I heart Aunt Sheila

Oliver has an loving heart and tends to warm up to most people quickly.  However, there are a few special people in his life that he is starting to form a special bond with.  One relationship that makes me smile is Oliver and his Aunt Sheila.  It is clear from each of our visits and their interaction during Facetime that he adores her.    When she came to visit this weekend, I really enjoyed watching him snuggle in her arms, burst into giggles as she chased him across the floor, and touch her face as he puts each of her features in his memory.  I look forward to watching their relationship grow through the years, but one thing is already clear: Oliver loves his Aunt Sheila.

Happy Father’s Day!!!

Oliver does not know it yet, but he is one very lucky little boy: he really does have the BEST daddy.

Since Joe does so much for us, we sent him to enjoy a little time for himself on Saturday.  He went for a swim and then a movie while we did some Father’s day shopping and enjoyed the weather at the park.

We spent Joe’s first Father’s Day opening presents in the morning and then in Baltimore visiting the Aquarium with our friends, James and Meredith.  It is a much bigger and nicer aquarium than the one in DC.  Oliver enjoyed seeing all of the fish as well as some birds and frogs.  But, he tuckered out before the dolphins and jellyfish. 

Joe, we love you.  Happy Father’s Day!

This kid is going places

A few updates and pictures of some of Oliver’s recent activities:

Oliver took to his new "walker" cart right away.  Thanks to Nana for the gift and Daddy (and Milo) for the assembly.  

He is also starting to figure out how to sort his shapes (although, if it does not go in on the first try, I have seen him get frustrated and throw the shape at the box).  

We are enjoying introducing Oliver to new food tastes and textures.  His appetite for solid foods continues to increase, and he is a pretty good sport about trying any new fruit, veggie, legume, or grain.

After several weeks of not quite understanding the need to tip his head back to drink from a cup, Oliver finally figured it out this week.  He is now taking his after-lunch milk/formula in a sippy cup.

6/8/12 -- Ten months old

“That kid is so f#@king cute, like really f#@king cute!”

-A quote from the frisbee-playing, 20-something gay couple at the park today.    

Oliver will turn 10-months old in less than a week, and I feel like I should say a few words about his 9^th month to give it the proper send-off it deserves.  This month brought several firsts.  But, it was all the small advances that cumulatively seem to have made our little guy appear so much more engaged in his world.  To name a few:

-standing up, letting go, hands up in the air, and big smile (like, “yeah, I am awesome!”)

-loving to play with trucks and cars; pushing them around making the “brrrmmm” sound

-making all kinds of sounds and babbles

-copying clapping hands and stomping feet

-clucking kisses (explanation: I guess we are loud kissers b/c now when we give him a kiss (imagine the sound of a quick smooch), he clucks his mouth back in imitation

-snuggling: purposefully resting his head on my leg, lap, cheek or shoulder

-running while holding your hands

-eating three solid meals and 1-2 snacks a day
-trying to put his spoon or slobbery toy in your mouth while giving you a big smile (sharing?)

-playing peek-a-boo on his own initiative
-crawling after you when you start to leave the room (sometimes with his toy in his mouth if he does not want to leave it behind)

-turning regular (non-board) book pages without tearing (current favorite: The Pout Pout Fish)

-reaching and calling out when he wants you

-laughing with gusto when you are willing to make a fool out of yourself for his amusement

-responding with recognition to words like no-no, toes, nose, teeth, brush-brush time, bath, water, milk, toot-toot, kitty, bye-bye, Mommy, Daddy, and Oliver.

To sum it up, this kid is so f#@king cute, like really f#@king cute!