Crybaby

Oliver had a doctor’s appointment and his first set of immunizations today. The picture is obviously from before his immunization shots, when he was still trying to charm the doctors and nurses. Even with that smile, he had to face the needles. But, he handled the shots like a total trooper. At first he cried with shock, but quickly calmed down, nursed, and fell asleep on the way home. I did not handle it quite as well. I am pretty sure I shed more tears than he did at the doctor’s office. I guess that makes me the bigger crybaby. He has been a bit more sleepy and fussy than usual since getting home, but with a little cuddling and love he quickly calms down.

His exam went really well. He is doing great, and packing on the pounds. He is now up to 10 lb, 9 oz. (the 42^nd percentile for his age, which is up from 23^rd at his last visit) and 22.3 inches (47^th percentile).

First visit with G & G

Joe’s parents came to meet Oliver for the first time this past weekend. It was a great visit!! I think Oliver successfully charmed his way into their hearts with his big “gummy” smiles and easy-going disposition. We spent much of our time hanging out and cuddling, but did manage one day-trip to Great Falls, VA. Oliver is looking forward to spending lots more time with his Grandma and Grandpa here and in Wisconsin.

Oliver Tractors

In case you did not know, Oliver tractors exist--although, they stopped making them in the 60-70s. While this was not a consideration in his name choice, it is now a fun fact associated with his name. Oliver received his first "Oliver" tractor from G & G this weekend. Very cool!

R.I.P. Maddy Bear (1999-2011)

Maddy Bear. I hope you had a few days of joy in the sunshine, made some good friends, took pleasure in good food, and felt loved during your time with us.

9/8/11--One Month Old

Surprise Visitors

Every now and then a day unfolds into something unexpected and special. Saturday was that kind of day for Oliver and me. We did not have much planned, and Joe was working an 8-hour duty shift. My hope was to accomplish what I have been striving for most days the past couple weeks before Joe gets home: keep Oliver feed to contentment; minimize nipple trauma; brush my teeth and shower; wash the dishes and a load of laundry; try to eat at least one actual meal; and (if I am doing really well) take Oliver for a walk and run an errand or two while we are out. Most days we are lucky to get through the first couple items on the list.

On Saturday around 11AM, I had not managed more than to feed Oliver and sit marveling at his cuteness (which I should include on the list above, since I spend more time doing this than any of the other items) when I got an unexpected call from my dear friend Jennifer (who I have called Jenny for years). To my surprise, she called to say she (and her husband Phil and three beautiful kids) drove to the East coast for the weekend from Indiana for a wedding in Virginia. She was nearby in Alexandria and offered to come by our condo for a visit. I quickly agreed, but I will confess that our condo was in no condition for visitors. Moreover, I was still in my PJs and had not gotten around to a shower or brushing my teeth. I guess it is a sign that I am now thinking more like a mom that instead of pulling myself together like I usually would have, I finished feeding Oliver, made sure he had a fresh diaper and cute onsie, and hid the unfolded laundry in the bedroom. When they arrived, I was still buttoning the sort-of clean shirt I had thrown on. Regardless of my appearance, it was a wonderful visit.

Jenny’s kids, Fiona, Vincent and Kingston, were a delight and enjoyed playing with our cat Milo. Jenny and Oliver instantly bonded, which melted my heart. It was great to see and catch-up with Jenny and Phil. I am so glad she called and that we were able to share a few unplanned precious moments in time together.