Dearest Oliver,
Yesterday was your second birthday. I can't believe how much you've grown and changed over the last six months, let alone the last year. Each day brings new things to you, and I love watching you grow and develop into the person you're going to be. You said your first complete sentence last night, after you asked your dad to climb in bed and he obliged. "Big daddy in my bed." It was pretty much the most adorable thing ever.
You were blessed to have a lovely party last weekend in the park by our home with family and friends. You know, you're not as spoiled as a lot of other kids, but you get more than enough. I'm not sure how those parents deal with all the excess anyway. I took some of the money your Aunt Melissa gave you and got you a bunch of clothes for you to grow into over the next while, you got a bouncy house and so many cars/trucks, and some underwear!
I'm excited, and terrified to attempt potty training next weekend. I really hope that we're able to make it work! You're so smart, and inquisitive I don't foresee too many issues, but apparently it's a real pain with boys. I guess we shall see. Four days of nothing but you and me and the toilet, and I imagine lots of laundry.
I really want to tell you how much I love you, how you astonish me each and every day with your new word or phrase you pick up. Your antics are hilarious and endearing and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. You're everything I could have ever hoped for in a son, and more. I hope you know that.
Love Always,
Mom
Friday, August 22, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Dearest Oliver,
What a rambunctious toddler you've grown into! As worried as I was about you walking,you definitely proved that was unfounded as you currently run around full of energy. You love being outside, and anything that is related to that - splashing in puddles, throwing rocks, and playing with trucks and balls.
I just about melted the first time you crawled up on my lap and gave me a hug and a kiss - without me even asking! It's amazing to think about how far you've come and imagine how far you're going to go. My, how I love you. There's something so innocent and amazed in your gaze as you learn all about the world. You love your dad and sitting in cars with him, or walking to check the mail while holding his hand. He's sure grown to liking you quite a bit as well. I love walking a beat behind the two of you when you're walking, or catching you two cuddling on the bed watching a movie. There are so many things I know he can't wait to show to you, and share with you as you grow.
While your favorite thing is going outside (you grab everyone's shoes for them and yell at people to take you to the park), you're also very much into Frozen. Which, I'm sure is something you'll remember as it's a pretty big movie that doesn't seem to be going anywhere. You also like watching Little Bear, and anything you can convince your dad or I to put on so you can avoid going to bed.
Speaking of which, last week we plopped a mattress in place of your crib, and you didn't miss a beat. So proud of you for that! You've been so easy on all transitions, bottle to sippy, formula to milk, etc. Now, if only I could get you to eat vegetables...
You've also grown up quite socially as well. Genevieve is your best friend and pretty much like a sister, and you adopted all her friends and their siblings as well - which has led to a pretty busy birthday schedule the past couple of weeks. It's been awesome to see you doing the crafts there, painting, coloring, and jumping around. While I'm realistic in knowing that you probably won't, you and G seem like life-long friends and siblings at the moment. When you hug each other good-bye at the end of the day, she tells you how much she's going to miss you - even if you're coming back the next morning.
Darling Ollie, thank you for being such a sweet boy - even if you've got a bit of a temper or mean streak that pokes its head from time to time - you've been a joy thus far, I hope that we can keep that up through your "terrible twos". I wish you all the world, and am doing what I can to make sure you get it.
Love you!
Mom
What a rambunctious toddler you've grown into! As worried as I was about you walking,you definitely proved that was unfounded as you currently run around full of energy. You love being outside, and anything that is related to that - splashing in puddles, throwing rocks, and playing with trucks and balls.
I just about melted the first time you crawled up on my lap and gave me a hug and a kiss - without me even asking! It's amazing to think about how far you've come and imagine how far you're going to go. My, how I love you. There's something so innocent and amazed in your gaze as you learn all about the world. You love your dad and sitting in cars with him, or walking to check the mail while holding his hand. He's sure grown to liking you quite a bit as well. I love walking a beat behind the two of you when you're walking, or catching you two cuddling on the bed watching a movie. There are so many things I know he can't wait to show to you, and share with you as you grow.
While your favorite thing is going outside (you grab everyone's shoes for them and yell at people to take you to the park), you're also very much into Frozen. Which, I'm sure is something you'll remember as it's a pretty big movie that doesn't seem to be going anywhere. You also like watching Little Bear, and anything you can convince your dad or I to put on so you can avoid going to bed.
Speaking of which, last week we plopped a mattress in place of your crib, and you didn't miss a beat. So proud of you for that! You've been so easy on all transitions, bottle to sippy, formula to milk, etc. Now, if only I could get you to eat vegetables...
