Exersaucer Fun

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Originally uploaded by shea_barden

Oliver is starting to feel comfortable in his excersaucer... When we first tried to put him in this a few weeks ago- it was overwhelming to him..and he would just cry. Now he's starting to grab, pull, and chew on all the toys. It's too cute! Next we'll try out the Johnny Jump Up!

Grandma Sandy Visits

Grandma Sandy came to visit Oliver over the weekend and we got this cute picture of them... He was full of smiles and was telling her lots & lots of stories.  It's too cute.  I wish Oliver could have met his Grandpa Mike- I always think that my dad is Oliver's guardian angel .

Pool Time

pool time 4.5 months 007
Originally uploaded by shea_barden

This weekend was SO hot that we felt it was time to introduce Oliver to the pool. I was afraid he was going to get cold or be overwhelmed...but nope, he seemed to really like it.

Here is a video from our camera... and our camera definitely doesn't take good videos. You get the idea though!

Neena & Oliver

After Art Fest Oliver (almost 5 months) & I met up with Neena (almost 6 months) & Jenn for some shopping.... Shopping didn't turn out so well but we definitely got some cute pictures of our babies together.

Art Fest

Saturday was way too hot for any outdoor activities so we headed to the Fairgrounds to check out the Art Fest. It was a good time.  Oliver loves being in the Ergo...he just checks out everything and usually sneaks in a nap too.

Denny got to play a custom made guitar -

We came across a children's artist named Joey Welsh.  We really liked his paintings so we couldn't help but get Oliver one- it came with a great storybook too.

This is the actual painting and storybook we got:

Farmers Market

Oliver was out & about all weekend!  He had a blast and was full of facial expressions.  It's so great to watch him change- every day it seems like he develops more character.....and his eyes are now completely brown- just like his momma!  He got his perfect complexion from his daddy as well as those beautiful eyelashes (yes Oliver, I referred to your eyelashes as beautiful).

Thursday was Valley Junction Farmers Market with Laura (5), Soundra (10), and Brandi.  It is always nice to listen to the live music and enjoy the yummy (and very unhealthy) food.

Oliver starts daycare

With many mixed emotions Oliver started daycare on Tuesday.  The Larson's were kind enough to pass their daycare lady's name onto us.  We met with Kristine about a week ago and knew right away that she was a good fit for us.  Obviously, no one is as good as mom or dad..or grandma for that matter but we had to find someone we felt comfortable with.  Thankfully Denny was able to drop Oliver off at Kristine's because we all know I would have been a mess if I had too.  I leave it up to Denny to do my dirty work.  =)  


He was there from 8-4p- a full day.  It took everything in me not to call & check on him every 30 minutes.  I survived with only one call to Kristine around lunch to see how things were going.  She said he was doing really well & was napping when I called.  I felt relieved.  I rushed there after work and couldn't wait to cuddle him.  When I picked him up she said he did well.  Kristine completes these little “daily report” sheets…. It said he slept a lot… so I’m assuming the new environment was a lot for him to take in.  She said that when Clayton (8months old) would squeal Oliver would start to cry… like he wasn’t used to the noise… also when Clayton would cry- Oliver would cry… It’s kinda cute.  


Oliver hasn’t really spent a large amount of time around other babies.  Anyway, she said he didn’t cry except for those times-  My friend Jenn’s daughter, Neena (5 months) goes there too.  In a few months the three babies will be having a blast together since they are so close in age.  I’m pretty excited about it overall… it seems like the best fit for us.  Oliver goes to Gail’s on Wednesdays.  Denny is taking him around 10a- so he’ll only be there about 6 hours a day.  Denny & I miss him like crazy and I’m SO glad I don’t drop him off- I’m pretty sure I’d cry every day.  There isn't much more exciting then seeing Oliver reach for me when I get there to pick him up!


Day 2 of daycare was also a success.  They read, played, practiced rolling over, and he took a long nap.  I think it will do great things for his development to be around other kids!  I'm looking forward to watching him develop his first friendships with Neena and Clayton- as well as have someone like Kristine to call an aunt.  

Rice Cereal Experiment

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Originally uploaded by shea_barden

I have been torn on when we would introduce solids to Oliver's diet.... I'm not in a rush but at the same time Oliver seems so interested in food when we are eating that I've often wondered how he would handle rice cereal. Last night seemed like a good time to find out.

I put him in his high chair and mixed up a little rice cereal with some breastmilk... and surprisingly, he liked it. As soon as I put the spoon near his mouth he opened wide- and then wanted more & more. He doesn't know how to swallow but he surely got the idea. It was fun making a mess and to see him so interested... I even handed him the spoon and he put it in his mouth...I'm pretty sure he's going to love food as much as his momma.

