Reading, standing, swinging, etc.

Just a few misc. pictures from the last couple weeks.

So far, Oliver really loves to read books (which makes my heart very happy). He has his preferences, turns the pages, and even sometimes will sit contently looking at a book by himself when he has several toys to choose from.



Oliver likes to "walk." We are trying to encourage him to crawl, but his preference is to be on his feet.





Sheryl took Oliver to the park this week and he went on a swing for the first time. She said he really enjoyed it, and she had a few pictures from her phone that showed him having a great time.



Milo and Oliver are buddies. We still watch Milo pretty close because he forgets how sharp his claws can be and he does like to steal Oliver's toys. Oliver will "pet" him and reach to touch his tail. But, so far they have been gentle with each other.

3/8/12—Seven Months Old

Our healthy and happy little man is doing great. Here are a few insights into his world…

Physical changes: ~18 lbs (home scale); eyes are still blue; hair is a light brown and sticks straight up on top; 7.5 teeth; getting smarter and stronger every day

How to make Oliver giggle: tickles; mimic him when he makes sounds; e.g., coughing or “aaa-chooo;” peek-a-BOO; getting close to the kitties (esp. Jax); the chirping eagle; getting to be naked after bath time in his crib; when mommy and daddy are laughing; making faces with mommy in the mirror; exercising with daddy; sometimes singing silly songs

Foods he has tried: mommy’s milk, formula, oatmeal, sweet potato, peas, carrots, banana, butternut squash, pears, string beans, and apple

Foods he liked: everything except banana

Favorite toys: pandie, xylophone, the chirping eagle, sophie, bongo drum, wood blocks, turtle shape sorter (not to sort the shapes, but to bang and chew on); stacking cups; wooden spoon when he helps daddy cook; his toes

Our favorite books: B is for Bear (touch and feel book); Brown Bear, Brown Bear; Peek a Who; Pout Pout Fish; Llama Llama Red Pajama; The Very Busy Spider; The Hungry Caterpillar; Charlie the Monkey; The Little Blue Truck…I could go on and on….

Evening ritual: play and help daddy make supper; solid food with daddy; nurse when mommy gets home from work; read books and play with mommy; bath time; giggles/brush teeth/jammies/good night songs; bottle/nurse; fall asleep (usually mommy’s arms); into crib; sleep until between 12-2; nurse; back to crib; sleep until between 6-8; and then a new day begins. Weekends are similar, except instead of spending the day time with Sheryl, we get to have more family time.

Life is good.

Pandie

Sorry Sophie. While Oliver still loves his Sophie and the kitties still reign supreme as his favorite form of entertainment, there is a new favorite toy in the house. We call him Pandie. I had not decided on an organic safe stuffed animal to offer Oliver at bedtime, but I knew he was at the age where he might become interested. We found Pandie while we were shopping for his baptism outfit. There was a basket of these lovely dolls made by Blabla. He picked Pandie out of several other animals/dolls. His response to Pandie was unique relative to the others in the basket and any other stuffed animal he had ever been offered (we tested the theory with a few others he has received). No matter what his mood, Pandie always gets the same response: big smile, arms reaching, face to face snuggle/hug, and at least 2 minutes of his full affection. Sometimes he chews on Pandie's ears, but mostly he just loves to snuggle him.

Stranger Danger!

Oliver is having a great week. He is also a very lucky boy because he got three packages with gifts this week! Nana sent him a couple teething toys in anticipation of the next tooth/teeth coming in. Our Seattle friends, the Knellers, sent us a goodie box with hand-me-downs, new books, and other treats. And the Zohlen family sent Oliver a couple of great books and a cool new toy. I know Oliver will love playing with this last gift that traveled all the way from California very soon. However, I cannot help posting this picture I took on my phone of his first response. I felt bad laughing at him, but he freaked out as soon as I pulled it out of the box. He acted this way about one other toy we introduced him to about a month ago, it was also a "stacker" style toy (not nearly as cool as this one though)--not sure if there is a connection--but after a few introductions he is now very happy to play with the other toy so I know he will warm up to this one too. He is also showing a shy side around strangers, but ~usually~ warms up once the gets the nod from mom or dad. Thanks for the great stuff Nana, Amy and Staci!!

My Little Heart Breaker--Happy Valentine's Day

2/8/12 – Six Months Old

I give up on the sign. But, here are a few moments from Oliver’s day. I had to include the Sophie shots. He hadn't been spending much time with Sophie the past few weeks…then the teething signs started this weekend and now they are inseparable again. Sheryl told me the story today that he was chewing away on Sophie when he suddenly got very mad at her and started yelling at Sophie, evidently she was not providing a satisfactory amount of comfort to his poor gums and he gave her a good scolding.

Tonight, I finally got the little man to bed after having to go in for a second round because he could not get comfortable (he was in his crib just moaning and rolling around) and needed to be cuddled. I am hoping he knocks out another two teeth at the same time and he can get some relief soon.

I also included the one photo I took on my phone last night when he was getting ready for our walk—he is just too cute in that hat.

At his recent doctor appointment, he was up to 16 lb, 6 oz and about 26 inches. At six months old, he is everything he should be--a perfect little human.










Happy 6-months old Oliver. Please feel free to take your time on the next 6-months. I know you are ready to tackle the world, but some days your mommy wishes she could make our time together last a bit longer.

My Little Sweet Potato

Patiently waiting in his new high chair...



...for Mommy to figure out how to work this thing for the first time.



Looks good.



Serious face: I want to try it.



Mom, are you sure about this?



What did you say this is again?



Ok, you are right, this tastes good!