You've also grown up quite socially as well. Genevieve is your best friend and pretty much like a sister, and you adopted all her friends and their siblings as well - which has led to a pretty busy birthday schedule the past couple of weeks. It's been awesome to see you doing the crafts there, painting, coloring, and jumping around. While I'm realistic in knowing that you probably won't, you and G seem like life-long friends and siblings at the moment. When you hug each other good-bye at the end of the day, she tells you how much she's going to miss you - even if you're coming back the next morning.
Darling Ollie, thank you for being such a sweet boy - even if you've got a bit of a temper or mean streak that pokes its head from time to time - you've been a joy thus far, I hope that we can keep that up through your "terrible twos". I wish you all the world, and am doing what I can to make sure you get it.
Love you!
Mom
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Dearest Oliver,
You are almost 13 months old now. I get inspired to write to you at the most random of times, and so there's been a bit of a gap in posting (I wanted to do something for your birthday). You still aren't walking yet, which has me somewhat concerned as you should be at least trying to by now. Though you were slow to sit and once you trusted yourself you blossomed rather quickly, so I am hoping the same thing happens with walking. You have taken your first step though, at your baby sitter Meaghan's house...so it doesn't count, right? I feel so bad for having missed such a milestone in your life, however one off. You still lack the confidence to stand on your own, though you have all the skills. Once you feel sure in that, I'm sure walking will be quick to follow.
Currently your vocabulary is expanding, and you're up to saying: da, ma, good, yeah, yes, this, & that. Often times this is accompanied by you pointing or reaching towards something as well. So amazing to see all your gears at work.
You've figured out how phones work, and have a play one you hold up to your head and we pass it back and forth. If I say "hello" in a sing-songy voice you'll put whatever toy you have up to your head as well - which is pretty much the most adorable thing I've ever seen (you did this last night with a toy cat).
Right now my favorite book to read to you is "Llama Llama Red Pajama", and you have started getting into the story - pointing at the book, making talking noises and reacting to the story. I love it, and I'm sure we'll keep reading it over and over in the future.
Your first birthday was a pretty good success. We had all the family over, and made a big batch of peach dumplings (turns out though you don't like peaches!). Your aunt Niki made you a big minion smash cake (from the movie Despicable Me), and lots of minion cupcakes for everyone else. You got lots of clothes, a few toys, and some household things (like baby monitors, high chair, etc). Though your favorite thing was a balloon I picked up at the Dollar Store. Figures, of course. You were very skeptical of your cake at first, and I had to help you get into it, but once you did you had a mess in no time.
It seems like your dad is getting better adjusted to you now, and will pick you up and play with you. He told you 'no' and you started crying and it hurt his feelings. I think he's going to end up being a softy - even if only in private.
I guess that's about it for now, you're learning and growing and changing more and more every day. I can't wait to see what the next year holds.
You are almost 13 months old now. I get inspired to write to you at the most random of times, and so there's been a bit of a gap in posting (I wanted to do something for your birthday). You still aren't walking yet, which has me somewhat concerned as you should be at least trying to by now. Though you were slow to sit and once you trusted yourself you blossomed rather quickly, so I am hoping the same thing happens with walking. You have taken your first step though, at your baby sitter Meaghan's house...so it doesn't count, right? I feel so bad for having missed such a milestone in your life, however one off. You still lack the confidence to stand on your own, though you have all the skills. Once you feel sure in that, I'm sure walking will be quick to follow.
Currently your vocabulary is expanding, and you're up to saying: da, ma, good, yeah, yes, this, & that. Often times this is accompanied by you pointing or reaching towards something as well. So amazing to see all your gears at work.
You've figured out how phones work, and have a play one you hold up to your head and we pass it back and forth. If I say "hello" in a sing-songy voice you'll put whatever toy you have up to your head as well - which is pretty much the most adorable thing I've ever seen (you did this last night with a toy cat).
Right now my favorite book to read to you is "Llama Llama Red Pajama", and you have started getting into the story - pointing at the book, making talking noises and reacting to the story. I love it, and I'm sure we'll keep reading it over and over in the future.
Your first birthday was a pretty good success. We had all the family over, and made a big batch of peach dumplings (turns out though you don't like peaches!). Your aunt Niki made you a big minion smash cake (from the movie Despicable Me), and lots of minion cupcakes for everyone else. You got lots of clothes, a few toys, and some household things (like baby monitors, high chair, etc). Though your favorite thing was a balloon I picked up at the Dollar Store. Figures, of course. You were very skeptical of your cake at first, and I had to help you get into it, but once you did you had a mess in no time.
