Tanner & Oliver

Elisha & Tanner were in town over the Christmas holiday and were so kind as to get Oliver a present.  It's an electronic book that reads to him & sings rhymes!

Oliver's first Christmas!

I feel so lucky to have 5 days off to spend the holiday weekend with my family.  All of us went over to my mothers on Christmas Eve.  It was nice to be able to enjoy some time with her & Stacey in her home... she made yummy banana bread with cream cheese frosting...and a black olive/cream cheese dip that was oh so good.  They really spoiled Oliver too.  He got this neat guitar, a cute barking dog, a play microphone, and some other fun gifts.  He was most excited to explore the new surroundings though!  =0

We woke up on Christmas morning and made breakfast.  It was a white Christmas and felt great to hang out in our pj's and listen to music while cooking.  Oliver loves playing with all the tupperware in the kitchen.  He is so interested in the world around him.

After breakfast we opened gifts...starting with Chloe's stocking!  She was super excited- she knew there was some good stuff in there!  She got a special bone from the butcher- her all time favorite treat!

It was a lovely day and we all had fun opening our gifts.  Oliver, again, was more excited in the wrapping paper, boxes, bows, oh and the toys too!  Nonetheless, it was a perfect first Christmas for our son.

thanks uncle chris!

check out my awesome hat & jacket from my uncle chris!

Merry Christmas

Where have the last 10 months gone?!

Oliver is so full of life!  He is always giggling and laughing.  He loves books- especially 10 Little Ladybugs (his new favorite).  He lights up when you sing to him... and when dad plays the guitar.  He can pull himself up and stand up without holding on to anything (just for a couple seconds).  He has figured out how to open & close things (cabinets especially).  He still loves crawling as fast as he can to get to Chloe's food & water bowl- I'm pretty sure splashing in her water bowl is one of his favorite activities.  We're fairly sure he knows what "no" means- but he just stops when he is doing for a second, look at you, and giggles..then is off to do what ever he shouldn't be doing!  It's cute really.  He babbles all the time- he can clap his hands and sometimes, if you are lucky, you'll catching him waving.  He gives kisses and has just learned to "pet" the cats.  It will be great to watch him open presents on Christmas!

Playing!

Dad and Oliver sleeping

Oliver loves food

random cuteness

Oliver gets tubes

Oliver has had about 5 ear infections in the span of 3 months (6-9 months old)... After several rounds of antibiotics we consulted with an ENT.  He recommended we put tubes in both ears.  So, on December 3rd Oliver had his first surgery.  I'm fairly certain it was harder on us then him...He was a champ and everything went perfectly.  We arrived at the surgery center at 6:15a, surgery started at 7:30a and we were heading home by 8am.  He was pretty groggy from the anesthesia but after a nap he was chipper & happy!

Playing after surgery

Standing up!

Oliver started standing up a couple weeks ago...it seems to have happened suddenly.  He is almost cruising along things but not quite... He has proven great ability to stand up all alone for several seconds on numerous occasions- I have a feeling he'll be walking around birthday time!  With the walking I'm sure he mischief will increase - regardless, I love watching him grow & change!