Oliver - 4 1/2 months

Oliver had his 4 month check up today.  He now weighs 15.9 lbs (50th %) and is 26 inches long (90%).  He is outgrowing his "porkchop" look and really starting to fill out.  He did really well for his shots and is now spending the night sleeping on & off and cuddling with mom.  Oliver officially starts daycare tomorrow.  Luckily, he gets to go to daycare with Neena (Jenn & Jake's daughter who is 1 month older than O).  I'm hoping he has lots of fun!

* He wears 9 month sleepers and 6 month clothes
* He loves being on his side and can roll over from his back to his tummy
* He can grab and hold on to all kinds of things- his pacifier is his favorite toy.
* He is starting to reach out for mom & dad and we think he is recognizing his name
* He loves holding on to people's fingers, hair, nose, or anything else he can grab.
* He still goes to bed at 8pm on the dot every night.. and gets up 1 or 2x a night to nurse.
* He is becoming more independent- in the mornings he just hangs out in his crib & plays with his toys.
* He is now sleeping in his pack n play more than mom & dads bed.  He is getting really good at moving around in circles.... We put him to bed facing one direction and we wake up with him facing another.
* He goes to sleep with his blankey in his arms and to the music of his glow sea horse.  He falls asleep so quickly and sleeps so soundly.
* He wakes up each morning full of smiles & laughs- he is such a happy boy.
* He sucks on his thumb...and hand often.
* He loves talking and is getting louder & louder.
* He has brown eyes now... there is a little blue left but not much.  He's gonna have his momma's eyes.
* He is going to stay on the Prevacid but will hopefully be done with it at 6 months.  Mom's crossing her fingers that maybe, just maybe, we can start eating some dairy again.
* He loves listening & watching his dad play guitar... It puts him in a trance.

Sucking thumb

Visit from Grandma Sandy

Evening of grilling out & swiminng

Saturday night we had some dear friends over.  We grilled out some yummy food, watched the kids swim, and enjoyed the beautiful night.

Tanner, Denny, and Oliver- intentionally looking away

My favorite boys.

Elisha, Shea, & Melissa

Known these two ladies since I was 14

Tanner keeing an eye on Oliver.  What cute boys.

Oliver Twist & Tom Sawyer

Saturday was Cindy's 30th birthday party so Oliver & I headed to Ankeny to celebrate.  Cindy's son, Sawyer, is 9 days younger than Oliver.  We're sure they will be the best of friends.  We couldn't help but get some cute photos of the two boys playing.  Its hard to believe they are 4 months old now.  It wasn't long ago that we'd call each other for advice, to cry, or to laugh or compare notes...

Great people, sweet kids, and good food!

I took Thursday off to spend with the Gustafson's & Sandeen's.   Mike, Sandy, Noah (14 months), and Bella (3 years) Gustafson were kind enough to have us all over at their place.  They are great hosts and Sandy always makes the best food- lentil & squash soup was on the menu today.  It was delish.  Lucy, Jake, and Elayna (18 months) were there too.  It's amazing to watch the kids play- I remember when they were all so small. Now all three are walking & talking. Next time we see them I'm sure Oliver will be either walking or very close to it.

Sandy, Bella, Oliver, & Shea

Shea & Lucy

                                                                        Oliver

                                                       Playing on the swingset

Bella & Sandy

                                                      Elayna giving Gary a kiss

Elayna Grace

Bella giving her little brother, Noah, a push
            

Oliver, Shea, Elayna, & Lucy

                                   

Hanging out in the country with the Sandeen's

On Sunday, we took a trip to Paton, IA to visit the Sandeen Family.  My best friend Lucy's husbands family is from Paton and they were having a friends & family BBQ.  We really enjoy spending time with them and it was great to be out in the country.

Lucy & Jake's daughter, Elayna, is now 18 months old.  It was her first time meeting Oliver!  Although they didn't seem too interested in each other they surely looked adorable together.  Elayna is one of the cutest kids I know- big blue eyes and curly hair just like her mama.

We had a lot of fun and the kids played along with all the picture taking.

And then the adults had to get some fun in....

it was a near perfect day.

Bath time & playing with food

Denny & I are not very good at remembering to take pictures of Oliver in the bath.  We think he is really going to like bath time once he gets a little older.  He is always so content & happy when he is in the water- 

Afterwards dad always makes him smile & laugh by giving him lots of kisses.  Priceless.

So the other night I thought it would be fun to see what Oliver does with food... and a spoon.  He was interested in the avocado but definitely not ready to swallow... I think he is going to love food just as much as his momma.