It seems like your dad is getting better adjusted to you now, and will pick you up and play with you. He told you 'no' and you started crying and it hurt his feelings. I think he's going to end up being a softy - even if only in private.
I guess that's about it for now, you're learning and growing and changing more and more every day. I can't wait to see what the next year holds.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Dearest Oliver,
At just over 10 months old you are keeping me so busy I haven't had the chance to write to you! You are constantly on the move, exploring your environment and everything in it. You're a giggly, babbly, bundle of energy and it's hard to get you to sit still for a second. I will probably tell you something different when you ask growing up what your first word was, because it was "yeah". Clearly identifiable and with recognition, "yeah". I suppose your dad and I said "Oh yeah?" to your incoherent (to us) babbling too many times. You also now occasionally say "dada" and every once in a great while I can get you to utter a "mama". Pretty much though, as far as recognizable speech from you goes, it's all "yeah"s or "good"s.
You cut a new tooth recently, which brings you to seven now! I don't know how such a simple thing means so much, but it's like each time one pops through I realize you're a little bit older, a little bit closer to becoming a toddler, and a little further away from being my baby. Though, I suppose you'll always be that.
With all those teeth you're working on eating solid foods, and have started taking an interest in feeding yourself. You love your little puff snacks, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy your first taste of eggs yesterday! You are a champion eater, and have only really turned away from one food thus far, ham lunch meat. I think because it is so salty on its own. Other than that you have no issue plowing through any fruit, veggie, or protein I've thrown at you. Which is a good thing! I hope you carry on that same easy adventurism through your adult culinary experiences.
Your personality is starting to really shine through, so it should be a fun ride these next seventeen years or so! You are strong willed, stubborn, and you laugh when I tell you "no". I hope that is one you grow out of sooner rather than later. Your grandmother says you're just like me when I was little, and apparently I was quite the hellion when I set my mind to it. I guess it's my just desserts then, part of the circle of life.
I lost my job a few weeks ago and I have enjoyed getting to be your mom all day, every day. I am going to work even harder to make sure that when I do go back to work, it is to work towards something. To being your mom full-time. I can't imagine a more rewarding or challenging job. You pull my hair, you hit me in the face, and I'm pretty sure I'm your favorite jungle gym. But you're also sweet, and cuddly sometimes, and that beautiful smile on your face when you see me each morning makes it all worth it. You might be a handful, but you're my handful, and that makes it all okay.
I love you kiddo,
Mom
At just over 10 months old you are keeping me so busy I haven't had the chance to write to you! You are constantly on the move, exploring your environment and everything in it. You're a giggly, babbly, bundle of energy and it's hard to get you to sit still for a second. I will probably tell you something different when you ask growing up what your first word was, because it was "yeah". Clearly identifiable and with recognition, "yeah". I suppose your dad and I said "Oh yeah?" to your incoherent (to us) babbling too many times. You also now occasionally say "dada" and every once in a great while I can get you to utter a "mama". Pretty much though, as far as recognizable speech from you goes, it's all "yeah"s or "good"s.
You cut a new tooth recently, which brings you to seven now! I don't know how such a simple thing means so much, but it's like each time one pops through I realize you're a little bit older, a little bit closer to becoming a toddler, and a little further away from being my baby. Though, I suppose you'll always be that.
With all those teeth you're working on eating solid foods, and have started taking an interest in feeding yourself. You love your little puff snacks, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy your first taste of eggs yesterday! You are a champion eater, and have only really turned away from one food thus far, ham lunch meat. I think because it is so salty on its own. Other than that you have no issue plowing through any fruit, veggie, or protein I've thrown at you. Which is a good thing! I hope you carry on that same easy adventurism through your adult culinary experiences.
Your personality is starting to really shine through, so it should be a fun ride these next seventeen years or so! You are strong willed, stubborn, and you laugh when I tell you "no". I hope that is one you grow out of sooner rather than later. Your grandmother says you're just like me when I was little, and apparently I was quite the hellion when I set my mind to it. I guess it's my just desserts then, part of the circle of life.
I lost my job a few weeks ago and I have enjoyed getting to be your mom all day, every day. I am going to work even harder to make sure that when I do go back to work, it is to work towards something. To being your mom full-time. I can't imagine a more rewarding or challenging job. You pull my hair, you hit me in the face, and I'm pretty sure I'm your favorite jungle gym. But you're also sweet, and cuddly sometimes, and that beautiful smile on your face when you see me each morning makes it all worth it. You might be a handful, but you're my handful, and that makes it all okay.
