Oliver: 1 YEAR!!!!

Happy Birthday Oliver!!!

How did that little (okay, he was big) baby become my big boy?

I have loved getting to know Oliver this year.  He is such a joy, a gift, a blessing.  I am grateful for his laughter, his constant proclaiming of, "DA!" to everyone.  I love watching his little body crawl; he's become a speedy little guy.  This last month he's perfected the crawl.  With this new freedom he's not only getting where he wants to go, but getting what he wants.  He screams so loud and dramatically if something is taken out of his hands.  More so than if he bonks his head.  Oliver is, by definition, perpetual motion.  Putting pajamas on him is like putting pajamas on a greasy jack rabbit.  I've got a feeling, this sweet boy of mine has some pretty good tricks up his sleeve; some surprises for his mama.

He is determined, but careful.  He will only pull himself to a stand if he's secure.  He will rarely tumble and fall on his own (he has a sister to help him with that).  He loves to eat grapes, beans & rice, oatmeal, yogurt and meat.  If he doesn't like a food, it gets tossed like a baseball.  The completion of his meal is signaled by smashing food into his hair.  My attempts to teach him sign language have proven unsuccessful, so far.  One day he had "water" down, but has since reverted to yelling.  Whatever works, right?!

Oliver loves phones! If he gets his hands on one, prying it out is about as traumatic as a shot from the doctor.  And all objects are now a phone.  Pen, tiara, cheerio, you name it.  He will put it up to his ear and firmly say, "A-DA!" then hand it to you to take a turn.

Sweet kisses could be his nickname.  He loves, loves, loves to give big, wet, open mouth kisses.  He's practicing blowing kisses, which is so sweet!

He is a big tease.  Putting choking hazards in his mouth, making eye contact and crawling briskly away while giggling or touching cords and smiling at me.  You know, fun stuff.

Music is a favorite of his.  Not so much what is coming out of iTunes, but playing instruments and singing together.  He created his own signs for "itsy-bitsy spider," "paddy-cake," and "twinkle little star."  Singing calms him down just about every time things go awry.  Every night we rock and sing before bedtime. 

Although his demeanor has become much more serious lately he still loves to smile and laugh.  It just takes a bit more effort.  He loves hide and seek, peek-a-boo, tickles and being chased.  His full body, belly laugh is so contagious.

Oliver, we love you!!!

As a bit of a side note, but still related, since Memorial Day my mind has frequently reflected on "this time last year".  I was so huge, so uncomfortable, but still trying so hard to stay positive and enjoy life.  Some of those moments and days last year are still so vivid in my memory, they have brought tears to my eyes.  Looking back, I'm grateful for that time, even though it was emotionally and physically painful.  I felt so alone, but now I know I was in God's hands.  His love for me and this little boy are so obvious, so apparent.  If you want a recap of Oliver's dramatic birth, you can read it here.