My sweet, amazing boy turned 3 years old on Monday! I wish I could jot down everything about him, as a way of capturing him at this moment in his life, but I just don't know where to begin. He is, simply, amazing. I wonder if each year I will continue to remember his dramatic birth and thank my lucky stars that this little guy is all mine.
His laughter is the greatest thing! He laughs easily and it is incredibly contagious. When he laughs other kids gaze from their strollers at him, or stop their playing just to look at him. And they always smile, just watching him laugh.
Oliver is very generous (for a 3 year old). Often if Isabella or Simon are sad about something he will try to figure out a way he can help. If Oliver has a snack he will give some to others without being asked.
Oliver loves to cook. He's a happy boy to be standing on a chair beside me in the kitchen making something yummy to eat.
Lately he has been saying some funny things and in really exaggerated tones (I need to be better about writing them down). If he is mildly disappointed he will say, "ahhhh!" The tone is almost a "that's cute" sort of sound (not frustrated) and makes me smile every time. He energetically says, "Thanks!" all the time, and "please" without being prompted. He's very good at begging, when it is completely unnecessary, "Mom, please, please, please read me a book!" with hands clasped tight and eyes all puppy-dog-ish. "please, please, please can I eat an apple". Of course I say, "yes" and he gives me a huge hug like I'm the greatest person ever. It's pretty adorable.
Recently he has started saying, "I have a question..." (and asks a really good question). Or he'll scratch his head with his index finger, get a perplexed look on his face and say, "I thinking." His speech is still very staccato, and difficult for many to understand, but he's making a lot of progress. It is rare when I don't know what he's talking about (and he is sharing some pretty complex ideas now). Brian has been working on some
speech therapy with him, and my favorite times are when Brian says, "Say computer." Oliver will respond, "I dan't say computer!" He will do it over and over again, silly boy.
Also, no matter what I say, his response is always, "Why?" If I turn it around and ask him "why" back he will always sweetly respond, "I don know."
He likes to say "no" just like any kid, but lately he says it in a very deep and slow voice every time. "Oliver, do you want some more water?" "nooo."
"Oopsy-Daisy" is another frequent exclamation.
He knows his letters and numbers really well. He loves the iPad more than anything and watching movies, aka "mooo-vies". Second best to movies is reading books.
He loves being at home, playing with trains, rocket ships, and airplanes. He loves playing with his family more than anything. Even though he's adjusted to Isabella being at school I think he still misses her. They play together really well most of the time. When we pick her up from school he gives her a huge hug and doesn't let go. She laughs and loves his adoration.
He is still a very passionate boy (I don't think it is just a phase). When he is sad, he is very, very sad. When he is happy, he is very, very happy. The world laughs, and cries with Oliver. He laughs loud and he cries very loud. I do what I can, within reason, to encourage the laughter. :0)
We are in the midst of potty training. And the best tactic that works for us right now is pure reverse psychology. In other words, we make it a game. I'll smile and say in a serious voice, "You sit on that potty, but whatever you do don't pee." He then thinks it is hilarious and will actually sit down and pee.
Oliver loves games. He loves to play UNO, red light-green light, and tag. And, especially, hide-and-seek.
His imagination is amazing. He's always in space or flying on a rocket ship. I love hearing all the amazing stuff that his mind is thinking--he's got a lot going on in there.
When he points to something he uses his whole hand, palm up. It is very formal. And adorable.
Oliver we love and adore you!!! We are so glad you are part of our family because you are so much joy.
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| Isabella made this crown and he loved wearing it on his birthday...but only on his birthday. |
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| If you ask him how old he is he will respond, "Three...No, I five!" |
Oliver...looking back!
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| two months old |
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| 1 year |
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| 2 years |