I love you kiddo,
Mom
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Dearest Oliver,
Today marks the sixth month anniversary of your birth. It is unbelievable how quickly time turns the page. You went from a tiny quiet bundle to arms and legs and feet and so. much. noise. Good noise though. Talking, babbling - laughter. So much laughter! It's something spectacular to wake up in the morning and say hello to you and have you giggle in response. You've accomplished so, so many things in just these past few weeks. Crawling...just a tiny, tiny bit... and standing on your own...well you went from sitting on my leg so it wasn't totally on your own, but still! You find bath time entertaining I think, instead of dreadful. You've eaten so much rice cereal - and have started venturing out into other foods as well, though you seem to be hesitant to new flavors, but I suppose I would be too if everything I'd eaten my whole life was paste and someone threw a banana at me!
I can't even believe you are mine some times. The fact that I brought you into the world is such an amazing thing. You become more and more solidified in your humanity every day.
It's curious to me, how you interact with the world. Sometimes you are shameless, grinning and talking to whoever will listen - like our server at an Indian restaurant the other night that had me jealous by how captivated you were with him. Other times you are my bashful baby and will grin and hide your face when approached by a stranger. Both bring delight and adoration from all those around you.
It must be hard, being so little, though I suppose you don't know anything else. Every food you try is a new one, you can't communicate effectively, your body in its very nature is against you. Constantly growing at rapid rates, teeth bursting through your gums, such a sensitive stomach. You seem to be handling the punches rather well. You had a bit of a stomach bug the past few days and while it would have made me a grouch you were still all smiles. I can't get enough of that smile! I hope that as you become a toddler, a gradeschooler, a teenager and beyond that you continue to smile and laugh with as much carelessness and abandon as you do now. Laughter truly is medicine for the soul and I believe, through your laughter, you might just be over dosing mine.
On this day, as on all days, I love you my monkey, my Ol.
Love,
Mom
Today marks the sixth month anniversary of your birth. It is unbelievable how quickly time turns the page. You went from a tiny quiet bundle to arms and legs and feet and so. much. noise. Good noise though. Talking, babbling - laughter. So much laughter! It's something spectacular to wake up in the morning and say hello to you and have you giggle in response. You've accomplished so, so many things in just these past few weeks. Crawling...just a tiny, tiny bit... and standing on your own...well you went from sitting on my leg so it wasn't totally on your own, but still! You find bath time entertaining I think, instead of dreadful. You've eaten so much rice cereal - and have started venturing out into other foods as well, though you seem to be hesitant to new flavors, but I suppose I would be too if everything I'd eaten my whole life was paste and someone threw a banana at me!
I can't even believe you are mine some times. The fact that I brought you into the world is such an amazing thing. You become more and more solidified in your humanity every day.
It's curious to me, how you interact with the world. Sometimes you are shameless, grinning and talking to whoever will listen - like our server at an Indian restaurant the other night that had me jealous by how captivated you were with him. Other times you are my bashful baby and will grin and hide your face when approached by a stranger. Both bring delight and adoration from all those around you.
It must be hard, being so little, though I suppose you don't know anything else. Every food you try is a new one, you can't communicate effectively, your body in its very nature is against you. Constantly growing at rapid rates, teeth bursting through your gums, such a sensitive stomach. You seem to be handling the punches rather well. You had a bit of a stomach bug the past few days and while it would have made me a grouch you were still all smiles. I can't get enough of that smile! I hope that as you become a toddler, a gradeschooler, a teenager and beyond that you continue to smile and laugh with as much carelessness and abandon as you do now. Laughter truly is medicine for the soul and I believe, through your laughter, you might just be over dosing mine.
On this day, as on all days, I love you my monkey, my Ol.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Dearest Oliver,
You are two months old today! Time is going by so quickly I can start to really know what parents say when they tell me to hold on to each moment. You're growing so big these days, and can hold your head up for extended periods of time. You love to kick and stretch your legs and have started grinning and cooing with more frequency. You have also become pretty attached to me and have trouble falling asleep unless you're being held. Whereas your first month you only cried when you were hungry or needed a diaper change you're now crying for attention. I love to cuddle you, so I don't mind too much - only when I want to sleep.
Your grandma watched you for the first time two days ago and boy did you take advantage of that. She fed you twice as much as you normally eat and you had a whole bag of soiled clothes as evidence when I came to pick you up. I think she still enjoyed it though.
Your dad has started to play with you a little bit, grabbing your hands or feet and talking to you more. He's still not comfortable enough to hold you, but I hope that he'll be there soon.
