One year!

So I've been wondering if there is a reason why I've been putting off this post. Partly, I felt like it needed to be special, and also because I can't believe a year has gone by already. It seems like I am hanging on to this post as to not let go of Oliver's babyhood. I have poured a lot of myself into this blog and I am sad that the weekly pictures are done now. I should say that we never planned to do a full year. I saw a friend do these weekly pictures and thought it was a great idea...but I didn't really think about how many we should do. And so, here we are. I am so glad to have this compilation of pictures, milestones and memories. And I hope to continue the blog, perhaps a little more sporadically now though.

Here it is, a couple months late: the post about Oliver's first year.

1 YEAR!

Cute smile, sandwich mouth

 Cat cake

 Poke

 Shove

 Sugar Sugar

Oliver's first birthday was a very memorable day. He shared the day with most of his family, some in person and some via facetime. We all watched him explore his first chocolate cake (and first edible cat's face) from pulling off the whisker, to sticking his finger in the icing for a taste, to finally shoving a whole wedge in his mouth. He ate two big pieces and then went back to eating his grapes. He received some amazing and wonderful presents (thanks again everyone) and continued to spend the rest of the afternoon loving life (and sugar).

This last year has been quite a rollercoaster ride. The ups of walking, talking and eating new foods. Of building forts and exploring the grassy parks nearby. Of watching Oliver interact with family and friends, and seeing the world through his eyes. There were also some downs. There was the endless nights of sleep deprivation, the new teeth, the colds, the flus and the fevers of daycare. There was the first few months which I can now say were really tough, and the constant bouncing... walking... or tiptoeing around. This experience has been more intense than I could ever imagine, and it has only just begun.

Everyday things get a little more fun, a little more exciting, and a little easier...or at least different. No, they really are easier now. Oliver is able to communicate through signs, gestures, noises, a few words and of course pointing. Boy does that kid ever point a lot! He can also walk and lead me to the things that interest him. He is able to hold and manipulate objects and is fascinated by how things work. He has an interest in small objects, and how they make up larger objects. He likes to take things apart and put them back together. He has a real soft side and loves to cuddle and hug stuffed animals. He has such a drive that I know he is going to do amazing things for this world one day. I am so grateful that I have Oliver. He has opened my eyes to life in a completely new way and made me realize what is important.

Thank you, Oliver.

Happy Birthday!

51 Weeks

Oliver's birthday is right around the corner! Our little baby has grown so much over the past year. I'm glad to say that daycare has brought out a new and exciting side in Oliver, he is becoming more independent. Now that he is comfortable walking, he is venturing out more on his own. Mostly he walks in and out of the kitchen, exploring in all of "his" cupboards (tupperware, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons) carrying things to and fro. I love to just sit back and watch him. He likes to help me do laundry by pulling everything out of the washer. He loves exploring the computer, how the keyboard and mouse work, or any other office supply I can get him playing with to save the life of our electronics. He likes his ipod touch, and looking at pictures, playing music, or just carrying it around. He likes to make all kinds of noises, constantly! He now waves and says hi and bye bye. He still loves animals and books and cars and anything, ANYTHING yellow. He gives hugs and sometimes when I pick him up he'll hug me and pat me on the back. It is the sweetest thing. He loves baths and especially loves brushing his teeth. I love the little person he is becoming.

50 Weeks

We've got a toddler on our hands! Lately Oliver can be found wandering from room to room carrying various hand-sized objects (bowl and spoon, Tupperware lid, stacking cup, blocks, toy cars, you name it) and I've now been finding these objects all around the house on any surface that is Oliver's height. He's also finally feeding himself all kinds of food. He has been able to do this for sometime, I've seen him eat a cheerio here or there, but clearly preferred us to do it for him. For a long time he was even feeding us but not himself! So after some gentle persuasion at daycare he finally began to try it out. After his first attempt the staff and all the children broke out into cheers and a round of applause. After that it was smooth sailing...mostly.

49 Weeks

49 weeks! We're almost there! It turns out Teddy is not the best swimmer, but he did survive this photoshoot. Oliver is fully walking, when he remembers he can, that is. Our little guy is almost one!

48 Weeks

Time is flying more quickly with Oliver in daycare now. He's still feeling a bit under the weather, and got to spend a couple days with Grandma and Grandpa. Thanks again! His cousin Georgie was in town all week. We had a lovely birthday lunch with her and then walked down to the sea to enjoy the sunshine. He's taking a few steps here and there now, and standing well independently.

Walk Walk

Here are some of Oliver's first steps. As you can see, I can barely contain my giddiness!

47 Weeks

This week has had a few ups and downs. Oliver is getting used to daycare, but still adjusting to the new routine.  He caught a really bad cold/flu, which has kept us all up at night. Also, we got a pretty good video of Oliver taking quite a few steps! All day, and I'm sure all night, all he wants to do is walk or "gawk" as he calls it. He is barely hanging on with one hand now, and is starting to stand alone and take his first steps. What a week!

PS This picture thing is getting more interesting the more Oliver can move!