Back to School

During the summer, Oliver's preschool was open, but was in day-care style mode.  By the end of the summer you could tell that Oliver missed the more structured routine of school and he made several comments that he wanted to go back to the regular schedule.  After a two week summer break, Oliver started the new school year on Tuesday.  He is no longer one of the younger kids in the class and was very excited to take on his new role as experienced preschooler.

 He was enthusiastic about his first day back.  He fell right into the new routine like a pro.  There were a lot of new faces in his class.  But, as I was leaving him he walked up a rather bewildered looking new little girl (she looked barely 3) and he asked her if she would like him to give her a lesson.  She continued to wander in a daze, which left him unfazed.  He followed her for awhile telling her about all the work projects she might be interested in.  I was very proud of him for diving right in and trying to help out the new kids.

The only issue he resisted all morning was he did not want to get his picture taken on his first day back at school.  Despite several attempts, he would not stand for a snapshot.  This was the best Joe could get, when he tried the surprise "hey, Oliver give me a wave" as we were walking away. 

His teachers said he has been great and full of stories.  On the first day, he told them all about his baby sister, who is still a fetus, growing in his mommy's uterus.  He seems to be enjoying hanging with some of his old pals and making new friends.  I hope this is the beginning of a great school year.

I'm pretty sure.

Around 6:30 each morning, Oliver gets up and climbs into our bed to wake me up.  We usually chat, read books, play with cars or planes, and/or snuggle before starting our day.  This morning, we talked about tanks, war, diplomacy, daddy's snoring, and read Noah's Ark.

Then I asked Oliver a question, which started a conversation that went something like this:

Mommy: "Did you notice mommy's tummy has been growing?"
Oliver:  "Yes"

M:  "What do you think could be in there?"
O:  "A baby!"  (Big smile on his face)

M:  "You think it is a baby?"
O:  "Yeah, I'm pretty sure."

M:  "If it is a baby, do you think it might be a brother or a sister?"
O:   (thoughtful pause)  "A sister."

I asked if he wanted to go with to our ultrasound appointment, and I explained how an ultrasound worked.  He said he did want to come.

I was really worried about telling him and how he would take it.  Much to my surprise, it seems he had already figured it all out on his own.

Oliver was amazing at the ultrasound.  He asked a lot of questions, and he was all smiles seeing the images and talking to the technician.  He rubbed my belly and was the sweetest little boy you can imagine.  When we left they gave us pictures and he took them and would not give them up.  He told strangers about the baby in his mommy's uterus while we waited for our car.  And continues to share the news with everyone he sees.  Oliver made sharing the news with him the most wonderful experience.

Here are a few photos from our 22 week + 3 day ultrasound.

4 Years Old!

Oliver turned 4 years old last weekend.  While birthday parties at gyms, jump houses and pools have been the norm for his friends, he told us he would rather have a party at home with his friend where it was not so loud.

On his birthday, we had a science themed party at Rittenhouse, complete with a visit from a "Mad Scientist" to show the kids a few age appropriate science "experiments".  The weather was perfect and it was a full house.  All the grandparents were here too.  He told me he enjoyed his party and liked celebrating at home with all his family and friends.

Since turning 4 he has proudly used his new title whenever possible, "look what only 4 year olds can do" or "it's ok to do this because I am 4 years old now."

I am so grateful to have a very happy, healthy, and proud 4 year old little boy!