I'm taking it each day at a time, working to try and get caught up on bills. I can't wait until I'm able to reduce my work hours and spend more time with you.
I love you Ol, my tiny little monkey.
~Mom
You are two months old today! Time is going by so quickly I can start to really know what parents say when they tell me to hold on to each moment. You're growing so big these days, and can hold your head up for extended periods of time. You love to kick and stretch your legs and have started grinning and cooing with more frequency. You have also become pretty attached to me and have trouble falling asleep unless you're being held. Whereas your first month you only cried when you were hungry or needed a diaper change you're now crying for attention. I love to cuddle you, so I don't mind too much - only when I want to sleep.
Your grandma watched you for the first time two days ago and boy did you take advantage of that. She fed you twice as much as you normally eat and you had a whole bag of soiled clothes as evidence when I came to pick you up. I think she still enjoyed it though.
Your dad has started to play with you a little bit, grabbing your hands or feet and talking to you more. He's still not comfortable enough to hold you, but I hope that he'll be there soon.
I'm taking it each day at a time, working to try and get caught up on bills. I can't wait until I'm able to reduce my work hours and spend more time with you.
I love you Ol, my tiny little monkey.
~Mom
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Dearest Oliver,
You're six weeks old today! You hate baths and changing your clothes and diapers. Boy, oh boy do you love to eat though. Your face and cooing when you're chugging away on a bottle is pretty adorable. This weekend you gave your first real smile and I've been doing all I can to get it to show back up. You were just curled up on my lap and we were hanging out after you ate and there it was, the biggest toothless grin and a happy little "heh". I can't wait until that becomes a regular occurrence. You're already getting noticeably bigger and stronger as the days go by, and looking less like your dad and more like your own unique self. Your auntie Melissa calls you LJ for little John, and I think it might not work for very much longer if you keep this up.
I think that you know who I am, and that makes me happy. At the very least you seem to know that it's not me when other people are holding you. I hope that you continue to give me that kind of love as you grow older. I feel so horrible and torn to pieces that I had to go back to work so early, I would have loved to stay home with you forever. Hopefully by the time you're old enough to remember I will be able to be home with you all day. I'm working to make that happen, but for the time being we've got bills to pay so I do what I can to make sure you have a roof over your head and food to eat and diapers to wear. I hope that if I have to stay at work throughout your life that you can respect that and not resent me for it. Just know that no matter what I'm doing the best I can and it's all for you. Every decision I make now has the impact it will make on you in the foreground and even though we may not have all the time to spend with one another, we just have to make the moments we do have count. I make sure to give you plenty of snuggles and kisses before I have to say goodbye to you each morning, and when I pick you up at night. It breaks my heart each day when I leave you, but those beautiful eyes and peaceful face when I get you in the evening heals it just enough to get me through.
We've reached the turning point in your development and we should really start to get to know you here soon. The you that you'll be for your whole long life. I can't wait!
Love,
Mom
You're six weeks old today! You hate baths and changing your clothes and diapers. Boy, oh boy do you love to eat though. Your face and cooing when you're chugging away on a bottle is pretty adorable. This weekend you gave your first real smile and I've been doing all I can to get it to show back up. You were just curled up on my lap and we were hanging out after you ate and there it was, the biggest toothless grin and a happy little "heh". I can't wait until that becomes a regular occurrence. You're already getting noticeably bigger and stronger as the days go by, and looking less like your dad and more like your own unique self. Your auntie Melissa calls you LJ for little John, and I think it might not work for very much longer if you keep this up.
I think that you know who I am, and that makes me happy. At the very least you seem to know that it's not me when other people are holding you. I hope that you continue to give me that kind of love as you grow older. I feel so horrible and torn to pieces that I had to go back to work so early, I would have loved to stay home with you forever. Hopefully by the time you're old enough to remember I will be able to be home with you all day. I'm working to make that happen, but for the time being we've got bills to pay so I do what I can to make sure you have a roof over your head and food to eat and diapers to wear. I hope that if I have to stay at work throughout your life that you can respect that and not resent me for it. Just know that no matter what I'm doing the best I can and it's all for you. Every decision I make now has the impact it will make on you in the foreground and even though we may not have all the time to spend with one another, we just have to make the moments we do have count. I make sure to give you plenty of snuggles and kisses before I have to say goodbye to you each morning, and when I pick you up at night. It breaks my heart each day when I leave you, but those beautiful eyes and peaceful face when I get you in the evening heals it just enough to get me through.
We've reached the turning point in your development and we should really start to get to know you here soon. The you that you'll be for your whole long life. I can't wait!
Love,
Mom
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