud of herself! Just look at my little dancer, or shall I say big dancer?

Look very closely at this next picture! Do you notice anything new about Olivia, besides her hair in a bun and wearing make-up? Hint...Look at her left earlobe! Another huge step in her life that made me cry! She got her ears pierced last night (7/20/08)..she is such a big girl now. I am so proud of her. She was so brave! Doesn't she look beautiful? She always has anyway, but now she says she feels even more beautiful. I didn't even know that was possible!

The next 2 pictures are of the class on stage practicing. The woman in the red hat is Olivia's teacher and the owner of Dance Unlimited, Inc. Her name is Stacie Najac. She really does a fantastic job with the girls and I even told her she works miracles. Olivia told her that she wanted to do more dances and Miss Stacie told Livi she knew just how she felt!